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by Mary Abreu
Looking for the perfect gift for the kids on your
holiday list? Well, these are a few of our favorite
playthings. Our picks on this list were selected
unscientifically, but we’re sure you’ll agree that
they’re perfect for wrapping and giving.
Atlanta
Parent's picks for this season's top presents:
 Critter Chorus Puppets
Ages: 3 years and up
Put your hand inside this puppet, open and close its
mouth and be prepared for a sing-a-long. These
13-inch-tall puppets – including a dog, cat, cow, pig
and frog – sing popular children’s tunes “Old
MacDonald,” “London Bridge” and “Frére Jacques” in the
animal’s voice. Soft yarn fur and adorable features will
make you want to cuddle these puppets even when they’re
not singing.
Available at The Toy Store and local gift shops. Retail
price: $16
Dance Factory Game & Mat Bundle
Ages: 6 years and up
Once the game (exclusively for the PlayStation®2) is set
up, kids (and their parents) will have a blast dancing
to songs of their choosing. Make sure you have a memory
card, though, and be prepared to spend a while
downloading the game and the music (purchased CDs and
CD-ROMs both work but not MP3s), then naming the songs.
Codemasters. Retail price: $49.95
 Disney Princess Digital Movie Maker
Ages: 5-8 years
Disney adds to its toy tie-ins with this fun and
easy-to-use kid camcorder. Pop in four AAA batteries
(not included) and your Sofia Coppola in-the-making can
work on her first video masterpiece. The included
docking station and Disney Pix software (PC only) let
her edit together video clips as well as add animation,
sound effects and music. Digital Blue. Retail price:
$79.99
ESPN Play by Play Sports PA
and Entertainment System
Ages: 8 years and up
Got a budding Bob Costas in your house? Then you won’t
want to miss the ultimate in sports announcing toys. It
may look like a regular boom box, but plug in the
included microphone and sound effects card and you’re
transported right to the sidelines. ESPN. Retail price:
$99.99
Hot Wheels Radar Gun
Ages: 7 years and up
I feel the need – for speed. You’ll find out exactly how
fast your favorite Hot Wheels vehicles are traveling
with this hand-held radar gun. Kids will enjoy clocking
Mom or Dad pulling into the driveway, too. Mattel.
Retail price: $29.99
Kid Tough Digital Camera
Ages: 3 years and up
Kids love digital cameras. Now even the youngest member
of your household can have his own. This is one sturdy
camera, sized perfectly for little hands and eyes. The
included software (PC-compatible, although the camera is
plug-and-play on Macs) lets your little Ansel Adams add
digital elements like frames, captions and animals to
each picture. If you’re looking for a digital camera for
an older child, though, pick up an inexpensive standard
digital instead. Fisher Price.
Retail price: $79.99
Little Mommy Play All Day Toddler
Ages: 3 years and up
This is the epitome of role-playing. Little wannabe
parents will love the interaction provided by this
toddler doll, which talks, sings and moves. She says
more than 30 phrases and makes requests of her mommy,
including “Up up, mama, up” and “Hug, mama.” The doll is
available in both a Caucasian, and African-American
model as well as a bilingual doll. Sold separately is
the Play All Day Activity Center ($50). Fisher Price. Retail price: $35
Monster Under My Bed
Ages: 6 years and up
Cross Bingo with Operation and throw in a monster for
good measure and you have Monster Under My Bed. Players
reach under the bed to grab gross objects, which match
pictures on their cards. Watch out! Keep your hand under
the bed too long and the monster will pop up from the
headboard. Kids will shriek with delight over this game.
Available at Learning Express. Retail price: $27.99
Playskool Peek ‘n Play Discovery Dome
Ages: 3 months and up
You and your baby will have a blast exploring the many
sights and sounds of this stationary playset. It
promises to grow with your child and definitely
delivers. An abundance of colors, textures, sounds and
interactive features make this a can’t-miss toy for the
infant set. Hasbro. Retail price: $49.99
Piranha Panic
Ages: 5 years and up
The object of the game is simple enough: Be the first to
get all three of your fish marbles to the top of the
stream. A roll of the die can change things, though,
unleashing the titular Piranha Panic that threatens to
“eat” the fish marbles and send them back downstream.
