Playthings likely to top children’s wish lists

Here are some of the toys expected to be top sellers this holiday season, according to Toy Wishes, an industry trade magazine. The list is based on the editorial board’s review of thousands of new toys and interviews with parents, children and retailers.

The list is in alphabetical order, with manufacturers’ suggested retail price included.

  • Barbie “Cook with Me” Smart Kitchen (KIDdesigns, $129.99)

This electronic make-believe kitchen has Barbie’s voice telling children how to cook. The kitchen recognizes more than 50 fake food items through an electronic scanner. Ages 3 and up.

  • Barbie of Swan Lake (Mattel, $19.99)

This doll features light-up wings and a dress that replicates the one Barbie wears in the video of the same name. Ages 3 and up.

  • Beyblade Remote Control Top with Launcher (Hasbro, $34.99)

Children use this remote to control the spin direction of their Beyblade tops. Ages 8 and up.

  • Bratz Formal Funk Runway Disco (MGA Entertainment, $99.99)

This playset has a disco with working lights. It also features a motorized fashion runway and the latest doll from the Bratz group — Nevra. Ages 9 and up.

  • Built to Rule Transformers (Hasbro, $7.99 to $29.99)

These Hasbro vehicles convert into robots just like the classic Transformers toys. Ages 4 and up for BTR Tonka; ages 5 and up for BTR G.I. Joe and BTR Transformers; ages 6 and up on larger sets.

  • Care Bears Bedtime Bear Lullaby Friend. (Play Along, $24.99)

This latest version of Care Bears has a battery-powered nightlight, and when hugged, the bear’s tummy glows and a lullaby plays. Ages 3 and up.

  • Hokey Pokey Elmo (Fisher-Price, $29.99)

This red furry character is now singing and dancing to the classic “Hokey Pokey.” Ages 18 months and older.

  • LeapPad Plus Writing Learning System (LeapFrog, $59.99)

This learning system helps children learn fundamental skills of reading along with writing and math. There are more than 60 different titles in the LeapPad library. Ages 4 to 8.

  • Leapster Educational Game System (LeapFrog, $79.99)

This hand-held game has a large, touch-activated screen and entertains children as they learn 60 critical basic skills. Games have increased levels of difficulty from preschool through the first grade. Ages 4 to 8.

  • McFlurry Maker (Spin Master, $24.99)

This gadget allows children to make ice cream desserts. Ages 6 and up.

  • My Little Pony Celebration Castle (Hasbro, $39.99)

This playset features lights, music, heart-shaped arch, moat, balcony. It also comes with a pony. Ages 3 and up.

  • Neopets Interactive Talking Neopets Plushies (Thinkway Toys, $29.99 to $34.99)

These characters are from the popular Web site www.neopets.com, which lets children create their own virtual pets and play games. These nine-inch characters come to life as voice activated pets. They respond to voice and talk back. They also interact with one another and recognize each other by name. Ages 4 and up.

  • PowerTouch Learning System (Fisher-Price, $49.99)

This educational system encourages children to touch pictures and interact with the books. The library of titles is aimed at children from preschool through second grade. Ages 3 to 8.