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1. Kid Tough Digital Camera from Fisher Price
Fisher Price Digital Camera 1.3 Megapixel, Blue
Now with a larger LCD preview screen and more memory space, the Fisher Price Digital Camera is a real digital camera that's tough enough — and easy enough — for kids to use. It features two-eye viewing, which makes it easy to look through the viewfinder. Sturdy dual hand grips make for a steady shot, and big buttons make it easy for little hands to use. There's even a 1.6" color LCD preview screen that lets kids instantly see the pictures they've taken. Best of all, it's built with a
Smart Cycle is a stationary bike, a learning center and an arcade game system all rolled into one! It plugs right into your TV, ready to take kids on learning adventures like no other. As they pedal, fun characters and friends guide them through learning discoveries, games and exciting races. Bring the arcade experience home, with multiple levels of play for different ages and stages.
An ingenious radio-controlled helicopter, the incredibly small Havoc Heli is stable and easy to fly — even in the smallest of spaces. With its four-way control you'll enjoy precision flight and unbelievable indoor maneuvering abilities. Measuring only six inches long, the Havoc Heli is extremely lightweight and fits right in the palm of your hand. This helicopter makes flying a cinch, and with multiple channels you have the option of flying three in the same room.
Girls and moms alike are sure to fall in love with My Real Loving Baby, an interactive infant doll that can be nurtured every day. Girls can name their very own baby and, through speech and hearing capabilities, the doll will recognize her name, ask for her bottle, play peekaboo with giggles, take her blanket to sleep and more.
Meet Elmo T.M.X., the coolest, most interactive Tickle Me Elmo doll yet. His mission: to keep kids laughing with hilarious antics and realistic movements never before seen in a doll. Just touch his sensitive tickle spots and watch him break into peals of laughter, rolling on the floor, slapping the ground and more. The delighted smiles he puts on your children's faces prove that laughter really is contagious.
7. Littlest Pet Shop Paws Off Electronic Diary from Hasbro
8. Razor Ripstik Caster Board
9. Are You Smarter than a 5th Grader game from Hasbro
10. Aqua Dots Super Studio from Spin Master
11. Power Tour Electric Guitar, Black
You never rocked this hard, this easily! The amazing Power Tour Electric Guitar teaches you how to play with authentic sound, tons of effects and lessons built right in. Simply follow the lights and you'll be pounding out power chords, shredding leads and rocking right out of the box. Learn to play six different rock classics, including "Wild Thing" and "Smoke on the Water." Connect the guitar to your MP3 player (not included) and strum along to your favorite tunes, or rock out solo and compose
12. FurReal Squawkers Parrot from Hasbro
CANDY LAND: Dora The Explorer Edition and MONOPOLY: SpongeBob SquarePants Edition for PC and Mac Available for Download Online and on CD-ROM in October
NEW YORK, Oct. 4 /PRNewswire/ -- MTV Networks' Nickelodeon Kids and Family Group puts a new digital twist on two of the most beloved, classic Hasbro and Nickelodeon boards games with the releases of MONOPOLY: SpongeBob SquarePants Edition and CANDY LAND: Dora The Explorer Edition, available for download online and on CD-ROM. The games are currently available in PC and Mac downloadable versions on www.nickarcade.com, and will soon be on other game websites such as www.shockwave.com. The online launch will be followed shortly by the games' CD-ROM retail launch on October 15, 2007.
"Kids love playing games, whether it's online or on their living room floor, and we are giving them a new way to experience both of these classic games with the characters they love," said Steve Youngwood, Executive Vice President of Digital Media, Nickelodeon Kids and Family Group. "With our broad portfolio of sites we are giving both kids and families every opportunity to enjoy gaming experiences and we know that MONOPOLY and CANDY LAND combined with SpongeBob and Dora will be a hit with both kids and their parents."
Nickelodeon Kids and Family Group recently announced a $100 million commitment to develop, distribute and create casual gaming titles, sites and platforms. MTV Networks recently committed to invest more than $500 million over the next two years in the development and distribution of its gaming business across its global portfolio.
"MONOPOLY and CANDY LAND have been a treasured part of our culture for generations, and as part of our strategy to continue to keep our brands relevant to kids and families today, we are pleased to bring two successful co-branded games --- MONOPOLY: SpongeBob SquarePants Edition and CANDY LAND: Dora The Explorer Edition --- to the digital games market," says Jeff Burdeen, Vice President of Digital Media at Hasbro, Inc.
MONOPOLY: SpongeBob SquarePants Edition brings the classic MONOPOLY game play experience to life in a digital format with mini-games and more. It allows players to bend the traditional rules to play in SpongeBob, Squidward or Plankton modes. The game supports up to four players who are challenged to wheel and deal their way through Bikini Bottom and delve into the title's 14 mini-games which include: Bargain Battle where a quick click will get you the best price for the property; Pump Panic where utility rent will be determined by the water level in the pool; and Slippery Escape where if you land in jail but are fast, you can escape. MONOPOLY: SpongeBob SquarePants Edition is geared towards kids between the ages of 6 and 11 and is priced at $19.99 and is rated "E" (Everyone).
CANDY LAND: Dora the Explorer Edition supports up to four players and brings the original fun of the board game to the interactive arena with Dora, Boots, Diego and Backpack journeying through CANDY LAND to find the Fiesta at the end of the path. It includes two play modes: Classic CANDY LAND Explorer and CANDY LAND Super Explorer which ratchets up the action with eight mini-games such as Peppermint Catching with Benny where players collect the letter-shaped candies for the Fiesta; Dora and the Gingerbread Bakery where you help Dora put decorations on cookies; and Gummy Gumdrops where you help Dora sort gumdrops into boxes. CANDY LAND: Dora the Explorer Edition is aimed at kids between the ages of 2 and 5, carries an "EC" (Early Childhood) rating and is priced at $19.99.
