These ho, ho, hot toys top our holiday list

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BY ERIN ANDERSEN / Lincoln Journal Star

This season’s toy picks are enough to make you wish you were a kid again. And that’s even without this season’s hottest video gaming systems PlayStation 3 and Nintendo’s Wii. Although we have not had the chance to play with all the new toys begging to be bought for good little girls and boys, we have found plenty that appeal to our inner child.

And so we offer what we think are really cool toys, that have not necessarily made the top of the experts’ “hot toy lists.”

Our “please please please” top seven picks:

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Doll

Baby Alive — More realistic than ever, this new doll eats, poops, speaks and now has facial expressions and eye movements that go along with her other lifelike actions. Also available in African- American and bi-lingual versions. Comes with diaper bag, food, bottle, plate and extra diaper. Hasbro. Ages 3+, $49.99

Sports

Nerf Showtime Hoops  — This freestanding electronic hoop includes interactive gameplay voiced by the AND 1 Mix Tape Tour. Hoop has 10 different games; a motorized spotlight to show you where to stand and shoot; speakers and plug to connect an MP3 or CD player; built-in drink dispenser and cup holder; adjustable backboard that raises to 7 feet; and a junior size basketball. Hasbro. Ages 8+, $249.99

Building set

Snap Circuits Snap Rover  — Kids build their own remote-control vehicles discovering how to hook up the circuit that will give commands to the Rover. Elenco Electronics. Ages 8+, $74.95

Playsets

My Little Pony Crystal Rainbow Castle Playset —  This magical castle, where ponies come to play, expands to 2 feet tall and three floors high with the wave of a magic wand or press of the magnet-activated magic heart. There is a dance floor, dressing room, dining room, magical vanity and swinging turrets. Hasbro. Ages 3+, $59.99 for playset; $9.99 for additional accessories.

Power Rangers Dragon Rootcore Command Center Deluxe Playset — Offers two play modes, Dragon Tower and Train. Features missile firing, cycle launcher, zip line, trap jaw, ejector seat and more. Bandai America.  Ages 4+, $39.99

Cuddly fun

Storybook Pillow — Once upon a time …  These soft, plush pillow covers open up to reveal cloth pages relating adventures from some of kids’ favorite Disney movies: “Little Mermaid,” “Disney Princesses,” “Cinderella,” “Pooh” and “Cars.” Ages 3+. Comes in three sizes: $16.99 for pillow-size Lil Storybook; $25.99 for regular size (21x13.5 inches) and $34.99 for big size (23.5x15.5 inches).

Educational

Tangoes Jr.  — Tangram puzzle made just for preschoolers. Helps develop fine motor and spatial skills. Rex Games. Ages 4+,  $24.99

Magazine’s list of hot toys

Here’s Toy Wishes magazine’s Hot Dozen toys for this holiday season:

1. Barbie and the 12 Dancing Princesses — Mattel. Ages: 3+, $24.99 for the dolls; $32.99 for the horse and carriage.

2. Bratz Forever Diamondz — Each doll comes with diamond-like stones and a real diamond pendant for girls to wear. MGA. Ages 6+, $29.99 each.

3, Butterscotch My Furreal Friends Pony — Now kids can get a “real” pony for Christmas. Standing over 3 feet tall, Butterscotch has advanced animatronic technology that allows it to come to life when a child climbs on. Hasbro. Ages: 4+, $299.99

4. Digi Makeover — Kids can give themselves a no-risk makeover with this special electronics unit with a built-in camera that plugs into your TV. Digi Makeover comes with more than 50 hairstyles and all kinds of accessories. Radica. Ages 8+, $59.99

5. Fly Wheels XPV — This radio-controlled vehicle actually flies, taking off and landing on any hard surface and soaring more than 20 stories high. Jakks Pacific. Ages 8+, $59.99

6. Kid Tough Digital Camera — Dual handgrips, binocular viewfinder and sturdy construction gives kids of all ages a no-risk camera. The built-in, 1.3 inch-LCD screen holds up to 60 pictures (expandable with separate memory card) and is easily connected by USB to the computer for downloading photos. Fisher-Price. Ages 3+,  $69.99

7. Lego Mindstorms NXT — The centerpiece of this robotics tool is the NXT brick — its “brain.” Using motors, ports and technologies like Bluetooth, set uses light, sound and touch sensors to make advanced robots. LEGO. Ages 10+, $249.99

8. Magtastisk — Big plastic sturdy magnetic pieces that allow kids to make just about anything. MEGA Brands. Ages 3+, $39.99 (for Wonder Coaster); $29.99 (for Deluxe Set); $19.99 (for Starter Set); and $5.99 (for Magnimals)

