Sesame Fly with Elmo Ride-On
The Elmo Ride-On includes a front propeller that spins and lights up, and will come out with a number of talking phrases. Your child can have fun by moving the gear shift to see which sounds it comes out with! The body, covered in stars, also lights up while the eyes of the plane move.
You can keep noise levels under control thanks to adjustable volume control, and can even benefit from the under-seat cubby storage when taking the plane out and about.
The plane requires 3 AA batteries, which come included, and has a maximum weight limit of 65lbs.
Ride-on toys are not only designed for kids to have fun, they're actually a fantastic way to develop their skills. They introduce your child to physical activity which kids often take with them into their adult life.
Like any ride-on toys, the Elmo Ride-On does require adult supervision to make sure your child stays safe when playing. The seat is stable, only eight inches above the ground. However, it's important to make sure that your child does not lean too far over the front wheel and tip the balance.
If your child is aged 13 months to four years old, and is a fan of Elmo, then the Fly with Elmo Ride-On really is the perfect holiday kids gift for Christmas 2010!
Playskool Musical Activity Ball and Gear Center
FREE shipping and you save $6.02 (24%).
The Musical Gear Center comes with a number of gears and spinning parts that help babies to make their own music! Your baby can perform a number of actions to create different kinds of sounds and visual effects.
First, your baby can drop the ball through the shoot and press the cheerful critter to make it twirl and pop out. Then, he or she can also spin the side gears to watch the smiley face turning around and stack the gears for more sounds and interactions. At the same time, the Gear Center plays lively music.
The Musical Activity Ball and Gear Center comes with five different gears that your baby will get better at using as their motor skills develop. It also comes with two activity balls - all of which are compatible with other gear and ball products in the line.
Hasbro - Playskool Explore 'N Grow Musical Gear Centre
Amazon Price: $24.94 (as of 06/01/2012)
"Consider though, that it needs to be assembled, which is not difficult at all, and to place the batteries (not included) a Phillips screwdriver will be needed.
Great value for the price."
Fisher-Price Dance Star Mickey
A Fisher-Price Winner!
Your kids will love playing with this interactive toy that will help them learn songs and fun dance moves. Mickey has loads of moves for your child to follow! He can walk realistically, turn and dance.
Some of the dances include the Moonwalk, disco, Latin and more. With 6 songs and 2 interactive games, there's plenty for kids to enjoy with this adorable, funny character! The games include Simon Says and Freeze.
Even better is the fact that Mickey makes a great friend to hug once the dancing is finished. He is well designed and looks just like the Mickey character that your children will know and love.
Mickey will require 6 AA batteries to run, which aren't included with the product.
I've seen this product in action and almost rolled on the floor laughing. You and your children will have a blast with this adorable Dance Star Mickey!
Fisher-Price Disney's Dance Star Mickey
Amazon Price: $49.99 (as of 06/01/2012)
"I purchased the Fisher-Price Dance Star Mickey a few days ago, and my family has been in love with it ever since. For those on the fence, its better to buy it now, because you probably wont be able to find it once Christmas rush hits. Your kids are guaranteed to love it.
This doll will definitely be a hot seller this year."
Christmas Gift Ideas
For infants to 2-years-old
Hexbug Nano Habitat Set
Now in Stock!
There are many of these micro robotic bugs in existence, and each specimen mimics the motion of a real life insect. Each bug contains a rotating counterweight, which is what helps it to move around so quickly, and to look so much like a real insect.
They all come with different colors, a unique body shape, and exotic markings to make each Hexbug unique. This is what makes them such fantastic gifts for those who like to collect!
The set is designed with four curved bridges, three straight bridges and three hexagon pieces to allow your child to get creative and make their own custom habitat for the Hexbug creatures to live in.
Once the habitat's been created, put the creatures in to see them scramble around, shuffle and flip over each other as they go about their business. The more creatures that your child adds to the habitat, the more fun they can have as they watch them swarm around. Because the movements replicate real insects, this really can keep them interested for hours. Remember - more Hexbug creatures are sold separately.
