By LAURA JONES
GIRLS and boys in Southport will be going 'Back To The Future' when they come to compile their Christmas lists this year.
Retail commentators are predicting that 2008 toy sales will reflect the trend for all things nostalgic as parents put on their rose tinted specs before they hit the high street.
The craze for all things retro has seen D&J Toys in Southport stock up on Doctor Who goodies and Rubik's Cubes as '70s and '80s toys look set to top the "most wanted" charts come December.
David McDonnell, who runs the Tulketh Street shop, has seen such interest in the nostalgic toys and games that he's stocking toys from '80s TV favourite, Transformers.
His shelves are also heaving under Sylvanian Families as the treehouse toys from the '80s and '90s make a surprise comeback.
A dad himself, Mr McDonnell thinks that the reason mums and dads are still buying toys that they recognise from their own childhood is because it helps them to play and bond with their kids.
He said: "If they're familiar with the toys then I think parents might play more with their kids.
"Transformers are doing really well at the moment and so are the Sylvanian Families.
"The Christmas season has definitely already started - people are coming in buying gifts and getting ideas and inspiration.
"I don't think the credit crunch is affecting us."
Meanwhile around the corner at The Cherry Tree, Alison Buckingham is stocking up on the traditional favourite, the dolls' house, ready for the Christmas rush.
It's one aspect of the housing market that's certainly not suffering from the credit crunch, she said: "Dolls' houses are always popular at Christmas time.
"I think more than ever families want to invest in something that will last for years."
Do you still have a dolls house, or have you passed it onto your children? Were you beaten by the Rubik's Cube, or did you prefer Transformers? Tell us whether you think toys were better then or now below.
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