Tricks can be performed with one, or multiple yoyos (i.e. throwing yoyos down, then straight back up, just before the string has fully decreased will bring the yo-yo back up etc). They came in different colours, and were very popular in schools. Most schools banned them as they were seen as a deterrent from hard work.

Toy Story 3D is already in the cinemas, and is expected to break records. It has also been a while since the last Toy Story was released, so extra stock may be requested to help deal with the craze (due to the fact the film is coming out etc).

This means that toy manufacturers have to increase stock intakes to keep up with the increase in demand. It is not only children that buy toys, but also adults (depending on the merchandise obviously). Argos and ‘Toys for Us’ are the main toy manufacturers in retail chains which sell a large variety and up to date stock, whereas other shops simply cannot keep up.

Many avid fans of Transformers will buy the toy, but keep them in their packaging, for display and future resale. The best selling transformers include: Optimus Prime, Megatron, Starscream, Jetfire, Jazz, Bumblebee and Soundwave. The toys themselves are fairly expensive, selling for around £50 or more.

The main sold Shrek merchandise include: Shrek himself, the Donkey, Puss In Boots, the Princess and Pinocchio. The film is already released in 3D, and is expected to break records at the box office.

The seller is Mr Horace Dunkley who is 65-years-old. His collection features over 2,200 Matchbox pieces and there is said to be something of a fervour surrounding the auction from other collectors.

Mr Dunkley has been all over the world collecting his toy cars and he never really considered it an investment so much as a hobby. He now concedes it is the right time to sell the collection, cheekily adding:

We’re looking forward to squandering the kids’ inheritance after the sale, they are going to allow my wife and I to grow old disgracefully.

The rare piece was originally intended as a maquette for large toys, but never went into full scale production as Matchbox found success with its smaller range. The owner of the toy, Mr Takuo Yoshise, came from Japan for the event.

A mystery bidder won the auction for the truck with an astonishing bid of £10,200, so Mr Yoshise, who is 75 years old, will go home with full pockets.

The Discovery Centre features a 4D cinema, a ride called Kingdom Quest and Miniland – a special display of the North West’s landmarks made from Lego. The Trafford Centre is said to be delighted that Lego chose its site at Barton Square for the new venture.

There is of course a large Lego shop where parents can find all sorts of Lego goodies for their children. Lego has strived to keep with the times and the new Discovery Centre will help it appeal to yet another generation.

Lego is the ideal toy in terms of fun and development. It is amazing to see the absorption with which a child will approach a Lego construction, playing and learning all at once.

Whilst Lego has worked incredibly hard to compete in the current multimedia industry, even branching out into computer games, it has stayed true to its original mission – to provide a toy that will educate as much as it will entertain.

The newest Barbie is a computer engineer. How the mighty have fallen.

What’s most incredible about this Barbie’s profession is that it was actually decided via an online poll conducted by the toy manufacturer Mattel. Apparently a career in IT is what the public really wanted for her.

Mattel have made an effort to paint a picture of a wonderful feminine presence in the technical community, but it is hard not to take that with a pinch of salt. After all, the other careers on offer included architect, surgeon and newswoman.