Toy Story

There are lots of little people who will be looking under the Christmas Tree hoping that there is a parcel containing the toy that they want so badly. Do you remember that special toy from your childhood that made your Christmas? Here is a list that may jog a few memories.

1972   Uno                                                             £      1.01       £   12.93

1973   Shrinky Dinks                                             £      0.40        £    4.76

1974   Dungeon & Dragons                                  £      3.69        £   40.22

1975   Othello                                                        £      2.76       £   25.97

1976   Magna Doodle                                            £      2.63       £   19.94

1977   Star Wars                                                   £       1.44       £    9.36

1978   Hungry Hippos                                           £      3.94       £   22.14

1979   Strawberry Shortcake                                £      4.75       £   24.65

1980   Rubik's Cube                                              £      0.91       £     4.16

1981   Lego Train Set                                            £   31.50        £ 122.22

1982   Stompers Truck                                         £      1.91       £      6.61

1983   Care Bears                                                 £   16.75        £   53.43

1984   Optimus Prime                                           £   16.87        £   51.45

1985   Teddy Ruxpin                                             £   57.39        £ 166.43

1986   Lazer Tag                                                   £   34.00        £   93.16

1987   Sylvannian Families                                   £     6.97       £   18.47

1988   Ghostbusters Proton Pack                         £   19.87       £   50.47

1989   Batmobile                                                   £     9.94       £   24.95

1990   Teenage Mutant Hero Turtles                    £     3.78        £    8.51

1991   Nintendo Gameboy                                    £   69.94       £ 143.38

1992   Tracy Island                                               £   32.74        £   63.77

1993   Barbie Doll                                                  £   10.97       £   20.51

1994   Power Rangers                                          £     4.74       £     8.72

1995   Pogs                                                           £     0.49       £     0.88

1996   Toy Story                                                   £    23.87        £   41.30

1997   Tamagotchi                                                £     9.99       £   16.88

1998   Furby                                                          £   24.87        £   40.79

1999   Who wants to be a millionaire                    £   23.78        £   37.81

2000   Teksta                                                        £    38.74        £   60.82

2001   Bob the Builder                                           £  19.97         £   30.95

2002   Bratz Dolls                                                  £   24.99        £   37.24

2003   Bey Blades                                                 £     5.99        £    8.81

2004   Robosapien                                                £   74.97        £ 107.21

2005   Xbox 360                                                    £ 360.00        £ 415.00

2006   Nintendo Wii                                               £ 169.00       £  228.15

2007   Iggle Piggle                                                 £  34.99        £   45.84

2008   High School Musical Dance Mat               £   17.99        £   22.49

2009   Go Go Pet Hamster                                   £     9.99        £   11.99

2010   Toy Story 3 DVD                                        £     4.99        £     6.04

2011   Leapfrog Tablet                                          £   79.99        £   92.79

2012   Skylanders Giants                                      £   52.89        £   53.18

2013   Furby                                                          £   45.99        £   49.21

2014   Frozen Elsa                                                £   34.99        £   36.04

2015   Star Wars Light Sabre                                £   34.99        £   35.34

2016   Hatchimal                                                   £   56.95        £   58.09

Some of the toys have stood the test of time. My colleague, Lauren, and I both reminisce over Barbie despite being 30 years different in age. Star Wars appears twice and may also be the toy for 2017. Who can forget the Blue Peter sticky back plastic Tracy Island alternative for those children whose parents refused to pay £64 (in today’s money) for a bit of plastic! The real surprise was Teddy Ruxpin at a whopping £166.43; I do not remember this toy! And whoever bought Furby….twice!

Just like toys, your pension should be something that lasts and makes you happy. Some top tips are:

• There are always fads and trends in investments for pension pots – pick something that will last as this is a long term investment.
• The basics principles of what good looks like is very enduring; dolls that you can dress (Barbie, Elsa, Bratz) and toys that are for imaginary play (Light sabre, Tracy Island, Bob the Builder) – pensions are the same – value for money, default investments.
• Expensive toys were not always the best – do not pay for an expensive self invested personal pension plan if you do not need the choice.
• Playing together is more fun than playing alone – part of having a good pension is also being able to spend time with friends and family building precious memories.

If this trip down memory lane has jogged your memory about forgotten toys think try thinking if you can match a pension to the past jobs you’ve held. If you need some tips you can use our lost pension tool.