Thankfully, my young daughter hasn’t begun her annual countdown to Christmas. Or as it is referred to around our home: “Honey, be careful with that Sharpie when you cross off the days on the calendar!”
Such was not the case last year, when she started begging Santa for Zhu Zhu Pets at the beginning of September.
This year (thankfully) my child is not obsessed with one toy in particular; rather, she wants a few toys from each aisle of Toys R Us. We’ll see if Santa delivers.
In the meantime, despite being more than two months out from the official start of the holiday shopping season, toy “experts” (wonder how old they are?) just unveiled the hot toys for Christmas 2010. Take a look at what you will be fighting other parents for in the coming weeks:
Mattel Sing-a-Ma-Jigs ($12-$25): These fresh-faced plush character toys sing when your kid squeezes their bellies. Whether the Sing-a-Ma-Jig’s favorite song is the same as your child’s remains to be seen… or heard. Each Sing-a-Ma-Jig requires 2 “AAA” batteries, which are included with each toy. Sing-a-Ma-Jigs are intended for kids age 3 or older.
Squinkies Cupcake Surprise! Bake Shop ($37): I can see my daughter placing this one on her Santa Wish List. At first glance the toy looks like a cupcake equivalent to the Easy-Bake Oven, but it doesn’t do any real baking. Rather, the Squinkies Cupcake Surprise! Bake Shop is a coin-operated vending machine filled with a variety of Squinkies that fit on top of your pencil. There are hundreds of Squinkies to collect (goodness help us all!), and you can buy them in sets of 12 for about $16.
Cuponk! Game ($15): This is a game that you only want to buy if you have a large family room or basement where kids can move freely and you don’t have fragile furniture or decorations that can be destroyed. The game involves ping pong balls and electronic cups, where kids attempt to make super duper schmooper trick shots based upon game cards. Did I mention that the trick shots are made by using various household items like chairs and stairs? Yeah, you may want to think twice before allowing Santa to bring this toy to your house. Cuponk! is intended for children age 9 or older, and requires 3 “AAA” batteries which are not included with the game.
Star Wars Imperial AT-AT All Terrain Armored Transport Vehicle ($105): This classic All Terrain Armored Transport walker is a major part of Star Wars Episode V, and is a must-have toy for serious Star Wars fans of all ages. The AT-AT requires 3 “AA” batteries (not included), which will allow it to operate LED lights and authentic movie sounds and phrases.
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