Gifts for Kids

Mind Control or Skin Control? The Mindflex from Matel

2009-11-04T08:47:00.000-08:00

The Mindflex strikes me as one of those games that are so cool but after a day and a half you're done with it.

The proposition is simple - use the power of your mind to control a ball going through a 3D maze.

In reality you use a head band that measures something (skin reaction, alpha waves, whatever) and then alters the air flow under a ball. The ball goes up and down as you turn an obstacle course.

The reviews on Amazon are mixed - some love it and some are disappointed it's not as cool as it sounds.

My view is that it is cool, but you should expect to use it with a group for the most fun, or get it out occasionally on family game night.

It has a rating of 3.7 stars on Amazon as of 11/4/09.

Here are some quotes from the reviews:

Great for my autistic son
Fun for kids, but not for adults
Mind bending fun Fun challenge for everyone
Great gift
Novelty value, not worth the money
Fun but only for a short time

You can read the reviews here.

Search eBay for Mindflex

Top 10 Birthday Gifts For Girls

2009-08-28T07:57:00.000-07:00

Kids love opening "real" presents-don't resort to offering a gift card for your next birthday gift. You can offer a fun present that your child (or a friend) will enjoy playing with, and get some other real benefits as well. Choose outdoor toys to encourage physical activity, or an art set to get the creative juices flowing. Consider bringing one of the following "girl" gifts to your next party:

1. Barbie with clothing: If you are at all crafty, you can knit, crochet, or sew a unique, one of a kind Barbie wardrobe. Looks for scraps of sparkly and embroidered fabrics or yarns to make your child's Barbie the best dressed on the block.

2. Sewing Machine: Choose a basic "grown up" sewing machine equipped with a simple zigzag and straight stitch for an older girl. Girls under 9 may prefer a child sized machine with the same functions. Include a basic sewing book and some fabrics to get her started. This is an "old fashioned" gift, but learning to sew and craft at an early age promotes both creativity and manual dexterity.

3. Salon Trip: Plan a mini salon day, including a haircut and style, and a simple manicure and pedicure. This is a great way to spend some one on one time with your daughter, no matter how old she is.

4. Sports Equipment: Sports are not just for boys! Most little girls will enjoy a t-ball set or similar item, and girls of all ages can play basketball or soccer. Playing sports builds confidence and fitness, and a child that enjoys sports will develop healthy habits that last a lifetime.

5. Play House or Kitchen Set: Even young toddlers enjoy pretend play. If you provide your daughter with a pretend house or kitchen, you are providing her with the opportunity to play "pretend", and role play as well.

6. Bicycle, Skates, or Skateboard: Provide a fun way to get around, and add a matching helmet and safety gear as needed.

7. Cooking or baking set: Depending on your child's age, you can provide a "real" set of cooking utensils, and possibly some cooking lessons. If your child is interested, you can seek out classes in cake decorating, artisan breads, or other specialty items. This gift is not limited to girls-many boys enjoy cooking as well!

8. Art set: Assemble your own art set using a tackle box and basic art supplies. Include paint and brushes, paper, pastels, canvas, scissors, and other fine art supplies. You can also include a collapsible easel for your budding artist to work on.

9. Scrapbook Set: Select or make a scrapbooking kit, including an album, specialty papers, scissors, punches and stickers. Include an inexpensive camera, and your child can scrapbook using her own photos.

10. Petting Zoo party: If your child is the birthday girl, rent a petting zoo for the big day- hire a travel petting zoo for the day. These small businesses will set up in your backyard, and bring along a variety of kid-friendly animals for your child to meet and learn about. The best travel zoos include an "animal talk" as well, and let your child and her guests meet and learn about animals right in your own backyard.

Denise Sanger is the owner of NewCoolToysOnline.com which features a fantastic selection of outdoor toys including ride-on toys and battery ride on toys for girls. The company is located in Sunny Florida and may be reached 877-950-7665.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Denise_Sanger

Transformers Toys - 4 Reasons to Buy Transformers Toys Online

2009-07-22T10:36:00.001-07:00

Following the huge success of the Transformers Revenge of the Fallen film, many fans are running to the toy stores to buy their own transformers toys. But sadly, many fans were not able to buy what they wanted because many other fans beat them to it. It is really inconvenient to travel to the toy stores just to get the toys but would find out later on that they are already unavailable. Having said that, let me share to you the disadvantages of not buying toys from the internet.

