Back to basics for ‘Dream Dozen’ Christmas toys

PARENTS, you might want to start saving: the Toy Retailers’ Association has published its list of must-have Christmas gifts.

The list compiled by the British-based association is likely to act as a billboard for toy shops around the country and a potential headache for harassed parents, particularly in these straitened financial times.

The so-called ‘dream dozen’ range from €97 for the Lego City Airport, to almost €23 for the Moon Dough Barn.

Helpfully — or unhelpfully, depending on your viewpoint — the TRA has also listed the top 12 toys for boys and girls.

Latest versions of old favourites such as Barbie and Sylvanian Families help make up the list for girls.

The boys’ list is driven by toys originating in films, such as Star Wars and Toy Story 3.

The top 12 toys includes a Jet Pack Buzz Lightyear, while the boys’ list also includes a Sheriff Woody.

Toy Story is also the genesis of one of the toys in the pre-school category, with Lots O’ Huggin Bear, who even smells of strawberries.

In the category of boardgames, buyers can select Scrabble Trickster or Monopoly Revolution, among others, while in the creative toys category children can again go for a Toy Story-themed game, Woody & Buzz to the Rescue.

More musically minded children might make a demand for the Paper Jamz Guitar, while those of a cinematic persuasion might enjoy film makers will love the ‘Animatazz’ — the animated movie-making kit.

Jamie Darby of Smyths Toys Ireland said: “Trends tend to differ between Ireland and UK so the items listed in the Dream Toys Dozen would not necessarily match our predictions for the top toys of Christmas 2010.

“However, there are some items in the Dream Toys Dozen, like the Paper Jamz Guitar, Fur Real Go Go Pup, Nerf N-strike Stampede and Monopoly Revolution, that would also make our top predictions in Ireland, so there is some overlap in trends. “This year’s Top 10 Toys is really about back to basics.”

Ms Darby said the message to parents is to get your toys early to avoid disappointment, with massive demand for Lots O’ Bears and Sylvanian Families products.