9. Monopoly Here & Now — This newest version of Monopoly brings everything from prices to places up to date. Instead of railroads, it has airports. New properties include Rodeo Drive and Times Square. Hasbro. Ages 8+, $29.99

10. Speed Stacks Stacking Cups — This new hot sport involves speed stacking and restacking specially designed cups into precise formations. Kit includes the cups, official StackMat and instructional DVD. Play Along. Ages. 4+, $39.99

11. T.M.X. Elmo —  This newest version of Tickle Me Elmo takes laughing and giggling to a new extreme. Fisher-Price. Ages 18 months+, $39.99

12: Wii — Nintendo’s newest video game platform. Nintendo. Ages 6+, $250. 

Other great toys

for good girls and boys

Darling dolls

1. Amazing Allysen — Older than her little sister, Amazing Amanda, Allysen has even more play possibilities than Amanda. Playmates. Ages 5+ $99.99 for doll; $24.99 for play packs.

2. GoLive MystiKats — Interactive fashion dolls come to life in animated form on a hand-held digital screen or TV.  Each doll has her own voice, personality, power and mythology. Playhut. Ages 4+,  $99.99.

3. American Girl Emily Doll — Emily is the newest character in this collection. She is the English friend of Molly McIntire. Both girls are featured in the TV movie “Molly: An American Girl on the Home Front.” airing 7 p.m. Sunday on the Disney Channel. American Girl. Ages 8+, $102 for doll and accessories.

4. Too Cute Twins — It’s a boy and a girl and, like twins, they have a special bond that allows them to talk, sing, giggle, joke and rhyme together.  New Adventures. Ages 3+, $34.99 

5. My Scene Fab Faces Dolls — Dolls have movable facial features that include expressions like surprise, pout, smirk, smile and talking. Mattel. Ages 6+, $19.99

Action toys

6. Tonka Toughest Mighty Crane  — Construction vehicle features a retractable crane and dumping capabilities. Hasbro. Ages 3+, $24.99

7. Ben 10 Metamorfigures — These 8-inch-tall figures start off as alien characters but then transform into cool mini role-play toys like a real working flashlight, binoculars and squirt gun. Bandai America.  Ages 4+, $12.99

8. Harbor Crane  — Haul and dump cargo with the crane that features a fully mobile arm bending at several angles and body that rotates 360 degrees. Playmobil. Ages 4+, $44.99

9. Transformers Cybertron Primus — This huge Transformer is actually the Transformers’ home planet and a 14-inch-tall robot. Comes with a Cyber Planet key that unlocks lights, sounds and firing missiles. Hasbro. Ages 5+, $49.99

10. CAT Construction Site & Truck — The power crane hauls blocks and parts and lets kids build a three-level structure complete with arches and girders. MEGA Brands. Ages. 4+, $29.99 for the crane; $6.99 for trucks.

Preschool picks

11. Elmo Giggle & Shake Chair — Toylike chair that has interactive feature of sound and vibration. For quiet time, turn off the sound and vibration. Spin Master.  Ages 18 months +, $34.99

12. Elmo’s Snapshot — This hand-held LCD unit lets kids “take pictures” with Elmo and then review them in a digital photo album. Techno Source. Ages 3+, $12.99

13. Laugh and Learn Baby Grand Piano — Through musical play children learn colors, numbers, pitch and tempos with three levels of play and four activity options. Fisher Price. Ages 9 months to 36 months, $44.95

14. Story Blankets  — Artwork tells the story on the bedding, but its LED lights, sounds, music help kids get in bed and relax enough to fall asleep. Themes include heroes, space, kitty and princess. Lulla Beds. Ages 3 +, $149 (twin); $169 (full).

15. My Take-Along Farm — Feed your animals, plant crops and bale hay with this portable play set. Playmobil. Ages 4+, $29.99

Tweens

16. Zoombox  — A 3-in-1 projector that plays DVDs, CDs and connects to most gaming systems and projects the image on the wall in a 60-inch frame.  You can also attach other electronics to the system. Tiger Electronics. $249

17. I-Cat/I-Fish/I-Dog  — There are a few new animals in town. I-Dog adds pink and black to its colors, and it is joined by I-Cat and I-Fish. All have flashing lights, sound effects, dance moves and hook into most music systems. Tiger Electronics. Ages 8+, $29.99 (dog and cat); $39.99 (fish), $14.99 (doggy bag)

18. Mixman MP3 Studio  — Allows users to “mash up” music tracks into custom MP3 files and ring tones. Performs like a mixing station with twin digital turntables, real-time pitch, pan and tempo controls. Digital Blue. $79

 19. iSpot Chair — Includes a dock for an iPod or any other MP3 player, in-arm speakers put you in the middle of your favorite tunes. Exclusively at Staples. $199.99

20. VCAMNOW 2.0 — Film digital movies and take photographs. View or edit movies on TV or your computer. Tiger Electronics. $79.99

Arts & Crafts

21. Crayola Cutter — Battery-powered, paper-cutting tool that uses a cutting wand that maneuvers like a pen. Kids just “pop” out their cutting. Crayola. Ages 6+, $19.99.

