Hot Toys Of 2009

Toys come and go, but in this economy, many parents are looking for affordable toys with staying power. Jessica Hartshorn, Sr. Lifestyle Editor of American Baby Magazine, discusses the hot new toys of 2009 from the American International Toy Fair. Keep your eyes peeled for these new items.

This year, "Across the board, all the manufacturers seem really aware that people have a little less to spend," says Hartshorn. Some toy lines have even come down in price. For example, Hasbro's Fur Real line is now making mini versions of its toys to make them more affordable.

Another big trend this year is green toys - toys that are made from reused or recycled materials. For example, The Fuzz That Wuzz, by Mary Meyer, makes stuffed animals from old water bottles. In a modern take on classic toys, like dump trucks, some companies are now making their toys out of recycled milk bottles.

Educational toys now have a new name too - they're now referred to as "working and learning" toys. "I'm kind of glad that not every toy has to be branded as educational," says Hartshorn. "Toys should just be fun, too." For example Crayola has a "Drop and See" ball drop style toy that teaches small kids colors, shapes and sounds.

The Toy Fair also offers some new and innovative toys, too. The Peek-a-boo Bag from I-Play is a small square bag that's filled with beads and various shapes. Kids can shake or squish the toy to move the beads around and reveal new shapes and colors.

Classic toys are making a comeback as well. Remote control cars and frozen snack machines are back. But instead of the Snoopy snow cone maker today's moms and dads loved as kids, freeze pop machines are now all the rage. If you're a fan of giving your children organic juice, freeze pop machines give you the option of making your own organic popsicles.

For more information on 2009's hot new toys, visit www.AmericanBaby.com.

By Erin Petrun