Zhu Zhu, video games, Barbie most popular

Wondering what gift to buy for that special youngster in your life? The National Retail Federation has released its lists of the top toys for boys and girls in 2009. Officials with the group said lower-priced items will be the focus of this holiday season.

Top toys for girls

Barbie

The iconic Mattel doll tops the list for the sixth year in a row. The original Barbie was launched by Mattel in 1959 and is still a popular toy for young girls. The doll comes in a variety of themes, and the brand also includes a variety of other dolls and accessories. Barbie dolls are most popular among age groups from about 4 to 11 years old.

Disney Hannah Montana toys and accessories

Toys that feature the television character that made actress Miley Cyrus a star is a part of most young girls' wish lists. Hannah Montana can be found featured on dolls, games, accessories and apparel such as T-shirts, hats and purses. Hannah Montana is popular among girls 7 to 12 years old.

Dora the Explorer

"Dora, Dora, Dora the Explorer" helps top the list of the of popular toys for girls. Toys featuring the Nickelodeon character includes dolls, ponies, doll houses, CDs, DVDs and games, to name a few. Dolls that feature Dora the Explorer come in an assortment of themes and often include accessories. Dora toys are most popular with girls 2 to 7 years old.

Zhu Zhu Pets

Likely a new addition to most girls' wish lists, Zhu Zhu Pet hamsters are interactive and artificially intelligent. The toys have more than 40 different sound effects, depending on their environment, and can talk and move around in their own play sets. Zhu Zhu Pets would likely be suited for girls older than 3 years old.

Top toys for boys

Transformers

For boys, Transformers toys take the No. 2 spot for the second year, according to the National Retail Federation. The action figures are produced by Hasbro, can shift from a vehicle, device, animal, back to an action figure. There have been several spin-offs based on Transformers, including a movie, a television series and a comic book. The toys are typically targeted to boys between the ages of 5 and 10.

Nintendo Wii

The popular game by Nintendo is still taking the nation by storm and still tops the wish lists of both boys and girls. The interactive game features motion-sensitive, wireless controllers that guide movement for the games. The Wii is geared toward kids about 7 years old to adults.

Bakugan

Bakugan toys are a new addition to the list. Bakugan Battle Brawlers are action figures that are tucked into spheres and pop open when they are rolled into a game card. The toys are based on the television action adventure series, Bakugan Battle Brawlers. They are popular among boys ages 5 to 12 years of age.

Hot Wheels

Hot Wheel cars are another Mattel iconic toy, first produced in 1968. The cars come in a variety of replicas including NASCAR cars. Hot Wheels toys include a variety of accessories, including race tracks, trains, motorcycles and airplanes. The toys are targeted toward boys between 7 and 11 years old.

2009 Top Toys for Boys

1. Video games

2. Transformers

3. LEGO

4. Cars (generic)

5. Nintendo Wii

6. Trucks (generic)

7. Bakugan

8. Hot Wheels

9. Nintendo DS

10. Fisher-Price toys

Source: National Retail Federation

2009 Top Toys for Girls

1. Barbie

2. Dolls (generic)

3. Disney Hannah Montana

4. Video games

5. Disney Princess

6. Dora the Explorer

7. American Girl

8. Nintendo DS

9. Nintendo Wii

10. Zhu Zhu Pets

Source: National Retail Federation

Contact April Bailey at abailey@aikenstandard.com.