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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Lifestyle
Rachel Holmes

Top toys for Christmas 2011 - in pictures

Top toys: Nerf Vortex Nitron Blaster by Hasbro
Nerf Vortex Nitron Blaster
Let your kids work out their disagreements in a Battle Royale-style shootout with the first fully automatic, clip-fed disc blaster in the Nerf Vortex line
Photograph: PR
Top toys:  Moshling Treehouse by Vivid Imaginations
Moshling Treehouse
Most sensible people would think that by virtue of their name, Moshlings should be kept in a moshpit full of pogoing teenagers. But, according to toy manufacturers, their perfect abode is among the plastic leaves and branches of the Moshling Treehouse. This one comes complete with a basket lift
Photograph: PR
Top toys: Doggie Doo by John Adams Leisure Ltd
Doggie Doo
According to the game's instructions, 'Players throw the dice to determine how often they squeeze the dachshund's lead. Each squeeze pushes the plasticine poop nearer to fruition and when the deed is done, players scoop the poop.' Not only brilliant fun then, it also teaches responsible pet ownership
Photograph: PR
Top toys: Fijit Friends by Mattel
Fijit Friend
Looks a bit like a Tellytubby; moves, speaks and even tells jokes in response to your voice; has beat recognition that allows it to dance along to music. Basically the Fijit Friend is an all-singing, all-dancing toy. But can it do the Guardian cryptic crossword? No. It can't
Photograph: Jeremy Lloyd/PR
Top toys: Fireman Sam: Pontypandy Multi Rescue Set by Character Options
Fireman Sam: Pontypandy Multi Rescue Set
Enjoy watching your children make-believe that people are dying in a towering Welsh inferno. Will Sam get there in time to save a plastic Norman from melting? Who knows
Photograph: PR
Top toys: Kidizoom Twist by VTech
Kidizoom Twist
Voice-changing effects, a two megapixel camera with a twisting lens, video capabilities, edit functions and games. This is the camera with everything, for the child you need to keep quiet
Photograph: PR
Top toys: LeapPad Explorer by Leapfrog Toys
LeapPad Explorer
It's like an iPad, but not an iPad. And that's a good thing because it's for children. They would just break an iPad. The LeapPad Explorer has 100+ learning games, book apps, videos and more. Why go to school when it's all on here?
Photograph: PR
Top toys: Lets Rock Elmo by Hasbro
Let's Rock Elmo
We. Want. To. Join. Elmo's. Band.
Photograph: PR
Top toys: Milky the Bunny by Flair Leisure Products Plc
Milky the Bunny
The kind of rabbit you know will eventually be the star of a horror movie where it comes to life and runs amok, killing entire families. The PR blurb says, 'Also with a random play function, you never know what he will do next!' See?
Photograph: PR
Top toys: Monster High Lagoona's Hydration Station by Mattel
Monster High Lagoona's Hydration Station
Being made from plastic has its advantages. For example Lagoona Blue, daughter of the infamous sea monster, never gets the raisin-like fingertips we experience after too long in the bath
Photograph: PR
Top toys: Ninjago Fire Temple by LEGO Company Ltd
Ninjago Fire Temple
The latest Lego creation will teach children about culture as well as bloodlust. Take note of the intricate Japanese architecture of the Ninjago Fire Temple. Then smite Lord Garmadon and his evil skeleton army
Photograph: PR
Top toys: Star Wars Ultimate Force Tech Lightsaber Assortment by Hasbro
Star Wars Ultimate Force Tech Lightsaber
Make like Yoda with this new lightsaber. It's got more sound effects and better lights now. [Somebody make this franchise die]
Photograph: PR
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