Mattel magic - What's New? Holiday Gifts Galore

Certain brand names just scream Christmas presents--Mattel being one of them. This holiday season is no exception as the company has a slew of "how-can-we-resist" items released under the Mattel Brands Consumer Products umbrella, including:

* Hot Wheels XTreme Video Camera ($99), KIDdesigns, Inc., Rahway, N.J., which comes complete with a multi-image lens, tripod, microphone, and blank video tape. The cordless hookup allows youngsters to transmit live video to the TV, then record to a VCR. In other words, they can star in their own movies.

* Barbie Real Vacuum ($49.99), Bissel Homecare, Inc., Grand Rapids, Mich., which turns housework into house fun. This cordless vac really works and can clean all kinds of surfaces, so kids will enjoy helping out with the chores. It's easy to use, lightweight, and rechargeable.

* Barbie B-Creative Education Center ($59.99), Oregon Scientific, Inc., Tualatin, which makes learning and creativity come to life in an interactive briefcase. The touch of a pen brings the pages alive with music, stories, and activities. Barbie helps children ages three to five with the alphabet and counting. Those ages six to eight learn reading, language, and math skills. Connect it to a TV and watch the activities jump onto the screen. There's even a microphone so kids can sing along.

* Matchbox Hero City Ice Mountain ($40), Mattel, Mt. Laurel, N.J., which is a winter--themed playset where kids are the heroes as they race to the rescue by driving their vehicles to the motorized lift that takes them to the top of the mountain. As cars head down the slope, they will encounter treacherous turns, a falling snowbank, and a winding road that rims a frozen lake. Too many cars will cause the ice to crack. Not to worry, though, because the Rescue Crane can lift everyone to safety. Complete with sound effects.

* Matchbox Rescue Net SuperBlast Helicopter ($30), Mattel, Mt. Laurel, N.J., which features a motorized water cannon that allows youngsters to shoot three foam "water" balls up to seven feet so as to subdue the "flames" from a safe distance. The oscillating propellers, lights, and sound effects let kids feel like they are piloting a real helicopter. The unit includes working wheels so the chopper can be pushed around the floor and take off from the runway.

* Vertigo ($64.99), Tyco R/C, Mattel Canada Inc., Mississauga, Ontario, Can., which is the ultimate radio control stunt vehicle. Its hinged scissor--action frame allows it to do incredible flips, spins, and rolls. It also features a multi-colored light show that intensifies the more it spins.

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