Darrell Greer
Northern News Services

Rankin Inlet (Nov 18/02) - Just like the traditional gift staples of teddy bears and Barbie dolls, a select number of high-tech toys are earning themselves a return engagement on annual Christmas shopping lists.

The remote controlled monster truck rules the Christmas showcase.

Joe Hidalgo manages the Radio Shack outlet in Rankin Inlet and he says there's a growing number of high-tech items that parents are asking for year after year.

Hidalgo says learning software for home computers has gained the enviable position of being a gift kids enjoy receiving as much as parents enjoy giving.

"Computer software has grown to be a really popular item and a big seller," says Hidalgo.

"The kids have a lot of fun using them and, at the same time, they're learning skills in math, phonics, identifying colours and a host of other topics."

Another item that seems to have become a staple of Christmas gift giving is the radio controlled vehicle.

While hovercraft and boats are popular items during the summer, the remote controlled monster truck rules the Christmas showcase.

Prices range from about $110 up to $300 for the high-end vehicles.

Hidalgo says the monster trucks are getting some stiff competition this year from the tiny Micro Turbo Racers.

"These little beauties retail for about $30 and they've become amazingly popular.

"You charge the little cars with their own remote controls for about 45 seconds and they run for about two minutes."

Among the more high-end tech treats, Hidalgo says PlayStation 2, digital cameras and MP3 players and recorders lead the way.

He says the MP3 players have become big items on teenage wish lists.

"Although not quite as popular, we still have people who come in and ask for the Science Fair Electronic project, which is another item that provides a lot of fun while you learn.

"It's a great way to introduce young minds to the world of electronics.

"Not only do the kids learn about transistors, transformers and electronic circuits, but they also learn how to build radios, burglar alarms, electronic games and even a rain detector.

"Now that's pretty cool."