Top Picks For Santa

Every year it seems to get harder and harder to shop for the kids at Christmas time. The toys become more and more like mini computers and it seems they already have everything on their iPod. Surprisingly enough, the top toys approved by children safety experts are mostly low tech this year with the exception of one. This exception would be by the infamous LeapFrog retailer. The line has been making series after series of fun learning toys for children for years. This year, the LeapPad Ultra Learning Tablet is perfect for the toddlers who just aren’t ready for their own smart tablet or iPad. The tablet costs $209.99 and comes in both pink and green with a series of educational and entertaining games featuring popular characters. Most are available at a variety of stores and even include a few games. Best part, there is no charger to tote around or for a toddler to get tangled it. All it needs are a few batteries. The next suggestion is similar to one of the popular classics. Remember when kids had the plastic vanities and play sets? Well, Disney’s Sofia the Royal Talking Vanity is just like that with the exception of talking. Apart from a stool and all the accessories and tiara, little girls would love to be able to have their own magical amulet just like Sofia. It rings at $79.99 and even comes with “princess lessons.” For the boys, the top toy line this year is another classic, legos. The Lego Chima line is not only affordable but has high reviews with all the kids. For $14.99, you can purchase one of the most unique items in the new line, the Lego Chima Speeders. This toy is a mix between the old Beyblades and Legos. Pull the rip chord and watch the homemade contraption zoom by. This is only one of the many Chima line toys to be hitting the shelves this year. For younger kids, FurReal Friends is expecting to sell out of Cuddles My Giggle Monkey. Though with an odd name, this pretend play pet from a popular brand doesn’t fall short like it’s precursors. The little toy reacts to more than just a bottle or the push of a button. For $79.99, she has over 100 responses and even changes her giggle for each scenario. Finally, the Plasmabug is perfect for the little one just getting on his or her feet. Don’t let “bug” fool you. The Plasmabug is actually a cruiser/walker hybrid specifically designed to help little legs get their strength and steps. It costs $59.99 and comes with convenient build in pockets from juices, bottles, and snacks to tote around on adventures. It’s scooter wheels are designed to swivel and provide a smoother control to prevent from falling over or breaking the steering. It’s almost like a simple but highly efficient classic with cute animal designs.