In conjunction with our return to partnering with Toys ‘R Us this year, we asked their experts for their picks for the hottest toys of the year. After vetting all of 2007’s toy introductions, they arrived at a Hot List of 36, spanning age groups.

From those, we’ve picked one great example from each age group, with a link to see the rest. So whether you can join us next Thursday or not, we hope this helps shortcut at least some of your holiday shopping…
   

For Babies 0-12 months: Our Featured Pick: Made for Me MP3 Music Player from Playskool. The very latest in nursery entertainment: an MP3 player that allows parents to customize music to their baby’s developmental and personality needs. Parents can play songs from a pre-recorded library, create personalized play lists, transfer tunes from CDs and the Internet or even record their own voice. The removable MP3 unit can be used in any of the MADE FOR ME toys. (They can get an iPod when they turn 1). $69.99.

For Toddlers 13 months to 2 Years+: Our Featured Pick: The Inchworm« from Radio Flyer. We love that the classic Inchworm has sprung back into action to entertain a new generation of children. Parents will remember this classic design (we read one review online in which a mom was still mourning the loss of hers– 30 years ago). This friendly inchworm encourages kids to take part in active play through a bounce-and-go motion. Best of all: no batteries required. $29.99.

SMART CYCLE Physical Learning Arcade System from Fisher-Price. We are impressed by this invention and slightly appalled at its necessity… but if you have a mini-couch potato in the making, The Smart Cycle is a great way to get videogame-loving kids to exercise. Once connected to a TV’s A/V jack, kids pedal and steer to play learning games right on the screen. Every game with this system (it comes with one) challenges kids to continue moving to keep playing, while educational games provide learning stimulation. $89.99.

For 5-7 Year Olds: Our Featured Pick: Shining Stars from Russ Berrie & Co. Simply put, these are like Webkinz with an interesting twist: each of these plush pals comes with the opportunity to register and name a star with the International Star Registry. Pick from one of 24 characters like this Snowy Owl, and kids can log onto Shiningstars.com to name their star using the secret code on the tag. Once there, they will find online games designed for different age groups and various activities. (So– part virtual world, part celestial world). $14.99.

For Kids 8 to 11 (give or take): Our Featured Pick: EyeClops from JAKKS Pacific. Providing an eye-popping peek at the world, this handheld bionic eye allows kids to view nearly any item at 200 times its regular size. Kids can plug EyeClops into any TV screen for stunning visual discoveries, including making table salt look like blocks of ice or hair look like twisted rope. (Like well- disguised vegetables at dinner, we love when science is pure fun). $39.99.