All I want for Christmas is . . .
It's official – Santa's dream dozen 2013 features furry critters, high tech pets and children's tablets, writes Claire Dunn.
But also in the mix of predicted top toys this year are traditional festive kids' favourites Barbie and Lego.
With 81 days to go until Christmas, toy experts have been taking the wrapping paper off what they think will be flying off the shelves.
And this year, it appears that techonology and gadgets rule.
They claim Santa's lists will feature the new look Furby Boom which youngsters can feed, virtual wash and x-ray to see if it's hungry and which is expected to claim the bestseller title again this year.
The LeapPad tablet also makes a return to the top-seller list this year along with the VTech Innotab 3.
What was your best ever Christmas present? Let us know in the comment box below.
Toy giant Hamleys says it believes that virtual pets Teksta and Robo Fish – one of the fastest selling toys of all time – will top wishlists while Argos says a new-look Monopoly board is also up there.
Buyers at Smyths Toys Superstores also claim the emphasis will be on Teksta along with Furby and children's tablets.
However, it says many more traditional toys, dolls and plush Lego models also take pride of place within the selection.
Toys linked to this year's biggest box office hits Despicable Me 2 and Disney's Planes also feature on the list.
Dryden Geary, marketing manager for Smyths Toys Superstores, said: "We have a huge range of fantastic toys that are certain to be competing to be this year's top toy for children nationwide.
"Technology rules the list, with Teksta and children's tablets tipped for the top, but the Lego range and Barbie are still proving as popular as ever."
Twelve of the predicted top toys this year are:
Furby Boom – £59.99
This new creature has bold new patterns, more than twice as many responses as the previous Furby and has five new personalities. Users can feed the creature with their finger and a free Furby app translates Furbish into English.
Innotab 3/LeapPad Ultra – From £64.99 each
VTech InnoTab is another tablet aimed at children which offers age-appropriate games and apps. Users can read interactive e-books and learn vocabulary with the inbuilt dictionary.
Lego Star Wars Death Star 10188 – £274.99
The set contains a massive 3,802 pieces and 25 Star Wars characters and droids. Once completed, the Lego Star Wars Death Star 10188 measures a colossal 16ins (41cm) tall and 16.5ins (42cm) wide.
Lego Friends Dolphin Cruiser 41015 – £57.99
The cruiser is not digital but features a waterslide, a captain's deck, a kitchen and a living room. Accessories include waterskis, dolphin sonar, a sofa and dolphin food.
Disney Infinity Starter Pack – From £47.90
Disney Infinity is an all new gaming experience where users can play with their favourite Disney and Disney/Pixar characters and create their own adventures.
Barbie Mariposa Doll – £18.49
Barbie meets fairy princess. Youngsters can push the button on Barbie's necklace to see her glittery, butterfly wings pop out, then turn the knob on the dolls back to fold them back into a pretty, princess dress.
Despicable Me 2 20cm Talking Minion Dave – £29.99
Following this summer's blockbuster sequel experts say youngsters will want to take home their very own Minion Dave who comes equipped with over 60 Minion phrases and sound effects.
Disney Planes Tilt-n-Fly Dusty – £37.99
Planes' Wing Control Dusty has sensors which enables it to react to its user's movements – if a child turns right the plane follows, giving a more interactive experience
NERF N-Strike Elite Mega Centurion – £39.99
Described as the longest NERF blaster ever, this NERF can shoot mega darts that fly up to 100 feet.
Monster High 13 Wishes Dolls – £12.69 each
These freakish dolls are expected to be a top seller on the back of a DVD of the same name and follows the tale of Howleen Wolf who stumbles upon a lantern that grants her 13 wishes. The dolls are for children aged three and over.
Teksta – £59.99
Puppy Teksta responds to voices and physical gestures as well as lights and sounds.
Talking Sofia – £44.99
This large-scale Sofia doll interacts with the included animal friends and features more than 30 phrases.
What was your best ever Christmas present? Let us know in the comment box below.
