Top Toys for Kids & Tweens

With the holidays right around the corner, it’s time for your kids to start making up their gift wish lists (not that their toy boxes need anything else stuffed in there!). While it’s a safe assumption that those wish lists are going to be long, how do you sort through it all and pick a winner? Shopping for older kids (6 - 12) can be especially difficult, as they are getting older and their toy tastes are starting to mature. Well, let me try and break it down for you with this guide on some of this season’s top toys for kids and tweens.

• U-Dance Game: U-Dance is a nifty new gadget that will definitely help get your kids’ up off their couch and on their feet, grooving to the beat! With a healthy repertoire of popular dance songs from both past and present, the U-Dance gaming system is a wireless and mat-free arcade-style game that encourages a healthy, active lifestyle. Featuring state-of-the-art motion-sensing technology, simply attach wireless motion tags to your feet, plug the console into the TV and start dancing! Allowing for more freedom of motion, your kids will be jumping and sliding in no time! Their moves are displayed on your TV as moving footprints, helping your kids with the moves. It can be played alone or with friends! - Price: $70 - $80)
• FurReal My Lovin’ Pup - Biscuit: If you don’t have a pet in the home, this realistic pup is a good alternative! Biscuit responds to you and obeys six different commands: sit, lie down, sit up, beg and speak. His cuddly-soft fur and puppy-dog eyes will melt your heart in an instant. Biscuit requires 6 “D” batteries (not included). - Price: $200
• Disney Pixar’s Wall-E U-Command Robot: Wall-E was probably one of the best kids’ movies out this past year and now your kid can bring home some of the action! The U-Command Wall-E robot comes to life, controlled by an infrared remote control device. Complete with animated movements, voice, sounds and lighting effects - Wall-E will fast become the newest member of your family! Pre-programmed options enable your kids to make Wall-E do over 1000 action combos including moving arms, turning his treads. Wall-E even has realistic facial expressions that can change with his mood. Wall-E requires 4 “AA” batteries (included), while the remote control needs 3 “AA” batteries (not included). - Price: $65 - $70
• LEGO Shop: Star Wars Collector Series: Death Star: New from LEGO, your kids can bring the Star Wars fantasy world to life on a smaller scale. This play set features an incredibly detailed battle station, complete with moving parts, characters and accessories all modeled after the hit film franchise. The set includes 24 mini figurines, droids and monsters. Reenact your favorite Star Wars scene or create some new ones! - Price: $400
• Project Runway Graphic T-Shirt Design Set: Even if your kids aren’t fans of the Bravo TV hit show, they are sure to love this “make-your-own T-shirt” set. Using stencils, markers, gems, studs, and ribbon - your kids can create their very own stylish T-shirt! The set includes 6 brightly-colored fabric markers, a Cooler Jeweler Tool (gem and stud setting tool), 50 gems, 50 studs, 2 yards of ribbon, stencils, patterns and even an idea book to help get started. - Price: $20

Well, hopefully some of these cool, new toys for the 2008 holiday season have inspired you. You might even be surprised to find some of them already on those wish lists! With all the gifts expected this holiday season, you might have to pick up a couple of extra toy boxes!