They also make great gifts for your dad.

I’m taking another day off video games to go into one of my favorite things from my childhood: Die-cast cars. The term can be applied to a lot of things, such as Hot Wheels and the like, but I actually won’t be bringing Hot Wheels into this since, well, that makes for an article in of itself sometime next week. Okay, not the classic thought of what makes a car a Hot Wheels car at least. I can’t lie, I’m talking about the most popular die-cast cars right now, so Hot Wheels are going to show up in some way or another.

Hot Wheels Showing Their Stuff

How are they showing up? The highest selling die-cast cars at the moment are Hot Wheels toys based off Disney and Pixar’s movie Cars. Y’all might be familiar with that movie, but if you’re not, the whole premise is centered around a car named Lightning McQueen that wants to be the DinoCo official car by winning all sorts of races. So pretty much the whole world is populated by cars. It’s actually a really good movie with Owen Wilson playing Lightning McQueen. The odd thing here is that the most popular die-cast car isn’t Lightning McQueen; it’s Mater, the junky tow truck voiced by Larry the Cable Guy. I…I don’t make these things up. I wouldn’t make that up if I could.

I guess I can't make fun. My favorite die-cast car was a beat up old jeep.

So what else is popular these days? Star Trek. That means the USS Enterprise is getting bought by the galaxyful in the form of a 1:50 scale model on a nifty little display stand. If I had one of those as a kid, I’d have done nothing else but run around my house flying it from the kitchen to the living room and beyond. I was never into Star Trek at any point of my life, but anything that could fly was considered awesome to me. I assume the same still holds true for kids everywhere.

Something a Bit More Classic

Thus far we’ve had die-cast toys based off talking cars and space ships. There’s an actual car in the die-cast model best sellers, right? You’re dang right there is. High up on the list is the Burago-made Lamborghini 1:18 scale model, met closely by the 1957 Chevy Corvette made by Yat Ming. Kids that want these models are just classy folk and know style. If a kid walks up to his grandpa and says he wants a 1957 Chevy Corvette die-cast model for his birthday, I guarantee it’ll make that man weep tears of joy. I know it’d have that effect on my grandpa at least, and he’s awesome.

This is the USS enterprise, not a 1957 Chevy Corvette. If you can't tell the difference, I've severely over-estimated this generation.

All of these cool-sounding die-cast models must cost a fortune, right? Wrong. Everything I’ve mentioned here is priced under $30, with some, like the Mater toys from Mattel, priced under $6. Kids wanting a die-cast model of something are well within modesty when they request such an item, so treat ‘em well. Stay tuned next week for a larger article on Hot Wheels. Better go out and stock up in preparation.

Popular Action Figures

If you are heading toward the action figure and vehicles line of thinking for your holiday gift ideas, you need to look no further than the ever-present line of Star Wars toys.  These toys have been a solid hit ever since the release of the first action figure dolls in the late 1970′s and they show no signs of letting up in popularity.

The hottest toys in the series today are certainly either going to be the revival of the original trilogy collection of action figures and vehicles, or the (much more) expensive but incredibly detailed Legacy Collection line of vehicles and playsets.

For example, the Legacy Collection features an incredible version of the iconic Millenium Falcon, which is so realistic you will think it’s an actual prop from the movies.  From the least expensive 3 ¾ inch action figures, to the most expensive vehicles in the Legacy Collection, Star Wars toys are on the hot list to stay.

New Elmo Toys

Over the past few years, the phrase “hot toy” has been associated with one, very familiar icon; Elmo.  This year, the newest and greatest is Elmo Live, which will bring the beloved character to his most life-like representation ever.  The doll features a moving mouth as it talks and realistic movement in all of the arms and legs.

If want the ultimate Elmo companion for your child, this is the toy you need to find.  It is easy to get at most online stores, and certainly will have a top spot in most retail locations.  While not the least expensive toy of the season, it sure provides a ton of fun for the money, and is built to take a lot of play.

Hot Learning Toys

In the category of learning toys and/or games, the Vtech V Motion is probably the king of the hill for hot items.  This video game console system features games for a wide range of age groups which teach math, language skills and dozens more basic to intermediate learning techniques, all in video game format.

The console is very much like most other advanced types you will find, such as the Nintendo Wii or the Playstation, however this one is just for kids.  The games are highly entertaining, simple to use and excellent tools to reinforce learning and education.

The system comes with the console, a controller and a game sampler to get you started.  It is available in a couple of colors, so it is easy to find for both boys and girls.

Hot Toys For Older Kids

For the older kids, a sure bet for fun and excitement on the “A” list of hot toys, would be the Halo 3 Covenant Laser Tag set.  These toy laser pistols are fashioned from the guns found in the insanely popular Halo video game for the Xbox 360, and are realistic down to the sounds of the laser firing and size of the pistols.

The basic package consists of 2 laser pistols and sensors and is very affordable.  Packages can go much further up in price as you add more guns and accessories, however the basic starter kit is enough fun for two people, and will certainly make you the envy of the neighborhood.

These four toy groups are without question the hottest of the hot for the 2008 holiday season, and leave no age range excluded.

There is a child in all of us, so whether you are out looking for your toddler, young adult or even your husband, there is something here for everyone.  Get your spot in line!

– Transformers Movie Deluxe Figures—These action figures, based on the recent blockbuster hit, transform from Autobots and Decepticons into extreme cars and trucks. The most popular figure is Bumblebee, the star transformer of the movie, who transforms into a yellow 1974 Camaro.

– Rubik’s Revolution—This electronic update of the classic Rubik’s Cube features six games that can be played individually or in groups. The game features lights and sound, and allows the player to unlock new levels and games.

– Ripstik—The Ripstik is a totally new wheeled vehicle, that combines the carving motion of surfing or snowboarding with the wheels and deck of a skateboard. The deck is split in the middle and pivots, so that the rider can handle better and accelerate without pushing off the ground.

- Hannah Montana—Hannah Montana is a Disney character who is an ordinary schoolgirl by day and pop superstar by night. Her show and movie have been extremely popular, leading to the release of dolls and accessories, tooy guitars, lunch boxes, bags, and even her own version of UNO.

- Indiana Jones—This summer’s release of the latest Indiana Jones movie has spawned a whole new generation of toys. Most popular are Indiana Jones LEGO sets, ranging from the River Chase set to the Jungle Duel set. Hasbro’s Electronic Sound FX Whip is also popular.

– U Command Wall-e—Based on the animated movie, this 8” x 13.8” x 11” robot has realistic expressions, light-up eyes, and convincing sound effects. The programmable remote control can execute over 1000 action combinations, and the robot has real tread motion.

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