Dream Dozen – Top 12 Toys Christmas 2009
December 10th, 2009
The Dream Toys list is compiled and published each year by the Toy Retailers Association (TRA), which aims to provide an official prediction of what will become the best selling toys over Christmas. The TRA’s 2009 Dream Toys list comprises only those products that are priced under £50.00, so customers are faced with affordable options at a time when they are still feeling the effects of the recession. The list is especially useful for parents (and other family members) who want to buy the most fashionable and entertaining toys for children but want to keep costs down. Indeed, it is a nearly impossible task for parents to predict what kind of toys will prove most popular at Christmas, which is why relying upon information supplied by those working in the toy industry is invaluable.
The TRA has been publishing its predictions of best selling Christmas toys since 1998, so the association has plenty of experience in the field. The specific Dream Toys list was first released in 2004 after the TRA had published various other predictions for the Christmas period, including the top 50 toys in 2001. Nevertheless, by concentrating on just 12 of the predicted best selling toys, the revised TRA list is able to provide shoppers with a concise yet comprehensive guide to Christmas toy shopping.
The 2009 Dream Toys list consists of products from all categories supported by the association. Specifically, the Dream Toys list comprises (in alphabetical order) the Bakugan Battle Pack (Spin Master), Battle Strikers Starter Set (Mega Brands), Ben 10 Alien Force Kevin’s DX Action Cruiser (Bandai), Bendaroos Mega Pack (Spin Master), GO GO Pets Hamsters (Character Options), GX Racers Tightrope Terror (Flair), Kidizoom Multimedia Digital Camera (V-Tech), LEGO Games Minotaurus (LEGO), Monopoly City (Hasbro), Princess Peppa’s Palace (Character Options), Sylvanian Families Caravan (Flair) and, last but not least, Transformers Movie 2 Voyagers Figures (Hasbro).
Bakugan Battle Pack (from £14) - Click here to compare prices
The Bakugan Battle Pack is manufactured by Spin Masters and is subject to a recommended retail price of just £19.99. Comprising six Bakugans, six Ability Cards and six Metallic Cards, the highly entertaining Bakugan Battle Pack is designed for children aged five years and over. If you are wondering what Bakugan is all about, you might want to take a quick look at the popular anime series of the same name, which tells the story of battle brawlers who control creatures called Bakugans. If you are still unsure, fear not: Bakugan is very much designed for children.
However, although Bakugan may seem a little simplistic to some parents, the Bakugan Battle Pack toy actually requires relatively advanced strategic skills to play effectively. Furthermore, the simple appeal of the game is what the TRA believes will make it so popular, as addictive games do tend to comprise rather basic elements of game play. The Bakugan Battle Pack is also a superb toy for encouraging mathematical skills, which are required to play the game properly. The product itself is relatively small (29.20 cm x 20.30 cm x 4.40 cm) and lightweight (10g), so it can be easily carried around from room to room and house to house. Moreover, at just £19.99, the Bakugan Battle Pack toy represents excellent value for money and there are plenty of related games and accessories that can be purchased too.
Battle Strikers Starter Set (from £7.50) - Click here to compare prices
The Battle Strikers Starter Set by Mega Brands has a recommended retail price of just £9.99, which is very low considering the entertainment value provided by the toy. Indeed, the Battle Strikers Starter Set is an immensely interactive toy that enables children aged from six years to do battle in a fun and safe manner. Conversely, many parents are likely to be put off by the manufacturer’s description of the toy, which gives the impression of a quite lethal toy that fires projectiles at other kids. However, in reality, this is far from the truth: in fact, the Battle Strikers Starter Set is a safe toy that comprises motorised turbo launchers, magnetic hand controllers and strikers (modern day spinning tops).
Moreover, the battles waged by the toy involve launching the strikers into the Battle Strikers Arena, which measures 28.60 cm x 6.40 cm x 28.60 cm, before using the hand controllers to control their movements against the opponent’s strikers. The strikers spin at approximately 6,300 RPM and contain magnets that can be manipulated by the hand controllers, so kids will be able to direct their movements with excellent precision and control. Not included in the Starter Set, other strikers are available in different weights and sizes, so there are plenty of opportunities to expand on the basic toy. Battle Strikers ratings consist of 3 points for attack, 5 points for defence and 2 points for control.
