The Top Toys for This 2010 Holiday Season

Shopping for your kids around the holidays can be a real headache at times. Especially when you'd prefer not to "hint" what they may be getting by outright asking them what they want. Below you'll find a list of many toys from this year's 'hot list' of in-demand gifts for kids!

Paper Jams: Can be purchased at multiple retailers, including Wal-Mart. Call your local store to ensure they carry this item and have it in stock.

Retail Price (suggested): $24.99 | Brand/Creator: WowWee | Suggested age: 5 and up

The first time I came across these I laughed to myself and thought "how could such a thin toy actually simulate drums or a guitar". To my surprise there was a demo-station where I could try it out for my self - of course I couldn't resist. While it took a couple of moments to get the hang of things and actually get it properly functioning, once I did I was quite amazed with the results.

Unlike the name states, these aren't "paper thin" but more like a thin piece of cardboard, yet less bendable. There is a variety of styles and you can choose from guitars, drums, and an amplifier. You can create your own music or play along to the pre-programmed songs.

Sing-A-Ma-Jigs: These creative little toys can be found at multiple locations. Call your local retailer such as Wal-Mart or Target to ensure they carry and have this item in stock.

Retail Price (suggested): $12.99 | Brand/Creator: Mattel| Suggested age: 3 and up

Kids everywhere are collecting these unique looking creatures (they look a bit like alien bears with big puckered lips). They come in four colors/styles and will sing songs such as "Where Oh Where has My Little Dog Gone" and "Home on the Range" when you press on their tummies. Each Sing-A-Ma-Jig has its own song and its rhythm can be controlled by how the child presses on the tummy. Each "Jig" has 3 different modes: Singing, chattering, and harmonizing.

Monster High dolls: These dolls play up on the recent success of monster and vampire hits such as the Twilight Saga and include very trendy-dressed teenage monster dolls.

Retail Price (suggested): $16.99 per doll | Brand/Creator: Mattel | Suggested age: 6 and up

These dolls are anticipated to be extremely popular among tween girls across America. Some of their names include Draculaura, Frankie Stein, and Clawdeen Wolf. Each doll comes with her own accessories. The clothes they wear are very fashionable along with their styled hair.

Leapster Explorer: This toy can be found at many locations including most Wal-Mart and Target retailers.

Retail Price (suggested): $69.99 | Brand/Creator: LeapFrog| Suggested age: 4 and up

This device is great for younger children who love to play games, while still giving parents the assurance that they are learning while they play. It's a portable device, so it's great to take on the go, or play right at home.

Included with the Explorer are e-books, game applications, videos, and flash cards that cover math, science, and reading. There is also a sure-to-please feature called the "Pet Pad App" that allows children to make and customize their very own virtual pet which they can bathe, feed, and entertain.

Your explorer will come complete with 12 games and 18 learning applications. The screen is touch activated and it has a Linux-based operating system with the ability to run video, flash, and 3-D graphics. It also has 512 MB of memory.

More accessories can be purchased separately.

Nerf N-Strike Stampede Blaster: Available at many major retailers. Call to ensure they carry this item and have it in stock.

Retail Price (suggested): $49.99 | Brand/Creator: Hasbro | Suggested age: 8 and up

This is claimed to be the best Nerf toy made to date, offering fun and entertainment for both children and adults alike. Since the announcement of this product, searches on Google have reached incredible highs, indicating that this will be a "must-have" toy for many children.

The Stampede Blaster is the first full automatic blaster toy that comes with 3 six-dart "clips". It also features a pop-out bipod and removable shield.