Top 5 Holiday Season Toys for Children 6 to 24 Months

This list is a compilation of toys under $50 released this year that should appeal to that special child you know under two years of age. Major toy companies such as Toys R Us did their research and decided that these were the top brands for this holiday season. After watching and trying these out, your child will not just be obsessed with the boxes and wrapping paper they came in.

Made For Me MP3 Music Player

This toy rocks! It goes beyond being a toy; it is a great way to interact with your child. You can put about two hours of your own downloaded music on it. You can also record your voice. And it even comes with pre-recorded songs for different moods: playtime, sleepy time, etc. Imagine putting your voice in it reading a bedtime story to your child. If you know someone who is deployed overseas, that feature could come in handy to keep the child connected. It only needs four AA batteries to operate. $30.

Little Superstar Sing-Along Stage

Is your toddler the next Hanna Montana? The Little Superstar stage turns your baby girl into an instant diva or baby boy into the next rock n' roller. The Sing-Along Stage comes with a rattle microphone, flashing lights and a mirror to watch themselves sing and dance. There is even a built-in cheering audience as a sound effect. If you want to see the Little Superstar Stage in action, you don't have to go to the store. Try it online here. This looks like a definite time killer for toddlers. $35.

TMX Friends

Tickle Me Elmo has evolved over the years into a toy that gets more and more interactive. I used to be annoyed with seeing it until I had my own toddlers and watched other toddlers. Now Elmo has new friends. TMX Friends includes laughing, rolling characters like Ernie and Cookie Monster. If you prefer those two over Elmo, you are in luck. I watched one of these in action and it is amazing how the doll just hits the floor, rolls over and cackles like its being tickled. My army men never did that! I wish they made a laughing, rolling Bert. $29 to $39, but you may want to get these before they are sold out and go for higher on EBay.

TaDoodles Marks

Crayola found a way to make coloring products that toddlers could use without you fearing that dreaded burnt sienna mouth. Crayola made a brand called TaDoodles where the crayons are housed in egg-shaped, easy-to-hold cases. They're shaped like little animals and allow your young one to make colorful marks on the paper. And they're washable! I'm going to recommend this to our church nursery. $6 for a pack of three.

First Foot Forward 8-in-1 Combo

Maybe your toddler is too young to play with Transformers, but this is a toy that transforms and grows into eight different vehicles. $50 seems a little steep, but you are definitely getting a bang for the buck. The First Foot Forward starts off as a little rocker, then a walker, and works its way up into something your toddler can ride. If you have a child that is hitting the "standing" stage, the First Foot Forward looks like you can keep it for at least two years.