Ben 10 Alien Force Kevin’s DX Action Cruiser - Click here to compare prices
The popular Ben 10 television adventure has produced a number of top toys during its time and the Alien Force Kevin’s DX Action Cruiser promises to be among the most successful. Manufactured by Bandai and subject to a recommended retail price of £29.99, the DX Action Cruiser may seem a little on the expensive side for those who are unfamiliar with the toy’s numerous features. Indeed, on the face of it, the Ben 10 DX Action Cruiser is just a cool black and green muscle car. However, with a little careful prodding, the toy reveals a number of key features that are virtually guaranteed to prove popular with Ben 10 fans.
When switched to battle mode, the Kevin’s DX Action Cruiser turns into an altogether different machine – or beast – and displays various missiles and removable wings. Furthermore, DNA alien capsules that contain planetary powder (Ben 10 fans will know what this is all about) can be released from beneath the hood of the car, although it is worth noting that these do not shoot out with the same velocity in reality as depicted in the television advertisements. The Ben 10 Alien Force Kevin’s DX Action Cruiser also comes with a 10cm tall Kevin figure and is compatible with other such toys that can be purchased separately.
Bendaroos Mega Pack (from £18.99) - Click here to compare prices
Manufactured by Spin Master and subject to a recommended retail price of £19.99, the Bendaroos Mega Pack is an extremely creative and interactive alternative to more traditional Christmas toys. The Bendaroos Mega Pack box includes 400 Bendaroos, which are essentially flexible building sticks designed for arts and crafts, 2 double-sided templates, a cut and join tool and, for parents, an instruction booklet to work out exactly what to do. The Bendaroos Mega Pack is likely to come in handy when the enjoyment of other Christmas toys has been temporarily exhausted and it is time to build, draw and decorate.
In fact, the Bendaroos Mega Pack provides virtually endless enjoyment in terms of the variety and creativity on offer – Bendaroos can be stuck to almost any surface whilst retaining their shape. Furthermore, Bendaroos can be used again and again, so the fun need not end once all 400 Bendaroos have been snipped and shaped. The flexible nature of Bendaroos is such that almost any shape or form can be created, which means that young minds can run wild – parents are also likely to have with this toy. Offering craft design with no mess included, the Bendaroos Mega Pack comprises twelve rainbow colours and easy to use stencils that will promote hour after hour of enjoyment.
GO GO Pets Hamsters (from £9.99) - Click here to compare prices
It is always possible to predict a best selling Christmas toy by how easily it sells out in shops during November. In respect to GO GO Pets Hamsters, which are manufactured by Character Options and have only recently made it on to the shelves, parents are likely to encounter some difficulties in obtaining these if they leave it too late. In fact, it is quite possible that the stock of GO GO Pets Hamsters across Britain will be depleted before December even arrives, so parents are advised to look hard and fast for these furry little creatures, which have a recommended retail price of just £9.99 but are likely to sell much higher as demand continues to overtake supply.
GO GO Pets Hamsters are available in four different varieties: Chunk (white), Num Nums (grey and white), Pipsqueak (yellow and white) and Mr Squiggles (brown and white). Despite their relatively cheap R.R.P., GO GO Pets Hamsters are far more than just soft and cuddly toys. Indeed, these interactive hamsters boast a realistic look and use advanced artificial intelligence to talk and move around in their habitat, which is sold separately. In fact, the GO GO Pets Hamsters can even spin around in the exercise ball accessory (not included with the hamsters unless purchased in a set), so these furry creatures are every bit as cute and active as real hamsters but have the added bonus of being far more clean.
GX Racers Tightrope Terror (from £19.99) - Click here to compare prices
The GX Racers Tightrope Terror is manufactured by Flair and attracts a recommended retail price of £22.99, which represents excellent value for money considering the toy’s numerous features. As the product’s name would suggest, the GX Racers Tightrope Terror combines incredible tightrope stunts with a traditional toy car and track. Suitable for children aged five years and over, the GX Racers Tightrope Terror consists of one fairly large track set, one GX Racer toy car, a rip cord and one line walking stunt gyro. The toy is best viewed in action, although it can be described as a fun and entertaining stunt car and track product that is arguably intended for greater use amongst boys – although girls and grown-ups are also likely to have lots of fun with it.
Indeed, the GX Racers Tightrope Terror is capable of performing truly unbelievable stunts that appear to defy the laws of gravity. Travelling at fast speeds, the GX Racers races over tightropes and can jump up to 10 ft into the air. An added dimension of fun can be found in the track’s ability to be set up in various ways. For example, the track set can be positioned at two different points in a room, between which the gyroscope and ripcord powered GX Racers will carry out amazing stunts.
