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.

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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