The Hottest Christmas Toys 2004:

Grace Galloway here, (aka 'The Gift Guru') with my predictions for the hottest Christmas toys 2004.

We call 2004 the 'Techno Retro Year.' More about this in a moment.

The experts are all agreeing on a couple of things about the hottest Christmas toys 2004: 1) that it will be a blockbuster year for children's toys and other playthings; and 2) that the hottest Christmas toys 2004 can be summed up in several categories, which you'll find below.

This is an especially important year to get a jumpstart on the hottest Christmas toys for 2004 because toy retailers are being more conservative this year due to the economy, and almost everyone is predicting Christmas toy shortages.

The reason we call this the 'Techno Retro Year' is because many old favorite toys are returning ('retro') -- but with new twists, most that are 'techno.'

So, check out this list of the Hottest Christmas Toys 2004...

1. Hottest Christmas Toys 2004 #1 - Techno

Video games (and the systems to play them on) are HUGE again this year -- again. Some of the old favorite characters and game types will still be hot, but there are new electronic entertainment systems and interactive TV games that will be equally popular.

From snowboarding to 'monster truck' interactives, and from action heroes to mysteries, you can look for Nintendo, Sony Playstation and xbox systems and games to be leading the pack.

2. Hottest Christmas Toys 2004 #2 - 'Boy Toys'

Action 'toys' like scooters, dirt bikes and skateboards are for both boys and girls, of course, and they are all among the hottest Christmas toys for 2004. The Razor E battery-powered scooter is sure to be hot, as is the Fisher Price Power Wheels Go-Cart, and other electric or battery-powered 'toys' that translate into transportation fun!

3. Hottest Christmas Toys 2004 #3 - Remote Control

2004 will quite possibly be the 'Year of the Remote Control' toy. Hobbytron's remote control stunt cars are hot, hot, hot, and there are remote control boats, hovercrafts and various kinds of action figures on the list of the hottest Christmas toys for 2004. Be sure to check them all out!

4. Hottest Christmas Toys 2004 #4 - Oldies but Goodies

The classic children's toys that have been around for a few decades are still going to be around, and still going to be among the hottest Christmas toys for 2004. For example, Barbie and other Disney character toys, games and accessories are on top of the list.

Some other old favorites will be back, but some of them have a decidedly new 'flavor' - for example, the EasyBake oven just got even easier, and even Cabbage Patch kids have been updated and will be hotter than ever this year.

5. Hottest Christmas Toys 2004 #5 - Educational/Creative

Every year there are newer and smarter educational or creative games or toys that your children will learn new skills from -- the whole time they're playing and having fun!

A relative newcomer to the educational toys scene, Leapfrog Enterprises, Inc. has burst on the scene with junior computer games called 'LeapPad' that will definitely be one of the season's hottest Christmas toys.

Other creative and educational games include the classic Fisher Price toddler's line, and Discovery Toys.

You can start to shop anytime online or offline for the hottest Christmas toys 2004 -- before the shelves are empty!

To find the hottest Christmas toys 2004 in more than 60 different categories, check out this best selling Christmas toys website.