From crafts and transporters to cartoon characters, Lego and board games, which toys will have their big debut under the Christmas tree this year?

At first glance, retail is just a three-step transaction: see, buy and pay. Simples, as Aleksandr Orlov, the meerkat, would say.

However, it’s not that simple. Purchases are fuelled by demand, needs, desires and aspirations. And even though retailers spend huge budgets on researching how to best present, package and showcase their products to attract custom, retail is still part science, part art and a dash of unpredictable magic.

Various other factors come into play at Christmas, especially when buying toys for the little ones. The bestselling toys are usually linked to a Christmas blockbuster attracting crowds – especially families – to the cinema. Last year, for instance, Princess Elsa, from the Disney movie Frozen, was a huge seller. In fact, in the UK, she even managed to topple Barbie from her doll’s throne.

Characters from children’s television series also enjoy prime Christmas tree position – by default, toys which get the most television hours will probably enjoy the bigger spend.

Technology also comes out to play at Christmas, with children adding tablets and game consoles to Santa’s list.

The demand for Christmas toys is also fuelled by nostalgia. Because, at the end of the shopping day, it’s the parents and relatives who pay for the toys – and they don’t mind paying for a toy that reminds them of their own childhood.

In Malta, the list of bestselling toys is usually similar to that in the UK.

“This year, like most Christmases, Lego is very popular,” says Julian Sammut, director of Leisure Stores Ltd. “There is also a healthy demand for board games, especially for Monopoly, which this year celebrates its 80th anniversary.”

At the end of the shopping day, it’s the parents and relatives who pay for the toys – and they don’t mind paying for a toy that reminds them of their own childhood

Unlike previous years, there is no craze for a particular character or toy, especially because, this Christmas, there will be no major blockbuster such as The Polar Express from 2004, Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel from 2009 and Frozen from 2013.

“This means that the interest is spread rather than focused on one particular item,” Mr Sammut adds.

That said, it is expected that the success that Star Wars: The Force Awakens has at the box office will be translated into demand for merchandise and toys.

Leisure Stores are operators of Junior’s toy shops, as well as the Hamleys store, which is opening its doors this week at Pama Shopping Village, Mosta.

“Hamley’s is a very popular toy store with the Maltese but not only because as a franchise it is achieving growth worldwide,” Mr Sammut says. “Consider that, in two days, the Hamley’s Malta Facebook page attracted more than 4,000 likes.

“Moreover, Hamleys is not just about the little ones. Adults also love the Hamley’s experience.”

Karl Camilleri, owner of the Model Shop, in Iklin and Paola, thinks that Paw Patrol toys are likely to be bestsellers this Christmas. Paw Patrol is a pre-school series starring a pack of six puppies: Chase, Marshall, Rocky, Zuma, Rubble and Sky.

“Shopkins collectible toys will also be popular, especially with girls,” Mr Camilleri predicts. “Boys, on the other hand, just love the replicas of football stadia, especially iconic ones like Liverpool FC’s Anfield Road and Juventus Stadium.

A selection of old favourites and new bestsellers. Photos: Darrin Zammit Lupi

“This year, we are also seeing a big demand for Minecraft toys and for Kinetic Sand, which is easy-to-shape sand that breathes motion and comes in various lively colours.”

Toys are not just for Christmas play. There is also the educational element, which is important for children’s growth and development.

“Easels, garages, dinos, dollhouses, keyboards and other activity toys are always very popular,” says Alexandra Mizzi, director of Early Learning Centre. “Classic wooden toys are also Christmas favourites.

“Parents love them because they remind them of their childhood and also because they are quality toys with an educational factor. They also have the children’s vote because a lot of these classic toys involve role play – part of growing up,” she adds.

Stocking shelves at Hamley’s.

Game on

Hamley’s, the legendary British toy store, is coming out to play in Malta.

In the 255 years since it first opened, Hamley’s has assumed iconic status. Its store in Regent Street, London, is especially worth a detour for anyone visiting the British capital. The detour is likely to end up taking an afternoon, as children and adults alike roam the seven floors brimming with toys and games.

This Christmas, Hamley’s will open a store at Pama Shopping Village, Mosta.

“This will be a Hamley’s experience in all its details, including the famous Hamley’s animators,” says Julian Sammut, director of Leisure Stores Ltd, operators of Junior’s toy shops and Hamley’s.

“It will be a bit of magic for children and adults alike.”