Some toys survive fads and trends and will be treasured for generations. Here's our pick of the bunch that will stand the test of time!

1 READY FOR ACTION 

These have to be the ultimate in toys for boys – H M Armed Forces articulated action figures from the RAF, Navy and Army are scaled down versions of the real thing. Not complete without their awesome vehicles. Start collecting this Christmas. Figures start at £14.99
www.character-online.co.uk and all good toy shops.

2 EVERY BOY LOVES MECCANO
Metal Meccano like the design for this car for ages 8+; plastic helicopter for ages 4+. Sets from £5.99 www.thetoyshop.com and lots of retailers.

3 THE ANIMALS WENT IN TWO BY TWO
We think this hand-made wooden Noah’s Ark with its colourful hand painted animals is gorgeous. £39.99 www.kidstoyworld.uk.com

4 MAGICAL MOVEMENT
Put your feet on the pads, turn the wheel and, by magic, it moves. Suitable from 3 years to adult.
£39.95 www.didicar.co.uk

5 GIDDY UP!
This magnificent hand crafted dapple horse with leather bridle and saddle is £2495 (including delivery anywhere in the UK) www.rockinghorse.co.uk where you will find a stable of horses in every conceivable size and colour.

8 NOT JUST ANY DOLL
Every girl needs a doll and rag dolls are ones you can cuddle up with. The ones from The White Company are gorgeous.
Ruby Doll £20  www.thewhitecompany.com

9 HOUSE ENVY
I want to live in this open plan villa. Best feature is the plug in lights (transformer
sold separately), which looks beautiful at night. Lundby Stockholm Dolls House £54.99 from Kidsen, 111 Chamberlayne Road, London, NW10 3NS. Tel: 8969 7565 www.kidsen.co.uk

6 GUITAR HERO
Move over Eric Clapton … This ¾ sized high spec guitar in striking black gloss with a rosette in Paul Smith’s signature stripe is perfectly suited for 7-14 year olds. £180 from key Paul Smith stores
Tel: 020 7379 7133 or www.paulsmith.co.uk

7 FIT FOR A PRINCESS
This has to be the Rolls Royce of dolls’ prams! The Toy Rose Doll Carriage is £280
www.silvercross.co.uk

10 HALF A POUND OF TUPPENNY RICE
No nursery is complete without a Jack in the Box. ‘Pop Goes the Weasel’ or, in this case, monkey, in this lovely version
Cox & Cox £20.

11 FIRM FOUNDATIONS
For all those budding architects out there these bricks in a range of natural wood and colourful shapes will stand the test of time. They are £59.99 and come in
a sack www.mysmallworld.co.uk