Top 12 2008 Hot Holiday Toys for Twins and Multiples

Should these toys be under the tree for your twins?

Twins aged 3-5 (and perhaps even a bit older) will have a "wild" time with this active game. Colorful animal characters are embedded with RFI (Radio Frequency Identification) technology that directs interactive play. The hand-held giraffe tagger calls out animal targets which players run to and tag. When the giraffe is placed over the correct animal, the turn is completed. I love that this game encourages taking turns (perfect for multiples). It also teaches kids to identify and classify the animal targets by color and characteristics. But most of all, it's not a passive game. The animal targets can be spread far and wide, encouraging kids to run and reach and blow off energy in active play.(recommended for ages 3 and up)

This very well may make its way onto my wish list this year! A take-off on the Easy Bake Oven, this product allows kids (not just girls, although it's heavily marketed towards them, with pink accessories and packaging) to make individual cupcakes. But the fun doesn't stop there, as it is also a cupcake decorator! Everything needed to make cupcakes is included: miniature mixing bowl, measuring spoon, water dropper, and spatula as well as cake mixes, frosting and sprinkles. The largest piece is a stand-style frosting machine for decorating the cupcakes. Note that baking the cupcakes requires the use of a microwave. The toy is recommended for ages 8 and up, but certainly younger twins could have fun with this under supervision. (ages 8 & up)

Creative gifts are a great option for twins and multiples and the Crayola Glow Station introduces a new art medium. It's inexpensive enough to buy one for each of your multiples, but they may be able to take turns sharing it. Use the Glow Station in a dark room. It is designed to be hung on a wall or used on a flat surface. The included light wand (requires batteries) creates glowing image on the light-sensetive canvas. Stencils and textured sheets expand the creative potential. The artwork remains for about five minutes; after that time it will fade away and the canvas will be clear for another masterpiece. I like that the paperless Glow Station is a "green" art option, not to mention clean, with no wasted paper to throw away. (ages 6-15)

Based on an anime television program, Bakugan are warrior balls that pop open when launched onto a magnetic card. Multiples can compete against each other with this starter set of six Bakugan brawlers. The figures pop open upon contact with the magnetic cards to reveal their powers. The playsets will also appeal to kids who prefer collecting to competing. Accessories such as a battle arena and launcher are also available. The contents of the Battle Brawlers six-pack are varied and random. Even if you purchase individual sets for each child, be prepared to settle some squabbles over who gets what. (ages 5 and up)

Disney Fairies Clickables are designed to interact with Disney's newest virtual world, PixieHollow.com. (Read a review from About.com's Guide to Family Computing.) Clickables products are available in several forms including jewelry, a jewelry box set and a handheld game. All connect to the computer via a USB cord, where they allow users to unlock special gifts for their fairies at Pixie Hollow. Definitely invest in multiple items for your multiples; little girls will want their own. (ages 7 and up)

Lego playsets are an excellent option for twins, with multiple pieces and action figures and plenty of features that inspire cooperative play. The spy adventure set, Lego Agents Mission 6: Mobile Command Center, assigns users the task of building a super security mobile headquarters to protect against an attack from villain infiltration. With over 1,000 pieces, including 4 action figures, there are plenty of super-spy surprises, like a light-up mission projector, tool shop, loading crane, high-tech prison and weapons bay with a jet-boat and stealth plane. Assembly is the first stage of fun, followed by imaginative play with the creation. (ages 8 and up)

Active video gaming is all the rage, encouraging kids to get up off the couch and get some exercise. Previous dance games have required a dance mat, limiting movement. U-Dance works with wireless foot tags, expanding mobility and allowing for more freedom to move around the room. As you dance virtual footprints appear on your TV screen, mirroring your every step. Twins can challenge each other to a dance-off competition, or take turns watching each other groove. Treadmill feature makes the game a workout. Twelve popular dance songs are included. (Read about U-Dance and other active games from About.com's Guide to Family Fitness. (ages 5 and up)

Wonder Pets is a popular animated television program. Ming Ming is one of the characters, and this interactive plush toy brings the show to life for kids. When Ming Ming hears the can phone song, she answers her can phone, striking her signature pose and dancing the "This is Serious" dance. Another interactive mode brings kids into adventures from the show. Definitely get two if you have twins - they'll each want their own. Another product on the market, "Save the Day" Ming Ming is a plush doll, but doesn't dance or interact. (ages 18 months and up)

The new Tag Reading System from LeapFrog is sure to appeal to even reluctant readers. A pen-styled stylus works with LeapFrog books to create an interactive reading experience. Appropriate for readers at a variety of levels, the tool can be used to read through the story or to identify words and symbols within the books. Character voices and sound effects add another dimension to the stories, as well as games and activities related to the stories. There is a library of 20+ LeapFrog books, including classics (Chicka Chicka Boom Boom) and popular characters like Sponge Bob and Disney Princesses. If you can afford to invest in dual pens, this is a winner for twins, who can share books. Bonus: headphone jack cuts down on double noise! (ages 4+)

Step 2's products seem to be made with multiples in mind. Their play equipment is outfitted with fun details and are constructed to accommodate two children at the same time. (See my list of other Step 2 Toys for Twins) The 50's Diner is no exception. The two-sided design has a kitchen on one side and booth-style seating on the other. The retro style has universal appeal to both boys and girls (and grownups too!). They'll delight in the details, like an electronic bell, divider window, jukebox that plays 50's tunes and sound effects on the stove burner. Set includes oven, grill, fryer, icebox, griddle pan, coffee pot and sink, with plenty of accessories and play food. (ages 2 and up)

Ladies and gentlemen... presenting all the fun of the circus in a high-quality playset! The two-foot wide circus ring provides plenty of room for play and lots of colorful details. The opening of the big top is adjustable so that two sets of little hands can gain access. Trapeze artists swing from the ceiling. Batteries power LED lighting. My only complaint is that there are an odd number of character figures. You know what that means! Either hide one away, or expect some squabbling over the extra man. As a remedy, consider investing in some accessory playsets, like:

• Circus Animal Trainer (compare prices)
• Circus Horse Act (compare prices)
• Tightrope Act (compare prices)
• Or my personal favorite, the Baby Elephants (compare prices)

(ages 4 & up)

This dollhouse will thrill fans of the popular Disney program, Hannah Montana. Plenty of attention to detail ensure that the house is an authentic replica of the show's set. Familiar locations are recognizable throughout the six-room house with a bedroom, kitchen, living room, closet, balcony and porch. Even the furniture and accessories are accurate representations of the show. Girls (or Hannah-loving boys) can play interior decorator and add a personal touch with the included stickers. Dolls are not included, and by all means be sure to get each of your multiples their own personal Hannah doll! Consider the Best of Both Worlds Hannah Montana Singing Doll (compare prices) or the Jake and Miley Sweetheart Dolls (compare prices). (ages 6+)