Toy Reviews and News

It's that time of year again - Holiday Shopping Season, and just like every year, there's a myriad of new hot holiday products that you had better get your hands on before they are sold out - IF they aren't already!

Like usual, this year's hot holiday must-haves consist mainly of toys. Just like Care Bears, Tickle Me Elmo and Furby from previous years, this year has it's own must-have toys that if you've got kids, you had better get your hands on right now.  Besides the main "token" toys this season, there are a variety of other toys, games and products that are likely to be on your loved-ones' list to Santa this year, and are also likely to be in short supply at your local retail stores!

This top 10 list consists of the MOST POPULAR holiday gifts this season, which are likely to be in short supply. So without further ado...

1. Zhu Zhu Pets

Zhu Zhu Pets (the pets formerly known as Go Go Pets) are the absolute rage this holiday season. If you've already been out to your local Target or Walmart in search of them, most likely you came up unsuccessful in your mission, because Zhu-Zhu pets are sold out in just about every retail store, and you had better get in line real early when the next shipment comes in, because they can't seem to stay on the shelves!

Basically ZhuZhu pets are the toy alternative to a real pet hamster. They're little, fuzzy, cute and they follow you around. They also come with a variety of cool accessories ranging from the usual hamster accessories you would expect like a hamster ball or hamster tube - to cool new stuff like surfboards and sleeping bags.

Surprisingly, Zhu Zhu pets aren't all that expensive - ranging from about $20-$40 in price each, depending on where/how you buy them. If you've got a kid under 10 years old, they are most likely going to want one of these cuddly critters this season!

2. Elmo Live Encore

Coming in just behind Zhu Zhu Pets this year is the latest must-have elmo doll - Elmo Live Encore. It probably brings back memories of the classic Tickle Me Elmo and Elmo TMX, and this newest offering in the long line of Elmo dolls surely doesn't dissapoint!

The Elmo Live Encore is not your typical Elmo doll. Weighing in at a cool 4 pounds, this is truly the most lifelike Elmo ever.

The manufacturers have given the new Elmo the ability to move his mouth as he speaks in a lifelike fashion. Your children are sure to be delighted as it will seem that Elmo is really talking to them! Elmo can also move his head - back and forth, and up and down, as well as wave his arms and legs, and sit and stand.

Altogether, this is by far the most advanced Elmo doll yet and they are selling like hotcakes this year! The only thing that makes this toy less sought after than Zhu Zhu pets is that the target age group for this toy is slightly more limited than that of Zhu Zhu pets.

3. Mindflex

Mindflex, by Mattel is the hottest game on the market this year, and paving the way for totally new and outrageous game concepts that are fun for kids and adults alike. Basically, you put on a special headband - supposed to measure your brain waves, and try to manipulate a foam ball that "floats on air" through an elaborate obsticle course.

This game is listed for children ages 8 and over, and it is selling out like crazy in stores. You may think the $149 pricetag is steep, however this game is truly something completely new that the whole family will find exciting, and it sure beats playing cards with grandma this Christmas!

4. Disney Netpal

It's almost surprising that it took this long, but FINALLY a actual real functioning laptop for kids is on the market this Christmas. It's called the Disney Netpal, and it is similar to regular netbooks that you've probably seen quite frequently over the last year or so. It's not quite a laptop, but it's NOT anything like those lame V-Tech laptops for kids, that your kids use maybe once or twice before they get sick of it. No, the Disney Netpal is an actual real functioning computer, that your kids can actually use for productive things like... Doing their homework!

Made by ASUS, a premier netbook manufacturer, this hot item is not cheap - expect to pay at least a good $350, but it's something your kids will love, and it can help them be productive at the same time! If you're going to shell out big bucks on your kids this Christmas, why not invest in a Netpal, something they'll be able to get a lot of use out of!

