Tickle Me Elmo. Furbies. Tamagotchi. While these toy fads have come and gone, there’s always a new one to replace it the following year. Christmas is still seven weeks away, but parents are already having a tough time finding the season’s most popular toys. Value seems to be on the minds of most Christmas shoppers, and the popularity of inexpensive toys is driving consumers out early to stores like Walmart this year.
This year’s hot commodity are the Zhu Zhu Pets, an interactive mechanical hamster that is being compared to the Furby craze a few years ago. With a mere $9.99 retail price, it’s easy to see why parents are ready and willing to buy them. When paired with economy-minded stores ordering less stock this year, Zhu Zhu Pets are very difficult to find early in the season. Even when the coveted hamsters are located, their accessories - including a car, pet carrier and bed - are just as hard to track down.
The website Hot Toys 2009 has a handy list of the hottest toys and their availability at popular chain stores like Walmart and Target. Of course, you’ll probably have luck at smaller local and web-based retailers and Google Shopping can be your best resource to track down an item.
Character fashion dolls are also a popular commodity. Princess Tiana, the star of the upcoming animated Disney feature The Princess and the Frog is already selling well before the release of the movie, and Barbie’s version of Bella from the Twilight series remains popular. For boys, zero gravity RC cars and Transformers are the big must have items. Also on the list is the super cool MindFlex game.
Personally, I’m not really one for fad toys. Children might be disappointed when they realize a fad toy isn’t waiting for them underneath the wrapping paper, but in the long run, classic and simple toys tend to be held on to for years to come. Simple dolls, non-remote controlled trucks and play sets are easy choices that are proven favorites over the long haul. Whatever you purchase this holiday season, always remember it’s the thought and effort that counts.