The games are being distributed through Nickelodeon's partnerships with Activision, Navarre and RealNetworks. Activision, Inc. (NASDAQ:ATVI) will exclusively handle the retail distribution of CANDY LAND: Dora The Explorer Edition, while Nickelodeon will handle online distribution. Navarre Corporation (NASDAQ:NAVR) will exclusively oversee the retail distribution of MONOPOLY: SpongeBob SquarePants Edition, while RealNetworks, Inc. (NASDAQ:RNWK) will manage its online distribution. MONOPOLY and CANDY LAND are under license from Hasbro, Inc.
Nickelodeon will support the rollout of these new games with a marketing campaign including spots on national television stations, print and online advertisements.
SpongeBob SquarePants continues to be the number-one animated show for kids on television for the past five years, and the number-one selling kids' video game and PC game franchise. After six years on Nickelodeon, Dora the Explorer remains one of the most popular preschool programs on television and is the top pre-school property on the PC according to NPD.
Hasbro's MONOPOLY is the best-selling, most widely played board game in the world. It's currently sold in 80 countries and produced in 26 languages. SpongeBob MONOPOLY, the board game, has sold millions at retail and was the number-one co-branded MONOPOLY game of 2006 (according to NPD). Introduced in 1949, CANDY LAND is recognized internationally as a child's first game, with millions of games having been sold around the globe.
Hasbro (NYSE:HAS) is a worldwide leader in children's and family leisure time entertainment products and services, including the design, manufacture and marketing of games and toys ranging from traditional to high tech. Both internationally and in the U.S., its PLAYSKOOL, TONKA, MILTON BRADLEY, PARKER BROTHERS, TIGER and WIZARDS OF THE COAST brands and products provide the highest quality and most recognizable play experiences in the world.
Nickelodeon, in its 28th year, is the number-one entertainment brand for kids. It has built a diverse, global business by putting kids first in everything it does. The company includes television programming and production in the United States and around the world, plus consumer products, online, recreation, books, magazines and feature films. Nickelodeon's U.S. television network is seen in almost 94 million households and has been the number-one- rated basic cable network for 13 consecutive years. Nickelodeon and all related titles, characters and logos are trademarks of Viacom Inc. (NYSE:VIA) (NYSE:VIA.B) .
Source: Nickelodeon; Hasbro
Web site: http://www.nick.com/
http://www.nickarcade.com/
http://www.shockwave.com/
Buying Christmas gifts for children is always a delight. Invariably, the experience brings me back to my own childhood, and I fondly remember the thrill and wonderment of seeing beautifully wrapped Christmas gifts and discovering the surprises that lay beneath the wrapping. Perhaps that's why today, whether I'm shopping for boy's toys or girl's toys, I almost always select the classics. Here are my top ten favorite Christmas gift selections.
1. Monopoly. Some have called Monopoly the world's greatest board game. I call it a classic. You can't help but become a land baron when faced with a board full of properties waiting to be purchased and you can't help but be delighted every time you can collect rent or pass "Go." The classic Monopoly board game makes a wonderful gift, as do the junior edition games and special themed edition games.
2. Star Wars. It's been 30 years since George Lucas made history with the "Star Wars," and its popularity has never waned. When I am in the market for boy's toys, I always start with Star Wars toys. Whether it's the Darth Vader Potato Head, a play light saber, or the Lego Star Wars video game, you can't go wrong with Luke and his friends.
3. Legos. What's a childhood without Legos? I love buying my nieces and nephews sets of Lego bricks. With Duplo Legos for the little tykes, everything from Harry Potter sets to Bionicles for the older kids, and Technics for the serious builders, you can't go wrong with Legos.
4. Bicycles. When I think back to my childhood, I remember the freedom of getting together with my friends to ride our bikes around the neighborhood. From explorations of nearby parks and rivers to daylong expeditions to other parts of the city, bicycles were central to our lives. When buying and giving bikes as Christmas gifts, I feel like I'm giving a gift of joy and independence.
5. Play-Doh. Childhood wouldn't be complete without Play-Doh. Even the scent of Play-Doh transports me back to my youth. I love giving Play-Doh as Christmas gifts, especially because there are so many more options today. There are sets with themes, such as Winnie the Pooh, Farm World, and Hairdresser, that give kids hours of imaginative fun.
6. Jigsaw Puzzles. Jigsaw puzzles make perfect children's gifts for kids of all ages. There are those made out of wood for preschoolers, those with relatively few pieces for young children, and those with several hundred pieces for those who are experienced puzzle solvers. Plus, jigsaws are perfect rainy day toys.
7. Roller Skates. Roller skates are great for exercise and for increasing balance and coordination - and are a whole lot of fun. Whether they're strap on skates for little tykes or inline skates for tweens, roller skates are always a hit!
8. Dolls. When it comes to girl's toys, there's nothing more classic than dolls. Of course, today's dolls are capable of doing just about everything except going to school - but that makes them all the more fun!
9. Magic Sets. Every boy goes through a phase where he wants to learn magic. The magic sets I've bought over the years have entertained and captivated boys, who love learning the skills behind the tricks.
10. Scrabble. Perhaps because I recall spending hours and hours playing this classic word game with my family, I love giving Scrabble boards as Christmas gifts. Boys and girls both love the game, which also comes in a junior edition, and I like knowing that my gifts are both fun and educational.
It's as much fun for adults to give toys as is it for children to receive them - especially when you can relive part of your own childhood by giving toys that you enjoyed while you were growing up.
Chris Robertson is a published author of Majon International. Majon International is one of the world's MOST popular internet marketing and internet advertising companies on the web. Visit their main business resource web site at: http://www.majon.com (NOTE: Content article shown above may be linked and circulated freely on web sites, ezines and other publications as long as ALL article content, links and author information remain UNCHANGED in any way whatsoever.) Chris Robertson may be contacted at http://www.majon.com/directory/
Every children in the world whishes to have toys and every parent trys to give them what they want. So until they grow-up children spend most of their time playing with different toys. If you are careful when you choose toys for your kids you can even consider that you are making an investment. But you have to know if you are making a good investment or not. There are many educative and safe toys. but you can also find many dangerous toys on the market this days. In this article you will find five tips for choosing safe toys for your children. After all every parent is concerned about their children safety.
