by Paula Mitchell-Bentley

Created on: January 15, 2009   Last Updated: February 25, 2010

Christmas brings with it a range of new toy products. Manufacturers work all year to ensure that their toy will be on the top of kids' Christmas wish lists hoping to be the new "hot toy" of the season. Hot toys are the ones that all parents are desperately looking for, fighting over in the malls and willing to pay double price for. Lots of hot toys come to mind of Christmases past. The Wii system was extremely hot in 2006 and 2007 and extremely hard to get. Cabbage Patch Kids were a hot toy in the 80's driving parents into a frenzy trying to find them. Tickle Me Elmo was hot for more than one Christmas season. So, what at the hot toys for 2008 for preschool girls?

2008 was a year unlike most. The housing bubble burst as house prices fell dramatically. Many people's homes went into foreclosure as they couldn't afford to pay the mortgage on a house that was no longer worth what was owed. Job losses soared as many markets crumbled. Major retailers, banks and automotive industries all faced bankruptcy and some collapsed entirely. This huge global economic recession had a major impact on Christmas as many families struggled to pay the bills. Because of this, there really wasn't any "hot toys" of the season. Rather, families went back to the basics when shopping for Christmas presents for their preschool girls.

Art

Art supplies were on the top of many parents lists. Easels, markers, crayons, paints and brushes all found their way into many 2 - 4 year old little girl's houses. Creating art is a great way to get preschoolers to learn colors, shapes, letters and numbers while having fun and practicing their fine motor skills. Coloring or painting is also an inexpensive way to keep children occupied and learning at the same time.

Dolls

Dolls are always a huge want for little girls as they imitate the world around them. Any of the less expensive dolls that are toddler safe were a big seller this year. Girls in the older end of the age range, 3 or 4, are even getting into the Barbie age range. Dolls don't need to be expensive or a certain name brand for kids to get a huge kick out playing with them.

Dress-Up

Little girls love to play pretend so naturally, dress-up costumes are a huge seller for this age range. Whether it's a princess costume, a fairy, a ballerina or even a Halloween costume, girls in this age range love it. Accessories such as plastic high heels, necklaces and bracelets are also popular items for this age range. Costumes and their accessories come in a huge range of style and price so it's easy to find something to fit your budget.

As families learn to cut back to face their new economic realities, these old stand-by items are going to become increasingly popular. Puzzles and books are also great gift ideas for boys or girls of this age range. It's amazing how many books and puzzles you can buy when you shop carefully for $20 or so.

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