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The Top 10 Toys Great picks for holiday gifts By Steve SmithPublished: December, 2004

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The past five years have produced a new class of toys and games unlike anything seen in all the years before. Thanks to advances in computer technology, the sophistication of both hand-held video games and their TV-hooked up cousins has carried over into the traditional toy realms, including plush dolls, action figures for boys, educational toys and even board games. But speed and sophistication have not managed to muscle out some favorite toys and games that withstand countless attempts to knock them off the top end of the hot toy heap. You really can bond with your child by turning off the TV, closing down the computer, and playing Monopoly. So it’s only fitting that one of this year’s hottest toys is older than the birth of the United States. In fact, it’s even older than Barbie. Poker appears to have originated from a card game known as As Nas, which was played in Persia in the 16th century. It migrated to Western Europe, then to the United States where we enjoy the modern version played in casinos and friendly games all over the country. Like it or not, poker is now a hot kid’s game. And thanks to the televised version where thousands of dollars are won and lost like so many candy bits, the game of Texas Hold ‘Em is the most popular poker version played. However, if poker ­ and gambling ­ is not your thing, there are several other categories in which to choose, beginning with the strong man, “Mr. Incredible.” 1. ‘Mr. Incredible’: Shortly before this issue hits the stands, every kid in America will know who and what is really incredible. In the first week of November, the movie “The Incredibles” reached theaters across the country, promoted by a massive advertising campaign designed to increase both ticket sales and sales of the complete line of Incredibles toys. The toys range in price from $7.99 for the Incredibles “Rapid Run Dash” to $24.99 for the large Mr. Incredible talking doll. Mr. Incredible really is. This category is recommended for children ages 4 and up; manufacturer is Hasbro. You can see the complete line of Incredibles toys plus find a store near you at www.hasbro.com. If an Incredibles toy is on your child’s mind or on a gift wish list, we suggest you do not delay your purchase as these toys are expected to be among the season’s best-sellers. 2. Monopoly: Monopoly has developed one of the broadest expansions of its line in the toy and game industry. So while Barbie tries on new clothes for Christmas, and Hot Wheels revs up new cars and trucks, the folks at Monopoly are going places. You can now purchase versions of Monopoly that will take you through the national park system or on a tour of America’s major-league baseball parks. The new Major League Baseball Monopoly board game Collector’s Edition is a sharp-looking version that includes team deed cards, major-league money, American League and National League cards, and custom pewter playing pieces such as a major-league baseball cap, hot dog, ball in glove, pitcher, batter and catcher’s cap. This is a perfect game for both Monopoly and baseball fans and is recommended for children ages 7 to adult. New versions include Betty Boop and surfing themes. Expect to pay about $30 for one of the custom styles. Also consider Junior Monopoly. 3. Sting-Ray bike: Many of today’s automobiles have evolved into styles that bear little resemblance to the original design. So it is with some bicycles. A few years back, the old beach cruiser style became hugely popular. Now, Schwinn has redesigned its classic Sting-Ray bike to reflect the times. Earlier this year, Schwinn launched the new Sting-Ray ­ a 20-inch juvenile chopper. These new Sting-Rays, including a 16-inch size for smaller kids, were instant hits. Now that the Christmas season is here, these bikes are sure to be popular. But wait, there’s more! Recently, Schwinn rolled out the Sting-Ray “Spoiler,” the latest (and largest) Sting-Ray. “The new Schwinn Sting-Ray Spoiler has a large aluminum frame, suitable for riders 5 feet 5 inches and taller,” explains Mo Moorman, spokesman for Schwinn Bicycles. “Since we launched the new Sting-Ray line, I’ve been asked daily if we