BRATZ AND THE CABBAGE PATCH KIDS FIGHT IT OUT (From Barry And District News)

BRATZ AND THE CABBAGE PATCH KIDS FIGHT IT OUT

IT'S going to be dolly warfare this Christmas, as dolls and character figures vie for top place in Santa's sack. That's the verdict of the Toy Retailers Association - who say Barbie is out of the top ten for the first time in years.

TRA Top Ten Toys for Christmas 2004 (in alphabetical order) are: Bratz (Flashback Party) - Vivid (RRP £19.99) Cabbage Patch Kids - Vivid (RRP £19.99) Classic Games (Buckaroo, Twister & Cluedo) - Hasbro (RRP £9.99-£14.99) Dora the Explorer (We Did It Dancing Dora) - Mattel (RRP £29.99) Leapster - LeapFrog (RRP £64.99) Power Rangers (12.5cm Tri-Battliser) - Bandai (RRP £6.99) Robosapiens - Character Options (RRP £79.99) Tamagotchi (Connexion) - Bandai (RRP £12.99) Trampolines (8-14ft) - TP (RRP £149-£299.95) V-Smile - V-Tech (£49.99) The ultracool Bratz are back with Bratz Flashback Party presenting stylish 60s, 70s and 80s fashions. New licence, Dora the Explorer enters with We Did It Dancing Dora and look out for latest arrival, the 80s collectable phenomenon, Cabbage Patch Kids.

But it's not all girl power. Power Rangers 12.5cm Tri-Battiliser is hot favourite for the must-have boy toy and NASA-designed Robosapiens is tipped to be massive among boys and the 'Big Kids' out there. Ben Green, chairman of the TRA says: "Dolls dominate the girls sector, which is worth more than £400 million in total, so it's no wonder the competition is hot. "There's a real mix of must-have dolls combining retro with latest in fashion and it's great to see new licences like Dora performing strongly. Hi-tech toys will also capture the imagination of teenagers and the big kids among us." But family favourites are also big contenders this Christmas. With updated classics Buckaroo, Cluedo and Twister plus the must-have Trampoline, this year's ultimate top ten promises a fun-filled Christmas that will appeal to all ages. Innovation features prominently in pre-school and teen categories throughout the top ten. From robotics through to Vtech's V-smile, teen-hit Tamagotchi with its new baby-making Connexions and family top toy, multimedia Leapster, these will be clear winners this Christmas.

After this year's sensational sporting summer it's no surprise to see sporty toys hitting the spot. "It's so encouraging to see activity toys going strong. Not only is TP's big summer hit the Trampoline predicted to be a favourite, but TV Penalty Shootout, which appears in the hot list of 60, will appeal to active, football fanatics young and old this Christmas," says Ben Green. Commenting on this year's selection, child psychologist Dr Jeffrey Goldstein of the National Toy Council says: "Children are more inclined to play, and will play longer, when toys are available. "A mix of old classics and new innovation will appeal to children, parents and grandparents of all ages and encourage them to play in many different ways. Play is vital to family life and there are toys that stimulate family involvement and play at any age."