Mom Reviews

You may be scratching your head with this title right?

You know, there are only 94 days until Christmas. Instead of waiting until last minute, why not get an early step on your Christmas?! Each year, the hottest toys change. Toys R Us released their 2011 Holiday Hot Toy List.

Here is a list of some of the hottest toys that will have Santa working major over-time!

Baby’s First Christmas

Poppin’ Park™ Elefun® Busy Ball Popper® from Playskool®

Tiny tots are sure to love the unpredictable ball popping fun that they’ll experience with this friendly-faced elephant. With the elephant’s trunk able to rotate 360 degrees, parents just drop one of five included balls into the elephant’s head and twist its trunk to launch them inside its belly, across the room for babies to crawl after or even back through its trunk to activate fun sounds. As little ones interact, 10 lively tunes will play to entertain young ears. 4 “D” batteries required (not included). Ages 9 months and up.

Topzy Tumblers™ Twirlin’ Tumblin’ Fun Park™ from Fisher-Price®

Kids can get ready for tumble time with this adventure-filled play land designed to keep babies entertained while developing key motor skills. Featuring several areas of fun, the three included Topzy Tumblers figures can be placed on the slide where they will roll end-over-end with clickety-clack noises, on the steps where they’ll popup or on the Ferris wheel for a quick ride filled with lights and sounds! 3 “C” batteries required (not included). Ages 6 to 36 months.

13 months to 2 years

Sesame Street® Let’s Rock! Elmo™ from Hasbro®

Everyone’s favorite furry red monster is ready to rock in this new interactive version that comes band-ready with a drum, tambourine and microphone. After requesting an instrument, Let’s Rock! Elmo recognizes which one is placed in his hand and uses it to accompany one of six songs, including the theme to “Elmo’s World,” an Elmo-themed version of “It Takes Two” and more. To let children add their musical styling to the mix, this Toys“R”Us exclusive version comes with a playable guitar to which Elmo responds. 9 “AA” batteries required (included). Ages 18 months to 4 years.

You & Me Hide and Seek Friends from Toys“R”Us®

No peeking! Little mommies will love feeding and playing with this pair of Toys“R”Us exclusive interactive twins. Kids press the dolls’ chests to hear them speak to each other before engaging in an exciting match of peek-a-boo. When it’s time for a snack, the girls ask for their treats, allowing children to feed them with a magical fork or quench their thirst with a juice box. Additionally, the darling dolls come with a hair brush to style their lovely locks. 6 “AAA” batteries required (included). Ages 2 years and up.

2 to 4 years

Angry Birds™ 5-Inch Plush from Commonwealth®

Flying out of the app that challenges players to launch birds using a slingshot, these cuddly, 5-inch plush versions of the iconic red, yellow and blue birds are ready to be hugged…or tossed at thieving pigs. Featuring sounds taken directly from the game, these mini birds are a perfect physical addition to the virtual Angry Bird world. No batteries required. Ages 3 years and up.

Cabbage Patch Kids® Limited Vintage Edition from JAKKS Pacific

The classic ‘Kids that took the holiday season by storm in 1983 are back! These new, yet vintage, versions feature retro outfits and yarn hair. Parents and children will love this classic Cabbage Patch Kid that’s sure to bring back childhood memories for adults, while creating new ones for kids. No batteries required. Ages 2 years and up.

Disney Rock Star Mickey from Fisher-Price®

Mousketeers can learn how to be a star with the mouse that rocks the house! Complete with a guitar and cool shades, Mickey can teach little fans how to recreate his dance steps in “How to be a Rock Star” mode or perform three songs, including a mousetastic version of The Kinks’ “You Really Got Me.” Proving that this mouse has all the moves, Mickey can even perform splits! 4 “AA” batteries required (included). Ages 2 years and up.

Fast Lane® Stunt City from Toys“R”Us®

Little racers can avoid crashes, jump gaps and dodge obstacles with this Toys“R”Us exclusive 100-piece track set that takes the fun of big city racing into overdrive. Kids start their engines with a turbo-powered boost out of a motorized launcher before choosing their route by tugging on a steering wheel to switch tracks. Featuring amazing looping action and a moving crane, this city will take kids to the stunt-filled extreme with more than 12 pieces of track, a buildable cityscape and two included cars. 2 “AA” and 3 “D” batteries required (not included). Ages 3 years and up.

Imaginarium® City Central Train Table from Toys“R”Us®

Choo Choo! Perfect for creative play, train fans of all ages will love this Toys“R”Us-exclusive wooden train table with over 100 pieces and a stylish espresso finish. Lights and fun train sounds bring the set to life as little conductors push their favorite trains along curvy tracks. Featuring a working crane with magnetic grapple, a Train Wash Station with water sounds and an Airport Tunnel, the train set also includes a roundhouse with three opening doors and a working turntable. The bridge and Train Station both light up with more busy sounds when trains pass through. 7 “AAA” batteries required (not included). Ages 3 years and up.

Lalaloopsy™ Silly Hair™ dolls from MGA Entertainment®

Having sprung to life when their last stitch was sewn, two favorite Lalaloopsy dolls, Crumbs Sugar Cookie and Jewel Sparkles are back, and this time, they have magical hair that’s ready for a pretend treatment. Kids can twist, bend, straighten or curl their lovely locks to create an endless variety of looks. Each doll comes with a fun hair styling brush, four clips, six hair beads and a pet whose tail can also be styled. No batteries required. Ages 4 years and up.

Power Rangers Samurai™ Samurai Megazord from Bandai®

Ninjas in training can get ready for non-stop action with the Samurai Megazord. Corresponding to the Ranger color and animal seen on the TV series, Red Lion, Blue Dragon, Green Bear, Yellow Ape and Pink Turtle Zords combine to form the Samurai. Ready to battle the forces of the Netherword, the Samurai Megazord comes with a Katana sword that can be sheathed in its waist or unleashed for battle. No batteries required. Ages 4 years and up.