So you should consider this five thighs when you choose a toy: size, shape, surface, strings and supervision.
Size: you should avoid buying toys with small parts like buttons, wheels, eyes. This small parts can come off and be easily swallowed. So if you have a child under three years you should consider the size of the toys.
Shape: try as much as you can to avoid buying toys with sharp edges and blunt ends. Look for toys with smooth surfaces. You should also avoid plastic, glass or metal toys that can bend and cut. You wouldn't want your kid to be hurt because of a toy hat you bought.
Surfaces: another issue that you should consider when you decide to buy a toy is the surface. Usually a toy should have a label from where you can find out if it includes any toxic substances. There are toy that are painted with toxic paint bot that contain toxic liquids that can leak and harm your kid.
Strings: toys made from strings or that contain parts made of strings can also become dangerous. If the child is to young he could get wrapped around wrists or neck in the strings.
Supervision: Last but not least you should provide your child a safe place to play with his toys. And you should monitor him as much as possible so you can be sure that nothing bad can happen.
In conclusion, when a child is playing is almost the same thing like when an adult is working. We all must understand that it's a very important issue to provide our kids with safe toys. This includes choosing toys that are right for your child's age. You should also follow exactly the manufacturer's age recommendations. You mustn't think that you child is to smart to play with toys for his age. We can never be to careful!
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Buying toys for children can be a daunting prospect, whether it's for your own kids or for someone else's. Like it or not, you are faced with choosing something that can be valued for a long time, something that's ''cool" and something that provides safe and engaging play from a plethora of offers arduously promoted on television, in catalogues and in kids magazines, sometimes with questionable consequences. Every parent has to do daily battle with the war cry "I want." whenever an item that is coveted by a child appears on the screen in front of him or her, especially if it's an item that has substantial peer value. Yet, after shelling out what in this day and age may feel like a king's ransom, that same valued trinket can be found laying in the dust, unwanted, within a remarkably short time.
Toys & Games So, how do you ensure your investment is wise? How can you make a quality choice? You can start by searching for toys at Myshopping.com.au where you will find a wide range of excellent choices for children of all ages and taste. Myshopping.com.au is one way to keep abreast of a market that moves very quickly.
Buying a child a toy however is not only about filling the void of their immediate "I want." Much of the decision involves the values that the buyer ? the giver ? wants to impart in making that choice.
Include your own values
From the youngest of ages, toys are what children learn from. It is in play where children learn many of the values we adults want them to carry forward into their future relationships. Play is what helps teach them that others have feelings, that sharing is a necessary human condition, that possession and ownership are rights and responsibilities. If we want our children to value our own contributions to the communities in which we live, we will more likely try to impart similar values through the choices we make for them. This is reflected through choices in educational toys, outdoor play, music, sport, fashion and many other pursuits.
A toy bought by a special relative or friend can often be regarded more highly by a child than other toys simply because of the meaning of the relationship: the toy representing that relationship in times of absence for example. Much loved toys often have special meaning attached to them, not because of the value of the toy itself, but because of its origins.
In sharp contrast, many toys purchased on the whim of the war cry "I want." are done so with the primary intention of bringing peace to the household and involve little of the purchaser's personal values in the actual choice. Sometimes this can lead the child to continue demanding that his or her needs are met with material acquisitions based on selfish desires, resulting in 'spoiling'.
Educational toys
While toys are for fun and play, they also help children in their educational, social, emotional, and physical development. As they become engaged with objects for their own amusement, they are also working on cognitive and motor skills, both important developmental processes in very young children and kids with some learning or physical challenges. As educational resources, toys that present challenges to children frequently stimulate their ability to reason.
Parents and other adults can get involved in playing with their children's toys too. These activities help babies exchange contact with others and builds their language skills. When adults interact with babies and their toys, they are helping babies learn that the toys exist even when they are not seen or heard. This helps in their development into play with their peers in pre-school, helping them understand rules of play and a sense of right and wrong. In play, toys empower children, permitting them to control their environment temporarily and make decisions independently of adults.
There are a number of ways to make choices in educational toys for children. A first step might be to consider their development at playschool, pre-school or school, and make choices that help in the child's development in that environment. Another consideration is to consider where the child's personal interest's lie and look in that interest area. Building toys, construction models, and sand and water toys can foster an interest in mathematics through volumes and measures. Books and board games that employ instructional cards can further an interest in reading and language. Writing and art interests can be developed with phonics toys, erasible writing products, colouring toys and model kits, craft kits and different painting mediums. Environmental, engineering and science interests can be met with trivia games, maps and puzzles, chemistry sets, telescopes, microscopes and advanced building sets. Music choices encompass karaoke, musical instruments and sing-along products, as well as music players.
Search Myshopping.com.au for educational toys in different categories and different price ranges for children of different age ranges.
Gaming and outdoor play
Clearly one of the most rapidly developing trends in toys, is that of computer and electronic gaming, which includes software purchases for desktop or laptop computers, Play station and X-Box gaming consoles and portable gaming products. These options provide a great many variables, with a huge number of titles available in each of the formats.
While computer gaming can be enormously engaging for children of all ages, its basic nature can frequently play against the idea of open sharing, as the computer gaming environment is often very private, and single-player oriented. This can develop into sibling squabbles and selfish behaviour on the part of the game owner. If you are considering buying electronic gaming as a gift for a child who is not your own child, it would be wise and prudent to clear the purchase with the parents first, as not all parents are comfortable with their children having these products.
