Toys 'R' Us Announces Its Top Picks for the Hottest New Toys of the Holiday Season

Toys 'R' Us Announces Its Top Picks for the Hottest New Toys of
the Holiday Season
Toys 'R' Us Joy List Reveals the Best of the Season from the World's Toy Store



WAYNE, N.J., Sept. 30  /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Toys "R" Us today announced
the toys it predicts will be on the top of children's wish lists this holiday
season. The Toys "R" Us Joy List features more than 30 new toys organized by
age from infants to big kids. From that list, 13 toys were selected as the
overall best of the season. All toys featured are new to market in 2004 and
available at all Toys "R" Us stores nationwide and on http://www.toysrus.com/.

"The Toys "R" Us Joy list will help our customers get started in finding the
perfect toy for every child on their holiday shopping list," said John Barbour,
President, Toys "R" Us, U.S. "This holiday season, Toys "R" Us will have the
best selection of these new toys, as well as a wide assortment of perennial
favorites and many terrific values for our customers."

"We know that there are toys - and then, there is the perfect toy.  This is the
toy that puts a look of pure joy on a child's face," continued Barbour. "Our
experienced and toy-trained sales staff stand ready to help our customers find
that perfect toy this holiday season."

  The 13 new toys that Toys "R" Us has named the best of the season are:

      THE TOP 13 FROM THE TOYS "R" US JOY LIST: THE BEST OF THE BEST
   Baby Counting Pal(TM) from LeapFrog
   Barbie(TM) as the Princess & the Pauper 2-Pack from Mattel
   Bratz(TM) Tokyo A Go Go(TM) Dolls from MGA Entertainment
   Corvette(R) C5-R(TM) Power Vehicle from Safety 1st
   E-L-M-O(TM) from Fisher-Price
   Laugh & Learn(TM) Learning Home(TM) from Fisher-Price
   Operation(R): Shrek from Hasbro Games
   Plug it in & Play TV Games(TM)--featuring Ms. Pacman from Jakks Pacific
   Sting-Ray OCC Bicycle from Schwinn
   Trivial Pursuit(R) SNL DVD Edition (Saturday Night Live) from Hasbro
    Games
   Ultimate Big Air(TM) Ball Tower from K'NEX
   V.Smile(TM) TV Learning System from V-Tech
   VideoNow(TM) Color Personal Video Player from Hasbro



Listed below is the overall Toys "R" Us Joy List, which represents an expanded
list of top new toys suitable for specific ages from newborn to big kids.
Product features and benefits are also included.

             THE TOYS "R" US JOY LIST: THE BEST OF THE SEASON
                        FROM THE WORLD'S TOY STORE

  AGES BIRTH - 12 MONTHS
  BABY COUNTING PAL(TM) from LeapFrog


For babies on-the-go, this soft learning pal is truly a multi-sensory learning
experience with tons of activities for baby to touch, hear and see! With 4
modes of play, this pal musically introduces counting and colors, while
offering a variety of different classical tunes. The Baby Counting Pal also
offers an assortment of tactile activities that include: a bird squeaker,
butterfly rattle, crinkly bees, flower rings and a ladybug bell for the very
young explorers. Product includes attachment straps for parents to attach this
toy just about anywhere, and a carry handle for on-the-go fun! The Baby
Counting Pal is the perfect pal for learning on the go! Requires 3 AAA
batteries (included). Ages three months and up.

BABY EINSTEIN DISCOVER & PLAY(TM) ACTIVITY GYM from KIDS II

This brightly colored soft play mat features fun Baby Einstein(TM) characters
and words to introduce baby to animals and the world around them. There's also
a removable motion-activated plush star that features lights and classical
melodies by Bach and Beethoven to capture baby's attention.  There's a prop-up
pillow for tummy time and eight fun toys for baby's development including:
three plush characters with crinkle and rattle, colorful ring rattle, soft
baby-safe mirror, fabric and vinyl pocket for baby's photo, soft vinyl book
featuring animal characters and real-life imagery, and 10 fun links for baby to
take toys everywhere.  Requires 3 AAA batteries (included). Ages birth and up.

