We’ve just put the finishing touches on our 2011 Hot Christmas Toy insider reviews. We hope that you can use this guide to help figure you out which gifts to buy your child. So, without further ado, here’s our list of 2011 hot Christmas toys.

Babies and Toddlers 0-2 Years Of Age

Topping the 2011 hot Christmas toys list for the youngest children is Let’s Rock Elmo, which will teach your child to sing with Elmo and play along with toy musical instruments. There’s also the ever popular Pocoyo Swiggle Traks set, the Elefun Busy Ball Popper and the Little People Zoo Talkers Zoo that’ll help your child learn more about different animals and what they sound like.

Youngsters 3-5 Years Of Age

There are plenty of choices for this age bracket, and one of the highlights is the Plasma Bike. This is a balance bike that’ll help kids develop those vital balance skills, but without yet having to worry about pedaling or using training wheels.

Aside from the Plasma Bike, other recommendations include:
* The LeapPad Explorer,
* Chuggington Interactive Railway,
* Lazer Stunt Chaser,
* Mini Lalaloopsy Treehouse,
* Lite Sprites.

Children 6-8 Years Of Age

For children who are a little older, things get even more fun. One gift that’ll prove fun for the whole family is the Redakai Championship Tin – a starter kit for the popular game that comes with basic and advanced levels for kids and adults alike. Or maybe you’ve got an Angry Birds fan in the house? No matter how old they are, the new Angry Birds plush toys are bound to be appreciated.

Other hot toy predictions for this age bracket include:
* Justin Bieber Rockin’ Tour Bus And Concert Stage,
* Nerf Vortex Proton Blaster,
* Radica Fijit Friends,
* Skylanders Spyro’s Adventure.

Kids 9 Years And Older

If you’re looking for a good gift for your tween then there are a couple of 2011 Hot Christmas Toy predictions that the whole family will be able to enjoy together. First is the uDraw Studio game and tablet for the Nintendo Wii, letting you draw directly onto the tablet into the game, with a range of different effects. Another good option is the WowWee Paper Jamz Pro Mic Series. These microphones are all about having fun, and add plenty of effects to your voice as you sing.

Other recommendations for hot tween gifts:
* Lego Alien Conquest: Alien Mothership,
* Scene It! Harry Potter trivia game.

When it comes to the hottest toys of the holiday season, nobody knows them better than the elves! Christmas toys for 2011 are many and varied, but there are definite standouts among the group. If you’d like to get the insider scoop on the different Christmas toys of the holiday season, be sure to read on!

For the little ones on your list, consider the LeapFrog LeapPad Explorer. This toy plays off of the popularity of the iPad in a child-friendly and educational package. It works with kids between the ages of 4 and 9, making this a toy to grow with. The Explorer contains a built in camera and video recorder as well as a touch screen and “apps” for kids to enjoy. The educational component of the toy is found in the 100+ cartridge games, apps, digital books, flash cards, and videos for the little ones to enjoy!

If you’ve got Dora fanatics on your Christmas toys 2011 list, be sure to check out the Dora Fiesta Favorites Kitchen. This fun kid-size kitchen toy allows your little ones to pick out recipes and listen to Dora recite the ingredients in English and Spanish. For food and fun and language training, you can’t beat the Dora Fiesta Favorites Kitchen!

Power Wheels stands as a constantly popular candidate in the field of toys. Children of any age are fascinated with cars – and what could be better than one that’s built entirely for kids? The Power Wheels Dune Racer is quickly taking first place when it comes to Christmas toys of 2011. The Dune Racer features extra thick and chunky wheels, which give the car superior traction, even on wet ground. It fits two people for extra-fun fantasy play – and there’s even a secret compartment under the hood to hide treasures in. As a parent, you have control over the speed of the Dune Racer – choose between a 2.5 or a 5mph maximum setting for the speed.

Budding photographers will go ape for the Kidizoom Spin & Smile Digital Camera. This fun toy is actually a 2.0 megapixel camera that allows the user to take and edit pictures as well as play games all on the same device. Kids will love playing with the picture editing program and putting fun stamps, borders, and effects on the picture. Sometimes the best Christmas toys for 2011 are the ones that are more like the adult toys!

