NOT long now, and don’t parents know it!

The Christmas rush is getting earlier and earlier for people desperate to get their hands on those must-have toys.

The top 12 dream toys for this Christmas have already been picked out by the Toy Retailers’ Association and are set to be added to the wish-lists of children across the country.

Characters from Disney’s Frozen make a double appearance on the list with Snow Glow Elsa doll and Sparkle Doll.

Minecraft figures are also proving popular, but old favourite Lego is still proving as popular as ever.

Alan Dadswell, director of Toys N Tuck in Queen’s Road, Southend is gearing up for a busy Christmas.

He said: “The toy industry is up 6 per cent on last year and we think by Christmas it will be around 4 to 5 per cent up.

“We think we are going to have a reasonably good Christmas which reflects the improving economy.

“It’s going to be the best Christmas for the toy industry since 2010 according to the data.

“People seem to be shopping early for Christmas this year.

They seem to be spending more freely than last year and they know what they want.

“Because of that they are making sure they buy early.

There is no use making a big list and shopping two weeks before Christmas because the shops will be sold out of all the popular toys.”

Selected by a panel of leading UK toy retailers, the DreamToys list is the most accurate predictive list available.

Gary Grant, chairman of the Dream Toys committee, said: “Our Top Toy list illustrates how diverse toys are, encouraging very different patterns of play.

“It’s great to see creative and sharing toys sitting alongside more traditional toys or toys that facilitate a bit of rough and tumble.

“With nearly half the list priced under £25, the DreamToys list is relevant for all consumers.

“All of the toys on this list will undoubtedly be popular this Christmas, so our advice is to shop early to avoid disappointment.”

Top toys this year

* Bop It! Beats Hasbro £21.99 

* Disney Frozen Snow Glow Elsa Jakks Pacific £34.99 

* Disney Frozen Sparkle Doll (assorted) Mattel £16.99 

* Kidizoom Smart Watch Vtech £39.99

*Little Live Pets Bird Cage Character £19.99 

* Minecraft Figures (assorted) Character £7.99 

* My Friend Cayla Vivid £58.99 ! Nerf Demolisher 2-in-1 Hasbro £44.99 

* The Lego Movie - Benny’s Spaceship, Spaceship, Spaceship Lego £79.99 

* Toot-Toot Animals Safari Park VTech £39.99 

* Transformers Stomp and Chomp Grimlock Hasbro £89.99 

* Zoomer Dino-Boomer Spin Master £100