Keely Goodall16 July 2025 | 8:33

Hamleys releases list of '100 Best Toys of All Time' for its 256th anniversary

Hamleys, founded in 1760, took a trip down memory lane and named the best toys in history.

Hamleys releases list of '100 Best Toys of All Time' for its 256th anniversary

Picture: Shangarey/123rf.com

Most of us will have a plaything from our childhood that we remember as the best toy ever.

Whether it was a classic teddy bear, an epic action figure, or a mini racecar, toys were an integral part of so many childhoods.

To celebrate their 256th birthday, the world's oldest toy store, Hamleys, took a look at the 100 best toys of all time.

“They have been going since 1760, so they know a thing or two about toys.”
- Adam Gilchrist

The list reveals that sometimes simple is best with Slime, yo-yos, Rubik’s cubes, play-dough and slinkies all featuring in the top 100.

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Family games such as Monopoly, Trivial Pursuit, Snakes and Ladders, Jenga and Cluedo are also featured as some of the best.

Some items on the list Hamleys has sold since it opened over 200 years ago, such as spinning tops and marbles, and are still popular today.

Scroll up to the audio player for more.