Bakugan and Bakugan toys are the latest craze for boys ages 8-12. If you have nephews this age - you must know about Bakugan.

Let's first admit this. Bakugan is the type of craze that only boys over the age of 6 can truly grasp. Still, we thought it was important to take a stab at it so that next time you speak with your nephew, you can talk almost intelligently about it.

So here it goes...

Bakugan, which originally started in Japan, is an anime series and an action game that features cards (called Gate cards) and marble-like balls that transform into multiple collectible Bakugan characters when thrown onto the cards. The balls are spring-loaded so that they just pop open when they land. They were developed by Spin Master and Sega Toys, legendary American and Japanese companies, respectively.

Bakugan, the show, airs on the Cartoon Network Saturday and Sunday mornings and involves a number of Bakugan Battle Warriors. The adventure begins when a number of characters, lead by a 12 year old boy names Dan, notice a number of game cards fall to the Earth. The characters quickly realize that these are no ordinary game cards, but rather a strategic way to battle the Bakugan monsters and save planet Earth. They do their battle in a parallel universe called Vestroia.

Dan is the main Bakugan character. He loves adventure and strives to be the number one Bakugan warrior. There are many other Bakugan characters including some girls. Still this is primarily a 'nephew' inspired craze and not one your niece may enjoy. Although if she loves to play with her big brother, it helps that there are some girl Bakugan Battle Warriors.

The Bakugan game enables boys to compete against each other. There are a number of different toys and games on the market (we have the latest and greatest in our Gifts section) and they all encourage strategic thinking and action packed fun.

While Bakugan were on the market for the last holiday season, they are clearly some of the hottest gift ideas for Holiday 2008.

We hope this has helped. For further information, check out http://bakugan.com.