Top 10 2010 Hot Holiday Toys for Twins and Multiples

Orbeez are part toy and part science project.  Tiny pellets transform into smooth, round, squishy, colorful beads when submersed in water. The finished beads can be played with, although the options are somewhat vague. While you can purchase individual packages of Orbeez pellets and grow them in a glass of water, the Orbeez Magic Maker makes the process a bit more fun. (You can swirl them in the water and send them down a chute when they're finished.)  Technically, Orbeez are a suberabsorbent polymer bead material that is used in agriculture for irrigation. Orbeez may be a fun toy for twins, but be aware that they can create quite a mess, creating literally thousands of beads that will bounce, roll and scatter everywhere. (ages 3 and up)

Collectable figurines seem to be a hot holiday trend in 2010. Two products, Squinkies and Zoobles, have sufficient quantity and variety to satisfy multiple children. In both cases, the toys feature a play set, with dozens of corresponding characters that can be played with. Zoobles are similar to Bakugan, with a magnetic trigger that pops the toys into action when it comes into a contact with the playset. Squinkies are much smaller, squishy characters that can be stored in canisters and dispensed from their gumball-styled playsets with a toy coin. Even my teenage twins found the Squinkies irresistable; they make a fun stocking stuffer for kids of all ages. 

Cuponk is not a new game. Bouncing a ball into a cup has long been a pastime, usually affiliated with college kids and beer. But Cuponk brings that game to a new generation, with a twist. Each game includes a cup and a ball, along with challenges and accessories like a ramp, funnel or backboard. The cup alerts with lights and sounds when you sink the ball successfully. I like this toy for twins because it encourages interaction and plays off their competitive instincts. But, it can also be played with individually. It's reasonably priced and comes in three variations: Gorilla, zombie and wrestler. Expansion pack with extra balls is also available. 

Remember the classic game, Simon? It challenged players memory by repeating light and sound patterns. Loopz is Simon for the 21st century, with motion sensors that detect hand movement. Players pass their hands through the "loopz" to test their reflexes and create sounds to play games of memory, motion and music. There is a multi-player function that make it a good option for twins, but the novelty of the game style may make it difficult for multiples to share it. 

Vtech Mobigo, Leap Frog Leapster Explorer, and Fisher-Price iXL are three versions of preschool learning systems that are a very hot toy trend in 2010. All three have benefits and drawbacks to consider. The iXL, while more expensive, can be used as a photo album, music player, notepad, art station and storybook in addition to game player. The Mobigo features a touch screen, trackpad and full keyboard and has sturdy kid-proof construction. The Leapster Explorer comes from Leap Frog, recognized for its learning games. The Explorer can automatically adjust to the user's learning level and is customizable with leaplet apps.  Whichever you choose, don't plan to share. You'll need one for each of your multiples. 

It's a doll; it's a video camera. It's a doll with a video camera. For technology-savvy girls, this is the hot doll of the 2010 season. Barbie features a built-in video camera that records up to 25 minutes of video and audio from her perspective. Make your own Barbie movies, then connect Barbie via USB to your computer to edit and upload your videos. Don't even think about making this a shared toy; twin girls will definitely want one of their own.

These interactive toys are a great option for multiples. With a variety of colors and styles, each child can have a unique toy that is more fun to play with when there's more than one. Quirky plush dolls look like odd stuffed animals. But squeeze Sing-a-ma-jigs and they sing and chatter. Put them together and they harmonize and converse. With no volume control, Sing-a-ma-jigs may be one of those toys that parents regret by December 26th, but they're sure to be a hot seller this holiday season. 

I love toys that encourage imaginative interactive play. Playsets are a great option for multiples because they can play together. The Playmobil My Take-Along Puppet Theater not only has 6 puppet chacters, scenery sets and accessories, but all of the pieces store in the carry all playset.  Portable and easy to clean up, too! Battery-operated play set has sound features like music and applause to induce creativity. Additional Playmobil characters and accessories can be purchased separately for more play options. 

Looking to promote active play? The Razor Sole Skate is a nifty skateboard-type product that is small enough to fit in a backpack, but puts kids on the move. With three wheels, it fits on one foot so they can roll on any flat surface. But, it won't take up too much space in the garage. Unless you have other outdoor toys on your list, don't make this a shared item for multiples. They'll each want their own. 

Harry Potter is hot, hot, hot in 2010, with the release of the movie based on the final book, "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows." Lego sets are great gift options for multiples because they can be combined and shared and played with together. For 2010, consider the Hogwarts Castle playset or the Hogwarts Express train playset. Numerous accessory sets tied to the movie are also available.