Hot Holiday Item Packages IM Fun, Safety

Pairing a sleek, pink and purple package with the security of an ever-present POS (parent over shoulder), Radica's IM ME wireless instant messaging device might just be the one safety-conscious toy of the season both parents and daughters can agree on.

Earmarked as one of 2007's hottest releases at the International Toy Fair in February, the device allows girls to instant message friends wirelessly while parents approve or block contact from certain screen names through software included by Radica.

While users still must log on to all their favorite messengers on the computer prior to using IM ME, the device is a great bet for households struggling to gain computer access from their chatty adolescent; a press release from the toy's maker said the device allows teens to instant message without putting a strain on the computer's speed or resources.

IM ME retails for $64.99, and is available in stores now.