Want a toy that will thrill the kids for more than 20 minutes?
Consumer Reports ShopSmart scouted the store shelves looking for good choices, particularly hot electronic toys.
"We were looking for toys that would be fun to play, but that would also build skills, and that the whole family would want to play together," said Carol Mangis, Consumer Reports' electronics reporter.
Children also weighed in after playing with toys.
One hit was the $13 Techno Source20-Q for kids ages 6 and older. It's an electronic take on the old-fashioned 20 questions game.
The Paper Jamz Pro Mic for ages 8 and older thrilled budding musicians. It even corrects the player's voice if they are singing off-key.
Children ages 2 to 6 can jam with B Toys' Meowsic Music Keyboard and Microphone for $26. Children can play it freestyle or play along to 20 included songs.
For mini-moviemakers, testers were impressed by the Hot Wheels Video Racer for ages 5 and older. While pricey at $60, the built-in camera records Hot Wheels action or the car straps onto a helmet for an action cam.
A popular low-tech choice is the $20 Tetris Link, for kids 6 and up. It's a fast-paced stacking game that can challenge the whole family.
Another toys ShopSmart found to be cool is the Wild Planet's Ultimate Night Vision Goggles for kids 8 and up. The $50 goggles use infrared technology to let kids see in the dark.