Classic toys stay popular; many are collectible

In a megabyte-driven world, you'd think kids would be playing solely with mega-tech toys, Daily Star reports.

But at the recent Toy Fair 2013 here, buyers gathered like kids on a playground around the booths stocked with the classics - wooden play sets and ride-on toys, craft materials, table games and building sets.

"Retro-style toys for the under-tween crowd are on the upswing," says Adrienne Appell of the Toy Industry Association.

Kids may see the un-wired stuff as novel; parents appreciate having some balance in the toy basket.

Here's a look at some of the new offerings, and also which toys are worth hanging onto after kids outgrow them.

That's key: Keep the packaging.

"Some people will buy two boxes of Lego, one to play with and one to keep," Raia says. "It might sound extreme, but for the 'Star Wars' series it might be a good idea."

When is it time to get rid of toys?

Raia, a mother of four under age 10, says her rule of thumb is simple. "Anything that hasn't been played with in the past three or four months, we give away."

Incomplete games and sets can be donated or passed along, although with a popular toy she suggests posting it online to help someone else complete their set.