'Frozen' still tops children's toy lists this holiday season

Toy sales slipped by one percent last year as tablets and smartphones took spots on kids' wish lists, and the holiday season again lacked the frenzy of one must-have item.

The best bet to buoy business this year, a trend that just toppled Barbie on the National Retail Federation's list of most-wanted toys for girls. Toy expert Elizabeth Werner says kids don't want to let "Frozen" go.

Toy sales slipped by one percent last year as tablets and smartphones took spots on kids' wish lists, and the holiday season again lacked the frenzy of one must-have item.

The best bet to buoy business this year, a trend that just toppled Barbie on the National Retail Federation's list of most-wanted toys for girls. Toy expert Elizabeth Werner says kids don't want to let "frozen" go.

"Both boys and gals are loving Olaf, but of course they're looking for Elsa, for Anna, and the music is a rocket ship as well, so anything with the music built in, from the dolls, to the costuming, kids are out there looking for," Werner said.

Other characters on hot lists, Doc McStuffins and Transformers. Even resurgent 90s nostalgia like the Teenage Mutant Ninja turtles, and Elmo.

Laurie Schacht of the Toy Insider says gadgets won't replace traditional play yet.

"We are seeing a huge amount of classics that are reemerging," Schact said. "Lots of toys that everyone remembers and just sort of that back to basic playtime that inspires creativity and imagination."

While technology is huge in our kid's lives these days and we see that some of these kids are swiping before they're even speaking, it's not taking away from the well-balanced toy box that kids should have.

Crafts and jewelry are big for girls and an old favorite tops the list of the NRFs must-haves for boys, Legos.

What's nice about a project like this mom, dad, the kids. Everyone can sit together and work as a family and really that's the best quality bonding time and with the holidays, what a great idea.

Whether high-tech or low-tech, experts say not to wait around for deals on coveted toys. Missing out on a smiling face on Christmas morning, that's just too costly.