Christmas Gifts For Kids 2011

To give you a little background, our "kids to buy for" list consists of 14 children including my kids, nieces, nephews, and God children. There's nothing worse than rushing for gifts, just choosing anything in the store. I want the kids I buy for to enjoy and appreciate my efforts, otherwise, what is the point in spending the time and money.

Read on to find out my personal take on what will be the hottest gifts this year. I will review the product in my own words, at times using video or photos to help give it a better review. The purpose of this lens is to predict best sellers and add reviews for toys, gadgets, electronic supplies, books, and more for the newborn to age 16 range.

MOVIE REVIEW DAILY 

CARS2 COMES TO A DVD/BLU-RAY PLAYER NEAR YOU!

Lightning McQueen (voice by Owen Wilson), Mater (Larry the Cable Guy), Sally (Bonnie Hunt), and the rest of the gang from Radiator Springs return to the screen in this sequel to Pixar's Cars (2006). But instead of evoking a nostalgic vision of Route 66 through the American Southwest, director John Lasseter and his artists spoof James Bond films in a fast-paced adventure that mixes espionage and road racing. After a successful season on the track, Lightning is looking forward to

some rest at home, but Mater gets him involved in an elaborate three-part international race sponsored by Sir Miles Axlerod (Eddie Izzard) to promote his new synthetic auto fuel. While serving on Lightning's pit crew, Mater inadvertently gets mixed up with two British secret agent cars, Finn McMissile (Michael Caine) and Holley Shiftwell (Emily Mortimer), who are investigating a plot to sabotage the race. Myriad complications ensue before Lightning and Mater get back to the (relative) peace of Radiator Springs.

Cars 2
Rated: G - Recommended Age: 5+

Cars 2 From the creators of CARS and TOY STORY 3 comes a new, laugh-out-loud, heartwarming adventure geared for the entire family. Star race car Lightning McQueen (Owen Wilson) and the incomparable tow truck Mater (Larry the Cable Guy) take their friendship on the road from Radiator Springs to exciting new places when they head overseas to compete in the first-ever World Grand Prix!

The DVD/Blu-Ray will be released November 1st - Perfect Timing for Christmas! It is currently a STEAL at $16.99.

MOVIE REVIEW DAILY 

WINNIE THE POOH, WINNIE THE POOH...
SILLY, WILLY, NILLY, OLD BEAR!

Winnie the Pooh, joins forces with his friends from the Hundred Acre Wood to help two of their own in Disney's hand-drawn charmer. Though he describes himself as a "bear of very little brain," Pooh (Jim Cummings) proves he's all heart when sad-sack Eeyore's tail goes missing and a terrible creature called the "Backson" abducts Christopher Robin (Jack Boulter), their human protector (the schoolboy actually

leaves a note saying he will be "back soon"). Granted, our hero spends the entire journey dreaming about glorious pots of "hunny," but when push comes to shove, he prioritizes his pals over his tummy, which rumbles and expands as his hunger pangs increase. Return to the Hundred Acre Wood for a heartwarming original movie, and reunite with the beloved bear and his silly but steadfast friends for a magical family experience.

Winnie The pooh
Rated: G - Recommended Age: 3+

Winnie The Pooh is a sweet, heart-warming story. Reintroduce this favorite character from your childhood to your children!
It was hand-animated, I'm told, and the backgrounds use a subtle and reassuring watercolor style. It's a nightmare-proof experience for even the youngest viewers.

The DVD/Blu-Ray will be released October 25th - Perfect Timing for Christmas! Pre-order for just $16.99!

Leapfrog has been major contributor to Christmas Presents since 2001. The company states on their website that "LeapFrog is 100% focused on developing products that will provide the most engaging, effective learning experience - for all ages, in school or home, around the world. We put learning first - a philosophy that distinguishes us from our competitors and fuels the entire company.

This year is no different. Leapfrog has done it again, manufacturing some GREAT learning tools for our preschoolers.

Leapfrog Leap Pad Explorer Tablet
Recommended Age: 3+

From The Manufacturer:
Leapfrog LeapPad Explorer Learning Tablet is the personalized learning tablet just for kids. A built-in camera/video recorder, 100+ games and activities and innovative creativity and reading apps offer limitless learning and endless ways to play. Also available in Pink!

