Top 20 Must-Have Preschool / Elementary Toys

This year, even more than in times past, it is a wise idea to get a jumpstart on the winter holidays. Whether you stockpile a few gifts per paycheck, take advantage of layaway options, or simply plan out a detailed shopping list prior to hitting your favorite shopping locales, the key is early preparation. Getting the most for your money while meeting the demands of a child's holiday wish list are your goals. Especially considering the annual battle for that perfect, must-have toy, it's wise to have an advance plan of attack. So, what are the toys worth fighting for this year for the preschool and elementary set?

Interactive Pals

* Hasbro Fur Real Friends Biscuit My Lovin Pup - Recommended for ages 5 - 8 years.
Fur Real pets have become exceptionally popular with children (as well as parents who are trying to sidestep endless requests for pets). As the Fur Real product line continues to evolve, the lovable interactive friends only improve in their features. Life-sized Biscuit employs voice recognition capabilities and motion sensors that accommodate six standard commands and realistic action play. Fur Real pets come in a variety of species and breeds.

*Little Tikes Giddyup N' Go Pony - Recommended for ages 3 - 8 years.
In the ever-competitive market of child's play, there exists a continuous need to top the last great toy. A neverending cycle of bigger and better is the standard, and that's just what you get with the Giddyup N' Go Pony. This adorably lovable ride-on friend is the closest that many of us will come to fulfilling every young child's dream of having a pony all their own. With galloping/whinnying sounds and kid-powered strides, Giddyup N' Go encourages imagination as well as physical play.

*Playskool Kota My Triceratops Dinosaur - Recommended for ages 3 - 5 years.
Perhaps your tiny tot wants a little more adventure than a pony provides. Transport your little one to a prehistoric world of wonder with Kota, the interactive, ride-on Triceratops. Kota responds to voice and touch command with exciting sounds and smooth movement, and is even accompanied by built-in musical soundtracks.

*U Command Wall-E - Recommended for ages 6 - 10 years.
If soft and cuddly isn't your thing, the ever-popular robotic pal Wall-E is ready to offer an alternative. Expressive and vocal, U Command Wall-E boasts over 1000 action combinations obedient to a programmable, handheld remote control, including everything from simple forward movement to dance steps.

Electronics

*Fisher-Price Kid-Tough Digital Camera - Recommended for ages 3 - 10 years.
Ever-curious children can pose a threat to electronics, and who has the available funds to quickly replace expensive items? Fisher-Price understands a parent's need to protect their posessions, but also notices the importance of fostering the inquisitive minds of children. To that end, Fisher-Price created the very first digital camera that is recommended for childrenas young as preschool. Durable and easy to use, the Kid-Tough Digital Camera enables youngsters to preserve their own precious moments, just like mom and dad. Through the use of the color LCD screen, they are also provided the instant gratification of viewing their photographic masterpieces. Available feature options include waterproof and multiple colors. Camera case sold seperately.

*Fisher-Price Kid-Tough Portable DVD Player -Recommended for ages 3 years and up.
Fisher-Price continues its technological pioneering with the Kid-Tough Portable DVD Player. Lightweight, durable and easy to use, the player features a 3" color screen as well as headphone jack and offers standard DVD/CD playback. The Kid-Tough DVD Player is available in pink or blue. Matching carrying case sold seperately.

Educational

*LeapFrog Tag Reading System - Recommended for ages 4 - 8 years.
Parents and children alike love the LeapFrog line of educational products. In their continuing quest to encouraging a love of reading in young children, LeapFrog has designed the Tag Reading System. Tag is an interactive reader that boasts a variety of engaging sound effects and impressive technology. The Tag Reader pen vocalizes the text of the Tag-enabled storybooks as young readers peruse the pages while including fun activities along the way. The greatest feature of the Tag Reader is the parental access to the online Learning Path, where they can keep abreast of their child's progress in Tag activities! Additional storybooks and games as well as various storage cases are available for purchase seperately.

*Fisher-Price Smart Cycle - Recommended for ages 3 - 6 years.
Get the best of both worlds with the Fisher-Price Smart Cycle. An exercise unit as well as a video game system, the Smart Cycle allows play in a variety of enticing modes. This child-sized stationary bike connects directly to your television or VCR. Your child will delight in the many adventures they can embark on, encountering effective educational lessons on their path. Kid-powered and graphically spectacular, the Smart Cycle is sure to keep your little one pedaling happily day and night. Additional software available for purchase seperately to tackle even more adventures and challenges.

*Fisher-Price Fun-2-Learn Computer Cool School - Recommended for ages 3 years and up.
Computer skills are mandatory in day to day life, so give your child an early start on learning the ropes of modern technology with the Fisher-Price Fun-2-Learn Computer Cool School. Colorful and easy to use, the Computer Cool School is an exceptional tool for learning and fun. Through lessons in reading, math, art, science, writing and music, children can choose their adventures via subject specific learning centers and virtual field trip activities. Printable certificates and worksheets encourage continued development. Parental controls allow mom and dad to monitor usage, printing and progress while prohibiting Internet access. The Computer Cool School system includes a standard "QWERTY" keyboard, CD-ROM software and tablet with stylus. Additional software available for purchase seperately.