would develop a larger version. The Spoiler should satisfy those requests and then some.” The Spoiler has the characteristic 20-inch by 4.25-inch Big Boa rear tire, a skinny 24-inch front tire, a Four-Legged Freak linkage suspension fork, dual Tektro disc brakes and more attitude than a bulldog with a toothache. The Spoiler is available exclusively at independent bicycle dealerships. Check with your local Schwinn dealer for availability of all Sting-Ray styles or log on to www.SchwinnStingRay.com. 4. Game Boy Advance SP: If there is a hand-held computer game on someone’s wish list, we like the Game Boy Advance SP. The advantage is more portability than others. And if you shop sharply, you can choose the Advance SP Value Pack and save about $60 off the regular price of about $160. The Value Pack is a start-up set that includes a choice of system colors in platinum, flame, cobalt or onyx, a starter assortment of accessories, plus the games Duel Masters and Beyblade. If you’ve already got the system and are looking for the hottest games, you can find them this year for only about $10 at toy and game stores. The Pac-Man Collection is our sentimental favorite. 5. Tyco’s TMH Vertigo: No, we have not forgotten that not all the best toys are those that shun batteries. This year, again, the remote control wizards at Tyco have created another in their series of dancing cars, so named because of their ability to jump almost at will in any direction. For Christmas 2004, the model is the TMH Vertigo. This remote stunt vehicle does tricks you’ve never seen before. With independent hinged wheels, the Vertigo performs incredible flips, spins and rolls that you control, including “Arm-Twister 360.” This year, flashing lights are included (as if it needed to provide any more excitement). Expect to pay about $60. The Vertigo Requires one TMH FlexPack rechargeable battery pack and charger (sold separately) and one 9V alkaline battery (not included). Expect to pay about $30 for the battery pack. If you want to buy “the” remote control car this year, this is the one. 6. ‘Whoozit’ Gym To Go: Some of the most intelligent and safest toys for the smallest kids come from Manhattan Toy. Their “Whoozit” line is a superb blend and balance between stimulation and development. We particularly like the Whoozit Gym To Go, a three-dimensional play gym that is as fun at home as it is on the road. The Whoozit Gym To Go features a mirror, bright colors and bold patterns to stimulate a baby’s senses. Play items are hanging at different heights from a central arch to encourage reaching and exploring. The Whoozit Gym To Go is easy to assemble and folds flat for easy storage and travel. Includes an outside pocket for baby accessories. For prices and availability near you, visit manhattantoy.com or call 800.337.1345. 7. Super Sonic Soccer: So what is Fisher-Price up to this year? For starters, they’re getting kids out of the house with their “Super Sounds Soccer.” This kid-sized soccer net has two modes of play that reward kids when they score a goal. In the beginner mode, your child can score anywhere in the net and hear cheers and other sound effects as a reward. In the advanced mode, a target hangs freely from the top of the net and the cheering crowd is heard only when that harder-to-reach target is scored. There’s even a scoreboard to keep a tally of successful goals. The Super Sounds Soccer includes a soccer ball and requires 3 “AAA” batteries. Expect to pay about $20. Recommended for ages 2 and up. 8. Speedster Toy Car: The metal Speedstar Toy Car is a ride-on car reminiscent of the metal toy cars from the 1950s and ’60s. The Speedstar features a steel body, chrome accents, working steering column, plastic fenders and rubber tires. Children move the car by putting their feet to the floor to propel the car, a la Fred Flintstone. Built to last, the Speedstar has a hot, retro painted body and is a special gift for children ages 2 to 4. Expect to pay about $80. To order, visit Quincyshop.com 9. ‘Hokey Pokey’ Elmo: We’re not quite sure exactly what attraction Elmo has for kids but it’s big. This year, tots will have a blast doing the Hokey Pokey with the “Hokey Pokey Elmo” from Fisher-Price. With a squeeze of his hand, Elmo begins singing the Hokey Pokey song, puts his hand in, puts his hand out, puts his hand in and shakes it all about. Then he does the Hokey Pokey and turns himself around. After this he does the same sequence with his foot. It’s a rather amazing process when you think about it, but he has been an amazingly successful toy over the years. Expect to pay about $30. And if you buy it online at shoppbs.org, your purchase will help support public television programming. 