Coolest Inventions 2004: Playtime

E-L-M-O

Elmo dolls always balance on the fine line between genius and insanity. This year he spells his name with big-arm gestures to a variant of the Village People’s classic YMCA. fisher-price.com ($20)

Robosapien

A fast walker and a big talker (if Caveman can be considered a language), this one is more excitable than your average toy. Just beware its kung fu fury–and audible bodily functions. wowwee.com ($100)

Playskool VideoNow Jr.

With a color screen and a chunky design suitable for small hands, this videodisc player can be a road-trip pacifier. Titles include full-length episodes of The Wiggles and other kid favorites. playskool.com ($70)

Vtech V.Smile TV Learning System

If your child isn’t yet ready for an Xbox, try the V.Smile. Its Smartridge library ($20 each, for ages 3 to 7) offers math, logic and word-skill lessons from familiar faces like Simba and Spider-Man. vtechkids.com ($60)

I-Top Pro

When this top is spinning, LEDs on its side form letters, numbers and messages. It’s full of simple addictive games like Top This, where it counts its own rotations. There’s also a Magic 8-Ball mode for the indecisive. irwintoy.com ($15)