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BY JERRY MILANI
NEWJERSEYNEWSROOM.COM
If you are looking to get an early jump on holiday shopping, Gareb Shamus has the list for you. This week the publisher of FunFare Magazine released its 11th annual Holiday Hot Dozen, a sampling of the hottest toys for the upcoming holiday season.
FunFare selects the annual list after input from children, adults and industry executives on over 600 toys and video games, and then breaks the list down by category to come up with what kids will be looking for come December.
The Hot Dozen looks at toys not just for price range. It factors in durability and the ability for kids to return to play with the items over time, so that the purchase has shelf life.
"Kids will look at a toy or a game and if it is marketed so well, it becomes a must purchase," Shamus said. "That's all well and good, but we factor in what happens to the toy after the first day ... will kids keep playing with it and will it be passed down? Those factors are important in these tough times, and that's why we look at toys and brands for their longevity as much as the initial cost and flash factor."The Bergen County resident and his team at FunFare, a leading consumer magazine for kids and their parents about toys, games and hobbies, have made a science out of the successful prediction of the best toys for over a decade, and see this year's list, which has a mix of traditional toys and some on the high end, as the most comprehensive to date.
"There is something on the Hot Dozen for everyone, and we think both the magazine and the list will surpass everyone's expectations this season," Shamus added. The full breakdown of the list, as well as additional toys that fell just short of the Hot Dozen can be seen at www.FunFareNow.com.
The list for 2009 includes:
7n1 Maxus Drago Bakugan: Bakugan is a mega-hot collectable toy game. Hot=fire. Fire=dragons. We see where Spin Master is coming from with this impressive monster, made up of six Bakugan traps plus a Dragonoid Bakugan. Play them individually or combine them into Maxus ... either way, this is one dragon who'll be flying off shelves this season. Ages 5+, $39.99, Spin Master.
Crayon Town: Crayons pull double duty in this new line, co-developed by Crayola. In Crayon Town, those little waxy wonders color and build the world! Once kids decorate and fold the various buildings, they can add accessories to their crayons, transforming them into animals, trees or even road signs. Available in Neighborhood, Horse-Ranch, Airport, Zoo, and Construction-Site themes. Ages 3+, $9.99+, Wild Planet.
Disney Netpal: This netbook computer packs a powerful PC into a backpack-friendly package designed especially for kids (and parents' peace of mind). Available in either Princess Pink or Disney Magic Blue, the Netpal features an easy-to-use Disney interface, robust parental control options and dozens of Disney widgets and apps. (Translation: it's a small computer after all, but it's got everything you need for a complete Disney experience.) Ages 6+, $349.99, Disney Consumer Products/ASUS.
Girl Gourmet Sweets Candy Jewelry Factory: If you're looking for a toy that can multi-task, this foodie fashion factory takes the cake ... er, candy. Design your own candy? Check. Bake your own candy? Check. Make cool necklaces, bracelets and rings out of candy? Check. Eat the candy? You better believe that's a check. Forget whatever's on the runways this season ... candy is the new black. Ages 8+, $29.99, Jakks Pacific.
