Top Behind-The-Hamdan Centre toys for Christmas

Brick Game 9999 — Dh15 This is a sort of old-school Gameboy but is an absolute bargain at only Dh15. While the colourful screenshots on the box are quite deceiving, the black-and-white game is a cross between Tetris and Space Invaders

Desert Hero Camel — Dh30 This is similar to Bubble Rider, but without the bubbles and Beverley Hills Cop theme tune. It features a bearded man in a turban and holding a guitar, sitting on his camel. When it is switched on the Desert Hero plays thumping dance music and his camel walks, with the bell on his neck ringing.

Violin: Wonderful Sound Strange Shape — Dh40 If you can get past the bad translations on the box that include: “Build the future small child star” and “This type of simulation violin is babies contact music enlightenment partner!”, then this is quite a fun gift for the money. It plays preprogrammed tunes or can be played like a traditional violin, although the instructions are a little hard to navigate and it is easier played as a guitar.

Singing Dancing Doll — Dh25 An interesting second choice if Elsa from Frozen is sold out. There are singing, dancing, talking, rocking dolls in every colour and size. This Dh25 offering sings Dhoom Machale from the 2004 Indian action thriller film Dhoom, and is one of the most popular dolls. Some of the others might be a little frightening for small children, particularly the doll sitting on a badly-oiled rocking chair that more jolts back and forward than rocks.

Amusing Duck — Dh30 From the same family as Likeable Rabbit, Milking Cow and Happy Hen, this moving, flashing, egg-laying duck is one of the stores’ most popular toys. “I will be singing when I am walking, my wings and mouth will be in action all the time. With red light sometimes I will stop for having eggs,” explains the box.

V-Max HX713 radio controlled helicopter — Dh50 An impressive toy for the price but it could be too good to be true. While it flew like a dream in the store, it failed to take off after we bought it.

Excavator Racer — Small Dh30, Large Dh40 A sort of remote control construction truck but the controller is attached by a wire to the truck. That aside, it is decent value for money and does what it says on the box.

Stocking fillers Take your pick of dozens of cheap trinkets for less than Dh5, and some for Dh0 depending on how many items you are buying. A favourite is the Never Landing Airplane windup toy which never takes-off let alone lands, Happy Croc, Warrior action figures, frilly hairbobbles and fake gold jewellery.

Intelligent Tom — Small Dh30, Large Dh40 If the box is to be believed, there nothing this “touching Tom cat with a wonderful voice” will not do. Depending on where you touch him, he sings, tells stories, repeats your voice and laughs. Songs include Gangham Style (touch the left ear) and You Raise Me Up. Touching the right ear will prompt Tom to recite The Dog And His Bone and the less well-known How A Colt Crossed the River, among others.

Forget the Hamleys' or Harrod's Top 10 Christmas Toys. We bring you The National's top Behind-The-Hamdan Centre Toys from Abu Dhabi which shopkeepers insist are all big hitters this year. They are all for ages 3 and up and while the prices are unbeatable, the quality is variable, so extra caution should be taken. Mitya Underwood writes, with photos by staff photographer Mona Al Marzooqi

Some of Hamleys top Christmas toys also include:

• My Friend Cayla doll

• Xeno the cheeky, baby monster

• Kiddizoom Smart Watch

• Barbie Colour Change Bag

• Ice Skating Anna and Elsa dolls

• DohVinci Style & Store Vanity Complete Design Kit

• eksta Robotic Kitten

• LeapFrog Leap TV

• LEGO Technic Mobil Crane MK II

• Furby Boom Sweet