22. Crayola Color Explosion Spinner — Takes the mess and paint out of spin art. Using a single marker, colors magically appear when it meets the special Color Explosion black paper.  Crayola.  Ages 6+, $24.99

23. Foamstruction — Kit includes over 400 pieces of  wheat-starch, nontoxic reusable foam pieces that you moisten and stick together to make creations. Overbreak. Ages 4+  $19.95

24. 3-D Digi Draw — Casts a perfect shadow allowing kids to trace 3-dimensional objects. Overbreak. Ages 3+, $19.95

25. Moon Sand  — Sand can be shaped, squished and molded into any shape, and it never dries out. Kits include castle, monster truck and farm. Spin Master. Ages 3+, $4.99-$19.99

Building sets

26. Inventor’s Tool Box — With 618 pieces there are enough parts to build the ultimate aerial tramway, a vehicle-powered bascule bridge and a personnel elevator all the the same time. Rokenbok Toy Company.  Ages 6+, $119.99

  27. iCoaster — It’s a music and laser light show with the magnetic-powered music-mixing roller coaster. MEGA Brands. Ages 8+, $79.99

 28. Dragons: Battlestorm Castle — Capture the Dragon Crest to amass Plasma Crystals and fulfill the promise of the ancient legend. MEGA Brand. Ages 6+, $49.99

29. Vertical Vengeance Coaster — When completed roller coaster stands over 5 feet tall and has motorized chain to pull the coaster through its loops and spirals. K’NEX. Ages 10+, $59.99

30. SpongeBob and Plankton’s Adventure — LEGO. Ages. 7+, $29.99

Educational

31. Big Bad Booming Bugs Electronic Observation Station — Bug-quarium gives children access to the noisy world of insects letting them listen to bugs with headsets. Little Kids. Ages 6+, $19.99

32. SmartGlobe 2.0  — 3D interactive globe with nearly 30 learning activities in both English and Spanish and live Internet updates. Oregon Scientific. Designed for three age groups: 5-8, 9-14 and 15+, $129.99

33. Barbie B-Book 6.0  — Laptop contains 30 activities in English and Spanish in math, spelling logic and memory. Oregon Scientific. Ages 5+, $59.99

34. Superman Laptop Advance   — Shaped like Superman’s shield, the laptop contains 30 activities in English and Spanish. A simple wave of the hand over the closed lid causes the laptop to open up as Superman theme music plays. Oregon Scientific. Ages 5+, $59.99

35. Smartville Alphabet Train Station — 12 learning activities including letters, phonics, numbers, shapes, colors, animals, telling time and music. V-Tech. Ages 1+ $49.99

Electronic entertainment

36. Sudoku — Hand-held game features over 2 million computer -generated puzzles with eight levels of difficulty.  Fully illuminated. Techno Source.  Ages 8+ $19.99

37. Caplet — Hand-held gaming device is preloaded with 50 hit games, including Burger Time, Space Invaders and Bust-A-Move. VG Pocket. Ages 6+, $39.99

38. Arcade Floor Pinball — Offers two-play competition. Machine has pop bumpers, spinners, solenoid-controlled flippers, multilevel ramps and roll-through lanes. Choose from Marvel or Pirates of the Caribbean. Zizzle. Ages 5+. $299-$399

39. Screen Machine Arcade Racing Car or Jet Plane — Sit-on game gives kids real vibrating action and sounds. Moose Mountain. Ages 3-6. $129.99

40. Game It!  — Disney Princesses Ariel and Cinderella’s friends star in their own portable hand-held gaming adventure. VG Pocket. Ages 5+, $29.99

Fuzzy friends

41. Lil’ Luvables  — Kids fill the factory with fluff, attach the bear skin and turn the crank creating their own personal bears. Spin Master. Ages 3+ $19.99

42. Love ‘N Lick Puppy — These pets look and feel like real puppies and have a realistic leg-kicking action. Three breeds to choose from: Jack Russell Terrier, Siberian Husky and Cocker Spaniel. Playmates Toys  Ages 4+ $35.

