Top Toys For Christmas

Are you wondering what the tops toys for Christmas are this year? There are SO many toys on the market that it can be next to impossible to figure out what to buy the kids for gifts. I've spent some time checking out what's new, what's hot, and what just plain has a great reputation as a quality toy. I hope these suggestions help you shop for those on your Christmas list. Keep in mind that shopping online has many benefits - no lines, no crowds, and very often free shipping!



Let's start with the babies. The Fisher Price Kickin Crib to Floor Pianois a great toy that you'll use both in the crib and on the floor. Babies are known to kick so they'll love kicking this piano and listening to the music it creates. The music is playful, the 2 lights on top flash and entertain, and the animals are adorable. You can also set the mode to "long play" and it will just continuously play great songs. This is a great gift for infants and up.



I love the LeapFrog products and the LeapFrog Learn & Groove™ Musical Tabledoesn't disappoint. This table has over 15 activities that will encourage your child to spin and roll things. They'll also open, close, and spin things. They'll be sure to love the music and twinkling lights. This table is totally interactive and is even bilingual. The contoured handles will help your baby learn the skills to stand. Recommended for children 6 months to 3 years.



Ahhh, it's one of my favorites - Elmo! Who wouldn't love to have an Elmo Live Encore? This happy, singing, joke telling, puppet will entertain like no other. The Elmo Live Encore was released in celebration of Sesame Streets 40th birthday. The new version is even better than the 1st. Elmo tells more jokes (with some tongue twisters) and sings 3 new songs. If you'd like to see a full review of the new Elmo Click Here. If your child can't get enough of Elmo you'll want to check out the new Elmo Tickle Hands. Both products are recommended for children 18 months and up.



Zhu Zhu Pets Hamster Mr. Squigglesis one of the top toys for Christmas this year. Zhu Zhu's are a little bit of a craze all their own. They're actually being reported as being sold out in the stores already but don't despair because they're still available online. Zhu Zhu hamsters have unique little personalities. They chatter when you pet them and they scoot and scamper all over the floor. But don't forget to get them their own little habitat to live in! They'll coo and purr to let you know how much they appreciate it! Be sure to get your Zhu Zhu Pets Hamster Mr. Squigglesbefore they're sold out online also! Recommended for ages 3 and up.



If you're looking for a great fashion conscious doll for the girls then the Barbie Fashionistas Sassy Doll is the perfect gift. The Barbie Fashionistas are the most adorable and fashionable dolls on the market. Each one has their own style and personality which is displayed with their clothing and accessories. This is such a fun gift for girls that you won't want to pass it up. This gift is incredibly popular this year and is already sold out in some of the stores. Don't waste any more time - get your Barbie Fashionistas Sassy Dollnow before they're sold out online also. Recommended for ages 2 and up.



The Step 2 Canopy Wagon is a great way for you to take the kids for a walk around the neighborhood.  This wagon has a canopy for sun protection with contoured seats that will easily seat 2 children.  Seat belts are included for safety and there are 2 cup holders so the kids can take along their favorite beverage.  The rear seat lifts up for storage so pack some snacks if you would like and make an afternoon of it.  The handle folds under the wagon and the canopy is removable so you can transport it in the truck of your car.  Recommended for ages 18 months to 8 years.  



The Crayola Beginnings Color Me A Songis just a fun, interactive toy where young toddlers can scribble and color to music. The faster they scribble, the faster the music plays. This helps boost creativity and confidence in those young minds. There are 4 unique music styles - rock, swing, salsa, and country. This is an inexpensive, entertaining, and creative toy for the holidays. Recommended for ages 2 to 6 years.



The Fisher Price Ni Hao Kai-Lan Lights and Sounds Trikeis the newest trike to arrive on the scene. It has the same body as the original lights and sound trike but this one is all about the popular Kai-Lan. The dashboard has sound buttons that play phrases from the show in both English and Chinese. The blinkers flash, the seat is adjustable, and Kai-Lan will let your child know when they're turning left and right. Great fun for anyone aged 2 to 6 years. Are your kids big Kai-Lan lovers? Check out the new Super Special Friend Kai-Laninteractive doll too!



