Retailers stock up on what consumers want this holiday

BY ALTA MAYHUGH SPECIAL TO THE TELEGRAPH Interactive games, penguins, dolls, candles and figurines are all hot gift items for the holidays this year, according to the predictions of store managers and owners. Electronic toys and games that encourage physical involvement, such as the Fisher Price Smart Cycle and Nintendo Wii, also will be popular gifts this year, area merchants said. The Smart Cycle is a colorful, stationary bike that plugs into the television set. Children pedal as they play games featuring well-known characters, such as Dora the Explorer and SpongeBob SquarePants. The Smart Cycle is expected to be one of the most popular Christmas items at the Rock Falls Wal-Mart, said Linda Carlson, store manager. The Nintendo Wii is a video game system in which participants play games by doing something physical, such as swinging a golf club or throwing a touchdown pass, rather than just sitting and pressing buttons. "The control is innovative; you actually move the control. Adults like it, too," said Scott Moehlis, assistant manager at Kmart in Sterling. Guitar Hero III for PlayStation and Wii is another popular interactive game. Joyce Bland, electronics department associate at Wal-Mart in Rock Falls, said Guitar Hero III is sure to be a popular gift this year because it's realistic. Players use a guitar-shaped controller to jam to their favorite tunes. "It's just like you're playing the guitar. It's very interactive," Bland said. Another interactive toy sure to be a hit this year is the FurReal parrot, a plush parrot that talks and sings songs, said Sharon Geske, manager of the toys department at the Rock Falls Wal-Mart. "It's motion-activated, so we have it going off all day," Geske said. Collectible and play dolls make good gifts. Bratz and Hannah Montana dolls are expected to fly off the shelves at Wal-Mart, Geske said. At Betty's Gifts and Collectibles, in Mount Morris, Lee Middleton dolls are favorites. Lee Middleton dolls are life-like collectibles, ranging from baby dolls to special-occasion and limited-edition dolls. The dolls are quite popular among girls and women alike, said store owner Betty Lantz. Christmas-themed and collectible figurines make nice gifts. Isabel Bloom figurines. sold in area gift and flower shops, have a special place in area residents' hearts because they're made in the Quad Cities, said Stephanie Dusing, owner of Blumen Stuff in Dixon. The Jim Shore line of whimsical seasonal and home figurines, including Santas, snowmen and inspirational pieces, is a hit with customers as well, said Terry Bright, owner of Golden Key Gifts in Sterling. Keepsake ornaments marking anniversaries, baby's first Christmas and the first Christmas for a married couple are popular gifts. In the Sauk Valley, people can get personalized ornaments at D's Variety and Craft Store in Prophetstown. Owner Dolores Francis not only paints typical winter scenes with snowmen and Santa on the ornaments, she also can paint houses and dogs on them. Those who purchase the ornaments often keep them out on display past Christmas, Francis said. "People keep them out all winter," she said. Candles and potpourri are lovely gifts for the ladies. At Briar Patch, in Morrison, and From Me to You, in Franklin Grove, candles sell well as gifts. Briar Patch sells the popular Aromatique line of candles and potpourri. From Me to You has wood-wick candles from Virginia Candle Company that make a crackling sound when lit, as if a fireplace was gently warming the room.