Holiday Gift Guide ’08

Robotic Animals:

Fur Real Friends Biscuit My Lovin Pup – This golden puppy made his way in to our hearts instantly. For those who can’t have the real thing, Fur Real Friends Biscuit My Lovin Pup is the next best thing to a living dog. He whimpers, listens to commands, and even wags his tail and barks. He retails for $179.99. But if that sounds to pricey, there are plenty of more affordable Furreal pets available as well.

Elmo Live – The latest incarnation of Elmo is his best ever. Elmo Live tells stories, makes jokes and is so adorable that he seems life-like. Elmo Live retails for $59.99. Check out our full review with video.

Video Games:

Hasbro Family Game Night (Wii & PS2) incorporates all the great board games that generations have grown up playing – Connect Four, Boggle, Yahtzee and Battleship. Hasbro Family Game Night also adds new ways to play these games and it also adds a new level of interactivity. Even grandma will want to get in on the fun.

LittleBigPlanet (PS3) – Who would have ever guessed that a little sack figure would have so much personality and spunk. LittleBigPlanet is a truly one of a kind game that will appeal to both kids and parents. It’s got elements of old school Super Mario gameplay in it but it’s designed with creative levels the likes of nothing you have seen before on any other video game.

Electronic Toys:

My Meebas – My Meebas are super hot this holiday season and they also happen to make great stocking stuffers. The concept behind My Meebas is that girls have to nurture and take care of their pet My Meeba by playing games and activities. Eventually the My Meeba becomes fully “grown” and the game tube will pop open and reveal a soft, plush My Meeba. My Meebas retail for about $19.99 each.

U.B. Funkeys – U.B. Funkeys might be an oldy but they’re still a goody. We can never get enough of the adorable little critters that unlock an out of this world virtual experience online. New for 2008 are the Dream State characters. A starter kit retails for $21.99.

Audio/Video Players:

SpongeBob 15 inch LCD TV – Npower has an awesome assortment of kids gadgets to check out, including lots of digital media players and audio accessories. However we’re especially taken with their SpongeBob SquarePants 15 inch LCD. At $279.99, it is a somewhat expensive gift for kids – but considering that the DTV transition is only a month away, this is actually a great time to buy a TV for the kids room and the price is reasonable. The TV is HD ready, comes with a remote, and features a V-chip.

Fisher Price Kid Tough DVD player – You wont want to go on a road trip without this portable DVD player. The Kid Tough Portable DVD player is simple to use, comes in a playful pink or blue – but best of all it’s rugged and will survive most drops and falls, making it perfect for young children. The Kid Tough Portable DVD Player retails for $149.99. Check out our full review here.

Educational Toys:

LeapFrog Leapster 2 Learning Game System – LeapFrog are experts at making handheld gaming in to an exceptional learning tool. One of their latest handheld gaming systems is the Leapster 2 Learning Game System which features a touch screen and stylus. The Leapster 2 Learning Game System games are designed to develop language, reading, math and basic science concepts. The Leapster 2 Learning Game System retails for $69.99 and comes in pink or green.

V.Smile TV Learning System – What better way to get your kids to learn then with video games? The Vtech – V.Smile TV Learning System is a complete video game system that accepts cartridges and hooks up to your TV. V.Smile has a game catalog that builds skills in spelling, logic, counting, problem solving, phonics, and vocabulary. You can snatch a system up for as low as $27.99 with joysticks included. A pink version will run you $39.99.