It may still be flaming June (oh, OK, wet, cold, interspersed with shoulder-scorch June), but the high street stores are already getting into the Christmas spirit and compiling their predictions for the best selling toys for the festive season.
First off the blocks is Selfridges, who reckon that all things techy will be topping Xmas wish-lists this year, with 2010's surprise hit of traditional board games also proving popular again, alongside eco toys and anything with a space theme (hedging bets, maybe?!)
But the toy the store really has its money on being the number one best seller is the Transformers Ultimate Optimus Prime (£79.99) (I'm not entirely sure what that is, but my eight-year-old son nodded sagely and said an authoritative 'Oh yes' when I name-dropped it to him).
So below is what they predict will be scrawled on a scrappy bit of paper and stuffed up your chimney come December (which may be a whole six months way but remember, there will always be that little clique in the playground who will be present purchased, parcelled, and proud by early autumn, and downright smug by November ('Sold out? Really? Oh I always get all mine done by first week of October at the latest...'). So now you've got the heads up, why not join them - if only to save the embarrassment of wrestling other parents to the toy department floor in a tussle over the last remaining must-have come Christmas Eve...
Selfridges Top Ten Toys for Christmas 2011
Transformers Ultimate Optimus Prime - Hasbro £79.99
Make Do Robot - Marbel £6.99
Remote Control Lightning McQueen - Character Options £49.99
Mattel Fijit £54.99
Laser Stunt Chaser Stunt Car Assorted - Flair Leisure Products £42.99
Lego City Police Station - Lego £71.99
Barbie family doggie water park - Mattel £24.99
Charlie Bear - Vivid Imaginations £49.99
Rock on Elmo - Hasbro £69.99
Angelina Ballerina Dance and Sing Doll - Mattel £24.99