Need some last-minute gift ideas?

Let's start with toys. The folks at the Good Housekeeping Research Institute let dozens of kids loose in their labs in Manhattan for three days of serious play.

"This year, we're introducing our first annual toy awards, and we took our toy testing to a new extreme," said Todd Kent, senior test engineer.

The experts had 43 kids test 51 toys.

"They came in, played with them, told us which ones they liked. And then we checked them for safety and durability as well," Kent said.

One winner: the U-Command Wall-E ($60).

"It's a remote control Wall-E, and the kids can program a certain command and he'll follow it. Or they can just use the remote to drive him around the living room," said Kent.

Little kids also had fun with the Melody Express Musical Train ($43) from Learning Resources.

Another top pick was the Martian Matter Alien Maker ($18) by Hasbro.

The spaceship lets kid over 5 mold extraterrestrials from a "lava solution" and "meteor mud compound."

The Air Hogs Zero Gravity Micro ($30) also scored high.

"Our kids really liked the Zero Gravity Micro. It's a remote-control car. You turn it on. It has suction underneath, which lets the kids drive it up and down the wall," said Kent.

Now, let's move on to stocking stuffers. The institute tested a variety of products.

One that performed extremely well was the Built New York Hoodie Camera Case ($15).

"In our tests, it was able to hold three different digital cameras extremely securely. It also has a convenient wrist attachment, as well as a belt attachment," said test engineer Rachel Rothman.

The Sprigs Banjee Wrist Wallet ($15) was also a big hit. The zippered wrist wallet can keep your valuables tucked away when you're running a quick errand. They passed the institute's water test, so you don't need to worry about it getting wet.

Another recommended product: the SunStick Meter ($10).

"This is a great present for someone who has a garden and is always struggling as to what type of plants to purchase because they're not sure of the sunlight in their garden," said textiles director Kathleen Huddy. "Just put the sticker on top, and this will change color based on what type of sunlight you have in that area of the garden."

Music fans can play their mp3 picks loud with the HMDX Audio Portable Speakers ($10). The testers loved the sound quality.

Here's a local suggestion.

The Electric Zipit Opener is a hand-held battery-powered cutter that opens plastic wrapped and hard-shell packages. It's was developed by Steve Fisher, a guy in Walla Walla, Wash.

His mom asked him to come up with a way to open those difficult-to-open plastic packges. It sells for $19.99 plus shipping.

You can order online, and if order this weekend, you may be able to have it by Christmas.

More information:

Good Housekeeping's First Annual Best Toy Awards 2008

Oppenheim Toy Portfolio

Best Stocking Stuffers: Great Gadgets All Under $20