Save now for this year’s hottest holiday toys

It’s hard to even think about holiday gift spending right now. After all, Halloween isn’t even here yet.

That didn’t stop Toys ‘R’ Us from coming out with the list of this year’s hottest toys. These are the toys your kids will beg you for, even if they don’t know it yet.

Sing-a-ma-jigs from Mattel Inc. made the Toys 'R' Us hot toys list for 2010

Here are just a few: Click here to see a photo gallery of the toys.

– Minotaurus by Lego Systems Inc. A board game from Lego. $26.99.

— Monster High Cleo DeNile and Deuce Gorgon doll set by Mattel: Dolls from Mattel’s Monster High line. $39.99.

— Nerf N-Strike Stampede ECS by Hasbro: Nerf blaster that can shoot Nerf darts up to 25 feet. $54.99.

— Pillow Pets by Ontel Products Corp.: Plus stuffed animals that convert into a pillow by opening a Velcro strap. $19.99.

Rather than getting stressed, it might be wise to get busy preparing. Starting a reasonable holiday fund now will go a long way. Sure, there will be Black Friday holiday deals — many of which you’ll read about right here. But, there will also be sales before then. At any rate, saving now will better prepare you to buy when the coveted items are at their lowest prices.

How do you do it?

These are tips from SavingAdvice.com:

1. Put away $25 a week. By the time Christmas comes, you’ll have $400.

2. Look for seasonal work. This will not only help with gifts, but it could help you save more and eliminate debt as well. With any luck, there will be seasonal jobs available this year.

3. Have a yard sale. This is a quick way to earn a few extra dollars that can go into your holiday fund.

For more details on each, click here.

Question: Are you saving for holiday gifts? Will you spend more or less this year than last?

Follow me on Twitter @atlbargains and on Facebook at AJC Atlanta Bargain Hunter