It’s the countdown to the biggest Toy sale of the year! The Big W Toy Mania sale kicks off online at midnight today. We’ve got our list and are ready to pounce. I just hope the website is robust and doesn’t crash on us!

This year’s Big W Toy Mania sale is a bit different. Instead of the adrenaline-pumping, trolley-jostling midnight in-store launch, the sale is starting online at 12-midnight Tuesday 16 June (then in store from Thursday 18 June) running through to 15 July.

The mega-catalogue is packed with cut-priced offers on over 700 new and old favourites including Barbie, Nerf, Hot Wheels, LEGO, and Fisher Price, as well as deals on outdoor play equipment.

Big W predicts that the three hottest toys in demand in the sale will be:

• LEGO
• Barbie and,
• Hot Wheels

The retailer said that LEGO topped the best sellers list in every State for the past 12 months.

Another big hot ticket item will be puzzles. The COVID-19 lockdown has created a new generation of budding puzzlers; compared to this time last year BIG W has seen a 225% increase in kids’ jigsaw puzzle sales.

Home isolation has definitely impacted the way people buy and Big W are expecting consumers to choose slightly different as compared to previous years.

These toys will be on top of everyone’s lists for the mega Big W Toy Mania event:

1. Budget Friendly

The financial pressures since Covid-19 are forcing families to reassess spending habits with wallet-friendly options top of mind.
There are a number of affordable options in the sale including top selling brands like Hot Wheels 10 pack ($9.50), Barbie Fashionista dolls ($10), LEGO creator Fire Dragon or Rocket Truck ($19) and the great stocking filler, Tiny Pong at just $5.

BIG W is also anticipating close to half of all customers will opt for lay-by options as they look to budget for Christmas and spread their payments throughout the year.

2. The Great Outdoors

After so much time spent indoors over the last few months, outdoor activities are experiencing a mass revival. In a recent survey, over half (53%) of Aussie parents revealed they prefer outdoor play to indoor, with data showing bikes and scooters as the favoured outdoor toy (78%), followed by trampolines (57%).

Backyard Imaginary play will come to life this Christmas with BIG W’s Wooden Outdoor Mud Play Kitchen ($89) and the Wooden Cubby House from ($199) available for pre-order.

3. Retro Resurgence

Standing the test of time, toys of the 80s have enjoyed a resurgence of late as young parents regularly join playtime during isolation. The Rubik’s Cube (from $15) is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year and has achieved ‘geek chic’ status with the new Rubik’s Revolution, featuring six fast-paced electronic games packed into one cube. Also touching multiple generations is the Nintendo range – in 2020, it continues to entertain big and little kids alike with the Nintendo Switch Lite ($299) and Nintendo Switch ($449).

However, when it comes to the most nostalgic toy, it’s the Cabbage Patch Doll who topped the list (25%), and for collectors of another 80s classic, BIG W is exclusively stocking the limited edition Swarovski Crystal Tenderheart Care Bear ($99).

4. Gadgets Galore

The Toy Mania report reveals that 60% of kids prefer tech toys over others, with parents indicating the interactivity with others online is driving the higher engagement. There will be plenty to pick from in the gaming space, with Thrustmaster range set to be a top seller, including the PS4 T Flight Hotas 4 Fly Stick ($129) and Xbox One Ferrari 458 Spider Racing Wheel ($199).

But parents are also keen for their kids to learn while playing. The Fisher-Price Smart Learning Watch ($12), LeapFrog LeapStart 3D Super Bundle Pack ($59) and the DGTEC Kids Wi-Fi Tablet ($89, available exclusively at BIG W) will be popular items during the Big W Toy Mania Sale.

5. Aussie inspired

Families are embracing Australiana themed toys and brands. Topping the Aussie-list is our favourite Blue Heeler, Bluey, CKN Toys Mystery Reveal Heroes ($8), and of course, The Wiggles range which includes Piano and Play Mat & Microphone Set ($29),
Ballet Dance Mat set ($59) and Drum Kit ($49). Adults will enjoy the ABC’s Hard Quiz game ($34).

Online or In-Store?

There have been many discussions on Big W facebook groups as to whether it’s better to shop online or go in-store. Many are concerned that the website will crash and that their toy dreams will dissolve in frustration.

One customer said: “I can see the online orders going horribly wrong already. They will be bombarded and by the time in-store sale starts, online orders will be getting apology emails for lack of stock bla bla bla”

However, there are many that are keen to go the online route:

“I’m doing online, I know if I go in-store I will get stuff I don’t really need lol”

Many have a hybrid strategy:

“I’m doing both, getting the stuff I definitely want online and go instore to look at the stuff I want to have a look at in person and layby instore”

Big W Toy Mania Top 20 Toys

#1 Lego Technic Car Transporter, $149 (RRP $249)
#2 Barbie 73cm Doll, $69 (RRP $89)
#3 Paw Patrol Ultimate Police Cruiser, $129
#4 Nintendo Switch, $449
#5 Playgo Pirate Attack Water Table, $30 (RRP $39)
#6 LEGO Friends Summer Fun Water Park, $119 (RRP $179)
#7 Nintendo Switch Lite, $299
#8 Beyblade BRail Rush Battle Set, $29 (RRP $69)
#9 NaNaNa Surprise Pom Dolls Series 2, $26 (RRP $32)
#10 Grow’N Up Climb’N Explore Play Gym, $129 (RRP $149)
#11 Care Bears Tender Heart Limited Edition, $99
#12 Hot Wheels Ultimate Garage Playset, $79 (RRP $99)
#13 Vtech Launch And Spin Raceway, $20 (RRP $29)
#14 FurReal Josie and her Joeys, $89 (RRP $109)
#15 Monster Jam Mega Grave Digger, $139 (RRP $169)
#16 Play-Doh Create It Cannister, $45 (RRP $59)
#17 Nerf N-Strike Elite, $59 (RRP $129)
#18 EVO 6V Red Rally Motorbike, $98 (RRP $128)
#19 LeapFrog 3D Super Bundle Pack, $59 (RRP $79)
#20 Dune Buggy with Trailer, $29

What toys do you have your eye on for the Big W Toy Mania Sale? Tell us in the comments below.