1) You have to pay the gasoline to go to the toy stores. This is added expense from your pockets. Compare the ease of ordering online, your toys will be delivered right to your doorsteps.

2) Worse, when you arrive there, what you want to buy are no longer available. Now, that is a big hassle you don't want to get into. But if you are going to buy from the internet, you will know right away if they are in stock or not, saving you time and effort.

3) There is not much toys to choose from. Many toy stores only have limited stocks on certain items. If they are not yet available, they will tell you that stocks will be arriving in a few weeks or so, so you will spend time calling hotlines to check stocks or go to another toy store to check the availability. Unlike if you go online, the web is much more updated and you can check right away and select which to buy.

4) Believe me when I say, speaking from experience, that there are more discounts, more promos, and prices are lesser online compared to the ones in the stores, though not really that big difference, but consider the savings most especially if you buy bunch of items.

So get your own Transformers toys now before they run out of availability. You can purchase them online. Save yourself from a lot of hassle, money and time.

Now you can click here to find where to buy the toys and other merchandises for your kids.

David is a regular blogger who writes about movies, sports, TV episodes, TV shows, animation most especially like Marvel, DC, Transformers, and many more. Read his other blogs and articles to get updated with the latest news and trends.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_U_Miller

Top 5 Batman Begins Action Figures

2009-07-07T11:32:00.000-07:00

Every time anything new of batman is released, whether it is a comic book or a movie, the demand for Batman toys hits the market. The toy line of batman begins action figures was released and they are all named after the batman movies and comic books. The toys are the liking of the characters that are in the movie and are even dressed the same.

Batman action figures have always been very popular since their first release in the 60's. Unsurprisingly enough there are more Batman figure toys than any other character out there thus far.

The toy companies continue to put out batman begins action figures toys each year with different variations and people of all ages are interested in these either to collect them or just because it is a batman toy.

The batman Begins action figures toy line is excellent and was launched when the Batman begins movie was release in 2005. Here are the top 5 action figures that are popular from the Batman Begins action figures collection:

1. Batmobile - This toy replica of the batmobile from the movie is full of sounds that bring the movie to life. It has a rocket engine that has really neat sounds and light up in the front with lasers. It also converts into attack mode.

2. Ultimate Batman Figure - This is an all time favorites because it is the very own, batman with the stunning black and gold details which looks very sleek.

3. 14 inch action cape Batman - With over twenty-five points of articulation kids can put Batman in lots of poses. In addition to a pop-out cape that dramatically extends into "gliding" position.

4. Battle Gear Batman Begins Figure - This is a classic figure from the original Batman movie. Batman is always ready for a good fight with this 6 inch figure that is equipped with a steel case full of battle gear, keeping the Dark Knight prepared for any foe.

5. 13-inch Batman figure - Although it is higher priced than the other action figures it is great for the Batman collector. It features an authentic movie costume, an alternate set of hands, and a display base and to top it off, it is a limited edition figure.

For more information on Batman Begins action figures and other hot action figures of the season check out Todays Hottest Toys.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nikki_Davis

Little Tikes Sandbox

2009-06-25T10:29:00.000-07:00

What is one of the most enduring, appealing play environments for kids that's been around as long as anyone can remember? The sandbox. No summer is complete unless there is a certain amount of sand play. Fortunately the folks over at Little Tikes have made several models to choose from, all with the legendary toughness that Little Tikes products are known for.

The Little Tikes Butterfly Beach Sandbox and Wading pool is a sort of two-for-one deal: you get a sandbox in one "wing" and a wading pool in the other. It also comes with a handy umbrella to keep those burning rays off your little one's shoulders. Free form imaginative play with sand is one of the classic rites of childhood. And, of course, free form cleaning up of all the sand that gets tracked into the house is a classic rite of parenthood, but that's OK. The Little Tikes Butterfly Beach Sandbox and Wading Pool retails for around $40.

