Last Minute Christmas Gift Ideas from Savvy Auntie

They might not have kids of their own, but there are aunts and uncles scrambling this week to find Christmas gifts for the boys and girls so that their favorite kids have something special beneath the Christmas tree.

But hell hath no fury like the parent separated from the Zhu Zhu Pet at the mall. Or the parent whose kid ends up with a noisy toy from their favorite aunt.

Which is why Melanie Notkin, the web's Savvy Auntie, put together a Coolest Toys Award list this year to guide godparents and great aunts and uncles alike on the hunt for fun Christmas gifts that will keep the peace and still manage to steal a piece of that kid's heart. Holidash caught up with her after a day spent catching a matinee of "The Princess and the Frog" with her nieces.

"For those of us who don't have kids of our own, we want to be part of the conversation too," Notkin told Holidash. She started Savvy Auntie after the birth of her first nephew, when a conversation with his parents shifted from work to wipes warmers and she wanted to keep up. They may not be her kids, but they're still special to her, Notkin says.

"My nephew was so into Bob the Builder, and I wanted to be able to talk to him about Bob the Builder," she recalls. So she started building up a site with recommendations not only for gift-buying aunts, godmothers and other folks who love the kids in their lives but advice on how to answer the question "Auntie, is Santa real?" and tips for cooking with kids.

"Every child can benefit from another woman in the family village; she's someone a child can go to for support or with questions," Notkin says. "And if once or twice a year on holidays or birthdays we can put a smile on that child's face, it's a gift back to us."

What does Notkin suggest for Christmas gifts for this holiday season? Here are some can't miss tips, all easy to find at retailers:

For little boys:
Trucks and dinosaurs are always a hit with little boys. This year, they've got a robot edge that makes them not just toys, but buddies too!
Matchbox Rocky The Robot Truck, ages 3-6, $59.99 (Mattel)
Playskool Kota and Pals Hatchlings – Triceratops, ages 3-8, $14,99 (Hasbro)

For little girls:
Baby dolls and strollers are perfect for the little mommy (or auntie!). We love this stunning pairing by the French company, Corolle.
Corolle 17" Lila Interactive Baby Doll, ages 3-8, $100 (Corolle)
Corolle Navy and Pink Baby Doll Carriage Stroller, ages 3-8 $129 (Corolle)

And for the little princess, there's a new Disney Princess to love, based on the new movie Disney's Princess and the Frog!
Disney Princess and The Frog Tiana Doll ages 3-6, $10.99 (Mattel)

For big boys:
The big boys love action! And this year, the action is cooler than ever!
When you mix LEGO and Star Wars: The Clone Wars together, you've not only found the two things he covets the most, but you've also got the perfect gift!
LEGO Star Wars: The Clone Wars Venator-Class Republic Attack Cruiser, ages 9-14, $129.99

Do you remember action figures, trading cards and marbles? Well Bakugan has them ALL covered in toys based on the anime series of the same name.
Bakugan New Vestroia 7 in 1 Maxus Dragonoid, ages 5-12, $39.99 (Spin Master)

For big girls
Fashion dolls are always in fashion! And this year, the Liv Dolls stole the show!
Liv Fashion Dolls, ages 3-8, $19.99 (Spin Master)

And you can't forget that dream house we all dreamed of when we were girls!
Barbie Pink World 3-Story Dream Townhouse, ages 3-8, $159.99 (Mattel)

The best gift of all, Notkin says, it sitting down after these are opened to play with them. Check out the complete list of Savvy Auntie's Coolest Toys.