Along with novelty gift cards, the other inexpensive plastic tchockies I like to scout for are kids meal toys.

As a followup to last year’s Wendy’s Wii toys, Burger King is offering this year’s Wii-related tiny toys intended for tots (but not those under the age of three, of course). The ten toys are…

Click through for the coupon codes, too!

While dashing through my nearest Target store, I passed a rack stacked with tins in the underwear, er, pajamas section.

The tins, priced at $9.99 each, include a set of colorful men’s boxers that reflect the packaging: a Wii (as in the console), a red Guitar Hero guitar, black Guitar Hero speaker, an Xbox 360 controller, Super Mario Bros. 3 with Mario, the Superman logo and the Batman logo.

I did find a few listed on the Kohl’s and Sears web sites…

For those of you who want to trim their tree with game-themed ornaments, you do have a few more options than the usual Hallmark stuff. A couple companies make cutsie, less recognizable and usually more affordable (and copyright-free) gamer ornaments and, of course, there are always a few at the create-your-own product sites.

Click through for a list of some of the gamer ornaments for sale this holiday season…

Rock Band has become the most popular rhythm-based game by creating a party atmosphere and offering more songs than anyone can dare to name. We love picking up those plastic instruments and living out our rock n’ roll fantasy without the shows starring police cars and VH1 specials. We may now be one step closer to putting on our own epic in-hope show when the Rock Band Stage Kit is released on October 26, 2008, for $99.

The Stage Kit developed by Performance Designed Products (PDP) gives us the lights and smoke effects that any self-professed rock God simply must have. The rock God in question will, of course, have to own a copy of Rock Band or Rock Band 2 for the Xbox 360 in order for the…

The PS2 refuses to back down in the midst of its graphically superior successors. Many game companies are still bringing out an ample amount of PS2 titles for the remainder of 2008 including a new bundle for the just released title LEGO Batman: The Video Game. This limited edition bundle is selling for $150 and more »

Title: Star Wars: The Force UnleashedPrice: $34.99System(s): DS (PS2, PS3, Xbox 360, Wii, PSP)Release Date: September 16, 2008Publisher (Developer): LucasArtsESRB Rating: “Teen” for fantasy violence.Pros: Unique touchscreen control scheme, decent graphics and the usual amazing Star Wars score and settings. Two multiplayer modes.Cons: Locked camera and direction control issues.Overall Score: One thumb up, one thumb sideways; 84/100; B; * * * out of five.

LucasArts decided to conquer the task of creating a Nintendo DS version of Star Wars: The Force Unleashed by not creating a simple port but, instead, a slightly different take utilizing the Nintendo DS’s unique touchscreen, using he same core story and adding some missions, a few new opponents and a multiplayer mode. The result is a decent game with an interesting controls scheme although it is not nearly as engrossing or addictively enjoyable as the big brother version

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Product: Leapster2Price: $69.99 (games MSRP $19.99 each)Rating: One thumb up, on thumb sideways; 85/100; B; * * * 1/2Pros: Rugged construction, easy to use, PC (Windows and Mac) connectivity and backwards compatibility.Cons: Some lag and touchscreen issues during motion graphics, stylus cord a bit short and system a bit fat.Overall: A great buy for parents who want to make sure their kids are playing educational games on a system that will stand up to the occasional (even if accidental) beating.

One way to help satiate your kid’s electronics curiosities is to give them their own, kid-friendly handheld game system. A Nintendo DS is a nice choice but, face it, it’s a little too expensive and not sturdy enough to just give a 3-year-old to play with (well, maybe it’s OK for some kids). And those little brightly colored toys with buttons that make noises are too simplistic.

That’s where the Leapster2 game system comes in…

Title: Super Smash Bros. BrawlPrice: $49.99System(s): WiiRelease Date: March 9, 2008Publisher (Developer): Nintendo (Nintendo)No. Players: 1-4ESRB Rating: “Teen” for cartoon violence and crude humorPros: Frenzied action, a single-player mode, plenty of additional battle objects and an online mode. Can also use any Wii or GameCube controller.Cons: All the craziness and the sometimes sluggish jump button make this great game a bit overwhelming for newcomers.Overall Score: 9.5/10

Click through for the full review…