Rock Star Mickey is sure to put a smile on the miniature musicians in your life. This fun toy allows the child to dance and move along with the Mouse. Grab his right foot and he’ll launch into a performance of “You’ve Really Got Me” which is sure to bring the house down! Mickey can also bust out some sweet guitar moves – like the Head-Bop, the Kick-Step, and even playing the guitar with his nose! Even better, if the child taps Mickey’s nose, the mouse shows them how to dance as well!

There are lots of choices out there on the market when it comes to finding Christmas toys for the 2011 season. But whether your children have been naughty or nice, the elves advise you to check out these popular toys when it comes to outfitting their wish lists for the holiday season!

When it comes to choosing the right toy for your kid, it is always best to get a toy that can cheer them up and they will not get bored with easily. If you want your children to have a sense of music, then give them the toy that can make them have the feel of music is a great idea. There are many cartoon figures that have become children best friends for a long time. These cartoon figures often come in real life through toys that can dance or play music. Elmo is a Muppet character that is children’s best friend. Elmo now comes in real life through Lets Rock Elmo product that will make your children very excited. They can have fun with it by singing and dancing along, or even playing the musical instrument.

Lets Rock Elmo is suitable for children aged 1,5 to 4. It comes with a microphone, a tambourine and a drum set. Once children turn the button on, he will start talking. Then children can put any instruments on his hands, and he will amazingly recognize the instrument and start playing it while singing and throwing his head back. Even more, your children can grab one of the instruments such keyboard or guitar, start playing it a bit, and Rock Elmo will recognize it by saying “You have a guitar!” and he will start singing and playing his instrument in accordance to the children’s instrument. However, those other instruments are sold separately. They are still affordable and worth buying, as your children might want to expand Rock Elmo’s current music instruments to some other instruments. You can save a lot of money by buying the Elmo’s music instruments one by one instead of buying them new toys. Surely your children will not get bored every time Rock Elmo plays his new instrument.

Playing with this toy can also benefit your children in many ways. First of all, your children will be encouraged to use their motor skills, such as dancing, playing the music instruments, as well jumping up and down. Later, they might be motivated to begin learning how to play music instruments or even how to sing properly. Rock Elmo will also teach children about manner, as he always says “thank you” every time the children gives him new instrument, giving the children a good example. Children will certainly follow what their heroes do.

It cannot be denied that all of us underwent childhood and we experienced playing different types of toys not only to while our time but also to learn different things.

Regardless of gender and race, kids love toys because it is where they can freely express themselves, where they can mingle with other children and where they can learn new things. What do you think children’s world would be without toys? Would it be colorful and fun for them? At this stage in their life, toys are not only medium to have fun, but they are considered part of their needs apart from food, shelter, nutrition, care and love. It is for these reasons that parents should choose toys wisely for their children to ensure that they will grow to become the best person they can be.

If you want your children to play and to learn at the same time, then you should choose quality, durable and safe educational toys for them. These toys are not just made to occupy their vacant time and to play with, but it also teaches them basic things like shapes, colors, sizes, numbers and many more. These toys even assist children in the development of their motor, social, emotional, creative, learning and cognitive skills. Bear in mind that this is one crucial stage in children’s lives because it is when they learn skills which will help them deal with the real situation in life. Since it is one important step in their total development, you should not be satisfied with what is available in stores only, but should look for the best that money can buy.

Advantages of play to children

Results of studies show that children 5 years old and below is the most crucial stage in development because it is when they learn to grasp new things, ideas and skills faster. Play paves the way for the healthy development of your kids’ brain, imagination, emotions and dexterity. It helps develop their resiliency, competency and confidence in facing future problems and challenges in life. It also develops their behavior, helps conquer fears and enhances their learning and problem solving abilities.

Because of the benefits of play to children, parents should choose toys carefully. Below are suggestions on how to choose the right toys for your kids.

• Be sure to select toys which are right for your child’s age. Before paying the toys, be sure to read product packaging to ensure that the toy you have chosen are suitable for the age of your child.
• Avoid giving toys to children that contains small and detachable parts to avoid the danger of choking and swallowing.
• Be sure to understand and follow the warning written on the package.
• Be an educated and informed consumer. Be aware of the latest news about product recalls and chemicals found in toys which are detrimental to children’s health.
• Before paying toy in the cashier, be sure to double-check the product for any damage and broken parts.

By considering the suggestions mentioned beforehand, you are guided on how to buy the right toys for your beloved child.

