Well, it’s that time of the year again. Families are getting together and spending time with one another, showing how much they care for each other. And of course, there is Christmas shopping. Yes, it’s that time of year when stores are packed, traffic goes on for miles, and you just can’t figure out what to get for everybody on your list. Whether it’s finding the best Christmas gifts for boyfriend, or finding the coolest toy for your nephew, finding the right gift can be a challenging task.

To the rescue: Here is a list of 10 of the most popular toys for the 2009 holiday season. Christmas is less than two weeks away, so if there are still some empty spaces under the tree that you’d like to fill, the following suggestions are for you.

Zhu Zhu Pets

If you stand in line at any toy store nowadays, you’ll probably notice that a lot of customers have Zhu Zhu Pets in their hands. In all honesty, it would be hard to believe that these toys somehow slipped under your radar because they’re everywhere. The electronic hamsters behave as their real-life counterparts would, giving children the satisfaction of having a pet without really having a pet. Habitats also allow for players to create unique environments for their electronic pets and are sure to provide loads of fun for everyone involved.

Dora the Explorer Links Doll

Dora the Explorer is another one of the more popular children’s shows and for that, the Links Doll will make any fan smile on Christmas morning. Girls can connect the doll to the computer with the included USB cable and access Dora’s online world. There, players can help Dora and her friends solve mysteries. The doll is customizable and depending on the player’s actions, the doll will change jewelry, eye color, and even speech patterns.

Video Game Console, Any Video Game Console

The Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and Nintendo Wii are all great systems with dozens of games for everybody to enjoy. The only problem is deciding which one to get. There are advantages and disadvantages to all three, but if you’re looking for a family experience that will be easy for everyone to pick up and play, the Wii would be the way to go. Don’t rule out the other two though, as they can provide equal or potentially greater entertainment; the controls can just be harder to master for some people. No matter what way you look at it, any one of these three consoles is great for an individual or a family.

New Super Mario Bros. Wii

If a Nintendo Wii already graces your household or it was chosen from the three aforementioned contenders, then this game is a must-have to accompany it. The hardest thing a game can do is interest both old and new gamers, but New Super Mario Bros. Wii succeeds. Everything that was great about classic Mario games is here, making older gamers feel right at home. At the same time, it is accessible to those new to the Mario series and still provides a decent challenge. Best of all, there is a 4-player cooperative mode that allows everyone to join in the festivities.

Ucreate Games and Artimation

At the risk of children not liking a specific game, Ucreate Games and Artimation allows them to create their own. Using the included tablet and software, children can build their own unique gaming experience and make them come to life on their computer screens. With an easy-to-use interface, children are free to let their imaginations run wild and have fun exactly the way that they want to. All that is required is a computer and a little bit of creativity.

Mindflex

Anyone who has ever dreamed of having mind-control powers will instantly be drawn to Mindflex. Using several sensors, it is able to measure the user’s brainwaves in order to levitate a foam ball several inches in the air. Players then must control their concentration to raise and lower the ball, eventually guiding it through an obstacle course. There is a limitless supply of courses, as they are designed by the player, using the various pieces provided. While it’s not quite telekinesis and it will be difficult for many to master, it is truly a step toward the future of entertainment.

A Music Video Game

Whether it is Rock Band or Guitar Hero, it’s hard to go wrong with a music-based video game these days. With players finally given the opportunity to unleash their inner-rock star, it’s easy to see the appeal. Again, these games are perfect for individuals or families, as the majority of them allow up to four people to play simultaneously to create a virtual band. With hundreds upon hundreds of songs to choose from, it’s easy to find something that everyone will enjoy. And with even more games and song packs in constant development, there is definitely no shortage of entertainment.

Board Game Revival

While they may seem primitive compared to the other suggestions, it will be a long time before board games lose their appeal. They are great for both family game nights and social events. And if a game is fun enough, it can last years. There are literally hundreds of games to choose from in various stores, with Scene-It being one of the most popular. Fans of series like Twilight or Harry Potter will love the various editions of the game that focus on their favorite saga. The beauty of games such as Scene-It is that there is always something out there for everyone.

Bakugan 7 in 1 Maxus Dragonoid

Bakugan is a strategy game based on the animated series “Bakugan: Battle Warriors.” The game involves battles among action figures based on the series, and the 7 in 1 Maxus Dragonoid is perfect for any fan. The large Maxus Dragonoid is made up of seven pieces: one Bukagan warrior and six traps to assist in the conquest of other Bakugan warriors. With a game that is both fun and requires a good amount of strategy, no Bakugan warrior in training should be without this action figure.

Transformers 2 Action Figure

The Transformers were successful in the late ’80s, but who would have guessed that their popularity would explode again in the past couple years? With Michael Bay’s two recent movies, the franchise has reached a new generation and the coinciding action figures will make a great gift for any Transformers fan. With popular characters such as Optimus Prime, Megatron, and Bumblebee to choose from, there is no way to go wrong. Complete with jaw-dropping transformations, light-up eyes, and electronic speech, it truly is like having your very own Transformer.