As the holidays approach (yes, that would be earlier and earlier each year), those who watch can detect the hot trends in kids’ digital toys. This year I’m betting on four hot areas in the high tech gaming world.

• Offline toys with online worlds: Webkinz started it and now every furball and doll in creation has its own virtual world.
• Technology for creativity: Phones, cameras, and videocams made for kids introduce them to the real world.
• Robots, robots, robots: Some of them clean your house, others spy on your sister, or just fly around but they’re multiplying.
• Kinesthetic games: Dance Dance Revolution and Donkey Kong started the trend, but the Nintendo Wii made it hip to play video games with your whole heart, soul, and body.

It’s probably one of the most interesting holiday seasons we’ve seen for digital kids in a long time. Follow me as we explore the trends.