Looking for that hot Christmas toy? Better get cracking!

Ledger Staff Writer

With the big day just around the corner, it might seem too late to begin your Christmas shopping. But to help out all those procrastinators out there, here’s a list of the hottest toys for 2004.

As everyone knows, a little girl loves a doll, but today’s dolls are more sophisticated than ever. Bratz, the pre-teen fashion queens, are on many wish lists and their latest version is called “Flashback Party.” Sporting fashions from the 1960s, 70s and 80s, these dolls are no Barbies, but they’re decked out in decade-specific ensembles and even come with a CD containing hit music from the eras you didn’t yet know were bygone. They sell for around $20.

And speaking of blasts from the past, Cabbage Patch Kids dolls are once again a hot item. Just like last time their big draw is the adoption certificate, unique character details and personality designed to make each one special in the hearts of children everywhere. Retail price is $30.

The classic hits just keep on coming as favorite family board games show up in letters to Santa Claus, with kids asking for Buckaroo, Monopoly and even Twister (apparently the 1980s refuse to die). For the 2004 version of Buckaroo, that mule is no brighter, but his color scheme certainly is. These games range in price from $10 to $30.

Popular Nickelodeon kids character Dora the Explorer has a new electronic doll out that’s wooing little shoppers. This one magically comes to life when you place one of her four friends from the television show in her hand. The box includes Star, Baby Bird, Coqui Frog and Butterfly. Each friend has its own special motion, but the star is most impressive. When placed in her hand, the star lights up and spins around. Best of all, kids can even learn a little Spanish language lesson from Dora and her friends. But remember, at $30, Dora doesn’t come with batteries.

Educational toys are high on the list with the Leapster Multimedia Learning System as the number one vote getter. The system combines the proven effectiveness and engagement of color, animated learning games with a child-friendly, on-the-go form factor to create an educational handheld platform that children will love and parents will feel good about. The handheld features a large 2.8” by 2.8” color LCD screen that is touch-activated with the tethered stylus. It also has a collection of familiar game controls that can be used to play the learning games and starts (there are different bundles) at around $80.

And speaking of learning, V.Smile TV Learning System is a revolutionary plug-’n’-play console (similar to a PlayStation) that connects directly to a television. Featuring software that contains a host of licensed characters that kids already love, the cool mini-games and puzzles will grab the attention of 3-7 year olds and aid in educational development. The box goes for about $60.

Not everyone wants a doll or a book for Christmas, so the while they’re no longer mighty or morphin’ (those names were dropped) the Power Rangers are once more on the wish list with their latest incarnation, the 12.5-centimeter high Tri-Battliser action figures. Each one comes with ultra-adaptable body armor that can be worn, removed to form a vehicle or constructed into a mega vehicle with the Power Ranger himself forming the frame. The list price is about $20.

Robots and electronic gizmos make the list every year, and 2004 is no exception. A new version of Tamagotchi is raring to go, with Tamagotchi Connexion. The product that introduced the world to the virtual pet concept is back. Discover whether yours is a boy or a girl, name it and care for it as best you can. But this time, you can also have your tamagotchi make friends with the new infra-red function that allows it to meet and interact with others.

Perhaps you’ll even find that special partner and hear the pitter-patter of tiny Tamababy feet...seriously. Expect to pay about $10.

NASA grabs a few extra bucks this year with their Robosapiens. Based on a design by a NASA scientists, the small robot is a fusion of technology and personality. Using motions much more fluid than past toy robots and a programmable remote control, he walks, strikes, throws, grabs, dances and even speaks fluent “caveman.” He clocks in at a cost of $80.

If all the drama queens, martial arts and technology is a bit overwhelming, relax. Kids have also voted trampolines as one of this year’s top toys. Yes, trampolines — a collection of springs and a mat are just as in demand as Power Rangers or Robosapiens.

An eight foot trampoline starts at about $90, but a 14-footer will run upwards of $250.