Christmas ruled by £150 robots and life-like baby dolls

 This year’s Christmas must-have toys will be life-like dolls with artificial intelligence and a Lego robot which can be controlled from an ipad, according to Argos.

Carers might not greet the news with enthusiasm as the toys are part of a growing number costing £100 or more. Argos said the most popular choice for parents this year was a “blockbuster gift”, with 54 per cent planning on purchasing a “gasp out loud” present alongside a couple of stocking fillers.

The Luvabella doll, at £99.99, has fluid movements and responds to being fed and cared for like a real baby. Lego boost (£149.99) lets children build five models out of bricks including Vernie the robot, all of which can be brought to life by coding through a free app that can be downloaded to an ipad.

A spokeswoman at Let Toys Be Toys, said: “When spending a significant amount, it is even more important that children get the chance to find something they’ll really love.”