The more things change the more they stay the same.

The Toy Retailers Association (TRA) today launched its list of what it thinks will be this Christmas's bestsellers and there is not much difference to the toys children were getting in their stockings 40 years ago.

This year’s top twelve predictions includes a Bratz doll with a real diamond, a dancing Barbie, a programmable car from the film Cars, a Dr Who Dalek and a Trivial Pursuit game.

Way back when, before children could order their own stuff online, it was still dolls and cars that their parents were talking about in the playground.

Action Man won the first Toy of the Year award in 1966, causing a sensation as it was the first doll for boys. Two years later it was the turn of Sindy, who won the award back in 1970, taking it from Hot Wheels Cars.

Although technology has played a huge part in the development of toys, with interactive options available on most games, the basics have not changed.

Val Stedham, president of the TRA, said: "They were good enough to play with then and they are good enough to play with now, although technology has obviously made things different.

"Years ago we had Lego (winner 1974/5) but now you have Mindstorms NXT, a robot you can programme to do what you want rather than just build towers and walls.

"Around Christmas most families will buy a board game and they are still as popular as ever."

In fact a new board game of the series Deal or No Deal, that saw the television spotlight once again fall on Noel Edmonds, is in the top 12. The game is also available in electronic form for one player or four.

Dr Who, first available in 1965, is still popular and the figures, available for £6.99, are fast becoming collectors' items.

Hollywood movies Pirates Of The Caribbean and Star Wars have also made their mark and are predicted to be popular this year.

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