Hot Holiday Toys

If you're looking for the perfect holiday present for your little one, listen up; Jessica Hartshorn, Sr. Lifestyles Editor of American Baby Magazine, has some gift ideas.

One great toy for toddlers this year is Elmo Live from Fisher-Price. "He tells long stories, he blows kisses, he sneezes, he sits on a bench and he tells you how much he loves you. He does all kinds of things!" says Hartshorn. While Elmo Live retails for around $65.00, Hartshorn recommends it for kids who love the fuzzy red puppet.

Some parents want to declutter their homes - and the environment. There are many environmentally aware toys out there this Christmas. Hartshorn suggests the bamboo car by Happy. It's made with water-based paint, so its safe if Junior decides to chew on a wheel or two. You can find the bamboo car on www.giggle.com.

If high tech toys are more your style, try the Tag Reading System from Leapfrog. "This pen can recognize the words in the book that it comes with," says Hartshorn. "It really makes the book come alive and also helps them connect the words on the page with a sound," says Hartshorn. The system retails for roughly $50.00.

But in these tough times, not everyone has a ton of extra cash for toys this season. You can still find plenty of toys under $20.00, though. Hartshorn suggests Little Tikes Big Bopper - a keyboard - or a tin drum from FAO Schwarz. For little girls, try a Barbie doll from Mattel.

If you have a doting grandparent who's willing to spend a little more on a holiday gift, though, try the Ryan 28 Activity Center from K's Kids. There are 28 different activities on this activity center. "It's $112.00, but it's going to last you a while too," says Hartshorn. This toy is for children over six months old. You can find it on www.rightstart.com.

If your little girl wants a doll house this year, try the Caring Corners Doll House by Learning Curve. This doll house makes noise, but it's also socially conscious. Learning Curve suggests filling the box the house comes in with old toys that kids don't want anymore and donating them to Goodwill. The house also encourages children to make good decisions by prompting them to close the refrigerator door, brush their teeth, etc. Family members for the house are sold separately, so if your family is diverse, your doll house family can be too. "It comes with a lot of good messages," says Hartshorn.

For more information on this season's hot toys, visit www.americanbaby.com.

By Erin Petrun