Traditional toys are top of the Christmas wish list this year.

Many of the most in-demand toys are those we remember from our own childhoods. Experts claim this is partly down to the recession, with many people preferring to buy toys that will stand the test of time, rather than indulging in an expensive, quickly-forgotten craze.

Dolls’ prams are proving popular, with many stores increasing their orders to meet demand. Skipton-based pram manufacturer Silver Cross is reporting an increase in sales of its Heritage doll’s pram range.

The company, founded 130 years ago, operated in Guiseley before moving its headquarters to Broughton Hall. It prides itself on tradition, and has recently launched a new toy range embracing its classic styles in time for Christmas.

Larissa Waters, head of toy and gift development at Silver Cross, says the new range encompasses soft toy activities, promoting development through sounds, textures and bright colours; a contemporary range based on Edward Lear’s rhyme, The Owl And The Pussy Cat; and a classic range of traditional toys with Yorkshire themes, such as Bronte Ragdoll and Broughton Bear.

Larissa says there has been an upsurge in demand for heritage items and believes the recession may have some impact on the demand for traditional toys. “People are wanting to spend on things that will last,” she says. “There has been a surge in more traditional toys this year which is why we have included this range alongside the contemporary gift range.”

Alex Samuel, proprietor of Ilkley Toy Museum, which showcases toys from over the centuries, agrees that the recession may be prompting people to purchase traditional toys.

“These are hard times, and I think people are looking for value for money and maybe thinking back to their childhood and the toys they enjoyed,” she says.

The recession has made parents more price-conscious, so the fact that the best-selling toys this Christmas are less than £50 will bring some festive cheer.

The Toy Retailers’ Association’s list of top toys this year includes the action-packed Bakugan Battle pack; Battle Strikers starter set; Ben 10 Aliens Force Kevins DX Action Cruiser; Bendaroos Mega Pack; GX Racers Tightrope Terror; Lego Games Minotaurus and Transformers Movie 2 Voyagers Figures.

Also among 2009’s top toys are Go Go Hamsters, Princess Peppa’s palace, Sylvanian Families caravan, Hasbro’s Monopoly City and Kidizoom Multimedia Digital camera.

As well as new trends, dolls make an appearance. The Baby Annabell; Sally Doll; Barbie and the Three Musketeers Corinne Doll are among the top 12 choices for girls.

Top boys’ toys include TV and film-inspired toys, cars and battle sets, such as the Gormiti Guardian Creature; Screature and the Star Wars Clone Wars Ultimate Blaster.

Gary Grant, chairman of the Toy Retailers’ Association, says: “This year, the toy industry has turned the latest trends into up-to-the-minute concepts to provide today’s kids with innovative and creative toys.

“The top toys really demonstrate how forward-thinking and pioneering the toy industry is. This year’s list also reveals a trend towards nostalgic characters and brands which have been updated with a modern twist. Consumers are reverting back to heritage brands which will last longer than the Christmas season.”

He adds: “With licensed toys combining the fun and familiarity of popular characters as well as collectable, pocket money-priced toys making a big comeback this year, we are in for an affordable, family-orientated Christmas.”

Mick Werkowski, manager of Conways Toymaster in Bradford, says he has noticed an increase in demand for traditional games such as Ludo and Snakes And Ladders.

But, he says, the best-selling toy in his store has been the Go Go Hamster. “They are like gold dust. The Sylvanian Families is also selling very well,” says Mick, who adds that sales have been similar to last year’s.

“People aren’t scrimping at Christmas. They just buy what the children want, and suffer afterwards!” he says.