5. Barbie Fashionistas

Barbie is back again this year, and this time she's better than ever. New Barbie Fashionistas are flying off the shelves right now. Their low price and recognizable name has made them an extremely popular choice among girls this holiday shopping season. You can pick up Barbie Fashionistas for under $20.00 - if you can find them. Our advice - shop online for Barbie Fashionistas and save the hassle. These Barbies blow away the Barbie of the past with their ability to strike over 100 unique poses, thanks to the 12 points of articulation throughout their bodies. This will allow your kids to have more fun with their Barbies than ever, and is one of the main reasons Barbie Fashionistas are highly likely to be on your little girl's Christmas wish list this year - so get yours now before they become any more scarce!

6. Nerf N-Strike

The Nerf N-Strike is a new line of toy guns from Nerf, and these ain't your regular cowboys and indians guns! These elaborate Nerf guns look like something out of a sci-fi movie, and can rapidly shoot off rounds of foam projectiles. This is a toy that is sure to keep little boys busy all winter long. Pricing ranges from $10-$50 depending on how elaborate you want to go. Again, due to the reasonable price, these popular projectiles are finding it difficult to stay in stock. You may have problems finding them at your local retail stores.

If you want to make your little boy happy this season, be sure to let Santa know that a Nerf N-Strike is the popular toy of choice for boys over 3 years of age!

7. Bakugan 7 in 1 Maxus Dragonoid

Bakugan is the newest craze taking youngsters by storm. With a popular TV show and a dizzying array of products to choose from, there's little surprise that Bakugan products are going to be on a lot of kids' wish lists this year. The Bakugan 7 in 1 Maxus Dragonoid is quite possibly the grand daddy of them all - a combination of 7 different Bakugan that form to create one gigantic Bakugan monster! Kind of brings back memories of Transformers (which are also experiencing a renissance this season - but that's another story).

The Bakugan 7 in 1 Maxus Dragonoid sells for around $40.00 and is still available in stores, but may not be for long! As it's safe for children ages 3 and over, and popular among  girls and boys, this is already one of the hottest sellers this season, and is likely to start selling out.

8. FurReal Friends Lulu My Cuddlin Kitty Cat

This adorable toy is popular among girls and boys, and easily cracked the top 10 this season for it's innovative design and affordable price. Lulu is a precious kitty cat that has a variety of life-like features, and looks and acts like a real cat. No need to worry about allergies or a stinky cat box with lulu in the house! She'll help you enjoy all the great aspects of cat ownership without the hassle.

Lulu sells for around $35, and is safe for kids over 3 years of age.

A great gift idea for just about any kid, just make sure you keep her away from Zhu Zhu Pets!

9. Bananagrams

Another popular game this year - and it doesn't come with the extravagent price tage that Mindflex does. Bananagrams has gained a massive following for it's simplicity and easy of play.

It requires no pencil, no paper, no dice to play. Just a flat surface. A full game of bananagrams can take as little as 5 minutes, and all the pieces can easily be stored in a chic banana pouch.

Thanks to the simplicity and practicality of this game, it's becoming a favorite of kids (and adults) everywhere this Christmas. At only about $14.00, you'll be sure to get hours of fun out of this game!

10. Radica U-Create Music

Another wildly popular offering from Mattel, Radica U-Create Music is on fire this year, and already selling out in most major retail stores. U-Create Music basically allows your kid to become a music producer!

They can sample music and mix and match beats to create their own songs. Not only that, but they can log on and interact with other U-Creater's via an online web community, which will allow them to share and discover more cool music. If your kid is into music, you won't want to pass this one up! Selling for around $35, it's a steal - if you can find one!

Related posts:

1. The 100 Pose Barbie Fashionista Puts Your Little Girl in Charge of the Runway
2. Transformers Movie 2 Combiner: One of the Hottest Action Figures of 2009
3. The Fisher-Price Elmo Live Encore Brings an Old Favorite Back
4. Zhu Zhu Pets – The Hottest Toy in 2009
5. Bakugan 7 in 1 Maxus Dragonoid Takes Strategy to the Next Level
6. Zhu Zhu Pets are About To Take Over the 2009 Christmas Toy Shopping Season
7. Bakugan Gauntlet Yet Another Toy of Christmas 2009 Wish Lists