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Holidays' 'Hot Dozen' Toys
Parents take note: The "official" list of the hottest toys for the 2003 holiday season has been unveiled.
Find the perfect gift on any budget. Shop by price at KBtoys.com
Visit the Internet's Largest Christmas Store click here.
Holidays' 'hot dozen' toys
Barbie, Care Bears, Hokey Pokey Elmo and My Little Pony among this year's 'must-have' playthings.
October 8, 2003: 11:35 AM EDT
By Parija Bhatnagar, CNN/Money Staff Writer
NEW YORK (CNN/Money) - Parents take note: The "official" list of the hottest toys for the 2003 holiday season was unveiled Wednesday and Barbie in Swan Lake, Hokey Pokey Elmo and My Little Pony all made the cut.
The top picks featured in Toy Wishes magazine's annual round-up of this year's top toys were announced at a joint Toy Industry Association (TIA) and Toy Wishes media-only event in New York City.
For the first time since its debut four years ago, the much-anticipated "Hot Dozen" is in fact a "Baker's Dozen" with 13 winners. Judging by the selection, industry watches say toymakers are betting on a few golden oldies to boost sagging sales.
The business of toys hasn't been all that fun lately, with the $20 billion industry struggling to grow sales for the past three years.
"Toy manufacturers have brought back proven hits this year because it's less risky than betting on something new," said toy consultant Chris Byrne.
Hokey Pokey Elmo
For example, last year Mattel (MAT: Research, Estimates)'s Elmo was doing the Chicken Dance. This year it's the Hokey Pokey Elmo. He's red and furry, sings the classic song -- and actually does the dance.
Hasbro (HAS: Research, Estimates) is anticipating a joy ride of profitability all over again with its My Little Pony collection. The company introduced 12 new ponies as part of its 2003 collection. Hasbro had discontinued the toy line in 1992.
Toy Wishes rates the My Little Pony Celebration Castle as a hot item this year.
And remember the Care Bears? The '80s icon is back this year with its BedTime Lullaby Bear among the baker's dozen.
Getting back to the future, critics also like a few technology-based toys such as Thinkway Toys' Neopets line of interactive toys based on the hugely popular Neopets Web site and Leapfrog's (LF: Research, Estimates) LeapPad and Leapster educational game system.
Finally, you just can't ignore Barbie. Mattel's Barbie as Odette in the ballet "Swan Lake" gets the thumbs up for Christmas as does the Barbie "Cook With Me Kitchen" playset.
Toy Wishes co-publisher Jim Silver said he's optimistic toy sales will grow in the crucial fourth quarter, which typically accounts for two-thirds of the year's total.
"Sales in the last eight months were quite weak compared to last year because we didn't have blockbuster movies like 'Spiderman' or 'Star Wars,'" Silver said. "But with the economy improving somewhat, a stronger back-to-school season and strong sales of retro, educational and girls' toys, the fourth quarter could be the best we've had since 2000."
Barbie "Cook with Me" Kitchen
($129.99/Ages 3 years and up)
Chef Barbie's voice guides kids through all kinds of make-believe cooking fun in this fully electronic kitchen.
Maker: KIDdesigns
Barbie in Swan Lake
($19.99/Ages 3 years and up)
Barbie is back in another starring role as Odette in the ballet "Swan Lake."
Maker: Mattel
BTR Transformers
($7.99-$29.99/Ages 6 years and up)
BTR stands for "Built to rule." With the Tranformers sets, kids can build vehicles that convert to robots.
Maker: Hasbro
Care Bears Bedtime Lullaby Bear
($24.99/Ages 3 years and up)
When you hug Bedtime Bear, his tummy glows and he plays a lullaby. He also has a battery-powered nightlight.
Maker: Play Along
Formal Funk Runway Disco
($99.99/Ages 5 years and up)
It's a playset disco with real working lights and a special area for dressing up. It also features a motorized runway and the newest member of the Bratz Pack dolls -- Nevra.
Maker: MGA Entertainment
Hokey Pokey Elmo
($29.99/Ages 18 months and up)
He's red and furry, sings the classic song and actually does the dance.
