It’s that time of year again. Excitement, hope and anticipation are abuzz, especially if you’re a kid, or a kid at heart. I love toys and toys stores alike. I also love talking to kids, so it was fun to ask them what they wanted more than anything for the holidays this year. I embarked on a search and am presenting the top short list of the most desired ones. I can relate very well to their passion. The memory of scoring a practically unattainable Cabbage Patch doll still resonates warmly inside me after all these years.
An addendum: I omitted some of the insanely expensive items, but one, which compared to the $1,000-$3,000 ones listed by some kids, was indeed small potatoes.
The winner hands down, to my surprise, is #1 below:
1. THE HATCHIMAL EGG
These speckled eggs are interactive. Inside them lives a Hatchimal. They have a heartbeat the kids can hear from within and they kick back if you tap it. The Egg needs to be nursed and cared for, sang to, spoken to and played with. The more one plays with them and touches them, the sooner the egg will hatch. Then you’ll find out what your animal baby looks like. You can choose a Draggle, Penguala, Owlicorn, or Bearakeet. The little creature will peck his way through the shell into your world. Now comes more fun! It sings ‘Hatchy Birthday‘. Then they can be taught to walk, play games, move to music, dance and speak in a cute Hatchimal voice. Perfect for ages 5 and above but I’ll admit, I want one.
2. NEW POKEMON Z-RING INTERACTIVE SET
Pokemon sun and Pokemon moon. Pokemon Z-Ring and Z-Crystal helps your child experience Pokemon in a new way. It’s compatible with the latest video game titles in the series of Nintendo’s Pokemon 3DS Systems: Pokemon Sun and Moon. The ring will interact and synchronize, enhancing the play experience with new moves. When used simultaneously, the ring and crystal in Nintendo 3DS and 2DS create electric type Z moves felt by the player as it appears on the video game, sounds, lights and vibrations. It’s really quite awesome. From age 4 to tweens, depending on the game played.
3. LIVE PETS ‘SNUGGLES MY DREAM PUPPY’
This little guy comes with his own adoption papers, is cute beyond words, is soft and light brown with big blue eyes. He acts like a real puppy, fully interactive (4 AAA batteries included). He’ll react in different and adorable ways when you scratch behind his ear or pat his tummy. Feed him his bottle when he seems hungry or play with him when he looks playful. He needs lots of hugs and attention. Then cuddle him snuggly and he’ll close his eyes and dream of you.
4. DREAM WORKS TROLLS HUG TIME POPPY
For little preschoolers obsessed with Poppy princess from Trolls, this funny little purple doll stands 14", speaks 25 phrases when you press her tummy and plays songs from the movie. She is a positive testament that with a song in your heart everything is possible. Kids get a matching bracelet, which lights up when the doll is activated and her hair is aglow.
5. NERF N-STRIKE ELITE TERRASCOUT REMOTE CONTROL DRONE BLASTER
For ages 8/9 and up. This is a very popular video/electro interactive toy. Kids can experience the excitement and energy of Nerf battles. They have a video feed and remote control blasting.The battles can be recorded with live feed, to view out of sight targets with the LCD screen. Skirmishes in battles and combats can be planned out intelligently, using strategy on the battlefield. Also, affords parents a good opportunity to have a talk about weapons.
6. FINDING ‘MY FRIEND DORY’
Little blue Dory is now a very popular toy, requested by both boys and girls who fell in love with Dory in the hottest movie of the year ‘Finding Dory’. Dory can say 50 fun phrases, says different things depending on which way you move her, sings songs and is lots of fun.
7. SPEAK OUT
A board game that promotes creativity, motor and social skills. Great game, nothing needed but interaction and ones’ brain. Best for ages 10 to adult.
8. COGNI TOYS DINO
Techno toy from IBM for 6-9 year olds, with Dino your new best friend, willing to tell stories, answer questions, play games, crack jokes and even lead meditations. What I love most about Dino is that it evolves with the child and with software upgrades offers new experiences.
9. SKY VIPER V2400 STREAMING DRONE WITH FPV HEADSET 2.4GHz
FPV headset (good for ages 10 and up) offers a unique, immersive flying experience from the drone’s POV! Capture high-flying stunts in 720p high definition with the v2400 HD Streaming Video Drone. With one-touch Panoramic Video Capture, the v2400 is programmed to enter a controlled-spin flight pattern and take breathtaking 360-degree views from up to 350 feet away. This fourth-generation drone has been updated with all new Flight Assist features including: Auto Launch, Auto Hover and Auto Land. These features leverage Avionics technology for performance, precision and stability to make learning easy, even for those new to the world of drones. Choose Manual Altitude for complete control of stunt maneuvers or Auto Hover for hands-free altitude control. Also, Sky Viper engineers have enhanced the Clean-Flight control firmware commonly used in racing class drones. The goggles put you straight inside the action.
And finally………
10. 24V ‘DISNEY PRINCESS CARRIAGE’
My very own childhood fantasy: A child sized car, one that actually moves. It’s pink, decorated and large enough for an extra passenger. It has two speeds: first and reverse, but who needs more? After all, we’ll be driving on the sidewalk on our way to the ball. Or to help children who need strong and brave princesses to stand up for them. No rush for us. Weight is 130 lbs., charging time is 18 hours initially and then 12 hours to refuel.
It includes a tiara, heart shaped steering wheel, luxurious curtain and beautiful interiors. It is expensive but for some tiny princesses, a real dream come true.
There are a whole lot more, but these are my pick of the litter! Happy Shopping!