10 toys parents also can enjoy

Whoever said toys are just for kids has to take a closer look at the latest games and gadgets lining the toy store shelves this holiday season.

If this is your first toy-shopping holiday as 'the parent," go ahead and buy your little one his own MP3 player outfitted in a cute bunny costume. You'll have fun creating a playlist that will lull your baby to sleep.

Or, if you have a preteen in the house, you have a perfect excuse to buy Guitar Hero III and jam to some of your favorite tunes (think Guns N Roses and The Rolling Stones).

Julie Dennehy, a mother of two from Medway, isn't ashamed to admit that she loves playing with her kids' toys.

"Legos, video games, board games, even puppets ... all are fair game for quality time with my kids and when the kids are asleep," she said. "In fact, my husband, Tim, and I had proudly worked together to collect and construct the full Lego pirate system before our kids were even born! We are kids at heart, and that spirit of play spills into our lives at every opportunity and without hesitation."

Here's a list of 10 toys you'll love playing with this year:

1. Made For Me MP3 Music Player from Playskool

Perfect for baby's first Christmas (ages birth and up)

You probably have your own iPod and now you can have fun programming this MP3 player with your kids' favorite tunes. The latest in nursery entertainment will allow you to customize music by creating personalized play lists, transferring tunes from CDs and the Internet or even recording your voice to say something like, "Go to sleep!" It's cute too -- with bunny, dog or bear exterior. Toys 'R' Us exclusive.

2. T.M.X. Friends from Fisher-Price

Perfect if you have toddlers (18 months through 2 years)

In need of a good laugh? Last year, T.M.X. Elmo proved that laughter is contagious, and now Elmo's friends Ernie and Cookie Monster join the fun. Cookie Monster giggles and laughs so much that he rolls from side to side and struggles to get back on his furry feet. Parents (and kids) simply tickle each doll's belly to get the laughter started. Batteries included.

3. Easy Link Internet Launch Pad from Fisher-Price

Perfect if you have preschoolers (ages 3 and up)

Let's face it, computers are a part of your life. Now, with this cool gadget you can introduce your children (safely) to online fun. Just connect the launch pad to a computer and kids can visit the game sections of their favorite preschool-appropriate Web sites.

4. Furreal Friends Squawkers McCaw from Hasbro