Hot toys for toddlers, kids, tweens and teens
November 19, 2009
Paul Irish
STAFF REPORTER
Each year, the Canadian Toy Association predicts which toys will be the hottest sellers for Christmas. Here are their key picks for this season:
TOTS: Sharlene Maietta says any toy she buys her daughter, Sarin, 2, must be fun, safe, educational and be able to ignite her imagination.
"She's really into life toys ... things like tea and kitchen sets where she can play a bit of make believe," she says. "She sees things that mom does and she wants to be part of it."
Sarin is intrigued with the Barbie Glamour Camper ($100) and enjoys preparing make-believe coffee and other food with the set's miniature kitchen.
The camper has been around since 1972 but has been restyled for today's modern girl. Set out for on-the-road camping adventures with the vehicle's pink pop-out tent, complete with chandelier, full size kitchen and luxurious bathroom.
Apple Grove Pals ($40) is a farm set that uses characters and storybooks to teach friendship, curiosity, courage and other life lessons.
Kids love trucks and cars, but sometimes their hard and sharp edges make them dangerous for toddlers. The Press 'N' GoGo fire truck ($25) is soft and squeezable and has a big chunky body designed for little hands. Six rooftop buttons each trigger a separate action, such as motion, sound and lights.
KIDS: Stefano Ammaturo has always loved toy cars, but says the remote-controlled Meccano Red Hot Racer ($50) is something special.
"It makes incredibly sharp turns ... you can really control it, and from far away," he says. "It's different from all the older cars."
And because you have to build it from scratch, the 9-year-old says parents will appreciate its educational value, as well. The car features full functioning steering (including reverse), as well as chrome rims, bumpers and a back fin.
Toy experts predict one hot item for kids this year will be Liv Fashion Dolls ($25). There are four of them: Daniela, Katie, Sophie and Alexis and they have been marketed as the "modern day girl," with their own life history and goals.
These high school girls are into fashion, music and sports and are supposed to be more realistic than the ever-popular Barbie. They each have different skin tones and one of them wears glasses.
Check out www.livworld.com, where you can hang out with the girls online and visit their diaries, virtual closet and photo albums.
In anticipation of the release of Toy Story 3 next June, the Buzz Lightyear talking action figure has returned to store shelves. The 30-centimetre-tall Buzz ($70) has more than 30 sayings. Push his red chest button for pop-out wings; his laser button for light and sound effects or his oval chest buttons for voice and sounds.
The iPix Portable Video Player ($80) lets kids download their favourite shows from an online store. It's water resistant, shockproof and has a rechargeable battery that lasts six hours.
TWEENS: Rosemary Ganton, 11, is at that awkward age – she isn't a kid anymore but she's not yet a full-blown teenager, either. Tweens like her can be difficult to shop for.
But Rosemary of Milton says a perfect gift for her would be the Harumika Bridal Collection ($35). It's a miniature dress designing kit that comes with mannequins, fabric and accessories. Select a fabric, wrap it around the dress form and lock it into place.
"It's not like playing with a doll," she says. "It's creative, you are actually designing something."
For the guys, the Spykee Mini Vox ($70) has a bit of an attitude – with its skull and crossbones face – so it will never be mistaken for a kiddie toy. The high-tech robot warrior is controlled by voice recognition and understands eight orders, such as "attack."
The All-Natural Spa Lab ($20) encourages tweens to get their hands dirty making chemical-free spa and beauty products while learning the science behind the m. It comes with tools and a recipe book for mixing ingredients out of household items, such as honey or baking soda.
TEENS: The Fab Four will be under a lot of trees this year in the form of The Beatles Rock Band ($159).
But Francis Larocque, of Whitby's Future Shop, suggests this season's hottest gift will be DJ Hero, ($130). "It's new, but it's really taken off. It's going to be big, real big."
The game is similar to Guitar Hero and Rock Band, but instead of following guitar riffs and drum beats for points – players will attempt to mimic fade-ins, fade-outs and transitions like a club DJ. The basic set includes a turntable and a toggle board player uses to follow the DJ.
"There's a bit of a learning curve, but it's fun," says Larocque.
Toronto Star