BABY PLAYZONE(TM) KICK & WHIRL CARNIVAL(TM) from Fisher-Price

It's a carnival of encouragement, with a musical Ferris wheel that rewards baby
for kicking, reaching, sitting, grasping and playing! Overhead gym easily
converts to a sit-up and play center as baby grows. Both are packed full of
fun, with a ball drop activity station, dancing lights, five minutes of lively
music, spinners, ball ramps and more! Five colorful balls are included. Like
all Baby Playzone toys, the Kick & Whirl Carnival encourages and rewards baby's
physical accomplishments with exciting activities that make baby want to try
... and try again! Requires 3 C batteries (included). Ages one month and up.

LEARNING BAND(TM) WALKER from LeapFrog

Baby's steps set the learning in motion! Push the walker and watch the red drum
spin and the colorful organ pipes move up and down all in time to a marching
band ABC song. Switch to music mode and hear a fun walk-along song that
encourages baby's first steps. This walker can also be converted into a sit-at
learning center. Two ways to play: Learn Mode-spin the drum for an ABC song
(when the drum stops, the song stops), turn the trumpet roller for an
introduction to shapes and colors, or push the organ for a counting 1-5 song.
Music Mode-each activity offers real instrumental tunes and upbeat melodies
with every spin, press and turn! Parent-set volume control and sturdy, wide
base. Requires 3 AA batteries (included).  Ages 9 months and up.

  AGES 13 MONTHS - 2 YEARS
  DANCE ALONG BOOBAH(TM) from Hasbro


Children will delight in the opportunity to get up and dance with a Boobah of
their very own.  Each of the five cuddly Dance Along Boobah. features six silly
songs and eleven unique dances true to their endearing, whimsical
personalities. With moving heads, arms and bellies, Dance Along Boobahs
realistically move their heads, arms and bellies and will keep children engaged
from the top of their heads to the tips of their toes! Requires 3 C batteries
(not included).  Ages 24 months and up.

ELMO'S SING & TEACH(TM) TABLE from Fisher-Price

Elmo's Sing & Teach Table features lots of fun learning activities that use
music to teach baby the basics. Each activity features Elmo & his friends: Big
Bird, Zoe, Cookie Monster and Ernie singing a lesson for baby. Each activity
makes Elmo rock his head back and forth to the music. Elmo's Sing & Teach Table
features buttons that teach shapes/colors; a roller drum that teaches the
alphabet; 3 light-up piano keys that teach animal names and sounds; a removable
cell phone that teaches numbers; a Cookie Monster cup that teaches open/close;
and Ernie who teaches baby about the parts of the face. Requires 4 AA batteries
(included). Ages 9 months to 3 years.

LAUGH & LEARN(TM) LEARNING HOME(TM) from Fisher-Price

It's a place that's full of fun, and provides great ways for baby to learn-from
A-B-C's and 1-2-3's to fascinating everyday experiences, with musical
inspiration, sing-along songs, and plenty of discoveries. Both sides of the
home are loaded with activities, music, speech, and sounds. Teaches: letters,
numbers, counting, shapes, opposites, colors, greetings and more! Two
interactive play modes-learning time includes: learning the alphabet with the
sing-along radio; dropping balls in rainspout for counting fun; sorting shapes
and learning colors-music time includes: sing along with 21 delightful songs,
such as the Welcome Home song, Itsy-Bitsy Spider, Doggy in the Window, Hickory
Dickory Dock and more.  25+ fun sounds and encouraging phrases with activities.
 3 C batteries required (not included). Ages 6 months to 3 years.

PEEK-A-BLOCKS(TM) INCREDIBLOCK(TM) from Fisher-Price

It's a great BIG block of fascinating discoveries, with music, motion, lights,
and five sides of busy play.  The block comes with eight unique blocks and acts
as an activity center for baby to explore all the colorful objects, moving
parts, dazzling visuals and fun sounds encased within each one.  The
IncrediBlock top is where the action is-and the learning.  Baby places any of
the eight special Peek-a-Blocks in the center to bring it to life. For example,
when baby places the cow block on top, baby will hear the word "cow," a "moo"
sound and the song "Old MacDonald".  When baby pushes down on that block, the
center area lights up and block whirls around! Each of the five sides of the
giant block is full of unique activities including beads, balls and flipping
pages, plus music and lights.  Up to 30 Peek-a-Blocks can be stored inside. 
Parents can watch fine motor skills steadily improve, along with eye-hand
coordination, as blocks are grasped and stacked. Requires 3 C batteries (not
included). Ages 6 months to 3 years.

