Hot Toys of 2006

Hot Toys of 2006 for Preschoolers

It is so much fun to shop for the preschool set. Whether you opt for fun, entertaining playthings or you prefer educational learning tools, you'll have plenty of choices this year. Here are our favorites.

Baby Alive

Dolls have come a long way! No longer content with inanimate dollies to cuddle and snuggle, today's girls want lifelike dolls. If the girl in your life is yearning for a real baby, you've found it in Baby Alive. This amazing doll actually eats, drinks, poops, talks, and sleeps. She comes with her own food, bottle, and cup, but you will want to stock up on extra diapers! Baby Alive is ideal for kids from ages 3 to 6.

Power Wheels Harley-Davidson Motorcycle

Now your preschooler can have his own hog! This 12 volt battery-operated motorcyce can reach speeds of 5 miles per hour going forward and 2.5 miles per hour in reverse. This fun speed machine is made for use on both hard surfaces and grass. Power Wheels recommends this toy for kids aged 3 to 6 and up to 65 pounds. Of course, adult supervision is always required.

TMX Elmo

TMX Elmo is one of the hottest of the hot toys of 2006. This version retains all the giggly fun of the original Tickle Me Elmo, but takes it up several notches. TMX Elmo escalates into hysterical laughter, slapping himself and falling all the while. Although the recommended age range is 18 months to 4 years, LoveToKnow Kids recommends this item for kids of at least 2. The hyper animation is overwhelming for some infants and toddlers.

Recommendations for Elementary-Aged Kids

Fur Real Friends Plush Pony

So, your kids want a horse, but you live in the city. What's a caring parent to do? Hasbro has an answer in the form of Fur Real Friends Butterscotch Interactive Plush Pony. This cuddly, cute horse responds happily to voice and touch. It even "eats" carrots. What's more, kids can sit on the 20" X 39" X 42" pony and it will bounce. Butterscotch has lifelike sounds and movements, although some people complain of a loud motorlike sound. This toy is appropriate for kids aged 4 to 12.

Amazing Allysen

Amazing Allysen is perfect for the girl who is seeking an around-the-clock, always available best friend. This doll is interactive, and even learns to recognize voices. Even more impressive, Allysen is fully programmable and actually "remembers" details about her young friend, such as nicknames, hobbies, likes, and dislikes. She is also capable of carrying on limited conversations. Amazing Allysen is appropriate for kids ages 5 to 8.

Cranium Mega Fort

What kid doesn't love forts? Mega Fort by Cranium allows kids to construct their own large forts-- or castles, playhouses, tunnels, or... whatever they imagine! Consisting of multiple bases, foam tubes, wall panels, floor panels, and magnetic connectors, Mega Fort has hundreds of possible configurations. Even better, it can be reconfigured as imagination and pretend play dictate. While this item is recommended for ages 4 and up, kids well into elementary school will still find it fun and entertaining.

Hot Toys of 2006 for Tweens and Teens

Shopping for tweens and teens can sometimes be difficult, but not this year. There are several hot toys of 2006 geared specifically towards this age group.

Lego Mindstorms NXT

If you think your teenager is too old for learning toys, then you haven't seen the Lego Mindstorms NXT! Don't be fooled by the name-- this isn't your typcial Lego. This fascinating toy allows kids and teens to build and program their own robots. Using an intuitive, drag-and-drop interface, users can create an interactive robot that responds to sounds and lights. Lego Mindstorms comes with a price tag of $249, but the learning opportunities are priceless.

Razor Pocket Mod Miniature Euro-Style Electric Scooter

If your preteen or young teen is itching for her own wheels, check out the Razor Pocket Mod Miniature Euro-style Electric Scooter. The neutral color and sleek styling will appeal to both boys and girls. This retro-style scooter reaches speeds of 15 miles per hour, and can travel 10 miles at a time. It is intended for kids aged 12 and up and up to 220 pounds. For safety reasons, this scooter should not be driven on streets or around cars.