Every year as the days grow shorter and the nights colder, we look forward to a tradition in which we all get together of an evening, virtually or in person, to watch the one and only Late Late Toy Show.
This year, 2020's Toy Show was pericularly special. Constrained by the ongoing restrictions around you know what Ryan Tubridy and his crew managed to put together a truly wonderful show filled with songs, chats with amazing kids and of course loads of cool toys.
Toy Show Appeal #
Among all the amazing moments the biggest one was the launch of the RTÉ Toy Show Appeal. During the show the appeal managed to raise an amazing €5.2 million to support a range of charities all around Ireland.
Rule The World #
A highlight of the show was the amazing Rule The World song that featured Gary Barlow on piano and included greetings from Irish families all over the world.
Fantastic Mr Fox and the Twits #
The theme of the show was Roald Dahl. From the introduction and throughout the show there were costumes of all sorts of characters from his books. The show also features loads of other great books, as well as toys, so let's take a look at what was featured!
Books #
Since the show featuring books, I thought I'd do a quick roundup of all the books mentioned before moving on to the toys. Here we go:
Cá Bhfuil Puifín Beag? by Erika McGann
An Irish translation of a classic puffin adventure!
The Great Irish Farm Book by Darragh McCullough
Everything you could ever want to know about Irish farms, and more!
David Walliams #
It was great to see the wonderful David Walliams making an appearance. Here's the books he mentioned:
Some other books #
I tried to spot as many books as I could in between buffering the stream. Here are some I noticed:
Did you spot any others I missed? Let me know if you did! Now then...
Toys #
The toys featured in the 2020 RTÉ Late Late Toy Show!
Thw show opened with a hoovering competition featuring this Henry Vacuum Cleaner. It wasn't plugged in on the show, but it's an actual working replica!
Casdon 728 Henry Vacuum Cleaner Toy, Red
We also saw some Dyson handheld vacuums featured, but they weren't nearly as charming in my opinion.
Inflatable costumes #
You can find loads of other examples, including Santa carrying an elf, unicorns, inflatable pigs, cows and more.
Toyrific Pogo Stick for Kids Boys and Girls, Daisy Crushaz design
Here's a blue version too.
Thomas & Friends Storytime Thomas
Back to the Future DeLorean - Playmobil
Board games #
Monopoly As Gaeilge
Scrabble As Gaeilge
Adam's Space Section #
Ride-ons (AKA Christy Moore section) #
Audi Kids Electric Ride-On Car
Rollplay 35541 Powersport ATV Electric Car
My Lovely Llama 12V Powered Ride On
Kraftz Realistic 12v Ride On Fire Truck
Inline Skates
Micro-deluxe scooters
Dawes 12" Lil Duchess Bike
Essential painting tools #
Relaxdays Fitness Trampoline
Listen again #
The amazing Michael Maloney performance become even more wonderful when Dermot Kennedy himself turned up! Here's his album.
Without Fear by Dermot Kennedy
Other toys spotted on the set #
Lola, the pink squishmallow unicorn
Playmags 50 Piece Set
Slush Husky
Helena Husky
Rabbits soft toys
Squish A Boo soft toys
Eeyore Plush Figure
Shark stuffed toys
That's it for this year! #
I hope you had as much fun watching this year's Late Late Toy Show as I had compiling this list of amazing books and toys! If I missed anything, please do get in touch and let me know.