Maker: Fisher-Price (Mattel Inc.)
LeapPad Plus Writing Learning System
($59.99/Ages 4-8 years)
The dual function stylus really writes. There are more than 60 different titles in the LeapPad Library.
Maker: LeapFrog
Leapster Educational Game System
($79.99/Ages 4-8 years)
The touch-activated screen and games are designed to help children learn 60 essential basic skills.
Maker: LeapFrog
My Little Pony Celebration Castle
($39.99/Ages 3 years and up)
There's lights, music, a heart-shaped arch, balcony, and a pony-sized hot air balloon. The castle also comes with the Pink Sunsparkle Pony.
Maker: Hasbro
McDonald's McFlurry Maker
($24.99/Ages 6 and up)
Kids can combine the ingredients, add in whatever extras they want, then turn the handle to create a McFlurry.
Maker: Spin Master
Powertouch Learning System
($49.99/Ages 3-8 years)
This interactive educational system helps kids learn by touching pictures and interacting with the books.
Maker: Fisher-Price (Mattel Inc.)
BeyBlade Remote Control Top with Launcher
($34.99/Ages 8 years and up)
Kids can launch one of four different tops and use the handheld remote to control the top's spin direction and speed.
Maker: Hasbro
Find the perfect gift on any budget. Shop by price at KBtoys.com
Visit the Internet's Largest Christmas Store click here.
Parents take note: The "official" list of the hottest toys for the 2003 holiday season has been unveiled.
Find the perfect gift on any budget. Shop by price at KBtoys.com
Visit the Internet's Largest Christmas Store click here.
Holidays' 'hot dozen' toys
Barbie, Care Bears, Hokey Pokey Elmo and My Little Pony among this year's 'must-have' playthings.
October 8, 2003: 11:35 AM EDT
By Parija Bhatnagar, CNN/Money Staff Writer
NEW YORK (CNN/Money) - Parents take note: The "official" list of the hottest toys for the 2003 holiday season was unveiled Wednesday and Barbie in Swan Lake, Hokey Pokey Elmo and My Little Pony all made the cut.
The top picks featured in Toy Wishes magazine's annual round-up of this year's top toys were announced at a joint Toy Industry Association (TIA) and Toy Wishes media-only event in New York City.
For the first time since its debut four years ago, the much-anticipated "Hot Dozen" is in fact a "Baker's Dozen" with 13 winners. Judging by the selection, industry watches say toymakers are betting on a few golden oldies to boost sagging sales.
The business of toys hasn't been all that fun lately, with the $20 billion industry struggling to grow sales for the past three years.
"Toy manufacturers have brought back proven hits this year because it's less risky than betting on something new," said toy consultant Chris Byrne.
Hokey Pokey Elmo
For example, last year Mattel (MAT: Research, Estimates)'s Elmo was doing the Chicken Dance. This year it's the Hokey Pokey Elmo. He's red and furry, sings the classic song -- and actually does the dance.
Hasbro (HAS: Research, Estimates) is anticipating a joy ride of profitability all over again with its My Little Pony collection. The company introduced 12 new ponies as part of its 2003 collection. Hasbro had discontinued the toy line in 1992.
Toy Wishes rates the My Little Pony Celebration Castle as a hot item this year.
And remember the Care Bears? The '80s icon is back this year with its BedTime Lullaby Bear among the baker's dozen.
Getting back to the future, critics also like a few technology-based toys such as Thinkway Toys' Neopets line of interactive toys based on the hugely popular Neopets Web site and Leapfrog's (LF: Research, Estimates) LeapPad and Leapster educational game system.
Finally, you just can't ignore Barbie. Mattel's Barbie as Odette in the ballet "Swan Lake" gets the thumbs up for Christmas as does the Barbie "Cook With Me Kitchen" playset.
Toy Wishes co-publisher Jim Silver said he's optimistic toy sales will grow in the crucial fourth quarter, which typically accounts for two-thirds of the year's total.
"Sales in the last eight months were quite weak compared to last year because we didn't have blockbuster movies like 'Spiderman' or 'Star Wars,'" Silver said. "But with the economy improving somewhat, a stronger back-to-school season and strong sales of retro, educational and girls' toys, the fourth quarter could be the best we've had since 2000."
