By Lindsay Andrus
This holiday season the strain on the economy may be effecting sales and how much people are spending this year on gifts, but the one thing shoppers probably won’t skimp on are toys for their children.
Gerald Storch, CEO of Toys ‘R Us, told BusinessWeek this November “we believe that in good times and bad the last thing parents will cut back from their budget is the Christmas present for their child. There's a lot of research and history behind that statement. We had a very good holiday season last year when much of retailing had a bad season.”
At the American International toy fair this February the major theme was “play value.” Technology isn’t only for adults.
There are child friendly cell phones and computer games, even for those as young as 6-months-old. The top three most popular toys this year, according to a number of market research firms and Web sites, are in conjunction with this technological, interactive, “play value” theme.
The no. 1 most popular toy this year is Fischer Price’s “Elmo Live.”
Much more advanced than its predecessor, “Tickle Me Elmo,” the new “Elmo Live” opens and closes his mouth as he speaks to the children while he reads and tells jokes.
Kids can watch “Elmo Live” laugh and speak by tickling him or squeezing his feet or belly. “Elmo Live” is selling fast and many stores are sold out. Many people are selling “Elmo Live” on EBay for much higher than its worth due to the demand of the toy.
The second most popular toy for children this season is Hasbro’s Buscuit, “My Lovin’ Pup.” This life-like toy dog sits, begs, barks and chews his bone all on voice recognition commands.
The interactive puppy also whimpers when asked if he wants a treat and lifts his paw to shake your hand. This toy is sold out in many stores, but still available on Amazon.com and on the Toys ‘R Us Web site.
Digital cameras may be too fragile for most little tykes, so Fischer Price came up with one to handle their toughness to sustain the falls and beatings that regular digital cameras can’t endure.
The kid-friendly camera has a rubber casing and can survive drowning in water for 30 minutes. This toy is more expensive than the others but it is easier to find and not sold out in as many stores as the other top toys of the season.
Happy Holidays and happy toy hunting.
No comments:
Post a Comment