A large part of children's play also ties in with having happy and healthy kids. Exercise is a widely recognised component of health, and is reported in much of the media as a declining activity in kids, contributing to an obesity problem in modern society. To foster regular exercise, it is important to promote outdoor play with children and this can be achieved with the choices of toy purchases. Many sporting activities evolve from toy purchases, and can include any number of ball games ranging from any of the football codes, basketball, netball, cricket, hockey, baseball and so on.
Other toys that encourage outdoor activity might include transport toys such as bikes and scooters, skates and skateboards, mechanically propelled cars and carts; athletic activities such as swings and slides; sand toys and water activities.
Safety first
Regardless of your relationship with the child for whom you are purchasing a toy, safety is an issue of paramount importance. It's imperative to review all of the safety information published with the toy's instructional literature. If the toy looks unsafe and there is no published literature about its operation, it would be wise to avoid that particular purchase. Danger lurks in the oddest of corners. The most common consideration of toy safety includes strings or cords that could wrap around a young child's neck, packaging with sharp corners or protruding wire ties. Very young children often put what may be interesting objects to them in their mouths. Small components can pose chocking hazards, as can plastic bags large enough to be placed over a head. Battery compartments should be secured with a screw, providing a safely locked housing.
Equally important with removing hazards that may be present, is the need to educate children on how to use toys safely when playing alone or with others. While it is important that kids should not be endangered, it is also important that they learn how to assess a risk and take steps to eliminate or minimise risks at the earliest of age?both to themselves and to others.
Age and Gender
One of the primary considerations for toy shopping is how to chose a toy that is suitable for a girl or boy, at a particular age. Most toy manufacturers discriminate by both gender and age in the advice they give for their toys. Myshopping.com.au lists toys under these descriptions. However, these guides are given as advice only, and may not necessarily reflect the readiness of your child for a particular product, or the ability of a particular product to satisfy your child's current needs. Please search Myshopping.com.au for a wide selection of toys, and to help you with your choices.
Andrew Gates is a writer for comparison online shopping site MyShopping.com.au. MyShopping.com.au helps you compare kids toys and buy online from top-rated online stores. You can also read toys reviews and specifications.
Andrew Gates is a writer for Australian comparison shopping site MyShopping.com.au. Smart shoppers can save time, money and effort here. This site serves your need for online shopping and shopping in Australia. Andrew Gates may be contacted at http://www.myshopping.com.au
A child s imagination starts to develop during the pre-school stage. I observed my toddler s imagination grow during this period. She received two Little people toys from her godparents during her first birthday party and she really had so much fun with them. I was apprehensive with them at first because one made loud animal noises. But I was relieved after seeing my darling enjoy them so much. The Little People characters are perfect for toddlers because their size makes them safe and easy to play with. Any parent would find all of the Little People character s cute and lovable.
By her second year my toddler has added the pet store, the garage, ark, zoo and castle to her growing Little People toys collection. My husband and I have such a wonderful time playing with these wonderful toys with her because it really stimulates her imagination. O baths occur without at least two of them joining all the fun. Seeing her having a wonderful time pretending to swim with the toys makes me realizes how wonderful it is to be a parent.
Eve though we lost a few characters to our playful dog, the remaining Little People have maintained a wonderful aura in our household. They have now increased in such a number that we had problems in finding space to spread them out during playtime.
We tried to store them in an extra bedroom but my daughter has no plans to be away from them. And so they have now practically invaded my livingroom. Although putting them away at the end of the day can be bothersome, their presence doesn t seem to bother me at all.
A co-worker of mine commented that the label Little People may be offensive to the little people in the world. She found them scattered all-over the house when she dropped by one day and seemed aghast when she heard the toy s brand name. Being unaccustomed to children she probably wouldn t be able to relate with them and understand their impact on the development of a child s imagination. There was nothing I could do but ignore her protest. I m sure that the brand name wasn t meant to offend anyone. Besides one look at those cute and adorable Little People toys will melt any parent s heart and make them forget the noises and the cleaning up to be done afterwards.
Morgan Hamilton offers expert advice and great tips regarding all aspects concerning Little People Toys. Visit our site for more helpful information about Little People Toys and other similar topics. Morgan Hamilton may be contacted at http://www.find-cards-now.com
It's a sad fact that many of the most dangerous toys are favourites. Thousands of cheap, unsafe toys are finding their way onto the market place with little being done to stop them. How many unsafe toys are there on the shelves that we just don't know about? Potentially dangerous toys are a serious issue, but the scale of the problem is not yet big enough to spark an exodus of U. Despite industry standards and ongoing improvements, dangerous toys are still widely available and sold. Dangerous toys can be classed as toys with parts that young children can choke on, stick up their nose, or otherwise hurt themselves with: sharp corners, fast-moving, massive projectiles, etc. Children's toys can become dangerous if they are misused or if they fall into the hands of children who are not old enough to play with them. Just looking around car boot and garage sales will show you where most of the older and dangerous toys are bought and sold. People think they are getting a bargain but what is the real cost?
Millions of dangerous toys which are for sale on shelves are being recalled every day because of various reasons. There are several different factors that can make a toy dangerous. Toys with magnets are high on the list due to the lead content, and the fact that young children can swallow, or push the small detachable parts in the toys where they shouldn't go. Many toys that are recalled have high levels of lead in the surface paint; lead being dangerous because it is poisonous. Any kinds of magnets in your toys should put the toy high on the dangerous toys list. The majority of dangerous toys have little parts which can be removed and swallowed by a young child. Toy parts that can easily become lodged in a child's throat have led to many incidents of death and brain damage yet can still be found in newly designed toys. You should check all toys for loose or small parts which you feel may be dangerous to your kids. It is also dangerous for your kids to play with toys which are meant for older children. From time to time, inspect your kids' toys for any wear and tear which can make them dangerous. .
