The official Top 12 must-have toys for Christmas 2008 from the Toy Retail Association.
The toys predicted to dominate children's Christmas lists this year are set to ignite dreams of stage and screen fame , says the Toy Retailers Association (TRA).
The TRA's annual 'Dream Toys' list, the only official prediction of Christmas bestsellers, reveals a trend towards music, film and TV inspired toys to indulge fame fantasies from the next generation of rockstars and screen heroes. Plenty of old favourites also make a comeback this year, reflecting the nation's love for nostalgic characters and brands.
BABY born® with Magic Potty
A perfect gift for little girls this festive season, it's Baby Born. Baby Born features many life-like actions; place a dummy in her mouth and her eyes close, she drinks from her bottle and eats her own special food. She needs her nappy changed, uses her potty, cries, squeals, has movable limbs and is bathable. Baby Born comes with all the accessories your little girl will need to take of her, including her very own birth certificate. Ages 3 and over.
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Bakuganâ„¢ Starter Pack
Bakugan Battle Brawlers is the inspiration behind the Bakugan Starter pack. The starter pack is an addictive card game played with magnetic, spring-loaded marbles. Kids can practice their precision shooting skills by rolling their Bakugan (the marble) onto the special gate and 'transforming' it into a powerful Bakugan warrior. The game includes 3 marbles and 3 cards. Ages 5 and over.
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Ben 10 Deluxe Omnitrix
Initially, this odd looking gadget looked like an extremely oversized watch. But after a little research, I now understand! Ben Tennyson is a cartoon kid who found this gadget called the Omnitrix. The Omnitrix is now a permanent fixture to little Ben's wrist and enables him to turn into a variety of alien forms to fight off the evil alien warlord, Vilgax. Now every little boy (or girl) can become the next Ben with the deluxe version of the Omnitrix. Packed full of power, lights and sounds, click the dial to choose the appropriate alien to fight off Vilgax and score some bonus points. Ages 4 and older.
[product#36]
Catcha Beast
The Catcha beast is an inventive new game from Bandai. Using advanced spacial technology it allows your kids to hunt and catch over 100 invisible creepy crawly beasts that live in the virtual world around them. Once they've caught one, they simply reel the beast in where they can train it and take it to battle against another beastie. With a black and white screen, kids can connect their Catcha Beast with their friends where they can swap monsters.
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Cupcake Maker
Help your kid to be the next Gordon Ramsey (minus the profanities) and buy them the Character Options Gourmet Cupcake Maker. The cupcake maker comes with a cake mixture that your kids will simply need to add water to. They then place it into the microwavable safe container and within seconds, a delicious cupcake will be ready to decorate and enjoy. Ages 8 and over.
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Elmo Live
"Sunny Day…" I reckon at some point in time, we've all watched Sesame Street. Now the much loved Elmo is back to entertain you telling stories, jokes, singing songs and playing games. His mouth open and closes as he speaks and his head moves backwards and forwards. When he gets excited, he waves his arms around and he can stand, sit and even cross his legs. Tickle or squeeze Elmo to activate him and he'll keep you little monkeys amused and out of trouble! Ages 18 months and over.
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FurReal Biscuit, My Lovin’ Pup
Meet Biscuit! He is a life-size golden retriever pup, who any child is bound to fall in love with. He responds like a real puppy, with loving snuggles and adorable puppy noises. He obeys six commands, 'sit', 'speak' and 'lie down'. He will sit up and beg and raise his left or right paw when you ask him. He interacts with his doggy bone, sniffing it and chomping away. He moves his head and ears, his eyes blink, he wags his tail and barks. He will come to the lucky child with a collar, tag, brush done bone and adoption certificate where he and his new owner can be registered online. Ages 4 and over. And much loved by the Loose Women on ITV1!
[product#32]
High School Musical Get the Moves Dance Mat
If you haven't heard of High School Musical in the last couple of years, then where on earth have you been?! I can see anything to do with HSM being extremely popular this Christmas. This dance mat features 4 of the most popular songs from the film and includes 2 pre-programmed routines. The mat has 3 different difficulty levels; beginner, star and superstar. Follow the lights on the console to make sure your feet are in the right place and get ready to bob to the top! (Yes, I have seen the films…) Ages 5 and over.
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In The Night Garden Upsy Daisy and Her Chase and Play Bed
This one sounded a little odd when I initially read it. When Upsy Daisy is awake, she enjoys some fun time chasing her bed around the room. Hmm… But, when Upsy Daisy is sleepy, she can hardly keep her eyes open. Put her into her bed and it will gently rock her to sleep. Upsy Daisy is a cute and colourful doll for your littleun. Ages 18 months and over.
[product#41]
My Life Personal Console
This cute, little console allows girls everywhere to create their own virtual life character. Customise her look or clothes, choose a pet for her to care for, play games or go shopping. The console is small and portable with a 6cm LCD screen. It also has an infrared connection allowing friends to text one another. It also has a calendar and an organiser. I'd like to know exactly what young kids have to organise! Ages 5 and older.
[product#42]
Rescue Pals Swim To Me Puppy
Rescue Pets bring you Swim to Me Puppy. Cute with big blue eyes and floppy ears, he walks around quite happily. But, this puppy’s speciality is swimming! That's right, put on his goggles, place him in water and watch him as he begins to swim. He has a towel to dry him off after his swim and also comes with an adoption certificate. Ages 3 and over.
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Star Wars: The Clone Wars Trooper Helmet
Now I've never been much of a Star Wars fan myself, let alone Clone Wars! But I'm sure there are lots of little geeks out there who'll love this Clone Wars Trooper helmet. The helmet features a voice changer so you can talk like a clone and clone trooper battle commentary. Phrases include "Get ready to turn those clankers into scrap metal" and "I've got a bad feeling about this, sir". The helmet has easy-to-adjust straps to ensure a comfortable fit for ages 5 through to adult. Everyone has a drunken relative who'll be dying to try this out on Christmas Day!
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