Yugioh Cards & Harry Potter Angela Moore News24.com 09/10/2002 09:52

Barbie, Harry: Hot holiday couple

Angela Moore

09/10/2002 09:52 - (SA)

The toys on the "Hot Dozen" list, which were showcased by the magazine with an event at the International Toy Centre in New York, aren't just popular, they are expected to be "the most impossible to find", the magazine said.

The hysteria that surrounds the hottest toys is legendary some years, with parents camping out in parking lots to be the first into a store and $20 toys being auctioned off for 10 times face value.

"We add a little fuel to the fire, but a lot of these things would be hot without the list," said Jim Silver, co-publisher of Toy Wishes. "We're also able to bring recognition to a toy that might not get it ... we can help bring it to the forefront."

The "Hot Dozen" list this year includes a line of electronic plush cats that, when touched, mimic mannerisms of real cats, a new Barbie with hair that "grows" and a Lego set depicting scenes from the second Harry Potter book and upcoming movie.

It could be even harder for parents to get their hands on this year's Cabbage Patch Kid or Tickle Me Elmo, as the West Coast port lockout drags on, delaying the shipment of toys into the United States.

Even though the faltering economy has left wallets lighter, retailers are struggling, and consumer confidence is shaky, holidays are a time when parents indulge their children.

"Birthdays and the holidays are the two key points in the year when you're not going to disappoint your child even if you've just had a pink slip or afraid one is coming," said Brean Murray toy analyst Margaret Whitfield.

There are several criteria for the list, said Silver.

"We look for a hot license, like Harry Potter, if it's fun to play with, or if it's a brand or collectible like Barbie. Last year's Harry Potter Lego set was the item you couldn't find," said Silver. "Chamber of Secrets is the same type of craze."

For Neurosmith, a small Long Beach, California, company, making the list gives it attention it wouldn't ordinarily have. The company makes Musini, a toy that uses vibrations to create music.

"This made our year," said Amy Williams, public relations director for Neurosmith.

But it isn't all about the "Hot Dozen". In total, 115 toys in about 20 categories were featured, such as action figures, special needs, pre-school, dolls and accessories, and educational and learning.

The toy stations had girls and boys demonstrating the toys and offering their opinions.

One popular toy was My Scene Barbie, a new doll targeted to older girls, with a bigger head and more fashionable outfits than traditional Barbie.

"I like it because the clothes are better and the shoes stay on," said one girl.

The Barbie Video Camera was a favourite of its demonstrator. "My cousin and I like to do fashion shows and we never had a camera before," she said.

The "Hot Dozen" toys: