Top Toys for Toddlers and Preschoolers

With Christmas coming soon, toys are on everyone's mind. Need some ideas for a toddler or preschooler in your life? Well here are the top five toys for toddlers and preschool children for 2006.

TMX Tickle Me Elmo- Tickle Me Elmo 10th Anniversary Edition by Fisher-Price is up first. As hard as it is to believe that it has been ten years since this adorable toy graced our lives, Fisher-Price has proved its genius with the newest Tickle Me Elmo edition. The TMX Tickle Me Elmo is full of fun and laughs as he sits, stands, rolls around, and pounds the floor with his hands. This toy is truly hilarious and invokes laughter in all ages, it is almost psychically impossible to NOT laugh along with this toy. Elmo has three modes of laughter, multiple phrases, and automatic stand up action. This toy is hotter than hot this year and although finding it may be hard, it's well worth the retail value of $39.99. The recommended age group for TMX Elmo is 18months to 4 years and you can find it at most major retail stores (if it's not sold out) and online.

Next is T.J. Bearytales by Playskool. This little guy is recommended for ages 2-6 years and comes with one preprogrammed story. T.J. Bearytales goes beyond storytelling by asking questions and engaging your child with activities and songs. This cuddly bear has animated eyes, ears, mouth, nose, and arms and has a handy backpack for storing extra cartridges. Between songs and deep belly laughs T.J. Bearytales teaches your child everything from the ABC's to life skills that will help prepare them for school. With a variety of read along books with cartridges, there are sure to be unimaginable adventures ahead. T.J. Bearytales retails for $49.99 (additional books with cartridges retail for $9.99) and can be found at most major retailers and online.

Now we move on to Tekno the Robotic Puppy by Manley Toys. Tekno is at his best yet with light up eyes and body language to express his moods. This smart puppy reacts to sight, sound, touch, and obeys multiple radio controlled commands. Tekno can play with his ball; chew on his bone; walk forward, backwards, left, and right; wag his tail, and move his head. New technology and animation allows Tekno to walk with life-like movements that are smooth and realistic. Tekno retails for $49.99, comes in a variety of colors, and can be found in most major retail stores and online. The recommended age range for this toy is 3-8 years, making a great long lasting gift.

Subsequently in line is the 95-Piece Premium Beginner Art Kit by Faber Castell. This art kit includes 12 jumbo crayons, 12 jumbo colored pencils, 12 jumbo connector markers, 14 fine line markers, 12 GRIP oil pastels, 12 watercolor crayons, paintbrush, doodle pad, jumbo sharpener, 12 colors of modeling clay, four google eyes, and a pencil case. The possibilities of creation are endless and little ones are sure to experiment with it all. Everything is conveniently stored in a portable portfolio case for quick outings and easy clean up. The recommended age group for this kit is 3-8 years and it retails for $34.99. You can find the 95-Piece Premium Beginner Art Kit in most major retail stores and online.

Lastly, is Disney Princess: Ariel's Armoire with Dress-Up Set by Creative Design. This armoire features the familiar princess Ariel from the popular Disney line. The armoire lets your child dream, imagine, and dress-up like the princess Ariel. Ariel's Armoire includes everything your child needs to be a princess with a dress, shoes, light up necklace, and a sparkling tiara. Everything fits nicely into the armoire for portability and easy clean up. The dress fits sizes 4-6x and the recommended age group for this toy is 3-6 years. Ariel's Armoire with Dress-Up Set retails for $59.99 and can be found in most major retail stores and online.

Well there you have it, the top five toys for 2006 for your toddler or preschooler. Remember, these toys are HOT, so be sure to get them before the shelves are bare!