the little red wagon remains a favourite classic.

Here is a modern list of the latest toys but the quoted prices are American only.

Wheels The latest version of that little red wagon has the smoothest ride yet.

Radio Flyer's Quad Shock Wagon ($115) has four real shock absorbers by Monroe, semi-pneumatic rubber tires on steel wheels, moulded body and fold-away handle. Yet it looks like the most famous of the originals.

A real maple wood Name Train ($31.50 for engine, caboose, and up to six "letter cars'') spell out a name for the youngest railroader. Choose wooden track packs ($1.75-$15) to complete the set. Made from Vermont maple and coloured with non-toxic stain by Maple Landmark, Inc., pieces also are available in natural finish. Call 1 (800) 421-4223; Web site is maplelandmark.com.

The Matchbox Caterpillar Lights and Sounds Bulldozer ($35) comes with a remote control that drives the vehicle and operates the dozing, digging and super ripping functions. Sound activation buttons replicate the noises of the engine revving or idling, the back-up warning, or a ripper pounding.

Shotgun & Skidzo ($69.99) features a radio-control stunt vehicle, Shotgun, which opens its tailgate and releases a Skidzo stunt vehicle stored inside.

The cars can perform nine stunts, including the Flip n' Fly rebound and a Rockin' rollover. From Creata.

The 3001 Excavator ($42.99) by Playmobil runs on removable treads and comes equipped with an excavator arm, rotating driver's cabin, open-close engine compartment, removable tank cap -- and the construction workers, properly outfitted with helmets, tools and accessories.

Bikes Kids who want the mountain bike experience will latch onto the Schwinn 2.0 Speedster ($229.95), with 7-speed grip shift, Shimano rear derailleur on a mini mountain frame -- available in black, red or purple. A big kid or adult can check out the Schwinn Sierra 700 SL ($499.95) -- 24 speeds on a Shimano drive train and a comfort seat package.

It's a bike, but it's a sport utility, too. A Jeep S.U.V. bicycle could be a kid's Commando SE ($149.99) with an 11-inch unisex "Y'' frame and mountain-bike style handlebars or an adult's Grand Cherokee Laredo ($1,879.99) with 26-inch wheels and lightweight aluminium 18-inch unisex "Y'' frame. Call 1 (877) JEEP-BIKE; Web site is jeepbike.com.

Oh, for an old-fashioned one-speeder for running errands around the corner or taking a dignified cruise in the neighbourhood,Retrobike ($395) is it, in sensible 1940s styling in sober black or dark green. It's a reintroduction of the classic British bike and made in the same factory. The gents' bike with double bar frame comes in 22- or 24-inch heights, the ladies' version has a 22-inch frame. And yes, it has the little bell to announce your approach. From World Wide Retro. Call (212) 616-8662; Web site is retrobike.com.

A commute from street to train to street can be bulky, but the Strida ($549) is a 22-pound wonder that can be folded up between rides. It features a three-tube frame and is rustless, should you leave it out in the weather. The A-frame eliminates the conventional seat post, and it will accommodate riders from 5 feet 4 inches to 6 feet 4 inches. Call 1 (800) STRIDA2; Web site is Strida.com.

Build It Kids can build their own remote-controlled robot with the Command-A-Bot ($109.99) from K'NEX. The building set has instructions for six different robot models, with backward, forward and rotating movement, along with spinning, turning and grasping actions.

Those breathtaking space vehicles from Star Wars, Episode I can be recreated from LEGO sets, including the Naboo Fighter ($19.99), Anakin's Podracer ($14.99), and the Sith Infiltrator ($29.99) -- all for youngsters approximately 6-12. Fun for the younger set: the Brick Mixer ($24.99), which pours out 90 standard and decorated building bricks.

Politicians aren't the only ones who claim to build bridges. So can the recipient of Rokenbok's Bridges & Roadways kit ($49.99) which has 179 pieces and accessories to build roadways, tall bridges and a tipping bridge. There are ramps, deck plates, girders, braces, handrails, and more.

A young builder, 3-6 years, can set up his own fire station with Brio's Fire and Rescue Set ($68), with 91 pieces to build a two-story fire station or a fire station with an attached garage.

"Christmas Games'' From Godey's Lady's Book and Magazine, December, 1869.