The top 40 toys Brits have stashed away – including Barbie dolls and G.I Joes

Britain’s lofts are filled with more than one billion treasured toys – including Barbie, LEGO and Hot Wheels.
A study of 2,000 adults revealed they each have an average of 20 toys and playthings stashed away, with 65 per cent planning to pass them down to their children or grandchildren.
Other popular items stored away also include Fisher Price telephones, Slinkys and Rubik’s Cubes.
While favourites from the 1990s, like Gameboys and Etch-a-Sketch, can still be found in many homes.
It also found 57 per cent 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 per cent of these believe their children or grandchildren will get the same levels of enjoyment from them that they had in their youth.
The right foundation
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.
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