Barbie, robot toys, Monopoly top Xmas gift wish list

Build-it-yourself Lego, robotic pets, television and film character-inspired toys, along with a new take on that old favourite Monopoly, will top the Christmas wish list for 2010, Britain's Toy Retailers Association (TRA) predicted on Wednesday. Mattel's new Jet Pack Buzz Lightyear from the "Toy Story" film franchise, City Airport from Lego, Hasbro's FurReal Go Go Walking Pup and Monopoly Revolution are just four of the TRA's "Dream Dozen" 2010 list. "The technological advancements used in many of the toys we reviewed this year were simply amazing, and demonstrate how forward-thinking manufacturers are," said the Chairman of the TRA's Dream Toys Selection Panel, Gary Grant. The annual list is the industry's official prediction of bestsellers over Christmas, a key period in the retail calendar and a bellwether for economic activity. Monopoly Revolution is an example of how toy manufacturers are using technology to reinvent old favourites for the computer generation. In this latest version of the classic family board game about real estate, the old square board has been replaced with a round one, the property prices have been dramatically increased to reflect rises in the real world and a game pod device now serves as banker, die and music player. This year, the TRA list is also packed full of kiddie versions of adult gadgets, including children's video cameras and electric guitars. Lifelike robotic puppies and children's grooming salons will also be popular. Top toys for girls this Christmas will be all about animals, dolls and grooming, while boys' toys are packed with television and film-licensed figures as well as battle-related sets and games, the TRA said. The top toy offerings for girls include the Barbie Puppy Swim School, and ZhuZhu Grooming Salon for the hamsters who took the market by storm last year. The FurReal Go Go Walking Pup and AniMagic Tender Care Twins could be the closest some kids might get to owning a real-life puppy. The list for girls will also include Bratz 10.10.10, Moxie Girlz Art-titude Dolls, Baby Alive Bouncing Babbles and Barbie A Fashion Fairytale Doll. For boys, "Toy Story 3" has been brought to life with the Jet Pack Buzz Lightyear and Sheriff Woody whilst a revived interest among young boys in the "Star Wars" film franchise brings Clone Wars General Grievous Lightsaber and Hoth Wampa Cave. British television's time-travelling "Doctor Who" devotees might hanker for the Eleventh Doctor Sonic Screwdriver and devotees of the videogame "Halo" are offered the UNSC Arctic Rocket Warthog all-purpose armoured 4X4 vehicle.