  AGES 2-4 YEARS
  CORVETTE(R) C5-R(TM) POWER VEHICLE from Safety 1st


Since 1953, the Corvette has been dubbed the "True American Sportscar." And now
this performance icon is available for young dragsters to enjoy, exclusively at
Toys "R" Us! With the same sleek design, attention to detail and advanced
technology that car enthusiasts expect, the scaled-down version is perfect for
little car lovers.  Features include working headlights, taillights and turn
signals, real FM radio, plus horn, ignition and engine sounds. Two-speed
transmission with parental control (2.5 mph and 5.0 mph with reverse at 2.5
mph). Includes racing wheels with traction strip, bumper-to-bumper warranty,
retractable cup holder, and realistic racecar graphics. Includes a 12-volt
long-life battery. Ages 3 years and up (max 130 lbs).

DORA THE EXPLORER(TM) DORA'S TALKING HOUSE from Fisher-Price

Dora's uniquely styled home with a focus on family incorporates bilingual
phrases in a special, non-traditional dollhouse.  Dora's House unfolds to
reveal an adobe-style, open play space that can be expanded to seven rooms
simply by raising the roof.  The house is chockfull of interactive play areas
featuring electronic sounds, music, lights and bilingual phrases including a
working doorbell, a refrigerator with a real light, an oven timer, a fold-down
table, a radio that really plays music and a beautiful family photo that
introduces Dora's family to children.  The set comes complete with three
poseable figures (Dora, Mom and Dad) and a couch.  Requires 3 AAA batteries
(included). Ages 3 and up.

E-L-M-O(TM) from Fisher-Price

What more can Elmo do? This year, he hits the dance floor with his very own
version of the famous YMCA song.  Squeeze Elmo's hand and Elmo will invite you
to join him in dancing to his fun song. Elmo not only plays the E-L-M-O song,
but he actually forms the E, L, M and O with his arms! Squeeze Elmo's hand
again and Elmo will invite you to spell out his name with him. "Give Elmo an
E!", "Give Elmo an L!", "Give Elmo an M!" "Give Elmo an O!" What's that
spell?!? Elmo!! Requires 4 AA batteries (included). Ages 18 months and up.

FOLD-2-GO(TM) TRICYCLES from Radio Flyer

The Radio Flyer Fold 2 Go(TM) Tricycle comes fully assembled for instant
riding, folds up for portablity and easy storage, and features an easy to carry
handle grip.  There's a safety latch that helps to keep the tricycle in place. 
The Fold-2-Go tricycles also feature a three-position adjustable seat, low
center of gravity for maximum stability, sturdy steel construction, controlled
turning radius for stability, and ringing bell.  No batteries required. 18
months and up.

SING & BOOGIE(TM) BLUE from Fisher-Price

Straight out of Blue's Room, this new shaggy Blue will have kids singing and
dancing, too, as she talks, sings and does her signature dance.  Kids will love
to sing and dance along with Blue!  Kids press her left hand and then watch her
magically come to life. Blue will move her head and arms from side to side as
she talks, plays and pretends! To learn how to "boogie" with Blue, just press
Blue's right hand, and she will begin to sing her new Blue's Room song and
teach kids the dance. Also included is an exclusive interactive video featuring
Blue's talking debut in the "Legend of the Blue Puppy" episode, plus two fun
interactive segments where kids can play a fun game or learn Blue's dance!
Requires 4 AA batteries (included). Ages 18 months and up.

V.SMILE(TM) TV LEARNING SYSTEM from V-Tech

V.Smile(TM) is a unique learning system that teaches children the preschool
basics through interactive TV gaming. The console connects directly to your
home TV! No additional equipment required! V.Smile TV Learning System includes
the console, a joystick, and one game cartridge. The innovative joystick is
adjustable for both right and left-handed users. It features four flashing
buttons and one large enter button specially designed for preschoolers. A
second joystick can be connected for two-player game play. Requires 3 C
batteries (not included). Ages 3 - 7.

