Pixel Chix — Ages 6 to 12 years — $29.99 (msrp)

Your Pixel Chix pal needs your advice: Should she go out with friends? What should she wear? Where should she go? What should she eat? Help her decide these questions and more using the buttons on her posh handheld Beverly Hills home. In return, she'll reward you with fun games and other neat surprises.

• Interact with your Pixel Chix pal electronically to help her make decisions about life
• Five levels of play, each with new games and surprises
• Connect her to her friends (available separately) and they will interact with each other
• Requires four "AAA" batteries (included)

Pixel Chix News:
Pixel Chix
Family Fun Magazine -- Virtual pets meet Polly Pocket in these tiny houses inhabited by electronic girls who need constant attention to stay in a good mood. …
Pixel Chix Electronic Pals
Raving Toy Maniac -- There's a new girl in town who is sure to become a V.F.F. (virtual friend forever) to girls everywhere. Available at retail stores nationwide this week, Pixel ChixT pals, the newest interactive toys from Mattel, Inc., combine activities that mirror a girl's life with technology. …
It's "Fabulous!" Pixel ChixT Electronic Pal Opens A New Door To "Playing House"
Mattel Brings To Kids A 2-D Girl Living In A 3-D World!T
EL SEGUNDO, Calif. (Aug. 04, 2005), Mattel Press Release -- There's a new girl in town who is sure to become a V.F.F. (virtual friend forever) to girls everywhere. Available at retail stores nationwide this week, Pixel ChixT pals, the newest interactive toys from Mattel, Inc. [NYSE: MAT], combine activities that mirror a girl's life with technology.…
Mattel (manufacturer's site)

Tyco Shell Shocker — Ages 8 years & up — $69.99 (msrp)

The Shell Shocker is a radio-controlled toy like none you've ever seen before! Featuring an innovative biomechanical design, this crazy alien invader transforms from cyberball to a cyberbeast as it powers over mud, grass and pavement. It's brash, noisy, rude and incredibly cool, with an out-of-this-world adaptability that fascinates kids and leads to hours of exciting outdoor play.

• Shell Shocker transforms from a cyberball to a cyberbeast
• Rolls over mud, grass, dirt, and pavement
• Kids find this bioadaptability fascinating
• Unique biomechanical design is unlike any other R/C vehicle
• Large front wheel allows for flipping action and lets vehicle drive over obstacles
• Requires Tyco Pro Flexpak battery and one 9-volt battery for transmitter (batteries available separately)
• Available in 27 MHz and 49 MHz models
• Both 27 MHz and 49 MHz signals offer superior control and will not interfere with each other, letting you and a friend drive two vehicles simultaneously

Tyco Shell Shocker News:
Shell ShockerT Escapes Lab, Creates Holiday Chaos!
New Tyco® R/C "Cyber-Beast" Debuts on Store Shelves as Kids Ponder, "What is it?"
EL SEGUNDO, Calif. (October 3, 2005), Mattel Press Release -- Hide the cat and put away the fine china - the newest engineering marvel from Tyco® R/C, Shell ShockerT, is creating a storm of excitement as it appears on store shelves nationwide amid a flurry of questions over what exactly it is. …
Tyco R/C Shell Shocker
FamilyFun.com -- Legend says this scaly green beast, with its glowing red eyes and whip-snapping tail, is a biomechanical mutation sprung from the lab of demented Dr. Kraizd. …
Pixel Chix(TM) and Tyco(R) R/C Shell Shocker(TM) Makes Toy Wishes Magazine's Holiday 'Hot Dozen' List
BusinessWire, Forbes.com -- Mattel, Inc. (NYSE:MAT), the worldwide leader in toys and family products, made headlines today as two of its premier holiday toys were named to the Toy Wishes magazine 'Hot Dozen.…
Mattel Tyco R/C (manufacturer's site)

Tyco R/C Rollcage — Ages 8 years & up — $79.99 (msrp)

Barrel into amazing challenges and incredible stunts with RollCage from Tyco R/C! The Power Stunt Arm allows kids to do stunts they've only dreamed of before. The RollCage vehicle's abilities start with cool spins and wheelies. Then, with the push of a button, the Power Stunt Arm pops out. Pop into a flip off of a ramp, roll down rocky terrain and steep hills and even barrel through obstacles. When kids want the rolling to stop, they can bring the Power Stunt Arm back in and RollCage will keep on driving. Requires 1 9volt battery and 1 TMH Flex Pack (not included).

Barbie as Princess Anneliese and Erika —Ages 3 years & up—$19.99 (msrp)

Barbie is back in the movies this year, starring in two roles in The Princess and the Pauper, a reworking of Mark Twain's famous story. These two stunning dolls feature Barbie in her costumes from the film, and both come with a special pet. Each of the dolls sings the original songs from the movie's score; put the two dolls together and they'll even sing a duet!