The top 10 toys varies every year for Christmas gifts as new toys come out and some fade away. There are some top toys that last for years and some that even make come backs. This year is no different.
One toy that makes a comeback to the top 10 toys is the Playskool Alphie. He is a robot that helps pre-schoolers learn their colors, numbers, letters sounds, shape sorting and patterns, cause and effect, vocabulary development and more. His buttons light up, he sings, plays music and loves to chat. Children will have fun with this top toy that is the latest version of the Alphie from the eighties. This is a fun Christmas gift and would delight any child when opened.
LEGO's is recognized for its imaginative and durable building toys and at least one usually makes the top 10 toys each year. They range in a variety of items that you can build and now include buildable and imaginative games, such as the Hogwarts board game. This game comes with 332 LEGO pieces to build the game board, then instructions for 2-4 players. In this game, players move objects, staircases and even relocate classrooms to hinder their opponents. Parents and teachers like it for its ability to stimulate creativity, problem solving and keeping childrens interest. This would make a unique and exciting Christmas gift for any child who is into building and strategy.
More top toys are the classic LEGO building sets. The set for younger children ages 18 months to about 5 years, is the Duplo Building set (model number 5380) that comes with 71 LEGO pieces. The set to graduate from this is the LEGO Ultimate Building set (model number 6166) that is appropriate for ages 4-12 years old. It comes with 405 pieces and instructions to build 5 models with photos of 25 more they can try.
LEGO does have top toys for older children, and one of the most exciting is on the top 10 toys list. This latest and favorite set is called the LEGO Mindstorms NXT 2.0. Talk about an exciting Christmas gift, this is a robotics kit that you can build then program the robot the way you want. Appropriate for ages 10-18, it comes with instructions to build 4 robots to help you learn and get used to the kit. From there you can find instructions to build more, forums where people share their ideas and creations, programs that you can download from your computer and more. This is one of the most fun ways to learn robotics, computer programming and get a start in the world of technology.
Speaking of technology, both Uncle Milton and Mattel have mind control exercise toys for kids. If you have not heard of these you will soon see why they make the top 10 toys. Both toys incorporate the same dry sensor technology as EEG's. In these games, you connect yourself to a headset that then reads brainwaves. As you learn to concentrate, you can move the ball as you wish.
While the Star Wars Force Trainer is set to be a popular Christmas gift due to the Star Wars branding, it is considered somewhat easier as you try to levitate the ball up and down a chute. The Mindflex game is a little more complicated as you attempt to move the ball through an obstacle course.
Younger children are not left out of the technology game. Everyone has figured out by now that computers are here to stay. So on our top 10 toys, you have a choice of technology learning games for preschoolers.
Fisher Price has the iXL Learning System for kids. It is a hand held iPad-type toy that comes with 6 different learning applications and ability to upload songs and photos.
Leapster has their Leapster Explorer Learning Game System that teach school basics like geography, life skills, and even science. You get over 30 games and activities and can buy cartridges for new games or download more.
V-tech has their line of learning toys such as the MobiGoTouch Learning System, which is good for children ages from 36 months up to 7 years. It has touch screen technology and a slide-out QWERTY keyboard so young children can start becoming familiar with the keyboard layout. The games use popular characters such as Shrek or Dora the Explorer to learn about colors, shapes, spelling, math, logic and more
Video games are always a hit and this year is no different. The Halo game is definitely one of the top 10 toys, due to its popularity, and falls in the video games category. Halo is out with their new version called Halo Reach, where players will fight alongside a squad of iconic Spartan soldiers. There is also a limited edition bundle that includes the Xbox 360 console, 2 wireless game controllers, headset and the Halo Reach game all for just under 0.
There are a few new console features you will find this year starting with the Playstation Move, which is similar to the popular Wii, that mimics your body movements as a controller. The nice thing about this game is that if you already own Playstation 3, you are almost there. No need to buy a whole new game console, just get the Playstation Move Bundle and you get a PlayStation Move wireless motion controller, Playstation Eye camera and a Sports Champions Blu-ray game so you can start playing for a price tag of just around 0.
Xbox has their new Kinect coming out this fall. Kinect takes gaming a step further and your body really is the controller. You control games with a wave of your hand, by getting up, running and jumping in place and more. No need to hold a controller, a sensor picks up your movements and interprets them into the game. This exciting new game is not only a great Christmas gift or top 10 toys, it makes a great gift for your whole family.
