ATLANTA -- This is the time of year when toy sales jump, and if you shop carefully, you can find some deals on everything on your child’s list. Channel 2 Consumer Advisor Clark Howard shows you how in our 2006 Toy Test.

We took this year’s Toy Test to the Centennial Place YMCA – 16 experts poked, pulled and played, checking out dozens of high-priced and bargain toys. Some old favorites got plenty of attention.

Our dollhouse drew a crowd – and Barbie, Bratz, Dora – they’re all big again this year.

Three of the most popular toys in our test were ones both girls and boys like! They’re not cheap – but the good news is, we found a budget-saving alternative for each one.

VIDEO: Clark Howard's Toy Test 2006

A big hit – an ESPN Fast Action Football. The game requires batteries, assembly and lots of energy.

“It’s fun because you get to exercise and run your knees,” said one little girl.

Clark likes it, but didn’t like the price tag – the list price is $200.

Fortunately, there’s a much lower cost sports toy that our kids were also drawn to. Light ‘Em Up Hockey will set you back just $16.99. It was one game two sisters both enjoyed.

“Because I’m winning, my sister doesn’t know how to play very well,” said a girl.

Our testers can’t drive yet, but they have a need for speed! Their favorite? A remote control Hummer.

You’ll spend a bunch if you want to put the Hummer under the tree -- $49.99 at Target. Luckily, our kids also liked a smaller remote control car with a $10 price tag.

Walking, talking dinosaurs are also hot this year – in fact, we spotted testers checking out both the Imaginext Mega T-Rex and the store label version which costs half as much! The T-Rex is $30 and the store label version -- $15.

“I like that it can walk and it can roar and its eyes light up,” said one of our testers.

Our testers had a great time with interactive toys that could eat up your wallet – and the simple gifts such as Playdough and Dress-Up Clothes that have been around for years -- won’t break your budget.

When it comes to the hot electronics, like this year's PlayStation 3, Clark recommends buying last year's model. They are always cheaper then the new model. When it comes to PlayStation there are more games available for last year's version.

Clark also recommends checking with the discount stores for their version of hot toys. He says Wal-Mart and Target often offer low cost alternatives.