Sylvanian Families – the collectible toy range which uses woodland animals and dolls houses to inspire a child’s imagination and teach them about nature and family relationships – is marking its 30th anniversary in 2015.
As a child of the 80’s, I grew up playing with and I was an avid collector of Sylvanian families. My sister and I used to collect the figures in their little families and decorate their homes with all the little detailed accessories that made playing with your Sylvanian families such fun.
I can remember my little sister collecting countless amounts of sets and each Christmas and birthday you could guarantee it would always be a sylvanian occasion in our home.
Can you believe Sylvanian Families was first created in Japan in 1985, It finally reached the UK in 1987, winning best toy award three years in a row when I was a mere 9 years old and my little sister nearly 4 years old, although very different in ages we both shared one love for our Sylvanian Family toys.
Now 30 years on and I have found myself once again perusing the toy shelves of my local toy shops for the newest Sylvanian sets that have been released. This time I am the one buying the toys and no longer the little girl ripping over the packaging to my new Sylvanian toy . My niece, now 30 years on collects the toys that I once spent endless hours playing with her mum!
It goes to show when a toy is made with so much love and allows us to use our imaginations to bring our favourite Sylvanian families to life, it has really stood the test of time as 30 years on and it is still going strong, with 120 million figures sold worldwide since it’s launch.
What’s in store for Sylvanians 30 year Anniversary
To celebrate the 30 year Anniversary, Sylvanian have so much in store for us fans here in the UK , the celebrations aim to unite Sylvanian fans of all ages, from today’s generation of 3 to 10 year old’s, to fans born in the 80’s who grew up collecting the original toys.
British Village to be ‘twinned’ with Sylvania:
Launching on March 20 (the official birthday), a nationwide search will aim to find the village in Britain that most resembles the woodland paradise and friendly community depicted as ‘Sylvania’ within the toy range. A short-list of villages will be drawn up, with fans voting via social media for the best match. The winning village will be ‘twinned’ with Sylvania at a special event, which will include the Sylvanian characters visiting the village’s primary school to present the pupils with 30 toys – enough houses and figures to make an entire Sylvanian Village. Fingers crossed a village near me will be twinned with Sylvania!
Nature-themed Birthday Picnics at National Trust Properties:
Celebrations continue in the summer when Sylvanian Families will partner with two National Trust properties to host two summer picnics, bringing together fans of all ages to celebrate the 30th birthday.
With fun, nature-themed activities, plus Sylvanian Families costume character entertainment and displays of both vintage and brand new toys, these events are not be missed! Details of how to apply for tickets (free of charge) will be coming soon via the Sylvanian Families website
The Sylvanian Families 30th Birthday Picnics will be held at:
South: Hatchlands Park, National Trust, (Surrey) – Sunday 12 July 2015
North: Wallington, National Trust (Northumberland) – Saturday 1 August 2015
New products and new families:
2015 will also see the launch of the first ever range of Sylvanian Families enjoying the seaside, including hero toys such as the Seaside Cruiser Houseboat and Adventure Treasure Ship. New sets of families are also launching, including a new polar bear family. All products will be available to buy in major toy stores from February, that’s this years birthday presents sorted out then!
The chocolate Rabbit Family are a favourite in the Sylvanian range, these adorable characters would be a charming new family to add to anyone’s collection.This family includes four white Rabbits with chocolate coloured tips. This set would make an ideal alternative to an Easter egg for any Sylvanian fan this Easter.
At Last a Sylvanian Fan Club
A brand new fan club is also launching during the 30th anniversary plus a host of anniversary retail events and in-store displays will take place throughout the year, visit the Sylvanian Families website to keep up to date.
Imaginative play based around the themes of nature, family and love remain the core values at the heat of Sylvanian brand, even in today’s digital age. Sylvanian Families promotes wholesome play and has an enduring appeal which helps to develop thoughts and emotions.Everyone can be a part of the family, and learn about relationships including kindness and love of others.
Leave a Reply