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Mental toll of screen time has adults returning to traditional hobbies 29 Sep 4:35 AM (22 days ago)

The trend towards this behaviour has led to the increase in the Kidult category of toys and games, collectibles and card trading too all on the up. This survey from Hornby backs up why this market accounts for about £1 in every £3 spent on analogue play pursuits, their headline “Hands-on pastimes like model building offer calm, focus and connection in an always-on world”.

So, their national study of 2000 UK adults* found that more than half (51%) say excessive screen time is harming their wellbeing – with growing numbers choosing to switch off and reconnect with more traditional, hands-on hobbies that offer a sense of calm, focus and creativity. The findings also show widespread concern about the next generation, with 81% of adults saying screen time is bad for children. The research reveals growing concern about digital overload. While many rely on devices for work, socialising and news, most people believe they’re spending too much time online, and nearly half say it’s affecting their mood, sleep and stress levels.

Among those trying to cut down, it’s not about abandoning digital life but finding healthier ways to unwind. The study points to rising interest in traditional hobbies such as model building, crafting and collecting, particularly among younger adults and parents looking for screen-free time.

A cultural shift away from scrolling:

• 51% of UK adults say they spend too much time on their devices
• 66% believe screen time is harmful for adults
• 69% agree people need to cut down their screen use
• 81% believe screen time is bad for children, and 75% of parents actively try to limit it
• 48% have made a conscious effort to reduce their own screen time
• People who say they spend too much time on devices report:
  • 16% lower life satisfaction
  • 20% lower happiness
  • Twice the level of anxiety (61% vs 30%)

But with habits like doom scrolling now routine – and 37% of adults saying they scroll social media with no aim – many admit they’re not sure how to fill that time in a more meaningful way.

“When you immerse yourself in a physical, creative activity like model making, it brings you into the present moment,” said health and wellbeing expert, Dr Radha Modgil. “That sense of focus and achievement can be incredibly calming, especially in contrast to the pace and pressure of digital life. Hobbies are more than a pastime – they’re a mental reset.”

Real-world activities are on the rise

The study also found that more traditional hobbies like miniature model making are enjoying a resurgence, with 1 in 5 UK adults (22%) already taking part – and many more expressing interest in getting started. Among those who say they spend too much time on their devices, 56% are looking to try a new hobby in the next 12 months, especially one that offers a creative outlet and a break from screens.

This shift is particularly pronounced among younger adults. 62% of 16–34-year-olds say they want a hobby that’s completely separate from digital devices, suggesting a strong appetite for more tactile, offline experiences.

Yet this age group is also finding it the hardest to break away from digital habits. While 64% of 16–34-year-olds say they spend too much time on their devices – significantly above the national average – they also spend more time online than any other group, clocking up an average of nearly five hours a day on their phones and three on laptops. Many recognise the need for change, but the shift isn’t easy: 70% of students admit to regularly doomscrolling, and 68% of 16–34s say they’ve tried to cut back on-screen time but struggle to make it stick. That’s where more traditional, hands-on hobbies can offer a valuable lifeline – helping this group carve out focused, screen-free time and experience the sense of achievement they’re missing from passive digital habits.

Miniature model making in particular is seen as a valuable way to unwind:

• 45% of respondents say it would help them relax and relieve stress
• 44% believe it would support their mental health
• 55% agree it would help them spend less time on their devices

Beyond survey data, specialist research commissioned by Hornby Hobbies’ premium brand Pocher has also demonstrated the stress-relieving benefits of model making. Under the supervision of a doctor, participants had their blood pressure and pulse measured throughout a build. Scores for relaxation doubled, while the frequency of worrying or thinking about work dropped by 50% – with one participant reporting a 90% reduction. Happiness and wellbeing ratings nearly doubled, and one participant even saw their blood pressure decrease during the activity.

“There’s a growing recognition that people need something real and rewarding to counterbalance digital life,” said Olly Raeburn, CEO of Hornby Hobbies. “Model making and traditional hobbies give people a chance to pause, switch off and create something meaningful. We’ve always known the joy and focus these hobbies bring—now we’re seeing just how vital they are for people’s wellbeing too.”

Get started with modelling and explore more research insights, visit hornbyhobbies.co.uk/unplugged.

*Research was conducted by Disrupt Insight on behalf of Hornby Hobbies in July 2025 with a representative sample of 2,000 UK adults.

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Toy Story 30th anniversary set anyone? 29 Sep 4:21 AM (22 days ago)

Three decades have passed, don’t dwell on that bit too but celebrate these 30 years of Toy Story with the new Robosen line-up of mini-characters. We see little point in grabbing the individual characters when the entire set will set you back a smidge under £200, but before you baulk at this headline number check out what you get for your slightly splurge like spend.

All the characters are brought to life to life with authentic audio clips, expressive movements that ca be set up into customisable displays using the Robosen Studio.

A Mini Robot Base lets you move between characters, unlock the fun and enjoy minutes turning into hours.

Packed with innovation, plenty of nostalgia, a satisfying amount of robotics, plenty to keep fans busy for quite some time and, best of all, totally shelf-worthy to stick out on display.

