Toy Whimsy

Which Toys were a Hit at Your House this Year?

Now that I can finally get some sleep am prepping for the new 2010 toys, I wanted to figure out what was hot this year - not just based on sales, but on what kids actually liked and are still playing with.

Though not exactly scientific,  I am hearing some "buzz" as to what kids responded to now that Christmas is over.  My niece loved her Zsu Zsu Pets (she got 4 of them -- don't ask) and is currently still playing with all of them at once, driving my sister crazy in the process.  (Ah, sweet revenge for my sister snooping in my room when we were kids.)  However, a friend said that her niece, while initially excited to get her Zsu Zsu Pet, has already lost interest.  My 8 year-old nephew got a lot of cool toys but seems to be most interested in his cement mixer from Bruder.  This truck is ginormous and he's having a great time with it.

Co-workers are finding that the basics all still keep kids interested and playing.  One talked about how her family has been playing with LEGOs all week (and that she's having as much fun as the kids are with them.)  One surprise came from a friend in D.C. who said that his 6 year-old son loved his Noah's Ark Stacker (an award-winner made by Tier Toys) and that the toy impressed my friend & his wife as well.

So what are your kids still playing with four whole days later?  Did that Mindflex really blow your kids' minds?  Was it all about Banangrams?  Or did the kids just play with the box the toys came in?  Let us know what wowed your wee ones. -- E. Christian Moore

One Last Present - Guest Blogger Wendy Smolen

Oops! I need one more present. My daughter’s roommate is dropping by this weekend. My husband’s colleague invited us to a family gathering. Our neighbors are having a last minute get-together. No matter how carefully I plan, I always end up a box or two short. So in the spirit of giving, I’m giving you my fail-safe list of 10 under $25, non-gender specific gifts for anyone from two to ninety-two (well, maybe 6+).

1.    Disney Pixar’s Up. The perfect family DVD. It’s one of those rare animated movies that speaks to everyone, every age. Better than It’s a Wonderful Life.
2.    Milton Bradley’s Connect 4x4. This non-battery toy takes the classic game of Connect 4 to a new dimension. Combines skill, luck and fun.
3.    Playmobil’s Nativity Manger and Three Wise Kings. The tabletop crèche scene comes complete with animals and Kings. Bulld it, rebuild it, and keep it forever.
4.    Hasbro’s Monopoly City. With 3-D structures, city blocks, and public parks in play, this is Monopoly for the 21st century.
5.    Think Fun’s 36 Cube. Think Sudoku meets Rubik’s Cube in 3-D with colors. Even if you can’t solve the challange, it makes a great cocktail table display.
6.    Gamewright’s Funny Business. This family party game has players making up creative names for new businesses. Mergers and acquisitions have never been so much fun.
7.    Banagrams’ Banagram or Pears in Pairs game. Banagram is the perennial favorite, a cross between Boggle and Scrabble. Pears in Pairs is similar, but a little easier for younger kids. Both games come in fruit-shaped bags.
8.    Fundex’s One Tough Puzzle.  There are over 300,000 wrong ways to put together this 9-piece puzzle. But there’s only 1 right way.
9.    M&M’s Brand Mint Chocolate Candies for the Holidays. M&M’s might now strike you as an elegant gift, but these chocolate mint flavored morsels only come out once a year and are truly irresistible. A little wrapping paper and ribbon dresses up the package.
10.    Amazon Gift Card. Couldn’t we all use one around now?

Guest Blogger Wendy Smolen is co-founder of Sandbox Summit®.  She has been professionally evaluating toys for over 15 years. Her three children have literally gone from crib to college proving (or dis-proving!) her theories on play.

