It’s soon going to be time for little ones to send their letters off to the North Pole telling Father Christmas what they want this year.

To give parents an idea of what’s likely to be popping up under the tree for 2017, here are some predicted popular choices from online marketplace eBay.co.uk

News Shopper: Meccano M.A.X. Robot Building Set, £149.99 from Argos

Meccano M.A.X. Robot Building Set, £149.99 from Argos

Combining artificial intelligence with customisable programming, M.A.X have created a one-of-a-kind robot of your own creation! Budding engineers, innovators and creators can expand their knowledge of programming as they personalise the robot to their specifications. Controlled by voice, buttons on the MeccaBrain or on the app, this robot is the perfect gift for young minds in need of a challenge.

Little Live Pets Snuggles, £49.99 from Argos

News Shopper: Little Live Pets Snuggles, £49.99 from Argos

For children who would love a pet more than anything, Snuggles is the perfect answer – he moves and feels like a real puppy, feeds from the bottle and even open and closes his eyes. Let him fall asleep in your arms and gently breathe and snore, or tickle his tummy for happy puppy sounds. The Snuggle puppy also comes with an adoption certificate.

Paw Patrol Sea Patroller, £69.99 from Argos

News Shopper: Paw Patrol Sea Patroller, £69.99 from Argos

A perfect toy for adventure enthusiasts, this rescue boat comes equipped with flashing lights, sounds and a detachable anchor. Drop-down wheels transform the ship into a land vehicle, and a moveable crane and attachable crane for your little ones to save the day on their missions.

FurReal Roarin’ Tiger, £134.99 from Argos

Playful plush soft toy which responds to sounds and touch with over 100 sounds and motion combinations. It also comes with a chicken toy that the tiger reacts to when it squeaks.

VTech KidiZoom Flix Alien Camera – Blue, £59.99 from Argos

News Shopper: VTech KidiZoom Flix Alien Camera – Blue, £59.99 from Argos

Colour-customisable alien camera – take picture of a colour using the camera and the background and eyes will go that colour. Can be set to Guard mode, where it acts as a secret guard to take sneaky photos or videos. Can detect human faces and remembers phrases which it repeats in a funny voice.

Lego Boost Creative Toolbox, £149.99 from safari-island

News Shopper: Lego Boost Creative Toolbox, £149.99 from safari-island

Using a free downloadable tablet app, step-by-step instructions teach you how to build and code any of the five multifunctional models. Creations can be brought to life with the app’s intuitive, icon-based coding interface and exciting activities specific to each model can be played on the included playmat.

Furby Connect Interactive Toy, £29.99 from Argos

News Shopper: Furby Connect Interactive Toy, £29.99 from Argos

Let children experience the fun of looking after something with the Furby, a classic toy which has been fascinating and delighting children since 1998. Coming in a huge range of funky colours, the Furby speaks back to its owner.

Nerf Nitro MotorFury Rapid Rally, £44.99 from stella-comm

News Shopper: Nerf Nitro MotorFury Rapid Rally, £44.99 from stella-comm

Kids can create awesome stunts as they fire foam cars from blasters with all the power and performance of the Nerf brand. Comes with nine cars, blaster, obstacles and jumping ramps.

Fisher Price Bright Beats Dance and Move BeatBo, £29.99 from Argos

News Shopper: Fisher Price Bright Beats Dance and Move BeatBo, £29.99 from Argos

BeatBo plays energising music to encourage baby to move around, with fun dancing actions to get his hips shaking and head nodding. Three modes grow with the baby, and help strengthen baby’s motor skills whilst music, songs, phrases, lights and colours help stimulate their senses.

Lego Star Wars Advent Calendar, £27.95 from jadlamracing

News Shopper: Lego Star Wars Advent Calendar, £27.95 from jadlamracing

One for a pre-Christmas treat in the run-up to the big day is the Lego Star Wars advent calendar. Behind each door discover a Lego Star Wars-themed mini figure, starship, vehicle or other collectible, as well as including a foldout playmat with Star Wars play scenes.

For more ideas of what the top toys of 2017 are forecast to be, check out the Toy Retailers Association’s annual DreamToys list.