Time to shift some family snaps and un-read books, well, you’ve seen those all before (quite a bit) – Ensure you’re are at eye-level and it is odds-on they’ll distract you every time you pass by and plenty of admiring comments from visitors and regular “Can we have a go” requests.

Nice work Robosen, Pixar and Disney on getting these out, we have heard they’re only on sale until the end of 2025. We don’t believe that to be sales hyperbole at all.

Pre-order your set at Robosen (and check out the Wall-E and Evie too, set to arrive mid December).

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The Kidults – 2025 awards winners unveiled 8 Sep 4:21 AM (last month)

An eclectic bunch of products and people came together, the latter were hand-picked judges with a known passion for this play space and after some serious hand-on time with the array of product on offer have to somehow come up with several stand-out items that we can choose to put on our Christmas lists for the kids, well, why should they have all the fun?

“We were a little taken aback by the response to these awards, the industry has embraced the sector and consumers, willingly or by default are embracing the array of toys, games and collectibles designed with them firmly in mind. “We know the sector is booming and the data clearly backs it up, falling birth rates and greater longevity means the market is clearly set to stay but further growth is seen, and this’ll extend out into fashion, foods and furnishings to name but a few” said Peter Jenkinson, founder of the awards.

Dedicated to cheering on the seemingly unstoppable Kidult sector the categories judged, and the entries received offer a real insight into the breadth and depth of this market.

The array of kit of offer meant some close calls for several categories to find an overall winner and it was decided early in the decision-making stages that we have to acknowledge a few of the also-rans with official “approved” status.

Judge Martin Roberts of Homes under the Hammer fame said “I don’t for a moment hide my Kidult tendencies, and my new hotel in the Rhondda valley is going to have bedrooms themed around classic TV shows, including Dr Who. I think we need to embrace the big kid in all of us, and the fun of unashamedly doing so can help ease us through the ups and downs of being a grown up.”

Robots Live and Tiktok toy trend expert, Rob Taylor, part of the judging panel and general enthusiast of everything said, “What a stack load of good stuff we’ve had through the door these past months, total testament to the fact people are taking Kidulting seriously, it’s the grown-ups turn to play.”

Jason Bradbury, judge and well-known face of TV’s The Gadget Show said “The Kidults are taking over! Forget growing up – we’re here to celebrate the toys, the gadgets, and the pop culture madness that keeps us young at heart.”

Other judges include Instagrammer Lauren Campbell, Andy Bush of Absolute Radio, Calvin Innes delf confessed NERD and Creative director working on some of Europes biggest consumer brands.

Here’s the line-up of those most lauded and winners of the World’s first awards dedicated to The Kidults.

High-Tech                                –  Robosen Interactive Buzz Lightyear  

Action Stations                       – ZURU Insanity Blaster                                       

Collectibles                             –   Mini Tubbz                 

Film and TV merch                  The Matrix: The Nebuchadnezzar                

Plush                                       –     Fuggler Lord of the Rings                                           

Figures and Dolls                    –Street Fighter Deluxe Collector 6” Action Figures   

Vehicles                                   –    Stuntman Stu Stunt Car Set and Nitro Bike

Retro                                       –      ZURU MAX Premium Retro  

Board Game                            –   Racing Line                             

Construction kit                      –  LEGO Wildflowers

Planning is underway for nest years IRL event with a venue full of Kidult toy and game lines, throwing the doors open to the public for a day of play with lots of interactive elements.

Approved status bestowed upon these entries that just came so very very close to snagging a major gong but should be over-the-moon with this acknowledgement to your fine wares:

High-Tech                           Human Controller – TOMY

                                                JAWS pinball – Stern

Action Stations                 Spyra Go Water Blaster

                                                Cornilleau – Instinct Outdoor Table Tennis

Collectibles                        Harry Potter Miniverse  – MGA    

                                                Hylkies – Star Wars – Ravensburger                

Film & TV merch              Jurassic Park pin, BTTF Ingot and Hogwarts train ticket by Fannattik    

                                                Scalextric – Fast & Furious set      

Plush                                    Warhammer – TOMY

                                                Basic Fun – Wicked Care Bears 

Figures and Dolls             Twinchees Hatsune Miku Lil Sleepers – TOMY           

Vehicles                                Ferrari Stradale 3D Puzzle Ravensburger 

                                                  Only Fools and Horses Talking Van – Khadou                        

Retro                                      Hook a Duck – Jaques of London  

                                                Thunderbirds collectibles – Corgi    

Board Game                       Whirly Derby – Big Potato

                                                Feed the Kraken – Cheatwell

                                               The Vanishing Gambler by The Mystery Agency  

Construction kit              COBI VW Campervan

                                                LEGO Williams FW14B with Nigel Mansell

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LEGO launch their largest (and most spendy) set – The Death Star 5 Sep 3:40 AM (last month)

Doesn’t actually have the most pieces, that’d be the World Map, but that’s almost 11,000 studs and a vast amount single studs so this one, over 9,000 “proper pieces”, well mostly, snags the title. Its $1,000, will likely sell out as hardcore AFOLS and Star Wars fans trade in those sets they’ve hoarded for bragging rights as they bag this one. Set 75419 pays homage to all three of the original Trilogy films –  The model isn’t a perfect sphere like its on-screen inspiration but instead assembles as a cross section of an armed and operational battle station we first saw in “Star Wars: A New Hope.” Completed it stands at 28 inches tall and 32 inches wide with over 15 rooms from the iconic trash compactor setting from the original flick all the way to the showdown in the Emperor’s Throne Room in “Return of the Jedi.” Add in a few hidden rooms with Easter eggs and it is an impressive set. More slice than star though?