Toys and games represent a thirty (30) billion-dollar-a-year industry. Toys caused an estimated 150,000 visits to the emergency room last year. Toys should be solid, strong and well made. Toys should have lasting interest and not just be the latest on the market. You can visit the Consumer Product Safety Commission CPSC website. They publish a list of toy recalls. Parents and children alike have a right to expect that the toys they select and play with are designed with the child's safety in mind. The first line of defence for toy safety must be safe design and manufacture. The current state is that many parents will never know when a product has been recalled.
Protecting our children from unsafe toys will always remain the majority of parent's number one concern, but when will it become the number one priority within toy industry and the government regulatory bodies. The toy companies, retailers and the Government must listen and act when dangerous toys are brought to their attention so that we don t see the same hazards and the same injuries reappearing year after year. Dangerous toys are not as common as they used to be, but they are still out there. Parents, guardians and carers still must continue to check that the toys they are buying are correctly labelled with the CE mark confirming the toy is safe. Where, for example, dangerous toys are being sold that could cause serious injury to unsuspecting children, the Office of Fair Trading must be able to remove those toys from outlets.
Rachel Harding is a registered nurse and mum of 3. She has a great deal of expertise with children and offers valuable support for you as parents and care givers and free resources including children's stories, forums, recipes, article's, gifts and books at => http://www.yourkidsshop.com
Rachel Harding may be contacted at http://www.yourkidsshop.com or rach2306@btinternet.com
"With their hectic work schedule, it is easy for today's parents to go the "easy route" when buying toys for their kids. Some buy kids toys online without bothering to really check and research the items because it's more convenient. Others, to avoid discussions, simply choose to follow what their kids ask them to purchase, so they buy mp4 players , violent video games and all the other toys and gadgets their kids say are "cool" and "fun".
What some parents forget is that toys play a crucial role in the development of their child. They can help your kids improve their spatial reasoning skills, encourage their creativity, help them learn how to interact with other children, improve their memory and even encourage them to be more physically active. For these reasons, it is important for parents to take a more active role in choosing what toys their kids should play with.
So what should you look for when buying toys for your kids? What are the attributes "good toys" possess?
First, a toy should be appropriate for the age of your kids. Toys for infants should help them develop their abilities to recognize sound, shapes and color. For preschoolers, it's better to choose toys that stimulate their imagination and develop their social-interaction skills, while toys for older kids should be able to relay more complicated concepts. When choosing toys for your kids, another thing that you should remember is that "high-tech" does not always equate to greater benefits. Don't be easily awed by their intricate mechanisms and blinking lights. Simple toys can be as beneficial (some experts say they are actually more beneficial) as their more modern counterparts. Building blocks and modeling clay for example, can help your kids learn how to determine shapes and colors and enable them to develop their creativity. Marbles and jackstones on the other hand help them improve their spatial reasoning skills.
Instead of the usual video games, pick toys that encourage physical activities. Buy them a basketball, a trampoline, a bicycle--anything that will make them want to get off the couch and go out to the yard (no gangsters). This will not only keep your kids occupied with fun, wholesome activities, it would also promote better health.
In picking a toy, always try to find the right balance of "educational" and "fun". Choose a toy that focuses too much on the "fun" aspect and you deprive your kids of the benefits of a very useful educational tool; pick a tool that is very "educational" and your kids would view them as additional homework.
Safety too, is a consideration when you buy toys from your kids. When you're buying for younger children do not purchase anything with small, removable parts and sharp edges as these puts your kid in danger of choking or obtaining injuries.
Toys play an important role in the development of kids. Unlike when we purchase from online wristwatch sales where it's okay to just pick the item that would look good most on us, buying toys for kids should involve serious thought. Use these tips and reminders to ensure that you only buy the best kinds of toys for your kids. "
Maraya Mullen is a copywriter affiliated with Gifts and Goodies, an online shopping store that lets parents buy kids toys online . Visit the site to buy mp4 players and check out their online wristwatch sales .
Maraya Mullen may be contacted at http://www.fruitengine.com or marayab@fruitengine.com
One of the biggest sellers this year is anything to do with Stars Wars! With the release of the final prequel on DVD, children are prepared to fight the dark side with lightsabers, action figures, and Darth Vadar voice changing masks. For boys and girls alike, this is a guaranteed pleaser.
Also making an appearance on Christmas lists this year are the dolls and accessories from the movie, Barbie and the Magic of Pegasus . Mattel Entertainment manages to perfectly time the release of their Barbie series movies every year to play in perfectly with the holiday season. This year has been no different. Little girls everywhere will be waking up to Princess Annika and her flying horse.
For younger children, Fisher-Price s Tumble Time Tigger is a must for this holiday season. This loveable Winnie the Pooh character does cartwheels, stands on his head, and dances. He is also sound-activated, so he will keep going with your child s laughter and clapping.
BRATZ dolls are also big with girls this year. Not only do they have the regular line, but the secondary line of BRATZ Big Babyz is a new twist on an already popular trend. However, some parents are resisting their daughters pleas, as these dolls are known for their scantily designed clothes and controversial trade name.
If you remember the hysteria over Tickle Me Elmo a few years ago (like anyone can forget), then it should be of no surprise that Elmo is big again this year with the Shout! Dancing Elmo Doll. This adorable Sesame Street native is getting kids moving with his rendition of Make Me Wanna Shout! and a dance to go along with it. No one can resist such a cute little monster!
Aquadoodle is another ingenious gift idea by Spinmasters. This is a large pad that allows children to draw with a magic pen filled with water, which disappears in a short time. Therefore, there is no mess to clean up and this pen will not end up decorating your walls.
VTech V.Smile TV Learning System is an answer to the video game craze, but is targeted more toward education. These games teach children from ages 3-7 math skills, English, reasoning, and science and plug directly into your television for convenience.
The various LeapFrog Learning products are also an option for making learning fun. With several choices to focus on different age levels and information categories, you can find exactly what will be most beneficial for your child. You can choose laptops, reading systems, or math games to give the gift of knowledge this holiday season.