*LeapFrog Didj Gaming System - Recommended for ages 6 - 10 years.
Yet another remarkable LeapFrog product, the Didj is a customized, handheld gaming system. The Didj offers all the fun of competitive handheld systems, while keeping the gaming safe, educational and age-appropriate. The library of individually sold game titles offer variedlessons in math, spelling, reading, language and more with the help of favorite children's characters. Like many other LeapFrog products, the Didj connects to your computer to track progress and allow customizable options and lessons. Parents can monitor their child's progress through the Learning Path.

Creative Play

*Magnetix I-Coaster - Recommended for ages 6 - 12 years.
It's a far cry from the Lincoln Logs and Legos of our youth; Magnetix are the new generation's version of the childhood construction set. They don't snap into place or have perfectly fitted slot-stack abilities... they connect via magnetic force. Magnetix playsets are widely varied from simple to extravagant, but the 64-piece I-Coaster may very well be the most unique set yet! Let your child's imagination soar as they create model roller coasters from ten given combinations, including all the best stunts and hair-raising features, of course. After they've mastered the suggested constructions, they'll be eager to design new coasters of their very own. Add the included lights and sound effects (or provide your own soundtrack through MP3 sources) for a truly authentic display. Magnetic balls serve as the coaster vehicles for a thrilling demonstration of their creative genius, and confirmation of a job well done.

*Barbie iDesign - Recommended for ages 6 years and up.
Unleash your child's stylish creativity through the Barbie iDesign set. Complete with CD-ROM for computer enhanced play, children can design a slew of fashions for Barbie and her friends. After designing, they can choose which model will demonstrate each creation in a kid-choreographed runway show or fashion magazine cover. The iDesign unit comes with its own carrying case and starter fashion cards. Additional cards are sold seperately for even more brilliant fashion combinations.

*PixOs Super Studio Creation Station - Recommended for ages 4 years and up.
Children will enjoy countless hours of creative play with the PixOs Super Studio Creation Station. The Super Studio creations are made of PixOs, tiny, colorful balls that children can form together into an assortment of shapes and designs. PixOs are then held together by a spritz of water, keeping the play area neat and clean. 500 PixOs are included with the design unit, and additional PixOs are sold seperately.

*Barbie & The Diamond Castle Play Set - Recommended for ages 3 - 8 years.
The Barbie house has gone through endless renovations and redesigns over the years, but now Barbie is moving into her very own castle...the Diamond Castle, that is! Dazzling features include imbedded music and lights, hidden treasures and an expanding tower that grows to three levels. Includes furniture, as well as Princess Liana and Sparkles the puppy dolls.

Cars and Ride-Ons

*Playskool Tonka Bounce Back Racer - Recommended for ages 3 - 8 years.
The classic remote control car gets a new twist in the Tonka Bounce Back Racer. Controlled by a two-button wireless remote, this colorful, unique race vehicle is practically plush! That's right... it's soft (therefore, safe to your little one as well as family pets, adult feet, furniture and walls)! And don't mistake the Bounce Back's softness as a sign of weakness. Durable and tough, this car can conquer obstacles going backwards and forwards with ease thanks to its oversized, powerful wheels.

*Fisher-Price Mickey Motors Raceway - Recommended for ages 3 - 7 years.
What do you get when you combine the child-pleasing brilliance of Fisher-Price with the lovable creativity of Disney? You get the Mickey Motors Raceway, a two-level racetrack where beloved Disney characters take the wheel. Sound effects and two racecars are included with the track.

*Fisher-Price Power Wheels AT Rex - Recommended for ages 3 - 7 years.
The AT Rex is the most impressive Power Wheels ride-on vehicle to emerge yet. Modeled after the Jeep Wrangler, AT Rex runs on a rechargeable 12 volt battery (included, along with the charger). With a simple pull of the "T-Rex handle", the two-seater vehicle transforms from a typical-looking Jeep into the intimidating AT Rex, a true monster on the road. Rugged and capable of tackling harsh terrain, AT Rex boasts top speeds of 5 MPH

*Playskool Helmet Heroes - Recommended for ages 3 - 6 years.
Keep your little racer in the driver's seat, even on a rainy day with Playskool Helmet Heroes. Available in racer or police style, these helmets put you right in the race with interactive play, realistic sound and light effects and a steering wheel vehicle control.

Games

*Hasbro U-Dance Game - Recommended for ages 5 - 12 years.
Dance-style game mats are all the craze, both in arcades and private homes. U-Dance is uniquely designed to be controlled by foot pads rather than the standard mat. The wireless pads attach to the dancer's feet to flawlessly track movement with footprint visuals on your TV screen. Adjustable difficulty levels allow the game to progress along with each individual user, and dancers have the option of solo dance or challenge mode (as well as additional mini games).

*Deal Or No Deal Electronic Board Game - Recommended for ages 8 years and up.
It's a wildly popular game show, and now it's a board game! Make your next family game night a success when you pose the ultimate question - "Deal, Or No Deal?". Played just like the hit TV show, the electronic board game version asks you to choose the briefcase that you believe holds the highest dollar amount within, while you weigh tempting offers to sell your unknown prize in exchange for the sure-thing payoff. It's fast-paced excitement for the whole family. Beyond the electronic board game, the "Deal Or No Deal" game series also includes handheld, DVD, card game and numerous other versions for purchase seperately.