Which toys will be in the greatest demand this Christmas? Smyths Toy Superstores have announced their top 15 for the 2018 festive season.

The toyshop chain, which has stores in Ipswich and Colchester, is preparing for its annual rush as parents and grandparents try to snap up this year’s must-have toys in good time for the big day.

This year’s list includes some classics that children are familiar with, including Barbie and Paw Patrol, as well as brand-new toys from some of the biggest brands.

Sinead Byrne, joint head of marketing at Smyths, said: “We are very excited about our unique selection of this year’s hottest toys for the Christmas period. In addition to some familiar items including NERF, Our Generation and Fisher Price, it is great to see some new toys feature in this year’s list.”

Over the years, the most in-demand Christmas toys have ranged from Thunderbirds Tracy Island sets to Furby “pets”. So what’s on the list for this year?

1. Spy Code - Operation Escape: An exciting game which involves collecting keys in challenges of skill, strategy and luck,

2. Our Generation Awesome Academy School Room: A cosy mini-classroom, complete with desks and 92 fun school items.

3. Poopsie Unicorn Slime Surprise Pink/Rainbow: The name of this unicorn gives a clue to its special talent, as a unicorn that poops slime!

4. L.O.L. Surprise! Eye Spy Under Wraps: A series of dolls in disguises, with 15 surprises to unwrap.

5. NERF Laser Ops AlphaPoint Blaster 2-Pack: A pack with everything players need for live-action laser battles.

6. Barbie Dreamhouse Playset: The latest Dreamhouse has three storeys and loads of features including a carport and a working elevator, plus lights, sounds and many additional accessories.

7. Fingerlings Interactive Baby Dragon Sandy: These new baby dragons have interactive responses to sound, motion and touch.

8. PonyCycle Unicorn Ride On: Children can ride this unique unicorn with their feet on the pedals, with no batteries needed.

9. Fisher Price Dance & Groove Rockit: Helping babies to play and learn, this toy features interactive lights, music and phrases.

10. Treasure X Single Pack: This surprise reveal collectable features a pirate adventure and the chance to search for gold.

11. Paw Patrol Ultimate Fire Truck Playset: This vehicle comes complete with an extendable 2ft ladder, flashing lights and sounds.

12. Robot - Boxer: This robot pal is raring to go as soon as it comes out of the box, with no assembly needed.

13. Jurassic World Grab ‘N Growl Indoraptor Dinosaur: This “terrifying” dinosaur is a hybrid of the Indominus Rex and the Velociraptor.

14. So Bomb DIY Bath Bomb Factory: A fun-filled factory with everything you need to make six fizzy bath bombs, including four surprise figures to hide inside.

15. LEGO Harry Potter Hogwarts Great Hall Toy: An amazingly detailed hall with ten mini-figures and a total of 878 pieces.