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STAR WARS is expected to conquer everything before it this coming festive season when the latest episode of the saga hits cinema screens this week.
Whilst movie-lovers rush to buy tickets for the screening, as highlighted in GulfWeekly’s last issue, the biggest games and toy stores on the island are predicting that the Force will sweep everything before it when it comes to this year’s most wanted presents.
All merchandise connected to Episode VII of the franchise is set to dominate Santa’s and National Day wish lists, they say.
Mustafa Saad, senior regional manager of The Toy Store and Hallmark Bahrain and Kuwait, said: “I think it will be a big hit, especially for those who follow Star Wars and have been waiting for the upcoming movie to be released.
“After 10 years, everyone is definitely excited to see this movie, with parents and grandparents almost as eager as the children! And, for those who don’t know about it, they will surely want to.
“This season is always busy for us. There are so many children anxiously hoping for that special toy and waiting to receive their gifts during the holiday period.”
The LEGO Star Wars toys are the hottest item on the list but other items that the company believes will be popular includes collection cars such as Toy Store Die Cast 1:24 for BD10, remote control cars Toy Store RC priced at BD21.500, as well as the Toy Store Leila collection dolls set for BD11 and annual family favourite board games such as Monopoly for BD15.500.
Other LEGO Star Wars toys range from BD8.500 to BD110 while Star Wars figures and accessories range from BD3 to BD31.
For the teen market the self-balancing scooter, also known as the ‘hoverboard’, is another sure-fire hit, although health and safety experts across the globe are warning parents to purchase from well-known retailers, as the market is flooded with cheap Chinese products with potentially lethal electrical charging faults.
Parents can pick up the zippy machines from various retailers including Tarsam in Bahrain City Centre as well as leading supermarkets.
According to Mosaad Ibrahim, Tarsam’s store manager, the hoverboards are being snapped up. He said: “If someone is interested in purchasing it as a gift, they should do it fast as these items are flying off the shelves.
“We do get a lot of shoppers rushing to our store before National Day and for Christmas. We are preparing a lot of gift items for the festive season. Lava lamps, plasma balls and other fun items are popular too.
Parents be warned as the Segway-like ‘must have’ present varies in price from around BD100 to BD260.
Reports have shown that non-compliant power adapters are the culprits in hoverboard-related fires burning down homes in the UK and the US.
According to John Soibatian, president of scooter retailer IO Hawk, the biggest problem is that many people are buying knock-offs that use low quality batteries and chargers.
LEGO Star Wars The Force Awakens Millennium Falcon: BD74
The latest LEGO version of the Millennium Falcon is crammed with new and updated external features including a more streamlined and detailed design, detachable cockpit with space for two mini-figures, rotating top and bottom laser turrets with hatch and space for a mini-figure, dual spring-loaded shooters and an entrance hatch.
Star Wars: The Force Awakens Interactive Figures: BD56
What better way to celebrate the new Star Wars: The Force Awakens movie than with the interactive figures of Darth Vader, Chewy and Kylo Ren. The Star Wars: The Force Awakens Interactive figures.
NERF N-Strike Modulus ECS-10 Blaster: BD28
Make your mark with this exciting blaster that has a target scope, drop grip, dual-rail barrel and 10 dart clip. Kids will have loads of fun customising this long-range NERF blaster in over 30 different ways with its removable parts.
Our Generation Hair Play Doll Phoebe: BD17
Phoebe is a doll that has a huggable body, poseable fixed limbs and eyes that open and close. She comes with 12 accessories such as hair extensions, two metal heart clips and a hair style guide booklet.
Shopkins Scoops Ice Cream Truck Playset: BD12
With two exclusive Shopkins, cooler bags, display stand, umbrella and the brightly-coloured Scoops truck with real moving wheels, this playset is a must have for Shopkins fans.
RC Mario Kart 7: BD34
The latest model is a Mario Kart in real life. With Bowser, Yoshi or Mario at the helm you’ll be flying around corners and tight turns with the new body-tilt technology that’s built into these fully function radio control cars.
Little Live Pets Cleverkeet: BD34
This perky parakeet can sing and talk to you as well as dance to your favourite tunes, swing on his perch and respond to your voice. Get him going with a gentle stroke of your hand and he’ll be sure to bring a smile to your face while he whistles a special tune for you!
Paw Patroller: BD34
The Paw Patroller comes with Ryder and his ATV vehicle and can hold 3 Paw Patrol vehicles inside as well as display six when opened up. Featuring entertaining sound effects and a real working lift.
VTech Toot Toot Friends Busy Sounds Discovery House: BD19
With over 35 songs, melodies, sounds and phrases this clever little house is filled to the roof with fun and educational play. The Magic Points throughout the playset interact with characters while the Magic Chat feature in the play room allows Magic Point characters to talk and sing to each other.
Pie Face: BD12
This game will keep you on the edge of your seat – guaranteed. Spin the spinner to see how many turns of the handle you must take and hope you don’t get a pie in the face. Fill the throwing arm with your own whipped cream or the included sponge and try to be the first to get 25 turns of the handle without getting a pie in the face.
Ski Scooter Z7: BD57
Experience the ultimate freestyle ride with this easily assembled 3-wheeled scooter by smarTrike! The revolutionary Dynamic Flex tilt system and pull-back handlebars make for a riding experience beyond compare! The SkiScooter’s patented flex-and-lock foot bars coupled with its unique rotate-and-lock footplates ensure a smooth ride on all kinds of terrain.
FurReal Friends Starlily My Magical Unicorn: BD74
This interactive unicorn loves to be cuddled and groomed. She can walk around, flutter her sparkly wings and light up her horn in a variety of different colours. Download the free Starlily My Magical Unicorn App for additional interactive play!
Disney Frozen 12-Inch Bike: BD52
This is a must have for any Frozen fan! With images of Queen Elsa and Princess Anna all over this 12-inch steel-framed Disney Frozen bike, little Frozen fans will love cruising around the block; especially with the cool doll seat in the back to hold their favourite toys!
Fisher-Price Bright Beats Dance and Move BeatBo: BD17
A press of BeatBo’s tummy activates fun sounds, songs and cute dance moves! He can record phrases and mix them into special songs as well as introduce little ones to letters, colours, counting, music and more.
Editor’s note: All prices are subject to change.