LeapFrog Shapes and Sharing Picnic Basket
Recommended Age: 18mos-36mos

LeapFrog Shapes And Sharing Picnic Basket, Set a space for fun, learning and sharing. The Shapes and Sharing Picnic Basket helps little learners explore shapes, colors/colours, manners and more. Over 30 audio responses encourage pretend play, and the 14-piece set helps children build motor skills as they sort, match, stack, empty and fill. Parents can connect to the online LeapFrog Learning Path for customized learning insights and ideas to expand the learning. Appropriate for children ages 6 to 36 months.

LeapFrog Count and Scan Shopper
Recommended Age: 2+

LeapFrog Count And Scan Shopper Shop, scan and discover food fun with pretend grocery play. Discover colors/colours, counting and more as you scan food items or the grocery list with the Count and Scan Shopper. Hear questions and fun learning songs, then explore imaginative play when you press the scanner to any object for even more fun grocery audio. Parents can connect to the online LeapFrog Learning Path for customized learning insights and ideas to expand the learning. Appropriate for children ages 2 years and up.

Learn how to recognize animals through sight and sound with the Fisher-Price Little People Zoo Talkers Animal Sounds Zoo This interactive set recognizes model animals, like the included lion, gorilla, and polar bear, names them out loud for children, and demonstrates the noises they make in the wild.

Little People Animal Talkers Zoo

Recommended Age 2+

Press each animal to the red paw pad at the set's base to hear its name, and press it again to hear the sound it makes. This process will teach your child to recognize an animal through its name, the way the animal looks, and the sound it makes. Then, children can match each animal to its habitat. This set includes polar regions, grasslands, jungle, and water environments that are suitable for the included animals and can also accommodate other animals (sold separately).

You can play and explore with your Mini Lalaloopsy dolls as they climb, swing, and pretend in their very own Mini Lalaloopsy Treehouse Playset. This hangout includes lots of fun activities, 2 exclusive Lalaloopsy dolls, 2 pets, and lots of accessories!

Lalaloopsy
Mini Dolls and Accessories

Meet the newest Once Upon A Time Rag Dolls who magically came to life taking on the personalities of the fabrics that were used to make them.



NEW DOLLS:
Marina Anchors
Sahara Mirage
Fender Bender
Tippy Tumblelina
Misty Mysterious
Holly Sleighbells
Blossom Flowerpot
Pepper Pots and Pans
Sir Battlescarred & Lady Stillwaiting
Suzette La Sweet (Coming Soon!)
Rosy Bumps 'N Bruises (Coming Soon!)
Ember Flicker Flame (Coming Soon!)






Lalaloopsy Exclusive 3 Inch Mini Figure Playset Class Picture is a new addition. Minis are available for all of the above, as well as the original lalaloopsy dolls.

Also available is the Lalaloopsy Backpack

My grade school aged daughter and her friends are begging for Skechers Bella Ballerina Prima Princess Sneakers this year. I guess this is how the fashion police make their visit for kids required to wear uniforms to school!

Sketchers Bella Ballerina
Size 12M Little Kid - Size 5M YOUTH

She'll love the color, style & design of Skechers Bella Ballerina Prima Princess Sneaker slip on sneakers featuring leather & synthetic upper with bungee laced front panel, self adhesive closure & instep strap. Plus a small disc on the outsole, making it easy to twirl!

Meet Mama and her baby Zoobling! Mama is bigger than most other Zoobles and can hold her baby right inside her belly! Their shared Happitat comes with a hot spot for both of them to rest and play. When not safely in her mother's belly, Baby likes to rest in the Happitat's bassinet where it's comfortable and warm. Together they're always having adventures and looking out for one another. When you have a Mama and Baby Zoobling the whole family springs to life!

Zoobles: Mama & Baby
Recommended Age: 6+

Zoobles: Mama and Babies Kangaroo Venture into magical, mysterious world of Zooble Isle, where you'll find over 100 different critters! Curled up in little balls and hidden high upon the treetops and in the depths of the seas. Newly added are the mama and baby pairs. They are adorable and available as Kangaroos, Penguins, Turtles and more!
Also available is the Zoobles Mama & Babies Playset and let them roll down the slide into their playpen and watch as they jump whenever Mama comes near! Take them for a stroll in your flight school stroller as they spin around in circles! Mama and the twins love to have fun, and with all their activities the fun never ends!

Xia-Xia are skitter-scattering, pitter-pattering, loveable, crazy crabs, with shells and kooky friends to collect and trade!

From The Manufacturer:

Welcome to a place where everyday is Carnival with Xia-XiaTM (pronounced Sha-Sha); new colorful, collectible hermit crabs. From a distant island, these crazy crustaceans live to dance and play because everyday is a celebration with Xia-Xia! Start the parade by pressing Xia-Xia's claw and watch it do its wacky walk. Four loveable characters, each with their own little friend, compose the Xia-Xia crew and collect them all!

