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The holiday shopping season is just around the corner. Now is the time to begin thinking about those Christmas toys under the tree. It's only October, but already, some of the hottest gift items are already selling out. Do the research and if it's a must have Christmas toy, get it now.Top Toys – Gifts for Boys and Girls Ages 0–4 Years OldChoosing gifts for babies, toddlers and young children is not hard. It doesn't have to be expensive either. At this stage of life, it's all about discovery. Children are learning through play. Choose toys that will last.Thomas The Tank EngineThe classic lovable train, Thomas The Tank Engine is back on the scene this year with a brand new DVD story, Return From Misty Island. There are several different train play sets available ranging in price from $6-$88. However, one of the coolest ones is a take-a-long version. It's Called the Fisher Price Thomas Return From Misty Island. It's for ages 3 and up and is and affordable for a Thomas the Tank Engine Train Set at only $40.Leap Frog Leap Start Learning Table: This is a happy, noise maker that should amuse most toddlers. Everything that a kid touches reacts in some way, from a trombone-playing frog to a book that sings the alphabet.Introduce babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers to the alphabet,numbers one through ten, shapes, colors and more.Remove the LeapStart Learning Table's legs so your baby can play while sitting. As she grows, the Learning Table encourages her to pull up to a standing position. This an important developmental milestone. The Leap Frog Leap Start Learning Table requires 3 "AA" alkaline batteries (not included). Measures 24"L x 5.5"W x 15.5"H. The average price is about $78. There is a less expensive version called the Leap Frog Learn & Grove Musical Table. It's a smaller version and doesn't have as many bells and whistles, but is only half the price, about $35.Fisher Price Little People Toys & Play SetsFisher Price toys have practically been staple items in American homes for over 40 years now. In the beginning, every little girl wanted a Fisher Price doll house and every boy wanted the Fisher Price Farm, Airplane or Parking Garage. Well, over the years, Fisher Price toys have changed in appearance to keep up with modernization, but overall, they are still the basic toys kids love.For babies, the new toy catching everyone's eye this year is the Fisher Price Brilliant Basics Baby's First Blocks. Basically, it's a shape sorting box with different shaped blocks. It's great for developing fine motor skills and it's cheap at an average price of about $9. Also consider buying just the Little People or the Little People cars to put in a child's Christmas stocking.Little Tykes Anniversary Edition Cozy Coupe Ride OnAnother company that's been in the toy business awhile is Little Tykes. They are known for their strength and durability. Little Tyke toys, like Tonka, hardly ever break. This year, to celebrate Little Tyke's 30th Anniversary, the little Cozy Coupe Ride On has received a make-over. This little car has taken on a personality of it's own with the edition of eyes and a smile on the front. It's designed for children 1 1/2 to 5 years old. However, most children outgrow the small size by their 4th birthday. For the little ones, though, its one fun ride that provides hours of entertainment and it's not too expensive. Average price of this very durable toy is about $46.Sing-a-ma-jigsThese are the strange looking dolls with the strange name that seem to be catching on very quickly. Why? Well, there's four of them that can be purchased separately. Each Sing A Ma Jig sings and chatters. Put two or more together and they harmonize with each other. It is so unique, adults are buying them just for themselves! These cute and ugly animal looking singing dolls are the big must have toy this year and they are flying off the shelves. Start looking for these things now. Each doll runs between $15 and $22. Many stores are sold out. Check for these on Amazon.Pop On Pals and SquinkiesFor something new and different this year, look for Pop On Pals and Squinkies. Pop On Pals are similar to Fisher Price Little People. The difference between Little People and Pop On Pals is that the children can mix and match the Pop On Pal clothes and hats with just a pop on the toys head. Some of the characters are animals and some are boys and girls. Depending on a child's creativity, one moment she could be playing with a ballerina fireman and the next moment change a dog into a police dog. An average set of Pop On Pals starts at about $15.Another new toy on the scene this year is the Squinkies. The Squinkies are a combination similar to Polly Pockets and the Littlest Pet Shop. Their tiny and children can take them just about anywhere. Like the Sing A Ma Jigs, these are hard to find. Squinkies are quickly gaining in popularity but they just hitting the major toy stores. Look for these online at Amazon, Walmart.com and Toys R Us.com. Squinkie play sets can cost anywhere from $10-$40 each.Other Options AvailableThis list is just a guide. Remember it's not the gift but the thought that counts. Other gift choices to consider for this age category might include toys like Legos, Duplos and building blocks. Most girls still play with Barbie and baby dolls. Most boys still play with toy cars, trucks and action figures.Books, puzzles and early learning board games are great options too. It's all fun!