The Fisher Price Kid Tough Digital Camerais the first digital camera made for preschoolers. This camera actually has 128MB of memory and holds up to 500 pictures. It has an automatic flash, a 2-eye view finder, and is tough enough to handle the roughness that comes with small children. This camera comes in blue also for the boys. Your kids will love loading their own pictures onto the computer and printing them out! Recommended for children 3 to 6 years of age.


If your kids are animal lovers then you can't pass over the FurReal Friends Lulu My Cuddlin Kitty Cat.  This interactive kitty is so realistic that you'll be amazed at the noises and actions that she makes.  Lulu will purr and meow when you walk by her, and even blink her eyes and move her ears. She'll sit on your child's lap to be brushed and will roll over to have her belly rubbed.  She even licks her paw to clean her face.  She will entertain the kids while at the same time teach them how to talk care of an animal.  Recommended for ages 4 and older  because of some small parts. 




Every child needs a kitchen set to play with and the LifeStyle Dream Kitchenis my favorite. The Dream Kitchen is very stylish, has great detail, and lasts forever. It comes with a microwave, stovetop, and oven that make realistic noises. The frying pan sizzles and the water pot boils. There's even a phone to talk on and an overhead light. There's plenty of storage space for the 28-piece Pots and Pans Set. You can't go wrong with this set for either boys or girls. Recommended for ages 2 to 6.



The Mattel Little Mommy Real Loving Baby Dollis so incredibly cute and realistic. This interactive doll plays peek-a-boo, drinks her bottle, and giggles when tickled. You can choose a name for the doll and record it, and she'll respond whenever she hears her name. Girls will love taking care of this doll. They'll want to give her hugs and kisses and put her to bed with her own blanket. Recommended for ages 3 to 6 years.



The Loving FamilyTM Grand Dollhouse Super Setis a favorite of the girls and has four floors of entertainment space for them to enjoy. The super set comes with the living room, kitchen, and bathroom furniture sets so you don't have to buy them separately. Your child will play for HOURS with mom, dad, and the baby twins. This dollhouse has 2 wings that open for better access and folds up for easy storage. If you don't want to splurge for the super set just start with the Loving Family Grand Dollhousebasic set and add accessories at your own pace. Recommended for ages 3 and up.



These great interactive Buzz and Woody Dolls are a fun toy that will keep the kids entertained for hours. Buzz and Woody talk and interact with each other when placed next to each other. The dolls feature some original conversations from the movie and have over 100 phrases and sound effects. Just push a button to get one figure to talk and the other will respond. Make sure to put the Disney Toy Story Interactive Buzz and Woody Dolls on your shopping list. Recommended for ages 4 and older.



What would the holidays be without a toy that the kids can run around with?  The Nerf Raider Rapid Fire CS-35 Dart Blaster Value Pack will provide hours of entertainment as the kids battle it out.   The Nerf Raider has two modes of fire with a pump action handle that let's you totally control the rate of fire.  The drum magazine holds 35 darts and the value pack comes with a total of 100 darts.  This is a favorite for boys that is solidly built and will keep them well entertained.  Recommended for ages 4 to 8 years.



While the girls are enjoying the dollhouse, the boys can get down and dirty with Manny's Repair Shop. This is a new Fisher Price product and is wonderfully interactive for those busy boys. With this repair shop the kids insert a blueprint into the diagnostic center and follow Manny's instructions about which parts and tools to use to put the project together. This great set comes with over 40 project pieces and is one of the best new gift ideas for the boys. And if your boys are anything like mine were, they'll love Flicker the Flashlight and the Fisher Price Handy Manny TALKIN' Toolboxtoo! Recommended for children ages 3 and up.

Check this YouTube vid to see just how cute he really is:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KBMS7HQSeBQ



Let the Bakugan craze continue! Bakugan is a strategy game based on the popular Japanese Anime TV series where warriors strive save the universe. The Bakugan 7 in 1 Maxus Dragonoidis the newest and most powerful Bakugan to be released. This unit includes 1 warrior and 6 traps. The traps "transform" and can be assembled into the giant dragon robot. Surprisingly, this game does have some educational value. It entails a large amount of strategy and math skills (lots of addition!). If your child needs a Bakugan Starter Packyou might want to get one now because they sell out quickly! Recommended for children 5 and older.



