Kids know what they want _ toys.(Knight Ridder Newspapers)

Byline: Madeleine Marr

The little ones don't want new socks. They don't want a new bib. And they don't want a donation to their college fund. You know exactly what they want: toys.

Toys R Us expert and mom Kelly Cullen gives a few that will at least teach them a thing or two (all available there or at www.toysrus.com):

BABIES/TODDLERS

_Baby Einstein Discover & Play Activity Gym (Kids II): Want to get your wee one starting to aerobicize? It's a little early for that, but Baby Einstein's so-called activity gym will at least exercise their little, curious brains. Baby lies on a comfy play mat and looks up at hanging plush things _ animals, a rattle, mirrors and a blinking star, which, when pressed, plays classical tunes by Bach and Beethoven. It's never too early for a little culture. Requires three AAA batteries (included). $59.99

_Elmo's Sing & Teach Table (Fisher-Price): Who doesn't love ``Sesame Street'' characters? Gang members like Big Bird, Ernie and the Cookie Monster have all teamed up for this toy, basically a foot-high, U-shaped plastic table where kids sit (or stand) to learn about colors, numbers, letters, face parts and animal sounds. Different noises come from different buttons pushed, for example, the Count's gig is numbers. He'll tell them about their 1-2-3's if they call him on the cell phone. A waggling Elmo head holds court in the middle. Requires four AA batteries (included). $34.99.

_Laugh & Learn Learning Home (Fisher- Price): There's a lot to do at home, and that doesn't mean pulling mom's Visa bill out of the drawer. This toy provides baby with her or his own home _ complete with birdhouse, mailbox with actual letters, clock and doors that open and close, as well as a singalong radio playing such classics as ``Itsy-Bitsy Spider,'' ``Doggy in the Window'' and ``Hickory Dickory Dock.'' You'll still have to take them to the park later. Three C batteries required (not included). $59.99