Just worth us flagging up with Gingerbread ATAT, an altogether more wallet friendly £55 and out in a few weeks at LEGO.com

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Billie Eilish – The UNO deck – she must be Happier than Ever. 3 Sep 7:24 AM (last month)

Far from “Everything I wanted” this special pack of the top card game UNO is a collection of 112 premium canvas cards hich, according to Mattel “marks a bold new direction for UNO Canvas, reimagining the game through the lens of one of today’s most influential artists”. We’ve a signature green palette, streetwear-inspired style and the iconic Blohsh logo all combining in this colourful pack set to release late October via Mattel Creations. As the lady may say they’re “Lovely”, one of her biggest fans Ray Adler, Vice President and Global Head of Games said  “As an authentic UNO fan whose love for the game has been well-known by her fans for many years, Billie Eilish couldn’t be a better partner to elevate UNO with her new Canvas deck. This collaboration offers fans a new opportunity to connect with their favourite game, and one of their favourite artists,” said . “Billie’s passion for UNO shone through this partnership, down to the detailed iconography and colours that she’s known for. We’re excited to see how fans deal into Billie’s new deck.”

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Better than a golden ticket – A Willy Wonka LEGO set based on the original 21 Aug 7:31 AM (2 months ago)

Over-excited perhaps, but rarely does an item stop us in our tracks as this scrumptious set did. Based on the film released back in 1971 starring Gene Wilder as Mr Wonka the scene brought to us is the heart of the Chocolate factory was designed by Italian-based duo, Roberto Ceruti and Jody Padulano, as part of the LEGO Ideas programme.

Talking about their design, Ceruti and Padulano said, “Our inspiration came from the nostalgia and innocence of Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory – it simply had to become a LEGO set. The build took about four to five months, starting with the iconic movie scene. Thanks to new LEGO pieces, we could update the design and overcome challenges like perfecting the bridge and balancing the candy tree’s look. Adding a motorised waterfall made the set truly special.” 

Packed with detail this colourful set includes the chocolate waterfall which can be set in motion with a dial, the famous Wonkatania boat where Willy Wonka, the Oompa Loompas, and the five Golden Ticket winners can sit aboard. Augustus Gloop can drink from the chocolate river, with an alternative chocolate-covered face for his minifigure and other bits include Willy Wonka’s office with a secret door, the Oompa Loompas’ work area, and candy cane trees and lollipop plants throughout.  Looks good enough to eat.

So, calling music makers and dreamers of dreams the set is due mid-September for £200 and, controversially perhaps, UP has been our favourite set for some time as for us it is so invocative, but, we think this one might usurp the PIXAR set from our top shelf.

   .

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FUNKO celebrate celebrations 20 Aug 3:07 AM (2 months ago)

Funko, the leading pop culture lifestyle brand, have announced two new iconic Pop! – Erling Haaland Pop! and Lamine Yamal Pop! – each in their iconic goal scoring poses. The wait begins for the Gazza in tears, Vinnie Jones grabbing him by the jewels and of course the Messi fingers to the sky and Ronaldo on his knees – A whole new sub-category is being born right here, what might you like to see in Funko?

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LEGO Riviera set is a Bellisimo brick build from the Danish designers 17 Jul 7:31 AM (3 months ago)

What news, there is no other news today, not now all our efforts are focused on acquiring the LEGO Ideas Italian Riviera set. This is one stunning architectural set with 18+ emblazoned all over it. Builders, time to embark on a journey (on a speedboat of note) to the picturesque Ligurian coast upon which you’ll find a quaint fishing village by the Mediterranean Sea.

Featuring 3,251 pieces, this detailed set showcases three beautifully crafted buildings, complete with removable roofs and upper stories for an immersive building experience. Inside, builders will discover intricate details of a gelato store, a diving equipment shop, and a bustling fish market, alongside the homes of the storekeepers. Price £249.99 with an August arrival.   

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Care Bears get the Wicked treatment 17 Jul 5:07 AM (3 months ago)

Thanks to Basic Fun! and Universal we’ve a collection of Emeralnd City inspired Care Bears, plush pals that are look-a-likeys from characters in the film Wicked: For Good. There will be five arriving in August, we’re after the Care Bears x Wicked 2-Pack (£34.99) with a 14-inch Love-A-Lot Bear as Glinda and Good Luck Bear as Elphaba, each bear has the Wicked symbol and heart patch on their feet.

The collection also includes a Funshine Bear as the Scarecrow, Tenderheart Bear as the Lion and the Grumpy Bear as Tin Man. Get your ruby slippers on for a trip down the Yellow Brick road toward the buy button.

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