Beyond Hollywood Tie-Ins, Some of Season’s Hottest Toys Are Moderately Priced

This year’s hottest toys, according to industry experts, don’t all cost a fortune. Anything related to the hit films “The Flintstones,” “The Lion King” or “Jurassic Park” is bound to be on this year’s wish lists, but Christopher Byrne, toy consultant and editor of Market Focus: Toys magazine, says that if you look past the Hollywood tie-ins, some of the best can be had for the least.

Here are a few of the newest, moderately priced toys this year:

* Pez Watch (from Dream Castle). This all-in-one Pez candy dispenser and watch costs about $4.99.

* Native American bead, rings and jewelry craft kit (Pastime). This starter kit is part of a new line of crafts, for beginners through experts, and sells for about $5.99.

* Nickelodeon Laserlight (Just Toys). Kids can create their own laser light show with this hand-held toy that produces beams of light with the flip of a switch. It sells for about $9.99.

* Double Pump Football (Weiss Twice). This six-inch football can be inflated or deflated at the push of a button for $6.99.