Lego Mindstorms robotics kits Various (£44.99 to £159.99)
The must-have toy for budding robot engineers. The Robotics Discovery Set and Droid Developer kits will suit children aged 9 and above, while with Lego's Robotics Invention System kids aged 12 and above can design and program real robots with built-in sensors that move and act, from a light-sensitive intruder alarm to a robotic rover that can follow a trail, move around obstacles and even duck into dark corners. More details from http://mindstorms.lego.com.

Battery operated digger John Lewis (£27.75)
This bright yellow chunky replica of a JCB Backhoe Loader is exactly like the real thing - but just a tad smaller. It is battery operated and comes complete with working crane and loader. Available from all John Lewis stores (not yet available on website) www.johnlewis.co.uk.

Pokemon Pokedex Toys'r'Us (£17.74)
Electronic Encyclopedia of the original 150 Pokemon. Includes Pokemon special attack & action animations. For ages 5 and up. Batteries included. Also available at Toys'R'Us website - www.toysrus.co.uk.

Amazing Ally Toys'r'Us (£54.49)
Just like a real best friend, Ally really knows you and remembers special things about you! She tells stories and jokes, plays games, says over 16 different phrases and her mouth really moves when she talks. She can recognise her playthings, and has an expandable memory so you can share endless new adventures. Includes Tea Party Adventure Wear pack and accessories. Batteries required. Also available at Toys'R'Us website - www.toysrus.co.uk.

Who wants to be a millionaire game (Junior edition) Toys'r'Us (£22.97)
Players aged 8-12 years old answer their way to a million in this junior version of Britain's most exciting TV quiz show. Each player takes it in turn to act as the host, while the others answer the questions using their own hand held display modules. As on the TV show you have three lifelines to help you....or you can even phone a friend. Also available at Toys'R'Us website - www.toysrus.co.uk.

102 Dalmation Poo-Chi Toys'r'Us (£27.99)
Poo-Chi the robotic dog is cute, loveable, and a faithful friend, even though he is stuffed with microchips. The more you care for Poo-Chi the happier he will be - he can sit, stand and dance, bark and sing. Poo-Chi's electronic eyes have four expressions - happy, love, sad and angry - and he will fall asleep when no one is playing with him. Also available at Toys'R'Us website - www.toysrus.co.uk.

Micro skate scooter Toys'r'Us (£79.94)
Anywhere you dare to ride, this silver scooter demands attention. Alloy construction with instant foldability, this go-anywhere scooter is perfect for skate parks, on pavements, in town or virtually anywhere. Recommended for ages 14 years & above. Also available at Toys'R'Us website - www.toysrus.co.uk.

Stunt kite Kite Store (from £88)
For eight year-olds and older, the Flexifoil stunt kite is a breeze - a six wind inflated aerofoil wing which looks like a flying sleeping bag and performs aerial stunts.. Also available in larger sizes. Very easy to assemble. Available at: Kite Store, 69 Neal St, London WC2 (p&p £5.50).

Intel QX3 Computer microscope Various (£79)
Clever microscope which connects to the PC and allows images to be manipulated on-screen. Add your own face to an insect's body and make stickers, posters or send emails. Available at: Dixons, Comet, Argos, etc.

Mouzy money box Purves & Purves (£15.25)
Painted wooden money box. Lift up the mouse's head to put the money in the cheese. Availabe at: Purves and Purves, 220-224 Tottenham Court Road, London (mail order) or on the www.purves.co.uk.

FM Torch Radio Tridias (£9.95)
Turn on and tune in with this blue see-through AM/FM Torch Radio. Ideal for under the bedclothes, it is water resistant and comes with a belt clip for school trips, holidays and activity days, and is supplied with earphones. Needs 2 x AA batteries (see order form). Not a toy. Age 8 years up. Available from Tridias

Pop Up Goal Tridias (£19.95)
No poles, no fuss, flexi-frame design pops up and twist-folds for quick and easy storage. Can be used also for target practice, five-a-side, and 'street hockey' in garden, park , or on the beach. Ground pegs supplied for windy days. Age 3 years up. Available from Tridias

Sequinned pink velvet slippers Graham & Green (£17.95)
The ultimate little girls party slippers fo ages three to eight, with muslin bag included for those muddy days on the way to a party. Available from Graham and Green at 4 Elgin Crescent W11 2JA or by mail order (020 7727 4594, postage and packing £4.95. Last orders 15th Dec.) from Graham & Green

The Times: Push-button playthings
Kari Knight sorts through some electronic winners and losers, all vying for our children's attention this Christmas