10 Kids' Gifts that Will Sell Out
By REDBOOK
With the help of toy expert Chris "The Toy Guy" Byrne, we've come up with the 10 best games and playthings for the 2011 holiday season. So read on and then run-don't walk-to the nearest toy store before these hot items are flying off the shelves.
1. LeapPad Learning Tablet
If your child is playing with your iPad more than you are, the LeapPad Learning Tablet will satisfy their tech craving. This durable tablet has a built-in camera and video recorder, eBook capability and a library of 100+ games, making this a great integration into the tech world for younger kids.
Who to buy for: Kids ages 4-9.
To buy: $99; leapfrog.com.
2. Lazer Stunt Chaser R/C Vehicle
This is not just your average racecar. Using the lazer gun, project a light spot on the floor and watch as the car automatically chases after the light at high speed. The two-sided design allows the car to keep running even if it flips over.
Who to buy for: Kids ages 4-6.
To buy: $39.99; toysrus.com.
Related: 7 Ways to Glam Up Your Look
3. Monster High Dolls
These glammed up teenaged characters are popular high school students and descendants of famous monsters-you'll meet Dracula's daughter, Draculaura, and Frankenstine's daughter, Frankie Stein.
Who to buy for: Kids ages 6 years and up.
To buy: $16-$29.99; mattel.com.
4. Mini Lalaloopsy Treehouse Playset
It's a pretty safe bet that Lalaloopsy dolls will be on most young girls' holiday wish list this year. So you'll hit a home run with this mini tree house hangout (including a zipline and whack-a-mole) that comes with two exclusive Lalaloopsy dolls, two pets, and lots of accessories.
Who to buy for: Kids 4-8.
To buy: $39.99; kmart.com.
5. Barbie Designable Hair Extensions
For young girls who love to play dress up and look like their doll, Barbie's newest accessory maker will be sure to please. Children can create and print personalized hair extensions for themselves and matching ones for Barbie. Kit includes Barbie doll, 16 printable hair extensions and five hair clips.
Who to buy for: Kids ages 6-10.
To buy: $31.99; mattel.com.
6. Angry Birds: Knock On Wood Game
This real life version isn't guaranteed to be any easier (or less frustrating) than the oh-so-popular app version, but kids (and Uncle Joe) will have fun building obstacles and launching Angry Birds and pigs.
Who to buy for: Kids ages 5-9.
To buy: $29.49; amazon.com.
7. DaGeDar Hyper Charged Ball Bearings
This no-rules racing game will spark a creative fuse with your kids. The colorful ball bearings (aka a battery-free toy) come in more than 100 different color combos and have unique collectors codes. Add to the fun with accessories like raceways, stunt tracks, and loops.
Who to buy for: Kids ages 4 and up.
To buy: $5.99 for 2; toysrus.com.
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8. Hot Wheels Wall Tracks Starter Kit
Your kids will thank you for this amazing toy, and you'll reclaim your living room floor from cluttered racing tracks. Using 3M Command hooks, kids can take their racetrack to new heights by building vertically on the wall.
Who to buy for: Kids ages 4 and up.
To buy: $31.99; mattel.com.
9. Lite Sprites: Lite Wand, Prisma, and Pod
In this fairy world, young girls can collect almost any color from nearly any flat surface in their real world environment and bring it to their toys. Your niece with a wild imagination will love it (and so will you).
Who to buy for: Girls ages 4-8.
To buy: $29.99; kmart.com.
10. FurReal Friends: Cookie My Playful Pup
This interactive puppy gets our vote for best toy to accompany the "Santa can't bring real doggies on his sleigh" excuse. Works every time.
Who to buy for: Kids ages 4 and up.
To buy: $59.99; hasbrotoyshop.com.
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Permissions: Reprinted with permission of Hearst Communications, Inc.
