A recent trend in toys and games is to create learning or educational toys.

In fact, this trend has even caused the creation of a new word to add to the lexicon, “edutainment toys”.  This blend of education and entertainment have become popular as more parents want to give their children the best learning possible and a leg up in an increasingly competitive world.

The Year 2009 has a whole slew of these new learning toys that should impress parents and be a hit with their kids.  One niche in these edutainment toys are games and toys that encourage interaction with the child through the television.  Two prominent examples include:

Zippity Learning System

The Zippity Learning System is an excellent system for young children that helps keep them active by allowing them to sing and dance to songs and perform other actions.  One reason this system is popular with kids is because their favorite Disney® characters help along the way.  In addition, parents are able to adjust the learning system to ensure their children are learning the things they want them too.

Fisher Price® MyToon TV

The Fisher Price® MyToon TV system is another similar type system that allows kids to make themselves into cartoon characters.  This one also lets them dance and sing, but puts an emphasis on creativity and painting the screen with their virtual paintbrush.

The above two systems are poised to be big sellers this holiday season as parents determine which one may be the best fit for their child.  Expect sales for both to skyrocket as we near the fall.

Beyond these types of educational toys for 2009, there are also a number of game systems that encourage the development of basic learning and memory skills.  One company that is at the forefront of this trend is Leapfrog®.  Here, are three offerings they have for 2009 that should do very well this year.

Leapfrog® Text and Learn

The Leapfrog® Text and Learn is fun way for young kids to pick up some basic spelling skills.  This one looks like a PDA which is a fun way for kids to get to be more like their parents.  Helps give them an edge in picking up some basic computer skills really fast.

Leapfrog® Tag Junior Book Pal

The Leapfrog® Tag Junior Book Pal is a follow-up to the very popular Tag Reading System.  This version is specifically geared towards younger children as the reader is more durable and a smaller size to fit their smaller hands.  Even the reading books are designed to take a pounding.  A perfect helper for giving parents an occasional breather on reading to their children.

Leapfrog® My Pal Scout

The Leapfrog® My Pal Scout is a combination of a stuffed animal and interactive learning toy.  Toddlers will love this one as it will talk to them and even can be customized to remember the child’s name, favorite food, and favorite animal.  This one is great because it truly interacts with the child which is a limitation of other stuffed animals.

As you can see from above, there are a large number of new learning toys for 2009.  We expect this trend to continue as kids love these games.  Good bye simple blocks and dolls, hello edutainment toys.

For other new toys, games, and electronics, check out Popular Christmas Gifts.