The Ben 10 Omnitrix F/X Watchis true to size so your child can realistically role play the part of Ben from the popular TB series. They can change into aliens and chase all the bad guys, letting their imaginations run wild. This watch has great flashing light and sound effects just like in the show. This watch is very popular with the boys and is recommended for ages 5 and older.


The Mindflex Game by Mattel is just one of the neatest games.  Strap on the headset and a sensor that monitors your brain waves and you're ready to play.  When you focus your concentration, you'll raise a little foam ball that floats on a stream of air.  When you relax your mind, the ball with drop.  Using this combination of mental concentration you must guide the ball through an obstacle course with hoops, funnels, and hurdles.  Some of the games test speed and others accuracy.  Have a blast playing with just 1 or with teams of up to 4.   Recommended for ages 8 to 15 years.

Let's take a look at how it works:





Ready to have some great fun around the house? The Spinmaster Air Hogs Battling Havoc R/C Helicopters will provide hours of entertainment while driving mom crazy while she's trying to cook Christmas dinner. These helicopters are only 6" in length and weigh only half a pound but they are mighty strong for battling. You don't even have to leave the house to enjoy them. Engage in mid-air battles in the middle of your own living room. You'll never have to check the weather forecast before engaging your Spinmaster Air Hogs Battling Havoc R/C Helicopters.  Recommended for ages 8 and up.



Ripstik Caster Boardsare the absolute neatest boards on the market and are a must have for kids who like to find that extra thrill. These boards are like a skateboard and snowboard hybrid. The pivoting deck and 360 degree caster trucks allow riders to "carve" like a snowboarder and balance like a surfer. This is the coolest product to ride around the neighborhood. Click here if you'd like to read my full review on the Ripstik Caster Board and don't forget to pick up the Safety Equipment. Recommended for ages 9 and older.



The Twilight Saga is as popular as ever. The new AMAZON EXCLUSIVE! Neca Twilight Limited Edition Bookmark Set has been released at about the same time the next movie hits the theaters. This set 16 bookmarks (of the series characters) is packaged in a Limited Edition Collectors Case. Only 2,000 units will be issued, making this a great holiday gift. Other Limited Edition Twilight sets include the AMAZON EXCLUSIVE! Twilight Limited Edition Trading Card Set w/ Official Binder and the Twilight Limited Edition Official Complete Jewelry Set of the Cullen Family(my favorite!). Recommended for ages 8 and older.



Are you looking for something unique, fun, and exciting that can be used by both girls and boys? The Razor Pocket Mod Miniature Euro Electric Scooteris just what you're looking for. This euro-style scooter is perfect for cruising around town. The Pocket Mod travels up to 15 miles per hour with its chain driven motor. You'll be able to travel up to 10 miles on a single charge. The ride is smooth because of the pneumatic tires and rear suspension system. There's even storage space underneath the padded seat. I've actually ridden on one of these and it is really cool - I know your kids will love it! Click here to get a full review on the Razor Pocket Mod Miniature Euro Electric Scooter. Recommended for ages 12 and older.



The Nintendo DSi is a portable handheld video game system. The DSi has a larger screen, better audio quality, and much thinner design than any previous models. The most notable change to this game system is its new double camera. One is outward facing and one is inward facing with 11 different lenses to choose from. Your kids will love the fact that they can take photos, connect to wireless internet, and upload their pictures directly to Facebook. They'll enjoy gaming and photography all in one.

Here are all the great features of the Nintendo DSi:





If you have Star Wars fans in the house, the LEGO Star Wars Death Star (10188)is the ultimate lego set out there. It's the most detailed replica of the Death Star that you will ever find. This 3,803 piece set includes 6 figures that are exclusive to this set only: Luke Skywalker in a full Stormtrooper outfit, Han Solo in a complete Stormtrooper outfit , one Assassin Droid, an Interrogation Droid, a Death Star Droid and 2 Death Star Troopers. It also has the new Dianoga trash compactor monster. This is a great Lego Set that will entertain the kids for hours. Recommended for ages 12 and up. Please note that at one point reviewers felt this product was overpriced on Amazon but I've searched around and it certainly seems to be in line now.