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Dear Marianne:

How can you tell if these holiday "hot toy" lists are credible or just advertising?

Shelley, New York, NY, Mom of Luke (4) and Max (18 months)

The best way to approach a "hot" toy list is to read it for information and not as a shopping list. Most of these lists have little or no research behind them. To determine if a list is credible or not, look for these red flags.

1. The list is based purely on opinion. Anyone can have an opinion.
There are more scientific ways to evaluate toys.

2. Kids are billed as toy experts. Children are toy consumers, not toy
experts.

3. The list contains nothing but descriptions of the toys. That's a
hint there was never really any testing or evaluation.
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The Kid Tips Parent's Report As Seen On Fox

Hasbro
Dusty My Talkin' Toolbench

$34.99

This talking tool bench features characters which react and respond to the different construction activities. The characters say over 25 different phrases as the various tools are used. The mouth of the tool bench character moves when it talks. This toy requires three "AA" batteries, which are included. Manipulating the various tools and accessories promotes fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. It also encourages interactive play and the imitation of real life. Playing with this toy encourages imaginative games.

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Toy Tips to Parents: Time to Unplug

Don't over stuff the toy box with tech toys. When is technology too much technology?

While tech toys are popular and some can be educational, the latest round of newcomers at Toy Fair makes it clear we're going too far into technology assisted play. It seems technology now permeates almost every kind of toy category on the toy shelves. Parents run the risk of stocking the playroom with items that undermine the important developmental aspects of childhood play.

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