Hexbug Nano Habitat Set
Amazon Price: $15.89 (as of 06/01/2012)
"Got this for my 6 year-old. The habitat actually surprised me, I thought they are just cheap pieces of tubes and little hexagon arenas. They are cleverly thought out and well built. You can connect them in so many ways. The 3 hexagons have gates that you can close or open on all 6 sides.
The batteries are cheap if you search online. 20 pieces for a few bucks. Each bug uses only 1 battery. You will need a watch type screwdriver to replace it."
Moon Dough Diner
FREE shipping
Moon Dough is soft dough children can play with that never dries out. It's also hypoallergenic and wheat-free in order to reach the largest number of children possible. The dough comes in 8 amazing colors.
When your child plays with the Diner, he or she can simply shape lumps of dough into the molding to watch them come out as various dinner items.
One of the best things about this set for children is that the dough will be in a ball one minute, and will have taken the shape of a dinner item the next.
One thing that most parents have pointed out is that this dough really is different from any dough they've used before. It's so easy to mold that the Moon Dough Diner can create hours of fun even for young children!
Moon Dough Diner
Amazon Price: $16.97 (as of 06/01/2012)
"I have to say that we were pleasantly surprised with this product. My kids (10, 8 and 4) all played together with this (and that is a rare thing). Their words to describe it was "awesome"!
I have to disagree with previous reviewer. As long as you prep the moon dough, like the directions say (this consists of rolling dough around in your hands until it is solid) the shapes stay together perfectly. My kids were making hamburgers, pizza and french fries and pretending to eat them, serve them etc.
The only thing that I didn't expect was just how little the shapes were. It would have been nicer if the shapes were just a little bit bigger, but the kids didn't mind the size at all and that's who matters!"
FurReal GoGo My Walkin' Pup
You Save $15.11 (25%) and FREE shipping available!
When your child ignores their new puppy, he'll start to whine to get your attention. But leave him alone for long enough and he'll eventually fall asleep.
The remote control is built into the leash, making it easy for your child to handle and control their new pet. This is what makes it so easy to guide the pup wherever you want him to go.
My Walkin' Pup requires four batteries to work, and they're included in the pack.
This is a well made toy which is important given how much it costs. It's also designed to be taken for walks just about anywhere (though you'll want to watch that his fur doesn't get dirty). On the downside, you may find that the fur sheds if he gets played with a lot.
This is a toy that you'll find on a number of the top toys lists for 2010, so you can be sure it'll be a fast seller. If you want to buy GoGo for your child then make sure you do it as far in advance as you can, while stocks last.
The best thing about FurReal Friends GoGo My Walkin' Pup is that you'll have all the fun of owning a puppy, but without any of the mess and expense that goes with it!
FurReal GoGo My Walkin' Pup
Amazon Price: $55.00 (as of 06/01/2012)
"GoGo the walking pup is cute and is quite a bit of fun. It responds to being pet in a way that makes you want to pet it more. We have seen some people react to it as if it was a real dog, trying to call him and rubbing him on his neck. If you ignore GoGo it will whine for attention but then go to sleep after a little while. If you move near one of its sensors it will wake up and bark for attention. My son, who is autistic, enjoys playing with him and petting him and even trying to feed him. He has been a little rough with GoGo and GoGo has endured the abuse without any problems. I think the long term enjoyment of GoGo is probably limited because GoGo really can only do so much. But don't be surprised if you find yourself petting GoGo while he is sitting on your lap and you're watching TV."
V.Reader Animated E-Book System
FREE shipping and You Save $5.99 (10%)!
It features a color touch screen that will display characters such as Shrek and Disney Fairies, allowing them to feed their imaginations and feel a little more confident when it comes to reading.
The V Reader is designed to take your child from the stages before reading to being a confident reader by the time they are finished using it. This is why it's such a great gift for young children, who will find reading exciting when they do it in this kind of interactive setting.
The design of the reader is very important, as we all know how rough kids can get with expensive items! Thankfully this is very durable, but still easy for kids to open and close - though if you're worried you can also purchase a separate storage case.
Parents can easily track their child's progress when the reader is connected to the computer. Help encourage your child by printing out certificates when they reach new milestones.
Beware that the Reader is designed to be used by children aged between 3 and 5, so if your child is older they may find it too simple.
