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 2003 holiday season. Get 'em before they're hot, to avoid disappointment come December.
1. Barbie Cook With Me Kitchen
Play kitchens are a classic favorite for kids. This edition, with plenty of Barbie-pink details, is sure to appeal to girls. Although my daughters' play kitchen interest peaked at about age 3, this product is recommended for ages 5 - 12. It utilizes a "smart" technology to make the kitchen interactive, with scannable meal cards, cooking comments from Barbie herself and plenty of food accessories. The additional features come at a price; expect to pay over $100.
2. Hokey Pokey Elmo
First there was Tickle-Me. In 2002, it was Chicken Dance. The hot Elmo for 2003 is what it's all about. Your multiples will love dancing along with Hokey Pokey Elmo. Just be sure that you buy enough to go around; it's not an apportionable item.
3. Remote Control Beyblades with Launcher
Many adults remember playing with spinning tops as kids. Beyblades are the modern version, taking the spin into the twenty-first century. Beyblades are combat tops that you can custom build to maximize an attack. New for 2003 are a remote control launcher that allows kids to control the spinning motion. The basic tops are reasonably priced, at under $10 each, but the electronic launchers are nearly ten times as much.4. Built to Rule (BTR) Transformers
Transformers have been around for a long time; they are characters and vehicles that transform into weapons. The new line of Built-To-Rule (BTR) Transformers are a new generation of toy that combines creative construction with action play. Lego(TM)-like pieces can be built into robotic vehicles of destruction. Many are compatible with other Lego (TM) building pieces.5. Care Bears Bedtime Lullaby Bear
This is a sweet soother, recommended for children over three, but probably appropriate for younger tots. This is definitely an item to buy in doubles, as each multiple will want his own to snuggle. Press his paw and he lights up, singing a soft lullaby. The bears can also be hung on the wall as nightlights.6. Swan Lake Barbie
Swan Lake Barbie continues in the tradition of Nutcracker Barbie and Rapunzel Barbie, with a complete line of themed characters and accessories and a video/DVD tie-in. In the 2003 line up, Barbie takes on the character of Odette, aka the Swan Princess, with all her friends playing the supporting roles as characters from the ballet by the same name. Only her filmy white attire distinguishes her from last year's model, but she is definitely this year's hot doll.7. Bratz Formal Funk Runway Disco
As much as I detest the petulant attitude and sophisticated attire of the Bratz line of dolls, I can attest that they are one hot commodity among the elementary set. The Runway Disco combines fashion and dancing into a hip playset complete with flashing lights, a motorized runway and smoothie bar. The playset would be ideal for twin girls, as long as they each had their own Bratz doll (it is currently packaged with one, but others are sold separately). Expect to pay up to $100.8. My Little Pony Celebration Castle
A more reasonable -- and ingenuous -- playset is the My Little Pony Celebration Castle. Priced about $30, this playset also comes with one only doll (pony), so parents of twins or more are advised to purchase additional ponies. Twinkling rainbow stars and tinkling music adorn the pink plastic palace. Beware: according to some reviews, the castle is an assembly nightmare. Parents are advised to have superglue handy!9. McDonald's McFlurry Maker
Combine your own cream, salt and ice with the provided flavor mix to produce a frozen treat similar to the fast food favorite. Sounds simple enough, right? This may be a terrific toy for twins or more to share, particularly if they are old enough to follow the directions without a tremendous amount of parental supervision. It's priced under $25 and, as packaged, produces two McFlurry concoctions. Better stock up on the refill pack so parents can get a taste as well!10. PowerTouch Learning System
Fisher Price enters the electronic media market with its PowerTouch system, competitive with the LeapPad products. The interactive books work with a finger touch system that doesn't require special wands or pens. They are ideal for pre-readers and beginning readers, but resources are very limited for older elementary students. Stick with the established LeapPad products if your multiples are kindergarten or older.