Every year there are a few "must have" gifts that kids put on their wish lists for the holidays. Unfortunately, this must-have status means these are also the very toys that seem impossible to find this time of year. But isn't the hunt half the fun?
Here are 6 toys our Facebook friends said were on their kids' must-have gift lists:
1. Wii ($149.99, age recommendations vary)
Nintendo's video game console is still popular, despite not being new to market this year. Recently released games include Just Dance 3 ($39.99), Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked ($29.99), and The Oregon Trail ($29.99).
2. Xia-Xia Hermit Crabs ($10.99, ages 4+) (shown in photo)
Pronounced Sha-sha, these colorful, collectible hermit crabs are hot this year. A variety of changeable shells ($5.99) add to the fun.
3. Fijit Friends ($54.99, ages 6+)
Described as "every girl's best friend" these interactive robotic toys can understand and respond to more than 30 verbal commands as well as make lifelike movements when they are poked or squeezed. Also available Fijit Friends Newbies ($24.99, ages 6+), which sing alone, or in a duet when put with another Newbie.
4. Angry Birds Knock on Wood Game ($19.99, ages 5-7)
Based on the popular Angry Birds app, this game of skill and action makes it possible to play Angry Birds in real life. The game comes with everything you need to Build! Launch! Destroy! Up to 4 players.
5. DaGeDar ($22.99, ages 4+)
This two-lane battle jump raceway is used to race and "jump" two DaGeDar basic balls ($4.99 for a 2-pack), which have numerous designs from goblins to fire-starters, making them collectible in their own right.
6. Sesame Street Let's Rock Elmo ($54.99, 18 months to 4 years)
Elmo, who is dressed in a concert-style tee, can sing six songs with his very own microphone as well as play the tambourine and drum set, "magically" determining which one is handed to him by the child. Additional Let's Rock interactive instruments are also available.
Ready to start the hunt? Here's a list of 36 local New Jersey toy stores. (Be sure to let us know what New Jersey toy stores are missing from our list, and we'll add them.)
Good luck and happy holidays! What toys do your kids have to have this year?
