Scotsman
ALASTAIR JAMIESON
CONSUMER AFFAIRS CORRESPONDENT
MODERN menace the
Crazy Frog sits alongside traditional favourites such as Barbie in an experts' list of toys tipped to be bestsellers this Christmas.
As parents prepare to spend an estimated £2 billion on presents this festive season, the Toy Retailers Association (TRA) has named a dozen must-haves which are new on the shelves.
Some toys, such as the Monopoly Here and Now board- game, are updated versions of old favourites. But increasingly sophisticated technology is driving demand for electronic toys for all age groups, the TRA said.
Most parents dread a repeat of the shortages of Buzz Lightyear in 1995, when toys based on the animated hero were sold out almost everywhere.
The group's predictions are based on feedback from shoppers, children and the latest trends in new products.
Among the most expensive toys aimed at young boys is the £90 Roboraptor - an electronic dinosaur character which comes with its own selection of moods including "hungry", "docile" and "playful".
For girls, the Baby Annabell now boasts real tears and a price tag of £40 - double the cost of the latest Barbie.
The Crazy Frog, a £12 toy character based on the irritating ringtone, is likely to be a winner with younger children.
But the rising demands of gadget-conscious teenagers mean that spending on video games and music systems could far outstrip that on toys. Electrical retailer Comet yesterday predicted its top-sellers this Christmas would be the Apple iPod Nano, the Sony PlayStation Portable and the Xbox 360 games console. None is included in the TRA list as they are not considered toys.
Alex Miller, section manager of the toy department of John Lewis in Edinburgh, said: "Anything that has new technology or is a bit different is likely to be in demand this year."
Ben Green, chairman of the TRA, said:
"New technology is apparent throughout this year - it is exciting to see so many products of such quality on offer, making Christmas all the more thrilling for the 21st-century child."
Retailers also say the trend for retro toys such as the Rubiks Cube and Top Trumps will also continue this year.
But there was some relief for parents yesterday. Asda said it was cutting prices in an effort to turn up the heat on rivals, such as Woolworths and Argos. The supermarket claims it is firing the first shots in the Christmas price war, by cutting the prices on 40 top games, including Cluedo and Guess Who?.