A Polar Express Party - Guest Blogger Lisa Kothari

It’s quickly become a classic. If you are looking to enjoy a Polar Express Party this season, here are some ideas to help you plan your kids’ fantastic train journey this season:

• Make a ticket invitation to the party providing all of the details. Use gold paper, much like the tickets in the movie. Request that the kids bring their tickets to the party.
• When the kids arrive, use a hole punch to mark their entrance. You can even hole punch out words or shapes for the kids to keep.
• Since the kids are headed to the North Pole, make signs and place around the entrance and party room. Some examples include, “Welcome to the North Pole” or “Reindeer Crossing” or “Elves Only, Keep Out!”
• Place train tracks throughout the party area.
• Decorate with twinkle lights, bells, and snowflakes.
• Have the movie and/or music playing in the background.
• The party table can have a festive linen and blue and silver tableware. Place a snow globe in the middle of the table.
• An initial activity, have a drawing of a large train on a big piece of butcher paper. Have the kids draw themselves inside or outside the train, and hang in the party area.
• Turn the lights down low, and read The Polar Express.
• Have the kids guess the number of whistles and bells in a jar. Whoever is closest wins.
• At each place setting, provide kids with a jingle bell and a train whistle. These can be fun for them to use during the party, as well as take home goodies.
• Set Up a hot cocoa bar, unfortunately you can’t throw out the cups and saucers and pour the cocoa from afar, but it will still be loads of fun.
• Enjoy sandwiches cut into train shapes. You can even use licorice and pretzel sticks to serve them on a train track.
• Make a batch of sugar cookies in train shapes for the kids to decorate and enjoy.
• Using colorful plastic, wrap up several of the holiday cookies and send them home along with a jingle bell as a parting favor.

All aboard for fun!

--Lisa Kothari
Peppers and Pollywogs, Inc.
www.pepperspollywogs

Stocking Stuffers - All Under $5!

Stuff those stockings with small gifts that mean a lot.  Here are a few ideas that are all under $5.

*Crayola 8ct Classic Broad Markers

*Fisher-Price Shake & Go Racers Deluxe Sarge

*Money Bingo

*Tonka Rugged Steamroller

*High School Musical 3: Sharpay

*Wolverine Super Hero Squad Logan, Motorcycle, Deadpool, Victor Creed

*Star Trek Pike in Enterprise Outfit

*Bakugan Battle Brawlers Deluxe Monster: Gorem

*Barbie Janessa Doll

*Littlest Pet Shop Digital Care for Me- Cat

*Ty Frolics- Cocker Spaniel

*Littlest Pet Shop Digital Pen - Bunny

*Uno Card Game

*Boots Dora's Monkey

*ChixOs Runway V2

*South Park The Totally Sweet DVD Game

*Bakugan Bakurak

*Monsters Vs. Aliens - BOB Containment Chamber

*Play Foam

*My Meebas Plush Leopard

*Moxie Girls Jammaz Sleepover Kit

*Crayola Color Explosion

*Best-Lock Junior Blocks in Box

*Oh the Wondrous Places You'll Go Travel Card Game

*Nerf Peyton Manning Vortex Ultra Lite Football

Happy shopping and for more great toy deals up to 70% off, check out our Top Holiday Deals in Toys and Games!

--Laura M.

Toy Deals You Shouldn't Pass Up

'Tis the season for great toy deals.  Here are some that are going on today that you just shouldn't miss as they are like the snow in Seattle....(It melts fast and is gone before you know it!)

Girls' Toys:

*The Candy Jewel Factory is 50% and will make her little sweet tooth happy!

*The Girl Gourmet Cake Bakery is 57% off at under $15 and will let her be the Ace of Cakes in your kitchen.

*Little Mommy Baby Ah-Choo Doll is now $14.99 and 63% off.

*She can play princess with this Disney Snow White Doll that is 40% off and only $14.99.

*Did you already get the Barbie Dream Townhome?  Well accessorize with this beautiful couch from the Jonathon Adler Room Pack for 50% off.

Boys' Toys:

*Have a Bakugan fan on your list?  This Bakubowl set is only $9.99!

*The Transformers Movie 2 Ultimate Bumble Bee is now 35% off.

*Get racing fun with this GX Racer Launcher for $9.99- that's 50% off.

*Star Wars fans will love their own lightsabers and you will love the price of only $14.99.

*LEGO Bionicle Jetrax set is 40% off and will be a big hit for LEGO lovers.

*The Amazon-Exclusive Halo Series 6 Spartan Soldier is only $6.99- that is a savings of 53%.

One more deal you shouldn't miss:

Best-Lock construction block sets are buy $50 and get $20 off.  This is a HUGE value for any kid on your list who loves to build. (FYI: These blocks will work with other many other construction sets!)

