2007's 5 Most Popular Holiday Toys and Their Cheaper (Or Free) Alternatives

It can be difficult for parents to purchase all the hottest new toys for their kids during the holidays without breaking the bank. Before Halloween has even officially ended, toy company execs begin serving up advertisements left and right. As a result, children are left salivating on Saturday mornings, as the literal buffet of toys goes on parade. Christmas lists begin getting longer. Some toys are so expensive that parents wonder how they can afford to buy their children more than one or two special items. History dictates a few things about many children around the age of 7 years old: 1) Many have very short attention spans. AND 2) They are not as materialistic as people might think. There is a reason why Lincoln Logs and Lego blocks have been such successful toys over the years. That success is due in part to their simplicity. In short, many children do not require all the bells and whistles that toy companies charge extra for. That in mind, here are some of this year's hottest toy options, and some cheap (or free!) alternatives for a great time...

New Toy #1: Digi Glam Makeover Gift Set - $60 (ages: 6-12)
Alternative: Mom's closet, and a few tubes of old lipstick - free

This high-tech toy features a digital camera which connects to a television set. With it, little ladies can take their own photo, upload the pictures and create their own digital makeovers. The kit includes over 50 various hairstyle and wardrobe selections. Many salons actually use this kind of technology (though much more advanced of course) to help future clients determine which hairstyles are best for them. The premise for this toy is one of good natured fun. But the real fun of playing dress-up is in actually trying on Mommy's pretty nightgowns, hats, and shoes. The $60 spent on this semi-complicated plaything might be better spent on costume jewelry, fun thrift store finds, or other arts and crafts.

New Toy #2: Hannah Montana Singing Poster ("If I Were a Movie" Playalong) - $11.00 (ages: 3-7)
Alternative: Non-singing Hannah Montana poster and an online song download - $6.00

This "toy" has a ridiculously simple concept. It's essentially a poster which has been equipped with audio capabilities. By pressing a button at the bottom of the poster, the song "If I Were a Movie" begins to play. Many parents might feel that purchasing a poster that costs more than $10 for a three year-old is a tad unnecessary. Moms and Dads of Hannah Montana fans will feel much better spending about half that amount for an ordinary poster. Even better, why not simply purchase a Hannah Montana CD for the little one to sing to, to his/her heart's content.

New Toy #3: EyeClops Handheld Bionic Eye - $50 (ages: 6-11)
Alternative: Plastic magnifying glass - $5- $10

The EyeClops is basically a handheld bionic device that allows kids to see objects magnified up to 200 times the regular size. The toy is plugged into the television so that the results can be viewed. Though there is no software to install, and no "heavy machinery", this toy just seems a bit overindulgent. Children can have the same kind of discovery simply by going outdoors and using a simple plastic magnifying glass. Or better yet, look into kid-friendly microscope sets for authentic exploration.

New Toy #4: Star Station Entertainment System - $60 (ages: 3-8)
Alternative: A banana, a mirror, and an imagination - free

With the Star Station Entertainment System, tots can sing along with their favorite children's songs, while watching themselves perform on television. The toy system comes equipped with wireless microphones and the whole nine yards. Some online reviews on Toysrus.com have revealed that the picture quality on the television set is not that great. Additionally, some parents revealed that the children enjoyed seeing themselves on TV, but had difficulty singing along, since no lyrics are printed on the screen. The bottom line is that children who enjoy singing, dancing, and performing might do better to act out their imaginations with a pretend microphone (thus, the banana)-and a floor length mirror. After the little tykes have rocked out in "concert", they can refresh themselves with a little fruity snack!

New Toy #5: Fisher-Price Smart Cycle Physical Learning Arcade System - $100 (ages: 3-6)
Alternative: Classic Red Dual Deck Tricycle - $50 (ages: 2-5)

The Fisher-Price Smart Cycle Physical Learning Arcade System was designed for those parents who are concerned with their children getting enough physical exercise. The concept is fairly simple, and not really a bad idea: use video gaming technology in order to capture the child's attention; physical motion is used to keep the game going. While this is indeed a novel concept, parents would do better simply to purchase a traditional tricycle for half the price, and take their children outdoors to play. While the electronic game certainly promotes learning, the act of navigating a tricycle on one's own will help the child's overall coordination.