Toy stories: The top toys of 2012

>>> we saw the long lines at toy stores on black friday, but what ie teps are generating the biggest buzz this year? we asked katy turr to check it out.

>> reporter: the countdown to christmas officially begins.

>> a gold card .

>> a pony.

>> reporter: santa claus is coming, but will he really know what to get?

>> i censor their list. there's some live animals on there most of the time.

>> whatever they sell at toys 'r' us, we would have no idea what that stuff is.

>> reporter: don't worry all you confused moms and dads throughout. just in case your kid hasn't been vocal enough, we have the list of the must-have toys this season. there's furby making a comeback, lalaloosy. we used leap pad 2, ipad mini, legos and doc mcstuffen.

>> doc mcstuffen is one of the most popular toys around. there are literally only five left in this store. it's so popular a little girl off camera just tried to grab one and run before any of us noticed.

>> the girls love the show, and in australia, we don't even have the toy available yet.

>> if parents do prep, they'll be able to find what they're looking for. you have to check online, see what the kids are buying, check the stop seller list, check the availability and come prepared.

>> if there was ever a lesson to be learned from a great tickle me elmo shortage of 1996 , wait at your own risk. because when your kids want them --

>> i just want them.

>> you don't want to be on the holiday's most hated list. you're a mean one mr. grinch

>> reporter: for "today," katy turr, nbc news, new york.

>> so here we have a selection of some of the hot toys this season. remember this guy?

>> furby .

>> yes.

>> and he's not stopped talking since we sat down.

>> comes in ten different colors. speaks a language called furbish. you like this one over here, doc mcstuffen.

>> my boys just discovered this show and i think it's really sweet. i love her. she's like a vet to all of her toys. i love you, doc mcstuffen. two thumbs up. furby wants a furby .

>> don't they make blocks anymore?