Toy Fair '08: 10 Toys You Won't Stop Hearing About

Our biggest finds at Toy Fair 2008

by Phoebe Assenza

Each winter, every major (and many a minor) toy manufacturer descend on New York City for Toy Fair, one of the world's biggest trade shows. Covering a space the size of a few football fields, every brand-new buzzing, blinking, spinning, singing, or otherwise mesmerizing toy, gift, and game is unveiled for that year's holiday buying season.

With a ton of summer blockbuster tie-ins, a few 80s resurrections, and some new and instant classics, Grandparents.com found what's sure to have your grandchildren filing their wish lists early.

D-Rex

Touted as the "ultimate gift for boys," the D-Rex is a walking, growling, animatronic dinosaur who responds to touch and voice prompts. The mystique of being extinct, paired with the fun of being interactive, he's sure to be a coveted pet among grandsons.

Available: Fall 2008
Price: $150
For ages: 6 and older

High School Musical 2 Country Club Cruiser

You've probably memorized every song from High School Musical 2 based on your grandchildren's incessant renditions. We're almost sorry to report the phenomenon isn't going anywhere, but perhaps you can squelch the sing-alongs with toys based on the movie. The Country Club Cruiser is only one of a slew of action figures, playsets, and vehicles modeled after the characters' own.

Available: December 2007
Price: $25
For ages: 6 and older

Indiana Jones Lost Temple of Akatar Playset

You may remember taking your own kids to see the original Indiana Jones' films. Well, this May, you might be doing the same — with your grandchildren — to see the newest installment. As with any blockbuster-Spielberg opus, a bevy of licensed toys will be available, our favorite of which is this Lost Temple of Akatar Playset.

Available: Fall 2008
Price: $40
For ages: 5 and older

My Little Pony Ponyville Sweet Sundae Amusement Park

Another slice of nostalgic gift buying is a new line of My Little Pony playsets. The Ponyville Sweet Sundae Amusement Park is a pink and swirly, ultra-girly theme park with a ferris wheel and dessert-shaped gondolas. Working lights and sounds round out the set as a must-have for any granddaughter who loves the curiously-colored equines as much as her mom did.

Available: Fall 2008
Price: $40
For ages: 3 and older

Invincible Iron Man Action Figure

Old comic book hero, new movie, and so goes the making of your grandson's favorite toy. This 12-inch action figure has weapons, a jet pack, and a removable helmet — and he even makes fun flying noises. That should be enough to keep your youngest entertained until the sequel.

Available: Fall 2008
Price: $30
For ages: 4 and older

Hulk Smash Hands

Again, this will look very familiar. The giant green monster is back and your grandchildren just might be a tad obsessed. After getting all riled up from the forthcoming The Incredible Hulk movie, your grandchildren can strap on these major punch gloves. They not only look ridiculous but also play hilarious smash-sounds when they come in contact with each other... and anything else.

Available: May 3rd, 2008
Price: $20
For ages: 3 and older

Remote Control Wallcrawler Spiderman

Aside from web-slinging and crime-fighting, the classic arachnid superhero is perhaps coolest for his wall-crawling abilities. With the fall release of the Remote Control Wallcrawler Spiderman, grandchildren can have their own little Spidey scaling their bedroom and living room walls.

Available: Fall 2008
Price: $50
For ages: 5 and older

Elmo Live

This is one of those toys that you're happy to give your grandchildren, but also a little jealous that they didn't make stuff like this when you were their age. The newest in the Elmo toy juggernaut is Elmo Live: a talking, dancing, sitting, singing, story telling animatronic friend that will be blowing pre-school minds well into next year.

Available: October 14, 2008
Price: $60
For ages: 18 months and older

Speed Racer Race-A-Round Sound Helmet

When a grandchild becomes obsessed with the superhero hero du jour, playing with action figures and other assorted licensed toys just isn't enough; they want to become their favorite daredevil. Likely based on the success of last year's Transformers Helmet, Hot Wheels' Speed Racer Race-A-Round Sound Helmet is something from which your grandchild can make speeding and crashing sounds, all done by tilting their head in different directions. It's as if they were the driver himself, only safer.

Available: March 2008
Price: $25
For ages: 4 and older

Hannah Montana Malibu Beach House

For most girls in the 6 to 12 age range, to know Hannah Montana is to love her. A lot. And what devoted Hannah fan wouldn't want to give her little fashion doll the world? Especially when that world includes an super-deluxe beach house. Based on the set from the intensely popular TV show, the Hannah Montana Malibu Beach House is a two-level replica, complete with kitchen, living room, bedroom, and closet. Down to the decor, colors, and furniture (all included), it's the perfect little stage for living out any Hannah scenario of your granddaughter's choosing. The best part is it closes up and transports easily for when she can't leave home without it.

Available: Fall 2008
Price: $160
For ages: 6 and older

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