The Hottest Christmas Toys of This Holiday Season

Although it may still be too early to know what the hottest Christmas toys will be this year, there are a couple of things we CAN count on: 1) that your child will probably want the hottest Christmas toys as gifts; 2) that you CAN get a 'jump-start' on figuring it all out!

Below are seven ways to figure out what the hottest Christmas toys will be this year -- and every year! And be sure to check out our list of the top toys for Christmas 2006 for specific recommendations. (You can also see how well we did on our predictions for the hottest Christmas toys 2005 by clicking here.)

1. Hottest Christmas Toys #1 - Games

Video games for children have been popular for several years now, and that popularity isn't likely to let up any time soon. When you buy video games for children, don't forget that the initial purchase will need to include the 'system' that they'll use to play the games -- but don't worry, it'll get LOTS of use!

2. Hottest Christmas Toys #2 - Action/Recreation

One year it's skateboards, the next year it's scooters, another year it was roller-blades... but whatever the theme is, you can be sure that some recreational item for kids will be hot, hot, hot this year. They may spend time playing video games, but most kids still want to get 'out there' -- and one of these hottest Christmas toys will help them do that!

3. Hottest Christmas Toys #3 - Books

Any time there are best-selling children's books on the market, you can bet that there will be lots and lots of 'spin-off' toys, games and accessories in the book's theme that children will absolutely love! Pay attention to any books that are selling like hotcakes, and you'll have a good idea what toys will follow. (And of course, if your child doesn't actually have the book yet, start there!) :)

4. Hottest Christmas Toys #4 - Movies

Sometimes a movie follows a best-selling book, but not always. Other times, there's a blockbuster movie that children are clamoring to see. Again, if there's a hot children's movie, you can count on the merchandise that will follow -- and children will clamor to own.

5. Hottest Christmas Toys #5 - Educational/Creative

Video games aren't the only kind of games that kids like to play. Every year there are newer and smarter educational or creative games or toys that will help your children learn new skills -- while they're having fun!

6. Hottest Christmas Toys #6 - Classics

If you're really not too sure which category will work best, there's one category that's as timeless as Christmas, and you can't go wrong with these hottest Christmas toys: the 'classic' toys like Barbie and GI Joe never seem to lose their popularity with kids!

7. Hottest Christmas Toys #7 - Listen Up :)

If you are still having trouble figuring out what the hottest Christmas toys will be this year, start paying attention to your children and their friends. What are they interested in? You'll easily overhear their conversations this time of year -- what are they talking about, excited about? And of course, you can always ask them -- or just wait for the TV commercials to start, and they'll be asking!

Use these general guidelines as a way to help you choose the hottest Christmas toys this year -- and every year. But don't forget to check out our predictions for the top toys for Christmas 2006 by clicking here.