The Toy Retailers Association's Dream Toys 2011
[881] According to the Toy Retailers Association the following toys are the 'must have' Christmas toys for 2011.
I thought for this article I'd put a different spin on things and ask my two boys for their opinions on each one and rate them out of ten. James and Lee ( the names have been changed to protect, mainly, 'James' from ridicule by his mates) are aged 9 and 6 respectively.
So without any further ado here's the list.
- Doggie Doo - John Adams
- Fijit Friends - Mattel
- Fireman Sam Pontypandy Rescue Set - Character
- Kidizoom Twist - Vtech
- LeapPad Explorer - Leapfrog Toys
- Lets Rock Elmo - Hasbro
- Milky the Bunny - Flair
- Monster High Lagoona’s Hydration Station - Mattel
- Moshling Tree House - Vivid
- Nerf Vortex Nitron Blaster - Hasbro
- Ninjago Fire Temple - Lego
- Star Wars Ultimate Force Tech Lightsaber Assortment - Hasbro
Doggie Doo
So first we'll deal with Doggie Doo. There's a sentence I never thought I'd write!

The aim of the game here is to see who can scoop the most poop. Presumably at the design stage this seemed like a good idea and nobody had the nerve to stop them.
Lee said, "Yeah, looks good I'd play it." 7/10
James said, "Erm, no I don't think so." 3/10
Fijit
Ok, next up is Fijit. Fijit is a one of the those interactive, makes lots of noise type toys. Guaranteed to get on your nerves.

James opined, "I'm not into dancing purple robots, I don't like it at all." 0/10
Lee didn't seem particularly keen either, "I wouldn't buy it." 0/10
Fireman Sam
Right what's next? Ah yes, Fireman Sam. Now this will surely get the juices flowing.

Described as 'Multi Disaster' play set in the press release, but with the more politically correct 'Multi Rescue' Playset on the box.
James - "If I was 3 I might find this quite interesting." 8/10
Lee - "If I was 3 I would kiss it goodnight!" 9/10
Kidizoom Twist
Moving on, we have the Kidizoom Twist from Vtech. This is a kid's camera with a 'Twisting Lens'. "Great, but does it take pictures?" I hear you cry. Yes it does. Lots.

Let's get Lee's rating shall we? 10/10 . Top marks, not too shabby that is it?
Here's what he said, "Ooh I had one a bit like this and I liked it."
James voted with his feet - "I'd just want a normal camera." 2/10
Lee - "But you can play games on it.."
LeapPad Explorer
Credit: TRA
A learning tablet for children, with camera, games, video and apps.
James - "Looks a bit childish, who would want that? Can I borrow your laptop please Dad?" 6/10
Lee - "Great, that would help me do my reading!" 3/10*
*Disclaimer: The logic of kids.
Lets Rock Elmo
An interactive sing a-long Elmo toy. What more is there to say?

James thought he'd be amusing at this point, "I'll get that for you Dad!" 9/10
Lee went with, "Nooo." 6/10
Milky the Bunny

From what I can tell it's a furry movable bunny. A bit like Fijit, but furry. A bit like Furby but a rabbit.
James - "That's a girls toy." 0/10
Lee - "If I was a girl, but I'm not, that looks quite good." 8/10
Monster High Lagoona's Hydration Station

I have to confess; even after reading the blurb, I've no idea what this is. Is it a lamp? Is it a doll? I don't know and frankly, I don't care!
Lee - "I'm getting bored now daddy." 0/10
James - "What the!" 0/10
Moshling Tree House
A storage tree for your Moshlings Monsters, or put another way - Stop using that old margarine tub your kids are using at the moment and buy this piece of plastic instead.

Lee - "That reminds me, can you buy me some cards? Buy it, buy it, buy it!" 10/10
James - "I'd give him a day with it before he loses interest." 5/10
Nerf Vortex Nitro Blaster

This is more like it! A blaster that fires discs, 20 of them.
James - "It fires discs and they're better because they go further." 10/10
Lee - "Looks cool, I'd buy it!" 10/10
Ninjago Fire Temple
Lego. If I step on another piece then I won't be held responsible for the consequences of my actions.

Lee - "I'd love it, looks good" 8/10
James - "Looks good, but I'm not into Lego anymore" 9/10
Star Wars Ultimate Force Lightsaber
Credit: TRA
James - "Can I have one please?" 7/10
Lee -"I don't like Star Wars anymore" 3/10
theanfieldkop - "I want one!" 10/10
So there you have it. The top 12 Christmas Toys 2011 reviewed. Thanks boys.
I'm not sure I'd rely too much on their opinion though!