February 2013 Notable Toys — Interactive

FURBY is back and it has A MIND OF ITS OWN. Feed it, speak to it, tickle it, play music for it and shake, tilt or turn the FURBY upside down. It even interacts with other FURBYs (sold separately). But be warned - how the FURBY is treated will shape its personality. Who the FURBY becomes may surprise it's owner. For additional interactive fun, kids can download an optional free FURBY app that works with iPad, iPod touch and iPhone with iOS 4.2 or later for virtual feeding, accessing the FURBISH-English dictionary and the FURBISH translator. (Not all functions of the app work with older devices).

Elmo loves a sidesplitting, rolling-on-the-floor gigglefest. And preschoolers will too with LOL Elmo. He laughs up a storm, tells jokes, and comes with a Dorothy fishbowl squeaker toy for even more silly fun. The more Elmo laughs, the more he rolls and shakes. To see Elmo giggle, press either of his feet or tickle his tummy. To hear Elmo tell a silly joke, just press and hold either foot for 3 seconds. Each time his foot is pressed, he'll tell another joke. To activate Elmo using Dorothy's fishbowl squeaker, hold it approximately 6 inches from his tummy, then give it a squeeze.

The Hot Dots pen works with dozens of Hot Dots card sets, providing instantaneous visual and audio feedback. Simply press the pen to choose an answer on any Hot Dots or Hot Dots Jr. card for an immediate response—cool, kid-friendly phrases for correct answers and gentle redirection for incorrect responses.