It smells like the holidays again, from the earthy aroma of fresh cut Christmas Trees to the sweaty scent of desperation the hard times have brought on to many hard-working people.

However, one thing you can’t escape (whether you’re rich or poor), is the gift of, well, giving.

And every year, there’s usually some kind of big-ticket item that has parents clamoring to the toy aisles in order to please their kids with and usually they end up empty-handed (or paying through the nose to some disputable third-party seller). Anyone remember last year’s Zhu Zhu Pets. Couldn’t find them at all and now they’re EVERYWHERE.

So this year, we decided to keep it simple for the young one’s with this quickie toy guide that’s sure to make any kid happy (whether they’re eight or 38).

So without further ado, welcome to ASSIGNMENT X’s 2010 Holiday Gift Guide:

KID STUFF EDITION

iCARLY 2 - iJoin the Click! - Nintendo DS game

iCARLY 2 – i JOIN THE CLICK! video game

Suggested Retail Price: $29.99 (Nintendo DS), $39.99 (Wii)
What is It? Like SPONGEBOB, there’s something about Nickelodeon’s iCARLY live action series that appeals to the young and old. And with the new game, it definitely improves upon last year’s lackluster attempt at bringing iCarly to the gaming platform. This time, it’s an interactive experience where you can talk and engage with the cast of iCarly in a virtual realm as you try to help the iCarly’s create the ultimate show.
Cool Yule Factor: Over 30 different environments from the TV show are represented as well as tons of different customization. The previous iCarly was all about game play – this is all about social play. You get to interact with the primary characters, but also supporting players like Lewbert, Nevel and even T-Bo make appearances.
CLICK HERE to purchase

MONSTER HIGH: Frankie Stein doll

MONSTER HIGH: Lagoona Blue doll

MONSTER HIGH dolls

Suggested Retail Price: $14.98 to 24.98 (apiece)
What is It? What happens when your little girl likes to play with dolls, but finds Barbie too girly and Bratz too trashy? How about something a little more Goth with Mattel’s latest and greatest Monster High figures?
Cool Yule Factor: With just about every famous monster getting a Barbie-esque makeover (and gender switch), the end result is such characters as Frankie Stein, Draculaura, Clawdeen Wolf, Lagoona Blue, and Cleo De Nile while the de facto Ken dolls of the line are represented by Jackson Jekyll, Holt Hyde and Deuce Gorgon. The cool part is they’re not too scary and not too girly, so it’s the perfect middle-ground for those young, edgy girls who are too cool to play with Barbies, but also like scary movies as well.
CLICK HERE to purchase

SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS - Season 6 Vol. 2 | ©2010 Nickelodeon

SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS – SEASON 6 – VOL. 2

Suggested Retail Price: $29.99
What is It? Just about every kind of SPONGEBOB merchandise is out there for the little kiddies, but owning episodes from the show is the gift that keeps on giving and this two disc set is filled with the 23 episodes of the second half of Season Six.
Cool Yule Factor: One of those rare cartoon shows that’s just as entertaining for adults as it is for kids, this set features some great new classics including “Single Cell Anniversary,” (it’s Plankton’s anniversary with Karen), “The Card” (about being an obsessive collector) and “Shell Shocked” (where Gary’s shell breaks and Spongebob has to find him a new one).
CLICK HERE to purchase

STAR WARS: THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK AT-AT vehicle | ©2010 Hasbro

STAR WARS: THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK AT-AT

Suggested Retail Price: $99.99
What is It? The STAR WARS universe has had many cool vehicles during its six-episode run, but for fans who grew up with the original trilogy, THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK AT-AT is the crown jewel. This snow walker is just so magnificent and towering (plus it’s at the center of one of the coolest battles in the entire STAR WARS trilogy), that it was only a matter of time before technology could catch up with the imaginations of toy collectors and kids.
Cool Yule Factor: Compared to recent STAR WARS deluxe vehicles, this is a bargain (if you can find it) and it features sounds, lights and dialogue from the movie. Plus, if you don’t have a carrying case for your figures, this thing stores up to 20 action figures. They even throw in a Hoth Imperial speeder bike and an AT-AT driver action figure too. Purchase some additional action figures from the recent retro line of EMPIRE STRIKES BACK, and you have the full-on STAR WARS experience (young or old).
CLICK HERE to purchase

TRON: LEGACY - Light Cycle toy

TRON: LEGACY - Identity Disc toy

TRON: LEGACY Toys

Suggested Retail Price: $7.99 – $19.99
What is It? The 1982 cult film has become a big budget potential blockbuster sequel and the toys are cooler than ever. From light cycles to hero Sam Flynn and even an identity disc, this is the kind of merchandise kids who grew up with the original TRON wished they had.
Cool Yule Factor: After a recent screening, a couple of kids were arguing whether they were users or programs, so the identity discs are perfect (and affordable) accessories. Plus, the cheaper model can be thrown exactly like a frisbee while the Deluxe Edition has the lights and sounds built in.
CLICK HERE to purchase

CLICK HERE for the COMPLETE 2010 ASSIGNMENT X HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

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