Chris Byrne "The Toy Guy"

Chris Byrne, The “Toy Guy®” unveiled the hottest toys of the season live from the New York Botanical Garden.

As reports indicate that consumer confidence is increasing this season, toymakers and merchants are more optimistic about the critical holiday season ahead. Still, the focus remains on value and providing exceptional play experiences for kids—ones that will last long after the holiday. With more than 150,000 different toys at all price points on the market in the U.S., how do parents choose what’s right for their kids? And finding what’s right for an individual kid is really what determines a hot toy.

Chris Byrne, the director of content for TimetoPlaymag.com showcased toys that have been reviewed and selected by the editorial team. TimetoPlaymag.com is a primary destination that parents and gift givers turn to for great ideas. The site has posted more than 1,500 reviews of toys that are new for 2012 as well as shopping tips, information on kids with special needs and much more. Time to Play’s video reviews have been seen more than 50 million times in 2012—even before the holiday season has begun.