More great deals can be found on our great Top Holiday Deals page in toys.  Be on the lookout tomorrow (December 11th) - Toys are taking over the Amazon Gold Box with Amazing deals on preschool, games, dolls, and more- ALL DAY LONG!  There will be Hot Deals for every kid on your list!

Happy Holidays and Happy Shopping!

--Laura M.

The Elf on the Shelf Creeps Me Out

I love Christmas, don't get me wrong.  (I do work in toys, after all.)  But the one toy I would banish to the Island of Misfit Toys forever is The Elf on the Shelf.  It is, simply, the creepiest toy ever. 

For those who don't know what this toy is, allow me to explain.  Basically, the creepy, Brylcreem-ed elf "watches" your children each day to see if they are being naughty or nice.  Then, each night after the child goes to bed, the parent places him in a different part of the house -- the idea being that the Elf has, overnight, gone to the North Pole, reported back to Santa about the child's behavior, and re-appeared in a different spot. 

Is it a brilliant idea?  Absolutely.  Is it the scariest inanimate object since that thing from Saw (or maybe even Chucky?)  YES.  You won't find me giving this as a gift to any child on my list, no matter how "charming" it may be.  Besides, I don't like tattle-tells. -- E. Christian Moore

A Rudolph the Reindeer Brunch - Guest Blogger Lisa Kothari

The holiday season is officially upon us, and there are so many toys, books, and even TV specials that you can build a kids’ party around this time of year. One of these is to host a Rudolph the Reindeer Brunch for your kids’ birthday or holiday party.
This is best thrown mid-day. If this idea appeals, check the ideas out:
Send out Reindeer Invites. Use a large reindeer cookie cutter to trace the reindeer shape on to brown construction paper or cardboard, cut it out, and paint a red nose on the reindeer. Then add the party details along with, Who’s ready to play some reindeer games?

For decorations, use brown, red, and pearly white balloons and streamers for the party    room. Use these primary colors for the table as well.

Cut out large pieces of cardboard to make Santa’s 12 reindeers and place these all over the party room. Placing signs such as “Reindeer Crossing” would also be fun.
   
When the kids arrive, have someone available to paint red noses onto each of the kids’ faces.

As a party craft, the kids can make reindeer antlers. You will need brown paper bands and brown pipe cleaners and glue.  Or conversely, have reindeer antlers as a giveaway or prize.

• Clothespin Reindeer
• Play Pin the Red Nose on the Reindeer.
• Play some Reindeer Games, i.e. relay races and a beanbag toss with their red noses and antlers on.

For the brunch, serve a stack of pancakes, juice, and Reindeer Crunch (oats, granola, coconut, and dried berries tossed together).
   
Make Reindeer Cupcakes. Break pretzels in half for the two antlers and place on either side of the cupcake, use a half of a candied cherry for the nose, and use mini chocolate candies for the eyes.

The kids can take home their antlers and other crafts they made as their goodies.

Have a red-nosed reindeer fun brunch!

--Lisa Kothari
Peppers and Pollywogs, Inc.
www.pepperspollywogs

The Perfect Play Kitchen (and Accessories) for Your Kids

There are a load of options for play kitchens out there these days- here's a helpful guide for your play kitchen shopping.

For the Girly-girl

*Djeco My Wooden Stove Cooker

*Guidecraft Tea Party Kitchen 

*Disney Princess Magical Kitchen

For Multiple Children

*LifeStyle Deluxe Kitchen 

*Melissa & Doug Classic Deluxe Kitchen

*KidKraft Grand Gourmet Corner Kitchen

Best Eco-Friendly Kitchens:

*Wonderworld Eco-friendly Cooking Center

*Plan Toys Large-scale Kitchen Set

*Educo Gourmet Chef Kitchen

Best Wooden Kitchens:

*KidKraft Prairie Kitchen

*Guidecraft Kitchen Center

*A Simple Wooden Kitchen Hearth

Best Plastic Kitchens:

*Little Tykes Super Chef Kitchen

*Step2 50's Diner

*Fisher-Price Cook 'N Sizzle Kitchen

Best for Small Spaces:

*Alex Wooden Cook Top Playstove

*Iplay Home Sizzlin' Stove

*Educo My First Kitchen

Best "Retro" Kitchens:

