iPod tops kids’ Christmas wish list

MELBOURNE - Christmas is set to go hi-tech this season and iPods are the most sought after gadgets kids want for Christmas.

This year’s big-ticket items include Apple iPods, gaming consoles, interactive toys and expensive brands, such as Lego.

A survey of 1000 boys and girls by children’s magazines K-Zone and Total Girl has found the most sought after gift this year was the iPod Touch, which retails for 289 dollars.

Daniel Findlay, editor of K-Zone said the gaming capabilities of the iPhone Touch appeal to children.

“A lot of kids are playing on their parents’ iPhones and the parents don’t necessarily want them to have an iPhone yet - and obviously they are really expensive - but the iPod [Touch] is a nice middle ground,” the Daily Telegraph quoted Findlay as saying.

The sale of gaming consoles is also booming in the lead-up to December 25.

According to EB Games, the best-sellers are Nintendo Wii and Sony Playstation, which each retail for more than 300 dollars, as well as games including Call of Duty: Black Ops and Gran Turismo 5.

“In addition to consoles being popular this Christmas, people will be looking to enhance their current machines with motion gaming devices such as Sony Move and Microsoft Kinect,” said EB Games spokesman Ryan Lock.

Target and Kmart report animated creatures such as Zhu Zhu Pets and Kung Zhu Warrior Pets, and interactive toys including the Fisher Price Singamajigs, are selling fast.

Target said retro toys such as Barbie dolls and Lego, are also back in fashion, along with water play equipment.

“Better still, these stocking fillers retail for less than 20 dollars, which is helping parents give their children hours of fun this Christmas without blowing the budget,” said Target. (ANI)