A LIST of the top toys for Christmas 2011 have been released, with technology being the main highlight of gifts children want from Santa this year.
According to the Toy Retailers’ Association, 2011 is set to be most interactive year so far, with their annual 2011 ‘Dream Toys’ list, featuring a host of talking and computerised toys.
Back in 1998, the top ten was about toys that children could carry around with them, such as Talking Teletubbies and Beanie Babies.
From high-tech tablet computers for kid to dolls that double up as bedroom lights, children now have the opportunity to engage with their toys more, with a cuddly teddy bear no longer cutting the grade.
Toys are big business and none more so than in the UK, where the toy market is the largest in Europe, last year bringing in a cool £2.9billion.
On the list is a game consisting of a dog which defecates and players compete to clear it up and score points, a talking robot and a doll which stands in a tank of water to re-hydrate.
Paulina Whitaker, sales assistant at Beales, Bournemouth, said: “In this store, we have lots of little things, that children can pick up themselves, such as the Angry Birds merchandise and the Moshi Monsters.
“We still sell a lot of rocking horses, because they are traditional and grandparents like to buy them for their grandchildren.
“Last year, all Lego sets sold out.
We had a late order come in on December 23, because of the bad weather, and it all sold.
“Two years ago, we sold 110 Go Go Hamsters, which are now called Zhu Zhu Pets, all in one day, with parents and children queuing up to buy them.
“Because it’s half term this week, children are coming in and showing their parents what they want for Christmas and then you see the parents come back the next week to buy it.
“As far as technology goes, kids have always copied adults.
“Whilst it used to be pretend kitchens and cooking, as things get more technologically advanced, it’s now mobile phones.”
“Nowadays, whatever parents have, they make for children as well.
The wish list
This year’s Dream Dozen, in alphabetical order, are:
• Doggie Doo, John Adams, RRP £22.99
• Fijit Friends, Mattel, RRP £54.99
• Fireman Sam Pontypandy Rescue Set, Character, RRP £29.99
• Kidizoom Twist, Vtech, RRP £49.99
• LeapPad Explorer, Leapfrog Toys, RRP £79.99
• Lets Rock Elmo, Hasbro, RRP £69.99
• Milky the Bunny, Flair, RRP £59.99
• Monster High Lagoona’s Hydration Station, Mattel, RRP £39.99
• Moshi Tree House, pictures above, Vivid, RRP £18.99
• Nerf Vortex Nitron Blaster, Hasbro, RRP £44.99
• Ninjago Fire Temple, Lego, RRP £91.99
• Star Wars Ultimate Force Tech Lightsaber Assortment, Hasbro, RRP £39.99
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