By Mattel Matchbox
Not a pleasant name, but it seems to enthrall the children who ‘fed’ him cars and watched him gobble them up and spit them out. He will also talk, and even break into a Fred Astaire-style all-singing, all-dancing routine given enough encouragement.
Child’s verdict: “It doesn’t actually smell but it is is really cool and it is funny when it talks.” Photograph: Paul
By Exclusive Toys
Definitely not one for the Christmas stocking, this car has been designed in conjunction with the REAL engineers of Ferrari and promises the “quality and durability demanded by owners of an adult Ferrari”. Yikes. Suitable for children aged up to six, after which they have hopefully grown out of it.
Child’s verdict: “When you ride on it it feels like a real car.”
Photograph: PR
By Wowee
Offering an instant rock star experience, the computerised instrument allows youngsters to play along to pre-programmed tuns or create their own musical masterpieces. Parents worried about the noise are reassured that it comes with headphones.
Child’s verdict: “It was great fun and I played along to a song I was singing in my head.”
Photograph: PR
By VTech
New technology likely to replicate the success of VTech’s cameras, which have proved best-sellers for the last two Christmases. Features include a built-in video editor, digital zoom and a colour LCD screen as well as games.
Child’s verdict: “It was easy to use and I would like to make my own films.”
Photograph: PR
By Mattel
Forget the old days of accessorising Barbie. This is our favourite leggy plastic doll as she has never been before - with a real video camera inserted into her back. Instant playback is possible.
Child’s verdict: “I love Barbie and the video camera in her back makes her even better.”
Photograph: Mattel
By Bandai
The key to unlocking alien sound and light effects, it launches on 10/10/10 and is predicted to be in great demand for Christmas. A mini disc slogs into the wristband to unleash a calvacade of extraordinary noises.
Child’s verdict: "You feel like you’re turning into an alien.” Photograph: PR
By Character Options
Last year’s surprise sell-out and among the cheaper toys showcased this year’s models have been redesigned to appeal more to boys. The newest creation from the makers of Zhu Zhu Pets involves battle between the Kung Zhu Ninja Warriors and the Kung Zhu Special Forces.
Child's verdict: "These are brilliant and I like the fact that there is armour that you can dress the hamsters in."
Photograph: PR
By Wow! Stuff
So new that only the prototype was available for demonstration. Cheeky, cuddly Dave sits on your shoulder like a parrot and chats to friends and passers-by, offering 32 ‘functions’ including a high-five. Yo Dave!
Child’s verdict: “I said hello to him and he hit me!”
Photograph: PR
By Mattel,
Predicted by Hamleys to be this year’s sell-out given the new Toy Story 3 film, the 12 inch figures comes complete with a rocket pack incorporating afterburner jet lights and sounds. It also comes with laser arm lights and retractable helmet.
Child’s verdict: “The jet blast makes you feel like you are saving the world.”
Photograph: Mattel
By RBM Creations
Hamleys’ best-selling remote-controlled car and popular with both boys and girls - though they can nip adults in the ankles if you are not careful. Performs spins, wheelies and complete 360 degree flips.
Child’s verdict: “It’s amazing what the cars can do and you never get bored with them.”
Photograph: PR
