Toys of the Year
Each year the Toy Retailers Association announces The Toys of the Year Award.
Members of the Toy Retailers Association include Toys R Us, Hamleys, Early Learning Centres and John Lewis.
The list is based upon a selection of criteria, not just sales performance, and is announced at the end of January each year.
The 'Dream Dozen' Top 12 Toys of 2008
Baby Born with Magic Potty
Zapf Creation
Baby Born is a life like 17” tall doll with real baby effects like crying real tears, opening and closing eyes, her own special feeding accessories and magic potty!
Baby Born comes complete with a supply of nappies, a feeding bowl and spoon and her own special baby food. suitable for children 3 years and over.
Bakugan Starter Pack
Spinmaster Toys
A strategic card game with magnetic spring-loaded marbles based around the lives of Barkugan, which is an anime series on the Cartoon Network.
It's all quite complicated and involves parallel dimensions and the struggle to save the universe apparently?
The series has been a big hit in Japan, North Korea and the US and looks to be even more so here in the UK!
Ben 10 Deluxe Omnitrix
Bandai
One of last years best sellers the Ben 10 Omnitrix F/X Watch is predicted to remain one of the most popular boys toys for some time yet?
This replica of Ben Tennyson’s alien watch has authentic sound effects, flashing red and green lights and a built in alien viewer.
The watch comes complete with batteries and is suitable for children aged 4 and above.
Read more about the Omnitrix at amazon.co.uk
Catcha Beast
Bandai
A unique electronic toy which incorporates a digital compass enabling you to detect and capture up to 100 different mythical beasts.
Spin around until the device locates and locks onto your selected prey, reel it in and commence battle.
The device can also connect to other devices which makes it a great interactive toy to play alone or with friends. Suitable for kids aged 6 and over.
Girl Gourmet Cup Cake Maker
Character Options
The Girls Gourmet Cup Cake Maker has everything you need to make your very own delicious cupcakes
Simply add water to the special mixture provided and bake I the microwave in just seconds.
You can then decorate your cakes as you wish by using the fantastic frosting machine and finish off with sprinkles.
Suitable for girls aged 8 and over.
Elmo Live
Mattel
Your favourite Muppet character Elmo has come to life with his bobbling talking head, waving arms and standing and sitting motions. Activate Elmo by pressing his tummy or nose, or just tickle him.
Elmo is great fun and can tell you stories, jokes and even sing. Elmo is not just a fun character to have around the house, he’s also a great way to help your child develop listening skills and encourages fun role play.
Elmo is supplied complete with batteries and is suitable for children aged 18 months and over.
FurReal Biscuit, My Lovin’ Pup
Hasbro
All the fun of owning a dog with none without the hassle? FurReal Biscuit is an innovative animatronics dog with moving head, ears and tail that acts and behaves just like a real Golden retriever Puppy.
FurReal Biscuit will respond to 6 real voice commands such as ‘Sit up and beg’ or ‘give me a paw!’.
If you were considering buying your child a dog for Christmas then FurReal Biscuit could make a great alternative option?
High School Musical 3 Musical Dance Mat
Vivid Imaginations
The High School Musical Dance Mat is a fun way to learn all the moves from your favourite musical movie.
There are three levels to master, each progressively more difficult to get your singing and dancing skills up to High School standard.
A great game suitable for all children aged 5 and up.
In The Night Garden
Upsy Daisy and Her Chase and Play Bed
Hasbro
Your favourite In The Night Garden character, Upsy Daisy, needs her sleep time too.
With her own special bed, which she takes everywhere she goes, you can make sure she goes to bed at the right time and gently rock her to sleep.
Suitable for ages 18 months and over.
My Life
Flair Leisure Products
Designed with girls in mind the My Life Simulator is a pocket sized games console with virtual fashion dolls.
You choose who you want to be and develop your own character with your own choice of physical appearance and personality.
Share your virtual life with your friends, add new fashions and accessories organise your life with the handy organiser and use the built-in infra red connection to send messages.
Suitable for girls of 5 and over.
Rescue Pals
Swim To Me Puppy
MGA Entertainment
This cute little puppy will swim all day long if you let him?
Swim to me Puppy has his own goggles and towel and is suitable for all children over 4 years old.
If you love this little puppy and want to give him a home then you can fill out a form on-line and adopt him?
Star Wars Clone Trooper Voice Changer
Hasbro
With realistic voice changing sound effects and battle commentary this Star Wars Clone Trooper Helmet allows you to take your place in the galactic adventures to come.
This securely fitted comfortable and authentic helmet features unique radio static effects, trooper commands and great phrases like ‘I’ve got a bad feeling about this, sir’