Last week, my friends at TimetoPlayMag.com unveiled their ‘Most Wanted’ list, and I was onhand to gawk—in the first row, no less! As usual, their list is filled with a wide variety of new and innovative toys, many of which they warn just may be gone by the time Thanksgiving rolls around. As Jim Silver and Chris Byrne suggest, quite a few retailers have aggressive layaway programs, so don’t be surprised if hot toys are already hard to find.
I loved their list and am excited to get my hands on quite a few of these. With Biggie’s birthday so close to the holidays, it usually coincides with the release of these lists. So, it’s fun to shop for said hot toys and put the others aside for Christmas.
Without further ado, here’s TimetoPlayMag.com’s Most Wanted Holiday 2012 list with my own notes below the toys:
Thomas & Friends Steam n Speed R/C Thomas
(FISHER-PRICE/Ages 2 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $45)
-I actually just saw this commercial and told Biggie that I’d love this toy even more if it cleaned my floors with that steam. Nevertheless, I expect Thomas fans to swoop this one up in a hurry.
LeapPad 2 Explorer
(LEAPFROG/Ages 3 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $99.99)
-I never did find the LeapPad in last year’s frenzy. I’ve seen this guy twice so far and may try to scour Toys R Us this weekend. It’s awesome, but I’m wondering if I should just buy myself a new iPad and give Biggie the old one?
DOC MCSTUFFINS TIME FOR YOUR CHECKUP DOLL
(JUST PLAY/Ages 3 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $39.99)
-There’s already been chatter about Doc among my friends, and where to find her in stores. We absolutely love this show, and were super excited to see this doll in person at the Disney Holiday preview over the summer. No surprise this newcomer is a big hit already in the toy aisle.
LITTLE TIKES iTIKES CANVAS
(MGA ENTERTAINMENT/Ages 3 years & up/Approx. Retail Price $39.99)
-This thing looks cool, and perfect for the preschool set. It’s a perfect combo of tech and good ol’ fashioned creativity.
WINX CLUB EVERYDAY CONCERT COLLECTIONS and BELIEVIX DOLLS
(JAKKS PACIFIC/Ages 4 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $12.99 – $13.99)
-Winx looks like such a fun, girly show. Who doesn’t love fairies!?
LEAPSTER GS
(LEAPFROG/Ages 4 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $69.99)
-I love how the Leapster looks like a gaming system, but it’s educational. For the littler guys who think they’re old enough for a DS, but really aren’t the Leapster seems like a perfect alternative.
TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES BASIC FIGURES and DELUXE POWER SOUNDS FX FIGURES
(PLAYMATES TOYS/Ages 4 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $7.99 – $12.99)
-TMNT were huge in our house when we were kids, so I’m actually excited about this line, merely out of nostalgia. My guy loves ninjas, so we’ll see if he’ll appreciate TMNT as well.
LALALOOPSY SOFT DOLLS
(MGA Entertainment/Ages 4 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $14.99)
-I love that Lalaloopsy is still on the list. You can never go wrong with colorful soft dolls.
MY LITTLE PONY PONY PRINCESS WEDDING CASTLE PLAYSET
(HASBRO/Ages 3 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $34.99)
-I have to say, we’re such huge fans of The Hub that we watch My Little Pony all the time. I love the spendor of this castle set. And the price point for that giant thing? What a steal.
MONSTER HIGH GHOULS RULE DOLLS and MONSTER HIGH HIGH SCHOOL
(MATTEL/Ages 6 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $29.99 – $94.99)
-I’m always intrigued by Monster High…but I get it. This line keeps those almost tweens playing with toys, and most importantly, keeps them young.
MEGA BLOKS SKYLANDERS CONSTRUCTION SETS
(MEGA Brands/Ages 5 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $11.99 – $29.99)
-I can’t type enough exclamation points about just HOW EXCITED I am about these toys!!! On Biggie’s Christmas List for sure! Tiny sheep? Need I say more?
LEGO FRIENDS
(LEGO/Ages 6 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $19.99 – $49.99)
-I’m still torn about LEGO Friends. But since I’m such a fun of LEGO, I still love that they’re included on the Most Wanted list.
WWE BRAWLIN’ BUDDIES
(MATTEL/Ages 3 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $29.99)
-Boys will be boys, and these buddies are perfect for preschoolers and wrestling fans in general.
BARBIE PHOTO FASHION DOLL
(MATTEL/Ages 6 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $49.99)
-When Barbie merges with tech, you get this. Camera-loving set will get a kick out of her.
APPFINITY APPDRIVE
(SPIN MASTER/Ages 7 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $19.99)
-Toys that have a tech/app component are my absolute favorite. I think these sort of toys are the next big thing, but I definitely need to try it out to see if they’d keep my car and app-loving kid engaged.
FURBY
(HASBRO/Ages 6 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $59.99)
-I am still amazed that Furby is back…just not sure if there will be the same frenzy as the first time around. Nevertheless, this new generation is pretty impressive.
AIR HOGS R/C HELI REPLAY
(SPIN MASTER/Ages 12 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $44.99)
-Helicopters are always getting caught up on my roof and IN my hair, but I do love the Air Hogs line. Innovative toys that simply work well.
NERF N-STRIKE ELITE HAIL-FIRE BLASTER
(HASBRO/Ages 8 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $39.99)
-These look intense, and fun enough for my adult friends to enjoy. The sheer amount of ammo that can be used is enough to buy it for myself.
