What's the best way to ensure a child likes the toy you get him or her for the holidays? Let the child build the toy themselves. That's the thought behind Robot Galaxy, a chain of stores that, based on a comic book with the same name, let fans create their own robots.

"We get comparisons to other companies, whether it's Build a Bear or Webkins; we're sort of a fusion of the two," said Ken Pilot of Robot Galaxy.

"The first thing that happens is kids select a core, select flexors, which are the arms, and then move on to extenders. Once they've collected all the parts, they move on the assembly table, where they assemble the parts and can also add stickers for further customization," explained Pilot.

"The sound effects are associated with the parts they've picked, but children will be able to hear their robot say their name," he continued.

Developers say this is a toy that's not designed to help teach actual engineering or robot building basics. Instead, they say the focus is on creativity – which some kids do seem to enjoy over just picking a pre-made toy off the shelf.

The robots get even more high-tech once the child brings it home.

"When you get home, you connect it to the Internet, and what you'll see is your robot, as you created it in the store, and you can play games with it," explained Pilot. "In a few months time, you'll have a buddy list and be able to do battle with other robots."

Developers say while other brands like Webkins, Neopets, and even Barbie, helped launch this new genre of toy that has a significant online element, few seem to be as geared to boys as Robot Galaxy is.

Currently, there are just three actual Robot Galaxy stores: one in West Nyack, New York; one in Freehold, New Jersey; and one at the Toys R US in Times Square.

Creations can also be made at RobotGalaxy.com. Finished bots cost anywhere from $20 to $75.