10. Texas Hold ’Em Poker Set: Cardinal Games has introduced a complete line of poker games and accessories that is being marketed to children ages 10 and over. Cardinal’s Professional Texas Hold ’Em Poker Set includes a poker rack, a felt layout for the table, 200 professional heavyweight poker chips and one deck of playing cards. For those who already have cards and don’t require a felt pad, there is the “Professional Poker Chips in a Tin” which is 100 heavy weight chips plus a “Dealer” button. And if you need to be particularly official, Cardinal offers the Poker Table Top which instantly turns any table into a poker table, although the word “any” may be a bit of a stretch. Poker sets are available at Toys R Us and other toy and department stores. Expect to pay $10 - $50. Happy hunting this holiday season! Steve Smith of Costa Mesa is a regular contributor. For Letters: ocfamily.com Do you remember? ... or do you have? Top toys through 2003 Cabbage Patch dolls, Power Ranger figures, and anything Ninja Turtle: just some of the most sought-after toys in recent years. Parents have been known to brave stormy weather in the wee hours of the morning just to stand in line at a toy store, hoping to nab one before Christmas morning. Sure, the media have a strong influence in what our children put on their Christmas lists. However, for more than 100 years, long before television invaded our children’s minds, there has always been a toy that stands alone among the rest as “the” toy of the season. Here is that list, and as you’ll note, some classics, some fond memories, and some forgettable ideas. According to the Toy Industry Association, the following toys were top picks for the 20th century (some years are missing due to lack of something hot); we added the hot toys from 2001-2003. 1900 Lionel Trains 1903 Crayola crayons, Flinch card game, teddy bear 1906 Die-cast Model T Ford 1913 Erector sets, Tinkertoys 1915 Raggedy Ann doll 1916 Lincoln Logs 1917 Radio Flyer wagon 1923 Madame Alexander doll 1929 Yo-yo 1930 Mickey Mouse doll 1932 Tripoley 1934 Sorry 1935 Monopoly 1937 Betsy Wetsy doll 1938 View-Master 3-D viewer 1942 Nok-Hockey 1947 Tonka trucks, Die-cast John Deere tractor, Magic 8 Ball 1948 Cootie, Scrabble, Slinky 1949 Candy Land, Clue 1950 Silly Putty 1951 Ginny dolls 1952 Mr. Potato Head 1953 Colorforms 1954 Matchbox cars 1955 Wooly Willy 1956 Play-Doh, Original Ant Farm,Yahtzee 1957 Corn Popper, Frisbee 1958 Hula Hoop, LEGO building sets 1959 Barbie 1960 BRIO classic wooden railway, Etch-A-Sketch, Game of Life 1961 Slip N’ Slide, Troll dolls 1962 Chatter telephone 1963 Easy Bake Oven 1964 G.I. Joe 1965 Creepy Crawlers, Operation, See ‘n’ Say 1966 Twister 1967 Battleship, Big Wheel, Ker Plunk, Lite Brite 1968 Hot Wheels 1970 Nerf ball 1971 Mastermind 1972 Uno card game 1973 Shrinky Dinks 1974 Dungeons & Dragons, Playmobil people & playsets 1975 Othello 1977 Star Wars action figures 1978 Hungry Hungry Hippos, Magna Doodle, Simon 1979 Cozy Coupe, Strawberry Shortcake 1980 Rubik’s Cube 1982 Stompers, Trivial Pursuit 1983 Cabbage Patch Kids, Care Bears, My Little Pony 1984 Transformers 1985 Scruples, Teddy Ruxpin, World of Wonder 1986 Pound Puppies 1987 Koosh ball, Pictionary 1988 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 1989 Super Soaker 1992 Barney the Dinosaur, K’NEX building sets 1993 Magic: the Gathering, Mighty Morphin Power Rangers 1995 Lamaze Learning products 1996 Beanie Babies, Tickle-Me-Elmo 1997 Bass Fishin’ Game, Tamagotchi 1998 Furby, Groovy Girls, Rescue Heroes 1999 LeapPad Razor scooter 2001 Street Flyers shoes with wheels 2002 “Harry Potter: Chamber of Secrets,” LEGO series, & Yu-Gi-Oh cards 2003 Hokey Pokey Elmo Compiled by Kimberly A. Porrazzo Editor’s Note: We augmented the list from 2001 to 2003. Sources: For 2001, OC Family Magazine. For 2002, Kids’ Turn Center; for 2003, OC Family Magazine and Toy Wishes magazine.

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