Better hurry! Popular playthings starting to get scarce

Photographs provided by Fisher-Price, Hasbro and Spin Master

When it comes to holiday toys, things don't look much different this year than they have in the past couple of years. There are video games, Webkinz, iPods, a doll first introduced 35 years ago and, of course, Elmo.

Industry analysts say we aren't likely to see a repeat of 1996's "Tickle Me Elmo" craze, which had parents fighting in store aisles and forking over as much as $1,500 to secure the furry monster through online auctions.

Still, there's just a month left until Christmas, and if there's something on your child's list that has been labeled a "hot toy," you'd be smart to get it soon, as you might not be able to find it later. Here's a tip: visit www.hottoys2008.com to find out what stores still have your coveted choice in stock.

We've scoured the stores, magazines and online sources to come up with a list of the most popular things we think the Jolly Old Elf will be delivering this year.

Nintendo Wii

About $250. Wii Fit, about $90.

The Nintendo Wii continues to be one of the hottest children's gifts again this year. It's already hard to find in stores.

The Wii Fit, which encourages kids to stay active through games and activities, is the new add-on this year.

It allows players to create a personalized workout while practicing yoga, aerobics or playing balance games. They also can set goals, test their balance, track their progress and work out with a virtual trainer.

Wii Fit is sold out at most locations and online already. Your best bet for finding one at a store is to call ahead and find out when it is expecting a shipment and what the rules are for securing one, or to cough up about $120 to secure one from an online auction site such as eBay.

Fisher-Price Elmo Live

About $60.

It wouldn't be Christmas without Elmo on the shelves.

Ever since "Tickle Me Elmo" in 1996, the furry red monster has been a holiday staple, with new versions becoming more and more sophisticated.

This year's version is Elmo Live for ages 18 months and up. The furry red monster opens and closes his mouth while he speaks, moves his arms, dances, crosses his legs, sits and stands as he tells stories and jokes. He's activated with a tickle or squeeze of his foot, tummy, back or nose. All this magic happens with the help of AA batteries (included).

He's available at most local department stores and several online outlets.

Hasbro's FurReal Friends Biscuit My Lovin Pup

About $150.

Want a dog but not the mess that comes with it? Try Biscuit, a plush dog with a slew of tricks.

Through voice recognition and animatronics, Biscuit reacts just like a real pup to commands such as "sit," "sit up and beg," "lie down," "give me a paw" and "speak." He moves his head and ears, blinks, wags his tail and barks. He does not walk or run.

The good news is, as realistic as he is, one thing you won't need is a pooper scooper.

Recommended for ages 5 and up, Biscuit's magic happens thanks to six D batteries (not included).

Biscuit is available at most locations.

Fisher-Price Kid-Tough Waterproof Digital Camera

About $50.

Everybody loves to take photos.

If you've got a budding photographer who's not yet responsible enough for an adult camera, try the Kid-Tough Waterproof Digital Camera.

This Kid-Tough camera holds up to tough conditions even if it's submerged in water or banged around. It comes in pink or blue and has storage space for more than 500 photos and a preview screen. It's easy to use with two handles and two-eye view finder.

It's available online and in stores.

Fisher-Price Kid-Tough Portable DVD Player

About $150.

Like the Kid-Tough Camera, this DVD player is built to take a lickin'. It's got rubberized details and shock- and skip-proof technology.

It features a 3.2-inch color screen and two-hour rechargable batteries and comes with power adapters, headphones and a carrying case.

This also is easy to find right now.

Webkinz by Ganz.

About $15.

Webkinz are not as hard to find as they once were, but they are still as popular as ever with the prepubescent set.

Each plush toy comes with a code that, when entered at the company's Web site, allows the owner to create a virtual world for the pet.

Some of the new additions are a hummingbird, porcupine, clownfish, buffalo, bat, camel, parakeet, cardinal and orca. Others that have been out longer but are hard to find and still popular are the dragon and dinosaur.

These are available at specialty stores, such as locally owned Wonder Works, and through online sites.

Baby Alive Learns to Potty Doll

About $50.

Many of today's moms will remember Baby Alive, which was introduced in 1973.

She's back and still "eating" and "pooping," but now she's more lifelike than ever.

She tells you when she's hungry and when she has to go to the potty. And if you don't move fast enough, you'll be dealing with an accident.

It's a gift that keeps on giving as you'll have to buy additional food mixes and diapers.

She runs on four AA batteries, which are included.

She's available everywhere.

Bakugan by Spin Master

About $25 for the battle arena; $50 for battle packs.

Being called the next Pokemon, Bakugan has been selling out at retailers. Based on the hit animated television series on Cartoon Network, Bakugan combines the skill and strategy of Yu-Gi-Oh with the action and play of Beyblade.

Bakugan are colorful spheres that transform into warrior action figures when rolled.

They are sold out at most department stores, but as recently as a few days ago, they were available at online auction sites such as Amazon.com and eBay.

Tiger Electronics' U-Dance

About $70.

This interactive video game encourages your child to get off the couch and practice real dance moves such as sweeps, jumps, slides and crossovers without the need for a mat or any other game controller. It uses motion tags that slip over your child's shoes to read motions.

Players decide the pace and level of difficulty. They can dance on their own or challenge a friend to a dance-off. There's also a "lounge" with a quick-steppin' game and treadmill. Comes with 12 popular dance songs.

It requires four AA batteries (not included).

It's also getting hard to find at online locations and in some retail stores.

Playskool Kota My Triceratops Dinosaur

About $240.

Despite its fairly steep price tag, Kota My Triceratops Dinosaur is becoming extinct in some outlets. It may take a little searching if you want to get your hands on one.

This life-size baby dinosaur has electronic sounds and motion and stands more than 3 feet tall.

Kids can ride on his back, bouncing in the springy seat as he makes stomping sounds.

With all the possibilities, you'll be happy to know there is a volume control and on/off switch.

Kota requires six D batteries (not included) to perform.

Next week: Ways to put the magic back in Christmas while stretching your holiday dollars.

Brenda Rindge can be reached at 937-5713 or at brindge@postandcourier.com.