Power Wheels® Dune Racer from Fisher-Price®

Junior drivers can fasten their seatbelts and get ready to ride over grass, gravel and mud with this child-sized dune buggy! Spacious enough for two passengers to ride inside, this bright green vehicle is the perfect transport to help little ones explore the outdoors. Before departing, kids can pack a snack, extra gear or a favorite toy in the built-in storage compartment hidden under the hood before taking off at speeds of 2.5 or 5 MPH forward or 2.5 MPH in reverse. One “12V” battery required (included). Ages 3 to 9 years.

5 to 7 years

Bizu™ Style Studio from Spin Master™

Calling all future fashion designers – this customizable bead activity kit lets children magically transform their accessories into collectible pets! Kids can spin the studio to select and dispense their beads, creating up to four customizable bracelets using the included bracelet elastics with the beading tool. When not worn, each bracelet can be easily twisted to create a small animal friend. Kids can even mix and match styles, including Glam, Rock, Funky or Wild, to make their own unique combinations! No batteries required. Ages 6 years and up.

Disney-Pixar® “Cars 2” The Real Lightning McQueen Interactive Air Hogs R/C Vehicle from Spin Master™

Kids can get their motors running with this talking radio-controlled version of Lightning McQueen from “Cars 2” that comes alive with animated eyes and mouth. Ready to drive in two different modes, “Race” lets little ones take the wheel for freestyle driving, while “Rookie” transforms Lightning into a teacher as he instructs children about how to move him around. Making sure drivers are keeping it safe, Lightning McQueen comes with bump detection technology to let him know when he drives into an object. 4 “AA” and 3 “AAA” batteries required (not included). Ages 5 years and up.

Hot Wheels® Wall Tracks™ Starter Set from Mattel®

Hot Wheels® fans can take their races to new heights with the first track set that leaves the floor and sticks directly to walls using 3M Command™ strips, which can be easily removed without leaving residue. Powered by gravity and customizable for unique track creations, the starter set comes with one car and eight pieces of track, including a loop that can launch cars at enhanced speeds. After assembling their first track, children can easily combine the Starter Set with any Wall Tracks™ or Hot Wheels® track set, allowing for expansion to all four walls, the floor and beyond! No batteries required. Ages 4 years and up.

iMarker™ digital stylus + Crayola ColorStudio HD App from Crayola

Coloring goes digital with this electronic drawing tool that transforms into Crayola crayons, markers, paint, colored pencils and more when interacting with an iPad. Featuring iconic colors from the Crayola 64 Box, young artists can discover their inner Picasso by interacting with “live” animated pages, complete with sound effects, music and hidden surprises when they download the complimentary ColorStudio HD app for iPad. 1 “AA” required (included). Ages 3 years and up.

InnoTab™ from VTech®

This engaging learning device is perfect for endless entertainment and education, allowing little ones to play learning games, draw, paint and even read books! And, just like mom and dad’s devices, an included calculator, calendar, notepad, address book and clock will help keep kids organized. As an added bonus, the tablet hooks up to a PC or Mac to download interactive games and e-books from VTech’s Learning Lodge Navigator. A library of cartridge software featuring kids’ favorite characters is also available. The InnoTab comes complete with a photo viewer, MP3 player, SD card slot for memory expansion as well as a bright color LCD touch screen and tilt-sensor. 4 “AA” batteries required (not included). Ages 4 to 9 years. This item will be available beginning September 25.

LeapPad Explorer™ from LeapFrog®

Tech-savvy youngsters can read books, play educational games and take pictures with this device designed to look and act like today’s top tablets. Complete with a touch-screen, built-in camera and four included apps, children can play motion games like Roly Poly Picnic or expand their learning library with more than 100 cartridge games, apps and eBooks (sold separately, works with all Leapster Explorer™ cartridge games and apps). Featuring landscape and portrait viewing modes, users will also find a compelling curriculum that helps spelling, phonics skills, mathematics, creativity, science, music, geography and more, while an included stylus lets kids practice writing. 4 “AA” batteries required (not included). Ages 4 to 9 years.

Radica® Fijit Friends™ from Mattel®

With four distinct personalities to choose from, these interactive robotic toys are ready to become everyone’s BFF as they talk, laugh and dance. Kids can choose from – and collect – Willa, the trend-setter; Logan, the sporty one; Sage, who has a sense of adventure; and Serafina, the sweetie-pie. Just squeezing their tummies, poking their sides or saying one of 30 commands can make a Fijit Friend™ spring to life. And, when the music starts, these robot toys become dancing machines, moving to any music played. With 150 built-in phrases and jokes, these little robots will keep children surprised for hours. 5 “AA” batteries required (included). Ages 6 years and up.

Xia-Xia™ from Cepia, LLC

Every day is a celebration with new Xia-Xia™ (pronounced Shah-Shah). These four colorful, collectible hermit crabs live to dance and play. Kids can start a parade by pressing its claw to watch it do its wacky walk. The Xia-Xia™ crew features four colorful, loveable, crawling hermit crabs with removable, collectible shells, including Bimini with her pink polka-dotted shell and flirty eyes, Trinidad with his grey skull-spotted shell and orange body, Turks with her red shell and girly pink bows, and Tobago with his rough-and-tumble blue exterior and boyish grin. Each Xia-Xia™ comes with a little friend inside its shell! Just like real hermit crabs, these critters love to switch and swap their shells. Additional collectible shells come in candy-colors and contain a bonus of two little friends! 2 “LR44/AG13” batteries required (included). Ages 4 years and up. This item will be available beginning in October.