Toy trends this holiday season

For the young ones on your shopping list, or maybe just the young at heart, there are a few trends for toys this holiday season.

For parents looking for a revisit to their own childhood, there's a "retro rewind," said Toys "R" Us spokesman Bob Friedland.

That includes toys from long ago and the not so long ago, with the return of the popular original Tickle Me Elmo.

"They know they're fun and their kids are going to love them," Friedland said. "(They're) the comfort food of toys."

Another trend, he said, is what they're calling "tiny treasures, teen prices."

One example is the Hexbug Nano, Friedland said.

At just under $10, the tiny little bugs come in a variety of colors.

And Friedland said they have a big impact as they vibrate around.

A very popular toy this year is the Zhu Zhu Pet collection.

But some parents may have to scamper to get their hands on this hot toy: it's quickly selling out at various retail stores.

The furry little creatures have optional accessories - everything from a skateboard to - what else - a hamster ball to roll around in.

Friedland said kids all over want to collect all of the hamsters.

"They all have different personalities, but they're very intelligent," he said. "The great thing is, they actually know what environment they're in."

A third trend, he said, is a return to arts and crafts.

A hit with all ages, Friedland said more people are doing more arts and crafts with the downturn in the economy.

"That's really being reflected in the way kids play," he said.

Arts and crafts are also a great gift, he said, because it's something children can do either alone or in a group.

The final trend, Friedland said is "investing in the future."

That might mean a few more dollars right now, but it's something that can grow with the child and will last.

"Designed for safe (Web) surfing," is the Disney Net Pal, said Friedland.

It's priced just under $350 and comes with an Intel processor and Windows XP Home, with an 8.9 inch screen.

It's recommended for children age 6 - 12.

But just because it's a computer doesn't mean your child will have free reign of the Internet with this product.

Friedland said that's because a child can use e-mail and log on to the Disney desktop, but parents can decide exactly what the child can and can't do online.

When it comes to picking out toys, Friedland said there's "no one hot toy that will satisfy everyone on your list."

"It's really about knowing what your child's interest in," he said.

Stephanie A. Wilken can be reached at swilken@yumasun.com or 539-6857.