Top toys for Christmas 2012
If the thought of aimlessly wandering the busy aisles of Toys R Us is more than you can bear this Christmas, fear not. The Toy Retailers Association has already released its list of the top 13 toys for Christmas, giving parents up and down the country a heads-up on the must-haves for kids.
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This year, the list includes fewer high-tech items than expected, and there's a host of revamped old favourites to keep the children entertained. Here are a few of the toys expected to sell like hot cakes.
Cabbage Patch Kids - £29.99
Having first taken the toy world by storm back in the early 1980s, the plump-cheeked dolls are back to melt the hearts of an entirely new generation. Little ones up and down the country will be desperate to 'adopt' their very own kid from the Cabbage Patch, each of which comes in one of 12 'fashionalities', a birth certificate, biography card and adoption papers, not to mention a code that gives access to a 22-minute cartoon. A must-have for cuddlers everywhere.
Furby - £59.99
Another old favourite that's back to entertain is the Furby, which was a must-have back in 1998. The fluffy, big-eared alien has a mind of his own and will 'learn' as he interacts. But be warned, how you treat your Furby will shape his personality - so play nice or he might just reveal a mischievous side.
InnoTab 2 - £84.99
Aimed at children from four to nine years of age, the InnoTab 2 is all about multi-media learning for little ones. Just like a tablet computer for grown-ups, it features touchscreen controls, camera, e-books and educational games and activities. While the price is high, it's worth remembering that parents can also download additional games and learning apps from a computer so there's always plenty to keep them entertained.
Also making this year's list is the updated LeapPad 2 children's tablet (£89.99), an all new version of last year's Christmas hit.
Jake and the Neverland Pirates: Jake's Musical Pirate Ship Bucky - £49.99
The Disney cartoon characters set sail for your child's bedroom, complete with spring-loaded cannon, hidden Tick Tock Croc and 25 action phrases and songs. Hours of fun for kids aged three years and over.
Lego
It's rare that a Christmas goes by without Lego making the best-sellers list, and this year, there are two new sets hitting shelves. Lego Friends: Olivia's House (£69.99) is likely to prove a hit with little girls, while young fans of The Lord of the Rings will no doubt be keen to get their hands on The Mines of Moria set (£68.99) and recreate the Fellowship's famous battle.
Nerf N-Strike Elite Hail-Fire - £35.00
The ever-popular disc-blaster is back, and it's faster than ever thanks to quick reload 'clips' and an acceleration trigger for rapid fire. What's more, the Hail-Fire, which holds up to 144 darts, can hit targets 75 feet away. You have been warned!
Twister Dance - £27.00
It's back! The classic game has been given an update - follow the lights and learn the latest dance moves to a range of songs including Britney Spears' Till the World Ends and Willow Smith's Whip My Hair, or let it teach you how to dance to your own music. We're guessing this one will be a hit with parents too.
