As Christmas draws closer parents, grandparents and even aunts and uncles are out there trawling the shelves wondering what on earth they should be buying as Christmas presents this year. We have searched through all the top stores (both online and offline) to find the most popular toys being sold. We have also used an independent group to assess each of these toys (our five girls). There are one or two interesting toys in this list, but what has struck me this year is that almost all of them are gadget type toys. Check them out for yourself.

Imaginext Bigfoot The Monster

Fisher Price brings us a 14 inch high BIGFOOT the Monster toy complete with toddler friendly remote control. It doesn't come cheap with average prices between (US)$80-$100. Age 3-8 years

My Pillow Pets

What a cute idea. A toy that also serves as a nap or travel pillow. You can choose from a range that includes a unicorn, a ladybug, a puppy, a dolphin, a penguin, and even a monkey. Expensive for a pillow at $25, but then, it is a cute toy as well. Age 3 years plus

Zhu Zhu Hamsters

Rated the number one toy last year, they are still popular again this year. Prices are under ten bucks this year and there are plenty around. There are new and improved hamsters in the range this year so if you have a child that likes these, check out the new range. Age 3 years plus

Sing-A-Ma-Jigs

Every year a new toy pops up and grabs the attention of most kids. This year it's Sing-A-Ma-Jigs, a small plush toy that sings when you push its' belly. Don't expect number one hits, there are six toys in the range and they song like When The Saints go Marching In and Oh Suzanna - hardly kids favorites, but they are selling well. From Fisher Price so you know there is some quality. Retails between $10-$25 depending on which one you buy. Age 3-6 years

Barbie Video Girl

What's a Christmas without a Barbie of some shape or description. This is Barbie with a difference as she enters the 21st century big time. Barbie Video Girl of course comes complete with a video camera in her back. You can record and view videos direct from the world of Barbie. $45-$60. Ages 5 years plus.

Xbox Kinect

- Xbox goes to a whole new level with this control free gadget. Everything is voice activated and a video camera is used to register the users game play. You can run, jump, throw and a million other actions live inside the game. This takes game play to a whole new level and guess what - if your teen doesn't listen, the Kinect will - just shout out 'STOP' and it will. Priced at less than $300 and suited for 10 years and older.

Lego Board Games

- There are a wide selection of Lego board games available including Harry Potter, Toy Story and Star Wars. Prices vary (Harry Potter around $50) as to age ranges - but they are proving to be popular with 8-adult age group.

vTech vReader

- eReaders are becoming popular especially with the advent of the Kindle and other ereaders. Of course, these have been around for years in limited formats - the vTech vReader is one that comes close to the Kindle in that you can download content. It comes with touch screen capabilities, narrators, different character voices, and a variety of great illustrations. It also has interactive features to help with reading comprehension levels. eReader priced at around $60 with cartridges priced from $20. Ages 3-8 years

Loopz

- a game with a difference. Based on the old 'Simon Says' game, Loopz can be played by up to four players and uses speed, hand-eye coordination, and even memory to complete a set of tasks. Consisting of four different loops, players have to move their hands through the rings as the patterns come out. It only gets more complicated as time goes on, and there are seven different ways to play. Around $30 and suited for ages 5 plus.

vTech MobiGo

- finally a real hand held video game device for the 3-5 year age group. It comes with a QWERTY keyboard, touch screen and very playable learning games. Better yet, it's perfectly sized for those little hands. Well priced at $60 with game cartridges priced from $20. Game cartridges include Toy Story 3, Disney Cars and the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse to name a few. Ages 3-5 years.

I am sure you can find a decent range of options from that list. All are available from Amazon if you like to shop online or from your favorite toy store. Shop from Amazon this week - Cyber Week, and make big savings off regular prices.