WITH only weeks to go it's that time of year when present lists are being prepared.

Toy retailers are already brimming with the latest gifts and gadgets ready to meet the demand - but what are this year's most popular toy predictions?

Toys "R" Us, with branches throughout the country, including Bradford and District, has already announced its own list of top toy predictions for Christmas 2016 and, according to the company competition is already hotting up between tech toys and the popular collectibles and characters.

The likes of Lego, the colourful cubes of construction which have entertained generations and continue to do so are among the popular pre-school favourites along with Nerf, Shopkins, Num Noms, Thomas the Tank and Paw Patrol.

Movie character, Hug Time Poppy Doll from the movie Trolls is expected to be the most popular among the movie charater must-haves and the Minions have also popped up on the list with their version of last year's 'Pie Face' phenomenon.

When it comes to techy toys, this year's favourites are Chip the Robot Dog and Furby Connect which, although expensive, combine physical play from the digital dimension and offer interaction too.

SelfieMic promises to be a firm favourite with all the family with this selfie stick and microphone no doubt contributing to the festive entertainment within many households.

Mike Coogan, Marketing & eCommerce Director for Toys“R”Us, UK said, “Parents have a great selection of toys to choose from this year, Tech toys is likely to take the lead but we also have one of our longest standing classic brands with two toys listed in our guide - LEGO has evolved with kids, and their ability to offer role play construction associated with popular TV has been epic.

"Overall, we’re thrilled with the diverse offering we’re able to provide our customers. At Toys“R”Us, we want to make shopping as easy and simple as possible, it’s a fun season and we’re already experiencing parents taking full advantage of shopping early in store, online, mobile and through our click and collect service”.

Among Toys "R" Us other top toy predictions are LEGO Friends Party Shop, LEGO Ninjago Samurai X Cave Chaos, Nerf Tri Strike, Shopkins Shoppies Smoothie Truck, Star Wars Spinning Lightsaber, Thomas Sky High Bridge Set, Toys ‘R’ Us Unicorn and Trolls Hug Time Poppy.

Christmas is, of course, a time when families get together and while technology largely dominates our lives, it's great to see there is also still a place for traditional toys and games - particularly during the holiday period.

Games are a great way of getting together and having fun and, according to Susan Sloan, manager of Toyland Toy shop in Cavendish Street, Keighley, this year's must-have game is 'Speak Out.'

Following on from last year's phenomenon, 'Pie Face' where participants are potentially splatted by the turn of the handle as they try to score points against their opponent, 'Speak Out' is guaranteed to have players in stitches as they attempt to say different phrases while wearing a mouth-piece to prevent them shutting their mouth!

Susan says they have already sold out of the 'Speak Out' games they had in stock and now have a waiting list of up to 40 customers clamouring for the game when it comes back into stock.

'Hatchimals' are also proving popular on children's wish lists this Christmas. These magical interactive creatures live inside eggs and need love and care to hatch.

Youngsters can then nurture their 'Hatchimal' through three stages of life from baby to toddler and each stage it enters it sings 'Hatchy Birthday!'

Susan says while they have had 'Hatchimals' in stock they sold out immediately and are becoming a toy so in demand they are already becoming difficult to get hold of.

Christmas wouldn't be Christmas without technology and gadgets - they tend to be more popular amongst children aged 10 and above, according to Susan, but traditional toys, such as Lego and Hornby, are among the mainstay favourities, along with board games.

"We have always sold lots of games, Monopoly, Ker Plunk, Guess Who, are popular every single year and not just for Christmas, we sell a lot coming up to New Year's Eve," says Susan.

With just over a month to go before Father Christmas responds to those present requests, Susan says they are already seeing increasing demand with increased footfall over their threshold.

Susan's advice to those wanting specific toys is to keep checking the Keighley Toyland Toyshop Facebook page to see their wish list gifts in stock.