Hot Dozen for Christmas 2005 (in alphabetical order)

B Daman Tournament Set - Hasbro
Baby Annabell New - Zapf
Barbie Pegasus Annika - Mattel
Bratz Rock Angelz - Vivid
Crazy Frog Ringtone Plush Character - Vivid
Furby - Hasbro
Monopoly Here and Now - Hasbro
Roboraptor - Character Options
Star Wars Darth Vader Voice Changer - Hasbro
Steam Along Thomas Train Set - Tomy
Tumble Time Tigger - Mattel
Tyco Cyber Shocker - Mattel

Christmas trends

In 1999 Christmas the most wanted toys were Star Wars and Furby. In 2000 the smart toys frenzy reached a peak with Furby (again!) and Baby Furby but also with Poo Chi and Teksta the interactive dogs. In 2001, adults went for Who Wants to be a Millionaire while kids returned to Tracy Island and some more smart dolls like the Diva Starz. In 2002, there was a strong trend towards ‘Real Food’ with the Ready Steady Cook range and more pop and fashion items like karaokes. Boys also started playing with Beyblades... In 2003, karaokes developed into dancemats and fashion victims discovered the Bratz dolls while boys continued collecting Beyblades. 2004 saw the advent of Robosapien, what about 2005? It is more difficult to predict...

Hot Dozen – Christmas 2005

This year, selection was so tough that retailers could not narrow down the list to a Top 10. Novelty is paramount in the toy industry for those who wish to attract kids spend; 2005 will surely remain in our memories as a fantastic year! All toys selected in the Top 60 are brand new on the market! Truly innovative or smart brand or license extension, this year’s Christmas favourites have a massive WOW factor.

Take Thomas steam along train (Tomy) for example, it will ensure further growth for the 60 year old icon as both son and dad are amazed by its (safe) steam feature. Barbie (Mattel) is present once more with Annika and a new enchanting story, Bratz (Vivid Imaginations) is set to rock us hard with the new inspiring Angelz range. For younger girls, Baby Annabell (Zapf Creation) returns with further innovation in the shape of tears. For boys, last year’s sensation, Robosapien, now has a companion in Roboraptor (Character Options), the multi faceted dinosaur. Hasbro is very excited about its new B-Daman concept, set to replace Pokemon in the playgrounds and nevertheless thrilled about the huge success of Star Wars which propelled the Star Wars Darth Vader Voice Changer in the Top 12. Mattel is also fully behind Cyber Shocker, its new amazing radio controlled vehicle along with the lovely Tumble Time Tigger, the latest cutie in the Winnie the Pooh plush range. Finally for the older fans, Monopoly (Hasbro), a best seller for years is set to break all records with the revamped edition of Monopoly Here and Now as Family Games are always a classic for Christmas. Last but not least, the Crazy Frog (yes, the annoying ring tone) might end up in your stocking as Vivid Imaginations is releasing a talking plush for all the fans... unless you get the new Furby – remember? The best seller for 1999 and 2000, smarter and bigger than before...