Christmas Toys: Bargain Buys Among Must-Haves

Parents looking for bargain buys for Christmas could be in luck as half of the toys named as must-haves this year are priced at £25 or less.

The top 11 picks on the Dream Toys 2013 list, published by the Toy Retailers Association (TRA), include a robotic fishbowl, flying fairies, and tablet devices.

Tech toys are expected to perform well this festive season with the new era of increasingly 'techno savvy' kids.

Market research company NPD group has suggested that by the end of the year children’s tablets will become "an £80m market".

Gary Grant, chairman of the Dream Toys committee, said: "The list perfectly illustrates the innovation, diversity and widespread appeal to toys, whilst acknowledging that parents and families need a variety of price options."

However, traditional categories are holding their own with dolls and nostalgic characters updated with a modern twist still going strong.

A revamped version of traditional family favourites like Monopoly and Lego all feature in this year's top 11.

The Dream Toys include an interactive robotic puppy from Character Options, Monster High 13 wishes doll and a doctor's bag playset.

Although this year's wish list is reasonably priced, an industry analyst noted there is set to be an increase in spending on toys.

Frederique Tutt, global toy industry analyst, said: "This festive season, we expect to see a slight increase in toy spend compared to last year."

He feels much of this growth is going to be driven "by a combination of innovation and technology in the sector".

According to research by the TRA, Britons spend £3bn each year on toys.

:: The Dream Toys Christmas for 2013, in alphabetical order:

City Coast Guard, Lego

Doc McStuffins Doctor's Bag Playset, Flair Leisure Products

Flying Fairy by Flutterbye, Spin Master Toys UK

Furby Boom, Hasbro

InnoTab 3s, VTech Electronics Europe

LeapPad Ultra, Leapfrog Toys

Monopoly Empire, Hasbro

Monster High 13 Wishes Doll, Mattel

Nerf N-Strike Elite RapidStrike CS-18, Hasbro

Robo Fishbowl, Zuru-Geemac

Teksta Robotic Puppy, Character Options