Even Santa has to tighten his belt this holiday season.
But no matter how low the stock market dips, plenty of toys will still load down Old St. Nick's sleigh.
"The last place parents (or Santa) will cut back is on toys for their kids at Christmas," says Bob Friedland, public relations manager for Toys "R" Us.
Topping retailers' hot holiday toy lists is a perennial favorite that parents of TV-watching tots know is virtually impossible to escape: Elmo.
Thanks to new technology, Fisher-Price's latest incarnation, Elmo Live ($59.99, 18 months+), is more life-like than ever.
"This Elmo is like no Elmo you've ever seen before," Friedland says. "He stands up, he sits down, he tells jokes, he tells stories."
Deeper-pocketed parents can embrace the animatronic-toy trend with Fisher-Price's incredibly realistic-looking Imaginext Spike, the Ultra Dinosaur ($139.99, 3+).
The wireless remote control features pictures, so even the youngest dino aficionado can make 27-inch-tall Spike, say, eat a boulder.
Allergic to the real thing? Hasbro's FurReal Friends
Biscuit, My Lovin' Pup ($179.99, 5+) is a "golden retriever" that responds to voice commands, barks and wags his tail.
"It's a great starter dog," Friedland says. "It's easy to train."
Playskool's 3-foot-tall Kota the Triceratops ($299.99, 3+) offers a climb-onboard platform for prehistoric adventures.
(Toy Wishes editorial director Wendy Smolen notes that the magazine's Hot Dozen list, which includes the rather pricey Kota, came out before the market crashed.)
"Everyone who touches (Kota) is fascinated by it," she says. "It moves, it roars, it eats a leaf. A kid cannot stay off this."
Plenty of new toys get 'em moving in a different way.
Nintendo's Wii Fit ($89.99) guides kids through yoga, strength, balance or aerobic exercises, even measuring BMI. It works equally well for adults.
Hasbro's U-Dance ($74.99, 8+) takes the mega-hit "Dance Dance Revolution" game one step further. Forget following steps on a floor mat — kids simply slap sensors on their sneaks.
Radio Flyer's Lights and Sounds Trike ($59.99, 18 months+) adds mod flair to a toddler classic, with a working horn, flashing turn signal and "radio."
Secure your breakables. Wild Planet Animal Scramble ($19.99, 3-6) gets kids racing around the house, in search of hidden animals that fit clues like "Who says rooooar?"
The Vtech V.Smile V-Motion TV Learning System ($69.99, 3+) adds motion to make math, reading, science and spelling lessons more fun.
The Leap Frog TAG Reading System ($49.99, 4+) offers a more sedentary learning experience, with a touch-and-talk feature that brings books to life.
"It's a great tool for kids who are beginning readers," Friedland says. "They can tap a word if they don't know it."
Movie and TV tie-in toys, from a Hannah Montana Acoustic Guitar ($79.99, 8-14) to LEGO "Star Wars: The Clone Wars" The Twilight ($99.99, 8+), are expected to fly off the shelves.
Thinkway's programmable Ultimate Wall-E ($249.99, 8+) duplicates the title robot's moves — and even his voice — straight from the hit movie.
"It really is a cool robot," Smolen says. "You can make it do what you want it to do."
Today's kid-friendly electronics are increasingly tech-savvy, from Fisher-Price's sturdy Kid Tough DVD player ($179.99, 3-6) to the 8GB iPod nano ($149.99, 13+), which holds 2,000 songs.
JAKKS Pacific's Girl Gourmet Cupcake Maker ($29.99, 8+) lets budding bakers create cupcakes in just 30 seconds, using a microwave.
One side of the Step2 50's Diner ($149.99, 2+) is a kitchen playset, with a deep fryer, griddle and coffee pot. The opposite side features a '50s-style booth, complete with working jukebox.
Preschoolers can pass on an important life skill — one they've hopefully mastered — with Baby Alive Potty Training ($59.99, 3+). And Bratz Girlz Really Rock dolls ($19.99, 6+) entice tweens with personalized guitars and fashion-forward stage wardrobes.
Capitalize on Tinker Bell's takeoff with Disney Fairies Clickables — Fairy Charms Starter Set ($29.99, 7+). The collectible charms unlock clothing and accessories for your "fairy" at PixieHollow.com.
As an added bonus, "You don't have to buy, buy, buy on this one," Smolen says. "You can share (charms)."
JAKKS Pacific's EyeClops Night Vision Infrared Stealth Goggles ($79.99, 8-14) allow the wearer to see 50 feet in pitch-blackness, lending a distinct advantage for night tag.
The LEGO Agents Mission 6: Mobile Command Center ($89.99, 8-14) engages boys in imaginative play, with a secret-agent storyline — and 1,154 pieces.
"LEGO could be the toy of the year every year," Smolen says. "There's just so many things you can do with this."
The Crayola Glow Station ($29.99, 6+) makes coloring in a power outage possible, with a glow-in-the-dark canvas.
The red-hot Bakugan line ($4.99 to $24.99, 5+) takes a collectible trading card game and adds marbles.
"Older kids are really into the strategy," Friedland says. "Younger kids just like the marbles."
But every once in a while, even Toyland gets a dose of reality.
The Kettler Go Green! Fold 'n' Ride Frog Tricycle ($49.99, 1+) sports a seat, wheels and pedals made from recycled materials. A portion of proceeds goes to an environmental group.
The Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Shop & Learn Walker ($39.99, 9 months+) lets babies shop just like Mom and Dad, while learning about food, shapes, numbers and colors. Lights, music and "realistic shopping sounds" come standard.
And if Santa brings too many noisy toys, try the Children's Ultimate Ears Loud Enough Volume Limiting Earphones ($39.99, 8+).
We'll take some in an adult size.
CONTACT THE NEW ERA: mschweigert@LNPnews.com or 291-8757 