Barbie "Cook with Me" Kitchen
($129.99/Ages 3 years and up)
Chef Barbie's voice guides kids through all kinds of make-believe cooking fun in this fully electronic kitchen.
Maker: KIDdesigns
Barbie in Swan Lake
($19.99/Ages 3 years and up)
Barbie is back in another starring role as Odette in the ballet "Swan Lake."
Maker: Mattel
BTR Transformers
($7.99-$29.99/Ages 6 years and up)
BTR stands for "Built to rule." With the Tranformers sets, kids can build vehicles that convert to robots.
Maker: Hasbro
Care Bears Bedtime Lullaby Bear
($24.99/Ages 3 years and up)
When you hug Bedtime Bear, his tummy glows and he plays a lullaby. He also has a battery-powered nightlight.
Maker: Play Along
Formal Funk Runway Disco
($99.99/Ages 5 years and up)
It's a playset disco with real working lights and a special area for dressing up. It also features a motorized runway and the newest member of the Bratz Pack dolls -- Nevra.
Maker: MGA Entertainment
Hokey Pokey Elmo
($29.99/Ages 18 months and up)
He's red and furry, sings the classic song and actually does the dance.
Maker: Fisher-Price (Mattel Inc.)
LeapPad Plus Writing Learning System
($59.99/Ages 4-8 years)
The dual function stylus really writes. There are more than 60 different titles in the LeapPad Library.
Maker: LeapFrog
Leapster Educational Game System
($79.99/Ages 4-8 years)
The touch-activated screen and games are designed to help children learn 60 essential basic skills.
Maker: LeapFrog
My Little Pony Celebration Castle
($39.99/Ages 3 years and up)
There's lights, music, a heart-shaped arch, balcony, and a pony-sized hot air balloon. The castle also comes with the Pink Sunsparkle Pony.
Maker: Hasbro
McDonald's McFlurry Maker
($24.99/Ages 6 and up)
Kids can combine the ingredients, add in whatever extras they want, then turn the handle to create a McFlurry.
Maker: Spin Master
Powertouch Learning System
($49.99/Ages 3-8 years)
This interactive educational system helps kids learn by touching pictures and interacting with the books.
Maker: Fisher-Price (Mattel Inc.)
BeyBlade Remote Control Top with Launcher
($34.99/Ages 8 years and up)
Kids can launch one of four different tops and use the handheld remote to control the top's spin direction and speed.
Maker: Hasbro
Find the perfect gift on any budget. Shop by price at KBtoys.com
Visit the Internet's Largest Christmas Store click here.
Comments
Jill wrote:
MIGHTY BEANZ are the hottest thing this year - don't underestimate these small but fun and collectible toys!!!!
11/17/03 00:50:15
Carrie wrote:
When selecting a toy, Age appropriateness should not be finalized by the box. Allow yourself to judge the toy for yourself and the developmental level of your child. Parents/Guardians know if their child is above or below the average.
11/19/03 15:37:13
Tracey wrote:
I Have investigated three Wal-marts in our area. Things that are already out of Stock: Strawberry Shortcake. The Medium size Dolls, Nascar Bobbleheads, This new Video Player,None on the Shelf.
The Videos are of Spongebob and Fairy Godparents, also Hilary Video. The Diva Boombox, Gone. The New Diva Lip~ Phone.
Dora Electronic Bingo Game.Hot, Hot, Hot! Oh, Finally, the Neopets Large Electronic Game, Swiped from the Shelves. I Saw a Huge Amount of The So Called Hot Items Stacked in Large Amounts Still On the Shelves????
The Videos are of Spongebob and Fairy Godparents, also Hilary Video. The Diva Boombox, Gone. The New Diva Lip~ Phone.
Dora Electronic Bingo Game.Hot, Hot, Hot! Oh, Finally, the Neopets Large Electronic Game, Swiped from the Shelves. I Saw a Huge Amount of The So Called Hot Items Stacked in Large Amounts Still On the Shelves????
11/19/03 19:17:38