*A+ Childsupply Retro Cooking Range with Sink

*KidKraft Silver Retro Kitchen

*KidKraft Retro Kitchen and Refrigerator in Pink

Best Non-Traditional Cooking Toys:

*Grill and Go Camp Stove

*Iplay Stir Fry Set

*Melissa & Doug Grill Set

Best Play Food:

*Mellisa & Doug Wooden Sandwich Making Set

*Garden Fresh Fruits & Veggies

*Biofino Toast

*Haba Food Basket

*Sweet Pastries

*Melissa & Doug Fridge Food Set

Best Cooking Utensils, Pots, and Pans

*Alex Toys Super Cooking Set

*Green Toys Cookware and Dining Set

*Wonderworld Eco-Friendly Cooking Set

*Pastel Coffee Set

*Step2: Cooking Essentials 20 Piece Baking Set

*Wonderworld Eco-Friendly Tea Time Set

I hope this list was helpful to you in shopping for your play kitchen.  As you can see there are tons of choices out there and lots of fun ways to play.  While you are shopping, don't forget to check out our deals page with tons of new deals posted daily!

--Laura M.

Avatar iTag - Toy of the Future

I get asked quite frequently about the innovations in toys and what people should be expecting in the next few years from toy manufacturers.  New toys for the year like the Mindflex, where you move balls through a maze with the "power of your mind", have paved the way for even more technology in the toys arena.  One of the most innovative and interesting new toys out there are the new toys from the upcoming movie by director James Cameron, Avatar.  On the surface they look like ordinary action figures...

But each toy comes with something called an iTag.  Which dosen't look like much until you watch the video and see what the iTag can do when you use your computer and your webcam.

Avatar iTag...

Pretty cool huh? If you ask me, this is where toys are headed.  As more and more kids reach the end of their toys days (and this age keeps getting younger and younger) and turn to technology like laptops, iPods, and cell phones,  we can bet on seeing more and more toys that integrate tech and toys to create a whole new level of play.

For a limited time, when you purchase select Avatar toys, you can get a free iTag with purchase.  Click here for more details. 

Also, don't forget to check our Top Holiday Deals page for new deals daily! 

Happy Shopping!

--Laura M.

Games They Will Love This Holiday

Not only do you need to find gifts this holiday season, you also need to find things to do when families come visit and for holiday get-togethers. Here are a few suggestion to get your family having a great time together, and to get your holiday party rockin'! 

Games also make great gifts.  Don't forget, when you give a game as a gift, you are giving a family time together, giving kids a way to learn, and you are giving more than just a toy that will be tossed aside: you are giving memories.

For the Whole Family:

*A tactile wooden block game, Quirkle is the surprise hit of the season.  It takes about 45 min to play, for ages 6 and up and will accommodate 2 to 4 players.

*Quiddler is another hit this holiday season and is special because it can also be played in a solitaire mode.  The challenge is to combine the cards in your hand into a word and it can be played by ages 8 and up and with one to eight players.

*Apples to Apples: For ages 12 and up, this party game comes with over 1,000 cards and is all about making comparisons. This game requires at least four players making in a great party game.

*Ticket to Ride has been out for a few years but is really gaining momentum as one of the most sought after games in the store.  This games is a strategy game where you plot your adventure across the United States before other people can reach their destination.  For ages 8 and up the game takes two to five players and from 30 to 60 minutes to play.

For an Adult Party:

*Loaded Questions- Adult: Just as it says, this is a game of adult-themed questions.  It takes from four to six players and says that it "Might make your cheeks as red as the box top!" I will leave the rest to your imagination!

*Partini - If you are looking for an adult game that is a little more on the less suggestive side, Partini is a great one.  It has been described as a more grown up Cranium.  It takes three or more players and comes with 35 coasters, 430 cards, and "1,000 belly laughs".

*Mental Floss Trivia Game - With over 1,500 questions, you'll never get bored.  From the great magazine "Mental Floss" comes this fun trivia game that "Turns trivia on its side!", for ages 18 and up.

Great Games to get Tweens and Teens Out of your Hair, and Playing Nicely in the Basement:

*For ages 7 and above, this hilarious game of questions called You Gotta Be Kidding! is the younger version of "Would you Rather".  With questions like "Would you rather eat a bucket of apple stems or eat 20 banana peels" , laughter is sure to be a part of this game.

