Focus on: Ben 10

In the run-up to Christmas, we’ll be taking a look at some of the biggest properties in the toy world. Kicking things off, we delve into the adventures of a certain shape-shifting 10-year-old…

The success of Ben 10 is hardly surprising. The Cartoon Network show has a simple premise with endless possibilities. There’s the instant hook of the Omnitrix, allowing Ben Tennyson to turn into 10 different alien beings, plus the potential for yet more aliens to be unveiled as the show progresses.

Throw in a surprisingly complex and satisfying underlying plot and you have a programme that kids love to watch – and which parents don’t mind sitting through either.

Ben 10 also offers huge potential for toy spin-offs, making this one of the hottest licensing properties out there. For three months in a row Ben 10 toys have been topping the sales charts and things should only get wilder as Christmas approaches.

Ben's legion of fans have no shortage of toys to add to their Christmas wish-lists. Bandai’s range of action figures, Omnitrix replicas and playsets have been covered here, but there’s also a whole range of other branded items for parents to consider.

The trusty annual is a perennial Christmas favourite, and the Ben 10 Annual (around £6.99) from Egmont is just part of a line that includes a Scratch and Show Activity Book and the Alien Hero Handbook.

Merlin Stickers also offers the Ben 10 New Adventures Sticker Album (priced around £1.49, with sticker packs at around 40p each).

MV Sports has a line of Ben 10 products, including a 14-inch bike, skateboard and this great Monster In-line Scooter, which has a secret compartment holding nine mini monsters. For kids of five years and older, it is priced around £35.

On gaming platforms including the PS2, Wii, Nintendo DS and PSP you can take on the role of Ben himself in Ben 10 Protector of Earth (around £19.99–£29.99). Battle with villains like Kevin 11 and Dr. Animo to save the Earth from eternal darkness. No pressure, then.

Finally, after playing with this little lot, you can end the day in a themed bedroom from Zap. With items including a pillowcase, sheets, duvet cover, towels, rugs and curtains, the range is priced around £14.99–£19.99.

It adds up to an impressive haul. Anyone buying presents for a little Ben 10 fan this year is really spoilt for choice…