From July onwards, many of the UK's household name toy retailers start announcing their predictions of what they think will be the top toys for the Christmas ahead. Whilst skeptics will argue that these 'top 10 toy' lists are based much more on the buying decisions of the retailers rather than a genuine analysis of what really are the best toys of the moment, the predictions always make for interesting reading.
Christmas 2010 predictions have already been released by Woolworths and Hamleys - and it looks as though high-tech toys are very much back on the agenda. This is a far cry from the rather austere, recession-conscious top toy lists of 2009 when every product was aimed at price-aware families and cost less than £50.
Being mentioned in these lists can often lead to a toy being particularly hard to find in the run up to Christmas - something that was particularly evident last year when Go Go Hamsters (as they were called then) were virtually impossible to find during November and December. Keep on reading to see what some major UK retailers think are going to be the biggest sellers for Christmas 2010.
Announced on 1st July 2010
First off the mark this year was Woolworths who clearly wanted to stamp their mark as still being a major player in the world of toys. Jet Pack Buzz Lightyear was singled out by the Brand Director of Woolworths as the top toy of 2010.
The success of Toy Story 3 ensures that Jet Pack Buzz is on the wish lists of many youngsters this Christmas.
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This delightful walker is a perfect Christmas gift to inspire those first steps!
What can we possibly say about these little critters that hasn't already been said?
This magnificent stately manor is the perfect Christmas retreat for your favourite characters from Sylvania.
This state-of-the-art muscle car is loaded with features including missiles and an alien gel shooter.
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Worried about burning the Christmas turkey? There's no need to worry with LEGO's brave firefighters around.
Ensure you don't miss any Christmas Day shenanigans by keeping this video camera close to hand!
This is one of those toys that you'll want to just rip out of its packaging and get racing.
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This is one of the most realistic dolls yet from Zapf. Baby Annabell reacts to her surroundings just like a real baby.
Featuring a stroller, high chair and play yard with carry bag, this deluxe set is ideal for little girls aged 3 and up.
Announced on 1st July 2010
Hamleys were just a few minutes behind Woolworths in announcing their list of top toys for 2010, but in a departure from their usual "Top 10" predictions, this year they announced no fewer than 52 toys! Stinky The Garbage Truck was singled out as being the top toy of the year, although with a hefty price-tag it's unlikely that too many children will be singing along with him on Christmas Day.
Stinky's big personality ensures he's well on his way to being one of the most hard-to-find toys of Christmas 2010.
The main characters from every preschooler's favourite TV show are going to ensure a tuneful Christmas Day for all!
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Dads all over the UK are going to be more than happy to help their children set up their Paper Jamz kit.
Thought the Zhu Zhu Pets were all sweetness and light? Think again... Kung Zhu hamsters have real attitude!
Voted Toy of the Year 2010 in France, Armouron is a futuristic and fully customisable role-play outfit.
The fact this has made it onto the lists of both Woolworths and Hamleys shows it's one to watch this Christmas.
Bring your Ultimate Alien Discs to life by unlocking the voices and sounds of characters from Ben 10.
As the successor of LEGO's popular Bionicle range, the Heros are here to fight off evil and restore peace.
They said it couldn't be done... but Mattel have produced a game where players move objects with pure mind power!
Buzz makes an impressive second entrance into the top toys for Christmas 2010 lists.
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With a tough design, simple operation and sleek looks, this is the perfect starter camera for any child aged 4+.
High-tech is definitely the toy trend for Christmas 2010, and Barbie certainly isn't going to miss out on any of the fun.
Announced on 17th August 2010
It's pretty common for retailers to use their top 10 lists to differentiate their offerings from other stores - and after a recent break from selling toys, the "must have" list from Selfridges is clearly designed to grab some headlines. Quite how many children will actually be driving around the block in a £10,000 pedal car on Christmas morning remains to be seen, but luckily for everyone else the list contains some slightly more affordable products. One of these is Buzz Lightyear who has jet-packed his way into the third top toy list of the year so far.
An exact replica of the original 1936 race car, this 1:2 scale copy of the classic Grand Prix car is limited to just 999 units and costs a staggering £10,000!
Perfect for children aged 4-8, this sporty looking car comes with soft upholstery and Audi-design wheel rims.
Made from sustainable rubberwood, this 2-storey Victorian dolls house is designed and built to perfection.
There's no stopping Buzz this year as he makes an incredible third entrance into another Christmas top toy list.
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Simply attach Go Go's lead and watch this adorable puppy come to life with realistic barking and walking movements!
Using in-built Wi-Fi technology, this drone can be controlled using your iPhone or iPod! This has to be every gadget fan's dream toy!
This 3-wheel trike has stunning manoeuvrability and is undoubedtly one of the trendiest ride-ons to have been released this year.
4 jamming modes and touch-sensitive technology guarantees fun for the whole family on Christmas Day!
The perfect gadget for LEGO fans of all ages - this torch can be powered simply by cranking Lego Man's arm a few times!
Announced on 26th August 2010
The list of 12 top toys from The Entertainer contains a great mix of products, with no less than three toys from Spin Master making the grade this year. As the UK’s leading independent group of over fifty toy shops, The Entertainer is well placed to judge the likely demand for toys in the run-up to Christmas 2010.
It’s no surprise to see two Toy Story 3 lines in the selection – LEGO’s Western Train Set and Vivid Imagination’s Lotso Huggin Bear are sure to be on many Christmas wish lists this year. Meanwhile, the Paper Jamz Guitar by WowWee is one of 2010’s most innovative toys and makes almost anyone into an instant rock star!
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This new lightsaber can be used double-ended or as 2 single versions. Great light and sound effects too!
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This Bakugan set contains 6 unique traps and builds into a huge Maxus Dragonoid monster.
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Anyone can instantly play great music on one of these musical machines!
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Moon Dough is set to continue its summer success with this compound that never dries out!
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This construction set takes the famous Halo video game as its inspiration for a whole series of toys.
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Controlled by infra-red technology, the Vecron Wave lets kids set the height by using their hands!
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Part of a series of collectable characters that are so soft and cuddly, this plush has great colours and facial expressions.
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This Sylvanian Families toy comes complete with George and Mildred Mulberry characters.
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Lotso is not only a lovely soft toy with poseable legs and arms, but also can speak over 45 different phrases!
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The popular Nerf series takes on a new twist with the Deploy that also contains a powerful built in torch.
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This Lego train set features lots of opening traps and doors and includes 6 Lego Minifigures.
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A great 'first' camera that features a colour screen, internal recording memory and digital zoom.
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A traditional combination toy shop and baby clothes boutique.
Online products include toys, gifts, games, RC toys and lots more.
High quality timber model farm buildings in two different scales.