Salim Jordan is Editor and Publisher of MoreThanLinks.com. Bringing you the best informed content on the web. Salim Jordan may be contacted at http://www.morethanlinks.com
Here we present Christmas Decorations to deck your halls and trim your tree.
Snowmen | Santas | Angels | Collector's Plates | Ornaments | Christmas Bears and Dolls | Nativity Scenes | Wreaths | African-American
Musical Decorations | Frosted Glass Decorations | Lights and Candleholders | Christmas Home | Trinket Boxes and Globes| Vases
| Stuffed Toys | Curious George | Teddy Bears | Hand Puppets | More
Comic Books | Games | Hand Puppets | Key Chains | Microscopes | Puzzles | Racing Sets | Sports Cards | Stuffed Toys | Telescopes | MORE KIDS STUFF |
EL SEGUNDO, Calif., Sept. 4 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Mattel, Inc. announced today that, as a result of the company's ongoing investigation of its toys manufactured by vendors in China, the company has voluntarily recalled 11 toys globally, including eight pet and furniture playsets sold under the Barbie(R) brand and three Fisher-Price(R) toys, due to impermissible levels of lead. No Barbie(R) dolls are included within the recall. In total, there are 522,000 affected toys in the U.S., and 322,000 affected toys outside of the U.S. Mattel has completed the testing program for the majority of its toys, including all of its toys currently sourced from vendors.
The voluntary recall results from Mattel's thorough investigation of vendor-sourced toys. Mattel has also globally implemented a strengthened, three-point check system to test toys throughout the manufacturing process.
"In August we promised that we'd continue to focus on ensuring the safety and quality of our toys through extensive testing of finished products, thorough investigation of our vendors and the implementation of a strengthened three-point check system. As a result of our ongoing investigation we discovered additional affected products. Consequently, several subcontractors are no longer manufacturing Mattel toys. We apologize again to everyone affected and promise that we will continue to focus on ensuring the safety and quality of our toys," said Robert A. Eckert, chairman and chief executive officer, Mattel.
In the U.S., there are seven recalled Barbie(R)-branded toys. The specific affected parts include:
-- Dream Puppy House(TM)- orange on miniature dog
-- Dream Kitty Condo(TM)- brown on miniature cat
-- Table & Chairs Kitchen Playset - yellow food on two dinner plates,
brown on miniature dog, yellow and orange on potato chip bowl, orange
on salad bowl
-- Bathtub & Toilet Playset - brown on miniature cat
-- Desk & Chair Bedroom Playset - brown on miniature dog
-- Living Room Playset (deluxe) - brown on miniature cat
-- Living Room Playset (premium) - yellow flower on purse
The playsets affected by the recall were produced by Holder Plastic Company (Holder), a Mattel contract vendor, which subcontracted the painting of miniature toy pets and small furniture pieces to Dong Lian Fa (DLF) and Yip Sing (YS). DLF and YS used uncertified paint and are no longer producing toys for Mattel.
Mattel's investigation revealed that the subcontractors painted the affected toys between March 2007 and August 2007. However Mattel is being cautious and recalling the entire production of the seven toys painted by the subcontractors. Therefore, toys manufactured beginning in October 2006 are included within the recall. The toys being recalled were sold at retail between November 2006 and August 2007.
Among the three Fisher-Price(R) toys recalled are two Fisher-Price(R) GEOTRAX(TM) toys and one "It's a Big Big World" toy. Fisher-Price(R) toys with specific parts affected include:
-- GEOTRAX(TM) Rail & Road System Freightway Transport(TM)- yellow
headlights on train car and miniature ladder
-- GEOTRAX(TM) Special Track Pack(TM) - yellow headlights on train car and
miniature ladder
-- "It's a Big Big World" 6-in-1 Bongo Band - painted decal on top of
clear plastic on drum
The two GEOTRAX(TM) toys were manufactured by Apex Manufacturing Company Ltd. (Apex), one of Mattel's contract vendors, which outsourced paint work to a subcontractor, Boyi Plastic Products Factory (Boyi). Apex supplied Boyi with certified paint; however, the toys were manufactured with uncertified paint. Boyi is no longer in business. The two GEOTRAX(TM) toys that tested for impermissible levels of lead were manufactured between July 31, 2006, and September 4, 2006; however, the painted parts were stored and incorporated into toy production throughout the year. Mattel is being cautious and recalling toys shipped between August 3, 2006, and July 31, 2007.
The Fisher-Price(R) "It's a Big Big World" 6-in-1 Bongo Band toy was manufactured by Shun On Factory, one of Mattel's contract vendors, which outsourced the molding and painting of one plastic piece. A subcontractor, Jingying Tampo Printing Processing Factory, used uncertified paint on the affected piece. The "It's a Big Big World" 6-in-1 Bongo Band was manufactured between May 19, 2007, and August 1, 2007.
Mattel is working in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and other regulatory agencies worldwide. Mattel is also working with retailers worldwide to identify and remove affected products from retail shelves.
For additional information regarding this recall, including a full list of affected products, please contact Mattel at (888) 496-8330, or visit the company's Web site at http://www.service.mattel.com/. A full list of products is also published by the Consumer Products Safety Commission.
How to Return Affected Toys/Parts:
1) The first step is for consumers to determine if they have a toy that
has been affected by the recall. To do so, they can visit
http://www.service.mattel.com/ where they will find a complete list of
each toy recalled, including color photos, toy model numbers and
affected date codes. Consumers can locate toy model numbers on the
bottom of most recalled toys.
For consumers without a computer, or for those preferring phone
support, they may call (888) 496-8330
2) Once consumers determine that they think they own a Mattel toy
affected by the recall, they are prompted to fill out a form (online)
or provide their postal address (via phone), and Mattel will send to
consumers (via email or to a postal address) a color brochure with
photos, toy numbers and date code ranges of every affected toy, as
well as a pre-paid mailing label for return of the affected part(s).