  AGES 5 - 7 YEARS
  BARBIE(TM) AS THE PRINCESS AND THE PAUPER (GIFT PACK) from Mattel


This exclusive Toys "R" Us gift pack comes with two dolls and a CD that
includes three songs from "Barbie. as the Princess and the Pauper."  Princess
Anneliese(TM) and maiden Erika. can each sing songs from the movie, and are
accompanied by a furry companion from the movie, Serafina and Wolfie.  No
batteries required. Ages 3 and up.

BELLA DANCERELLA(TM) from Spin Master

Little ballerinas will be dancing all day with this home ballet studio. Perfect
for practicing dance routines, this easy to assemble home studio includes a
ballet bar and two-sided mat that outlines five step-by-step ballet routines. 
The adorable home studio also includes a VHS video with step-by- step dance
instructions. Bella Dancerella(TM) is easily stored for home use. No batteries
required. Ages 3 - 8.

GAME BOY(R) ADVANCE VIDEOS from Majesco Sales, Inc.

These "take with you anywhere" video paks give full-screen, full-color audio
and video on any Game Boy(R) Advance System.  Each video pak includes 45
minutes of video. More than 12 titles are currently available, including
Nicktoons Collection, Volume 1.  Kids just insert the video pak into a Game Boy
Advance System and start watching.  Familiar "DVD player" controls including:
Fast Forward, Fast Rewind, Chapter Skip, Chapter Reverse and Pause, plus
animated chapter menus.  Kids are sure to enjoy the skip-free viewing-no matter
how much Game Boy is moved around, the video will never skip. No batteries
required.  Rated E for everyone.  Nicktoons Collection, Volume 1 includes three
short episodes of popular Nicktoons TV shows including: All Grown Up!,
SpongeBob SquarePants and The Fairly Odd Parents.

HOT WHEELS(R) CYBORG ATTACK(TM) from Mattel

An awesome challenge featuring a battle between kid vs. cyborg! With multiple
features, this deluxe track has speed, power, performance and major attitude.
Features include swinging arm action that "rips" the highway in two. Includes
two exclusively decorated vehicles. Requires 4 D batteries (not included). 
Ages 5 and up.

OPERATION(R): SHREK from Hasbro Games

This time the patient happens to be everyone's favorite ogre, Shrek! Major
medical assistance is needed to cure his ailments including: Ear Wax, Onion
Breath, and Humongous Fungus.  Game play remains the same as the traditional
Operation(R), where the player who collects the most money from successful
operations wins!  For 2 to 4 players. Requires 2 AA batteries (not included).
Ages 6 and up.

TAMAGOTCHI CONNECTION(TM) from Bandai

Infrared technology allows Tamagotchi Connection(TM) owners to "connect" with
others, play games, give gifts, become friends with other Tamagotchi owners and
store a "friend list" of up to 50 friends. There are single player or two
player games, and the personality of a Tamagotchi is based on how well owners
care for it.  Kids can raise several generations in one Tamagotchi with proper
care and feeding. Requires 1 CR-2032 (3V) battery (included).  Ages 4 and up.

VIDEONOW(TM) COLOR PERSONAL VIDEO PLAYER from Hasbro

Kids who lead a colorful, on-the-go lifestyle-need colorful, on-the-go
entertainment! The VideoNow(TM) Personal Video Player lets kids watch a wide
variety of high-quality PVDs--loaded with the things they want to watch-now in
vibrant color! This awesome player gives sharp, full-color screen and backlit
display, plus a viewing area that's larger than ever! VideoNow features kids'
favorite Nickelodeon shows, like The Adventures of Jimmy Neutron Boy Genius,
All Grown Up!, The Amanda Show and The Fairly OddParents (each sold
separately)! Requires 3 AA batteries (not included). Ages 6 and up.

