The Hottest Toys of 2009

If you're like me, trying to decide what to get my kids for Christmas is a bit stressful. Especially this year, where I need to make my money go further, and on well made toys that will last longer than New Years. I've been researching, and this is what has made the "hottest toys list of 2009".

Remember the year when the Tickle Me Elmo was the rage? Well this year it's the Zhu Zhu Hamster pets my friends. I think it's a great idea for kids who aren't ready for a real pet yet. No stink, neglect and poop. They will have a blast! There is the Hamster Funhouse, where the hamsters live (bathroom, kitchen, and bedroom) you can also buy add ons to make their house bigger. Then there are the hamsters themselves, that scurry around their "house." These are flying off the shelves and people are hoarding them to resell for quadruple the price (Amazon, eBay). Keep your eyes peeled for them to show up at Wal-Mart and Target for the actual retail price ($10 bucks).

Hamster Funhouse Amazon $48.71

Hamster Pipsqueek-Yellow Amazon $52.99

Scrabble Slam Cards are a great stocking stuffer. You can find them at Target for under $5. A high speed four letter game, race against each other to change the word and get rid of your card. A bonus- it's educational!

Boot's Dora's Monkey If you need another doll or stuffed animal, here you go. What's the big deal? Not sure myself- apparently you'll have to ask someone under 6. This toy has been on Amazon's top 100 list for the last 688 days! It got four and a half stars and it's under 10 bucks!

Mattel's Mindflex This game is for kids 8 and older. They can move objects using their brain! (Actually sensors channel alpha and theta brain waves into energy than in turn powers the fan beneath the course) The child puts on a headband, and concentrate on moving the ball through the obstacle course. The more they focus, the more it moves. Wonderful for children with autism! Amazon $153.

If you have a boy (or girl) who loves to know how things work, this is the toy for them! I really want to get this for my 24 year old brother! It's Snap Circuits by Elenco. For $45, they can build over 300 projects from an AM radio, burglar alarm, radio announcer and more. It will teach them how transistors and capacitors function, and how to make time-delay circuits. Got five stars on Amazon.

The Playmobil Pyramid is hard to find, but well worth it reviewers say. Also a bit pricey now that it's such a hot item. Amazon still has some for a whopping $200! With trapdoors, secret passages, and false walls it keeps kids busy all day! Smaller sets are available for $30 and up.

The Live Butterfly Garden. I think this looks so cool! Your kids can raise their own caterpillars and watch them turn into butterflies! Introducing them to the wonders of nature. $15 on Amazon!

The Vtech Ride and Learn Giraffe. For kiddies 18 months to 3 years, this stationary giraffe bike, lights up, sings the ABC's, and counts while they pedal. The more they pedal the more they learn! It will help your toddler with motor skills and learning. $40 Amazon.

Mickey's Magic Choo Choo. I think both my 18 month old and 4 year old would like this. The Mickey Mouse Choo Choo train, lays it's own tracks, plays the choo choo song, includes a car and mickey figure. Got five stars on Amazon. On Wal-Mart, Target and Toys R Us websites, they are out of stock, so they are going fast! Amazon is selling it for $34!

The LeapFrog Text and Learn will have your kids imitating you! Ages 3-5, they can "text" their puppy pal scout, practice letter matching, shapes, following directions and also learn the "qwerty" keyboard navigation. It's also very durable! $17 on Amazon.

Happy Hunting!

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