3) After receiving consumers' returned, affected part(s), Mattel will
send consumers replacement parts for each affected product, as well as
bonus pieces/parts.
Mattel recommends that consumers do not return toys to retailers for three reasons:
1) Mattel can help consumers determine if a toy has been affected by the
recall (vs. returning an unaffected toy)
2) Mattel will provide consumers with a replacement part for each toy
part affected by the recall
3) Mattel will handle affected products in an environmentally friendly
way
Consumers do not need to have the toy's original packaging or a receipt to return affected products to Mattel.
Mattel, Inc., (NYSE:MAT) , (http://www.mattel.com/) is the worldwide leader in the design, manufacture and marketing of toys and family products. The Mattel family is comprised of such best-selling brands as Barbie(R), the most popular fashion doll ever introduced, Hot Wheels(R), Matchbox(R), American Girl(R), Radica(R) and Tyco(R) R/C, as well as Fisher-Price(R) brands, including Little People(R), Power Wheels(R) and a wide array of entertainment- inspired toy lines. Mattel is recognized as one of the 100 Most Trustworthy U.S. Companies by Forbes Magazine and is ranked among the 100 Best Corporate Citizens by CRO Magazine. Committed to ethical manufacturing practices, Mattel marks a 10-year milestone in 2007 for its ever-evolving Global Manufacturing Principles and focus on sustainable business practices. With global headquarters in El Segundo, Calif., Mattel employs more than 30,000 people in 43 countries and territories and sells products in more than 150 nations. Mattel's vision is to be the world's premier toy brands -- today and tomorrow.
Source: Mattel, Inc.
Most children love to play with toys, regardless of time or place; however, toys tend to take on an altogether more important significance at Christmas time. And whether you're looking for Christmas toys for your children, young relatives, or to give to charity, you'll always find yourself surrounded by toys as the world enters the festive season.
Collecting toys for charity at Christmas time has been a long-running annual affair for countless charitable families, as well as many church groups. At Greyfriars Church Centre in Reading, for example, people have already begun sending toys and tins of food for its annual Christmas collection; these will be donated to needy children around the city. John Brown, caretaker of the church bookshop said:
"I think it is a brilliant idea and it is great to see the generosity of people in Reading bringing in toys and tins to make Christmas for the children."
If you have children of your own, Christmas can undoubtedly get rather hectic. A great way to encourage your kids to be more pro-active when it comes to Christmas preparation is by making them create their own Christmas cards and decorations. Buy some speciality Christmas arts and crafts supplies, such as blank cards, colour in cards, glitter-glue pens and Christmas stickers; patterned paper chains or DIY Christmas cracker sets will also provide children with some creative fun and will keep them busy while you start making the Christmas pudding!
When it comes to buying toys for your children at Christmas, it can be hard to take into account their constantly changing tastes. However, there are some classic toys that children, especially younger ones, will always delight in. Infant girls, for example, always take pleasure in large doll houses to house their collection of figurines. Girls also usually enjoy games or toy sets that revolve around fairies; toys like the Early Learning Centre's Fairy Wonderland Christmas toys, for instance, provide a miniature fairy kingdom with which little girls can fantasise.
Young boys, on the other hand, are often attracted to the darker side of adventure; 3-8 year olds, particularly, often enjoy playing with cars and garages, train models and rockets. All children enjoy toys related to recent films, and this Christmas season sees the release of the 'Santa Clause 3' and happy-go-lucky penguin cartoon 'Happy Feet'. Alternatively, if you're looking for educational toys that teach your child to write and read, or toys that encourage physical activity, like trampolines, you're sure to find a large variety of toys to choose from at Christmas. After all, keeping your children happy and remembering those less fortunate than you are twin thoughts that equate to a fantastic Christmas and a true understanding of its spirit.
About the author:
Andrew Regan recently went on holiday to Sydney Australia where the photos were taken.
Andrew Regan may be contacted at http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Andrew_Regan
Sad Sam | Rufus | Lovies | Snoopy | Bob the Builder | Raggedy Ann & Andy | Curious George | Teddy Bears | Hand Puppets | More
Comic Books | Games | Hand Puppets | Key Chains | Microscopes | Puzzles | Racing Sets | Sports Cards | Stuffed Toys | Telescopes | MORE KIDS STUFF |
33325 A deluxe, plush hand puppet -- of a Saint Bernard! He's a generous 22" long and 8" high, and completely huggable.
33326 The Space Shooter dazzles with sound effects and flashing lights every time you pull the trigger, launching soft foam disks (10 included) up to 20 ft. Uses 2 AA batteries (not included). Not for children under 3. 4 3/4" x 5" x 6 3/4" high.
A36250 Snoopy and Woodstock are the best of friends, as shown by this plush toy. 16" high.
A63201 Snoopy makes a fine Naptime Pal! Three-piece set. 9" x 13" high. Completely machine washable, and include a removable pillow and a 30" x 48" blanket.
A36268 Plush and beanbag Snoopy. 10" high.
