Sarin Maietta can't stop touching a table full of jumping robotic bugs. The little critters are buzzing around the Hexbug Habitat Set at the Canadian Toy Association toy showcase, attracting quite a crowd, and Sarin can't seem to get enough.
But try to ask Sarin about why she likes the little robotic bugs, and the four-year-old runs to hide behind her mother's leg. Her mother Sharlene smiles and rolls her eyes.
"I think she likes them because they're intriguing, with lots of little things moving around," Sharlene says, speaking on behalf of her shy preschooler. "They're also just a little bit scary-looking."
Hexbugs, the robotic cockroach lookalikes, are expected to be a hot seller this year at holiday time, as are about 100 other items on the Canadian Toy Association's list of Hot Toys for the Holidays.
Every year, right before the holdidays, the Toy Association compiles its "hot toys" list by asking the manufacturers, importers and toy distributors who make up its membership to choose the two or three toys that they think are going to fly off the shelves and be hot sellers.
This year's selection has plenty of soon-to-be favourites from well-known brands such as Crayola, Lego, Playmobil. Elmo is back, this time as Let's Rock Elmo, and so is Mickey Mouse, as Rock Star Mickey. Even the Cabbage Patch Dolls are back, this time as "Fashionalities" wearing cute outfits to appeal to today's kids.
But there are also a number of new items. This year, one of the items getting the most buzz at the Toy Association's showcase is a kid-sized tablet computer called the LeapPad Explorer.
The Explorer allows kids aged 4 to 9 to play a library of educational games while also featuring a built-in camera and video recorder, and photo editing software. At an expected retail price of about $110, the toy is not altogether cheap, but with tons of activities built in, it promises hours of entertainment.
The LeapPad might interest some, but it's not what captivated Rebecca Keenan's children. Her son, Colum, who's five, was more fascinated with the wooden Papo Pirate Ship.
"He was just a pirate for Halloween so he's thinking about pirates a lot right now," says Rebecca.
Colum's younger sister, Irene, who just turned 3, also has little interest in toys with the flashing lights. Instead, she gravitates to the Mini Lalaloopsy Treehouse, with its moving tire swing, zipline and hammocks. She is also happy to sit on the floor quietly playing with Le Toy Van My First Garage, running cars down the ramp and back up again.
Mom Rebecca, who's also got her hands full with a seven-week-old baby, Maria, says her top priority when shopping for toys isn't that they're current or "cool;" it's that they keep her kids busy.
"I prefer toys that don't require me to assemble them for them, so I'm looking for toys the kids can play with for a while by themselves," she says.
Right now, little Irene is fascinated with a toy food set she has at home, one that's probably a lot like the Felt Food Sandwich Set from Melissa & Doug on display at the show. Mom Rebecca says Irene likes to imagine she's a little mommy, making lunch for her family.
Little Sarah Komljanec is the same way. Sarah, who has just turned two, has two older brothers so finds herself playing with cars and trucks. But she also loves her dollies.
Sarah's mother, Maria, says when she's shopping for toys, she looks for safety, seeking toys whose paints won't peel off, for example. But she also wants something durable and offers lots of longevity.
In fact, simple toys with long-lasting "playability" are what a lot of parents at the show say they look for. Sure, they like toys that make their kids scream with delight on Christmas morning, but they also want toys that won't be "played out" by New Year's Day. That's why the old favourites that get kids to use their imagination, like dollhouse and construction block sets, are always popular.
While there were more than 100 new toys at the show, many sat idle while a few grabbed the kids' interest a lot more than others. Here's a look at a few that were played with the most at the event:
Fijit Friends Interactive Figure, from Mattel
Fijit Friends are squeezable robotic friends meant for kids 6 and up. They tell jokes and play music that become dancing machines, busting out different dance moves depending on the song. While they're a whole lot of fun, they run the risk of becoming rather annoying, rather fast, so be warned.
Price: around $70
LEGO Pirates of the Caribbean Black Pearl
What's great about his toy is that just building the ship is a task intiself that will keep kids busy for a few hours. Then when the ship is done, it's a pretty cool replica of the ship from the Pirates of the Caribbean series. Best for kids over the age of 9 with a lot of patience for assembling small parts.
Expected price: around $129
Collector's Edition Litehawk, from Borgfeldt (Canada) Ltd
This mini remote-controlled helicopter appeared easy to fly, moving in every direction. This metal flyer comes with lithium chargeable battery, and charger. Since the chopper is small and might be a little on the delicate side, it's best for kids aged 8 and up.
Price: around $50
K'Nex Mario & Luigi Starting Line Building Set
Racing cars sets are a perennial favourite and this car set never sat idle for a minute during the toy show. The set includes 16 pieces of interconnectable track that creates a closed loop, and two super-fast, battery-powered sprinter Karts. Meant for kids over the age of 6.
Price: around $60
PlasmaBike, from PlaSmart Inc.
PlasmaBike is a neat-looking two-wheeled, no-pedal balance bike for kids over the age of 3. It features extra wide wheels that encourage balance development, providing a fun, smooth ride.
Price: around $80
Discovery Kids Eco Friendly Color Me Play Castle
For all kids who have ever found that the box a toy comes in can be just as exciting as the toy itself comes a 6-foot tall castle-shaped box that kids can decorate with markers or crayons. While one mom worried that her kids would destroy the corrugated cardboard pretty quickly, the castle was definitely a big hit with the kids who love to colour.
Expected price: $30
20Q Handheld Game, from RP Toys Ltd
This toy seemed to fascinate a group of girls who looked to be around 10. Think of a word, any word, and the 20Q toy will guess what it is in 20 questions or less. The toy has been popular for years and this year's version is said to have even greater intelligence. It's a text-based toy, so it's best for kids aged 6 and up with good reading skills.
Price: around $18
