Barbie and LEGO are among top nostalgic childhood toys stashed away in UK lofts

Barbie, LEGO, and Hot Wheels are the most popular nostalgic toys – that can be found stashed in the attics of homes across the UK, a study has found.

More than a quarter of Brits (28%) believe they could be sitting on a goldmine of old toys sat in storage in their homes, from Rubik's cubes to Etch-A-Sketch, to the more retro Fisher-Price telephones.

The average adult is holding on to 20 toys or playthings from their childhood, which they reckon could be worth as much as £300.

However, the poll of 2,000 adults revealed that almost half (47%) have no intention of selling their cherished toys – with two-thirds (65%) planning to pass them down to their children or grandchildren.

It also found that 57% of those who have kept their treasured toys since they were a child have done so because they hold special memories for them.

And 59% of these believe their children or grandchildren will get the same levels of enjoyment from them that they had in their youth.

The research was commissioned by Busy Bees, to celebrate the 40th anniversary of its first nursery in 1983, and explore how toys, and the way children play with them, have changed throughout this period.

The average adults is holding on to 20 nostalgic toys or playthings from their childhood (SWNS)

Marg Randles, co-founder of the early years childcare provider, said: “It is heart-warming to learn so many people have saved their precious childhood toys in order to pass them down through the generations.

“It really is a reminder that while toys may have changed over the years, the pleasure they provide and the important role they play in a child’s development remains the same.

“Over the last 40 years, there have been huge changes in toys and the patterns of play – from the characters and materials used, to the introduction of technology.

“To mark our 40th anniversary, we wanted to celebrate play, and showcase just how important it is to a child’s formative years.

“We champion play and the vital role it plays in a child’s learning and development – and we are proud that this remains fundamental to everything we do.”

The study also found 74% of those who kept their collection feel it is precious to them, while 79% said dusting them off from time to time makes them feel nostalgic.

And 13% have even managed to preserve them in mint condition, with 43% keeping them in a good state.

Thinking back to their childhoods, 38% preferred the toys they could play with alongside their friends, while 37% were drawn to those which sparked their imagination.

Half of adults believe their traditional toys encouraged them to be more active, while 45% felt like they stimulated cognitive development.

Two-thirds plan to pass these toys down to their children or grandchildren (SWNS)

But two-thirds feel they don't make toys like they used to – and 59% wish the ones they cherished were still being produced today.

It also emerged that, of the parents and grandparents polled, via OnePoll, they believe their little ones still get the most joy from the toys which they can use with their friends.

And 94% think toys are an important part of their children’s and grandchildren’s upbringing.

Marg Randles added: “Parents and grandparents understand the vital role that toys play in a child’s development during their formative years.

“Learning through play in the early years is so important to a child’s future, because it lays down educational foundations for years to come.

“It helps children develop curious minds and a love of learning, to be creative, independent, and caring and considerate to each other and the world around them.

“No matter how drastically toys may have changed in the past 40 years, it’s the values of play that remain the same – and that’s why so many parents and grandparents want to pass on the beloved toys from their childhood, to share in their joy with future generations.”

TOP 40 TOYS BRITS HAVE STASHED AWAY:

1. Barbie
2. LEGO
3. Hot Wheels
4. G.I. Joe
5. Suzy Homemaker
6. Fisher-Price telephone
7. Lite-Brite
8. Slinky
9. Rubik's cube
10. Nerf ball
11. Fisher-Price record player
12. Sylvanian Family
13. My Little Pony
14. Etch-A-Sketch
15. Fisher-Price Little People
16. Game Boy
17. Weebles
18. He-Man action figure
19. Beanie Babies
20. SEGA
21. Troll Doll
22. Mr. Potato Head
23. Barbie's Dream House
24. Care Bear
25. Tonka Truck
26. Star Wars action figures
27. Transformers
28. Playmobil
29. Simon
30. Chatter Telephone
31. Polly Pocket
32. Cabbage Patch Kids
33. Chatty Cathy
34. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles action figures
35. Easy-Bake Oven
36. Flatsy Doll
37. Teddy Ruxpin
38. Speak & Spell
39. See 'n' Say
40. Snoopy Sno-Cone Machine