The Little Tikes Sand & Water Table - Builder's Bay - is loads of fun for kids who like building things. Of course, the sand and water don't exactly stay all in their correct places, but that's part of what playing with sand is all about. After all, moist sand packs well for making castles and pyramids.

The Little Tikes Sand & Water Table Builder's Bay is a table, so kids stand up and have access to all the space for driving around miniature cars and creating dunes and beaches and who knows what else.

While there is a case to be made for sandboxes built into a backyard under a tree fort, there is also one very good reason for parents to consider a self-contained sandbox like the ones from Little Tikes: if you move, all you have to do is dump out the sand and take it with you.

http://www.thetoyzone.com

Little Tikes sand box

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Danny_Mitchell_Ashton

Outdoor Water Toys - Good Clean Summertime Fun For Kids

2009-06-23T10:20:00.000-07:00

Some good ideas to keep the kids occupied outside this summer.

Some kids may hate taking a bath, but that doesn't mean they hate water. I have never met a kid that given the chance wouldn't run around in the rain or slash around and play in the puddles the rain leaves behind. Kids love water when they can play in it outside. If you would like to see your child smile from ear to ear just give them one of these really cool water toys and then stand back if you don't want to get wet.

Water balloons are a fun and very inexpensive way for kids to play with water. Give your kids a package of balloons and the garden hose and they are set. If you want to get a little more high tech, you can purchase slingshots made especially for launching water balloons.

Another of the not too expensive water toys you can buy are water guns. Of course some of the more powerful water guns can get up there in price, but none of them are too costly. Kids can have a ton of fun chasing each other around the yard and shooting each other with their water guns. There are even clip on targets you can purchase to make their water gun fights a little more challenging.

We all played in the garden sprinklers as kids, but today there are lots of really cute sprinklers made just for kids to play in. There are sprinklers available that are made for small children like the Elmo sprinkler I bought for my grandsons that allows you to adjust how much water comes out so even the youngest toddler can enjoy the water without getting sprayed in the face. Then there are other sprinklers that are made for older children that wiggle and move and spray water everywhere.

Slip and slide mats are another way to let you kids have a little water fun. The original slip 'n slide has been around for over forty years and now is available in several different designs and even some double and triple designs so your kids can have water races.

If you want to splurge a little, the inflatable water slides are a big hit with kids and come in lots of different designs and sizes. If you are looking for other fun toys for your kids visit best selling toys for toys for kids of all ages.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lynn_Crowe

Trunki Review - Don't Be the Last One to Know About the Latest Travel Craze!

2009-06-22T06:27:00.000-07:00

If you have children of the toddler or pre-school age then you will know that traveling becomes more difficult as they like to carry their own things. However, carrying your own bag through the airport becomes much less exciting when they realise how tiring the task can be. After all the journey to the departure gate can be too far for little legs. Trunki is the latest travel craze, and the answer to your child's travel problems.

The Trunki ride on suitcase is a new breed of child sized luggage which doubles up as a ride-on toy, perfect for when their little legs get tired. The sturdy case is made of the same material as adult luggage and is built to last. It's light enough for a small child to carry (just four pounds when empty) but strong enough for them to sit on and be pulled along by mum or dad.

The wheels roll smoothly on tile or low-pile carpets and the brightly coloured cases can even carry more than one child!

The 18x18x12 case is approved as airplane hand luggage and is big enough for your child's snacks, games and even spare clothes. So it's perfect for keeping them entertained during the flight too. Please be aware though, if you are planning a long trip, or need to pack bulky clothes like sweaters, then you might need an additional bag to put those in.

Trunki comes in a variety of colours and styles and is sure to turn heads as you pull your little one through the airport.

Now you have learned why the Trunki ride on suitcase is the latest travel craze visit http://www.trunkirideonsuitcase.com to find out how you can get free shipping today!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Clare_Swindlehurst

Get more information on Trunki

Toys For the Future Engineer (K'nex, Etc Toys That Teach About Machine Functions)

2009-06-19T07:23:00.000-07:00

You know why a lot of us didn't like school? It was simply kind of boring. For some of us, it was challenging, but for many, it's just that the material was already old to us by the time we got to it.

