Action Man Field Office, 1998 Hasbro

Imaginative gift for children OR to a father, husband, brother who tinkering in workshop. Then watch their face light up with smiles or laughter. Action Man will be quickly put in pride of place in the workshop, and he'll love this thousand times more than more BBQ utensil or men's skincare giftpack.

You can pick up new Hasbro Action Men for £30 - £60 (NZ$60 - $115) , but they rarely have the character and charm of the vintage versions.

In 1966 Palitoy released a new range of toys, Action Man was born, a close relative of G.I. Joe which was manufactured by Hasbro in America. The original Action Man range consisted of what become known amongst collectors as “Painted Head” dolls. The original figurines launched were Action soldier, Action pilot, and Action sailor. Such were their succes, that within three years, a small range of other action men (including Army Workshop Action Man listed here) and accessories were launched. The figurine itself saw a few changes until Palitoy ended production in 1984; first was the introduction of” flock” hair in 1970, later in 1973 gripping hands and finally 1977 saw “Eagle Eye” dolls. Then Hasbro bought the brand.