American sellers is going to be an elusive little creature called, " Furby ''.

According to Pauline Girling of the Phoenix , Furby is a 5 inch toy doll with an embedded computer chip that allows it to speak its own "furbish''. It resembles an owl with tufts of hair between huge pink ears.

Ms. Girling said, "He responds to pats on the head, backstrokes, tummy tickles, feedings and turnovers but the responses are unpredictable. Be nice to him and he will blow you a kiss. Ignore him and he will comment "boring''.

Put him in a room with another Furby and they will chat.'' If this sounds like a must for you contact the Annex Toys at 295-3838 soon as they expect an immediate sell out. They have already requested a supplemental shipment due to arrive before Christmas.

Another favourite is suppose to be Rugrats super singing Tommy doll for $79.95. Annex Toys manager, Tom Nelms, said, "Board games are always popular for kids and adults and we have them all: Sorry, Clue, Boggle, Monopoly, Scrabble. Mr. Potato Head and Bop it are fun electronic hand-held games.'' Another top contender for toy purchases is Toys N Stuff . Owner Carol Bromby told us what's hot: "Boy's Category - Nascar anything! We have Nascar electric race car sets ranging in price from $65 - $249.00. R/C Vehicles are always a popular Christmas item. New ones this year are Revolver, Tantrum, Slammer and Psycho.

"Girl's Category - New dolls this year which are selling well are Amazing Amy, who says over 10,000 different phrases, Spice Girl dolls along with many different accessories. Diaries, makeup, backpacks, pencil cases, and Breakfast Lovin Baby. New in the Barbie scene are WNBA Barbie, Beyond Pink Barbie (a rock n roll Barbie w/cassette tape) and horseback riding Barbie along with new horses and Stable.

"Younger Children - Rugrat characters are very popular. Many different features - some have hiccups, some tell stories, others just collectibles. In the Sesame Street range new items include Cookie Monster who `eats' his cookie and says "delicious'', and the Walkin Talkin Characters who skate and talk.'' Craft items are popular gift picks. They have an extensive range with woodburning, volcano building, stone carving kits being good choices along with soap, candle or jewellry making kits.

Educational Items - We have a great variety of precomputers for all ages from VTech and along with games and puzzles teaching alphabet and numbers. Lots of books and also an assortment of CD Roms.

Try shopping early to avoid stress and disappointment for your child.

EVERY LITTLE GIRL'S BEST FRIEND -- Toys N' Stuff owner Carol Bromby shows one of the many dolls available for Christmas.

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