1. 1-2-3 Stomp!: Wild Planet has some really fun, educational toys. I especially like their Smart Step games, because there are so many good things being learned at the same time. Kids have to listen, take turns and such while being active. I like 1-2-3 Stomp because it teaches four different educational skills (numbers and colors, number sequences, finding missing numbers along with addition and subtraction). As a parent, anything that makes learning fun is top on my list! (Ages: 3+, $29.99 SRP)
2. Bakugan 7 in 1 Maxus Dragonoid: Bakugan is HUGE right now. I understand why. I watched the show with my son and it’s very smart! The characters on the show really have to use strategy and their imagination in order to win various battles. Each battle is different, because you don’t know which Bakugan your opponent will use. I was (pleasantly) surprised and impressed how the show and toys teach kids to process information and respond quickly. This particular Maxus Dragonoid is a combination including 1 Bakugan and 6 Bakugan traps. They all combine to form an ultimate fighting monster. (Don’t worry if you have no idea what I’m talking about. Your sons will…) These seven pieces are not available anywhere else besides in this set, so if you have a little Bakugan player/collector, you will definitely want to get this. (Ages: 5 to 15; $39.99 SRP)
3. Disney Just One Kiss Princess Tiana Doll: Did you read my review of The Princess and the Frog movie? If so, it will be clear why I picked this doll. Princess Tiana is a doll that little girls from all racial and ethnic backgrounds would love! (Ages: 3+, $24.99 SRP)
4. LeapFrog Scribble and Write: It is no secret that we are big fans of LeapFrog around here. I like the way that this particular toy grows with the kids. They start off by tracing lights in order to draw simple objects. As they get older, they use it to learn/practice their upper and lowercase letters. I won one of these systems at Blogalicious. I will give it to Sean, but I have a feeling that Michael will be using it as well. (Ages: 3 to 6; $21.99 SRP)
5. Play-doh Burger Builder: After an incident with my sons grinding play-doh into my carpet, I was tempted to take this suggestion off my list. It is a great toy though. Most kids love playing with play-doh. They like making shapes with it even more. This set combines both, because it provides tools for kids to mold a variety of burger related food products (i.e. patties, lettuce, pickles, fries, etc.) More than anything, I just like to see kids’ role play and come up with their own concoctions! (Ages: 3 to 7; $14.99 SRP)
6. Strawberry Shortcake Playset – Berry Cafe: I wrote about how much I love Strawberry Shortcake on this giveaway post. Yes. This is also one of our holiday giveaways! (Ages: 4-8; $34.99 SRP)
7. Technosource Printies Pets Design Studio : I saw these Printies at the Time To Play holiday showcase. I really like that they are a simple, affordable gift option. Basically, you buy a themed set (monsters, pets, etc) for your kids and let them go online to design/customize their character. Once they are happy with their designs, they print it out on the special Printies paper. Then, they pop out the pre-stitched design; stuff it with the included stuffing and stuffing tool. The best part is that they close it simply by pressing the pieces together. There is no sewing or ironing needed. What I especially like is that the variety of designs makes this a fun project for both boys and girls. I even enjoyed creating a stuffed animal myself, so you might want to join in on the fun. (Ages: 6+; $19.99 SRP)
8. The Wonder Forge Dr Seuss Super Stretchy ABCs: This is another “makes learning fun” game pick. My kids love Dr. Seuss. (So do I!) I also liked the “Twister” game when I was growing up. (Do you remember that game or am I aging myself?) Anyway, this game is a blend of the two. Basically, kids twist their bodies in the game to reach different areas on the oversized alphabet mat. It’s a simple, but engaging concept that works both the mind and the body. I’ll take that! (Ages: 3+; $24.99 SRP)
9. Transformers Revenge of the Fallen Action Figure – Constructicon Devastator: It is the biggest Transformers robot ever – bigger than the AUTOBOTS and the DECEPTICONS. (I do not follow Transformers, but my husband and son really like the series.) The Devastator figure is created by combing six detailed vehicles, including one that makes sounds as it converts to be part of the larger robot. Lights and sounds of things being destroyed are two of the biggest appeals of this toy. This is also the most expensive toy for kids on my list. It is a great toy, but I would only get it if my kid were a die-hard Transformers fan. If so, they will enjoy hours of recreating movie scenes with the six vehicles (LONGHAUL, MIXMASTER, SCAVENGER, RAMPAGE, SCRAPPER, and HIGHTOWER) – both separately and combined to make the Devastator. Please note that this toy requires 2 AA batteries. (Ages: 5+; $99.99 SRP)
10. Zhu Zhu Pets Hamster Mr. Squiggles – Light Brown: I don’t quite get the (mass!) appeal of this electronic toy, but the kids love them. When I was little, we all had real pet hamsters, but times have changed. I had not even heard of a Zhu Zhu pet when my son put it on his holiday “wish list”. Believe me…these pet hamsters make kids happy when they scoot around or when they are snuggled. The squeaks are also a special touch. The plus side for parents is that we don’t have to feed and clean up after these pets! (Ages: 3+; $69.95 SRP)
