iWant a gadget for Christmas say 40% of children

Apple products iPads, iPhones and iPods are the most sought- after presents of 2010, according to a survey of more than 2,000 children between the ages of five and 16 that is being published today.

Four out of ten children plan to ask for an Apple product and one in ten want an iPad, according to the findings published by Duracell.

A spokesman said: "It's a fascinating insight into today's society that kids would rather play with a phone or a computer game, than play with traditional toys.

"Under-16s have become totally engaged with adult technology. Today, traditional toys take up just three places on the list of top ten most wanted for Christmas."

Top of the wanted list for boys is the iPhone 4, which sells for between 499 and 599. Girls' number one request was for the iPod Touch, which retails for between 189 and 389.

Second on the list for both boys and girls was the iPad touch screen computer, which costs from 429.

More traditional toys were consigned to lower down the overall top ten most wanted list, with Zhu Zhu robot hamsters at number five, Jet Pack Buzz Lightyear at number six and Lego Harry Potter at number eight. Video Barbie, a doll fitted with a hidden video camera, came in at number ten.

Fiona Moriarty, director of the Scottish Retail Consortium, said: "We have seen in recent years changes in purchasing habits for children's toys and a move towards hi-tech products.

"Today parents might buy fewer presents but presents of higher value like computers and phones. However, there will always be a place for traditional toys - particularly for younger children - and I don't think we will ever see things like dolls houses and tea sets disappear."

According to Duracell, Scottish parents will spend an average of 177 on each child this Christmas - higher than the national average of 149.