The 25th is fast approaching, but how can you be sure of buying the right toys? Lindsay Jennings looks at what will be on your child's list

IT'S 4am on Christmas Day. The little ones have just burst into your room and asked if they can get up now and go downstairs to open their presents.

After telling them sternly they will not be seeing Christmas at all unless they go back to bed, you bite your lip and wonder for a second if you've made the right choice.

You spent weeks last year trying to find a folding scooter for the eldest, and paid out a small fortune for what was essentially just an updated version of the most popular toy around when you were young.

But when he eventually tore open the paper on Christmas morning his face dropped. "It isn't the 'right' one," he says, "What do you mean?" you tell him. "It's silver, it has wheels, how many different ones are there?"

Lots, apparently, and If the scenario sounds familiar, you will no doubt be thinking about Christmas already and starting the tortuous hunt for the toys to put a smile on your children's faces. But how can you make sure that you scramble through the toy minefield unscathed?

Bouncing around on a pogo stick at the Toy and Game Fair 2001 in London, the 18 and a half stone representative of Ozbozz toys believes he has the present for this Christmas and it's another one parents will remember well.

"Generally you get three or four crazes every year like the yoyo or the hula-hoop," he says, in between sweaty demonstrations. But there's really been nothing this year so far. The scooters have been selling very well but I think this Christmas the pogo stick will take off in a huge way."

Certainly priced from £12.99 to £19.99, the Ozbozz Pogo Stick is kinder on the pocket than your average 'in' toy.

In a range of trendy colours or emblazoned with the Power Rangers or Action Man logos, they appeal to all ages and sexes. And as Martin heads off for another demonstration, he shows they are sturdy enough with their heavy duty springs to support the dads even after the Christmas pud.

Traditional toys will always see their way onto the top 10 toy list, usually with a modern twist. But as the trends this year show, nothing makes a toy's popularity soar than the imminent release of a book or film. The Harry Potter phenomenon hit the streets some time ago but with the film of Harry Potter and The Philosopher's Stone now showing, expect to see every magical variation on the theme.

LEGO, which continually keeps its miniature building ranges bang up-to-date and collectable, is leading the way with its new series on the young apprentice wizard and his pals Ron and Hermione.

Following on from book and film releases, recreations of the fierce-looking creatures from hit television show Robot Wars have been on the shelves a while. The remote-controlled house robots Matilda and Shunt (priced £54.99) are still expected to strike a chord with adults and kids alike this Christmas particularly with newly launched evil-looking Sir Killalot (£79.99).

Perhaps an unlikely hit in the Christmas Top 10 is the Candy Floss Maker by General Creation. Following on from Slush Puppies and ice cream machines, you can now let the little one make candy-floss just like the stuff you get at the fun fair. At £29.99, it's not cheap, but at least you get to benefit as well.

If you are still stuck for something to buy this Christmas, you could always go for the safe option. The Gameboy Advance is topping the game charts this year along with The Weakest Link Electronic Game (priced £29.99), featuring the dulcet tones of the scathing Anne Robinson.

Another hot gift is the I-Cybie interactive pet robot, but be warned, at £179.99 for the pet which recognises his owners' voice and responds to commands, you need to start saving early. Happy shopping!

Britain's bestselling toys as chosen by the UK Toy and Game Council

1. Gameboy Advance by Nintendo

2. Harry Potter by LEGO

3. The Weakest Link Electronic Game by Tiger

4. Candy Floss Maker by General Creation

5. Thunderbirds by Vivid Imaginations

6. Harry Potter by Mattel

7. Robot Wars by Logistix Kids

8. Nutcracker Princess Barbie by Mattel

9. I-Cybie by Tiger

10. Pogo Stick by various