Channel 3 Gift Guide: Kid's Toys

Channel 3 Gift Guide: Kid's Toys

By Rick Montañez

Its day two for the Channel 3 Gift Guide, and if you have kids you'll want to listen up.

Yesterday we talked about how video games have become very hands on. Well today Channel 3 focuses on the kids, you might not know it, but their toys are also becoming more interactive.

Technology is everywhere, especially in kids toys.

"They're getting very learning based as well as fun based, and now you're seeing exercise based, so they're putting development inside there with the fun, the learning and the exercise too," says Barb Petersen, store manager of Toys "R" Us.

A good way to let the kids play games and exercise is with the smart cycle.

"We've got the fisher price smart cycle, its for ages 3-6 and its an awesome toy this year for your toddlers, because it gets your toddlers up and exercising," says Petersen.

"Your sitting in front of the TV screen as you're moving your cycle your driving through the interaction on the television," says Jason Wade of Wal-Mart.

And if you have a little one at home, there's the made for me mp3 player.

"Its for infants in your nursery, and it comes with 50 different tunes on it, it plays some nice little music," says Petersen.

What about a blast from the past, Tonka trucks and hot wheels are still hot sellers. But if you still want to get cool toys and don't have a lot of cash, Wal-Mart offers toys under Kid Connection.

"Maybe you don't have the money or you've got a lot of kids, it's a good product brand," says Wade.

I'm sure you've already had your kids ask for a pet this year, well how about the Fur Real Friends line from Hasbro. Kids can teach a parrot to talk or ride a pony. Does your daughter like music, well Barbie is out with her own MP3 player. And tickle me Elmo now has some company with Tickle Me Cookie Monster.

Wal-Mart says if you don't find it in stores, go on line.

"You can do your dot com shopping, have it sent to the store and that's free of charge," says Wade.

And toys r us say you should shop early.

"The best times to shop in the store is 7 o'clock in the morning cause a lot of people aren't up shopping at 7 o'clock in the morning," says Petersen.

Other hot items are computers for kids that mimic regular desktops.

We've still got 3 days left with tips for your holiday shopping, so be sure to joins us each night at 10.


TOYS "R" US TOP TOYS::

MADE FOR ME MP3 Music Player from Playskool®

Whether it's time to play or nap, parents can soothe their tots with the latest in nursery entertainment: an MP3 player that allows parents to customize music to their baby's developmental and personality needs. This Toys"R"Us exclusive Digital Music Player, outfitted as a cute and cuddly bunny, dog or bear, lets parents play songs from a pre-recorded library, create personalized play lists, transfer tunes from CDs and the Internet or even record their own voice. The removable MP3 unit can be used in any of the MADE FOR ME toys, including the 2-in-1 Infant Gym and the DAY TO DREAM SOOTHER. 2 "AA" batteries required (included). Ages birth and up.

Beginnings(TM) TaDoodles(TM) Washable First Marks from Crayola

Designed to fit small hands, these egg-shaped markers will help bring out artistic expression in any toddler. Available in two animal-inspired assortments, toddlers can make their first marks with a green frog, brown puppy or red monkey. A second collection allows them to express themselves with a pink pig, yellow chick or purple hippopotamus. Also, TaDoodles Washable First Marks won't topple over, don't have caps to lose and are specially formulated to easily wash off of skin and clothing. No batteries required. Ages 18 months and up.

T.M.X.(tm) Friends from Fisher-Price®

Last year, T.M.X. Elmo proved that laughter is contagious, and now Elmo's friends Ernie and Cookie Monster join in the riotous fun! Both 11-inch plush dolls put their own spin on the exciting action of the original T.M.X. Elmo. Ernie giggles and laughs as he kicks his legs, spins in a complete 360-degree circle and gets back up. Cookie Monster giggles and laughs so much that he rolls from side to side and struggles to get back on his furry feet. Kids simply tickle each doll's belly to get the laughter started. 6 "AA" batteries required (included). Ages 18 months and up.

ClickStart(TM) My First Computer from LeapFrog®

Parents who want to turn their child into a computer whiz can start at an early age with the ClickStart system, which turns any television into a kid-friendly, wireless computer. Designed for little learners, ClickStart mimics a grownup desktop computer while introducing children to core preschool and computing skills in a safe, age-appropriate environment. The ClickStart platform features a cartridge console that plugs directly into a TV's A/V jacks, a child-sized wireless keyboard and convertible mouse to accommodate right-handed or left-handed users. 4 "C" and 4 "AA" batteries required (not included). Ages 3 to 6 years old. Cartridges sold separately.

SMART CYCLE Physical Learning Arcade System from Fisher-Price®

The Smart Cycle is the perfect system for parents who want to get their videogame-loving kids to exercise. Adults simply connect the stationary bike to a TV's A/V jack. Then, kids pedal and steer to play learning games right on the screen. Every game available for the system challenges kids to continue moving to keep playing, while educational games provide learning stimulation. The Smart Cycle comes with Learning Adventure, a software title that includes three ways to play: Driving, Learning Arcade Games and The Big Race. 4 "D" batteries required (not included). Ages 3 to 6 years.

LITTLEST PET SHOP DISPLAY & PLAY ROUND N' ROUND PET TOWN from Hasbro

The LITTLEST PET SHOP pets are in for excitement with a town that offers three floors of fun! Kids can have their favorite pets tour the town from overhead on a twirling gondola, primp at the fancy salon, cruise around on the moving scooter, travel up and down the working elevator and visit the tasty town café. Keep the town growing with additional play sets that can stack and snap together for never-ending fun. No batteries required. Ages 4 and up.

