If you're looking to buy your kids the hottest toys for Christmas, think dolls, electronics and nostalgia.
But you'd better act quickly. By mid-December, most of the toys designated as "hot" by toy experts generally can't be found on the store shelves, said Jim Silver, co-publisher of Toy Wishes magazine and the best-known guru of hot toys.
Silver noted that what's a "hot" toy generally will differ by age and gender. But it seems clear already this year that two toys — Fisher-Price's Hokey Pokey Elmo and Leapfrog's Leapster educational hand-held game — are likely to be the hottest of the hot, Silver said.
"Hokey Pokey Elmo is already selling at unbelievable rates. And the Leapster fills a void in the marketplace. It's something that has never existed before — a portable gaming unit that's all about learning," Silver said.
The following alphabetical list is based on "hot toy" ratings given by Silver and other toy experts, as well as "top toy" lists generated by the Oppenheim Toy Portfolio and several magazines: Parenting, Parents, Parent & Child and Family Fun, which is the only one to actually use kids as toy testers:
Alphadot Bracelet Kit (The Bead Shop, $20, ages 8 and up). Kids can create custom bracelets by sliding colorful beads, each bearing a letter, onto a wristband. Other related kits include Block Party Bracelet Kit ($20), which comes with metal sliding letters, and Alphabet Soupcase ($13), featuring plastic block letters that slide onto chain necklaces or key chains.
Barbie of Swan Lake (Mattel, $20, ages 3 and up). In her latest role, Barbie plays Odette, the star of Tchaikovsky's famous "Swan Lake" ballet. There's a related toy, the "Barbie of Swan Lake Musical Castle," which costs $130.
Bratz Formal Funk Super-Stylin' Runway Disco (MCA Entertainment, $100, ages 5-9). First introduced two years ago, the Bratz dolls are wildly popular with young school-agegirls. The set includes Nevra, the newest Bratz doll, who is initially available only with this set.
Care Bears Sing-A-Long Friends and Care Bears Bedtime Lullaby Bear (Play Along Toys, $25 each, ages 3 and up). "Retro" toys are in, and so the "Care Bears" are back to cuddle with a new generation. This time, however, the plush bears from the land of "Care-A-Lot" can interact with their human playmates. The "friend" bear sings several tunes, including "Row, Row, Row Your Boat." The "bedtime" bear asks for a bedtime hug, and when that happens, his tummy lights up and a lullaby plays.
Elefun (Milton Bradley, $20, ages 4-6). Elly's a little blue plastic elephant with an enormous trunk full of colorful fabric butterflies. Push a button, and the butterflies come swirling out for kids to catch in the butterfly nets included with the game. Kids can play this in groups of four, but they can also enjoy it by themselves — a boon for busy parents.
Five Alarm Fun Center (Step 2, $170, ages 18 months-4 years). Kids can jump into firefighting mode in this durable play center shaped like a fire truck.
Folding Castle (Melissa and Doug/LCI Toys, $70, ages 3 and up). This castle features a working drawbridge and comes with two figures and a horse that can help kids act out countless scenes of heroic deeds.
Fold 'N Roll Kitchen (Playskool, $20, ages 2-4). This shoe-box size, folding version of the larger play kitchens features all the comforts of home: a refrigerator, oven, broiler and even a pop-up toaster. Unlike its larger counterparts, however, this kitchen comes with a handle and wheels and can be taken on a road trip.
Hokey Pokey Elmo (Fisher-Price, $30, ages 18 months and up). After kids squeeze Elmo's hand to start the action, they can listen to him sing, watch as he "turns himself about" and help him up when he loses his balance.
Hoberman Flip-Out! Sphere ($14-$29, depending on the size) and "Hoberman Sonic FX Sphere" ($30). (Both for ages 8 and up.) The "Flip Out! Sphere" turns inside-out and changes colors when tossed in the air.
Leapster Educational Game System (Leapfrog, $80, ages 4-8). The "Leapster" has a touch-activated, full-color screen and is loaded with software that helps kids learn 60 essential basic skills in math and reading while playing animated games. Additional software, some featuring "Dora the Explorer" and "SpongeBob SquarePants," can be purchased for $25 each.
Make a Teddy Bear (NSI Toys, $10, ages 4-8). This kit starts with a brown, furry bear skin that's already shaped and has eyes, nose and mouth. Also included is synthetic stuffing as well as an outfit for the bear that kids can decorate with two colors of fabric paint. Velcro closures on the back of the bear skin mean there's no sewing required.
McDonald's McFlurry Maker (Spin Master, $25, ages 8 and up). With this sturdy machine, kids can make their own version of the popular McDonald's ice cream treat.
My Little Pony Celebration Castle (Hasbro, $40, ages 3 and up). Another blast from the past — "My Little Pony" — is brought to new life in this colorfully detailed, interactive castle. Kids can make lights flash and music play by touching a pony's hoof to one of the small hearts hidden around the castle.
NBA Challenge (Lego, $50, ages 8 and up). First, kids build the court. Then they can set up the players and start the game. Kids will love how the spring-mounted players can actually shoot hoops. There are several other related products, including the larger "Ultimate NBA Arena" ($80) and "Streetball 2 vs. 2" ($20).
Total Meltdown (Radica, $25, ages 10 and up). In this updated, electronic version of the "Operation" game, kids are under time pressure to put a series of wires and "chips" into the correct places so they can pull out the "core" of this pyramid-shaped game before the alarm sounds. This fast-paced game can be played solo or with three other kids.