The Power Wheels Dune Racer is one of the greatest children’s ride in vehicles to date. Designed for kids between the ages of 36 months to 7 years old, this vehicle has everything a child will love. Safety concerns are kept to a minimum for parents who may be concerned with the vehicle toppling over, and harming their child. This ride stays very low to the ground, has a bar on each side, and even features a seat belt for them to wear. The racer can seat two people, and is very roomy with its open design. They even added a storage area under the hood for your child to store their treasures they find, and pick up along the ride.

What’s also great about the Dune Racer is that it can go almost anywhere with no problems. With the big tires, and Power Wheels Monster Traction, your child can take this beast over anything they see. Gravel, mud, and even wet grass won’t stop the Dune Racer from moving forward. If anything big gets in their way, they also have the option to place the vehicle in reverse. Another cool feature this toy offers is the speed. Older toy cars would crawl at a snail’s pace, and get stuck over anything they came across. Not the Power Wheels Dune Racer! This vehicle allows your child to go from 2.5 mph to 5 mph in drive, and 2.5 mph in reverse. A significant increase from the older, slower cars, you may remember. Don’t be alarmed though parents, because 5mph is still a very safe speed for your child to cruise along at. Also, you can lock-out the higher speed option for smaller children and beginners.

There are not many gripes floating around about this car. The most common issue in the past were with the batteries, and always having to charge them and/or buy new ones. Once again, the Power Wheels Dune Racer has solved this problem. A 12-volt battery and charger come included with the car, and from past reviews, people agree that it is both long lasting and quickly rechargeable. Yet, another great feature that Power Wheels has accomplished successfully. The Dune Racer will require some assembly. Expect to spend at least a half an hour putting it together.
Here is a rundown of the potentially good vs bad when it comes to the Power Wheels Dune Racer.

Good
- Hours of fun for a wide age range
- Seats 2 people at a time
- Long lasting battery
- As safe as they come
- Can drive over any terrain with ease

Bad
- Battery will need to be recharged occasionally
- Still a moving vehicle, and safety must be used. Parental supervision
- Expensive?
- Assembly required – 30-45 minutes

If you’re searching for the perfect gift to wow your child this Christmas, you have found it. Fun for a variety of ages, parents will enjoy watching their children ride along with big smiles across their faces. Safe, reliable, and full of fun features, the Power Wheels Dune Racer should be your go to vehicle of choice this year for your child.

Looking for the hottest toys for Christmas 2011?

There are a lot of new toys expected to debut this year, along with some throw backs from last year that are sure to be very popular. A few new toys that will be stocking the shelves for Christmas 2011 include:

• The Wow! Stuff’s My Keepon
• The PS 3 Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception bundle
• The new Leapfrog LeapPad Learning Tablet
• Fijit Friends by Mattel
• New Lego sets including the Prisoner Transport, Star Wars’ Millennium Falcon, and sets based on the hit Disney Movie, Cars 2

The My Keepon dancing robot has a tiny microphone in his nose that allows him to hear music. He then detects the tempo and rhythm of the song and does an original dance each time.

The Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception video game for the PlayStation 3 was newly released this fall after much anticipation. There is expected to be a special holiday bundle available this Christmas that includes the PS 3 console and Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception.

It is sure to among the hottest toys for Christmas 2011.

The new Leapfrog LeapPad Learning Tablet makes kids AND parents very happy. It is not only TONS of fun for kids with all of its features, but it also has over one hundred educational games, apps, and e-books, which makes it a winner with parents too.

The Fijit friends are topping the charts because of their unique ability to interact with kids. Poke their bellies or speak to them to ‘wake them up’ for an exciting time of dancing, playing games, and other fun surprises. It is very intriguing to watch their body and head movements.

Lego has come up with some new sets for the holiday season including the new Lego City Prisoner Transport that complements the Lego City Police Station. The Legos Star Wars line will also be a huge hit with the 2.5′ New Millennium Falcon leading the way. It is much bigger and better than the previous model and is predicted to be a real pleaser for all the Star Wars’ fans.

These are only a few of the hottest toys for Christmas 2011, there are several others that are just as exciting as the ones listed here, if not even more exciting.

Often times it is not complicated to find the hottest toys, but it is another story altogether choosing the right ones when it comes to Christmas shopping.

The difficulty is in not having all of the necessary information you need to make a wise decision.

Before settling on these or any other toy, be sure you know everything you need to know to make good use of the dollars you spend.

The last thing we want as parents is to see any disappointment on the faces of our little ones on Christmas morning.