But if your child is in the right age range, and you're looking for a toy that will really encourage learning, the V Reader is certainly a good choice. Most parents who already own the reader find that it's a great learning system for their child, and the main complaint is simply its battery life.
It comes in at around $60, so isn't the cheapest toy for this Christmas, but is certainly good value when you consider everything you'll get out of it.
Vtech - V.Reader Animated E-Book System
Amazon Price: $54.99 (as of 06/01/2012)
"We tried this item on a demo at a local store. My son loved it because it was just like Mommy's Kindle. We both enjoyed the annimation feature. My son has insisted that I help him ask Santa for this for Christmas this year and two weeks after trying it out is still talking about it.
To address a previous reviewer's concerns, it is animated, but it also shows and highlights the words of the story. Also, unlike with the tag and other reading toys, the page turning option does not appear until the entire passage has been read. I've noticed that this discourages my little button pusher from skipping the reading portion and just looking at the pictures.
I've done some research online about this item , and the Vtech website will soon have an ebook library similar to the Kindle. The website says that many of the books offered there will be free. Considering that the Vreader is expensive itself, having free books offered is definitely welcome."
Toys and Games
For children ages 3 - 5
Toy Story 3 Blast-Off Buzz Lightyear
FREE shipping and You Save $10.99 (27%) !
Buzz is one of the most popular characters of the Toy Story series, with the famous catchphrase "to infinity and beyond"! Buzz is a Space Ranger with a mission to defeat the evil Zurg. This toy features all the details you know from the movies, with his retractable helmet, laser beam and wings.
This would make the perfect standalone gift, or you could combine it with other Toy Story toys to give your child a whole set!
Toy Story 3 Talking Action Figure - Buzz Lightyear
Amazon Price: $53.99 (as of 06/01/2012)
"I love everything about Pixar. The Toy Story theme is the ultimate in childrens toys. The age recommendation is about 4 if I remember correctly, but my toddler loves it and I can't bring myself to separate him from his favorite toy. I keep a close eye on him 'just in case', but I have had Buzz about 2 weeks and it's still in one piece. My opinion is that for a toy, it feels pretty durable."
LEGO® Atlantis Exploration HQ 8077
FREE shipping and You Save: $10.99 (22%) !
This Lego HQ is designed to be the homebase for divers when they're on a mission. The most notable thing about this impressive Lego set is the fact that it can transform from this base into a mobile submarine to take on the Manta Warrior and to go out searching for the treasure of Atlantis.
This really does stand out among the line of Lego toys. The Atlantis HQ really is a unique design and concept that increases its playability. This is important when you want to spend your money on a toy that will last more than a day!
If your boy or girl is between the ages of 7 and 9, and already loves Lego - especially the Atlantis line - then this is definitely the gift you'll want to choose for 2010. It comes in at around $50, which is reasonably priced for the Lego range and for what it can do.
Building Lego is always a great way to get kids focused on an activity that inspires their creativity. They will learn new skills as they fit the different pieces together, follow the instructions and ultimately see the fruits of their labor.
One complaint that some parents had of this Lego Atlantis Exploration HQ kit was that their child completed it too quickly. The good news is that there is the possibility for long term imaginative play once the initial construction has been completed.
LEGO Atlantis Exploration HQ 8077
Amazon Price: $37.98 (as of 06/01/2012)
"My son loves this set and is so excited to have pieces not typical to most Lego sets. He has had so much fun creating his own ideas with these pieces as well as using them as they were intended..... another Lego favorite of ours!"
Spy Net: Secret Mission Video Watch
You Save: $7.51 (15%) and get FREE shipping!
The question is, what can't this watch do?! It comes with a working video camera and microphone that can record up to 20 minutes of video, 4 hours of audio, or take 2,000 photographs.
Once your child has had fun recording, they can view what they've done on the color screen of the watch. The onboard memory can store all the evidence that your child collects during their spy work, which they can then transfer onto the computer via USB.
For even more fun, your child can also visit the Spy Net website to download secret video missions!
Spy Net: Secret Mission Video Watch
Amazon Price: $29.99 (as of 06/01/2012)
"Let me say this is one amazing product. I at first thought it was just some high tech watch that perhaps did a few things extra but was I ever wrong. This watch is amazing.