Shining Stars from Russ Berrie & Co.

Each of these plush pals will have children reaching for new galaxies with the opportunity to register and name a star with the International Star Registry. Kids simply pick from one of 24 adorable characters, log onto the Shining Stars website (www.Shiningstars.com) and name their star using the secret code found inside the sealed hangtag. After entering the Shining Stars website, a universe of fun opens when kids get access to e-cards, on line games designed for different age groups and other fun activities. The premier Shining Stars collection includes Honey Bear, Beagle, Penguin, Dragon and other friends. No batteries required. Ages 5 and up.

Barbie Girls(TM) from Mattel

Barbie Girls delivers the next generation of fashion doll play! Barbie Girls is a sleek and stylish device that serves as an MP3 player and fashion statement in one, including cool mix-n-match fashions that snap on and off the device. Blending the real world with the virtual world, Barbie Girls also allows girls to unlock new pets, games, hangout spots and more on BarbieGirls.com, an on line world designed exclusively for girls. Barbie Girls features 512 MB of memory, holding up to 120 MP3 or 240 WMA-file songs for hours of on-the-go entertainment! Rechargeable lithium polymer battery required (included). Ages 6 and up. MP3 player is Windows XP and Vista compatible.

Mars Mission MT-101 Armored Drilling Unit from LEGO Systems, Inc

LEGO building lands kids' imaginations on Mars to assist Mining Specialists in search of energy crystals! Once assembled, this new LEGO set, available exclusively at Toys"R"Us, offers a rare experience in outer space with the mightiest Mars Mission vehicle of all - the MT-101 Armored Drilling Unit. In addition to the special edition mining tank, the set also features mining specialists, a glow-in-the-dark alien attack ship, and a connecting air pump used to transport sleds, dispatch aliens, and blast darts deep into the universe. With over 600 pieces, kids can also create challenging terrain. No batteries required. Ages 8 to 14 years.

Cranium® WOW from Cranium®
Cranium WOW has something for everyone as players hum, whistle, sketch, sculpt, act, puzzle and even spell backwards to win! New cards cover everything from "The Hoff" to White Stripes to YouTube, resulting in 16 percent more shouting and 22 percent more fun. Colorful new movers can be tricked out with custom hairdos and hats to reflect a team's personality. Add Cranium WOW to any mix of four or more friends, family or acquaintances, and in about an hour, players will feel as good as the game looks. No batteries required. Ages Teen and up.

Guitar Hero(TM) III: Legends of Rock Game and Guitar Controller from Activision®

Guitarists are challenged to fire up the fretboard, crank up the amp and get ready to rock as the newest edition of Guitar Hero drops them into the spotlight of the largest rock concert ever. Players strap on the included guitar controller to shred through fast-paced tracks guaranteed to challenge even advanced rockers. The star-studded soundtrack includes tracks by renowned artists including Guns N' Roses, The Rolling Stones, Metallica, Beastie Boys, Muse, Pearl Jam, Kiss and more. Reaching for truly legendary status, the game also features an exclusive track from iconic guitarist Slash. 2 "AA" batteries required (included). Rated "T" for Teen. Available at Toys"R"Us stores nationwide on October 28.



WAL-MART TOP TOYS:
Wal-Mart’s Top 12 Toys of Christmas

Kid Tough Digital Camera from Fisher Price (Ages 3 & up) A real digital camera that’s tough enough–and easy enough–for kids to use.

Smart Cycle from Fisher Price (Ages 3-6) It’s a stationary bike, a learning center, and an arcade game system—all rolled into one!

Air Hogs Havoc Heli by Spinmaster (Ages 8 & up) An amazingly small, infrared, remote control helicopter, the Air Hogs Havoc features a durable, EPP foam body and a flashing Blue LED for night flying.

Spider-Man 3 Movie Action Figure from Hasbro (Ages 3-7) Both in his classic red and blue gear and now new black costume, Spider-Man will continue to be a hero that saves the day, especially with his new web accessories.

Little Mommy Real Loving Baby Doll from Mattel (Ages 18 months & up) Girls will love playing mommy with this sweet baby doll—she’s perfect for your child’s first doll.

New Elmo from Fisher Price (Ages 18 months & up) He’s back on the list to tickle your funny bone. Find out why and what’s new in November!

Littlest Pet Shop Paws Off Electronic Diary from Hasbro (Ages 6 & up) Keep all your written secrets locked inside this voice-activated, electronic diary!

Ripstik Caster Board (Ages 6 & up) A cross between a skateboard and a snowboard, this high-action new sport is taking the streets by storm!

Are You Smarter than a 5th Grader game from Hasbro (Ages 8 & up) Based on the popular game show, this enjoyable diversion features Jeff Foxworthy and five students putting ordinary adults to the test by having them answer real questions from the 5th-grade curriculum.

Hannah Montana Fashion Collection from Play Along (Ages 5 & up) Transform the girl-next-door to Pop Princess. Choose from a variety of assortments that come with Hannah Montana doll, a super cute extra outfit, shoes and accessories.

Power Tour Electric Guitar by Hasbro (Ages 10 & up) Be the rock star and learn to play six different rock classics. Connect to your MP3 player and strum along, or rock out solo and compose your own anthem.

FurReal Squawkers Parrot from Hasbro – (Ages 5-7) Talk about cool! Squawkers McCaw is a talkin', squawkin' and totally unpredictable play pal.


Icon
Current Temp 48 °F
Fair
More Weather

YouNews

This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled. Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.

On Demand

Resources and info you need to prepare for the switch to DTV.

Stay Connected

Connect with KIDK