Looking for top toys? Here they are Southwest Riverside shoppers

Zhu Zhu Pets, which retail for $8, are this year's bona fide must-have toy, following in the footsteps of past crazes for Tickle Me Elmo and Cabbage Patch Kids. (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan)

Turkey day is underway, but savvy shoppers know that the real hunt begins on Friday. It’s just a matter of hours before retailers will open their doors to consumers hungry for the best deals and the absolute must-have toys of 2009.

If you plan to join the fray on one of craziest, busiest shopping days of the year, check out this handy guide to the hottest toys of the season:

Zhu Zhu Pets

They look and feel like real hamsters, only they come without the mess. These little furry creatures are pretty popular and can be found at all major retailers, including Target, Walmart and Toys “R” Us. It is recommended that you call ahead to check on availability or look for them online at http://www.zhuzhupets.com/. Zhu Zhu Pets retail for about $8, but are going for more than $40 on ebay and craigslist.

Transformers

Still enjoying its summer blockbuster success, Transformer toys continue to fly off the shelves at local retailers. Featuring all of the movie’s favorites-Megatron, Bumblebee and Optimus Prime-these mighty machines are also found online at Amazon.com.

Mindflex^TM by Mattel

Talk about using your head, this mind-blowing toy actually lets you
harness the power of your brain to suspend a small sphere in a stream
of air. Got the hang of it? Time yourself or challenge friends to join
you. Check this one out at www.areyougame.com.

Barbie Fashionista has the latest shoe styles, purses and tunics that are taking the runway. (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan)

Barbie Fashionista by Mattel

A bit more trendy than the regular Barbie, Barbie Fashionista has the latest shoe styles, purses and tunics that are taking the runway. The dolls are becoming hard to find on store shelves so shopping for her on Black Friday is definitely going to require a comfy pair of shoes.

Fisher-Price Kid-Tough Digital Camera

Technology isn’t just for the grown-ups. This sturdy digital camera promises to shoot great photos and withstand a preschooler’s rough-and-tumble play. They come in both pink and blue and can be found at all major stores and retail outlets.

Webkinz^TM

Plush and cuddly and oh-so-cute, these soft and sweet stuffed animals are still a pretty popular collectible item among children everywhere. If you can’t find them at local chains, try their Web site at Webkinz.com.

Bakugan Battle Brawlers^TM

Master brawlers, be warned-the Maxus Helios Mega Bakugan has arrived and is available exclusively at Toys “R” Us. These action figure warriors are popular and looking to go quickly, so check them out online for availability.

Bakugan 7-in-1 Maxus Helios is among a handful of popular toys that are becoming hard to find. (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan)

Nintendo DS Lite

This portable gaming console from Nintendo includes 3-D graphics, dual color touch screens and wireless capability for multiplayer gameplay. They come in a variety of colors, including metallic rose and cobalt black. You’ll find these in stores and online.

Disney’s Just One Kiss Princess Tiana Doll

She is Disney’s newest princess and little girls everywhere are going to want the latest in a long line of beautiful heroines to grace the animated silver screen. There are lots of accessories to go with her. Any toy store will carry it in stock or online.

Laugh & Learn^TM Learning Farm

This interactive toy by Fisher Price lets little ones engage in some real, down home fun. Little ones can slide, glide, flip and spin their way to learning the alphabet, numbers and much more. Designed for children 6 to 36 months.

Fisher-Price My Toon TV

This cool contraption lets kids perform on television with their favorite cartoon characters. The music plays, the kids dance and sing and the cartoons come along for the ride. There are 11 characters to choose from. All retail chains carry it in stores and on the web.

Kerri S. Mabee can be contacted at ksmabee.swrnn@gmail.com with comments or questions.

Tags: Bakugan Battle Brawlers, Barbie Fashionista, Craigslist, Disney's Just One Kiss Princess Tiana Doll, ebay, Fisher-Price Kid-Tough Digital Camera, Fisher-Price My Toon TV, Laugh & Learn, Mindflex, Nintendo DS Lite, SDNN, SWRNN, Transformers, Webkinz, Zhu Zhu Pets

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