My granddaughter and I had a blast with it for several hours. We recorded everyone, took pictures, videoed, it was great fun. We than decided we wanted to download a mission. Understand, you do not have to download missions or interact with the website to enjoy this product. It's totally up to you . If you decide to download missions it will probably require adult help and/ or someone familiar with computers. I am well versed with computers and I still had to call customer service for a couple of quick solutions. I was delighted when a real person answered the phone(with no waiting)! She was very courteous and knowledgeable. Within a few minutes we were back on track and completing our first mission. The missions are clear good quality videos with easy to follow instructions.
I have not had it long enough to tell you how durable it is, however it appears to be very well made.
I am very impressed with this product, it is definitely top-notch in fun and entertainment."
Toys and Games for Kids 6 to 8-years-old
FREE shipping on most items1
Air Hogs Hawk Eye Channel B Helicopter
FREE shipping and You Save: $2.91 (5%)
The most notable feature of this helicopter is the fact that it can take videos from the air! It's designed to record up to 5 minutes of video, or to take hundreds of photographs, which means that your child can capture memorable moments in a completely unique way.
This functionality means that the helicopter is perfect for candid shots of family and friends, with the help of the movement controls. Shots can be uploaded to your computer or online space via USB when your child has finished playing. Connecting via USB also starts the recharging process automatically.
The Air Hogs website comes with a number of extra features to add to the experience, such as the ability to mash pictures and video together, add sounds to videos, insert images and edit the length of the recordings.
On top of this, you also get all the fun of a remote control helicopter. R/C devices have always been entertaining for kids - especially boys - as they watch them move or fly, and have complete control over where they're going.
Air Hogs Hawk Eye Channel B
Amazon Price: $53.00 (as of 06/01/2012)
"This Air Hog was great. Not for young kids, it is a camera. My husband and brother-in-law both love theirs. They fly them every night."
Cardinal Games Glee Board Game
$2.58 (17%) and FREE shipping!
Glee is a musical comedy television series that focuses on the lives of members of the high school choir (known as the Glee Club). The series is filled with gleeful renditions of popular songs, and this game hopes to capture the creativity of the music by requiring you to sing and dance for your rivals!
What makes this game so fun is the fact that other players will have to guess the character you're acting out by singing or dancing. It gets everyone active and laughing, which is always important at Christmas!
While the other team is acting out your character, you can ask questions to try and guess who it is. At the same time, you'll be holding the card above your head - the card that holds the right answer!
To win the game, you have to be the first team to reach the finish space (The "Sectionals") by guessing the characters or by singing and dancing.
Cardinal Games Glee Board Game
Amazon Price: $3.45 (as of 06/01/2012)
Tonka Ricochet RC Vehicle 4 X 4 RC 27MHZ (RED)
You Save: $20.00 (22%) with FREE shipping, too!
The green radio control vehicle can race around the floor and has the ability to flip from one side to the other to create impressive stunts. It doesn't even need to slow down when it flips over!
For those who want to drive it high in the air, it features a Monster Lift Suspension to raise it up, or it can be driven low to the ground. This means that it can be used over all kinds of terrain, including grass, rocks, curbs and any other obstacles in its path!
To power the R/C vehicle, simply place it back into the charger at the end of playing - the charge lasts for around 15 minutes each time. The controller itself is designed to be long range, making it easier to operate further away without losing any contact - and it's designed with a flexible antenna to ensure durability.
Tonka Ricochet RC Vehicle 4 X 4 RC 27MHZ (RED)
Amazon Price: $129.89 (as of 06/01/2012)
"This is a very durable car. It has long battery life, will travel over many different surfaces. It is extremely entertaining and versatile. I would recommend this remote control car for almost any age."
Top Toys
For kids 9 and above!
What is your favorite holiday kids gift this year?
There is such a wide variety of games for kids of all ages - board games, toys, electronics and more. As I was searching for the most popular games, there were a number of comments from people who said their husbands and friends also enjoyed some of these toys. So, who knows who will end up playing with these toys after the holidays!
Check out these amazing holiday resources
This Happy Snowman page written by
Gail47
As David's Grandma, I am very interested in holiday kids gifts and what is available for 2010. Here are a number of items that have been running high... more »
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