Bird-in-an-egg tops Christmas 2016 toys pecking order

The Hatchimal has made a huge crack in the toy industry, topping this year's Christmas toy wish list and flying off the shelves.

Plush toy birds that start out as eggs then hatch after continuous play are the must-have toy for Christmas this year.

Most toys today have features reminiscent of, or are revamped versions, of classic 80's and 90's models, and the Hatchimal toy is no exception. It has been described as a modern-day, real-life Tamagotchi with a touch of Furby.

Just like a live bird, the Hatchimal develops into a toddler, then an adult, within days or weeks after hatching. Once it has broken out of its shell, the interactive toy can be taught how to walk, talk and spin. The toy "eats" when the user points its beak to the floor, and "dances" when the child claps. Its eyes glow neon blue and green.

Currently there are five versions, namely the Pengualas, Draggles, Burtles, Bearakeets and Owlicorns, with the latter only available at Toys R Us.

Unlike most toys available on the market today, the Hatchimal does not use an app. The toy is offered at $60, but parents and children alike will need to wait a little longer to get their hands on a model, as the first batches have already sold out.

In fact, the Hatchimal has proven to be so in-demand that Santa Claus himself is apologizing to children who don't get one for Christmas. One letter explains that more eggs are still being laid, and will be delivered by the elves no later than January.

Suppliers of musical and talking plush toys can be found in GlobalSources.com.