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 2002 holiday season. Get 'em before they're hot, to avoid disappointment come December.
1. Barbie as Rapunzel
Barbie is a perennial favorite for young girls. This year, Mattel introduces Rapunzel-themed dolls, corresponding with a video starring Barbie in the title role. Several products are available, including a doll complete with resplendent hair and princess attire, a horse and carriage, and a tower play house.
2. Harry Potter Chamber of Secrets LEGO Set
The next installment in the Harry Potter movie series will premiere in U.S. theaters in November. After the success of last year's movie, Harry-themed products disappeared off store shelves like magic. This LEGO building set features scenes from the new movie and is a terrific gift option for multiples, since it encourages group play.3. Bratz Salon 'N' Spa
The popular Bratz fashion dolls are a bit hipper and funkier than Barbie. Their new hangout is a salon and spa playset where the dolls can enjoy a bit of pampering in style. Set includes real make-up that girls can wear.4. Quantum Pad
An educational learning system from the makers of the popular Leap Pad toys, this electronic book is aimed at preteen students. A library of book accessory packs makes learning interactive and fun with games, quizzes and activities. Parents should consider whether their multiples would agreeably share it between themselves, or each prefer their own.5. Barbie Wireless Video Camera
It's a fully functional video camera, in pink of course! Early reviews of this product indicate that it is kid-friendly, easy to use and produces good results. It may be a good choice for preteen twins or triplets to share, as long as one agrees to be the camera-girl and the other(s) to be the star(s) of the show.6. Chicken Dance Elmo
Elmo has had a long run as a hot holiday toy -- remember Tickle Me Elmo and Rock-n-Roll Elmo? He sinks to a new low this year. Still recognizably red and lovable despite his chicken costume, he's pretty amusing as he signs, clucks and dances his way to the ever-popular Chicken Dance Song. Entertaining for all ages, but probably best-suited for toddler twins and triplets.7. Disney Tunes KidClips
Comparable to the popular Hit Clips music system, but with full Disney style, these kid-sized music players feature one minute clips of favorite songs from Disney movies like "The Lion King," "Beauty & The Beast," and "The Little Mermaid." Once you buy the player, the music chips are interchangeable.8. Harry Potter's Slime Chamber
Part of the popular Potter phenomenon, the Slime Chamber allows users to reenact a slimy scene from the upcoming movie. Place Harry Potter action figures (sold separately, of course) into the chamber, push a button, and a snake's mouth oozes green glow-in-the-dark slimy stuff. The TV commercial generated an extremely enthusiastic reaction from my seven-year-old twins. Kids seem to love slime!9. Yu-Gi-Oh! Booster Pack Collectors Tin
Although fans claim it's NOT the new Pokemon, Yu-Gi-Oh! seems to be another trading card game based on Japanese animated characters. Regardless, there is no doubt that it is the hot trend among the male elementary set. The Collector's Tin features a booster pack of cards for the game. You'll have to ask an 8-year-old to explain exactly what they're for.10. Musini
This toy can generate some noise, especially when twins or triplets do it together! Musini is a creative toy concept that combines physical movement and musical sound. As children jump, tap, dance and move around the room, the Musini translates vibrations from the motion into sound, allowing kids to create music with their bodies. Features five different musical styles for hours of endless fun.