DOLLS houses and music boxes look set to replace games consoles and electronic gadgets under many Christmas trees this year as wealthier parents opt for more traditional gifts for their children.

Old fashioned toys are making a comeback in Wanstead and Woodford as changes in taste, and the closure of Woolworths, have led more families to turn to local independent stores to buy the presents they remember from their own childhoods.

Shops such as Knock Down Ginger in Wanstead High Street, are doing a roaring trade in retro gifts such as hand-crafted dolls houses, old-fashioned knitted clothing - made to order by a local designer - and traditional school satchels.

Other favourites include painted French music boxes and traditional children's shoes.

Knock Down Ginger's manager, Rina Henry, said parents in the area are increasingly looking for unusual, or bespoke gifts for their children - and are more aware than before about supporting local traders.

She said: "Parents around here are looking for something a bit different for their children and more seem to want to buy the sorts of toys they had themselves when they were young.

"I suppose people in this area are a little more conservative with what they want, but it's also because they are looking for something a bit more unusual.

"This is a wealthy area, and we get alot of people coming here from places like Chigwell, including footballers. But it's not just the expensive stuff that's selling.

"Since Woolworths closed down we've had lots of people coming in for some of the things they used to do, like cards and plimsols. We've ordered in new items because of that.

"Shops like ours and Horsfall and Wright down the road have seen a real increase in that kind of trade."

The 34-year-old mother-of-one opened her shop a year ago after spotting the growing market for traditional toys, and buys much of her stock from designers and producers in Wanstead, Woodford and surrounding areas.

Ms Henry, of Woodford Green High Road, said business has begun to take off in the run-up to Christmas with two of her new dolls houses (retailing at £125 each) already sold.

Ms Henry's top five selling children's gifts this Christmas are a range of hot water bottles with specially knitted covers.

The next most popular presents are music boxes, followed by satchels, girls glittery shoes and 'princess' dresses.

For more information visit: knockdowngingerboutique.com