Elmo Tops Hot Holiday Toys List

What are stores like Toys R Us (I don't know how to make a backwards R) predicting will be big this year? Well, they've put out their annual list of "hot" toys that the company is banking on to be the most wanted. Banking indeed, as retailers can make up to 40 percent of annual sales during the holiday season. It's a game of right mix of toys at the right prices. The top 15 list is split evenly between toys available everywhere and toys exclusive to Toys R Us. Among the non-exclusive: Hasbro's Playskool Big Hugs Elmo, a $59.95 22-inch Muppet doll with flexible arms that plays songs, knows phrases and gives out hugs; Leapfrog's LeapPad Ultra, a $149.99 tablet for kids; and a $119.99 Lego set Legends of Chima The Lion CHI construction set. Toys R Us exclusives on the list include a $14.99 Shimmer 'N Sparkle Cra-Z-Loom by Cra-Z-Art, which creates rubber band bracelets; a $399.99 Razo Cart go-cart for kids and a Toys R Us model tablet for kids called the tabeo e2 at $149.99. So there's a few of the things your kids might be whispering in Santa's ear this holiday season. DB