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By LAUREN LAROSE
The Canadian Press

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Consumers seeking the latest toys heading into the holidays can expect to experience a little déjà vu as revamped versions of popular playthings from the past join more contemporary games, gadgets and crafts.

The Canadian Toy Association held its seventh annual "Hot Toys for the Holidays" media event Monday where a select group of toddlers to tweens tested dozens of activities, toys and games which the association anticipates will be in demand.

Spokesman Jeff Hurst says they are definitely seeing the retro trend this year, notably with the re-emergence of Buzz Lightyear from the popular Toy Story movie franchise.

"We haven't seen Buzz on the toy shelves for a while and he's out this Christmas which is great ... (for) a lot of kids who didn't know who Buzz Lightyear was before," he said of the talking action figure, which features light and sound effects and pop-out wings.

Other blasts from the past include an updated draw-and-erase Etch-A-Sketch now featuring a joystick, as well as updated versions of classic board games like Monopoly.

Hurst said there isn't any indication there's a lone "it" toy this season.

"I think what you'll see is if you take five kids and ask them what their favourite one is, I think you are going to see differences in their favourites which does make it a little easier."

While kids on hand at the event were drawn to all kinds of toys, divisions in terms of the types of items favoured were generally drawn along gender lines.

Boys seemed more keen on construction toys like Lego and K'NEX and most notably motorized gadgets. They tested out zooming cars, activated talking trucks and sent a remote-controlled mini helicopter swooping and circling through the air.

"I like toys that have a little bit of tech," said Braeden Somers, 10, as he took a break from racing a car along a winding track inspired by the Disney movie Cars.

Somers said the Nerf blaster which fired foam fluorescent orange darts was one of his favourites.

"It's fun to pull the trigger and see the darts fly through the air."

Meanwhile, girls generally gravitated towards arts and crafts and more hands-on activities. They were painting pictures, slicing faux cookies, moulding edible dough and channelling their inner fashionistas making mini-outfits on dress forms.

Rosemary Ganton, 11, was engaged using sticky strips called Wikki Stix to customize a Christmas activity book. It's the type of activity she says is right up her alley.

"(I like) more crafts and stuff you can do with your hands and you can, like, decorate your own.

Parents faced with lengthy wish lists from kids may not necessarily have the deep pockets to meet the demand. Aware of cost-conscious parents and challenging economic times, nearly half of the more than 110 toys and games showcased were priced at $25 or less.

Neville Thomas, who brought 21-month-old Nathan to the event, said cost is a definite consideration when toy shopping for his son.

"It is a big factor because they outgrow the toys so quickly and they move on," he said. "You don't want to spend a fortune on something they're only going to use for four months or five months and then they'll want something else because they've grown out of it."

Hurst said it's not solely about giving consumers affordable toys, but ensuring they're fun and offer choice.

"I think as an industry we recognize where the world is," he said. "I think it's something we look at as an industry and reflect on what consumers want, what the kids want, but definitely want to make it affordable for parents."