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Comic Books | Games | Hand Puppets | Key Chains | Microscopes | Puzzles | Racing Sets | Sports Cards | Stuffed Toys | Telescopes | MORE KIDS STUFF |
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Comic Books | Games | Hand Puppets | Key Chains | Microscopes | Puzzles | Racing Sets | Sports Cards | Stuffed Toys | Telescopes | MORE KIDS STUFF |
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Comic Books | Games | Hand Puppets | Key Chains | Microscopes | Puzzles | Racing Sets | Sports Cards | Stuffed Toys | Telescopes | MORE KIDS STUFF |
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Comic Books | Games | Hand Puppets | Key Chains | Microscopes | Puzzles | Racing Sets | Sports Cards | Stuffed Toys | Telescopes | MORE KIDS STUFF | Return to Toys
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With Games | With Scooby-Doo |
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Comic Books | Games | Hand Puppets | Key Chains | Microscopes | Puzzles | Racing Sets | Sports Cards | Stuffed Toys | Telescopes | MORE KIDS STUFF | Return to Toys
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Comic Books | Games | Hand Puppets | Key Chains | Microscopes | Puzzles | Racing Sets | Sports Cards | Stuffed Toys | Telescopes | MORE KIDS STUFF | Return to Toys
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Comic Books | Games | Hand Puppets | Key Chains | Microscopes | Puzzles | Racing Sets | Sports Cards | Stuffed Toys | Telescopes | MORE KIDS STUFF | Return to Toys
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Comic Books | Games | Hand Puppets | Key Chains | Microscopes | Puzzles | Racing Sets | Sports Cards | Stuffed Toys | Telescopes | MORE KIDS STUFF | Return to Toys
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Sad Sam | Rufus | Lovies | Snoopy | Bob the Builder | Raggedy Ann & Andy | Curious George | Teddy Bears | Hand Puppets | More
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Sad Sam | Rufus | Lovies | Snoopy | Bob the Builder | Raggedy Ann & Andy | Curious George | Teddy BearsHand Puppets | More
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Sad Sam | Rufus | Lovies | Snoopy | Bob the Builder | Raggedy Ann & Andy | Curious George | Teddy BearsHand Puppets | More
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Sad Sam | Rufus | Lovies | Snoopy | Bob the Builder | Raggedy Ann & Andy | Curious George | Teddy BearsHand Puppets | More
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Sad Sam | Rufus | Lovies | Snoopy | Bob the Builder | Raggedy Ann & Andy | Curious George | Teddy Bears | Hand Puppets | More
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Sad Sam | Rufus | Lovies | Snoopy | Bob the Builder | Raggedy Ann & Andy | Curious George | Teddy Bears | Hand Puppets | More
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Sad Sam | Rufus | Lovies | Snoopy | Bob the Builder | Raggedy Ann & Andy | Curious George | Teddy Bears | Hand Puppets | More
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Sad Sam | Rufus | Lovies | Snoopy | Bob the Builder | Raggedy Ann & Andy | Curious George | Teddy Bears | Hand Puppets | More
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Curious George 10"A43910 Such a curious -- and cute! -- little monkey! Curious George plush doll with red t-shirt and plastic eyes. 10" high. |
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Sad Sam | Rufus | Lovies | Snoopy | Bob the Builder | Raggedy Ann & Andy | Curious George | Teddy Bears | Hand Puppets | More
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It is that time of year again. Christmas. Do you know what is on your child's Christmas wish lists? When you do your Christmas shopping, do you know the most popular toys? For Christmas 2002, the most popular toys, the hottest picks, the trends, will be classic toys, video games, tech toys, and licensed products. Barbie as Rapunzel leads the pack as the most talked about toy. For boys, video games and interactive toys and products featuring popular licenses are the rage. Parents are focusing more on educational products and PC games as gift options. Playstation 2 still ranks first in consoles; Nintendo's Game Boy Advance ranks first in portable units. More and more families are choosing to stay at home together. "Cocooning" has caused a surge in popularity for new games like Cranium and classic games like Monopoly and Risk.
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Toy in Specialty Stores - LeapPad Learning System (LeapFrog Enterprises)Runner-Ups - Care Bears, Cranium Cariboo, Dora the Explorer dolls, LeapStart Learning Table, LEO Star Wars sets, MEGA BLOKS, Musini, SpectraColor Image Pad, Thomas & Friends Board Game - Cranium Cariboo (Cranium Inc.)Runner-Ups - Cranium Cadoo, Cranium, Friends Trivia in a Tin, I Spy Preschool Game, Lord of the Rings: Risk, MONOPOLY, Rush Hour, Spell-A-Puzzle, and Trivial Pursuit 20th Anniversary Video Game Hardware - Playstation 2 (Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc.)Runner-Ups - Game Boy Advance, Network Adaptor, NINTENDO GAMECUBE, PS one, Xbox Video Game Software - Grand Theft Auto: Vice City (Rockstar Games)Runner-Ups - Bond 007: Nightfire, Harry Potter and Chamber of Secrets, Madden NFL 2003, Metroid Prime, SEGA Sports NBA 2K3, SEGA Sports NFL 2K3, SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs, Tony Hawk Proskater 4, and WWW Smackdown! Shut Your Mouth. |
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PC Game - The Sims Online (Electronic Arts)Runner-Ups - Age of Mythology, Backyard Sports (various), Dora the Explorer, Everquest: Planes of Power, Roller Coaster Tycoon 2, SpongeBob SquarePants Employee of the Month, The Sims: Unleashed, Unreal II, and Warcraft III Collectible - Yu-Gi-Oh trading cards (Upper Deck)Runner-Ups - HeroClix (DC & Marvel), Holiday Celebration Barbie 2002, Mage Knight, Magic: The Gathering, MechWarrior, Muppets, Pokemon, Spider-Man, and Sports figures |
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Brand Family - Dora the Explorer (Mattel, Infogrames et. al)Runner-Ups - Barbie, Disney Princesses, Grand Theft Auto, LeapFrog, LEGO, Spider-Man, SpongeBob SquarePants, Star Wars, and Thomas & Friends |
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The National Retail Federation (NRF), in its 2003 Holiday Consumer Intentions and Actions survey, said a return to basics has stretched to toys this year, with traditional toys making a strong comeback.
Hot toys for girls
Barbie
Bratz
Leap Frog
Dora the Explorer
Care Bears
Elmo
Polly Pocket
Game Boy
My Little Pony
American Girl
Hot Toys for Boys
Cars / Trucks
Game Boy related
Video Games
Hot Wheels
Playstation related
Hulk
Yu-Gi-Oh
Leap Frog
Xbox
Lego
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