“I love the smell of play dough in the morning,” one mom exclaimed in a Toys R Us commercial. Christmas shopping can be a lot like war: a time to fight the dangerous moms in the toy aisle.
A few years ago, the Tickle Me Elmo flew off the shelves. They sold in newspapers and ebay for hundreds, and even thousands of dollars. This year the Tickle Me Elmo is back on the top of kids’ wish lists. This time he is labeled the “Extreme” Tickle Me Elmo.
Furby is making his way back to the top of children’s Christmas lists this year too. This interactive fluffy alien interacts with kids and other Furbys. Kids can teach the Furby to speak English and to do tricks. He talks, moves and even snores when he sleeps.
A similar toy that is making a comeback in 2006 is the Tomogachi. This egg shaped digital pet teaches kids how to care for the real thing. In 1997, Tomogachis were a huge craze. This year is expected to be no different. The new model has a larger screen, better graphics and new animation. Kids are going crazy for the new and improved digital pet.
New to the top toy list this year is the Thomas the Train ride-on engine. This is a great gift for small children. Thomas makes sounds and moves along his track. Toddlers are feel like they are really riding into Shining Time Station. But enough about kids. Let’s get to the goodies for adults.
College students are not being subtle or beating around the bush about what they want for Christmas this year. By far the most asked for gift among teens and college students are MP3 players, more specifically, the iPod. You can store all your music and media files in these slender little mini computers.
The iPod Nano is by far the most popular of the iPod generations. However, there is a new gadget in town, made by Microsoft, the Zune. It has all the same features as Apple’s iPod but includes more features, such as wireless Internet, the ability to send songs to other Zune owners, as well as connections to hook up music and videos to your TV so that you may allow others to enjoy your taste in music. It has been selling fast in stores, and it is actually the same price as an iPod.
Following close behind the iPod are laptops. The convenience of a computer in your backpack certainly makes college life a little easier. Companies like Apple and Dell can custom-make a computer to fit any student’s needs.TV on DVD sets are always a big hit. Those that do not have the luxury of Tivo, or just really like their favorite TV series, can now own entire seasons or even complete series of their favorite shows on DVD. Family Guy, Will and Grace, The Office, Friends and Seinfeld are among the most popular DVD sets.
The most talked about gifts, and certainly among the most expensive, are the Sony PS3 and the Nintendo Wii. These new video game consoles sell for nearly $600 in stores, with games costing up to $90 each. Regardless of the cost, these consoles are no doubt one of the hottest selling items this Christmas season.
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