The robot device that can control parents among must-have Christmas toys

From Stitches to witches to a robot device that can "control" parents, the top 15 toys predicted to be most in demand in the U.K. this Christmas have finally been revealed. Controlling the mind of humans is often considered sinister rather than celebratory, but this game is set to be a real stocking-filler this Christmas for UK toy lovers. Human Controller by Tomy Toys is a simple concept of control by a digital pad using arrows. Commands are sent to the special helmet, which lights up and vibrates, effectively telling the wearer where to move. The game offers kids a fun opportunity to "control" their parents. Benjamin Croucher-Phillips, Senior Brand Manager (Games) at Tomy Toys, gives the lowdown: “When you've lined them up perfectly and the chair is behind, you'll hit the central button, which will vibrate all three of the sensors. And that's when the human will know to sit. And they have to blindly trust that that chair is going to be there behind them and catch them.” This is just one of the fifteen feted toys, games, and gadgets that are set to take the UK toy market by storm this festive season. Industry data tracking expert Circana says the UK toy industry is worth 3.9 billion pounds, with Christmas expected to account for 0.9 billion pounds of sales (or 23% of the total sales for the year). In its 75th anniversary year, Formula 1 is unsurprisingly part of the festivities. Mattel’s Hot Wheels Racing F1 Grand Prix Circuit will no doubt be the centerpiece of many people’s celebration once the checkered flag of Christmas waves itself into our homes. As Melissa Symonds, Executive Director of UK Toys at Circana, outlines, “One of the biggest trends we've seen in the toy market in the U.K. this year has been licensed toys. So this is coming from a number of areas. So we've had some massive movies this year, like Lilo and Stitch and Minecraft. All of this is driving the fact that a third of the total UK toy market is now licensed.” This article was provided by The Associated Press.