If you were already reading Doctor Seuss before you ever started first grade, you were probably ready for a little something more by that point. Some of us got lucky and were maybe skipped ahead a grade or two, while others simply had to settle for being the bored smart kid in the class.

When you're young, you tend to latch on to certain things, and it's important that your parents nurture that interest (even if it does result in boredom at school). For example, when a kid who's always been playing around with Legos toys, K'nex and other mechanical toys starts learning about simple and complex machines in school, he or she is going to wind up saying "Haven't I already been over this?" The wise teacher will administer some slightly advanced curriculum to the child.

Being way ahead of the class, again, while it can make school a little dull, winds up being very important later in life. It's always the kid who found grade school dull who winds up being accepted to an elite academy for future engineers.

If you want to facilitate your future-engineering-genius's creativity and grasp of the material, the good news is that you have quite a lot of options. The better toymakers out there craft their products with an understanding of the way a child's brain functions. Kids don't think they're training for a career in designing new ways to harvest and cultivate food, or that they're going to engineer an ingenious solution to fossil fuels, they're just having fun, putting different things together and seeing what they come up with.

Legos are a no brainer. Particularly any legos toy kit full of moving parts, gears, wheels and axles. Lego's Technic line is particularly great. Each kit is built with a certain thing in mind. One might make a real working bulldozer, another might make a race car, but if you get a few kits, you can piece the different parts together and make pretty much anything you can come up with.

Meccano is another great line of developmental toys if you want to step up from the simplicity of Technics. Meccano actually comes with a few simple tools and requires kids to put together cars, airplanes and other machines with small pieces of colour coded sheet metal, as well as nuts and bolts.

But dig this, if you want something really cool, you can go for the Haynes internal combustion engine. It only costs about sixty five bucks, which isn't much when you consider what it is: A simulation of a real, working internal combustion engine.

Now, it doesn't actually require gasoline or anything, it's not a real engine, but rather, an electronic simulation of one. It's a small model of a real four cylinder engine. It comes with spark plugs, tools, nuts and bolts, and all the instructions you'll need to put it together. It teaches how a real engine works, and it makes all the cool sounds you expect from a real engine. It's as close as you can get to real engineering without filling your living room with carbon monoxide!

Yogee.com.au is a leading Australian online toy store. Visit yogee.com.au for a wide selection of Kids Toys at discounted prices. To save money on your next purchase, please visit Toys.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chang_Lim

Children's Toys - Combining Fun With Learning

2009-06-18T07:13:00.000-07:00

Children's toys are basically a combination of toys or games designed specifically to allow a child to learn and inculcate various traits while they play. Children generally living in their high energy modes can canalize their time and efforts into making learning and playing a thing that can be done simultaneously. If you are a super parent then you would probably always be on the look out for such toys in the hope that the ever wavering attention of your child is held long enough to enable them to learn something worthwhile as they fiddle around with the newest of toys that you bought.

In a time when the tried and tested method to keep a child held at a place without letting them involve in mischief is to either letting them watch television or play video games, these toys are sure to provide the parents with an alternative way out of the conundrum of how to ensure that their child spends spare time without letting any of the time spent go to a waste. It is also of significance that studies show children involved in playing with such toys have a lower susceptibility to neural diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and dementia. The onus however is on the parents to make sure that a lot of such challenging games are present in the house and that the child is always encouraged as well as coerced into being involved with them in spare time.

The following list highlights a few of the basic and common children's toys available and their utility in a child's development.

* Clay molding sets: These types of toys allow the creativity of the child take to the forefront as they mould figures and objects randomly. Available in varied colors they also fascinate the child as they make replicas of real life things such as a car or a dog as such. It is visually stimulating and helps better the hand eye co-ordination and motor skills.

* Dolls and stuffed toys: These inculcate the sense of possession, caring and bonding in the child as he or she plays with and indulges in dressing up or feeding the toy. It also helps in encouraging the child's emerging senses.

* Building blocks: These allow the development of the child's motor abilities as he/she engages in building structures and patterns in varied levels of difficulty and complexity. It helps augment the sense of cause-effect in the child's mind.