With Xia-Xia Copacabana Playset children will The Xia Xia Copacabana Playset connects with the Confetti Cottage so kids can build their own Xia-Xia world! Living a life of love, laughs, and friends where the Carnival never ends, Xia-Xia need one more thing to be complete: a friendship that is true with Xia-Xia and you!

Also available are the Xia-Xia Rio de Trio Village Playset, Xia-Xia Confetti Cottage Play Set, and Xia-Xia Crab Shells.

Air Swimmers swim through the air with incredibly smooth and life-like swimming motion. These amazing fish provide hours of remote control indoor fun in even the smallest of rooms (not for outdoor use). They have complete up, down and 360 degree turning control. The helium filled body is made from durable nylon and with appropriate use will stay inflated for weeks depending on altitude.

Air Swimmers
Recommended Age 3+
                                                                                                                  Air Swimmers Remote Control Shark or Clown Fish
◊ Up to 40 Range Infra-red Control
◊Clownfish Measures 57 x 36 Inches
◊Requires helium to float - can be reinflated over and over
◊Stays inflated for up to two weeks.

When my 6 year old son started begging me for DaGeDar for his birthday, I knew they would probably be on the must have list of every other 6 year old there. I had the opportunity to test these and they are pretty fun. The manufacturer recommends this for ages 3+, but I personally think 4, 5, or even 6 is more like it. They can be difficult to balance for a little one.

Dagedar

Recommended Age: 4+

From The Manufacturer:
Send two balls hurtling down a near-vertical drop and into a high-speed loop! Launch over the gap and knock away your opponent on the way to the finish gate. Serious Ballers only!In Dimension 33, there live characters called DaGeDar.Powered through their emotional charge, DaGeDar break the veil from Dimension 33, which captures the DaGeDar spirits into a supercharged ball form.Each character has a distinct personality trait; different motivations drive their races. They might use elemental powers of strength, cunning or their trader's wit in their drive for victory.

There are many sets and accessories to choose from! Click DaGeDar Toys and see for yourself!

For over 50 years, children throughout the world have played with Legos. In 1999, Lego was voted Toy of the Century by Fortune Magazine and British Association of Toy Retailers.
According to Lego, the LEGO history began in 1932 in Denmark, when Ole Kirk Christansen founded a small factory for wooden toys in the unknown town of Billund in the south of the country. To find a name for his company he organized a competition among his employees. As fate would have it however, he himself came up with the best name: LEGO - a fusion of the Danish words "LEg" and "GOdt" ("play well"). Barely 15 years later Christiansen discovered plastic as the ideal material for toy production, and bought the first injection moulding machine in Denmark. His courage, input and investment paid off: in 1949 he developed the LEGO brick prototype, which continues to excite countless children and adults to this very day.


     


Legos remain a top contender for "best toy" year after year. They are innovative, keeping up with the times. What was once a box of connectible blocks has become Racers, a City, Star Wars, Harry Potter, and other themed creations. What's great about these creations is one can not only create these great scenes from favorite pop culture, but they can be reused to create so many more scenes from a kid's imagination!

LEGO Star Wars
Plo Koon's Jedi Starfighter











LEGO Ninjago
Turbo Shredder







LEGO Space
UFO Abduction

You've seen your favorite celebrities wearing these trendy Knitted Slouch Hats. They are adorable and so popular right now!

One hot item for girls this year are Clip on Feather Hair Extensions. Whether it's a Wispy feather, Accent, or Plume, feathers can accentuate all styles, textures and colors of hair! These fun, new fashion accessories are the fresh new way to express yourself.

The feather hair extension craze has swept the nation and many celebrities have jumped on board. The list of celebrities wearing feathers is extensive. It's not only feather hair extensions, but feather earrings and other feather jewelry as well!

Color Fiend Tipped Feather Clip-In Synthetic Hair Extensions 1 Pack

There are many companies that sell feather hair extensions, but most pre-teens and teens will be begging for the As Seen On TV ones because the commercials are doing their job! :) There are plenty of places to buy feathers, however, the above were the best value. I recently bought my daughter one feather extension at Walgreens for $5, and the first link above gives you 6 for $13.99. So be aware of the various prices because you may find them cheaper elsewhere. I went ahead and spent the $5 because it was convenient.

JUST DANCE 3

Looking to get your Dance On? Just Dance 3 is your ticket to entertainment and exercise! It is the perfect dance game for any age or dance ability, so it's easy for anyone to join the movement! With a variety of all-new gameplay modes, tracks that allow up to 8 players at once, and innovative cardio training options, Just Dance 3 was made to bring the party and keep America dancing!

