The Christmas Toy Buzz...Which Toys Are Hot

What's the buzz on Christmas toys this year? Which toys are being mentioned now that will be under the tree favorites? Well, I can tell you what the buzz is going on in our house. The buzz is low right now, but with each passing day, it's getting louder and louder. So here is what I can predict will be hot sellers, judging by my 10 yr. old, 3yr.old, and 1yr.old. You can't get better crtics than that!

For The Youngest Set (about 1-3 year olds-- based on the reactions of my 1 year old)

TMX Elmo, Ernie and Cookie Monster ( my personal favorite!). Now, we have Elmo, and my little one squeals in delight when TMX Elmo does his thing( actually, it is pretty cool. I don't squeal, but I do clap my hands a bit). This year Fishetr Price has added Ernie and Cookie Monster to the TMX family, and from what I am hearing and reading on the web, these items are sure to be big sellers. If you think you have a liitle one on your list this year who will be delighted by the dancing and talking anctics of the TMX crew, my best advice: Buy Now!

Sesame Street: Lots To Learn Elmo Laptop

This is a toy that I really like. It is cute, and the bright red color is appealing to young ones. It seems sturdy enough, and is priced well at about $29.99. This is a toy that both my 1 yr.old and my 3 yr. Old would play with, but alas, that means fighting over it. But I am still considering it.

For The 3-5 years Old Set

The ClickStart My First Computer by Leapfrog

This is a preschool learning toy that closely resembles grown up versions. Kids get to use a mouse like grownups, and the keyboard is et up like a real keyboard. My three year old's friend down the street already has one, and loves it . I plan on getting one for my son, and from the buzz I'm hearing, my advice: Buy it Soon!

I have seen it at Toys R Us listed at $59.99.

Hasbro Fur Real Friends Butterscotch and Smore' s Pony

Now, this might be thought of as just a little girl's toy, but I sure don't think of it that way! As a matter of fact, we saw this item last year at Christmas time when we were all out together shopping. My then 9 yr.old daughter and 2 yr.old son went nuts! I would seriously have thought about buying it then, as something they would have to share ( always a problem, but hey, .I like challenges!), but we had pretty much gone through our shopping budget by then. Plus, they only had the display model , it was sold out. Now this year, my kids have seen it on tv already, and still go gaga. I am considering it once again, but I am holding back because of the sharing issue. That, and the price. It is about $269.00, give or take $20. Not cheap. But if you are considering this toy, my suggestion is: If you find it, buy it now! The closer Christmas gets, the harder it will be to find.

Fisher-Price Smart Cycle Physical Learning Arcade System

This looks like a fun and active kind of toys for the 3-5 year olds. Instead of just sitting and playing video games, they actually pedal a stationary motorcycle. The system hooks up to your tv, and you put in a game cartridge, and your little" one takes off." It looks fun, but on commercials everything looks fun and wonderful, and it does use up toddler energy. I am not sure about this one though. I know my son would love the motorcycle part of it, but I'm not sure about the rest. I will be thinking and reading reviews a bit more. I've seen it listed around $99.00, so I want to make sure it's worth the money. I am sure it will turn out to be a hot item though, so if you are considering it, my suggestion: don't wait too long to buy it if you want it. My best guess is this will really start selling out soon after Thanksgiving, if not before.

Imaginarium Railway Train Table

This is an exclusive at Toys R us, but I have seen it and think it is a great toy for the price. My three year old cannot be dragged away without force when he sees it there. It has 115 pieces, and I think it is great for little ones to use their imagination with. Plus, my one year old is bound to play with it long after my 3 yr old may no longer play with it, so that makes it a definite worthwhile purchase for us! I am getting this asap, just because I don't know if it will sell out or not. My advice: Check it out now, and if you like it, Buy It Now. AS great toy for the price, and I bet a pleaser for the little one on your list!

For the older ones, 9 and up

Webkinz

Webkinz are hot right now! If you have kids, then you may already have this toy in your home. We do. Or I should say, my daughter has one. Webkinz animals come with a special internet code. When your child goes to the website, they enter the code, and then they can interact with the webkinz animal on screen that matches their real life furry one at home. These are already hot. If you see one, buy it now for Christmas giving.

Ipet Nano/Robots

Always popular, this holiday season will be no different. There are a lot of new ipets out there, and my daughter is in love with the Fuzz Luvs one. They range in price from $20-$140 for the Robosapien . My daughter has the idog, doubt she'll be getting another one. But usually not too hard to find one of these if you are considering one for a tween on your list.

Nintendo DS

Always popular with the tween and older crowd. Usually not to hard to find, if you shop early enough. As Christmas approaches, the DS will get harder to find, so do not wait until December to buy one. My daughter has one, but is hoping for another. Uh, NO. If you are going to buy one, my suggestion: Buy before November is over. Buy one in the newer available colors to get an extra hug or two!

The Nintendo WII

Well, who doesn't want one? This is number one on my daughter's list ( right now, anyway), but who can find this item? If you really want to buy this as a Christmas present for some lucky person on your list...Start Looking for it NOW! Search on the internet, and check EBay frequently. Normally about $249.99 if you find it at a store, but who knows what the price might be on EBay.

Rubik's Cube

This brainteaser is making a comeback, at least it seems that way if you are spending time witth my daughter and her friends. Who knew a simple old fashioned toy could still be popular? And only about $10.00 or so....this is a good pick!

Ipods

Always popular. Plan to spend around $199 or so. These are around now, but again, will be harder to find the closer it gets to Christmas. So don't wait too long.