Technological advances are taking children's toys to new heights, and for this Christmas season the number of interactive toys on the market is mind blowing. No longer are your gift options limited to little plastic men and Barbie dolls. While those basic toys will always be loved, there are new toys on the market that will delight your little ones of all ages like never before. 

1. Pleo Dinosaur-A Ugobe Life Form - 7.5" tall, 21" long, intended for older children of at least 8 years old since it is more like a pet than a toy. This is more than your typical plastic robot. It is equipped with highly advanced artificial intelligence that allows it to use all of the human senses to explore and learn from the unique environment in which it lives. It will walk around by itself and interact spontaneously with everyone in your family. Starting out as a one-week-old baby dinosaur, but will quickly develop into a unique creature with its own personality, complete with changing emotions and reactions to events in the household. Selling for around 350.00. 

2. Leap Frog Tag Reading System-Using a small pen that fits nicely into small hands, children 4-8 years old can enjoy stories that literally come alive with the sweep of their hand. Besides spoken words of the story, entertaining voices bring even the pictures to audible life. Only works with special books sold through Leap Frog, which are designed so that the pen can pick up the words and images on the page and read them out to your child. The pens even track the progress of the user and your little one can earn incentives through the website. Selling for around 50.00, but books are sold separately. 

3. VTech V.Motion Active Learning System-It's WII for kids, and at a fraction of the price! The newest VTech video game allows children to play any games from the entire Smartridge selection, but in full motion. A wireless joystick which is motion activated allows your little one to learn while wearing off some energy and having tons of fun. Selling for around 70.00, plus cartridges. 

4. FurReal Biscuit-From Fur Real Friends, Biscuit My Lovin Pup brings the responsibility and enjoyment of pet ownership without the shedding hair and actual messes. This cute little pup will recognize voices and respond to six different commands. He even wags his tail and barks! This is a great primer to actually owning a real pet, or for children who cannot have a real puppy for various reasons. Intended for ages 5 and up, it is a great interactive option for younger kids as well. Selling for around 200.00. 


5. Smart-e-Bear-If you don't like bears, this super cuddly plush interactive toy also comes as Smart-e-Dog and Smart-e-Cat. This is a guaranteed interactive hit that even smaller children of 2 years and up will enjoy. The stuffed animal interacts through squeezes of its feet and hands, and entertains by reading stories, singing songs, and playing games. The content is downloaded from a website and can continually be changed as the child grows, even on a daily basis if needed! Sells for around 80.00. 


6. U-Dance-With a uniquely designed console that plugs directly into your television and sensors that attach to your feet, this game allows you to really get your groove on without the awkward confines of a dance mat. Starting with simple steps and moving up to very complicated footwork, you actually have to perform each step on your own to see it performed on the screen. Tons of fun and great for all ages of dance lovers. Selling for around 70.00. 




7. Hannah Montana Guitar Video Game-This cool purple guitar with touch keys allows Hannah fans to play along with the pop star to popular Hannah Montana tunes. Hitting the market with many other guitar-based television games, this one is aimed at Miley Cyrus fans of all  ages. It simply plugs in, no need for a gaming console. Selling for around 60.00. 





8. Webkinz-Available in a variety of animals from lions to the "floppy pig," these adorable stuffed animals grant children as young as 3 years old access to an online world where they can play amusing games and care for their new pets. Children across the country have already fallen in love with these cuddly little pets, and yours will want to start their own collection once they find this under the tree! Selling for around 8.00-20.00, depending on the animal chosen. 


9. Fisher Price Digital Arts and Crafts Studio-Plugging directly into your computer, kids will find 85 built-in creative craft and art based amusements, all utilized by a special keyboard and software that protects damage from your own keyboard and files. Children four years all the way up to 9 years old will find stimulating challenges creating their own artistic adventures! Selling for around 50.00.




10. Playskool Kota My Triceratops Dinosaur-Standing over three feet tall, this realistic ride-on dinosaur comes to life with actual sounds and motions that will thrill children in the 3-5 age range. Holding a maximum of sixty pounds, Kota will respond to your child's voice and movements with giggles, roars, and motion. Bring home the closest thing to a real dinosaur for your little one this Christmas! Selling for around 300.00.



No matter the age, gender, or interests of your little ones, there are interactive toys in all price ranges that will delight all of their senses! Toys become more intriguing every year, even for adults, and this year's offerings will be hard to top in 2009.

Join our Community and tell us about  your favorite toys for 2008.