8 Outrageous Toys Hitting Shelves This Year

Outrageous toys hitting shelves this year!Earlier this month, I scoured the Toy Fair in New York City, checking out the newest toys set to hit shelves this year. Every year the toys get more innovative and jaw-dropping - and this year was no exception. Of course there were plenty of amazing eco-friendly, wooden, educational toys that I found (and I'll share eventually!), but let's start with the more outrageous, shall we?

These 8 toys are the ones that spark a simple: "Whoa!". Take a look and tell us what you think of these outrageous toys that are sure to get buzz in 2012:




The Amazing Spider-Man
1. The Amazing Spider-Man R/C Speed Climbing Spider-Man | Ages 5+
Yes, this Spider Man actually climbs walls with vacuum technology. (Note: It kind of sounds like a vacuum.)
Coming in fall 2012, $34.99

Related: 35 vintage toys we wish were still in our closet


Crayola Digital Light Designer
2. Crayola Digital Light Designer | Ages 6+
Although Crayola has tons of new releases set for 2012, this digital light designer is certainly their biggest. This 360-degree dome is designed for kids to create images (that can be animated!) and play games (like maze races and memory games) with LED lights. Kids can save up to 50 drawings, which can be edited and animated at any time. Right now the dome sounds pretty loud (almost like a fan turned on extra-extra high), but I'm hoping Crayola works on making their prototype quieter - at least for parents' sakes.
Coming in September 2012, $49.99


Kid-Tough Portable DVR
3. Kid-Tough Portable DVR | Ages 3+
This is kind of cool, but also kind of ridiculous - mostly because it's $150 for a 3-year-old kid. Made to be durable for "drops and drool," as it was described to me, this portable DVR can be hooked up right to your TV, so you can record up to two hours of your kid's favorite TV shows. When we know parents are already passing back their iPhones for Netflix, will they shell out that kind of cash for a 3.5-inch portable DVR? Would you?
Coming in May 2012, $149.99



Master Moves Mickey
4. Master Moves Mickey | Ages 2+
This year Mickey's trading in the samba for some sweet breakdancing moves - including a handstand! Ignoring the fact that their "hip" Mickey is rocking a sideways hat and '90s street gear, this dancing mouse is pretty darn entertaining (and impressive!). Even if your kids weren't drawn in by Mickey's ballroom skills last year, they'll probably be amazed by his new hip-hop moves.
Coming in August 2012, $69.99

Related: 50 toy fads that hooked us - Furbies, Gak, and more!


Monopoly zAPPed
5. Monopoly zAPPed | Ages 8+
If you didn't like the elimination of money and banking in last year's Monopoly edition, then your head might explode with this one. The newest Monopoly uses your iPad, iPhone, or iPod Touch as a banking unit, which does all the adding and subtracting for you (and for your kids, of course. Who needs math, anyway?). The technology does have its advantages, of course - especially through virtual mini games that pop up through the Chance and Community Chest cards.
Coming in June 2012


LIFE zAPPed
6. The Game of LIFE zAPPed | Ages 8+
This certainly isn't the LIFE of our childhoods - especially because you need an iPad (and a free app) to play the game. The prices and activities have modernized too, with college or career requiring a $100,000 loan. As much as I hate needing to have an $800 grown-up tool as a necessary play piece, the cool thing about this is it keeps track of where you are in the game. And when you hit certain milestones (like graduation, for example), it plays funny clips from America's Funniest Videos!
Coming soon to Amazon.com and ToysRUs.com, $24.99 (+ an iPad)

Related: The 10 best toy storage ideas


Barbie Photo Fashion Doll
7. Barbie Photo Fashion Doll | Ages 6+
Barbie's new photo doll is sure to get a lot of buzz - although it probably won't be as controversial as last year's video Barbie. This one has a built-in digital camera that displays the image right on Barbie's shirt. Barbie can hold over 100 images (that can be uploaded to your computer, of course), allowing kids to start sharpening their photo-taking skills.
Coming in August 2012, $49.99


Furreal Friends
8. Furreal Friends Baby Butterscotch, My Magical Show Pony | Ages 4+
Furreal Friends have been around since I was little, but their newest Butterscotch horse is unlike anything I've ever seen. It nuzzles close to you, with animated facial expressions and a cuddly body, sensing where you're touching. I'm a grown woman, and it kind of melted my heart.
Coming in fall 2012, $119.99

- By Michelle Horton

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