Barbie fashion mall playset show

Oldies still goodies for holiday fun

This year's roundup of seasonal goodies includes repeats of many hot items from the past.

Classic toys such as Barbie, GI Joe, Hot Wheels and Elmo defy age and time, continuously making top grades with kids every holiday season.

Barbie is one of the best-selling items of all time, and this year's Barbie of Swan Lake is expected to be no different. Portraying Odette from the Tchaikovsky ballet, Barbie is dressed in the costume from the Barbie Swan Lake DVD ($19.99).

GI Joe is the male Barbie counterpart. Popular for decades, the action figure comes in a special 40th anniversary gift set ($39.99).

Elmo has surpassed Sesame Street's Big Bird as the hottest property from the children's show. This year's Hokey Pokey Elmo ($29.99) and Limbo Elmo ($24.99) add to a successful string of interactive singing/dancing Elmos.

Hot Wheels XTreme Camera goes beyond the raceways and into high tech. The wireless video camera from Kid Design puts kids in the mix of entertaining, ($109.99).

Ohio Art's timeless classic Etch A Sketch has a new look this year. Sababa has garnered the first Etch A Sketch licensed character version -- Hello Kitty ($19.99).

This year you can add top picks from seasons past to the list. Making a strong comeback this year are Strawberry Shortcake, Transformers, My Little Pony, Care Bears and Polly Pockets.

Hasbro's BTR (built to rule) Transformers sets convert from action vehicles to robotic figures. The line offers a variety of sizes styles ($7.99-$29.99).

Hasbro's My Little Pony Celebration Castle brings the rainbow- colored ponies back into the fold. The playset includes lights, music, moat, balcony, a heart-shaped arch and the action figure Pink Sunsparkle Pony ($39.99).

Bandai's Strawberry Shortcake Berry Happy Home is a portable strawberry-shaped playset filled with accessories such as a bed, nightstand, table set and wardrobe. The house features lights and sounds ($29.99). Dolls are sold separately ($8.99).

Movie tie-ins always make a big seasonal splash and this year is no different. Box office versions of "Dr. Seuss' Cat in the Hat" and "Warner Bros.' Looney Tunes Back in Action" paved the way for a new line of plush and other licensed products.

Look for Looney Tunes plush interactive characters Taz, Bugs and Tweety ($19.99).

Cat in the Hat plush figures and video games top the list of licensed products for the Dr. Seuss character.

Newcomers to the Christmas hysteria include Bratz Boyz and Bratz Formal Funk Runway Disco and Fashion Mall, Creepy Freaks and Neopets.

MGA answers the call for female fashion doll escorts with the Bratz Boyz Formal Funk. The boys are ready to party with their four- piece interchangeable wardrobes ($34.99). Other Bratz hits include playset and accessories Formal Funk Runway Disco with exclusive Bratz doll Nerva ($99.99). Bratz Fashion Mall even features a motorized escalator ($59.99).

Creepy Freaks, the 3-D board game from Wizkids, offers kids a gross-out good time while honing strategy skills. The game offers a starter set ($12.99) or booster pack ($4.99).

Parents, you can shop for yourselves, too. A cool stocking stuffer for parents is Card Access' Time Scout, a device created to monitor kids' playtime on electronic products that operate on electrical outlets, such as computers, televisions and videogame consoles. Time- Scout is an automatic switch-off device that parents activate by using an ATM-like card. The product retails for $69.95. For information, call (888) 299-8989;www.time-out.com.

EVENTS: The Irish Boutique will host a Belleek signing from noon to 3 p.m. today. Artist Naomi Sloan will introduce and personalize the 2003 Collector's Edition Piece, "Asheland Castle Vase," which was inspired by centuries-old castles of Ireland and will be retired during a mold-breaking ceremony, ($45). The retailer is at 434 R.P. Coffin, Long Grove. Call (847) 634-3540.