Argos unveils its TopToy predictions for Christmas inspired by child development research

Argos has revealed its ‘Top Toy’ predictions for Christmas 2013 inspired by research claiming that children’s wish lists can hint to their personal development.

The research – carried out by Argos – revealed that one in ten parents admitted that they actively buy toys to encourage their child’s interest in a certain job.

The toy specialists at Argos teamed up with parenting experts to analyse children’s interaction with toys.

A statement from Argos claimed that a ‘direct link had been identified with play and the fostering of vocational skills.’

Following this research, Argos has unveiled its top toy predictions for Christmas in line with the skills and passions each toy highlights and potential professions these attributes are fitted to:

Toy Skills/passions Profession
Furby Boom Confidence, empathy, Teacher

Teksta Dog Nurturing, animal lover Vet, dog walker, zoo keeper

Sesame Street Elmo Hugs Patience, loving Nurse, child minder

LeapFrog LeapPad Ultra Research, informative Doctor

Sofia The First Talking Sophia Eye for detail and style Fashion / lifestyle stylist

Lego Star Wars R2D2 Design, construction Engineer

Monopoly Empire Money management, property skills Banker, estate agent, entrepreneur

Planes Wing Control Dusty Imagination, story telling Journalist, author

 Nerf Elite Rapidstrike CS-18 Courage, fairness, teamwork Policeman, policewoman

Lego Friends Dolphin Cruiser DIY, creativity Interior designer

VTech InnoTab Technological App developer, coder

Flying Fairy by Flutterbye Dance, movement Entertainer

Andrea Abbis, chief toy buyer at Argos, said: "Play time needs to be fun, so we see it as a bonus if this activity then goes on to inspire our children and develop new interests.

"This year we’ve had fun imagining what career paths our Top Toys inspire and they are a skilful bunch, from app developers to engineers we have definitely seen them all in a new light."

Anita Naik, author and parenting expert, said: "Observing how children chose the toys they want to play with and how they play with them can give clues into their future interests and possible jobs.

"From children creating a vivid tapestry of stories for their toys, to precise engineering reflected in LEGO building."

Studio Talk will be hosting a special web stream this afternoon at 4pm, where Naik will be discussing the importance of toys in developing creative and problem solving skills, and the role of play in developing vocational skills.

You can submit questions for Naik by clicking on this link.