Top Toys of the Year - Christmas 2011

If you're like me, Christmas shopping began a few months ago. I'm a sucker for a bargain and whenever I find something at a good price, I'm all over it. Every year, I try to get a good idea of what the hottest toys are this season. My life was made easy last Christmas when all I had to do was buy every niece and nephew a Pillow Pet (which would still be a safe bet this year for those of you who missed out). But so far this year, my search hasn't been as easy. So I've compiled a list to help out everyone else that is lost in the world of toys.

Remember when Tickle-Me-Elmo was the hottest toy for Christmas? Well, turns out he wasn't just a fad and Elmo is here to stay. This year, the latest-and-greatest is Let's Rock Elmo. For around $50, you get a one-man-Elmo-band complete with a drum set, tambourine and microphone. Kids love to interact by choosing Elmo's instrument and watching him play. It's a great gift for kids 18 months and older.

One of the things about kids this age, is that they're already running our electronics like they were born doing it. Turns out, they have been on computers, iPods and cell phones since a very young age. Naturally, they are draw to toys with technology. This is where the LeapFrog LeapPad meets their needs. The Explorer Learning Tablet offers games, digital books, apps, and flash cards to enhance learning. It has a 5" touch screen and built-in camera and video recorder all for around $110. It's probably a good starter for kids this age and beats forking over the cash for an iPad.

How can you go wrong with a remote control inflatable flying Shark? Air Swimmers are helium-filled fish that "swim" through the air and allow kids to control movements with an infra-red remote controller. This can provide hours of entertainment and stays inflated for several weeks at a time. I can't even tell you how much I would have loved a flying shark at that age.

Teenagers are a little tougher to buy for and finding the perfect gift requires some good listening skills. One of the most requested gifts this past year has to be the Xbox Kinect. It's gonna run you about 300 bucks, but it's guaranteed entertainment for years to come. Gone are the days of the couch potato video games, with Kinect kids get into the action with the full-body gaming device that detects movement making each person their very own controller.

How can I write an article without suggesting a toy for the adults? Any person who loves to read is guaranteed to love the Amazon Kindle. The world is going digital and what could be more exciting than having it at your fingertips. Instantly, you're able to search, download and read millions of books on the small device. They've even introduced two new versions: kindle touch & kindle fire while keeping the prices affordable. This gadget is at the top of the list season after season.