For the second year in a row, MGA Entertainment's button-eyed Lalaloopsy dolls are proving the enduring appeal of a simple rag doll. Think of it as Raggedy Ann's second coming. Or the new Tickle Me Elmo. Last year, the toy was sold out at most stores before Thanksgiving. The craze stems from the dolls' unique backstories. Basic materials act as a personality source for each one; an old farmer's shirt gives one doll a love for animals, while scraps from a discarded sailor uniform give another a squeaky-clean attitude. The message of reusable materials appeals to parents (though the dolls themselves are not made of recycled products), and a "sewn-on date" usually coinciding with a dedicated day (like Old Farmers Day or World Ocean Day) inspires social awareness in their pint-size owners. There isn't much not to love — unless you can't find one.
Price: $24.99, MGA Entertainment