A toy is intended to resemble a cyclone type vacuum cleaner. The toy vacuum cleaner includes a body comprising a cylindrical container which has a transparent cylindrical outer wall. A core extends axially into the container to define a space between itself and the outer wall. A fan assembly is mounted to close an open end of the container. A multiplicity of polystyrene beads are disposed within the space between the core and the outer wall. The fan assembly includes a fan rotor mounted substantially coaxially with the container, to be driven by a motor, whereby on activation of the motor, the fan causes a circulation of air within the container, which circulation causes the beads to move in approximately circular paths about the core.