10 kids toys to buy for the holidays

Not interested in turning over your precious iPad to your children? We understand. Instead, give them their own touchscreen tablet, complete with a built-in camera and a library of more than 325 educational games, apps, music, and videos. Thanks to automatic leveling, the LeapPad adjusts based on how well a child is reading its ebooks. "This keeps kids from getting frustrated and shutting down," says Byrne. "Plus, they're interacting with their favorite characters on-screen, and taking photos of themselves and putting them into the games. It's fun, so it doesn't feel like homework." Ages 3-7. Leapfrog LeapPad Explorer 2, $99.99, Toys "R" US.

On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me--a set of skis? With LEGO Friends Advent Calendar, your little girl receives a "gift" on each of the 24 days leading up to Christmas. Come the holiday, the components add up to a winter village featuring accessories such as a snowman, a horse and carriage, and hot cocoa. "Getting a little something each day adds a special moment to kids' days as they anticipate and count down the days until Christmas," says Byrne. Ages 5-12. LEGO Friends Advent Calendar, $69.99, Sears.

Last time she played doctor, it lead to a conversation about what is and is not appropriate. This doll, based on the Disney Junior animated series, <em>Doc McStuffins-- is a-okay. "Dottie McStuffins sees her mom who's a doctor, and she wants to practice on her stuffed animals," explains Byrne. "When she treats them, they come to life." We love the combination of aspiring to an admirable job and wholesome make-believe play. Ages 3 and up. Doc McStuffins Time for Your Checkup Doll, $39.99, Toys "R" Us.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles captivated us in the late '80s and early '90s. Now, with the launch of an all-new animated TMNJ series, they're making a comeback. Kids will love the absorbing, action-packed play --whether they use their own storylines, or those from the show. Thanks to reminders of your childhood, you won't mind joining in. Ages 4 and up. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Figures, $9.99, Amazon.

If your older son is crazy for the Skylanders Giants video game, get his younger brother reaching for the stars with this construction set. The 38-piece kit lets players build Spyro's attack copter, using action figures to allow those children who are too young for the video game a way to be part of the Skylanders excitement. Ages 5 and up. Mega Bloks Skylanders Giants Arkeyan Copter Attack, $34.99, FAO Schwartz.

New Barbies strut their stuff all the time, but no doll is more anticipated than the annual holiday edition. The 2012 version is decked out in a stunning red satin jacquard gown, and promises to become a collector's edition. Plus, we love that the doll is available in brunette and African American versions. Consider yourself forewarned: once this Barbie's tied up with a bow, both you and your daughter are likely to experience some serious wardrobe envy. Ages 6 and up. Holiday Barbie 2012, $39.95, Amazon.

"Back and better than ever, Furby's been updated with new technology that makes it more responsive and interactive than ever," says Byrne. The toy, which sold more than 40 million units when it launched in 1998, still speaks Furbish, but thanks to a new app housing the entire Furbish dictionary, kids can learn the language (the app translates what Furby says when you hold him up), and teach their toy English. Ages 6 and up. Furby, $59.99, Toys "R" Us.

Monster High's just like any other school -- except for the casketball court and creepateria. "Kids love the message that it's okay to be different," says Byrne. More sophisticated humor means kids won't get bored as they grow, especially since the set taps into the fantasy of how awesome high school will be. A parent pleaser, the playset folds up when playtime is over. Nothing to trip on in the middle of the night? Yes! Ages 6 to 9. Monster High High School, $79.99, Amazon.

You won't just be mom when your daughter opens this gift -- you'll be her fairy godmother. An extension of the Nickelodeon show, Winx Club, these dolls represent six best friends navigating their way through fairy school while using their powers to fight villains. "Each of the fairies has a different skill," says Byrne. "It's a whole story about being yourself and tapping into your strengths." Because the glittery dolls combine friends, fashion, and music, they hold girls' interest as they grow older, too. Ages 4 and up. Winx Club from Believix Dolls, $19.99, Toys "R" Us.

You can't mess with a classic, and these ragdolls are the modern version of what your mother handed down to you. "This line has become incredibly popular for the way in which it combines the timeless appeal of a ragdoll with a contemporary design sensibility," says Byrne. Snuggle time! Ages 4 and up. Lalaloopsy Soft Doll, $14.99, Amazon.