Kidizoom Multimedia Digital Camera (from £49.99) - Click here to compare prices
Although it may seem somewhat expensive with a recommended retail price of £49.99, the Kidizoom Multimedia Digital Camera by V-Tech represents superb value for money. Indeed, children love taking pictures of everything and anything, so the Kidizoom Multimedia Digital Camera is an ideal Christmas gift for kids aged 3 years and over. The latest offering from V-Tech is available in three primary styles: blue, pink and camouflage, which are likely to appeal to boys and girls in equal measure. Aside from taking relatively high quality snapshots and including fun on-board editing software, the Kidizoom Multimedia Digital Camera is extremely robust and durable, so kids can keep on taking pictures without their parents worrying too much about the camera’s safety.
Furthermore, despite the camera’s chunky feel, it remains surprisingly lightweight and little hands easily grip the device in order to take pictures. Television or PC cables are supplied with the Kidizoom camera, so children can view their work on the big screen or transfer to the PC for more advanced editing. Featuring a large 1.8 inch LCD colour screen and viewfinder, pictures can be viewed easily on the device, which boasts an impressive 16MB internal memory. Moreover, the capacity to store images can be increased by using an SD card (up to 2GB supported), which is not included with the camera.
LEGO Games Minotaurus (from £14.99) - Click here to compare prices
LEGO toys have long proved popular with kids (and adults) of different generations. Suitable for children aged 7 years and over, the LEGO Games Minotaurus has a recommended retail price of £17.99, although actual shop prices will vary as supply loses ground to demand in the run-up to Christmas. Nevertheless, the LEGO Games Minotaurus comprises the elements of fun and creativity that are traditionally associated with LEGO toys, in addition to more strategic factors. In fact, LEGO Games Minotaurus does not merely feature building blocks as the original LEGO products did.
Indeed, the objective of the game is for a player to lead their LEGO heroes to the temple whilst avoiding the dreaded Minotaur. In the process, players can alter the layout of the LEGO maze in order to scupper the chances of their opponents. This added dimension of an already popular game serves to produce a highly entertaining gaming experience that can be enjoyed by both children and adults. Supporting between two and four players, each game lasts approximately 20-30 minutes, which is just about long enough to keep the attention of young children. As with most other LEGO products, the LEGO Games Minotaurus is virtually guaranteed to be a success, which is why it has secured a place on the TRA’s 2009 Dream Toys list.
Monopoly City (from £19.99) – Click here to compare prices
Monopoly City is produced by Hasbro and has a recommended retail price of £24.99, which is quite inexpensive considering the popularity and entertainment of the classical version of Monopoly. As with the online version of the game (Monopoly City Streets), which was given a trial run up until January 2010, Monopoly City puts a new spin on one of the most successful board games in history. The basic premise of Monopoly City is that players can choose what and where to build with considerably more detail. This lends itself to greater strategic and tactical game play, whilst players can also choose to sabotage their opponents’ properties with sewage plants that reduce rent.
Comprising 80 3-D pieces, Monopoly City allows players to build houses, hotels, industrial sites or even skyscrapers. Schools and stadia can also help to protect developments, whilst the fabled Monopoly Tower can be purchased by those who earn sufficient Monopoly Money (yes, Sterling is no longer the official Monopoly currency). Between two and six players can enjoy Monopoly City at any one time – unless the role of banker is given to an impartial non-player, which is not always a bad idea. Among a number of other changes to the classic version of Monopoly, certain sites are gone, land must be auctioned if not bought by the player who lands on it and there is an electronic auction system for trading existing properties.
Princess Peppa’s Palace (from £34.99) - Click here to compare prices
The popular Peppa Pig franchise comprises one of television’s most adorable family of pigs. In fact, many children love to watch Peppa, George, Mummy and Daddy pig get up to all sorts of adventures, whilst reading books and toys are also popular. Thus, the Princess Peppa’s Palace is a product that made the 2009 Dream Toys list without too much difficulty, as it is virtually guaranteed to prove successful. Manufactured by Character Options and subject to a recommended retail price of £39.99, the Princess Peppa’s Palace is suitable for children aged 3 years or over.
Essentially, the toy is a Peppa Pig themed play set that comprises various parts and characters and can be folded easily when not in use, which helps to keep all the loose components safely together. Princess Peppa’s Palace includes a Princess Peppa figure, two guards and various furniture items, including tables, chairs and beds. The play set even features two thrones, a staircase and a cauldron – although no scary witches are in sight. In short, the Princess Peppa’s Palace is a must-have toy for all Peppa Pig fans.
