Mattel

Things are getting serious in the world of toys as the holiday shopping season approaches. It's a close contest this year between industry giants Mattel and Hasbro -- like battling Transformers -- but the latest entry in the latter's line of interactive Elmo toys should put it over the top.

Ever notice how quickly kids outgrow their favorite toys? Next gift occasion, consider giving something that will last, and even appreciate in value -- if you choose it wisely: stock. The key to getting your kids interested in investing? Picking companies that match their interests.

It's a question that echoes across the Internet, on blogs and message boards, and in the content of a specialty wiki called Brickipedia: "Why are Legos so expensive?" Our search for an answer starts in Denmark, and ends in the playrooms of countless children around the world.

The shows have been off the air for years, but the battle continues. Stars from television classics, including The Partridge Family and Happy Days, are suing their former studios over royalty money -- for toys, lunch boxes, board games, books and even slot machines -- that they claim is long overdue.

Cars 2 doesn't open until June 24, but its toy line is already revving up the summer movie-toy season. Sales of Cars 2 merchandise will surpass Disney's entire Toy Story franchise within 12 months, predicted Jim Silver, editor in chief of TimetoPlaymag.com.

"Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it." Motley Fool analyst Matt Koppenheffer decided to twist that nugget of wisdom a bit and look at what did work in past and figure out how we can repeat it. Doing so, he found five dividend payers that fit the bill today.

The actress who played buxom hayseed Elly May Clampett on The Beverly Hillbillies believes Mattel (MAT) done her wrong over a doll. Donna Douglas, who appeared as Elly May in every episode of the TV comedy from 1962 to 1971, is suing the toy giant for marketing its Elly May Barbie and a photo of...