Stores begins stocking for the holiday seasons as early as September, and children start talking about their holiday wish list even sooner than that. Each year, manufacturers clamor to produce the most-wanted holiday items, retailers clamor to stock them - and moms clamor to understand all the hype.
Children are picky about choosing just the “right” toys for their wish lists, and it’s often mom’s job to find those toys. You may even be a mom who wants to fill that space under the tree with surprises you know the kids will love. Either way, it can seem overwhelming when you don’t know where to go for the goods. Relax – help is here. This is what you need to know about finding 2011’s hottest holiday toys:
:: Retailer Lists
Every year, major retailers put together toy look books so that children can ooh and ah over the latest toy trends and parents can price them. Stop into Toys R Us and pick up a “Hot Toy List,” and pick up similar compilations from Walmart, Target and Kmart.
:: Toy Review Websites
The web is full of advice for finding this year’s hottest toys. A search for “holiday toys” will yield a number of websites dedicated to featuring and reviewing holiday season must-haves, and many even direct you to where to buy.
:: Television
Check your local cable listings for holiday toy-themed broadcasts. Talk shows like “The View” and “The Buzz” film a holiday special each year, in which they cover the season’s biggest trends and show you exactly what they look like and how they work.
:: Word of Mouth
Just as the stores begin stocking their holiday wares, toy manufacturers begin advertising their offerings on children’s networks. Pay attention when your children call you to the television set, saying, “Mommy, I want that!” Make it a point to write these “clues” down, so that you know exactly what you are looking for when you head out on shopping day.
:: Online Sources
One of the best ways to find a wide array of hot holiday toys can also be done from the comfort of your own home. Internet retailers like Amazon.com are a great place to find a wide array of must-haves, or you may browse through the offerings on eBay if you know what you want and would like to comparison shop.
You don’t have to be an investigator to figure out what’s hot this holiday season, and you don’t have to be a detective to track these items down. Earn mom-of-the-year status by using these tips for finding this year’s hottest toys.
About the Author: Patty Kleen is a mom on a mission. Her goals are to find the best holiday toys for her kids without breaking the bank.