Sylvanian Families Caravan (from £34.95) - Click here to compare prices
Flair’s second entry on the Dream Toys list of 2009, the Sylvanian Families Caravan, is subject to a recommended retail price of £44.99 and is suitable for most children aged 4 years and over. The Sylvanian Families Caravan is ideal for those kids who enjoy exploring the extent of their imagination and can be especially good fun for anyone who has been or is due to go on a caravan adventure. Indeed, the Sylvanian Families Caravan is a superb toy that boasts excellent attention to detail and contains just about everything that is required for a trip into the great outdoors.
Specifically, the Sylvanian Families Caravan features an open-top roof and side panel, which can be opened to reveal a fully furnished kitchen, living area and bedroom. There is also a toilet and shower at the rear of the caravan, which comprises a basic toilet and sink. The Sylvanian Families Caravan is also likely to appeal to children who watch the Sylvanian Families television show, which is also available on DVD. In any case, the toy’s high level of detail, which is evidenced by fold-out bunk beds, a coffee table, sinks, stove, drawers and even a fold-out ironing board, will be enough to keep most children amused over Christmas.
Transformers Movie 2 Voyagers Figures (from £9.99) - Click here to compare prices
The Transformers Movie 2 Voyagers Figures are manufactured by Hasbro and have a recommended retail price of £22.99, which represents excellent value for money. The Voyagers Figures are available in numerous different varieties, including The Fallen, Desert Tracker Ratchet, Stratosphere, Starscream, Optimus Prime, Ironhide and Mudflap action figures. Undoubtedly, any child of between 5 and 12 years who enjoys the second Transformers movie – or the first, for that matter – is likely to find the Voyagers Figures immensely entertaining.
As can be expected of Transformer toys, the figures easily transform from their vehicle states into the good or bad robots that children know and love from the big screen. With most Voyagers Figures weighing under 1Kg, the toys have a solid feel about them without being too heavy as to be dangerous. Furthermore, the figures are quite durable and robust, so they sustain plenty of knocks and bumps. Indeed, this is an important quality for any action figure toy, not least one that is designed to fundamentally change shape in order to fight titanic battles against other Transformers. Accordingly, children will explore their imaginations as they stage wars between the Voyager Figures, of which there are many to collect.

Night sky lanterns are ideal for just about all festive and celebratory occasions. Available in a range of different shapes and styles, night sky lanterns are essentially large biodegradable lanterns that can float in the air for approximately twenty minutes at an altitude of one mile or higher. In fact, night sky lanterns can travel for surprisingly long distances, 15 miles or more, before the lights go out, so their beauty can be enjoyed far and wide. Especially suited to weddings, carnivals, birthdays, New Year celebrations and various other special occasions such as Guy Fawkes’ Night, sky lanterns create picturesque and memorable moments that light up the dark sky at night. Furthermore, night sky lanterns comprise flame retardant materials and non-drip fuel cells that make them perfectly safe for most intents and purposes – although it would be inadvisable to set these off near a busy airport!
GI Joe The rise of the Cobra is the latest incarnation of the GI series. The blockbuster film was released in August 2009 and starred Christopher Eccleston (Dr. Who), Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje (Mr. Eko from TV’s Lost) and Sienna Miller and focused on the plot of an elite military unit and their battle to save the world!
Dora, her trusty sidekick Boots, the all important ‘Map’ and the lovable rogue – Swiper the Fox, have become firm favourites with children worldwide since their debut in 2000. As well as a successful television series, Dora and her friends feature in a range of books, toys and computer games. The Toys R Us collection of Dora toys and accessories is extensive enough to have a little something for everyone and should please even the pickiest of fans.
Lego has always been pretty innovative stuff. From its birth in the fifties, to its modern day incarnations, Lego has strived to provide children with toys that embrace creativity whilst living up to the Lego ethos -”Only the best is good enough”. From a business point of view, Lego’s success can be attributed to its constant willingness to adapt to new technologies and new market trends. The latest Lego product harnesses new cutting edge technology, resulting in an amazing product!
Since it first became a commercial success in 1958, Lego has been the stuff little kids dreams are made of! You can create anything, be anyone and when you get bored, simply break it all up and start again! Providing hours of entertainment, improving hand to eye co-ordination and encouraging imaginative play, Lego has established itself as the worldwide number #1 toy for children.