I can’t believe our 5th annual Holiday Toy Guide is already on stands!.

I know it seems like the holidays are so far away, but there are a few key reasons why you see our list so early. Today retailers do not overstock anymore. They buy what they truly think they will sell and that’s it. And the toy manufacturers produce what is ordered.

So every year our Toy Insider team (who all have children of their own) spend all year looking at new products, working with kids and identifying trends. It’s all of that year round’ effort that gives us the unique ability to pinpoint which toys will sell out quickly each holiday.

So whether you are seeing our list on our site or in Woman’s Day Magazine- if you see something on there that is going to top your kids wish list this year, don’t wait to purchase- because we all remember how impossible it was to find those adorable little Zhu Zhu’s last season!

.Of course there are always alternatives and we’re always happy to help you come up with those ideas too- but now is the time to get those list-topping toys while shelves are still stocked..

To help simplify your holiday toy shopping experience we have included the following in this year’s Toy Insider:

• -  Hot 20 toy list
• -  Hot Toy picks by age category
• -  Toy Skill Key to help you find appropriate toys according to skill levels
• –  A printable shopping list for you to check off the toys that you can find at Walmart
• -  A chance to win a room full of toys!
• -  Your personal toy questions answered
• -  An official Facebook page and Twitter account to keep you in the loop on the latest toy trends all year long!
• -  The Toy Insider Blog to give you some extra tips and insight from our team of toy experts!

We hope our list has you off to a great start on your holiday shopping and look forward to helping you with all the toy advice you may need!

.- Laurie

The Toy Insider Mom