* Flash cards and edutainment games: suitable for slightly older children and allow them to enhance their memory and knowledge base. It also helps them to getting a hold of basic mathematical concepts and quantitative skills.

Apart from the above mentioned toys there are also a lot of other toys serving the noble purpose of keeping your child busy as well as learning. As a parent it would be open to your choice as to what kind of toy is most suitable for your kid. So no matter what you buy, do buy something that challenges the intellect of your child and makes him challenged by it so as to try for as long as it takes. Be sure to check the instructions and safety parameters being followed by the manufacturer so as to ensure safety for your child.

All said and done, get your child a toy that is more than just a item to while way time. Sit back and relax as you see your child enjoy.

Baby toys - At ebeanstalk, we carry a unique selection of 1 year old toys, 2 year old toys through toys for 7 year olds. Our collection of educational & learning toys for babies, infants & toddlers from 100+ manufacturers will truly match your child's development.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alice_Shown

A Mini Guide on the Folding Trampoline

2009-06-15T07:11:00.000-07:00

A folding trampoline is a great way to give your kids all the fun of bouncing up and down for hours at a time, yet still be able to tuck it away in a small space for storage, or when not in use. The way it works is that the four legs will tuck up and under the actual trampoline, and then it is only a few inches thick. You can store it standing on its side in your garage, or if small enough it may even fit in a closet.

The folding trampoline is an alternative to gargantuan counterparts which can take up in some cases the entire space of your lawn. Those kinds tend to get weather-beaten and are not necessarily so attractive to passersby. They are also less safe, merely because of their height off the ground and the extra bounce power that comes from the wider area they have.

No trampoline should be used by kids younger than three. They just don't have the coordination and self-protective bones to take a hard fall at that age. But as soon as they are old enough, a folding trampoline may strike the perfect balance between safety and comfort on the one hand, and keeping your yard from looking over-ridden by kids' toys on the other. Plus, it'll get them out of your hair for hours at a time.

Lastly, I would recommend testing out the trampoline before purchasing, as they are not all made with the same quality and stability. You should also inquire into whether the feet of the toy will scar up floors if used inside.

To learn more about the folding trampoline and trampolines in general, be sure to visit http://www.trampolinespot.com/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Diane_Crawford

Cool Toys For Car Kids - Lego Racers, Remote Control Cars, Etc

2009-06-13T09:12:00.001-07:00

If you walk into any classroom in the country, you're going to have every little boy and girl pegged within a few minutes when it comes to what they're into. That girl reading National Geographic loves animals, the boy over there doodling in his notebook and ignoring the teacher is the artist, and the kid holding his fists in the air in front of him going "Vrooooom, vroooommmmm! EEEEEE!" is obviously the one who's into cars.

It's one of those fascinations that, for many of us, begins in early childhood and carries right on into adulthood, and then right on into old age. While in real life, we may have to settle for a more affordable and modest vehicle, leaving the hot rods and custom machines to racers and movie stuntmen, the escapism of a good car chase flick, or just a walk through a classic car show leaves most adults with a smile on their face, thinking about what we could drive if only we didn't have to hold down a job and maintain a respectable living!

If it's your son or nephew who's nuts about V8 engines and knows more about fuel injection than you do, here are a few words of advice: Encourage that. Whenever you go to work on the car, let the boy tag along, explain to him what you're doing and allow him to help out. At the very least, you're going to raise a kid who can take care of these things for himself when he reaches driving age. And secondly, keep encouraging his infatuation with cars with the right toys.

Some of the coolest cars toys actually come from Legos. Lego racers, for instance, are pretty cool. They let the kid put together a race car either based on the instructions, or they can build one of their own design.

And of course, you simply cannot go wrong with remote control cars. Back when we were kids, these were pretty much the cool toy, and they still are. Sure, you can play racing video games these days, but do racing games let you build your own race tracks in the backyard? Do you get the same viscera thrill racing in a video game that you do hearing the whirr and buzz of the electric motor of a remote control car? Can you set up a bunch of used soda cans and try to stage spectacular crashes into the stack? Remote control cars offer room for imagination that's hard to attain with an Xbox controller.