43. Webkinz  — Each of these plush pets carries a secret code. Kids enter the code, adopt and name their pet and are welcomed into Webkinz virtual world. Ganz. Ages 3+, $9.95

44. Glo-E Magical Rainbow Friends — Each bear, monkey and puppy illuminates with a rainbow glow. Glo-E. Ages 3+, $21.99 for animal; $5.99 for wand.

45. SoySilk Pals — Soft, cuddly plush animals are made with all natural SoySilk brand fiber extruded from tofu. Choose from  Tofu Bear, SOYnia Bunny, SOYphia Goat, Buzz Cut Tofu Bear and EDamama Bear. $7.99-$39.99. Available at www.swtconline.com or (866) 794-1818.

Great games

46. Would You Rather …?  —  Now in two versions “Classic” and “Twisted Sick and Wrong” (for ages 17 and up). Players have to choose between two rather uncomfortable choices. Zobmondo!! Entertainment Ages 7+, $9.99-$49.99 

47. Dragonology: The Game  — Based on the “Dragonology” book, players travel the world by sea, air and land mastering dragon and engaging in duels in their pursuit to win. Sababa Toys. Ages 8+, $34.99

48. Deal or No Deal — Board game is based on the TV show, except without the real cash. Pressman Toys. Ages. 8+, $19.99

49. Urban Myth  — Game revolves around urban myths and legends. Players decide whether the story is fact or myth. Rhumba Games. Ages 12+, $29.95

50. Happy Feet Mumble’s Tumble — A balancing game in which players help keep the penguins from sliding off the slippery iceberg. Sababa Toys. Ages 5+, $14.99

51. Piranha Panic — Kids race to escape the feeding frenzy. First to get all three of their fish marbles to the top of the stream wins. Mattel. Ages 5+, $23.99

52. Scene It Nickelodeon Game — Newest edition to popular Scene It game series includes clips, puzzlers and questions from Nickelodeon shows. Mattel.  Ages 8+, $34.99

53. Bubble Brain: It’s the Thought That Counts —  Your task is to make up funny captions for the goofy photos in the game and see if other players can guess correctly. Patch Products. Ages 10+, $29.99

54. High School Musical DVD Game  — Features video clips from the movie, plus original outtakes and all the songs and dances. Compete in four categories. Mattel. Ages 6+, $19.99

  55. American Idol: All Star Challenge DVD Game — Test your Idol knowledge as you relive all the trials and tribulations, the victories and heartbreaks of the show. Screen Life.  Ages 8+, $49.95

High tech

56. Designer’s World  — A TV controller game that lets girls design a collection, choose their models, show it on the runway and even sell it. Tiger Electronics. Ages 8+, $34.99

57. ZOOOOS — An interactive, educational DVD gaming system that allows kids to play programs like Thomas & Friends, Bob the Builder and Spider-Man, as well as the San Diego Zoo and National Geographic!  Ages 3+, $24.99 for controller and two DVDs; $9.99 for additional DVDs.

58. Marvel Heroes Ani-Movie, — Using stop-motion digital technology kids can create and edit their own movies and then view them on their own television. JazWares. Ages 8+, $60.

59. Disney Pix digital cameras —Choose from various sizes, colors and capabilities. $19.99-$99.99

60. PicoCricket Kit —  Similar to LEGO Mindstorms, PicoCricket is a tiny computer that can make things spin, light up and play music. Designed for making artistic creations, such as jewelry, dancing creatures and musical sculptures. PICO.  Ages 8+, $250. Available at Picocricket.com.

Playsets

61. Little Mermaid Magical Talking Salon — Child-size vanity features voice recognition technology with Ariel talking to girls and her image magically appearing in the special light-up mirror. Disney. Ages 3+, $69.99

62. Ben 10 Deluxe Playset  — An exact replica of Grandpa Max’s “Rust Bucket,” this RV opens up to reveal an alien laboratory where kids can conduct their own experiments. Bandai America. Ages 6+, $29.99

63. Barbie 3-Story Dream House — Five realistic house sounds including ringing doorbell, flushing toilet, sizzling stove, and dancing Barbies. Mattel. Ages 3+, $99.99.