Just Dance 3

Rated E10+

Tracks available in Just Dance 3 include:

♦2 Unlimited - "No Limit"
♦a-ha - "Take On Me"
♦Anja - "Dance All Nite"
♦Bananarama - "Venus"
♦Bollywood Rainbow - "Kurio Ko Uddah Le Jana"
♦Cee Lo Green - "Forget You"
♦Countdown Mix Masters - "Beautiful Liar"
♦Daft Punk - "Da Funk"
♦Danny Elfman - "This is Halloween"
♦Donna Summer - "I Feel Love"
♦Dr. Creole - "Baby Zouk"
♦Duck Sauce - "Barbra Streisand"
♦Girls Aloud - "Jump (For My Love)"
♦Groove Century - "Boogie Wonderland"
♦Gwen Stefani - "What You Waiting For"
♦Inspector Marceau - "The Master Blaster"
♦Janelle Monae - "Tightrope (Solo Version)"
♦Jessie J featuring B.o.B - "Price Tag"
♦Brahms by Just Dance Classical Orchestra - "Hungarian Dance No. 5"
♦Katy Perry featuring Snoop Dogg - "California Gurls"
♦Kiss - "I Was Made For Lovin' You"
♦Konshens - "Jamaican Dance"
♦African Ladies - "Pata Pata"
♦Latino Sunset - "Mamasita"
♦Laura Bell Bundy - "Giddy On Up (Giddy On Out)"
♦LMFAO featuring Lauren Bennett and GoonRock - "Party Rock Anthem"
♦Madness - "Night Boat To Cairo"
♦MIKA - "Lollipop"
♦Nelly Furtado featuring Timbaland - "Promiscuous"
♦Pointer Sisters - "I'm So Excited"
♦Queen - "Crazy Little Thing Called Love"
♦Reggaeton Storm - "Boom"
♦Robbie Williams and Nicole Kidman - "Somethin' Stupid"
♦Scissor Sisters - "I Don't Feel Like Dancin'"
♦Sweat Invaders - "Gonna Make You Sweat (Everybody Dance Now)"
♦Taio Cruz - "Dynamite"
♦The Black Eyed Peas - "Pump It"
♦The Buggles - "Video Killed The Radio Star"
♦The Chemical Brothers - "Hey Boy Hey Girl"
♦The Girly Team - "Baby One More Time"
♦The London Theatre Orchestra & Cast - "Think"
♦The Sugarhill Gang - "Apache (Jump On It)"
♦Tommy Sparks - "She's Got Me Dancing"
♦Wilson Pickett - "Land of 1000 Dances"
♦And more!














THE LEGEND OF ZELDA: SKYWARD SWORD



I don't know if teens are anticipating this release or if it's their adult parents! The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword with Music CD has a highly anticipated release date of November 20, 2011.

The Legend Of Zelda: Skyward Sword

Rated E10+

The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword shakes up the tried-and-true adventure game formula and marks a turning point for the franchise. The introduction of full motion controls enabled by Wii MotionPlus technology synchronizes player movements with Link's actions while offering the most intuitive play control of any game in the series to date.


KIRBY'S RETURN TO DREAMLAND



In Kirby's Return to Dream Land, Kirby and his friends are back in an adventure designed to satisfy longtime Kirby fans and beginners alike. When an alien spaceship crashes in the otherwise peaceful realm of Pop Star, its pieces are scattered throughout the land. Players must guide Kirby as he retrieves the ship's parts and helps the aliens return to their home planet.

Kirby's Return To Dreamland

Rated E10+

♦Classic gameplay with a motion controlled twist makes for an adventure that anyone can enjoy
♦Kirby's powerful 'copy' ability returns, allowing him to inhale, spit and transform as he encounters enemies
♦Players can deploy classic and new abilities, including: Sword, Beam, Whip and Leaf
♦New Super abilities, which are activated when Kirby inhales special enemy characters
♦Co-op support for up to four players
♦Kirby?s powerful Copy Ability returns, allowing him to inhale, spit and transform as he encounters enemies.
♦New Super Abilities, which are activated when Kirby inhales special enemy characters. For example, the "Super Sword" Super Ability allows Kirby to swing a giant sword and wipe out an entire screen's worth of foes.
♦Players can deploy classic and new abilities, including: sword, beam, whip, and leaf.
♦Up to four players can enjoy the action together. They play cooperatively to progress through the game and collect Point Stars and Ability Stars. Players can join and leave the game at any time.



