Maybe it's because I'm out of touch I don't have kids, but this year's list of hot toys from the International Council of Shopping Centers had me saying, "Wow, look at that" repeatedly.

Among the popular gifts, in no particular order:

• Kota the Triceratops. How did we survive without a $300 three-foot tall roaring, rideable triceratops that giggles when you tickle its chin?
• Wonder Pets This is Serious Ming Ming the duckling. A duck, apparently from a TV show, sings when her "can phone" rings and spins around on one not-so-webbed foot. Need some cuteness in your life? Check out Ming Ming's YouTube compilation video here.
• U-dance. Wireless foot straps attach to children's feet and a console plugged into the TV records their movements, making virtual footsteps appear on the TV screen. Neat.
• Elmo Live. Elmo is back in the game. This time with an Elmo that stands up, sits down, dances, sings and tells stories. Let's hope there's not a repeat of the absolutely hilarious twisted Elmo TMX on fire video.

So what toys are you fascinated with this year? Anything the children in your life are dying for?

[Photo: Toys "R" Us]