Arguably the most important part of Christmas, the food on offer this year seems to be even more luxurious than normal.

Lobster is in vogue at several retailers, and two-bird roasts and game are also on offer for festive banquets.There are new twists on Christmas classics - the Brussels sprout, far from dying out, seems to be making an appearance in the most unlikely places, such as in a Tesco pate.

Hero product: Tesco Finest nine month mature cherry-topped Christmas pudding

And the traditional Christmas pud looks tantalisingly juicy with its cherry top, which Tesoc has matured for nine months.

And the hero product is the traditional Christmas pud, which looks tantalisingly juicy with its cherry top, which Tesco has matured for nine months.

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Christmas in July: Top 10 toys for 2014

The Nerf Rebelle Agent Bow is being marketed at girls as well as boys and is no doubt set to appeal to both following the popularity of the bow-toting Jennifer Lawrence in the Hunger Games film.

Children’s Christmas wish lists will feature a healthy mix of toys inspired by technology, traditional arts and crafts and Hollywood blockbuster spin-offs.