TOYS, TOYS, TOYS: HOTTEST SELLING CHRISTMAS GIFTS CAPTURE KIDS' FANCY

The Christmas shopping season may officially commence this week, but astute toy shoppers have already made their rounds.

Hot Christmas toy gifts are scarce on local store shelves, and chances of new shipments are uncertain.

"Actually, it's already pretty late in the season," said Kelly Wright, assistant manager at Lowell's. "We had heavy toy sales start a month ago."

Elaine Estes, toy department manager at Wal-Mart, said: "People have been toy shopping for a couple weeks, especially parents with kids who really want something for Christmas. It's hard to tell a kid why you can't get something."

Terry Ervin, who is in charge of toys at Kmart through Christmas, said popular toys have already been selling out over the past couple of weeks.

Steve Jackson at Venture agreed: "It's getting to the point now that if we are out of something we might not be able to get it in before Christmas."

Jackson said while toy searchers already have been in the store, the rush is still to come. "The day after Thanksgiving will be the big day," he said.

Among the most sought-after toys this year is the Magic Copier, a new toy that works on a similar premise as carbon paper. Local retailers say the toy has caught the fancy of children this season.

Children draw pictures on the "magic" screen, then push a button to print a copy. A battery-operated roller sends out the copy. The toy costs between $18 and $20 and has sold out almost everywhere.

Retailers say dolls of all types promise to be big sellers this year.

Wise to little girls' current penchant for mermaids, Mattel introduced Singing Mermaid, a mermaid doll with chameleon talents. She sings when hugged and changes color in the bathtub.

Another newcomer making waves this season is Waterbabies, a hollow baby doll that feels lifelike when filled with warm water.

Cabbage Patch dolls, which caused a Christmas riot in 1983, have been updated this year with specially designed hair that can be crimped and curled. Others cry when their pacifiers are plucked from their mouths.

Children are fickle when it comes to toys. Last year, Go-Go My Walking Pup strolled off store shelves early as one of the hottest toys of the year. This year the battery-operated dog, and its new, cat companion, are mostly sitting on the shelves.

But Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles are maintaining their popularity for another year, thanks primarily to a series of new figures. For example, kids can now collect new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles who play sports.

Nintendo has introduced its new Super Nintendo entertainment system at double the price of the original system.

Jackson said, "We just got the Super Nintendo system in and it seems to be pretty popular."

A new product for the regular Nintendo came out this year called the Game Genie. Jackson said the device allows players to change the rules of Nintendo games. He said Nintendo is considering a lawsuit as a result of the device. "I think that made it more popular," said Jackson.

Jackson said more traditional toys, especially those made by Fischer Price, have been selling very well this year.

"These aren't trendy toys, and I think that's why they are selling so well," he said.

Estes, at Wal-Mart, said dolls including Baby Alive, a doll that eats and wets, and Baby Wanna Walk, which, of course, walks, are selling fast.

"The Nerf bow and arrow for boys is real hot," she said.

In fact, a whole series of action toys, including Robin Hood and Captain Hook, are selling well.

Estes said the store sells out of some toys every year. "Mainly, the manufacturer doesn't think their item will be that much in demand. They aren't prepared."

The same thing happens at Kmart, Ervin said. "We keep ordering and ordering and customers are getting rain checks. But there is no guarantee the manufacturers will send more.

"We sell out of the popular toys and then can't get any more," Ervin said. "If you have kids, you can't wait. If you see it, you better buy it."

Kelly Wright, assistant manager at Lowell's, said Little Tykes toys always sell good at the store.

"Everyone also wants Ninja Turtles still."

The retailers believe children make their toy-wish decisions based heavily on Saturday morning cartoon advertising.

"They make every toy seem exciting," said Wright. "That Magic Copier is basically a pretty stupid toy, but the ad makes it seem pretty neat.

"I wouldn't have guessed that it would have been a big seller," Wright said. "I imagine, if we could get a case of Magic Copiers, we could sell them for $40 apiece."