Navigating toyland: Picks for kids on your list

Easy-Bake Deluxe Delights Cake and Cookie Kit ($29.99; Hasbro) Wannabe pastry chefs get near-instant gratification by creating microwave treats in 30 seconds. Accessories include a rolling pin, measuring spoons, cookie cutters and more. It comes with fondant for decorating, and enough mix to make six cakes and seven cookies. (Ages 8 and older) ...Pinkatastic Cupcake Decorating Set ($9.97; CDI) Based on the popular children's book "Pinkalicious," this no-fuss, no-muss play set allows pretend bakers to make play cupcakes by mixing and matching plastic pieces. (Ages 3 and older.)

FOR THE ANIMAL LOVER

Furreal Friends GoGo, My Walkin' Pup ($59.99; Hasbro) is an interactive toy dog that responds to a child's touch. Although it looks as if GoGo has feet, there are wheels underneath the fur. With the leash controller, kids can make GoGo walk left, right or straight ahead. Get the hang of it, and make the pup do circles and figure eights. (Ages 4 and older.)

FOR THE ARTSY KID

Moon Dough Barn ($19.99; Spin Master) Both kids and parents can appreciate this modeling compound that never dries out. Drop the Moon Dough into the top of the barn play set and turn the handle. An animal creation then slides out of the barn door. (Ages 3 and older.) ...Crayola Glow Explosion Spin Magic ($19.99; Crayola) lets kids use special markers and paper to create their own glow-in-the-dark mobiles and scenes. Attach the artwork to the battery operated base, and turn it on. Cut off the lights, and it glows in the dark up to four hours. (Ages 6 and older.)

FOR THE MUSIC FAN

Before investing in a real guitar, parents can test the musical waters with Paper Jamz ($24.99; WowWee). These stringless guitars use circuit-embedded technology to make noise. Each of the six axes features three licensed songs such as "Sweet Home Alabama." Rockers can sing and play along, and create their own tunes. Drums ($24.99) and working Amps ($14.99) enhance the experience. (Ages 8 and older.) ...Music-loving tots can get their groove on with the interactive Dance Star Mickey ($70; Fisher-Price). With a thumping beat, he busts moves including an impressive moonwalk. (Ages 2 and older.)

FOR THE ACTION HERO

Arguably the coolest new action figures on the market are based on the upcoming film "Tron: Legacy." Both the Tron Deluxe Figures ($14.99) and the Tron 12-inch Ultimate Sam Flynn Figure ($39.99) by Spin Master feature impulse projection technology. With the press of a button, the faces light up and become animated. (Ages 4 and older.) ..."Star Wars" fans can battle it out by slipping on the Boba Fett helmet ($34.99; Hasbro), featuring a light-up tracking scope and Aussie accented dialogue. (Ages 4 and older.) The General Grievous Lightsaber ($34.99; Hasbro) includes a pair of sabers that can used separately or connected into one double-bladed weapon. (Ages 6 and older.) ...Kids can turn the Transformers Battle Ops Bumblee ($59.99; Hasbro) from a sports car to a robot. He has battle and guardian modes with respective electronic phrases and effects. (Ages 5 and older.) ...Standing 19 inches, Marvel Universe Masterworks Galactus ($49.99; Hasbro) is Hasbro's largest action figure ever and comes with a 3 3/4-inch Silver Surfer figure. (Ages 4 and older.) ...Budding fantasy fans will likely get their fill with the massive Great Dragon Castle ($154.99; Playmobil). It stands more than 25 inches tall, includes four figures and a red dragon, and features a working ballista and light-up beacon. (Ages 5 and older.)