Why it's hot: Toy retailers say the Transformers movie figurines remain the hottest toys this year even though the film was released in June. But good luck if you are trying to get the most sought-after one of them all: Bumblebee. It's out of stock at many stores and others have started a waiting list for those dying to get their hands on this Autobot.
Desirability: ****
Price: $26.90, available at Toys 'R' Us
2. TMX Elmo Extra Special Edition
Why it's hot: The much-anticipated, top-secret 10th-anniversary TMX ('Tickle Me Extreme') Elmo was launched last year to great fanfare. Limited stocks meant that it was snapped up swiftly and it became one of Toys R Us' best-sellers here. The store expects its successor to do just as well this year. After all, the hysterically laughing, belly-clutching, floor-thumping Elmo can now sing songs, too.
Desirability: ***
Price: $119.90, available at Toys 'R' Us
3. Ben 10 Omnitrix F/X
Why it's hot: The latest American cartoon sensation has hit local shores and children here are smitten. Ben 10 is a cartoon about Ben Tennyson, a 10-year-old boy who is nearly hit by an alien pod during a summer camping trip and finds a mysterious watch-like device - the Omnitrix - which gives him the ability to transform himself into different aliens, each with its own powers.
Ben 10 figurines are in great demand in the United States so much so that Singapore sales assistants have seen customers here snap up entire boxes to sell at double the price to overseas buyers. Children, however, will tell you that all they want is the replica of the Omnitrix.
Desirability: ****
Price: $49.95, available at Takashimaya
4. Power Rangers Mystic Morpher
Why it's hot: The Power Rangers never die - they just, well, morph into other teams. The latest group is Power Rangers Mystic Force, whose members use the Mystic Morpher to transform themselves. With the show riding a wave of popularity on TV now, it's no wonder every child wants his own Morpher.
Desirability: ***
Price: $29.95, available at Takashimaya
5. Barbie as The Island Princess
Why it's hot: The ever-popular, forever-youthful Barbie releases a special festive edition every year - this year, she is Rosella the Island Princess. Shipwrecked on a tropical island when she was only six, Rosella lived there with her animal friends until she is 16, when Prince Antonio comes and whisks her back to his kingdom. One, two, three: Awwww...
Desirability: ***
Price: $39.90 (Princess Rosella) and $19.90 (Prince Antonio), available at Tangs
6. Lego Star Wars
Why it's hot: The Force is never weak when it comes to Star Wars, says Toy Plaza owner Abbas Hamid. Lego's 30th anniversary Star Wars series - launched this year - is a consistent favourite among both adults and children. Among the newer releases is the Imperial Landing Craft, equipped with Imperial pilot, Sandtrooper and Stormtrooper mini-figures.
Why it's hot: Pardon the pun but these nifty choppers have really taken off this year. At Carrefour, remote-controlled helicopters have sold so well that in the last three months, the store has upped the number of airplane, kite and helicopter models from three to 10. Prices range from $29.90 to $99.90, but the best-seller is the Speed-Tech Bumblebee (not to be confused with the Transformer Bumblebee).
Desirability: ***
Price: $29.90, available at Carrefour
8. Sylvanian Families Grand Hotel
Why it's hot: Deck super-cute Japanese animal figurines in country-style clothes, put them in a quaint mansion and you get Sylvanian Families. You can understand why girls love them - who can resist a whole family of ducks in matching tops?
Desirability: ***
Price: $219.95 (Grand Hotel), $37.95 (family figurines), available at Takashimaya
9. PSP Slim & Lite
Why it's hot: The electronic gadget that every teenager has glued to his hand on the bus or MRT has gone sleeker and more colourful, while improving on its functionality and price. It comes in six colours but we hear that the more popular ones - like the original black or white models - are already sold out in some stores since being launched last month.
Desirability: *****
Price: $280, available at Takashimaya
10. Tamagotchi Ver 4.5
Why it's hot: A decade after Tamagotchi fever died down, the imaginary pet has rebooted itself and is enjoying a second spell of popularity. Tamagotchi Connections, which allows the pets to interact with one another through infrared sensors, has already sold 20 million units worldwide since 2004.
Now it isn't merely about feeding your pet - the latest version, 4.5, allows your pet to have a career (which includes being a rock star). Version 5, which involves taking care of an entire family of five Tamagotchis, is slated for release next year.
Desirability: ***
Price: $39.95, available at major department stores
DON'T play with safety. Here are some tips on selecting the right toys and keeping them safe for children:
Read the safety instructions carefully.
Look for labels that give age recommendations.
Check toys periodically for breakage and potential hazards. Damaged toys should be repaired or thrown away.
Teach children to put toys away after playing with them so they don't trip over them.
For children under three years old, avoid buying toys meant for older children as they may have small parts that pose a choking or safety hazard. Look for toys that are well made with tightly secured parts.
Avoid toys with sharp edges, points and corners, particularly for younger children aged fro three to five years old, avoid toys made of thin, brittle plastic that might easily break into small pieces or leave jagged edges.
Be cautious when buying toys with electrical and heating elements as these could pose a potential burn hazard.
Look for household art materials, including crayons and paint sets, marked with the designation "ASTM D-4236". This means product has been reviewed by a toxicologist - an expert in poisionous substances - and, if necessary, labelled with cautionary information.
Discard new toy packaging materials properly; as the plastic bags nd cords may cause suffocation or choking.
Do some research before buying. Go online and check reviews and feedback from custimers who have bought the toys. Get recommendations from friends who have bought the playthings before.
Compiled from information provided by the Consumers Association of Singapore, toy retailers and Dr Roby Marcou, developmental and behavioural paediatrician, Raffles Hospital
