Hot Holiday Toys

Think you've got what it takes to make it on "American Idol?" Now you can give it a try at home. Connect the unit to your TV, pop in the DVD and give it a whirl. The unit comes with a working microphone and mixer and 12 songs to test your talent. Compete with friends who'll rate you using the DVD remote. You'll even hear reactions to your performance from Randy, Paula and Simon. From Tech2Go. Ages 8+. $49.99.

Barbie Girls MP3 Player

It's one of today's hottest trends -- toys that interact with online worlds. The Barbie Girls unit is an MP3 player that looks super cool. Connect it to your computer and unlock a whole virtual world with your very own avatar in a colorful and action-filled world of fun, fashion and friends. Add-on packs let you unlock even more online fun. From Mattel. Ages 6+, Device: $59.99. Fashion Pack: $9.99. Deco Pack: $9.99.

Ever wondered what a bug looks like magnified 200 times? How about a hair, or a dollar bill? Well, wonder no more. The Eye-Clops is the ultimate electronic magnifier that plugs into your TV and gives you a whole new perspective on virtually anything you want to explore. From Jakks Pacific. Ages 6+, $49.99.

Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock

The latest in the series of hard-rocking video games that were among the first to use established video game platforms in a whole new way. Hook up the guitar peripheral to your PlayStation, Xbox or Wii and get rocking. The new version includes tracks from Alice Cooper, Beastie Boys, Smashing Pumpkins, Heart, Kiss and many more. From Red Octane. Rating Pending, $99.99.

Hannah Montana Singing Dolls & Pop Star Stage

Kids can't get enough of Hannah Montana. Now they can bring all the fun to life right at home. The Hannah doll really sings actual songs from the teen sensation, and when it's time to put on a concert, the fold-out Pop Star Stage is the perfect setting. Hook up any music player, and the whole place starts rocking! From Play Along. Ages 6+, Doll: $19.99. Pop Star Stage: $59.99.

Nerf N-Strike Disc Shot

It's the ultimate target game--and an instant classic. Load the foam discs into the disc launcher and load your blaster foam darts. A wireless remote that attaches to your blaster lets you control when to send foam discs sailing at different heights and angles to create all kinds of challenges. Test your speed, distance and accuracy--again and again. Everyone is going to want a turn. From Hasbro. Ages 8+, $49.99.

Rubik's Revolution

The original Rubik's cube puzzled the world. Now, one of the first puzzles since to earn the endorsement of Professor Erno Rubik brings new challenges to a new generation. Six addictive electronic games will keep you and your family busy. It gets tough, but it's not impossible, as each level you complete unlocks a new one. It's fast-paced, grab-and-go fun for everyone. From Techno Source. Ages 5+, $19.99.

Smart Cycle

Kids can work out their brains while they work out their bodies with this new system from Fisher-Price. Plug it into the TV and start pedaling. There are different levels of games developed to help active, curious preschoolers reinforce learning and have fun, too. It comes with one software package; others are sold separately. Ages 3-6, $99.99. Additional programs: $19.99 each.

Spotz

This super-hot new activity toy is just the thing for creative tween girls. Pick a picture, put it in the Spotz Maker, and you'll get a cool collectible to show and share your style. This is one of the first activity toys that leverages the Internet as a source of creativity. Refills and accessory kits are available too. From Zizzle. Ages 6+, $29.99

SwypeOut Online Battle Racing

We've all seen toys that tap into the power of the Internet, but you've never seen anything like this. Swypeout is a total breakthrough in action, adventure, excitement and fun. Connect the USB scanner, go to the secure Web site and swipe your collectible trading cards to power up for all kinds of thrilling races. Play with friends around the corner or around the country. From Spin Master. Ages 8+, $19.99

Transformers

Transformers have raced back to the top of the toy heap with a full line of innovative and extraordinary products.