* Killer Bunnies is a great game for ages 10 and up.  It is non-violent and has lots of add-on card sets to keep the fun moving.

*Got a houseful of boys age 8 and up who want to conquer the world?  Well, we've got the perfect game (not that girls can't play too- they can!).  Dominion is a  strategy game great for teaching kids to rule with tiny iron fists.

*While the boys are ruling over their fiefdoms with Dominion, the girls can play the hottest game from the hottest movie of the moment, Twilight New Moon the Board Game. Be warned, you might have to break up an argument over Team Jacob or Team Edward!

Great for a Houseful of Rowdy Preschoolers:

*Giraffalaff Limbo - Music and laughter combine to make this fun game great for active little ones that really need to get up and move.

*Melissa & Doug Monster Bowling - bring the fun of bowling home with this soft and easy game for preschoolers.

*What's in Ned's Head? - Sure to produce squeals of "Gross!" this game challenges kids to use their sense of touch to discover what is in Ned's funny head.

*Mouse-ke-Tag - A great active game with three different ways to play, this game will get them moving to the music and hunting for their favorite friends.

Great for Taking On a Holiday Trip:

*Easily one of the most popular games in the last two years, Bananagrams has taken the game world by storm with a highly portable word game that is fun for the whole crew.

*Want to play scrabble but don't have the room for the whole board game, or the time to play a long game?  Scrabble Slam is your answer for portable fun that you can play in 20 min or less.

* While you do NOT want to play this game *in* the car, this is an easily packed game that will have everyone attempting to get a better score than grandma.  Bop It has be resurrected for another whirl on the game circuit and is better than ever.  Warning- it is very addictive!

Great for Playing on the New Flat-screen:

*Relive your your youth with the Scene It? 80's Trivia Game.  Put on your leg warmers and be ready to answer questions about Madonna, Wham! and Mary Lou Retton.

*Quick! What was the name of the family dog on the Simpsons?  Be ready for this and other fun questions with the Simpsons Scene it? DVD game.

*Twilight fans will love this DVD game that features hundreds of questions about the movie.  Recommend for ages 13 and older, this game will be a great gift for any vampire-phile. 

*Fun for the whole family, the Ice Age: DVD Game combines board game and DVD play into one fun game.  

Great Eco-Friendly Games:

*Boreno & Sumatra and the 8-in-1 Compendium are two great sets from the World Wildlife Fund. All the games are made form The Forest Stewardship Council certified materials and help kids learn about endangered species and environments.

*Wonderworld Eco-Friendly Chicky Memory Game - A great first game, this wooden game is made from rubber wood.

*Xeko is back with a new version.  With this card game, you can learn all about the ecosystems and endangered species of China.  

Kids' Games You Haven't Heard of But Should Check Out:

*Lucky Sock Dip from Haba - For ages 4 and up, this game from Haba is all about color matching. 

*What Time is it? Time Telling Game from eeBoo.   eeBoo makes some beautiful games with high quality workmanship- and they are also fun and educational.

*HaPe Cagola - This is a balance game made out of eco-friendly bamboo.  Not only is it fun, it is a really great looking toy.

*Bedtime Card Game- Night Night Kisses by Djeco.  Over the years, I have found that games are a great wind-down activity right before bed for my preschoolers.  This one is perfect, as it is all about a bedtime routine.

Party and/or Family Games You Probably Haven't Heard of But Should Check Out:

*Bezzerwizzer- An Amazon.com exclusive, this is a hit European game that is just now making it to our shores.  Billed as a game of trivia and tactics, this looks like a new party standard. (For a limited time you can also get $10 off at checkout with the code: ZWAPHERO)

*Carcassonne - is a "simple, clever tile laying game that brings new challenges with every turn".  Another hit European game, this is fun for the whole family.

*Memoir '44 is a historically accurate card game that has 17 unique historical scenarios and lots of expansion packs for more play.

*Elemento - This Chemistry-inspired game was invented by a a 12 yr old (!!!) and can be played  by anyone 9 and up.  Learn about chemistry while having a great time with the set of 121 cards .

Hope this list helps you in your search for great holiday gifts!  Don't forget to keep checking out Top Holiday Deals in Toys and Games page for discounts and deals that change everyday!

--Laura M.