Toy retailers and makers plan to make the best of it by offering more deals and cut-price versions of more expensive toys that they hope will spur parents to spend even if they're scrimping elsewhere. Two influential lists of expected hot holiday toys show only one over $100.

What will Santa have in his bag this holiday season? Toys ‘R Us, the largest U.S. toy retailer, has issued its forecast for the hottest toys .  With consumers still watching their spending carefully, one theme that stands out  is a focus on value. Toys on the list range from $10 (squeaking Zhu Zhu interactive hamsters )  to about $350 (Disney 's  Netpals netbook computer).  Click ahead to see which toys made the cut. 

Following price cuts by its two rivals, Nintendoreduced the price of its Wii video game system by $50 later this week. The widely expected move could help the company reverse slowing momentum as it heads into the holiday sales period.

Following price cuts by its two rivals, Nintendo is expected to reduce the price of its Wii video game system by $50 later this week. The widely expected move could help the company reverse the company’s slowing momentum as it heads into the holiday sales period.

Best Buy has launched a trial program allowing video gamers to trade in their old titles for store credit.  The big box retailer is the latest in a string of companies that is exploring ways to tap into the growing used game market, which currently is valued at between $2 billion to $3 billion annually.

Last night debt-laden Toys R Us thrust itself into the high-end toy business by purchasing struggling toy chain FAO Schwarz. The two toy chains are surviving thanks in part to the financial backing of three prominent private equity firms.

Stocks ended higher Thursday as crude prices climbed after an inventory pare-down and the results of the Treasury bond auction eased concerns about government debt.

Stocks rebounded Thursday as crude prices climbed after inventories were pared more than expected. Stocks had gotten off to a wobbly start as investors juggled a bleak report on new-home sales with any optimism from the unexpected drop in jobless claims and GM's deal with bondholders.

Stocks retreated Thursday, after a higher open, as bleak report on new-home sales overshadowed any optimism from the unexpected drop in jobless claims and GM's deal with bondholders.

Stocks opened higher Thursday after an unexpected drop in initial jobless claims.

Futures held onto gains Thursday after an unexpected drop in initial jobless claims. However, the gains were muted as Dow component P&G slashed its outlook.