A mix of old and new toys are among the list of most popular toys for Christmas this year, according to Toyworld.

Classics such as Lego and Sylvanian Families have been joined in the top 10 by a host of more modern toys including Pillow Pets, an animal plush toy that can become a pillow, and Trash Pack, small characters that live in the rubbish.

Toys with the ability to connect new toys to smart devices is the most notable trend in toys for 2012.

Toyworld toy buyer Repeka Haurua, who travels around the world sourcing and buying toys for New Zealand kids, says the ability to connect new toys to smart devices is the most notable trend in toys for 2012.

'Toymakers are moving with the times and creating toys that can interact with computers, tablets and smart phones, now more commonly found in the home.

'In what is an addition to traditional play patterns, classic toys are now evolving to include APPs or online features which add to the experience of playing with the toy,” she says.

Such toys include the new Leapfrog Leap Pad2, which comes with five new apps, and the Furby, an interactive pet, which can be fed or taught English through an online app.

Repeka welcomes the return of more classic toys to the Christmas list.

'Lego provides ample options to parents either by price point or by being child and age specific.

'Most notable to Lego this year has been the very popular inclusion of the ‘Friends something for the girls range'.”

She says the most popular toys tend to sell out before Christmas every year so they always advise parents to act quickly if their children want a toy from the top 10 list.

Toyworld's top 10 toys for Christmas 2012:

All Outdoor Playworld Gyms

Beyblade Beywheelz

Furby Hot and Furby Cool

Lalaloopsy

Leapfrog Leap Pad2 (green and purple)

Lego

Micro Chargers

Pillow Pets

Sylvanian Families

Trash Pack Series 3