7 top toys of the season

Hot Wheels Video Racer. It's hard to go wrong giving a kid a racetrack with cars. But this Hot Wheels Video Racer takes it to a new level: There's a video camera mounted to the car so an 8mm lens captures all the action as the car races around the track. It's a car, it's a video camera - it'll blow a kid's mind.

The car can shoot up to 20 minutes of high-speed video that a kid can download and edit on the computer using kid-friendly software (included). The video racer also comes with a mountable case and strap so aspiring Shaun Whites can attach the video car to their arms, bikes, skateboards, helmets, or whatever to shoot extreme videos. $52.99 at toysrus.com.

Hess Truck. The Hess truck is a classic gift. The 2011 model comes with flashing lights and makes ignition noises. It features a pull-out ramp to load an identically noisy Hess race car that fits inside the bed of the truck. Collectible versions from the 1960s can fetch thousands on eBay, but this year's truck is only $26.99 if you buy it at the gas station or online. There's something very efficient about filling up the car and doing holiday shopping at the same time. More info at hesstoytruck.com.

Cookie My Playful Pup. This FurReal Friend is a small, fuzzy golden retriever who not only walks, but also responds to kids' voices. On command, Cookie will bark, move her head, or blink. She'll also make puppy noises when kids pet the sensors on her head and cheeks, or she'll play with her squeaky toy. An excellent choice for the kid who loves all things cute and fuzzy. $46.68 at amazon.com.

Angelina Ballerina Pajama and Book Gift Set. Cozy pajamas and a bedtime story never go out of style. These 100 percent cotton PJs come with 25th- anniversary edition of the classic hardcover Angelina Ballerina story by Katharine Holabird and illustrated by Helen Craig. $46 at NeimanMarcus.com.

Thomas the Tank Engine. In the Thomas the Tank Engine stories, Percy (the little green engine) always plays second fiddle to Thomas. This year, Percy gets his chance to shine in a wooden train set devoted to his adventures at the Sodor Dieselworks. The set goes with the CGI-animated DVD "Day of the Diesels," in which kids can see the steam trains and the diesel trains being Very Useful Engines as always. Thomas & Friends Wooden Railway Percy at the Dieselworks Set, $129.99.

Beyblades. Beyblades, the most souped-up tops ever invented, are all the rage on local playgrounds. The Beyblade mythology makes sense to anyone who speaks Pokemon and related toy dialects; it makes very little sense to outsiders. A primer: They're tops, they "do battle" on the ground or in large plastic stadia, and they all have names and battle identities. Mythology aside, spinning tops is the kind of classic fun that all generations can enjoy together. Beyblade Extreme Top System Tornado Top, $7.99 at HasbroToyShop.com.

Monster High Doll. In this season of Twilight and the rise of all things creepy, the girls of Monster High dominate the doll market. Think Barbie gone goth, plus apps. Spectra Vondergeist, a doll with purple hair, is a newsroom favorite. She comes with a diary that begins, "I finally get my own column in the school paper. I already have THE blog that's on every gossip ghoul's must read list, but anybody can get a blog these days. Being in print gives me instant credibility, however." Monster High dolls, $35.98 at amazon.com. Also available: the Monster High book series, the Monster High app "Ghoul Box," the Nintendo game "Monster High Ghoul Spirit," and many monster-ific plush toys and accessories.

   - Meredith Broussard