And of course, if your kid is still a bit young for something as complex as a hundred piece lego set or a remote control car or something, there are plenty of things for the young, car loving child. Wooden toys, for example, They may not fulfill that need for speed, but they're a safe, easy alternative when your kid is just obsessed with automotives and you know he's not ready for something made for older children just yet.

Yogee.com.au is a leading Australian online toy store. Visit yogee.com.au for a wide selection of Kids Toys at discounted prices. To save money on your next purchase, please visit Kids Toys.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chang_Lim

Which Transformers Are the Cool Ones?

2009-01-30T10:25:00.000-08:00

A great guide for anyone with a boy who's into Transformers (and some men too!)

Boys love Transformers. That's a fact of life. You have death, taxes, and boys loving Transformers. It's pretty simple, if you think about it. What are the two coolest things in the world? The answer is huge vehicles, and huge robots. If you get a huge vehicle that can transform into a huge robot, you get triple cool points.

So the title might be a little misleading. Which Transformers are the cool ones? Well, all of them, really. The question is which are the coolest ones, and which are the ones you only need if you want the full set?

So, here are the ones you absolutely need to have if you want to stage some awe-inspiring robot battles...

Optimus Prime

This guy is basically The Man. He's the primary hero of the series, in pretty much all of its incarnations from the animated series to the new movies to the old comic books, leader of the heroic Autobot Transformers. A big red semi truck that transforms into a superheroic robot. He displays courage, competence, and compassion, the ultimate hero. He should be the first Transformer on your shopping list if your kid is into robots.

Megatron

Leader of the evil Decepticon Transformers, Megatron is ruthless and extremely powerful, although he's not without a sense of honour, he and Optimus Prime have a grudging respect for one another as rivals, which makes him all the much cooler a villain. In the new movie, Megatron transforms into a stealth fighter jet. In the original toy line, he transformed into... a handgun. There's no telling who would be large enough to fire a gigantic handgun, or how Megatron thought that a giant handgun would be an inconspicuous disguise while he tries to blend in on planet Earth, but hey, it was the eighties.

So those two, Optimus Prime and Megatron, are the primary hero and villain of the series, like Batman and the Joker or Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader, but they're both backed up by their own troops of nearly-as-cool robots. In no particular order, some of the other Transformers that kids have always loved would include...

Starscream

Starscream isn't clearly a badguy or a goodguy, and has sided with both the Autobots and the Decepticons at different times. He's considered a thrill seeker, and has literally the coolest name any robot has ever had. Depending on the version of the toy, he transforms into anything from a combat helicopter to a fighter jet.

Bumblebee

Bumblebee is the Autobot's "scout" in the new movie. He transforms into a yellow sports car and searches Earth to find the badguy's hiding place before calling the other Autobots.

Jazz

The cool, hip, competent Autobot. He has a thing for hip hop music, a sense of flair, and transforms into a silver sports car.

Barricade

A Decepticon with a thing for authority, he transforms into a police cruiser, featured as the baddie in one of the tensest, scariest moments in the new movie.

We could list about a dozen others, but beyond the ones we've got above, it comes down to personal preference. Take a look at the description and see what the robot turns into, like it turns into a tank and your kid has always had a thing for military heroes, if it turns into a helicopter and your boy wants to be a pilot, you're set. You don't have to be an expert on all the dozens and dozens of different Transformers are available, just know what your kid is into and look at some toys online, there's probably a Transformer to match his interests.

Yogee.com.au is a leading Australian online toy store. Visit yogee.com.au for a wide selection of Kids Toys at discounted prices. To save money on your next purchase, please visit Toys.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chang_Lim

The Top 10 Kid's Christmas Gifts This Holiday Season

2008-12-10T13:23:00.000-08:00

If you are looking for that perfect Christmas gift for your children or young teens, you are not alone. Most parents and grandparents are interested in buying their kids and grandkids the latest and most popular toys, games and electronics for the current holiday season. But that can be a daunting task!

So, a list of the Top 10 Christmas Toys can be a real aid when getting ready to do your Christmas shopping for presents.

