IT is that time of the year again, when children who hope Father Christmas considered them to be good little boys and girls wait with bated breath to see what gifts were left for them under the tree.
Toy stores say they are already in high gear and people have started their Christmas shopping early this year to ensure they get the perfect gift for their little princes and princesses.
Reggies at The Bridge in Port Elizabeth said they had been busy from December 1 and some stock had already needed to be reordered.
Shop assistant Narina Ndlovu said their popular remote-controlled helicopter for R199.90 was sold out on December 11 and had to be reordered.
"Other top gifts for boys this year are the Hot Wheels sets which have little cars and accessories and are priced from R20 to R399. Remote-controlled cars of all shapes and sizes are the most popular," she said.
For younger boys, Ndlovu said the Cat Junior truck sets were good sellers as well as the Cosmic Robot which sold for R99. PlayStation 2 and 3 and the various games were still popular this year, alongside the Nintendo Wii.
"We also have the Leapster Explorer and LeapPad which resemble iPads. They range from R699 to R1499 and they are also very popular."
For little girls, the Popstar Barbie is a popular choice, as the R299 doll is capable of singing tunes. Zoobles balls and accessories ranging from R40 to R129 are also selling well.
"Monster High dolls are also in demand and are priced from R179 to R349. For younger girls, the mini kitchen sets are a big hit," Ndlovu said.
For toddlers, the amazing keyboard which makes animal sounds for R99.90 and the musical wind-up TV, also for R99.90, are selling well.
At Moffet Retail Park, Toys R Us store assistant Hester January said shoppers were coming in especially for the Popstar Barbie for R299 and the Hair Artist Barbie for R349.90, which includes stencils for painting designs onto the doll's hair.
"The Barbie wardrobe with four outfits for R299 and the Monster High dolls are also big this year. The Steffi Hawaii Camper for R499.90, which comes with a doll, a caravan, table, chairs and umbrella, is also being requested," January said.
Store assistant Paul Botha said popular gifts for boys and girls were wheelie shoes, similar to roller skates or blades, which were selling well.
"The kids roadster is a top choice. It is a car where the child can drive himself around or it can be remote-controlled by the parents. It is R1295. The Max Quad Ride On for R999.90 is a four-wheel mini quad bike and also popular," he said.
Botha said the Hot Wheels range was popular, as well as the Sky Hawk remote control helicopter for R199.90 and the X-Gallop remote-controlled car for R150 which has LED wheels that light up.
The Fast Lane play mat, which resembles a little highway and comes with two cars for R139.90, was also selling well.