From the beginning, Nerf’s foam dart guns were marketed for kids 8 years-old and up, but the success of their new 2010 series of N-Strike blasters showed that their market included older kids too. They saw the popularity and organization of team Nerf gun contests and tournaments as an indication that Nerf buyers were ready for something new, and their new Vortex Series Nerf guns seem to be just what older, (and younger), Nerf kids were waiting for. If you have a Nerf kid on your Christmas list – you have to check out these new blasters.

The most major change was the ammo. The Vortex series guns use small foam and rubber disks, rather than the traditional foam darts, and they also have XLR, (extra long range), a technology that increase their range to almost twice that of even the best N-Strike blaster of Christmas 2010.

Add motorized full-auto fire capability, and you have the Vortex Nitron -the Top Dog of the Vortex series. Nerf game play will never be the same, and the Nitron is the top pick of serious Nerf kids.

The Vortex Series Nerf Guns

Nerf has introduced four models in the Vortex series for 2011. Two rifle-style blasters; the Nitron and the Praxis, and two pistols; the Vigilon and the Proton. All use the new disk ammo.

The Vortex Nitron

The Nitron is the Big Dog of the Vortex family. It has the most of everything; longest range, biggest magazine capacity, motorized full-auto capability, and an electronic scope that even has pulsing light for targeting. It also includes Nerf’s updated Tactical Rail System, which makes adding accessories and customizations easier.

The Vortex Praxis

The Praxis doesn’t have full-auto firing, but it makes up for that in a big way with its own special features. It is a pump-action blaster that has a feature Nerf calls Slam-Fire – that enables it to shoot as fast as you can pump it. Its power and range are equal to the Nitron’s, and it also includes the updated Tactical rail system, but it has more. The Praxis rifle stock can be removed to change the blaster’s profile, and there are more customizations available to make this the new Nerf gunthat is most adaptable to a player’s preferences.

The Vortex Vigilon

The Vigilon offers the most pistol-power available in any Nerf gun. It has a 5-disk magazine that features a drop down rapid-load design, and ultra easy and fast snap-in magazine changes to keep you in the thick of the action, when others might be stopping to reload their weapons.

The Vortex Proton

The Proton, another Nerf pistol, is the smallest of the Vortex series, and it is also a single-shooter -no rapid fire and no magazines. But that doesn’t mean the baby of this family doesn’t have its own merits. The smaller profile means it is better suited to be a back-up or hide-away weapon, something that can come in handy in team Nerf games, and it does have the same XLR technology that matches its range to that of the other Vortex series blasters.

Customer Reviews Say It All

The Vortex Nerf guns were targeted for the Christmas 2011 shopping season, with a planned September introduction, but some stores unveiled them in August – much to the glee of anxious Nerf kids, and the rave customer reviews flooded in.

You can see a more details about the hottest new Nerf gun Christmas gifts this year, complete with pictures, details, customer reviews, and direct links to some of the lowest prices available online at: New Nerf Guns for Christmas

Are you ready to rock and roll with Rock Star Mickey? Rock Star Mickey is the newest creation in Fisher Price’s impressive repertoire of interactive toys for kids. If you think this is a toy you might be interested in buying for your child, read my review to find out the good, the bad and where to find the best deal.

Rock Star Mickey certainly looks like a real rock star. Dressed in his trendy striped T-shirt, drain-pipe jeans, wearing sun glasses and clutching his electric guitar, cool Mickey can’t wait to dance, sing and play you some Rock and Roll on his guitar. All you have to do is press his right foot and he will perform these classic rock songs: “You Really Got Me” and “M to the I Rock Star Remix”

While he jams out he does the “Head-Bop”, the “Kick Step” and the “Mickey-Split”. He can even play the guitar with his nose! Just press Mickey’s nose and he will teach your kid how to do all these moves.

Rock Star Mickey. The Good

The interactive benefits of Rock Star Mickey are huge. When Mickey talks, sings and dances and plays the guitar, your kid will want to join in too!! Moreover many customers who had bought this Mickey felt that it was a safe toy. Made of high quality fabrics and plastics, it has no loose parts that could be pulled off by an over-zealous toddler and pose a choking hazard. It can stand-up to plenty of child’s play.

Rock Star Mickey. The Bad

As you would expect from a toy from Fisher Price, there is virtually nothing bad to say about it. Some customers who had bought this toy felt however, that since he only sings two songs, a kid could get bored of him quite quickly. Others felt too that the Rock Star theme was less appealing, especially for young kids. Be aware however, that there is no volume control, so parents needing a little peace and quiet would have to head for the on/off button at the back.

