Labor Day may not be here yet, but forget about the last barbecue of the summer. It’s time to put on the Christmas sweater and decorate the tree because the list of must-have toys for the holidays this year is out.

There are just over 120 nights until Christmas, but British department store John Lewis says the big day is “always on customers’ minds,” saying that “Christmas” was searched for over 1,000 times on its website in August.

A retailer that has become synonymous with the start of the holidays thanks to its advertising campaigns has started preparing even earlier this year.

John Lewis explains that after extensive research among its toy buyers, the company has produced a list which it believes not only highlights the toys most likely to be a hit with children this year, but also helps bring parents and children together.

So what could come down the Christmas chimneys on December 25th?

The most expensive item on the John Lewis list is a $330 deluxe play kitchen, which comes with an “American-style” fridge/freezer and wooden ice maker, as well as a full dinner service and condiments.

Next up is a wooden toy vending machine that dispenses play food and is operated with play coins or a bank card. Manufacturer Melissa & Doug says the machine teaches children cause and effect while encouraging letter, number and color recognition.

As vinyl sales continue to boom, the retailer is expecting a $37 record player for kids to be another big hit. The VTech sound system comes with a selection of five CDs that offer an introduction to a range of genres including jazz, techno, hip-hop and country music.

Other items on the list include timeless Christmas must-have toys, including Lego, Play-Doh and Barbie, the latter of which is still riding a new wave of popularity since its hit movie.

From the huge range of Barbie toys, John Lewis has chosen the $92 “ultimate stable playset”, stressing that the accessories that come with Barbie are the key to her continued popularity.

Hit list for Christmas toys

Alan Wright, the department store’s toy and book buyer, said when the list was released that they were looking for products that adults and children could enjoy together.

“Whether building toys together as a family or role-playing with friends, each of the toys promotes social play in a unique way, regardless of age,” he added.

This list was created because retailers are more optimistic and believe that shoppers may be willing to dig deeper into their pockets this holiday season. The uncertainty that characterized last year’s holiday shopping season now seems to be largely over.

John Lewis’ prediction for the top 10 toys this Christmas is:

Squish-a-Longs 14-pack – $20

Play-Doh Rainbow Swirl Ice Cream Set – $27.70

VTech My 1st Record Player – $37

Gecko Hexbug – $39.50

Bonnie Bear – $43.50

Lego Sleigh – $52.75

Connetix Magnetic Tiles Rainbow Motion Pack – $59.30

Ultimate Barbie Stable – $92

Melissa & Doug Vending Machine – $105.50

Deluxe Wooden Play Kitchen – $330