Cool Toys of 2011 - Girls 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!

FUR REAL FRIENDS COOKIE PUPPY

Fur Real Friends Cookie Puppy($49.99 on Amazon) features real-as-can-be movements, sounds and actions.  Cookie my playful pup lets girls experience the joy of having a puppy of their very own. When you pet her on her head or back, she barks, moves her head and wags her tail. Give her cheek a little scratch and she’ll turn toward your hand to ask for more. When you tell her just how sweet she is, she’ll respond with puppy babble that sounds just like she’s talking to you. She loves her squeaky toy — when you make it squeak, she’ll turn her head toward the sound. When you put her toy bone in her mouth, she’ll make crunching sounds like she’s chewing it.  Recommended for ages 4 and up.

FIJIT FRIENDS INTERACTIVE TOY

FIJIT Friends Interactive Toys($39.99 on Amazon) will boogie in dance mode while you play your own music.  Beat Sensors allow physical and emotional reactions to different styles of music--from slow ballads to lively pop tracks. Dance along as she rocks, twirls, and bounces to the beat. They'll even perform her own original songs.  Eager to chat and make you laugh, this Fijit Friends feature voice recognition, allowing them to identify over 30 voice commands and respond with more than 150 built-in phrases and jokes. When it's time for bed, wish your Fijit Friend a goodnight. Her belly will glow like a nightlight as she nods to sleep.  Recommended for ages 6 and up.

LALALOOPSY SILLY HAIR DOLLS

Lalaloopsy Dolls($49.99 on Amazon) were once rag dolls who magically came to life, taking on the personalities of the fabrics that were used to make them. These Lalaloopsy have silly hair that bends every which way. Now you can style your Lalaloopsy doll’s hair and her pet’s tail too.

MONSTER HIGH DOLLS

Monster High Draculaura And Clawd Wolf Doll ($27.99 on Amazon) are the hottest new couple at Monster High. Draculaura is the daughter of everyone’s favorite vampire Dracula while Clawd Wolf is the offspring of none other than the infamous Werewolf. Clawd Wolf is not only captain of the Monster High Football team but he can drive too which makes him even more popular. Because of their couple status these two are sold as a set.

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!

ROCK STAR MICKEY

Disney's Rock Star Mickey ($48.50 on Amazon) is no ordinary rock star. When you press his right foot, he'll give an energetic performance of the classic rock tune, "You Really Got Me," during which he'll kick out all his best moves. After he's done, press his right foot again to see a lively performance of his "M to the I Rock Star Remix." During both these performances, he captures the energy of true rock n' roll while putting in his own clever, mouse-style lyrics.  You can also play Mickey's Rock Star Guitar($17.59 on Amazon) along with Rock Star Mickey and really get your jam on!