Top 11 Trends of 2011

Trend: Video Chatting

If you're not using video chat already, 2011 is going to change all that. Skype's free service reportedly has cool new upgrades coming out to make it even more appealing for families to connect virtually.

• skype.com

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Trend: Twilight for Tykes

Remember when kids used to be scared of monsters? Nowadays the creatures-of-the-night craze has taken hold of the preschool set, thanks to megahits like Twilight (another film releases this fall). So don't be surprised if your little one begs for a vampire doll or a "spooky" picture book. The good news is these toys don't have much of a bite. In fact, some of the mini monsters are downright huggable, such as this plush set from Mattel's Monster High. ($20; amazon.com)

• amazon.com

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Trend: Mini Chain Stores

The big box is going small. Wal-Mart is testing out "neighborhood markets," smaller stores that focus on food and pharmacy items so moms can get in and out faster. Target is also jumping on the smaller-store bandwagon.

• Wal-Mart

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Trend: Movies from Classic Tales

Basing movies on books is nothing new, but it'll be all the rage this year, from tall tales to nursery-rhythm characters (and everything in between). One we're excited for: Gnomeo & Juliet. That's right! Shakespeare's famous play gets a garden-gnome makeover in February.

• Gnomeo & Juliet

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Trend: 3D Everything

It's following you home from the movie theater! Personal electronics are going 3-D, including laptops, cameras, and camcorders. Our 3-D pick? Video games. PlayStation's Move system offers 3-D-enabled games (EyePet is an early fave), and this spring Nintendo will launch its much hyped 3DS handheld gamer.

• PlayStation's Move system

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Trend: Local Pride

More and more families are exploring their hometown roots -- or in this case, routes. And you won't even have to bring a map because your baby's wearing it ($25; maptote.com)! City and state maps are one of the big design elements this year. You'll find them displayed on everything from totes to baby quilts.

• maptote.com

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Trend: Jeggings

A must-have in kid couture this year, jeggings combine the hip look of skinny jeans with the coziness of leggings. And you can easily pair this "denim do" with almost any top in your child's closet.

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Trend: Kooky Kitchenware

Who says cooking has to be a chore? Utensils with fun designs will bring joy back to your dinner prep. We especially love this Guitar Shredder. Grating cheese actually rocks with this cool tool. ($10; gama-go.com)

• gama-go.com

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Trend: Mommy & Me Beauty

Expect to find lots of mom-created products that work for both mothers and kids. California Baby, for example, is unveiling a new line for pregnant women, and Om Aroma is releasing an Organic Baby Set this winter, complete with baby oil, handcrafted bar soap, and a cotton all-in-one ($58; omaroma.com).

• omaroma.com

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Trend: New Eco Materials

Plastic bottles and jugs are no longer the material du jour for recycled products. We love what's going green now in baby gear, and these neat baby bibs that are fused together from plastic bags top our list of faves. ($18; urbaninfant.com)

Originally published in the January 2011 issue of Parents magazine.

• urbaninfant.com

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