Gift Guides, Events and Holiday Cheer

2012 Toy Gift Guide

Here's our guide to get that special little tike the perfect gift this season.

By Patrick Hickey Jr.
|  Monday, Dec 24, 2012  |  Updated 9:05 AM EDT
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Furby, debuted in 1981 and sold over 40 million units in the world but this new version allows you to use an iPhone or iPad to take care of it.

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While everyone enjoys Christmas, it's ultimately a holiday that thrives on the happiness of children. From remote-controlled helicopters and tablets to the latest video games, kids these days have eclectic tastes. Quite the difference from the days of Teddy Ruxpin.

Here's our guide to get that special little tike the perfect gift this season.

Furby: This is not your '90s Furby. This one interacts with your iPod touch, iPad and iPhone and comes with a free app so you can play games with it and even feed it. Fear not you digitally defunct parents, there's still plenty to do with the toy without the app.

Boo: If you've seen the adorable pup on Facebook, you know your little one will find her just as charming. At nine inches tall, it's extremely close to the same size as the dog and is extremely lifelike.

Nerf Firevision Football: This makes a great gift for a younger football fan or even a teen. Armed with a pair of glasses that will allow you to see the ball in the dark, the Firevision football makes sure the fun never has to stop. Even cooler, there are different color glasses, so kids can coordinate their own teams for an even cooler experience.

LeapPad2 Explorer: Is your youngin' addicted to your iPad? Why not get them a tablet of their own? This one however will help them learn and comes prepackaged with tons of apps with games and learning exercises. Acting as a playful distraction, it plays music and video, and has a front and back camera to take photos and record video.


Air Hogs R/C Heli Replay: Radio-controlled helicopters are extremely expensive in hobby shops, but Airhogs makes durable products that can be flown anywhere in the house and outside. This helicopter turns your smart phone into your remote and makes for a great first experience into model aviation for children of all ages. It's also something adults will enjoy playing with.

Remote Control Machines: Another great gift for kids of all ages, Thames and Kosmos' radio controlled machines allow you to make your own remote controlled, well, anything. Using your imagination and a box full of small motors and building pieces, you can create a bulldozer, car, three-wheeler, crane, antique car, plow, folding car, formula one racer, three-blade dozer, and even a robotic arm. The set is also compatible with the company's previous kits, making it perfect for family to buy expansions.

GIFT GUIDE: DVDS FOR THE KIDS

Skylanders Giants Starter Pack: This isn't your normal video game. Accessible on a console, on the web and mobile, it's essentially the closest thing to a Massively Multiplayer Role-Playing Game a child could have. Figures, placed on a stand, come alive on the television screen. With a plethora of figures and characters, there are limitless ways to play.

Y-Volution YFliker F1 Scooter: This is one cool scooter. Coming in a variety of colors and sporting a sturdy three-wheel design, it'll keep your kids outside and active.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Secret Sewer Lair Playset:
This is simply a mammoth toy set. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles are back in a huge way and this set will allow your kids to have their imagination run wild at the Turtles' home. For those '80s babies, it's also a fun way to reconnect with your favorite childhood superheroes and share the fun with your kids.

WWE Brawlin' Buddies: Wrestling isn't the safest thing for your kids to do, but these soft, cuddly versions of their favorite WWE Superstars will make wrasslin' a walk in the park. The dolls even speak their signature catchphrases and "battle sounds."

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Posted Dec 14, 2012
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