Every year, certain toys top the holiday hot list. For parents of multiples, the challenge to find not one -- but two or three! -- of the coveted items can be an effort in frustration and futility. "Toy Wishes" magazine has identified the following toys as potential top sellers for the 2004 holiday season. Get 'em before they're hot, to avoid disappointment come December.
1. Barbie as The Princess and the Pauper
For the past few year's, Mattel has themed their holiday Barbie around a classic fairy tale, releasing a movie to boost sales. This year's theme is tailor-made for twin girls, featuring two main characters, The Princess and the Pauper. Of course, there is likely to be squabbling over who will obtain the coveted Princess Annelise doll and who will be relegated to the supporting role of poor Erika. (Also available as a gift set with both dolls, accessories and music CD)
2. VTech V.Smile TV Learning System
Interactive games are really hot this holiday season, and are a good option for multiples because everyone can share in the fun. The V.Smile from VTech turns a television into a learning system where preschoolers can practice language, math and problem-solving skills in activities based on familiar charaters such as Winnie-the-Pooh and Scooby Doo.3. Balloon Lagoon
Games are always a best bet for twins or multiples, who are never at a loss for available opponents. Cranium, makers of Hullabaloo, Hoopla, Conga and Cadoo, in addition to the eponymous original, never fails to produce creative challenges that entertain kids while stimulating their cognitive skills. New for 2004 is Balloon Lagoon, for ages 5-7. A carnival in a box, players take turns accumulating balloons for successfully unscrambling, matching and spelling words.4. Tamagotchi Connection
Tamagotchi virtual pets were "hot" several years ago, and they're back! The new Connection toys are available in a range of wild colors with new features, such as the ability to communicate with other Tamagotchi pets via infrared technology. The interactive nature makes them fun for multples ages 8 and up, but be sure that everyone gets their own virtual pet to play with.5. Bratz Tokyo-A-GoGo Play Set
Doll playsets are ideal for twins or multiples, and the Bratz products are a big hit among 'tween girls that have outgrown Barbie and Polly Pocket. This ultra-glitzy playset is modeled on a "retro Asian disco" theme and features a light-up dance floor, revolving dj booth and automated roller rink. It is packaged with one Bratz doll, so be sure to stock up on additional dolls for each multiple.6. Nitro Battlerz Battle Dome with Two Cars
Parents of twins will appreciate the inclusion of two vehicles in this play set. Customizable remote-control cars race around a bowl-shaped track, designed to maximize the crash-'em-bash'em potential that boys seem to love. This toy, produced by Radica Games, is hot and may be hard to find this season.7. E-L-M-O Song Elmo
This perennial Sesame Street favorite usually makes an appearance on wish lists during the holiday season. This year's version does an engaging song and dance number to the tune of "Y-M-C-A" (the 70's hit by the Village People). Elmo's popularity peaks with the toddler set, but many parents find it hard to resist Elmo's charms. Even if your multiples are young enough to share an Elmo, you might want to get an extra for parents to play with!8. Bella Dancerella
Little girls who dream about being a ballerina will be enchanted with this imaginative play set. Set up the easily assembled (yeah, right) ballet barre and double-sided mat in front of a television so that your little dancers can perform their pirouttes and arabesques along with the accompanying 30-minute intructional video or DVD. The set includes one pair of slippers, so be sure to pick up an extra accessory set and enough tutu costumes for your multiple dancers.9. VideoNow
Throw away the VideoNow from last year. With vibrant color screen and a wide range of new videos, this year's model makes it absolutely obsolete. VideoNow plays "PVD's" (Personal Video Disks) of kid-favorite shows from Nickleodeon and Disney. They've robably already seen these episodes on tv, or even in the DVD player in the car, but if your kids simply must have access to entertainment anywhere, anytime, then VideoNow is a must have. Don't even think about sharing -- one per multiple, please.10. InteracTV
Unlike other interactive play systems that plug into your television set, InteracTV from Fisher-Price uses actual episodes of favorite preschool programs like Barney, Blues Clues and SpongeBob. A child-friendly wireless remote controls the play as the shows prompt kids to solve problems and develop skills such as counting and letter recognition. Randomly programmed cards ensure a unique experience each time kids play.