By Kasey Fowler, Staff Writer
Christmas can raise the issue of what to get the kids for gifts.
National Retail Federation has provided some help this year with its list of the top toys for boys and girls.
The list for boys begins with video games, followed by the Nintendo Wii.
The Wii console currently is running about $400. Many store are offering special packages, including extra controllers, games and accessories. Video games can range from $10 for older games to $120 for new games with special accessories.
LEGO blocks jumped from sixth place in 2007 to third this year. The fourth place slot is held by cars. Transformers dropped from the No. 1 slot last year to fifth place this year.
The final five places were held by Elmo, Star Wars, Hot Wheels, remote controlled vehicles and Xbox 360.
Tricia Chambers’ son, Jake, 9, wants video games and a gaming system.
“Jake wants a Xbox 360 and ‘Guitar Hero,’” said Chambers.
Unsurprisingly, Barbie topped the girls’ list this year. Barbie has topped the girls’ since at least 2004.
Barbie prices range between $15 and $50. Most regular dolls fall between $15 and $20.
Disney’s Hannah Montana moved up to second place this year from sixth in 2007, beating out Bratz, which dropped to fourth.
Hannah Montana items range from DVDs to clothing to board games to guitars and more. Prices for Dis-ney Hannah Montana items range from $4 to $150.
Dolls stayed a steady third place again this year. The Nintendo Wii rounded out the top five gifts, a far cry from the second place it held in the boys’ list.
The final places on the top toys list for girls were held by video games, Elmo, Disney’s “High School Musical,” Disney Princess and American Girl.
Dee Panchal’s daughter, Emani, 2, wants anything Disney Princess.
“She wants anything to do with princesses, crowns, jewels, glittery or shiny, and any princess, Cinderella or Ariel from Little Mermaid,” said Panchal. “She is only 21⁄2. She has just started comprehending princess as pretty and special.”
Amy Kelly said her daughters LeeAnn, 14, and Sarah, 12, want things that aren’t on the top toys lists.
“LeeAnn wants a digital camera and online gift card, and Sarah wants art supplies, a CD player and an Xbox 360,” she said.
Chambers also said her daughter, Sydney, 13, doesn’t want presents from the lists.
“Sydney wants and iPod and a digital camera this year,” she said.
Although not every child wants the items on the top toys list, many children have asked for this year’s tops toys by name.