The rules are easy to understand and follow, making this
an ideal game for the younger crowd. Mattel. Retail
price: $23.74
Play-Doh Creativity Center
Ages: 3 years and up
There are so many accessories packaged with the
Creativity Center that it will be days before your child
has used them all. From the built-in molds on the
desktop to the enclosed play mat to the mini extruder,
your Play-Doh artist will be able to create anything she
dreams up. The set also includes the new Play-Doh Pick
Up Stick tool, which makes cleanup a snap. Hasbro.
Retail price: $29.99
 Scene It?
Nickelodeon
Edition Game
Ages: 8 years and up
Nickelodeon and Nick Jr. viewers will jump at the chance
to play the latest addition to the popular Scene It game
series. You’d better brush up on your characters and
episode trivia, though, if you hope to move your piece
around the game board. Mattel. Retail price: $35.99
SkyBonz
Ages: 5 years and up
Kids of all ages will settle down to build the latest in
the Bonz series of construction toys. This one’s
extraterrestrial theme is guaranteed to generate an
out-of-this-world creation. Also works with other Bonz
sets.Available at Atlanta gift shops and
www.curioustoys.com. Retail price: $36
Speed Stacks
Ages: 4 years and up
You’ll be jockeying with your kids to play this hands-on
game. Race against the clock as you attempt to stack the
cups in different configurations. The included DVD shows
tips for stacking faster, as well as scenes from Speed
Stack competitions. Trust us – it’s addictive. Play Along. Retail price: $39.99
 Storybook Pillows
Ages: 3 years and up
Books don’t normally make comfy pillows, but these do.
Classic characters and their adventures, including
Winnie-the-Pooh, Disney Princesses, Cars and more, have
been transformed into pillows. Each plush story has
fluffy, thick front and back covers filled with five
pliable, cloth-like pages with vivid pictures and
minimal words. Storybook Pillows are available in small,
medium and large. Available at Barnes & Noble. Retail
price: $16.99-$34.99
Talking Video Phone
Ages: 18 months and up
Toddlers can switch between Spanish and English when
playing with this interactive toy. Counting, stories and
songs incorporate learning that’s also entertaining.
Kids can learn the English and Spanish names for the
pictures they see on the Video Phone, too. Chicco. Retail price: $34.99
 Twister Dance DVD
Ages: 8 years and up
Put on your socks and get ready to groove your way
through this updated version of Twister. Keep the DVD
remote handy as you work your way through the 40 dance
lessons (you may need to replay a few steps as the
choreography becomes more complex). Even though the
directions say to play the game on a hard floor surface,
it works fine on carpet – just skip the shoes and bare
feet or else you’ll stick to the mat. Hasbro. Retail
price: $29.89
Tyco R/C Air Blade
Ages: 6 years and up
Three air cushions make this radio-controlled hovercraft
the next generation in cool. The Air Blade hovers over
land, snow, ice and water, which is great since it’s so
loud you’ll be chasing the kids outside to play with it.
Batteries are included, but you’ll have to charge the
vehicle battery five hours before the first use. Tyco. Retail price: $79.99
Holiday Joy: Wal-Mart Slashes Toy
Prices
Wal-Mart lowered prices on more than 100 hot toys and
games at the beginning of the holiday season, including
what’s expected to be some of the hottest sellers. The
retail giant’s low-price list includes Speed Stacks
($29.88) and Hot Wheels Radar Gun ($20). If you’re
looking for classic board games, Wal-Mart has several
priced at $8, including Operation, Sorry!, The Game of
Life, Monopoly, Battleship and Clue. Prices are good
in-store and online. Visit
www.walmart.com to
see the complete list.
Personalized Gifts
 Kideo
Ages: Birth and up
Send Pixfusion a photo of your child and $39.95 (plus
shipping) and they’ll ship you a DVD or VHS tape
starring your child and his or her favorite cartoon
character. Imagine Dora the Explorer or Arthur
frolicking and singing with an animated version of your
kid. Expedited shipping is available, but to get your
order in time for Christmas you’ll have to place it by
Dec. 5. Check out the full line of products at
www.kideo.com. Pixfusion. Retail price: $39.95
 My Twinn Doll
Ages: 3 years and up
Imagine your little girl’s surprise when she wakes up
Christmas morning to find a doll under the tree that
looks just like her. That’s what My Twinn offers: fully
customizable dolls that look just like the owner, right
down to the freckles on her nose. Of course,
customization comes with a hefty price – and expedited
shipping to receive in time for Christmas (but only if
you order by Dec. 8). There’s a full range of
accessories for both the doll and the owner, too. Buy
them online at www.mytwinn.com. Retail price: $159
My Very Own ... Book
Ages: Birth and up
Insert your little darling right into the story with
both the My Very Own Fairy Tale and My Very Own Name
line of books. These personalized books spell out your
child’s name, which also teaches letter recognition.
Choose 10-day or 3-day expedited delivery to receive in
time for Christmas. Available from www.iseeme.com.
Retail price: $29.95
Personalized Paper Dolls by Gail
Ages: Birth and up
Gail Ross uses photographs and information from her
extensive order form to create paper dolls that look
like your child. She can even create clothing for the
paper doll’s wardrobe from photos. Opt for the Book Form
Package, which includes the paper doll, 15 outfits, one
custom outfit, and a paper and plastic stand.
Alternatively, you can choose CD or e-mail packages,
which allow you to print the dolls and accessories on
your home printer. Expedited ordering is available.
Visit www.gailspaperdolls.com to order. Retail price:
$18-$25
Silhouette products
Ages: 5 years and up
The classic look of a silhouette graces this lovely
stationery. The artists at Petite Prints use profile
photographs of your children or grandchildren to create
note cards, gift tags, paperweights, T-shirts and more.
It’s the perfect present for the person who has
everything. Expedited shipping available for orders
placed after Dec. 4. Place your order at www.petiteprints.com. Retail price: $25 and up
Learning
Lego Factory
Ages: 8 years and up
The Lego fanatic on your list will go crazy over the
ultimate Lego design tool. Download the free Lego
Digital Designer (available for PCs and Macs) then let
your budding Lego architect design the project of her
dreams. When she’s done, you can order the blocks and
parts for making the design a reality.
http://factory.lego.com.
Lego.Retail price: bricks start at 7 cents.
 Let’s Count Book & Blocks
Ages: 4-8 years
Kids will have so much fun playing with this that they
won’t realize they’re actually learning, too. Kids mix
and match the six blocks in order to solve each page’s
picture puzzles. They’ll also love reading about their
favorite Nick Jr. characters
like Dora The Explorer. Chronicle Books LLC. Retail price: $12.95
Professor Noggin’s
Card Game Series
Ages: 7 years and up
Challenge your youngster’s mind with this series of
trivia card games. Topics range from Reptiles to U.S.
History to Ancient Civilizations and many more. Kids can
choose from easy or difficult questions, so kids of
different ages and knowledge levels can play together
(or even Mom and Dad).
Available at Peachtree Education Station and
www.professornoggin.com. Retail price: $7.94
Weird and Gross Challenge!
Ages: 8 years and up
The “yuckster” in your life will get his fill of gross
and weird trivia with this trivia game. The Weird and
Gross Challenge! looks like a book crossed with a
handheld video game and can be played by either one or
two people. The LCD will show a number; players find the
corresponding question in the attached book and answer
it by pressing the letter keys on the joystick. Available at local toy and book stores.
