The Top Toys for Christmas 2007

My daughter I went Christmas shopping today. We always shop early to avoid the hustle and bustle, not to mention the long lines, of shopping later on.

We had decent luck until we reached the toy store and tried to figure out what to put on layaway for my grandson. We headed for the Transformers because we knew they would be a sure fire hit. But guess what? Most of this year's Transformers don't actually transform. That blew our minds since the technology to achieve that action was pretty good in the mid 80's. We thought by now it would be perfected.

After wandering up and down aisle after aisle and looking at the prices of today's toys, we were more confused than ever. In order to avoid spending an excessive amount of money, we decided to do some research to make sure we would make the right choices.

After spending a few hours online completing that research, I thought I should also share the information. So, here are the top twenty toys I was able to identify, categorized by unisex, male, and female. You may want to pay close attention to corresponding age groups as well.

Top Unisex Toys:

Still at the top of the list for toddlers between the ages of about four and six is Tickle Me Elmo TMX. There is something about his three tickle points on his chin, tummy, and toes and his contagious, floor rolling laughter that continues to keep kids enthralled with the little furry red guy. Elmo retails for around $40 if you are lucky enough to find him in the store.

TMX Cookie Monster and TMX Ernie are expected to be popular as well. They should also retail for a little less at around $30 each. Although it's a bit early to call him a sure fire winner, early sales for Singing Pizza Elmo look good. He may yet end up on the "must have" list for 2007. He is also a smidgen cheaper at $24.99.

For those seeking something a bit less expensive, Playfoam continues to be a fun item for the younger set. They love how it feels when they squish it, shape it, and smoosh it. Once they are finished, they can save their creation or they can start all over and create something brand new. Unlike some of the other types of foam on the market, this lightweight, colorful foam doesn't crumble, stick to, or discolor skin or surfaces. And it never dries out so it can be used over and over again. A set of six Playfoam blocks, in different colors, retails for around $9.99.It is perfect for kids age four and up.

For the creative kid, Aqua Dots will certainly fit the bill. The starter pack comes with four-color chamber pens that put dots on created templates. Then all that is left is to spray them with water and watch a unique piece of artwork come to life. The kit comes with three templates and six designs for $14.99. It is perfect for kids age four and up.

V Smile Pocket is sure to be popular with both boys and girls. The educational game system is specifically designed for small hands and young minds, making it a perfect gift for those between the ages of five and nine. Games for V Smile are age specific and offer everything from math, science, art, colors, shapes, music and more. The V Smile retails for around $99. Individual games range from $19.99 and up to about $24.99.

Another popular computer game is Radica-20Q Tabletop Challenge. It includes multi-player function for kids age eight and over. Both boys and girls will love Radica because it almost appears as if it can read their minds; providing them answers to the most popular questions for their age group. It retails for under $30.

The Kidizoon Digital Camera promises to be a big hit this season as well. It includes cables for plug and play into either a computer or television set. It lets kids take fun photographs and allows them some editing features to distort photos or add silly frames. It even comes with three preschool games to keep the fun alive, all for $59.99.It is perfect for children age seven and up.

Of course Wii Nintendo continues to be a highly sought after item, but parents may not find it worth the price at several hundred dollars, depending upon the games and accessories chosen. This isn't recommended for extremely young children; age ten and up are better suited for this "toy."

Toys for Boys:

Younger boys will love Bob the Builder's Sunflower Valley Playset. It is popular with toddlers between the ages of three and five. It comes with a remote control for driving the vehicles and electronic sounds for Bob and his machines. It retails for $34.95.

Thomas the Train continues to fascinate the younger male age group as well. This time around, Steam Along Thomas provides steam effects and chugging action. The set includes a new train station, bridge, and tunnel. It is perfect for boys age three and over. It retails for around $47.99.

Smart Cycle combines arcade gaming with exercise via a cycle that must be peddled in order for the games to work. It plugs into the television so that parents don't have to have a separate screen. Best of all, it comes with games like Math Mountain, Shape Lake, Number Fields, Letter Creek, and much more. But it is pricey at $99.99.

For boys in transition, between six and eight, the Optimus Prime Voice Changer Helmet may be a huge smash. It speaks and makes sounds and, of course, allows its wearer to play the ultimate role-playing game. The helmet retails for $29.99.

Another favorite character from the Transformer movie - - Bumblebee - - is yet another of this year's hottest toys. Ultimate Bumblebee converts into a 14" robot with a canon that aims and fires missiles. Of course he also converts into a 2008 Camaro with lights, battle and conversion sounds, revving engine, screeching brakes, car alarm, and horn. He even plays songs like Devo's "Whip It" and says 17 different phrases like "Lets roll out" or "Take that Decepticon." He is recommended for boys age six and up and retails for around $80.

For older boys, age eight to about twelve, Roboraptor just might fit the bill. The realistic robotic toy has a remote control for realistic action. The life-like animatronic motion lets Roboraptor walks dinosaur style while shooting red rays from his infrared eyes. His multiple body sensors make it appear as though he can hear, see, and even feel things around him. He retails for around $50.

Another option is Scalextric's Power Slide Drift Set with two Nissan 350-Z cars fitted with a guide blade that gives them full 360-degree movement. The challenge, of course, is to "drift" the cars in a fishtail style just like the professionals do. It retails for around $65. This toy is best suited for boys age nine and up.

Little girls are swooning over Amazing Amanda. The doll has live looking features and her behavior is authentic as well. She shows emotions and will even interact with her new mommy. Amanda is suited for girls between the ages of four and seven. But this companion isn't cheap at $89.99.

Another popular baby doll is Annabell III. She is perfect for the tiny crowd around age three to five. Amanda giggles, cries, and drinks from her water bottle just as a real baby would. She even makes sucking sounds and has amazing mouth movements. She yawns and closes her eyes and even breathes and snores while she is sleeping. Annabell retails for around $15.

Baby Alive is yet another option for the young girl who wants to play mommy; particularly those between the ages of six and nine. She eats just like a real baby, with her special doll food. She'll even let mommy know what she likes with electronic phrases like "mmmm good." But be aware, she poops just like a real baby does so mommy better be prepared to change her diaper. She likes to play, laugh, and even talk. But when she's tired, she'll get sleepy. Baby Alive retails for $49.99.

Forget about Barbie, this year's "it" girl is Hannah Montana. Girls relate to this girl-next-door heroine who aspires to be a superstar. Hannah Montana electronic role-play dolls are based on the real styles of Miley Stewart and Hannah Montana. Those parents who want to go all out, can also purchased the concert stage where Hannah likes to perform. It comes complete with real lights and sounds. She retails for $14.99 and up. She is perfect for girls age six and up.

For girls slightly older - - between eight and twelve - - who want to emulate their heroine, try the Barbie Electric Guitar. It works just like a real guitar but its shaped and brought down to a young fan's size. It comes with a cartridge that plays top music hits. Little girls can play along or sing along or do both. It retails for around $39.99.

Sakura looks like she will be a big hit this Christmas. She is the first robot designed specifically to be a girl's best friend. She speaks via a memory chip, tells jokes, gives fashion tips, tells fortunes and even doles out compliments. She is recommended for girls age five and up. She retails for $69.99.

It seems as is the case every year, that the popular toys aren't the cheapest on the market. However, perhaps two or three "wanted" toys versus four or five cheaper toys will keep the smile on junior or junior miss's face. And, after all, that's what parents strive for at Christmas.