Black Friday and Christmas Shopping: Best Toys to Buy This Holiday Season
This holiday shopping season is right around the corner and predictions are piling up about what will be the "hot" trending toys every child is going to want for gifts. The annual DreamToys list was released this week from the Toy Retailers Association and includes electronic gadgets, talking dolls and pets, as well as Nerf and Lego products.
"It's great to see creative and sharing toys sitting alongside more traditional toys or toys that facilitate a bit of rough and tumble," DreamToys committee chairman Gary Grant said. "All of the toys on the list will undoubtedly be popular this Christmas, so our advice is to shop early to avoid disappointment."
Several items expected to be popular come from Disney's hit animated feature film, "Frozen," including a Snow Glow Elsa figurine and Sparkle Dolls.
Besides dolls from familiar children's movies, a new product will actually talk with a child. My Friend Cayla is an interactive smart doll that can carry on a conversation and answer general knowledge questions. The 18-inch tall blonde doll connects to the internet via an iOS or Android-operating device and app that relies on voice recognition to know when to respond or play.
However, at roughly $100 per doll, Cayla may be a pricey friend to buy for a kid.
Another technology-friendly product that will likely have great sales over the holidays is the Vtech Kidizoom Smart Watch. Just like new products from Apple Watch for adults, this version allows kids to wear a 1.4-inch touchscreen equipped with camera and microphone, and built-in games.
"The innovation that the industry has invested in has also started to pay back. Impulse sales of collectibles and lower-priced toys are up as well as licenses from movies including Frozen, and this year's craze, loom bands," NPD Group toys analyst Frederique Tutt said. "These two factors combined delivered the fastest growth rate in toy sales since 2010 which suggests that Christmas 2014 might be the best for some time."
The full Top Twelve DreamToys list for 2014 can be found here.
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