In a year when the Muppets are back on the silver screen and the Blue Jays' logo is going retro, it only makes sense some of this year's hottest holiday toys are a blast from the past.
What's old is new again in toyland as parents elbow their way through crowded stores for the hottest gifts, all to avoid any disappointment when little Bobby and Suzie unwrap their presents Christmas Day.
Parents will likely feel a bit of nostalgia because classic toys or figurines they once had on their childhood wish lists – from Hot Wheels and Barbie to The Smurfs and Transformers – have been given a face-lift for the holiday sales push.
"We're seeing a lot of older items revamping themselves this season," said Victoria Spade, a spokeswoman for Toys ‘R' Us.
This year's must-have toys are a bit of a clash between old and new, with tech-driven gadgets – new video games and kid-sized tablets, included – making "top gift" lists from Toys ‘R' Us and the Canadian Toy Association.
"Technology has become a reoccurring theme (because) all the kids are seeing what their parents are using and technology companies are coming out with cool versions for kids, said Canadian Toy Association spokeswoman Laura Wiese.
Unlike the frenzy created by Cabbage Patch Dolls, Tickle Me Elmo and the Furby during holidays past, there doesn't appear to be a single toy that is dominating everyone's wish list and sending parents into a panic.
For its unveiling, Toys ‘R' Us invited children to test the toys on its "Holiday Hot 20 Toy List" at its Sherway Gardens location, while the Canadian Toy Association held its ninth annual "Hot Toys for the Holidays" launch in a room full of kids at the Toronto Zoo.
(Click here to view a photo gallery of this year's most popular toys)
In no particular order, here are 10 of the holiday season's most-popular toys and gadgets for kids based on recommendations from Toys ‘R' Us and the Canadian Toy Association:
Sesame Street Let's Rock! Elmo
What would a holiday season be without the toy industry's mainstay? Elmo will be under many Christmas trees Dec. 25 with a new tune. This version of the loveable Sesame Street character comes with a microphone, tambourine and two drums. Once a child chooses an instrument, the battery-operated Elmo will recognize which one is placed in his hands and rock out. "I think Elmo is going to be a big one," said Julianne Bisnaire, a 13-year-old Newmarket girl given the role as Toys ‘R' Us' chief play officer. "It's a classic. Kids love the TV show (Sesame Street) and he's so popular." Other instruments are sold separately.
Recommended age: 18 months and up
Price: $74.99
Barbie Malibu Dreamhouse
For young girls who have more dolls than they can keep track of, this could be the ultimate gift. This posh three-story, seven-room pad offers a "beachside twist" with everything but property taxes. Taking "playing house" to a new level, this house features an elevator and a third-floor balcony with a miniature telescope. The Barbie Malibu Dreamhouse is a Toys ‘R' Us exclusive.
Recommended age: Three years and up
Price: $149.99
Discovery Kids Eco-Friendly Colour Me Play Castle
This plaything combines two things kids love – forts and colouring. Kids can decorate the castle using markers, crayons, paints or whatever they can get their hands on. At almost two metres tall, the castle is made from recyclable materials and is easy to set up. The only thing missing is a moat to keep older siblings out.
Recommended age: Three years and up
Price: $29.99
Hot Wheels Wall Tracks Starter Kit
Remember pushing around Hot Wheels cars in your family's carpeted living room or on the kitchen floor? These days, kids can play with Hot Wheels die cast models at new heights. With Wall Tracks, children can set up a track that is attached to a wall for a new twist on the usual turns, loops and jumps. The age-old question remains – will it be as cool at home as it is in TV commercials? One car included in the starter kit.
Recommended age: Four to six years
Price: $44.99
LeapPad Explorer
Tablet computers aren't just for adults. As the full-sized tablet market evolves (think iPad), so, too, are electronic devices geared towards kids. Spade said the LeapPad was the first kid tablet, combining learning and fun. It's one of the most popular, as it's been sold out since November, Wiese said. With more than 100 games and activities, the system is set up so parents can monitor and track their kids' progress. Kids can download LeapPad apps onto the tablet, which has a built-in camera and video recorder.
Recommended age: Four to nine years
Age: $109.99
Redakai Starter Pack
Based on an animated TV show, this is the latest children's trading card craze to hit North America. With a collection of cards, gamers face off to defeat the opponent's character with an arsenal of attacks contained within a player's cards. The goal is to defeat your opponents to become a master Kairu warrior. When they're stacked, the cards display 3D effects. Includes two booster packs and one battlefield case.
Recommended age: Four to 11 years
Price: $15.99
Figit Friends
Meant for girls, these squishy, robotic characters perform dance moves, sing, spout phrases and tell kid-friendly jokes. Dubbed "a girl's interactive best friend," these figurines have faces that light up, can recognize a girl's voice and perform different moves, depending on the type of song.
Recommended age: Six years and up
Price: $69.99
I Am T-Pain Microphone
If you've ever wanted to hear your voice in autotune – or if you want to sound like rapper T-Pain when you sing or read your grocery list – here's your chance. This microphone autotunes a person's voice, giving it the "T-Pain effect." Belt out a tune over a pre-programmed beat or your own uploaded track, hit save and share it online with your friends. The mic is equipped with MP3 and USB input. It's up to you to come up with your own rap name.
Recommended age: Seven years and up
Price: $49.99
Skylanders Spyro Adventure
Available for most consoles, this video game is a spin-off in the highly popular Spyro series. Players can control more than 30 characters, including Spyro, as they embark on a journey, filled with battles and puzzles, to defeat an evil tyrant and save the magical Skylands. The video game comes with a "Portal of Power" accessory that hooks up to the player's console, three figurines (Spyro, Grunt and Trigger Happy), a poster, three trading cards, stickers, three web codes and AA batteries.
Recommended age: 10 years and up
Price: $69.99
Air Hogs Hyperactives Pro R/C Vehicle
This is a gift for older kids who have a need for speed. This remote control car, equipped with a roll bar, can reach a top speed of about 30 kilometres-per-hour. Its dune bike-inspired design allows it to "defy gravity with crazy climbs and vertical spirals," according to Spin Master, its manufacturer. Easy-to-grip controller included. Requires six AA batteries.
Recommended age: 12 to 15 years
Price: $59.99
Click here to view a photo gallery of this year's most popular toys.
Now that you've seen this year's top toys, we've got a few questions for you: What was the best toy you received for Christmas when you were growing up, or what was the toy you always wanted but never received? Which toys are your kids clamoring for this holiday season?
Leave your responses in the comments section below.
