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Some of my top picks for Christmas 2007: the Eyeclops Handheld Bionic Eye and Singing Hannah Montana Doll

^{Posted by: CallMeMama}

Early bird catches the worm -- or in my case, the hottest new toy for Christmas. 

Other mamas might still be worrying about Thanksgiving, but at my house we are already thinking about December 25.  The Cheese Eater is already talking about his Christmas list, and whenever the Bald-Headed Monkey sees a new toy he'll look at me and say, "For Christmas?"  As for me, I like to spread out the financial expense of the holidays and I also try to avoid Toys 'R Us in the month of December.  So is it any wonder that there is a trash bag full of presents hidden in our garage?  No, not really.

Between my early shopping and careful attention to television commercials and magazine advertisements, I have made some predictions about what I think will be the hottest toys this holiday season. I must admit, I'm not a professional toy market analyst, but I do live with small children, which makes me a toy-buying expert.

Easy Link Internet Launch Pad from Fisher-Price
Age: 3+
Price: $30
Mama's Opinion:  This is ingenious!  The launch pad only allows your child to access their favorite games on the Internet safely.  With character "keys" like Elmo, Thomas, and Bob the Builder, you child will be locked into that website, blocking access to all other websites and the rest of your computer.  It comes with three characters and others come in packages of two for only $7.

GeoTrax from Fisher-Price
Age: 2 1/2+
Price: $50
Mama's Opinion: GeoTrax Rail and Road System has been around before, but has recently been updated and improved.  GeoTrax now includes "teams" like Dumpster, Hugh, and Vern, "The Stinkest Team."  Dumpster is a garbage truck, Hugh is Dumpster's driver, and Vern runs the hydraulic controls. If your child is intro trains and trucks, this toy will certainly be a hit! "Teams" retail separately for $8.

Rose Petal Cottage by Playskool
Age: 3+
Price: $80
Mama's Opinion: An indoor playhouse with appliances and accessories -- what little girl wouldn't LOVE this?!  So cute -- let the pretending begin.

ClickStart My First Computer from Leap Frog
Age: 3-6 years
Price: $60
Mama's Opinion:  As much as my kids see me on the computer, it's only natural that they would want to get on there, too.  This new system from Leap Frog introduces the computer on your TV!  Along with keyboarding skills, the games also teach phonics, letters, and counting. Comes with four games. Additional games cost $20. 

Smart Cycle from Fisher-Price
Age: 3-6 years
Price: $100
Mama's Opinion:  Now, when your kids play their video games, they can get some exercise, too.  Kids have to pedal and steer on this stationary bike to get the educational games to work.  Comes with four games.  Additional games, with characters like Diego and Barbie, cost $20 apiece.

Singing Hannah Montana Doll by Play Along (pictured)
Age: 6+
Price: $20
Mama's Opinion: If you haven't heard about the Hannah Montana craze, then you've been living under a rock.  I think anything Hannah Montana will be a big seller this Christmas. This doll comes with her own poster and backstage pass -- and she can really sing!

EyeClops Handheld Bionic Eye by Jakks Pacific (pictured)
Age: 5+
Price: $50
Mama's Opinion: Plug the EyeClops into your television and point it at something.  You'll see it magnified 200 times on the screen.  This cool toy will definitely get your kid looking at the world differently.

And of course, don't forget Legos, Thomas the Train, Hot Wheels, and Barbie, all of which are popular every year. 

My guess is at least one of these things will be under your Christmas tree this year.

More Holiday Gift Ideas in the Yule Blog:
Young and school-age kids:
Baby Gifts: T-shirts, Onesies, Bows & Other Clothing for the Top Half
Baby Gifts: Socks, Pants & Other Clothing for the Bottom Half
Dear Santa -- Love, 1-Year-Old Baby Boy
Dear Santa -- Love, 4-Year-Old Boy
Lead-Free Toys for Toddlers
Mama's Predictions for the Hot Toys for Christmas 2007
DVD Stocking Stuffers
Tweens and teens:
TV Shows All the Time: The Zune
Gifts for Too-Cool Tweens and Teenagers
More Christmas 2007 Gift Ideas for Teens and Tweens
Adults:
Budget Fashionista's Best Gifts for Women Under $30
Last-Minute Gifts for Everyone (Aunts, Cousins, Mail Carriers)
This Mom's Favorite Buys of the Year
Dear Santa -- Love, Mommy
Dear Santa -- Love, Daddy
Mom and Dad's Gift to Each Other: Redecorating the Bedroom
Mom's Culinary Wish List
Specialty gifts:
Gifts for Foodies Under $25
Where to Buy Handmade Gifts
Homemade Holiday Gifts
Where to Find Unique, Innovative Gifts
Hanukkah Gift Ideas for All Ages