The Top 10 Christmas Gifts This Year

This listing reflects the best selling toys and games for the Christmas shopping season. Of course, the order of the Top Toys changes as the holiday shopping season progresses and the actual sales of these Christmas gift ideas are totaled up. But for a start, this list of the hottest selling toys and games can be used to get a head start on your Holiday shopping.

These Hot Selling toys are on almost every child's Christmas list this year, so finding the lowest prices on these Christmas toys is the next challenge. Even though economic times are tough right now, you certainly don't want to spend any more than you need to for any of these gifts. Searching for the best value for your dollar can be difficult at times, and determining where to start your search can be a traumatic event!

Finding the Most Popular Gifts

But your starting point for locating the best deal on any of the toys on the Top 10 Christmas Gifts list should be from home. All that is need is a computer and internet connection. Going online to find availability and a cheap deal makes perfect sense -- NO crowds, NO full parking lots, NO long lines, NO rude sales people, NO empty shelves, and this is just a start!

Best Selling Christmas Gifts

Drum roll please! Here is the Top 10 Christmas Gifts for this Holiday Season! These are the games and toys that will be flying off the shelves of your favorite stores this year. So, if your children are asking for any of these "Hot" gifts, there is really no time to spare!

#1 - Hasbro's Biscuit My Lovin Pup
#2 - Elmo Live
#3 - KOTA the Triceratops
#4 - Razor RipStick Castor Board
#5 - Radio Flyer Rock and Bounce Pony
#6 - EyeClops Night Vision Goggles
#7 - LeapFrog Tag Reading System
#8 - Apple iPod Nano Pink
#9 - Fisher-Price Smart Cycle
#10 - Nintendo DS Lite

A word of warning though, these Top 10 Christmas Gifts will be the first to become sold-out this Christmas shopping season. So, if you want to make sure your youngster finds one of these top selling toys or games under YOUR Christmas tree, be sure to start your Christmas shopping early this year!

Bill Wilson is a freelance writer with a little "boy" still inside when it comes to Christmas and the Holiday Season. Finding Christmas gifts, like the #1 rated FurReal Friends Biscuit My Lovin Pup, and holiday shopping can be a real hassle, but with the help of these Top 10 Christmas Gifts for 2008, he hopes that your holiday shopping experience will be a little easier.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=William_Wilson

List of the Toys Kids Want For Christmas

2008-12-08T18:17:00.000-08:00

There are a bunch of new toys that kids want for Christmas. It's difficult knowing which ones to get. There are a lot of new toys that are coming out this year. So, what I'm going to do is share with you a list of the toys kids want for Christmas.

That way, your kids will be able to have the best gifts this year.

The toys kids want for Christmas are:

1. Nerf N-Strike Vulcan EBF-25 Blaster. This is a great Christmas gift for kids. Kids love playing with Nerf toys. If your children have ever played with any Nerf toy before, they know just how fun it can be.

2. Kidizoom Digital Camera. This is another great toy for little kids. The Kidizoom Digital Camera is very durable. This is a great toy for little kids who want to take pictures.

3. Fur Real Biscuit My Lovin Pups. The Biscuit My Lovin Pups is another toy that kids want for Christmas. This is a great gift. This toy actually looks like a real dog. You should get this for your kids if they want a dog for Christmas.

4. Hannah Montana Malibu Beach House. There are a lot of little girls who want the Hannah Montana Beach House for Christmas. This is a great gift for little girls.

5. Xbox 360 Console. This is a great gift for your children. Actually, the Xbox 360 would make a great gift for your family. There are a lot of Xbox games that you can get that you can play with your kids. You and your family will enjoy playing with this toy.

These are some of the toys kids want for Christmas. Your kids will love getting the gifts mentioned above. It will light up their face on Christmas day.

If you want to get your kids the best Christmas toys this year at the best price, click on the link below:

Christmas Toys For Kids

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tony_B._Smith

Top 10 Christmas Toys and Games For Boys, Sons and Nephews - Get the Best 2008 Xmas Presents Now

2008-12-01T17:57:00.000-08:00

Everybody loves gifts, especially the boys. Boys are the types who are into adventure, action, and sci-fi. Below is the list of Top 10 Toys for Boys that are truly unique and fully packed of action. The list will guide you into the different gift ideas that suit the boys.

