The Top 25 Kids toys of 2010 under $15

Christmas is 45 days away. There, I said it. Now don't wait until the week before to scurry off to the store. The frenzied, crowded experience will turn you into Scrooge just like it did last year. As a matter of fact, don't go to the store at all. Head to Toys R Us/Babies R Us online for free shipping and pay absolutely nothing for delivery when you purchase $100 or more in merchandise. Easy as pumpkin pie. These are our top toy picks for holiday gifts under $15. Let's get to it!

1. Sing-a-ma-jigs $9.49
I hate Tickle-Me-You-Know-Who as much as the next parent, but some one-trick ponies are totally worth it. These joyful, singing flibbertigibbets have little mouths that move with they music they sing! Each little animal has it's own tune.

Why we like it: I'm putting it on my Christmas list. It's just too cute to pass up.

2. Bop It $12.99
Ages 8 and up
This electronic thingamajig calls out commands and requires the user to respond to respond correctly within a time limit. It's a bit like musical, action-oriented hot potato. Bop It can be played by one person or as a group game.

Why we like it: Anything that requires movement is great in this electronic age! Bop It works on auditory and fine motor skills as well as reaction time.

3. Cuponk $12.99
Ages 9 and up
Yes, this is a glorified "bounce the ball into the cup" game. But the game cards challenge users to increase the difficulty--plus the cup lights up when the ball goes in.

Why we like it: Cuponk is a great practical way to see geometry in action and provide hours of varied fun. Two thumbs up for fine motor skills practice!

4. Spintacular Playcenter $14.99
Ages 6-18 months
Anything that spins is a great seller for the crawling crowd, and the Spintacular Playcenter by International Playthings is no exception. Several bugs spin on top of a small stand and a center "wheel" spins up and down.

Why we like it: The toy can sit on the floor or, even better, in a high chair for easy hands-free dinner prep.

5. Skwish Color Burst $14.99
Ages 12-24 months
Ever notice how your toddler takes supreme joy in squishing and squeezing things in the house? Give her this collapsible geodesic ball and she'll be entranced for quite a while.

Why we like it: Since it's one of the smaller toys, the Skwish Color Burst is a great car seat companion and will take your little tyke's mind off long-distance travel. Also makes a good diaper bag toy.

6. Edushape Sensory Balls-Set of 4 $14.99
Ages 6-24 months
Give a kid a ball and a cardboard box and he's good for hours, right? These four brightly colored, rubbery balls are brightly colored and make great gifts for kids under one-year-old. Very simple, yet very entertaining.

Why we like it: Help kids learn their colors with this set! Plus roll them, bounce them, or take them in the bath. Easy to clean with warm, soapy water.

7. Zhu Zhu Pets $14.99 (2-pack)
Ages 4 and up
These furry little buddies are the new WebKinz. Voted Toy of the Year for 2010, Zhu Zhu Pets come in many different colors and costumes. With two AAA batteries, these poopless creatures provide hours of fun--they even run on a hamster track!

Why we like it: Have you ever smelled a hamster cage? Or had to pay some kid down the street to feed your rodent while you go out of town? No thanks. I'll take a fake pet any day, especially one that squeaks and chirps just like a real one.

8. Baby Tubbles, 12" Bathtime Doll $12.99
Ages 1-4 years
Little girls love their babies, and this washable sweetie hits the spot. She floats in the tub and comes with a robe, rubber duckie, and bottle. Machine wash inside a pillowcase at least once per month of use.

Why we like it: If your little one starts to resist baths, Baby Tubbles will be a great help! Shampoo hair, scrub with body wash, and rinse with water to "practice" with your toddler.

9. My Pal Scout Interactive Pet $14.99
Ages 6 month-3 years
Leap Frog's Scout has been around for a couple of years, but if you don't have one for your infant or toddler yet, it's a great purchase. The puppy sings songs, talks to your child by name, and plays bedtime music.

Why we like it: Scout and Violet (purple version) are completely customizable through Leap Frog's website, so as your child changes her preferences you can change the puppy.

10. Dora the Explorer Mega Tunes Guitar $14.99
Ages 3-6 years

As far as this parent is concerned, Dora can take a long walk off a short pier. My daughter, however, feels differently. This fun guitar plays familiar Dora and nursery tunes and is an easy way to introduce chords to your youngster.

Why we like it: It's the perfect size for a 2-3 year-old.

11. Play-Doh Big Barrel $12.99
Ages 3-6 years
Play-Doh will always be a huge hit. This varied bucket contains shape cutters, cutting tools, molding press, and six cans of dough.

Why we like it: Some of the more elaborate Play-Doh setups are too difficult for tiny hands. This set is simple and easy.

