Top Toys For Kids

Released on: Thursday, November 16, 2006 1:00 AM

         

Top Toys for Under The Tree

It seems to happen earlier and earlier every year. Along with the arrival of cooler weather comes a deluge of television advertisements bringing children a never-ending array of new must-have items. The advertising is effective to the extent that children will not merely have a vague interest in the item but will indeed believe they need the item for their very survival and they will make an innumerable number of attempts to persuade you, the parent, that this is in fact the case. However, it is an impossible task for any parent to keep track of all the latest crazes. This article aims to help the busy, working parent; acting as your guide to which toys are in great demand and are touted by toy and tech manufacturers as having the ability to put gratifying smile on the face of your children this holiday season.

To some parents it may seem a little early to consider present buying but a recent survey reported that four in ten American moms will have started on their holiday list by early November.  Now is the time to get the shopping out of the way, while the shops and websites are still relatively quiet and demand for items is not high enough to leave retailers out-of-stock. No parent wants to have to wake up on Christmas morning and explain to their child that they just did not act quickly enough to get them what they really wanted - “Santa couldn’t find the one you wanted but this one is just as good” rarely covers it and a tantrum of unadulterated disappointment will often ensue. So avoid both your own and your child’s disappointment this Holiday season by starting early.

Games consoles seem to be a favorite gift for the holiday season but there are so many. It can be an extremely confusing market for any of the even slightly technophobic among you. With Microsoft, Nintendo and Sony all fiercely competing for market dominance, it is extremely difficult to know which console to buy. Currently it seems that Nintendo’s latest offering, the Nintendo Wii (pronounced we), will prove most popular. The ingenious wii-mote (the Wii controller) creates an immersive game play experience that will entertain your child for hours. The game designers at Nintendo are extremely experienced and have released games that appeal to both sexes, including; Nintendogs and Animal Crossing on the Nintendo DS, so the Wii should prove an equally good present for a boy or a girl. However, at around $250 it is a little expensive, especially when you have to buy games separately at approximately $40 each.

Lower budget options are certainly available. This Christmas most young girls would be extremely happy to receive either the latest Barbie or Bratz doll - simply explore you daughter’s current doll collection to discover her preference. The latest Barbie doll includes 12 dancing princesses and at around $25 you certainly get a bit more bang for your buck. The Bratz Forever Diamond doll comes with a small, real diamond pendant that can be worn as such and is priced at approximately $30.

If your child is a Sesame Street fan then the new T.M.X. Elmo is definitely for them. Its release marks the 10th anniversary of the extremely popular Tickle-Me-Elmo and in this new version Elmo laughs louder and squirms more when you tickle him repeatedly.

At a price comparable to that of the Nintendo Wii, Apple’s iPod with video is likely to feature highly in the holiday wish list of many children. The iPod not only allows users to listen to music but also to store and view photos, videos and podcasts, as well as play classic games. Again, this is a bit expensive but guaranteed to put a massive smile on the face of your child - the only question is what color to get, if in doubt choose white.

If none of these gifts seem appropriate for your child then a good starting point is to get them to write a list. This is something that they are likely to be extremely willing to do and will act as an invaluable aid while shopping for things to go into Santa’s sack. 

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