British store predicts top holiday toys

LONDON, July 18 (UPI) -- A British toy store has unveiled what it believes will be the hottest toys for Christmas 2008, with the store's chief buyer predicting a "retro" trend.

Ian Gibbs, chief buyer for Hamleys toy store, said at the retail powerhouse's annual presentation of its predicted top toys for the coming holiday season that stylophones and toys featuring classic cartoon characters such as Snoopy, Emu and Spit the Dog will be hot sellers this year, The Times of London reported Friday.

"Every so often you can spot a fad, and this year it's toys that parents and grandparents will remember and love and will want to pass on to their children," he said.

However, Gibbs said high demand is also expected for more modern fare, including remote controlled helicopters, sound-activated kung fu action figures and Dalek voice changers from the BBC's popular "Doctor Who" sci-fi program.

"The more realistic a toy is, the more excited the children get," Gibbs said.