Each holiday season, there is one toy that rises to the top and causes otherwise sane people to stand outside a store for hours. From Cabbage Patch dolls to dancing Elmos to Wii gaming systems, the hottest toy sets the tone for the season. Retailers and shoppers have been speculating about the popular toys this holiday. A look through several toy stores shows these seven products prominently displayed. Time will tell if any on this list will rise up to become "King Toy" of the 2010 Christmas season.
Hot Toys for Christmas 2010
Dance Star Mickey
This Fisher Price toy is predicted to be the "IT" product of the season. With a purchase price close to $100, this 15-inch replica of Mickey Mouse walks, talks and dances to the beat of six different songs. His mouth opens and closes in perfect sync to the music, and interactive games and dances compel children and adults to groove out with their favorite mouse.
Squinkies
This soft squishy toy fits inside a clear plastic bubble. There are Squinkie babies, Squinkie children, Squinkie pets and Squinkie accessories. Blip Toys first released the toy in July 2010 and regular collections have followed since the release date. With a playhouse, a bakery, and even a palace to display your Squinkies, this is a toy aimed to please young children everywhere. The Squinkies website offers downloadable activities, videos and a spot to store your collections. The toys are available through major retail stores and online shopping sites.
Zoobles
These tiny balls magically pop open into a creature when placed on their magnetized "Hapitat" or special playset. There are hundreds of Zooble varieties and sets, such as a treehouse and an underwater habitat, which are available separately.
My Pillow Pets
This soft cuddly toy offers younger children a stuffed animal pet that doubles as a pillow. From Alli Alligator to Zippity Zebra, there's a Pillow Pet for every child. Backpacks, blankets, neck pillows, slippers and book/pillow combo round out the products available.
Sing-a-Ma-Jigs
Available in a wide range of colors, these plush toys sing, chatter and harmonize with a squeeze to their left hand followed by a squeeze to the tummy. Designed for younger kids, ages three to six, Sing-a-ma-jigs retail for $13 and are available at major retailers.
Paper Jamz
Circuits embedded within the material of these paper musical instruments allow anyone to become a rock star. Each paper guitar or drum comes pre-loaded with three different hit songs. Built-in speakers and that all-important (for parents at least) volume control are also features of all six styles of guitars and drum sets. Straps and amps can be purchased separately.
HEXBUG Nanos
This micro-robotic bug seems to have a mind of its own. At just under two inches, these 12-legged creatures move by vibration. They scurry along any hard surface (they're not lovers of carpet) and will simply change direction when they encounter an obstacle. The HEXBUG itself costs about eight dollars and is available at major retailers. Habitats, sold separately, offer different shaped plastic pieces to be combined to create a home and obstacle course for the bugs. Each HEXABUG comes with an online code, enabling owners to access games on the computer.
Holiday shopping is much easier after some research into the most popular toys. Take this list to the toy department and find these popular gifts for the child or children in your life.
Join the Conversation