Top 9 2009 Hot Holiday Toys for Twins and Multiples

While the Twilight series is immensely popular with teens, I didn't realize that it resonated with the Barbie crowd. Nevertheless, Mattel has released collectible Barbie versions of Bella Swan and Edward Cullen, the star-crossed characters from the vampire books and movies. If your twins prefer dolls to actually play with, consider the Twilight Bella and Edward Action Figure 2-Pack from NECA.

I love the combination of color and music in this creative toy. As a child colors on the playset board, the unit generates music. The faster you color, the faster the music. Customize the sound with options for piano, banjo, trumpet and drum music in four different musical styles: country, rock, salsa and swing. Included are eight triangular-shaped crayons designed for little hands, so there are plenty for multiples to share. Recommended for ages 24 months and up, it will probably require parental supervision to ensure that the coloring stays on paper and not on the unit itself.

Like their predecessors, Beanie Babies and Webkinz, Zhu Zhu Pets are hot with kids and collectors alike. That makes them especially hard to find this holiday season. So what are Zhu Zhu Pets? They are furry, interactive hamsters. They act just like real hamsters, without the mess. They have over 40 sound effects and scurry around. There are plenty of accessories for them to interact with, such as wheels, tunnels, ramps and cars. There are five different Zhu Zhu characters, and they are conveniently sold in a two-pack set, perfect for twins. Due to their popularity, Zhu Zhu pets can be hard to find. Try these tips from About.com's Guide to Toys for strategies on finding scarce toys.

Every kind dreams of having the power of mind over matter, and that's exactly what Mattel's Mindflex Game claims to provide. The player wears a headset and uses brain power to move a ball through the play set using only the power of the mind. Sounds fantastic, doesn't it? Whether simply a novelty party trick or a true science experiment, there's no doubt that the game is entertaining. Unfortunately, it can only be played by one player at a time, so be wary if your multiples have a tough time sharing. But it is sure to spark some fun competition between multiples ages 8 and up.

Playsets are great toys for twins and multiples. With plenty of pieces to share, they inspire imagination and interactive play. There are several that I really like this season, including the Little People Royal Garden Wedding and Playmobil Pyramid. But because animals have such universal appeal, my favorite recommendation has to be the Lego Zoo playsets. The Feeding Zoo is one of Family Fun's Top Toys of 2009, but I would give a nod to the Big City Zoo, simply because it has more duplicate animals. If you choose one of the smaller sets, consider buying some accessory animals to discourage squabbles.

Action figures that help kids master math skills, Numbers Busters from Little Tikes are a great combination of education and fun. They'll have lots of appeal for multiples, who can compete against each other in a battle where brains beat brawn. Similar to Bakugan, players battle against each other trying to knock out other players based on simple math. Numbers Busters are recommended for ages three and up, and appear to peak in popularity among the kindergarten crowd. A starter set contains ten figures and 10 cards, and additional sets of characters are available separately.

Better get two. It would be tricky for twins to share this product. The Kidizoom Plus digital camera is a camera designed for the preschool set, with kid-friendly controls and durability that can stand up to manhandling. Recommended for ages 36 months and up, but reviews reflect that even younger users are capable of mastering it. Features include a built-in flash, double eye view finder, joystick function control, five built-in games and video capability. Images can be edited with fun enhancements right in the camera or on the computer using the included software. The Kidizoom camera is available in a rainbow of colors. While kids won't get expert results, it's a fun first camera.

The board game Monopoly is a classic. For 2009, it receives an update in the form of Monopoly City. Although the basic game play remains the same, there are cool new features such as 3-D buildings and an electronic trading unit for auctioning properties. Players must use strategy to develop their properties and thwart their opponents' developments. Games are a great gift for twins and multiples, something that the entire family can enjoy playing with. With a new twist on a classic favorite, Monopoly City is sure to be a hit in 2009.

Robot insects? Really? Yet there is something oddly appealing about the collection of Hexbugs toys. In a variety of colors and styles, they are collectible and cute. They skitter around, changing direction when they encounter an obstacle. Some varieties flip over, react to sound or can be remotely controlled. Because they appear to interact with each other, they are more fun to play with in multiples, making them a fun, affordable gift for twins or more.