Retail price: $19.99
Knowledge Adventure Books by You
Ages: 8 years and up
The new software lets children create, edit, illustrate
and personalize their own books. Once stories are done,
paperback or hardcover books can easily be ordered and
shipped to you or printed at home or formatted for
e-mailing to friends and family. The creative process is
guided by video and audio segments. Inspire enthusiasm,
encourage the storyteller in your child, and make
learning and reading fun again and again. Knowledge
Adventure. Retail price $19.99
$15 and Under
20Q Music (Rock and Pop)
Ages: 8 years and up
Can you stump 20Q Music? Think of a rock or pop act then
start the game, answering each question with a Yes, No,
Unknown, Sometimes or Rarely. As the game starts to
compile your answers, it will take a shot at guessing
the identity of your music group. There’s even an undo
button in case you answer a question incorrectly. It’s
portable fun that will be a Top 10 hit with the music
fan on your list.
Radica. Retail price: $14.98
The Backyardigans
Pirate Tub Time
Ages: 18 months and up
Ahoy, mateys! This tub toy will be just as big of a hit
on dry land. The pirate ship actually floats in the tub
and includes built-in storage for the Captain Pablo and
Captain Uniqua figures that come with it.
Fisher Price. Retail price: $13
Grow-a-Head
Ages: 5 years and up
“Grow Me, Trim Me, Love Me” is the tagline for this
wacky product that’s sure to entertain the recipient.
It’s reminiscent of the popular Chia Pet but instead
involves a coconut and sticky foam for customizing. Available at local gift shops. Retail price: $9.99
iPlay Magnetic Fishing Game
Ages: 36 months-8 years
Quick and easy set up plus multiple games with rules
even the youngest players understand make this
inexpensive game a winner. The pieces are sturdy enough
to withstand frequent play, too. Available at Learning Express and My Storyhouse Toys.
Retail price: $9.94
Snap ‘n Style Dolls
Ages: 2 years and up
Five dolls plus five additional wardrobe packs equal
hours of fun for your favorite fashionista. The
accessories are not only sized perfectly for small
fingers but they snap on and off the dolls easily –
making them ideal for improving dexterity. The great
price for the dolls and the additional outfits is a
definite plus. Fisher Price. Retail price: $9.99
Taggies Fun Shapes
Ages: Birth and up
Babies love to explore textures, and Taggies has been
entertaining little ones since 1999. Newly added to the
line are the Fun Shapes, which are three-dimensional
objects like balls and cubes that feature the signature
Taggies sewn around the shape. There’s also a handy
rubber clip on each Fun Shape so it can be attached to a
baby gym, car seat or diaper bag. Available at local
gift shops. Retail price: $12.95
Books
This holiday season,
Atlanta Parent encourages you to add these fun titles to
your bookshelves.
 Green Eggs and Ham Cookbook by Georgeanne Brennan.
$16.95. For cooks of all ages
This Suessian style cookbook, meant for adults and
children to use together, is incredibly zany and fun,
but also deliciously good and healthy, too. Yes it is.
Yes it is!
Crochet, The Easiest How to Crochet Book Ever by
Anne Akers Johnson. $24.95. Ages 10 and up
Geared for tweens, this gift book, which includes a
crochet needle, trendy yarn and project ideas, provides
the basics on how to single, double, half-double, and
triple crochet.
 Handbag Friends by Sally Lloyd-Jones
and Sue Heap. $11.95. Ages 4-8
This adorable bright pink purse shaped book is the
perfect accessory for little girls. It’s filled with a
whimsical story, songs, fun illustrations, and clever
ending.
Every Kid Needs a Treasure Hunt by Richard and
Candice Elton. $19.95. Ages 4-8
A new, high-tech twist on a classic game, this book and
kit comes with a miniature treasure chest, clue cards,
golden coin and loot bag. There’s also “cool paper”
inside the pages to make maps.
Kangodile, A Mix-and-Match Menagerie by Janet Landay. $8.95. Ages 4-8
Mix and match heads and tails to create creatures like
“shurtles” out of a shark and turtle. A perfect travel
companion, parents can expect backseat laughter.
Who’s Under That Hat? A Lift-the-Flap Pop-up
Adventure by David A. Carter. $13.95. Ages 4-8
From the creator of How Many Bugs in a Box, this new
lift-the-flap book is an interactive riddle adventure
with bright colors, textures, and a mirror to amuse and
delight toddlers.
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