64. G.I. Joe Sigma 6: Dragonhawk — Features the MIC  (magnetic interface connector) docking system, and a fast deployment system to launch the team’s Ninja Lightning Motorcycle. Hasbro. Ages 5+,  $34.99

65. Dora’s Magical Castle — Wave the wand to open the castle doors and explore supersecret nooks and crannies. Fisher-Price. Ages 3+, $49.99

Radio control

66. Power Chutes Starter Set  — Features a maze of chutes and versatile Skip Track radio-controlled vehicle. Has 127 parts. Rokenbok Toy Company. Ages 6+, $69.99

67. Defender Duel 2-play Competitive Start Set — Pairs two RC Defender vehicles in a competition area. Rokenbok. Ages 6+, $159.99

68. Micro R/C Helicopter — Easy to fly radio-controlled helicopter comes fully assembled and ready to fly. Durable enough to withstand almost any accident. $39.99.

69. R/C Flying Superman  — Figure stands 16 inches tall and features twin propellers and dual channel controls. Soars with a range of 300 feet. Warner Bros. Ages 8+, $59.99

70. Roboreptile — This remote control, color-changing dinosaur has special sensors that allow him to be aware of his surrounding environment. WowWee Robotics.  Ages 8+, $120

Retro

71. Easy-Bake Classic Oven, — There’s new design on the old classic, it no longer needs a light bulb to bake. The oven also has a special warming area. Hasbro. Ages 8+, $24.99

72. Trivial Pursuit Totally ’80s Edition  — Remember yuppies, break dancing, mullets and Care Bears? It’s all in this new version. Hasbro. $34.99

73. Mega Monopoly  —  A new twist on the classic, this mega-sized version incorporates traditional game play with added twists like skyscrapers, nine new properties, $1,000 bills and special speed die. Winning Moves Games. Ages 8+, $39.99

74. Rubik’s Sudoku — Instead of numbers rearrange colored tiles on the plastic grid. Comes with book of 100 starter puzzles. Winning Moves Games. Ages 8+, $12.95.

75. Twister Dance DVD — A new twist on Twister, dance moves. Hasbro. Ages 8+, $29.99

Rideables

76. ESPN X Games Moto X Bike — 20-inch bike has the look of a motocross bike with an oversized aluminum frame, dual suspension, disc brakes and Moto X-style saddle and fenders. $149.99-$169.99

77. Radio Flyer Ultimate Family  Wagon — This new wagon features a five-way flip-and-fold seat with lots of riding options and storage room. Several models available. $99-$199.

78. PlasmaCar  — Looks like a futuristic racecar with six wheels. Kids power this car by simply turning the steering wheel. PlaSmart. $69.99

79. Bumper Cars — Traveling at speeds less than 4 mph, the cars go forward, backward and brake and have “crash” sound effects. Toy Quest. Ages 3-5, $199

80. Power Wheels Jeep Hurricane — All-terrain vehicle can take on dirt, gravel and ruts. Interactive dashboard features built-in navigation system. Ages 3+, $399.99

Sports

81. ESPN Fast Action Football — Indoor game features digital display football, joy stick and more than 20 ways to play. Fisher-Price 6+ $199.99

82. Head Bangers, — Oversized sports figure allows you to make the shot by banging on his head. Figures play football, hockey or soccer. Funrise.  Ages 5+, $19.99.

83. ESPN Play by Play — Portable sports PA and audio entertainment system. Kids can mimic athletes and TV announcers and mix in sports sounds and music. Ages 6+, $99.99

84. XaviX Baseball Starter Kit — Hook up the console to any TV, swing a wireless XaviX Baseball Bat and Ball to play nine innings, test batting skills and improve reflexes. $99.

85. Cosmic Catch — Ball tells player who to throw it to using a special electronic hand-trap. Programmed with four different games. Hasbro. Ages 7+, $24.99

86. Deluxe Mr. Quarterback — It throws a perfect spiral over 30 yards to help practice catching passes, punting and running patterns. Sport Fun. Ages. 8+, $69.99

Xtra ideas

87. Mock-U Rappers — Three hip-hopping animals in a tree repeat what you say in rap format and three-part harmony. Takara. Ages 6+, $19.99

88. Happy Feet Dance Mat  — Dance to the film’s song “Jump ‘n Move” or create your own tune. Warner Bros. Ages 4+, $26.99

89. Hot Wheels Terror-Dactyle Track Set — Over 16 feet of fat track, plus a Juice Machine recharger and a Sizzlers vehicle. Mattel. Ages 5+, $23.99

90. Blue Man Group Keyboard — Create and mix your own music with this keyboard that features nine different instrument sounds, including Blue Man Tubes and Piano Smasher. Toy Quest. Ages 8+, $79.99

91. American Idol Double Mat — Interactive dance game, where kids dance on light-up stars to earn high scores. Moose Mountain. Ages 5+, $29.99

Reach Erin Andersen at 473-7217 or eandersen@journalstar.com.