Hottest Toddler Toys for 2011

Looking for toddler toys? If you need to buy for a toddler or two this year, chances are you're scratching your head, wondering what in heck to get the little tikes. If you're not around the curtain climbers a lot, how would you know what they like? Leave it to me - I'm an expert. I'm surrounded by 'em! They're everywhere, they're everywhere! And I buy lots of toys for the rascals. You've heard of Santa Claus? The grands think I'm "Nana Claus."

I've done some research about the top toys for this year. Not only will I share the info with you - I've even arranged for some online shopping for you. Buy them at great prices right here so that you want have to fight the shopping crowds! These toys make great birthday gifts for toddlers, and they're also nice gifts from Grandma, just because!

Now, pour you a cup of coffee or hot cocoa, light a fire, and shop from the comfort of your ergonomic computer chair!

Elmo's back, and he's cuter than ever! This time he's 15 inches tall, and he sings. Just tickle of squeeze the furry red pal and he'll perform three classic favorites from Sesame Street. Elmo is very animated. He sits, stands, crosses his legs, waves his arms, tilts his head, and his mouth even moves in time to the songs' words. Recommended for ages 18 months-six years, this will be a hot, hot item this year. See more Elmo toys by clicking the Elmo below!

 Here's more from that incorigible little redhead. Kids put the furry gloves on, and when they touch something, the interactive glove vibrates, and Elmo giggles and talks. it comes with an instructional DVD that teaches kids to do the Tickle Hand Groove dance. Recommended for ages 18 months-six years.

 As a retired teacher, I like the educational aspect of this toy. Kids learn through several modalities with Zippity, including kinesthetic, visual, and auditory. Of course, the best part is that they won't realize they're learning - they'll think they just having fun! Kids can learn and play along with their favorite Disney characters, and parents can program their own Learning Path. Recommended for ages 3-5.

 This Lightning McQueen says lines from the movie and has neat sound effects as the toddler operates it from a remote control especially made for small hands and young minds. It's also compatible with other Geo Trax products. Recommended for ages 2-7.

 This great ride-on toy is three feet in diameter and goes forward, backward, sideways, and round and round. It's built tough for rough-and-tumble play. The large 18-inch wheels make it easy to propel. Recommended for ages 2-5.

As kids bounce, the worm goes! The sturdy "saddle" helps keep them in place. Widely set wheels make the worm stable so it won't tip over. Riding the toy will give the tikes a good workout, too, strengthening their leg and core muscles and improving coordination and balance. Recommended for ages 2-4.

 What little NASCAR fan wouldn't love this? It's sturdily built and twelve inches tall - just the right height for toddler feet to touch the floor. The wide wheel base makes it stable, and the sound and lights in the steering wheel make it fun. Recommended for ages 2-4.

 This is an interactive schoolhouse that includes typical playground noises and a school bell sound. Toddlers can also hear A-B-C- and counting songs with the press of a button. It comes with a play mat, three students, a teacher, an art easel, a table, three chairs, two play cars, and a playhouse with a slide. Recommended for ages 18 months-4 years.

 This is a tough, well made toy that will last for years. It's a fun way to introduce toddlers to the idea of outer space. It includes four astronauts, a robotic arm, the eleven-inch tall space station, the space shuttle, and a land rover. Recommended for ages 3-6.

 These babies are so snugly! My granddaughters love the Chou Chous. This one is nineteen inches long with a soft body. She "eats," hiccups, burps, and says "mommy." She loves for her tummy to be tickled. Recommended for ages 3-6.