2 h. ago ‘I prepared for the role by playing in my room’: the making of Toy Story as it turns 30

The groundbreaking, smash-hit adventure was a make-or-break moment for both Pixar and computer animationWhen the Pixar studio was casting for Toy Story, children were invited to bring one toy to the audition. Seven-year-old John Morris showed up with 20: a case of his beloved X-Men action figures. He got the part.Playing Andy, a young boy whose toys include cowboy Woody and spaceman Buzz Lightyear, his was the first voice ever heard in a feature-length Pixar animation. Toy Story was released 30 years ago on Saturday, but to Morris the memory of its premiere is as fresh as ever. Continue reading...

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4 d. ago Is the revamped EasyBake Oven the hit toy for the 2025 holidays?

The toy oven, which allows kids to bake treats including cakes and cookies safely at home, has been brought back by Just Play, in collaboration with Hasbro

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9 d. ago From Wicked dolls to Pokemon, Peppa Pig and Lego F1 cars the 15 most wanted toys this Christmas to meet all budgets

IT’S time to write letters to Santa as this year’s top Christmas picks are unveiled. The Toy Retailers Association has revealed its 15 most-wanted playthings for 2025. From singing Wicked dolls to monster trucks and party games, there is something for all ages on the DreamToys list – even the big kids – with prices...

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1 week ago ‘The age of toys is over’: first Toy Story 5 teaser trailer introduces a new tech foe

Tom Hanks, Tim Allen and Joan Cusack are joined by Past Lives star Greta Lee in Disney’s highly anticipated sequel The first trailer for Toy Story 5 has provided a brief glimpse at the highly anticipated animated sequel out next summer.The teaser introduces a new arrival and “all-new threat to playtime” with the tagline “the age of toys is over”. The latest character is a smart tablet called Lilypad, voiced by Past Lives and Tron: Ares star Greta Lee, bringing new tech to the old toys. Continue reading...

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2 w. ago Amazon reveals its best toys for Christmas 2025 with a nostalgic nineties toy topping the list

A jazzed-up version of a toy that first hit shelves in the late 1990s has been named as one of Amazon's 10 must-have toys this Christmas.

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2 w. ago Turmeric coconut curry and merguez ragu: Ben Lippett’s recipes for baked eggs

When it comes to mouthwatering baked eggs, you don’t really need the oven. Just reach for a lid and let the steam do its workSo, hear me out: the best baked eggs don’t ever hit the oven When testing these recipes, I found that simply adding a lid creates a steamy environment to cook the top of the eggs, delivering a gently cooked, perfectly poached egg with a tender white and a warm, runny yolk. The intense, dry heat of the oven is much more aggressive than steam, and has a tendency to dry everything out and overcook the yolk. I’ve given you two sauces as a jumping-off point, but get creative. One is a super-simple turmeric coconut curry, while the merguez ragu is a riff on eggs in purgatory, or, to the likes of you and me, eggs baked in spicy tomato sauce. Continue reading...

Politics

3 w. ago Chinese ice dancers under investigation after holding toy missile at event

TV footage showed pair with toy DF-61 ballistic missileISU now investigating Ren Junfei and Xing JianingThe International Skating Union is investigating after two Chinese ice dancers were shown with what appeared to be a toy ballistic missile during a grand prix figure skating event.TV footage showed Ren Junfei and Xing Jianing sitting with a large toy in the shape of a missile labelled “DF-61” as they were waiting for their scores in the “kiss and cry” area at the Cup of China on Saturday. The toy was briefly held up by Ren, Xing and a coach, then placed across Xing’s lap. Continue reading...

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