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The Hottest Toys for Christmas of 2012 (for boys, girls, babies, and pets!)

Who wants to know the Top Toys for Christmas 2012? Every year has its “gotta have” Christmas toys. You know, the one kids absolutely MUST have and parents travel to the ends of the Earth to track down. The one the news channels all report on while showing stock footage of holiday shoppers standing in impossibly long lines. The Christmas toys that sell on the black market for ten times the retail price because some people are insane and pay whatever it takes for a little holiday cheer.

History is full of examples of the best toys to find under the tree. In 1983, people went bonkers over the Cabbage Patch Kid. That frenzy was eclipsed 13 years later by an obnoxious little fellow named Tickle Me Elmo. In 1998, the Furby took the world by storm, followed by the Zhu Zhu Pet in 2009. (Noticing a trend yet? Impossibly cute = impossible to find.)

With those top toys in mind, I’ve take a little time to put together the following list of some of this year’s hottest Christmas gifts. These top 10 Christmas toys might not be the next Cabbage Patch Kid or Tickle Me Elmo, but guess what – that’s probably a good thing!

Top toy for the boy on your list (age 10 and up)

Hot Wheels RC Terrain Twister ($85 on Amazon) – Boys love remote controlled vehicles (and so do husbands!), and they’ll definitely love this thing. It moves forwards, backwards and sideways and can conquer just about any environment – from grass and snow to sand and even water. Yup, it’s a boat and a car.

Top toy for the boy on your list (under 10)

Jake and the Never Land Pirates Musical Pirate Ship Bucky ($41 on Amazon) – The hit Disney Jr. TV show has spawned all sorts of hot Christmas toys, but this one is certainly among the hottest. It rocks and rolls when it’s pushed along the floor and fires water ball projectiles from its cannon. Yes, your cat will officially become a target.

Top toy for the girl on your list (age 10 and up)

One Direction collector dolls ($19-$38 on Amazon) – One Direction is a British boy band that girls of all ages are head-over-heels in love with (think New Kids on the Block or N’Sync, but with irresistible British accents). These dolls don’t sing or dance (no batteries required!), but your daughter will love them nonetheless.

Top toy for the girl on your list (under 10)

Furby ($62-$73 on Amazon) – That’s right, 14 years after this adorable little critter burst onto the scene, it’s still on lists of the top 10 Christmas presents. According to the Furby manual, it speaks “Furbish,” but soon learns English. There’s even talk of an “Evil Furby” (he’s not really evil). This Furby toy responds to your voice or to music. It also responds when you pet its head, tickle its tummy, or pull its tail. How will your kids respond to the Furby? That’s easy, they’ll love it.

Sales reports are already showing that this years Furby will be one of the hottest selling toys for the year!

Skylanders Giants Plush toys are sure to make it to the top of this list for sure! I’ve already seen prices go up on Amazon. 28″ Spyro the Dragon Huge Plush Doll , Skylanders Plush Doll

Top toy for the baby on your list (part one)

Playschool Rocktivity Sit, Crawl, and Stand Band Activity Arch ($89 at Toys R Us and cash back with Ebates) – Turn your little one into a future rock star with this highly interactive and playful toy, which can be used by babies at all stages of mobility (sitting, crawling, and standing). The keyboard, drums and guitar will sharpen your baby’s coordination and fine motor skills, even if the music they make sounds a little like a bad heavy metal band.

Top toy for the baby on your list (part two)

V-Tech Learn & Dance Interactive Zoo ($20 at Toys R Us with cash back from Ebates) – At $20, this gift is priced perfectly if you’re shopping for someone else’s bundle of joy. It has lots of bright colors and plays short songs with the push of a button. Other movable parts will introduce babies to turtles, toucans, monkeys, and a world of adventure!

Top home made (FREE!) gift idea for boys

Treasure Soap (via Frugal Living) – Want to make bath time fun? The treasure soap is the answer! To make it, simply gather the ingredients to make soap and place a small trinket, like a rubber snake or a toy car, inside. Presto! Bath time is fun again.

Top home made (FREE!) gift idea for GIRLS

Denim Pocket Purse (via Frugal Living) – Before you throw away those old blue jeans, remove the decorative back pockets and use them to make these cute denim pocket purses. They’re super easy to make (no Martha Stewart skills necessary) and you can fill them with other fun goodies.

Top toy for the pet on your list (MEOW!)

Hagen Catit Design Senses Play Circuit ($10 on Amazon) – The curved track of the Play Circuit incorporates sight, sound and touch by allowing your kitty to chase and swat a ball for hours on end. I’m not sure who’s more entertained by this toy – the cat or the owner who gets to watch him go crazy over it.

Top toy for the pet on your list (WOOF!)

Smarter Toys IQ Treat Ball ($8 on Amazon) – This ball makes your pooch work for his treat, and teaches him a lesson along the way. As the ball rolls along the floor, your dog will learn the best way to get the treats out. The coolest thing about this toy? As he learns, you can adjust the difficulty level to keep him guessing and learning!