New: Ken Black's reveal top selling toys in Laois this Christmas

Christmas is fast approaching, with the majority of Laois children having had their Santa letters signed, sealed and delivered at this stage.

We spoke to Ken Black's in Portlaoise to see what the top selling toys are in Laois this year.

"Our kids beauty range has become more popular each year," said Isabel Black, daughter of Ken Black.

According to the shop, the most popular characters and themes in Laois this year are:

• Stitch
• Minions
• Moana
• Formula 1
• Space
• Bluey
• DIY, Mess free Arts & Crafts

"This years top sellers was a Black & Pink Make up case (sold out), but previous years it was the Make Up trolley, so our volumes went into that which has been again, very successful this year," said Ms Black.

"Squishmallows introduced “Squish-a-longs ” in late 2024 and have been super popular. All the beloved plush character in thimble sized rubber designs for play and collectability," she said.

The 25 figure set is sold out but the shop still have smaller sets in store available.

"Popular in Preschool has been the Wooden Alphabet Puzzle we sell by Squirrel Play, everything in our Play Factory range given the increase chat amongst parents on soft play," said Ms Black.

"The year-round best seller has been the liquid sensory tiles. But this Christmas it is the balance beam set and the stepping stones," she said.

In Action/adventure/construction, the top sellers include the Britain's Kane Dump trailer, the Ford TW20 and some Valtra models.

"The Bruder Scania Cattle truck is always missing on the shelves and younger kids enjoy the Fisher-Price Batwheels Diecast character," Ms Black explained. "They are little vehicles based on the Batwheels junior animation."

The best selling LEGO set in Ken Blacks is the Buildable Stitch, followed closely by a LEGO Star Wars Clone Trooper and Battle Droid battle pack.

"Anything Ferrari and classic Police sets in LEGO City is popular too," she said.

"What's growing in popularity is the LEGO Creator 3 in 1 selection, you can make three completely different things with one box of LEGO and instructions for each to do. For example a rabbit then take it apart and build a seal!" Ms Black said.

"Our best sellers in LEGO this year have also been the LEGO botanicals. Red roses for Valentine's day, get them in LEGO. A Bonsai tree for the winder sill - in LEGO, Art like the Mona Lisa on the wall.

"In Arts, Crafts and games (I would say the busiest aisle this time of the year) the bestselling games are 30 Seconds (Irish company), Think Words, and… a new quiz card game called “Do you really know your family," Ms Black said.

"Anything bracelet making from loom bands (still super popular), squish charms, beads and Stick Rolls of unravelling paper bracelet beads," Ms Black finished.

Ken Blacks in Portlaoise is open every evening to 10pm, until December 23rd. On Christmas Eve, the shop will be open until 6pm.