The Hottest Toys for Ages 3 - 18 This Holiday Season

It happens every year. A new toy hits the market just in time for the Holidays, and of course the kids have to have it. With all the hustle and chaos of shopping, who has the time to price compare. Now, the work has been done for you. Here is a list of five of the hottest toys this year, and where to get the best deal.

1) EyeClops ~ This magnifying eye shows any common object in 200 times magnification. The EyeClops works with any regular T.V, giving kids the chance to really take a close look at the world around them. This toy is recommended for ages 6 and up, and is easy to use.
Toys R' Us $39.99
Walmart $49.76
Target $44.99

My Opinion on the EyeClops: This toy is really neat, at first. However, the kids seem to get tired of messing with it after an hour or so. The EyeClops is great if you need to see something up close, like when your working on a science project, but it's just not a toy that most kids will play with everyday. The good part is, it is really easy to store away, for when they do want to tinker with it. The EyeClops is really easy to use, and the price isn't to bad.

2) Play Station Guitar Hero III - Your teen will have a blast battling with some of the greatest guitar heroes of all times. This is an accessory toy, and does require the Play Station console in order to operate. Guitar Hero III is recommended for ages 13 and up.
Play Station 3 Guitar Hero III
Toys R' Us $99.99
Walmart $99.82
Target $99.99

Play Station 2 Guitar Hero III
Toys R' Us $89.99
Walmart $89.82
Target $79.99

My Opinion on the Play Station 2 & 3 Guitar Hero III - I'm not a big fan of video games, however this one isn't violent, and it does keep the teens moving. Guitar Hero III has several levels, and it enforces eye / hand coordination. The reason why this one is for teens, well it's just to hard to the little ones to do. The guitar controller is close to the size of a normal guitar neck, so it's tricky for little fingers.

3) Shinning Star Pets By Russ - These cute little plush pets are more then just a stuffed animals. Each Shinning Star Pet comes with a certificate that allows you to register your pet, and name a real star through the International Star Registry! How exciting is that, you can now give a star from the sky as a gift. There are several Shinning Star Pets to choose from including: a frog, pig, penguin, horse, dragon, unicorn, cow, lion, tiger, bunny, monkey, panda, elephant, owl, and many different bears, kittens, and puppies. Shinning Star Pets are recommended for ages 5 and up.
Toys R' Us $14.99
Walmart - not available
Target $14.99

My Opinion on Shinning Star Pets - These are super cute, and to name a star is really exciting! I think these make great gifts for more then just kids. After all who doesn't want a real star actually named after them? You can also print the star chart from the International Star Registry website, and see exactly where your star is. Instructions are included on how to register your star, and the website is easy to navigate. Remember there are billions upon billions of stars in the sky. For less then $15.00 you couldn't ask for more.

4) For Real Friends Squawkers the Parrot - This large Macaw does more then just squawks, he also talks. Your child will enjoy watching, and training this unpredictable parrot. He definitely has plenty to say, and is ready to play straight out of the box. Squawkers the Macaw Parrot is recommended for ages 5 and up.
Toys R' Us $54.99
Walmart $49.97
Target $49.99

My Opinion On Squawkers the Macaw - For Real Pets are cute to play with, however they always end up on the shelf. I think $50.00 is a little steep on this one, even though it is fun to play with. If your kid loves stuffed animals, and play with them, then it's worth it. If they don't then Squawkers will end up collecting dust.

5) Fisher Price Easy Link Internet Launch Pad - This neat little pad allows even the youngest Internet explorer to surf the web safely. The Easy Link Internet Launch Pad is designed to act as a safety net for your child, allowing them to only view child appropriate websites, and blocking unwanted ads. The Easy Link Internet Launch Pad is recommended for ages 3 and up.
Toys R' Us $24.99
Walmart $24.93
Target $24.79

My Opinion On The Fisher Price Easy Internet Launch Pad - This Easy Internet Launch Pad was made with babies in mind. The colors, design, and characters appeal to little ones ages 3 - 5. Me personally I think that's to young to be on the computer at all. Maybe I'm a strict mom but I have a "no touch" rule. There are some really cute sites on the Internet for little ones, but I always set my kids down with me when we play on the sites together. I just really don't see the point in this one.

All of these toys and more are available in both the store as well as online. The prices quoted above are the regular store price, and not a sale price. With that being said, keep an eye out for sale ads, or in store specials.