Children share Christmas wishes with Santa

With the holiday shopping season in full swing, retailers are frantically promoting the hottest new toys for children. For the past few years, there doesn't seem to have been a single toy falling into the "must have" category. That's a good thing for those who remember the frenzy over the first Tickle Me Elmo, or even the original toy that started a wave of parents behaving badly in 1983 - the Cabbage Patch Doll.
At TownMall in Westminster Friday, children whispered their Christmas wishes to Santa. Some parents may be surprised to find that a few familiar classics are still popular.
For more than 50 years, a Barbie doll has been one of the most wished-for toys for young girls. Claire Gilligan, 6, put the fashion doll at the top of her list. So did 4-year-old Emily Beck.
Claire's older sister, Brooke Gilligan, 8, is desperately hoping for an iPhone, but mom Jennifer Gilligan warned that Santa might put that gift off for a few more years.
Andy Sur said his 2-year-old daughter, Rita, could not wait to get to the man in red before arriving at the mall, but she froze up a little when she came face to face with the legend. He said Caillou was one of her favorite characters and she wouldn't mind some toys based on the PBS show. She also likes Disney's Merida and play food.
Aleister Lyman, 5, is hoping for spinning top Beyblade toys. His little brother, 2-year-old Sammy Lyman, just wants anything his brother likes.
Madison Myers, 6, is wishing for Saige, an American Girl doll. Her brother, Noah Myers, 4, isn't as interested in the shape of the toys he gets so much as the color. He said a car or truck will do, so long as it's blue. Addy Ensor, 3, might seem a little young for electronics, but she was very definite in what she wanted - an iPad or computer. Her grandfather hinted a LeapFrog device was more likely.
Megan Beck, 8, is hoping for a Rainbow Loom, which is a new twist for a classic craft. The loom is used to create the brightly colored bracelets that are being exchanged in classrooms all over Carroll County and beyond.
The loom and accessories were also near the top of the toy best-seller list on amazon.com Friday. Other toys near the top of the list included Disney's Princess Sofia and Doc McStuffins, Lego, Furby, VTech and LeapFrog toys.
Parents should be aware that the number one selling toy on amazon.com Friday was not for children. The party game Cards Against Humanity is only recommended for ages 17 and up because it deals with adult humor and is advertised as "politically incorrect." An alternative to the party game that is more appropriate for children and also very popular is HedBanz. That game has a recommended age of 8 and up.
On toysrus.com, the number one best-seller was Animal Planet's Big Tub of Dinosaurs. Legos, VTech and LeapFrog devices also made the Toys R Us list. Other toys near the top of the list included Little Tikes, Monster High and Baby Einstein toys.
A few parents also shared their Christmas wishes Friday. Several said they just wanted to keep things simple and avoid buying any big-ticket items.
"I just want my kids to have a good Christmas," Stacey Beck said.