New toys challenge old favourites

Bug-eyed-delight: One-year-old

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Fads may come and go, but when it comes to children, you can't beat two wheels and a puppy for Christmas.

Toyworld has released its Top 20 Toys for this holiday season and, surprise, surprise, it's packed with the latest releases.

At No 1 is the cryptically-named Bakugan Bakubowl Arena, which is a "range of action-figure warriors which tuck into spheres and pop open when they're rolled onto a game card".

Perennial boys' toys Hot Wheels and Lego also make the top 10 and talking Wot Wots dolls, designed by Weta Workshop, takes out the last spot on the list.

The creepiest toy on the list is the FurReal Lulu, a mechanised cat that responds to petting.

"As you pet her, she will relax, and will roll over to look at you and let you pat her tummy."

Wellington Toyworld Megastore floor manager Nicole Moyes said pre-Christmas sales had been a little slower to pick up, but the favourites were starting to fly out the door.

"Elmo's been pretty popular, because he was No 1 at the New York Toy Fair this year."

Elmo Tickle Hands, a pair of gloves children can wear that vibrate and make noise, is No 6 on Toyworld's list.

Toyworld's picks for Christmas:

* Battle Strikers Ultimate Battle Set: $69.99 - Customisable battling tops, with launchers and magnetic controllers. Ages 6+.

* Ben 10 Ultimate Omnitrix Watch: $29.99 - Attach a Ben 10 Alien Force translucent figure (sold separately) to the watch and unlock special lights and sounds. Ages 4+.

* Bop It: $49.99 - Bop It! Twist It! Pull It! Spin It! Flick It! to a mix of four different music styles. Ages 8+.

* Gogo's Crazy Bones: $5.99 - Based on the traditional knuckle bones. There are hundreds to collect. Ages 4+.

* Elmo Tickle Hands: $59.99 - Big, red, furry Elmo Hands that fit over kids' own hands. They vibrate and say phrases from Elmo. Ages 18 months+.

* Hot Wheels Colour Shifters Custom Shop: $79.99 - Change and detail your car and see it change colour in hot and cold water. Ages 4+.

* Scooters: $59-$129 - still a popular favourite, kids can ride to school and have hours of fun. Ages 5+.

* Littlest Pet Shop Adoption Centre: $69.99 - Colourful pet-sized playset, comes with one husky puppy pet, a big sister husky pet and accessories. Ages 4+.

* Lego City Garage: $169.99 - Build a corner scene from Lego City. Ages 5+. Prices current for November.