12. Dr. Seuss' Cat in the Hat-I can do that! Game $14.99
Ages 3-5
With the Cat in the Hat TV show on PBS, new young viewers are being introduced to Dr. Seuss's mischievous kitty. Using the book as a springboard, players draw cards that include Cat in the Hat challenges like "jump up and down with a cake in between your elbows".

Why we like it: Parts of this game can be played throughout the day--the pieces are easily identifiable with the book. Kids love accepting new challenges that the Cat in the Hat gives.
 
13. Saucer Scramble $14.98
Ages 4-8
Load up the flying saucer with discs, hit start and scramble to catch them with a cone-shaped net. Discs are small, so make sure you collect all 7 plastic discs after each scramble.

Why we like it: On rainy days that never seem to end, Mattel's Saucer Scramble is a great active game to get the wiggles out.

14. Stomp Rocket Jr. $14.99
Ages 3-7
This super easy-to-use rocket explodes 100 feet in the air after stomping on the launch pad. Each kit comes with 4 glow-in-the-dark rockets.

Why we like it: Even a 3-year-old can operate it! For a couple bucks more splurge for the Ultra Stomp Rocket (ages 8-11).

15. Nerf N-Strike Maverick Blaster $10.99
Ages 6-11
With rapid launching action and easy loading this hot blaster with assault all enemy targets. Lock and load with this Nerf gun! Includes 6 foam darts.

Why we like it: Boys will always find something to shoot at each other. At least this gun shoots foam bullets.

16. LEGO Star Wars: The Clone Wars Clone Walker Battle Pack $14.99
Ages 8-12
Engage in the Clone Wars battle with this missile-firing walker! Includes three clone troopers. LEGO is always a huge seller--just be careful with little pieces if you have smaller children around.

Why we like it: The big boys in your family will love it just as much as the little ones.

17. Silly Bandz 48-piece $10.99
Ages 5 and up
Kids go gaga for these silly shaped bracelets! With themes like Dora the Explorer, dinosaurs, NFL teams, and Thomas the Train, Silly Bandz bracelets are a huge hit.

Why we like it: Help younger folks learn colors, animal types, and sizes by sorting the bands.

18. Plate Works $14.99
Ages 4 and up
From the comfort of your own home create a unique plate with your little one. Then send it off in the prepaid postage box to be fired and returned to you. Grandma will be thrilled with a hand-crafted gift from her grand baby!

Why we like it: Be as creative as you want to at your own pace with this kit.
 
19. Crocodile Dentist $12.99
Ages 2-5
Which tooth is making the crocodile so cranky? This plastic croc keeps his mouth open wide for little hands to reach in until the sore tooth is found.

Why we like it: The element of surprise keeps things interesting in this game! Younger kids also get great practice taking turns to locate the bad tooth.

20. Deluxe Wooden Stringing Beads by Melissa and Doug $15.99
Ages 4 and up

This huge kit includes an organizer with multiple letters of the alphabet, over 10 shapes in different colors, and several colors strings. Make jewelry as gifts or just have fun lacing various designs.

Why we like it: Not only do kids get great fine motor skills practice but also learn about patterns and putting together words with Melissa and Doug's bead set.

21. Thinkfun Zingo--Travel Game $12.99
Ages 3-6
Shake the Zingo car to roll the dice. If they match, turn over the corresponding stoplight on your board. The first player to make a complete stoplight wins. This travel game is easy to play on the go.

Why we like it: Practice matching, memory skills, and spelling in this lively family game.

22. Spider Man Digital Watch $11.99
Ages 5 and up
Even super heroes need to tell time. Help your little arachnid wannabe set his alarm for the morning and learn his numbers with this digital watch.

Why we like it: It looks great with a spidey-mask and red tights.

23. Wood Shape Sorting Clock $14.99
Ages 3-7

Telling time is absolute fun with these easy-to-grab number/shape blocks. Melissa and Doug's sturdy Shape Sorting Clock includes shapes as the number blocks, hour and minute hand, and includes a color wheel.

Why we like it: This clock is durable, simple to read, and great practice for telling time.

24. Hexbug Nano $9.99
Ages 8 and up
A counterweight propels these plastic bugs forward, on their backs, and around the room. They squirm just like real bugs! In a group, Hexbugs swarm together like cockroaches--perfect for dudes of all ages.

Why we like it: Doubles as a highly entertaining cat toy.

25. Lumps the Elf Coal Game $9.99
Ages 8 and up
Was he naughty or nice this year? Hang this fun lump 'o coal stocking game on the mantel to get him sweating. It makes a fun holiday dice game after he realizes it's a joke!

Why we like it: Everyone needs a little attitude adjustment every now and then. Lumps the Elf Coal Game is a fun way to send a message.