Where to Get the Best Deal

So to sum up, Rock Star Mickey is acute, adorable toy that will bring a smile to your child’s face and with which your kid can lots of fun and interact. Although he is 4 inches smaller than his cousin Dance Star Mickey, he is also cheaper too. There is no doubt that Big toy retailers such as Toys R Us,Target and Walmart will stock Rock Mickey. As Christmas approaches however and the stock runs low, you are better to look at the online stores. Apart from the obvious convenience of shopping online and how much time it saves, it is here that the best deals such as price discounts and free shipping can be found. One way to see some of the best deals online is to do a search under “Rock Star Mickey best deal” or to look at a comparison site such as Nextag.com. Amazon, the online giant, is certain to be there. It has an excellent reputation and offers an outstanding discount on Rock Star Mickey as well as free shipping. You can be sure not only that your purchase will arrive in time but that excellent customer services are available should there be any problems. For a small extra fee, you can even have it gift-wrapped!

Propelled by the release of their new movie, Cars 2 toys have raced to the finish-line of most “Top Toys for Boys” Christmas lists for 2011, and toy sellers are offering hundreds of different toys, but they can’t all be winners. Here are the 5 top-pick categories that have been the hottest selling and most asked for by Cars 2 kids in the U.S.

Favorite Cars 2 Movie Characters

Beating the competition by a car-length, Ol’ Mater wins the most-wanted Cars 2 character, kids love his personality, and the range of Ol’ Mater toys goes from beat-up jalopy to souped-up tow truck. Second place is held by Lightning McQueen, the sleek and fast race car with an attitude that kids love to mimic. Finishing as the third most favorite character, but only by a bumper, is Finn McMissle, a suave gadget loaded James Bond-type who saves the day more than once.

Die-Cast Cars and Trucks – The Top Cars 2 Toy Category

Die-cast car and truck toys are by far the most popular Cars 2 toys among all but the youngest kids. The standard 1:55 scale is the most popular, with the Mack Hauler Carry case being the ultimate Christmas gift for a Cars 2 kid, but some of the larger 1:24 scale toys are top-picks also.

Movie DVD and Video Game – The #2 Cars 2 Top Toy Category

If they don’t already have it, the Cars 2 movie DVD is a safe and obvious choice, the kids love watching it over and over. Video games are another part of this top category, from Cars 2 learning games on the LeapFrog Leapster, to movie-quality graphics on the Wii or Xbox games, gaming kids want these the most.

Sounds & Lights Vehicles – The #3 Cars 2 Top Toy Category

Lights! Action! Roll it! These larger, (1:24 scale), Cars 2 vehicles are the perfect choice for the 5 – 8 year-old kids. Not only are they big enough to be a play-alone rolling toy, but they also do stuff. Lights flash, they have sound effects, and the Finn McMissle car even has James Bond-type gadgets. These are toys that will keep them occupied with their own imagined Cars 2 world.

Cars 2 Track Sets – The #4 Cars 2 Top Toy Category

Cars 2 track sets are available for every age group – from the Fisher-Price Shake-n-Go track for preschoolers or the Tokyo Spin-out track for the 1:55 die-cast cars, to super-fast slot-car tracks for older racers. The top-selling sets for the category are the 1:55 die-cast car tracks. Cars 2 has licensed several track themes, like the mentioned Tokyo Spin-out, but there are others available to make your Christmas gift selection easier.

Cars 2 LEGO Sets – The #5 Cars 2 Top Toy Category

Cars 2 LEGO sets actually rank along with the #1 top picks if the kid on your Christmas list is a LEGO kid. They only round out the top 5 Cars 2 top toy categories because their small pieces are not suitable for younger kids. Older kids, especially LEGO kids, put Cars 2 LEGO sets right at the top of their must-have list for Christmas

So Many Cars 2 Toy Choices…

The selection of Cars 2 toys and gifts is enormous. It’s not just the types of toys in the top categories above, but also room décor, accessories, lighting, and bedding items, and school stuff, like; backpacks and lunch boxes, pencil toppers and note books, and on and on and…

To make your Cars 2 gift selection easier, and save money too – check out these top-rated must-have Cars 2 Toys, complete with pictures, details, customer reviews, and direct links to some of the lowest prices available online at: Cars 2 – Top Toys .