Ho! Ho! Ho! - It's a Tweenage Rampage!

It is Christmas time yet again and thoughts turn to presents and gift giving. Children make up their Christmas lists and manufacturers look forward to a seasonal windfall; but Santa's elves may need to swap their toy making skills for degrees in advanced computer science or haute couture. Traditional toys are taking a back seat as youngsters no longer ask Santa but tell their parents which brands of electronic equipment or designer clothes they want to see under the Christmas tree on December 25.

Tweenagers, children aged from 8 to 13, have been identified as having the fastest rising spending power on the high street. Evidence shows that this is an age group that has a great awareness of brands - they won't just ask for a games machine, they'll specify the make and model. They know exactly what they want, and Christmas shopping may never be the same again!