We live in a world of modern technology and electronic entertainment — but when it comes to our children's toys, retro still rules.A new survey has found that, when it comes to the nation's favourite toys, childhood classics Lego, Barbie and Monopoly remain top of the pile.In fact, in a list of the top ten toys from the past 50 years, nostalgic toys proved most popular.The nation's favourite toys were revealed as mum-of-one Denise Van Outen launched a special initiative to help some of the country's most vulnerable children.
As a mum to three-year-old Betsy, the TV star understands how important toys are to children, not just to enjoy but to help them learn.
So she is urging parents to raid the toy boxes at home and give unwanted items to Argos to help make a difference to less privileged children.
Denise has teamed up with Argos and children's charity Barnardos to launch the annual Argos Toy Exchange. The concept is simple; parents donate unwanted toys to charity, making space at home all the while helping a worthy cause.
According to research, on average children tend to play with less than half the toys in their collection.
In a study of 1,000 parents of schoolchildren, a third said they stored forgotten toys in the attic or garage, while a quarter left them languishing at the bottom of the toy box or back of a cupboard.Now mums and dads are urged to drop off unwanted toys at an Argos store in return for a £5 voucher, to be redeemed at Argos by 24 December. Donated toys are them passed on to Barnardos retail outlets where they are resold to raise money for the charity.The top 10 toys from the past 50 years:1. Lego2. Barbie3. Monopoly4. Action Man5. Scalextric6. Tiny Tears7. My Little Ponies8. Cabbage Patch Kids9. Subbuteo10. Sylvanian Families
