To paraphrase the late astronomer Carl Sagan, there are billions and billions of glimmering toys in the retail universe, many of them new, available for holiday gift-giving. Here, we aim our telescope on a variety of gifts that may please the youngsters on your list, involving everything from favorite childhood characters making a comeback to presents that encourage hand-eye coordination. (All can be found at major toy retailers and online merchants unless otherwise noted.)
The GeekBox. OK, these little wooden puzzles may not come in 10,000 pieces that cause gluttons for punishment to pull their hair out, but they still can be, um, a challenge. Online purveyor Marbles the Brain Store suggests what's required is "a hefty dose of memory, visual perception and strategic thinking skills." (Ages 12+; $34.99 at www.marblesthebrainstore.com)
Pablo Picasso and Andy Warhol finger puppets. Notonly are they stars of the current High Museum of Art exhibit "Picasso to Warhol: Fourteen Modern Masters," they're stars in the High gift shop as well. These magnetic personalities literally have magnets in their noggins, so they can hang smartly around your fridge or office credenza. (Ages 5+; $7.50 each at http://museumshop.high.org)
On the Go Artist Kit. From BeginAgainToys, a new eco-toy company, comes this convenient, natural cotton carry case holding soy crayons, pencils, recycled paper notepad, drawing stencils, a 6-inch ruler and plenty of storage. Perfect for restaurants, airports and road trips. Folded, it's only 8-by-10 inches and easy for parents to slip in a pocketbook or for little hands to carry. ($25, www.beginagaintoys.com)
Muppet plush dolls: The Muppets have never gone out of fashion, but it's clear that they're going to be especially huge this holiday season, with "The Muppets" opening in movie theaters Nov. 23. Disney has produced hug-worthy plush dolls of Kermit and Miss Piggy, of course, but also Animal, Beaker, Fozzie, Gonzo and Walter, ranging in height from 12 to 19 inches. ($12.50-$16.50 at Disney Store and www.disneystore.com)
Easy Bake Easy Bake Ultimate Oven. Hasbro decided to update this classic cooker, forgoing ye ol' incandescent light bulb in favor of an electric heating element (and thus making more parental supervision a good idea). The new, fashionably purple model is a little larger, but the treats it bakes remain petite. Comes with two pans, two cake mixes, one frosting mix and a pack of decorating sugar crystals. (ages 8+; $49.99 at Target, prices vary at other retail and online outlets)
My Baby Alive Doll. Baby Alive dolls come in many versions, from ones that "wet and wiggle" to ones starting to get teeth. This one caught our attention because it says phrases in English or Spanish. A child can feed and diaper her, and her eyes close when she's rocked. Comes with dress, bib, bowl, spoon, bottle, two diapers and two doll food packets. (ages 3+; $39.99)
G.I. Joe U.S. Army Paratrooper. This 12-inch-tall version of macho military man comes equipped with a working parachute, authentic uniform and accessories including a tactical assault rifle, combat knife, binoculars and flashlight. Looks like time-tested Joe will be hanging around a little longer. (ages 5+; $24.99)
Huffy Green Machine. This speed machine has been providing thrills (and, no doubt, some spills) since the '60s, causing some parents who spot it in stores to have instant flashbacks. Newly redesigned with an extra wide front tire among other modifications, it still provides its kicks via two stick shift-type levers. They give the rider control over steering and braking action -- and the ability to partake of 180-degree spins and slides. (ages 6+; $129.99)
Bizu Gift Pack. Girls can become jewelry designers with this twist on beading, creating colorful bracelets, charms and necklaces by twisting the plastic parts together. Bizus come in an array of packages (manufacturer Spin Master claims that 15,000 mix and match combinations are possible), but this pack seems like a good place to start, featuring enough parts to make four character bracelets -- a cat, puppy, fox and zebra. (ages 6+; $14.99)
Air Hogs Hyperactive. This remote-controlled car is a speed merchant, zoom, zoom, zooming at 20 miles per hour (at full scale that would be about 500 miles an hour). If your kid gets lead-fingered with the controller and crashes the car, "self-righting functionality" immediately returns it to its upright position. The range is 100 feet, indoors or outside. (Ages 12+; $49.99)
