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Time once again for updates, reviews, and splashy announcements as the holiday gift-giving season approaches in 2011.

Just up ahead, here are the Top Ten most often-mentioned as this year's toy must-haves, based on a survey of review sites, recent toy fairs, and expert lists of releases predicting the hottest toys ahead for the 2011 Christmas season:

• Cookie My Playful Pup - The latest cuter-than-cute edition in the popular line of FurReal Friends animatronic toys from Hasbro. Cookie barks, wags her tail, moves her head in the direction of loud sounds, and when you touch her cheek, she moves toward your hand. Awww...


• Barbie Fashionistas by Mattel - Finally, a completely bendable Barbie that can actually strike a pose,- in a collection of runway models named Glam, Sweetie, Cutie, Sporty, Artsy and Sassy.


• Rock on Elmo by Hasbro Playskool - What would the holidays be without a new Elmo? This time around, everybody's favorite red monster is ready to rock along with kids in an interactive concert featuring a guitar, keyboard, or microphone (each sold separately,)


• Dance Star Mickey by Fisher-Price - Mickey is back to walk, talk, and boogie into the hearts of a whole new generation, featuring a new dance with each of six songs. That includes disco, Latin techno, and the Moonwalk.

• Bop-It XT by Hasbro - A new edition of the Bop-It interactive game featuring handles, levers, buttons - and now - a new "shake" option.

• Monopoly Electronic Banking Game by Hasbro - In this latest version of the classic game, players can buy property, pay bills, and collect debts electronically using - you guessed it - ATM cards.

• Fijits by Mattel - Cute, soft plastic aliens dance to any beat it happens to hear, and will remind you that it's time to play if you have ignored them for too long. Loaded with "personality" chips that vary among four different colors (purple, blue, pink and green) each are programmed to understand more than 30 verbal commands.

• Angry Birds Knock On Wood Board Game by Mattel - Everyone's favorite phone app, now in a three-dimensional table top game in which players draw cards to build a launcher - and win points - by flinging angry birds into those pesky pigs.

• Singamajigs Musical Dolls by Fisher-Price - A hot pick throughout the year, Singamajigs are predicted to once again see an upsurge in demand for holiday versions of the silly, whimsical characters that sing when you squeeze them.

• Christmas Silly Bandz - Back for the holidays, these are more a fun stocking stuffer than a toy, but watch them fly off the shelves come the holidays in multi-colored shapes that include Christmas trees, Santa, and snowmen.

More hot toys for 2011 gift giving

For action gadgets just for boys, Ben 10 toys are once again predicted to go 5-alarm hot in 2011 with a new "ultimate" line and more action figures available in the popular series.

Meanwhile, continuing buzz surrounds Transformers toys which lead the pack of sci-fi entries along with equally popular Bakugan Brawlers spawned by the popular anime TV series.

Also still making red hot news in the kids digital camera market is the Kid-Tough See Yourself Camera by Fisher-Price. Featuring a rubber casing that's virtually break-proof, the new kiddie camera also allows young shutterbugs to take self-portraits or shoot HD video.

Harry Potter paraphernalia also continues to be a must-have, while anything to do with Dora the Explorer, Power Rangers, and the latest computer video games always remain perennial favorites year after year.

also see -> Creative Toys | Shop for Toys Online | Educational Toys

Most Popular Toys of All Time | 2011 Black Friday Sales

Holiday Shopping Guide | Eco Friendly Toys

More about popular toys around the Web

Elsewhere around the Web, browse even more top toys on other "hot" lists recommended by major toy stores and parent associations, plus reviews from comparison shoppers sites, and additional ideas for that perfect gift, game, or educational toy for everybody on your shopping list...

Toy News International - The hottest, latest and greatest in action figures coming down the pike, with reviews, feature stories and industry reports, a Top 100 list, related links.

Dr. Toy's Guide on the Internet - News and recommendations by an expert PhD in toys covering the current market with a list of 100 best, a review of classic toys still found on store shelves, toy history, trivia & fun facts, related links.

PriceGrabber.com - Most Popular Toys - Including the most popular dolls, games, electronic toys and cars, sports equipment, and swing sets. Updated twice daily.

Shopping.com - More online comparison shopping with a Most Popular list including board games, educational toys, video games, and action figures.

also see -> Toys & Game Reviews