The UK has the world’s largest toy market in terms of spending per child – last year each youngster received on average some £216 worth of new toys. According to market research company Key Note, the overall UK toy market was worth an impressive £2.09 billion last year, after a period of consistent growth between 2004 and 2007.

Remember toys without batteries? Without buttons and video screens, that involved physical activity? Toys that engaged the child's imagination? This holiday season, think about introducing your children or grandchildren to the toys, games, and books that excited you when you were a kid.