Toys R Us lets us in on their predictions for the top toys this Christmas season. Here are some of their choices, with some comments from us.
Leap Frog Tag Reading System is great fun and learning for preschoolers and kids just beginning to read. With its specially designed pen, kids interact with the system’s storybooks and play interactive games that encourage word recognition and phonics skills.
Note for parents: You’ll have to factor in the cost of additional specially-designed interactive storybooks into the cost of the system. While kids will have some fun with the one included, they (and you) will want more in order to fully benefit from the toy.
Rock Band 2 for the Wii
Rock Band 2: Special Edition for the Nintendo Wii is the new and updated Rock Band system. Best for kids ages 12 and up. Kids lead their band on a World Tour as they record albums and take on Set Challenges. With the Wii’s internet capabilities, kids can even take on other bands from around the world! The new musical instruments are designed to be more durable and include extra wireless capabilities. Great for aspiring drummers, in particular! Over 80 songs are included with the game (more available online for purchase). There’s AC DC, Disturbed, Guns N Roses, Talking Heads, and a whole lot more. It’s a great family experience.
To buy the full system with musical equipment and all: Rock Band 2 Special Edition for the Nintendo Wii
Girl Gourmet Cupcake Maker by Jakks
The Girl Gourmet Cupcake Maker by Jakks Pacific is no Easy Bake Oven, but kids have just as much fun with it! With adult supervision, kids ages 7 or 8 and up can mix, bake, and decorate their very own cupcakes. The set comes with a little mixing bowl, measuring spoons, cake mix, water dropper (the only added ingredient to the special cake mixes is water!), decorator, and microwave cupcake baking pan.
To decorate, kids place the baked cupcake (cooled) onto the provided decorating stand and frost. As long as kids don’t expect their cupcakes to look like the ones on the toy’s packaging, they’ll have a good time. For more information, user reviews, or to buy: Jakks Pacific Girl Gourmet Cupcake Maker
U Command Wall-E Robot
The U Command Wall-E robot is controlled via wireless remote control. Wall-E’s eyes light up and sound effects are realistic. Kids can either send commands to the robot on the fly, or program a set of orders in advance. Kids move him forward, back, have him move his arms, dance, and more. The robot measures just under 10 inches tall, and eats up batteries!
For more information, user reviews, or to buy: U Command Wall-E
- Fisher Price Imaginext Spike the Ultra Dinosaur
Spike the Ultra Dinosaur
Spike the Ultra Dinosaur by Fisher Price is yet another remote-controlled top toy for Christmas in 2008! This one is pricier, however. It features plenty of satisfying sound effects and reactions.
For more information, user reviews, or to buy: Fisher Price Imaginext Spike the Ultra Dinosaur
- EyeClops Night Vision Infrared Stealth Goggles
EyeClops Night Vision Goggles
Eye Clops Night Vision Goggles actually employ infra-red night vision technology to give kids an exceptional view in the dark. It’s definitely a novelty toy, but a fun one while it lasts.
For more information, user reviews, or to buy: EyeClops Night Vision Infrared Stealth Goggles
- Hannah Montana Malibu Beach Doll House
Hannah Montana Beach House
The Hannah Montana Malibu Beach House is great for Hannah Montana fans because it’s an exact replica of the beach house on the show. This dollhouse comes with a wide variety of accessories. You’ll need to purchase Hannah Montana dolls separately. This is one of the most wanted toys of the 2008 holiday season.
For more information, user reviews, or to buy: Hannah Montana Malibu Beach Doll House
Fisher Price Shop and Learn Walker
The Fisher Price Laugh & Learn: Shop & Learn Walker is great for encouraging walking skills, and little children can role play at the same time. While most walkers are pretty much “over” once a child begins to solidly walk on his or her own, this one continues to entertain.
For more information, user reviews, or to buy: Fisher-Price Laugh and Learn Shop and Learn Walker
Fisher Price Musical Table
The Fisher Price Fun with Friends Laugh & Learn Musical Table is a busy box for toddlers who are just beginning to enjoy the freedom of standing up and exploring. Everything’s electronic here, with busy lights and sounds that are timed just right so that when a child finishes one activity, he or she is encouraged to begin another.
For more information, user reviews, or to buy: Fisher-Price Laugh and Learn My Busy Day Table
- iCarly Digital Camcorder
- Little Mommy Baby Knows Doll by Fisher Price
- Barbie & the Diamond Castle Princess Liana Doll and Barbie & the Diamond Castle Princess Alexa Doll
- Touch Screen ATM by Summit
- Hasbro U-Dance Game
U-Dance by Hasbro/Tiger
- FurReal Friends Biscuit My Lovin’ Pup
My daughter loves all theses toys, but for a real live experience and adventure, we grew a TickleMe Plant from seeds. It’s the real plant that moves when you tickle it. You may have seen it on the premier if CSI NY or at one of the botanical gardens. What is great is that you can now grow your own TickleMe Plant at home any time of the year. You have to grow it to believe it. Once you do, it may become your favorite plant as well. The leaves fold right up and even the branches fall down when Tickled, Minutes later the leaves open wide up!
I googled and found it at http;//www.ticklemeplant.com My daughter loves her pet tickleMe plant. It is so much fun. They even have TickleMe Plant party favors!
[...] Toys R Us Hot Toys for Holidays 2008 Leap Frog Tag Reading System is great fun and learning for preschoolers and kids just beginning to read. With its specially designed pen, kids interact with the system’s storybooks and play interactive games that encourage word … [...]