MICHAEL JACKSON: THE EXPERIENCE



Michael Jackson The Experience, is a dance and party game for Wii in which players at all levels can groove right along with the King of Pop. The game features 26 unforgettable hits, authentic choreography, lyrics to each song and visual representations of "The Gloved One" made famous in live performances and music videos for each song.

Michael Jackson: The Experience

Rated E10+

♦Party to his music, sing along with his unforgettable songs, and of course unforgettable moves!
♦Got rhythm? Practice Michael's moves in Video Training mode, then show off your skills and be the life of the party.
♦Up to four players can jump in and out of the spotlight in a variety of fun multiplayer modes.
♦Select to display the lyrics on-screen, then sing along with all of Michael's iconic tracks!

Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception



The Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception is a unique third-person Action-Adventure game for play exclusively on PlayStation 3 that incorporates significant Shooter and Platformer gameplay mechanics resulting in another must-have game for PS3 players. The third game in the Uncharted franchise, Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception continues the adventures of the swashbuckling treasure hunter Nathan Drake, this as he finds himself in a new variety of challenging environments

Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception

Rated T

♦An interactive cinematic experience that blurs the lines between games and Hollywood films.
♦Nathan Drake's journey will put you through new challenges and take you to stunning locations around the world.
♦Epic single player campaign with evolved signature UNCHARTED gameplay.
♦A new breed of Action Adventure Multiplayer that brings the exciting cinematic elements of the single-player campaign, into the multiplayer.
♦Experience the thrill of UNCHARTED in stereoscopic 3D
Also available on Xbox360, PC, and PC d/l

Battlefield 3



The Battlefield 3 - Limited Edition is a First-Person Shooter (FPS) that is designed to attack your senses, delivering a visceral combat experience like no other FPS before it. Sequel to 2005's Battlefield 2, Battlefield 3 utilizes the updated Frostbite 2 game engine, which allows for advanced destruction, sound, and graphics as well as a focus on dense in-game urban settings.

Order "Battlefield 3" for PlayStation 3 and receive a
$20 promotional credit
toward the purchase of items shipped and sold by Amazon.com

Battlefield 3

Rated M

♦Battlefield 3 introduces Frostbite 2, the incredible technology that takes animation, destruction, lighting, scale and audio
♦Feel the impact of bullets and explosions, drag your fallen comrades into safety, and mount your weapon
♦The best online vehicular warfare experience gets better with a fitting sonic boom as fighter jets headline impressive lineup vehicles
♦Take the fight to iconic and unexpected urban locations in the USA, Middle East, and Europe
♦2-24 player battles supported.

Battlefield 3 is also available on Xbox360, PC, and PC d/l

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3



Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 is a direct sequel to the previous game in the series, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, with a campaign storyline continuing the struggle of U.S. forces against an invasion by the Russian Federation following the framing of an undercover U.S. agent in a terrorist attack on Moscow. Along with classic Call of Duty multi-character control, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 contains deep multiplayer support, including two-player Co-op Survival mode. The game also contains all-new Kill Streak categories and customizable strike packages that offer more options for player combat styles and strategies.

Pre-order and get a
$10 promotional credit
towards the purchase of a Turtle Beach Call of Duty:MW3 Ear Force gaming Headset

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3

Rated M

♦The definitive multiplayer experience returns bigger than ever.
♦Special Ops co-op reinvented with all-new survival mode.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 is also available Xbox360 & PC


Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim



The next chapter in the highly anticipated Elder Scrolls, Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, saga arrives from the makers of the 2006 and 2008 Games of the Year, Bethesda Game Studios. Skyrim reimagines and revolutionizes the open-world fantasy epic, bringing to life a complete virtual world open for you to explore any way you choose.

Order the Standard Edition of "Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim," and receive a
$10 promotional credit
toward the purchase of items shipped and sold by Amazon.com

Elder Scrolls V:Skyrim

Rated M

♦Skyrim reimagines the open-world fantasy epic, pushing the game play and technology of a virtual world to new heights
♦Play any type of character you can imagine, and do whatever you want; the legendary freedom of choice, storytelling
♦Skyrim's new game engine brings to life a complete virtual world with rolling clouds, rugged mountains, bustling cities, lush fields.
♦Choose from hundreds of weapons, spells, and abilities; the new character system allows you to play any way you want

Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim is available on Playstation 3, Xbox360, and PC

I will be adding more hot toys like FIJIT Friends, Nerf Toys, and Lego Toys Soon!