  AGES 8 - 11 YEARS
  BRATZ(TM) TOKYO A GO GO(TM) DOLLS from MGA Entertainment


Anything goes in Tokyo as the Bratz mix 'n' match the craziest and coolest
looks in an up-to-the-minute fashion flash of color and style! Inspired by the
far-out fashions of the Far East, kids can join the Bratz as they take to the
streets in a kaleidoscope of crazy-cool color and form and show the world that
it's not always what you wear, but how you wear it! With tons of stylin'
accessories, plus a collectible cyber-pet and personal electronic item, this is
one party Bratz fans just can't pass up! No batteries required. Ages 6 and up.

MALL MADNESS(TM) from Hasbro Games

The Mall Madness(TM) game is the electronic, talking shopping spree game filled
with sales, clearances and fun. It enables kids to bring the fun of shopping
home without the high price tag!  A mall announcer leads players in the game
that has them in a race to buy six items and get out of the mall first. 
Players are given play ATM and credit cards to purchase items within their set
budgets.  Perfect for the 21st century savvy shopper.  For 2 to 4 players. 
Requires 3 AA batteries (not included). Ages 9 and up.

HOVERCOPTER(TM) from Overbreak

The HoverCopter(TM) is a wireless flying saucer that flies over 25-feet high!
Safe to use indoors or outdoors. The HoverCopter hovers in mid air and is easy
to fly. It recharges in minutes and comes with multi-colored LED lights. Invent
cool tricks and games. Race two HoverCopters head-to-head and then make them do
battle!  Comes with charging base and hand controller. Requires 8 C batteries
and 1 9V battery (not included). Ages 8 and up.

RC HUMMER from Fast Lane

The wildly popular Hummer H-1 vehicle gets miniaturized in a 1:6 scale
full-function RC vehicle. This Toys "R" Us exclusive unit is heavy duty and
contains dual 540SH Mabuchi Motors, digital proportional steering with speed
control, trim adjustments for steering and forward/reverse. The front and rear
wheel differential and giant off-road tires provide better traction for
off-roading adventures. The included battery and charger features removable
crystals for competitive racing. Requires 7.2-volt battery pack (included).
Ages 8 years and up

STING-RAY OCC BICYCLE from Schwinn

The re-birth of cool - The Sting-Ray lives again! Features include custom
stretched chopper frame with gas tank gusset, 20" x 4" super wide "V" line rear
slick tire and 24" x 2" narrow front tire mounted on extruded alloy rims. Other
notable features are: adjustable cruising saddle with built-in sissy bar,
riveted upholstery, dual crown Sting-Ray twin barrel chrome forks with color
matching paint, chrome steel chain guard and heavy duty double leg kickstand,
alloy linear pull brake with alloy lever and three-piece custom Sting-Ray
cranks with iron cross pedals. Comes in black, red and blue.  No batteries
required. Ages 8 years and up.

ULTIMATE BIG AIR(TM) BALL TOWER from K'NEX

Kids can build and customize the most outrageous K'NEX "Wow" ever! It's the
Ultimate Big Air(TM) Ball Tower, featuring daredevil ride Big Air Boz! This
set, sold exclusively at Toys "R" Us, allows kids to build three exciting
obstacle courses all in one tower. The air blast action starts Boz's adventure
up the 5-foot, anti-gravity tube. Boz avoids the danger for a winning ride on
the rails to the pivoting arm, a big bounce off the trampoline platform and
into the bottomless basket, and more! It's over 1,350 pieces of awesome
building accomplishment, complete with step-by-step color-coded instructions.
Includes instructions for a 3-foot Junior Tower for builders who want to get
into the action in a third of the time. Requires 4 D batteries (not included).
Ages 8 and up.

  BIG KIDS
  LAZER TAG(R) TEAM OPS(TM) from Hasbro


Kids of all ages can step into the ultimate gaming experience with this awesome
Head's Up Display (HUD) and Tagger Set! Head's Up Display gives players audio
and visual confirmation of being tagged and when they've tagged someone else.
Players are alerted when an enemy is in the area and when they have their
target locked! Three teams of eight players can play 11 pre- programmed games.
Features a LCD screen, advanced daytime IR quality, easy team-play programming,
two HUD's and two taggers in each set! Requires 12 AAA batteries (not
included). Ages 8 and up.

