HomeBefore you know it, it'll be summer -- and that means your kids will have lots of time to play. If you want to avoid the inevitable "I'm boooored," kick off the summer with one of these bestselling toys.
Here are the "Hot Dozen" toys of the summer, according to Toy Wishes magazine. You should be able to find these at toy stores or online, at Web sites such as Amazon.com and eToys.com.
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Bakugan Battle Brawlers
What it is: It's like Pokemon all over again -- and it's predicted to be the hottest toy for boys this year. Bakugan battles are played with magnetic cards, laid flat on the table, and oversized marbles that -- when they hit the cards -- transform into action-figure warriors that battle (yes, and brawl) for the fate of the galaxy. Warning: Your child will want to collect them all.
For ages: 6 and older
Made by: Spin Master
Price: $2.99 to $29.99
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Banzai Skimboard Surfer
What it is: This is what the original Slip `N Slide always wished it could be. Hop on a skimboard and glide down a 26-foot surface, water shooting all around you. It's the closest you can get to an ocean in your front yard.
For ages: 8 and older
Made by: ToyQuest
Price: $49.99
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Barbie iDesign Ultimate Stylist
What it is: Here's a chance to dress up Barbie and stage a fashion show, all on the computer. With 50 fashion cards and a little pink code-scanner, this CD-ROM kit lets you build a multitude of looks for Barbie and her friends -- then send them down the red carpet.
For ages: 5 and older
Made by: Mattel
Price: $39.99 (additional card packs $4.99 each)
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Hannah Montana Surf Shop Hangout
What it is: Any Hannah Montana fan knows about Rico's surf shop. Here's an exact replica of the beachfront shop, where you can hang out in the tiki hut, have a hot dog at the counter or wax your surfboard.
For ages: 6 and older
Made by: Play Along
Price: $29.99 (dolls, sold separately, are $10.99 to $12.99)
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Crayola 3-D Sidewalk Chalk
What it is: How do they do it? The folks at Crayola just made sidewalk chalk new and innovative. You put on a pair of 3-D glasses (they're included) and suddenly, you've got a picture in three dimensions. Clearly, this is no ordinary chalk.
For ages: 4 and older
Made by: Crayola
Price: $5.99
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"High School Musical 2" Sing Together dolls
What it is: "High School Musical" makes every kid want to sing. So go ahead, pick up the microphone and belt out your favorite hit songs from the movie. You and your doll -- Troy, Gabriella or Sharpay -- can sing together or take turns. Hand the mike over and the doll will pick up the song where you left off.
For ages: 6 and older
Made by: Mattel
Price: $24.99
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Nerf N-Strike Recon CS-6
What it is: This state-of-the-art dart blaster has five interchangeable parts, so you can configure it any way you want. There's even a dual-mode light beam to give you red-dot aim.
For ages: 6 and older
Made by: Hasbro
Price: $19.99
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Hot Wheels `Speed Racer' Sky Jump track set
What it is: "Speed Racer" hits theaters in May. Re-create the death-defying race scenes at home with this Hot Wheels track. Factor in all the jumps and stunts you want -- then rearrange the track for another race.
For ages: 5 and older
Made by: Mattel
Price: $49.99
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"Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull" building set
What it is: Here's another movie tie-in. The newest Indiana Jones episode will be in theaters May 22, and now you can play with the LEGO versions of scenes from the summer flick.
For ages: 8 and older
Made by: LEGO
Price: $9.99 to $59.99
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"Rock Band" for Wii
What it is: On June 22, the famous video game "Rock Band" will finally be released for Wii users. You know you want to pretend you're a rock star.
For ages: Rated T for Teen
Made by: Harmonix Music Systems
Price: $169 (includes microphone, drums and lead guitar)
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Super Soaker Bottle Shot
What it is: What's summer without a good Super Soaker dousing? This is the latest version, with a range of 20 feet. And guess what? You can attach any standard screw-top bottle, including 2-liter bottles, which allows for a lot of soaking.
For ages: 5 and older
Made by: Hasbro
Price: $7.99
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Tamagotchi Connection V5
What it is: You remember the first Tamagotchi virtual pets, little high-maintenance gadgets that required lots of care and feeding. This year's generation is even more interactive. You can raise a whole family of characters at the same time, using the same gadget. (It sort of reminds us of The Sims, only portable.) The online component lets you connect with a friend's Tamagotchi in an all-new virtual world.
For ages: 8 and older
Made by: Bandai
Price: $14.99
(c) 2008, Fort Worth Star-Telegram.
Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.
