If you are searching for the best presents to buy the little ones in your life, then you can stop now. I put together a list of the top ten hot Christmas toys for this year so you can spend more time enjoying the last month of 2011 and less worrying about whether you are the buying toys that kids really want.
#1 LeapFrog LeapPad Explorer Educational, but your kids won't know it! Includes 100 plus learning games, apps, ebooks, videos, built-in camera and video recorder. Also adjusts to each child's skill level, has an interactive color touch screen and more wrapped in a sturdy, but light-weight package. Encourages children to learn and be creative at their own pace. Parents can also keep track of their child's progress online and with emails. Available in green or pink.
Remote Starter
#2 Monster High Dolls from Mattel Not like your ordinary Barbie-like doll. Each doll is the offspring of a classic infamous monster. For example, Draculaura is the daughter of Dracula, Abbey Bominable is the daughter of the Yeti. Almost everything Monster High related is going to be popular this Christmas, but the dolls will be the best sellers! Specifically the Monster High Abbey Bominable and Toralei Stripe Dolls since they are newer and a little harder to find.
#3 Air Swimmers This is a clever new type of remote-controlled vehicle by William Mark Corporation. There are two designs available, the shark and clown fish. The Air Swimmers use helium and are powered by four triple A batteries. They are designed to stay inflated for several weeks and "swim" through the air easily. This a fun change from the typical remote-controlled car or plane. Indoor use only though.
#4 Lite Sprites by Wowwee
These dolls and accessories use color and light to express their moods and feelings. Each sprite has a unique personality and purpose and they all comprise the Sprite Sisterhood. There is a Tree of Life accessory from which the individual sprites can hang from. So I suggest pairing the tree plus one or two sprites if the recipient doesn't own any other Lite Sprite toys. There are plenty of other accessories available if they do, like the wand and various play sets.
#5 Hot Wheels Wall Tracks These are car tracks that you can attach to the walls. This is the latest change to the standard Hot Wheels floor racing tracks. I give them credit for coming up with something very different instead of just adding yet another loop. You can buy the starter set or a specific track set. The sets can be used alone or connected to the other wall tracks to create a larger race course. Don't worry about the walls, Hot Wheels is using 3M Command Strips to attach the tracks so your paint or wallpaper won't be destroyed. At least not by the 3M strips anyway.
#6 Sing and Glow Rapunzel This doll is based on the Disney movie, Tangled, that came out earlier this year. Rapunzel's hair would glow when she sang a certain song. Just like the movie, the doll Rapunzel lights up and sings. There are two different versions of the Rapunzel doll from Tangled and they both have similar names. One has a light on her back so when it is on, it appears that her hair is glowing and she sings her song, "I See the Light". The other one uses a wand. When in comes into contact with her gown, she lights up and sings her song.
#7 Rock Star Mickey by Fisher-Price Last year, Dance Star Mickey was the "must have" Christmas toy. This year it's Rock Star Mickey. He dances, sings, "rocks out". He does head bops, leg kicks, a split and plays the guitar with his nose. He'll even teach you his dance moves. This is definitely for the younger age group. It's recommended for ages 2 and up, but I wouldn't go past 6 years old.
#8 Let's Rock Elmo by Sesame Street Elmo seems to be a huge hit every Christmas, but this year I think he's going to be even more popular. This time, he comes with a microphone, a tambourine and a drum set. What's really cool is that he interacts with other Let's Rock instruments(sold separately). He knows when you are playing any of the Let's Rock instruments (guitar, keyboard or microphone) and starts playing with you. He also sings 6 songs. Personally, I like this toy better than the Rock Star Mickey, but it boils down to who your child loves more.
#9 Lalaloopsy Silly Hair Doll It seems like all of the Lalaloopsy dolls will be popular this Christmas, but I believe the Silly Hair Doll versions will be extra popular. I was once a wee lass and the main thing I loved about my dolls was the ability to play with their hair. Lalaloopsy doesn't have the typical Barbie doll hair. The strands are thicker, bendable rubber so you can twist, curl or straighten them. Includes hair accessories and a pet with a bendable tail. I really like these dolls! I think they are creative and a nice change from the stereotypical girl's doll.
#10 Xia Xia Pets by Cepia These are collectible hermit crabs that are colorful. They do a crab walk when you press their claws. There are four crab characters in all and each comes with a small friend under their shell. There are plenty of accessory shells and playsets too. I know, I didn't quite understand the appeal either until I found out that the point is to collect and trade the shells. If there will be multiple kids around the same age opening presents together then maybe buy one for each child so they can trade after opening if they want.
Top 10 Most Wanted Toys for Christmas 2011 - 2012