PLUG IT IN & PLAY TV GAMES(TM) -- FEATURING MS. PAC-MAN from Jakks Pacific
There's a complete line-up of TV Games(TM) titles, including Ms. Pac-Man,
Spider-Man and more! Adults (and kids!) can experience the fun of NAMCO's most
beloved 80's arcade games on their TV with Ms. Pac-Man.  All of the TV Games
are a controller and game system all in one! No set up is required. The
controller just plugs into a television and players experience a blast from the
past when they play the five different arcade games: Ms. Pac-Man, Galaga, Pole
Position, Xevious and Mappy. No game console required. Requires 4 AA batteries
(not included). Ages 5 and up.

TRIVIAL PURSUIT(R) SNL DVD Edition (Saturday Night Live) from Hasbro Games

The Trivial Pursuit(R) SNL DVD edition combines all the fun of the board game
with the Emmy award-winning late-night comedy show to bring players more trivia
fun! Players grab their favorite character (Eight Saturday Night Live character
tokens, including Land Shark and the Spartans Cheerleader) and start answering
questions about Saturday Night Live. To win a scoring wedge, players go to the
DVD to answer an on-screen question. It's never ending fun for teams to relive
the sketches, famous impressions and unforgettable characters from SNL while
challenging their friends to see who knows the most about this comedy showcase.
 Includes over 2,000 questions, including 450 on DVD.  For 2 to 4 players.  No
batteries required. DVD-player not included. Adult: Viewer Discretion Advised.

HALO(R) 2 XBOX from Microsoft

Halo(R) 2 is the sequel to the highly successful and critically acclaimed
Halo(R): Combat Evolved. In Halo 2, the saga continues as Master Chief -- a
genetically enhanced super-soldier-is the only thing standing between the
relentless Covenant and the destruction of all humankind. Halo 2 features new
vehicles and weapons, destructible environments, low gravity, online play and
more. Halo 2 gives players better control so they can sprint at twice-normal
speed, peek around corners and much more.  The completely rewritten graphics
engine allows previously unimaginable complexity and detail. The new
multiplayer modes include Oddball, Race, Slayer, Capture the Flag, and even
more exclusive modes only available over Xbox Live. No batteries required. XBOX
Game System required to play and not included. Rated (M) for MATURE. Note that
this product is not available until November 9.

Note:  Titles rated Mature (M) have content suitable for people ages 17 and up.
These products may include more intense violence or language than products in
the Teen category. In addition, these titles may include mature sexual themes. 
Toys "R" Us aims to give you the information necessary to make intelligent
video game buying decisions. We are proud to participate in the game industry's
standardized rating system, developed by the Entertainment Software Rating
Board (ESRB). The ESRB ratings are designed to give consumers information about
the content of an interactive video or computer entertainment title and the
ages for which the title is appropriate. The ratings are not meant to tell you
what to buy or to serve as the only basis for choosing a product. In addition
to using the ratings, consumers should check out content descriptions for more
specific information about a game's content. You can find this information, if
applicable, on the product information pages under the Note to Customers
advisory.  Each product is rated by three independent, trained raters. The
raters represent a wide range of backgrounds, races, and ages and have no ties
to the interactive entertainment industry. Raters include retired school
principals, parents, professionals, and other individuals from all walks of
life. Ratings can be found on the cover of each game, and this site also
features a text description of each rating on product information pages.

About Toys "R" Us

Toys "R" Us is one of the leading specialty toy retailers in the world.
Currently it sells merchandise through more than 1,400 stores, including 684
toy stores in the U.S. and 585 international toy stores, including licensed and
franchise stores as well as through its Internet sites at
http://www.toysrus.com/, http://www.imaginarium.com/ and
http://www.sportsrus.com/.  Babies "R" Us is the largest baby product specialty
store chain in the world and a leader in the juvenile industry, and sells
merchandise through 200 stores in the U.S. as well as on the Internet at
http://www.babiesrus.com/. 

DATASOURCE: Toys "R" US



CONTACT:   Kelly Cullen, [phone], or , or

Kathleen Waugh, [phone], or , both of Toys "R" Us 



Web site:  http://www.toysrus.com/

http://www.babiesrus.com/

http://www.sportsrus.com/

http://www.imaginarium.com/ 

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