Cool Toys of 2011 - Boys Edition

While my kids have been watching too much TV, they've also been pointing out that they want Every. Single. Toy. they have been seeing.  I wanted to do a post of some of toys that I've seen so far and think will be home runs with kids this Christmas season.  Christmas is obviously the biggest time of year for toy makers and retailers.  I have to say, from what I've seen so far, I'm pretty impressed with some of the stuff I've seen. These are the toys I believe you need to keep your eyes peeled for.  If you see a deal, grab it, don't wait for Black Friday hoping for an even better deal!

HOT WHEELS VIDEO RACER MICRO CAMERA CAR

The Hot Wheels Video Racer Micro Camera Car ($59.99 on Amazon) has got some amazing technology built into it! Put Yourself in the Driver's Seat with Built-In Mini Cam.  The Video Racer allows you to see the world through the eyes of a Hot Wheels driver.  Record the craziest stunts and make movies to show your friends! Plus, take your recorded races to new heights — off the floor and onto the walls! — with the Hot Wheels Wall Tracks Starter Set you can set up stunts, turns, and tricks that are powered by gravity and limited only by your imagination.  You can also add the Hot Wheels Wall Tracks Daredevil Curve Track Set ($17.99 on Amazon) or the Hot Wheels Wall Tracks Drift Rally Spinout Track Set to the starter set and really trick your track out!

Filming itself on a race track isn't all this little race car camera can do!  The Video Racer includes four attachment clips and an Action Cam protective attachment case that allow the car to travel on a variety of new terrains. Two of the attachment clips come with corresponding adhesive strips, enabling the car to attach to places such as a bike helmet so you can film as you ride. The other two clips come with an adjustable strap so you can wear the Video Racer attached to your arm or wrist to film your stunts, no matter what sport you play!  Recommended for ages 5 and up.

 HOT WHEELS RC NITRO SPEEDERS MUSTANG

Also from Mattel is the Hot Wheels RC Nitro Speeders Mustang Car ($27.99 at Amazon).  It's designed so all parts can fit inside your pocket and go wherever you go. The remote controller doubles as a charging deck, consolidating two separate functions in a single efficient tool. The remote also serves as a carrying case, featuring a small, clear compartment that easily holds the Nitro Speeder. This way, you can carry all the tools you need in one simple piece that fits comfortably in your hand.  In addition to the Mustang, there is the Hot Wheels RC Nitro Speeders Chevy Camaro Car and the Hot Wheels RC Nitro Speeders Ken Block Ford Fiesta Rally Car.  Recommended for ages 8 - 12.

MATCHBOX SMOKEY THE FIRE TRUCK

Remember Stinky The Garbage Truck from last Christmas?  Meet his new friend Smokey The Fire Truck($59.97 on Amazon).  Smokey has multiple modes for different kinds of interactions. Depending on his positioning, Smokey can operate in one of two main modes--character mode or truck mode. Smokey is in character mode when he is half or fully upright, and says phrases such as, "Smokey here! Reporting for duty!" When Smokey is on all six wheels, he is in truck mode and can be pushed forward and pulled backward to activate lights and sounds. 
Using motion sensors and sound activation, Smokey is always on alert. He knows how to say over 95 phrases and can sing 4 different songs. He won't sing every time, so keep raising and lowering him if you really want to hear him. Though he's always ready to play, Smokey will fall asleep if you leave him alone long enough. Press his lights or push him around to wake him up again!  Also check out Real Talking Smokey Truck - Mini Smokey ($25.00 on Amazon).   And to keep Stinky and Smokey company is Rocky the Robot Truck ($47.95 on Amazon)  Recommended for ages 3 - 8.

BAKUGAN DRAGONOID DESTROYER

Bakugan Dragonoid Destroyer($41.99 on Amazon) is the biggest Bakugan Battle suit yet! Much like the smaller Battle suits, the Destroyer has a folded up mode where all the arms and legs are tucked together into a dome like structure. Drop a Bakugan onto the activation point and it will spin around, pop up, and spring out in an awesome auto-transformation sequence.  It also launches two Sky Raider Bakugan into the air during its transformation. There are various small ports spread across the suit that allow you to connect the nano Bakugan weapons.Recommend for ages 5 - 15.

THUNDERCATS THUNDERTANK

Highlighted by flashing lights and sounds, the ThunderCats Deluxe ThunderTank($29.99 on Amazon) vehicle lets you roll into battle. This imposing toy tank is sure to please any ThunderCats fan with its array of glowing red lights, battle sounds, and thrilling dialogue. To extend the action beyond the tank, two racing pods launch from the vehicle at the push of a button. The tank also comes with an exclusive Snarf action figure equipped with ThunderLynx to activate the lights and sounds.  Recommended for ages 4 and up.

 LET'S ROCK ELMO

It’s music time! Rock out with Sesame Street Let's Rock Elmo ($69.99 on Amazon)!  Dressed in a concert-style tee, Elmo takes the stage singing and making music - and preschoolers can too! Elmo comes with his very own microphone and two instruments – a tambourine and a drum set. Preschoolers can choose which instrument Elmo plays, and he "magically" recognizes which one you give him. Kids can also play along on Elmo’s instruments - they’re perfectly sized for little hands! For even more rockin’ fun, Elmo also interacts with other LET’S ROCK instruments (each sold separately); he knows when you’re playing the Let's Rock Elmo Guitar( $32.49 on Amazon), Let'S Rock Cookie Monster Keyboard ($19.88 on Amazon) or Let's Rock Microphone($17.71 on Amazon) and plays along with you!  LET’S ROCK Elmo sings six rockin’ songs, so grab an instrument and join Elmo’s band!

AIR SWIMMER REMOTE CONTROL INFLATABLE SWIMMING SHARK

The Air Swimmer Remote Control Inflatable Floating Shark($41.05 on Amazon)  is one of the coolest gadgets around and great fun for family get togethers, office laughs, and kids parties. Once filled with helium, the remote controlled Air Swimmer swims through the air with incredibly smooth and lifelike motion. The infra red remote control unit provides up, down, and tail fin control for moving right and left. The remote control works up to 40 feet away.  Also available is the Air Swimmers Remote Control Flying Clownfish($40.59 on Amazon)