1. Nintendo DS Lite Cobalt / Black. Want some unique and hi-tech toy? This might be the best gift this Christmas season for boys? The Nintendo DS Lite also has an additional port or games from game Boy Advance aside from its DS Games. It can be up to 19 hours of non stop game play at only one charge. Good thing here is that it can be connected through Wi-Fi. It can bring 3D graphics due to its dual powerful processors.

2. Pokemon Ranger: Shadows of Almia. Are you a Pokemon fanatic? It is actually a game where the journey to be the Top ranger takes you to Almia region. It includes larger world, and more adventures plus challengers compared to other series. You can do here partnering with variety of Pokemons in order to complete such missions.

3. Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (Two-Disc Special Edition). Who loves movies? This gift is best buy for your money for aside from its being action-oriented film, this is also the film which deals with archaeology and history. A great pack not only to entertain but also to inform you of the past plus adventure.

4. Hasbro Playskool Honeybee Hop. Bee happy! It is a fun filled and exciting game for the kids shall try to dodge in the bee with a jump, hop, or skip. It is in here where the beehive is motorized with music and silly sounds.

5. Air Hogs Havoc Heli - Colors May Vary. Wanted to fly? This is a helicopter that is remote controlled plus a 4 way control in flying to any point of direction that is accurate. It can fly as high as 100 feet, where LED blue flashes for night flying.

6. EyeClops Bionic Eye Multizoom, Green. This is a fantastic gift for boys where they can see at up to 400 times of magnification. They can explore the wonders by plugging it in TV using Jakks Plug It In & Play technology. It has three times fun of Eyeclops original.

7. PSP Limited Edition Madden NFL 09 Entertainment Pack - Blue. This portable play station includes a metallic blue limited edition color, with Madden NFL game. It is also composed of 1GB memory stick duo where you can hear music, enjoy movies, and play games, plus you can play it on any TV using the cables.

8. Fisher-Price Kid-Tough Digital Camera Blue [Amazon Frustration-Free Packaging]. It is considered to be the best selling kid and award winning digital camera and is known to be the first appropriate digital cam in preschool. Very simple buttons, and easy to maintain are its friendly features so even the young ones in the family can enjoy taking pictures.

9. Techno Source Are You Smarter than a 5th Grader - Illuminated Touch Screen Game. You can enjoy the touch screen by means of its pencil shaped stylus technology. It also includes adjustable control in volume with illuminated touch screen for perfect long driving. It also has 2,500 questions played either by an individual or in group.

10. Fisher-Price Rock, Roll 'N Ride Trike. It is definitely a sturdy tike where you can experience the three fun and enjoyable ways to ride. It is in here where foot pegs can fold up for easy pedaling. You can even convert it to an extra push handle for added comfort. Plus you can lock base in its place for rocking and ride on fun.

This is the Top 10 Toys for Boys which will definitely bring joy this holiday season. The list definitely broaden the horizon on what's new in terms of boy's gifts this 2008.

Go ahead and use our list for the easiest and convenient holiday shopping.

Check out our Boys, Sons, and Nephews Toys Christmas gifts page by Visiting here Now!

You can also find Toys and Games gift ideas for your son, daughter, husband, wife, baby, and everyone on your family at http://topchristmastoysguide.com/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Faviano_Torres

Biscuit My Lovin Pup Review - Annoying Robot Or Cute 'N Cuddly New Member of Your Family?

2008-11-19T18:16:00.000-08:00

Biscuit My Lovin Pup is a robotic dog that is designed to be fun for preschool and elementary school aged children. We've all seen those little (annoying) yappy robotic dogs, but is this one different? In a word; yes.

Biscuit is a yellow lab type dog, and he is more realistically sized than other toys as well. At the same time, he is not so large that he will overwhelm your child. His large size seems to be an attempt by Hasbro's Furreal Friends to make sure this dog is as realistic as possible.

Biscuit the dog also listens to voice commands. This can be a lot of fun, though you can't expect him to listen to everything you say! He knows about six different commands, which should be more than enough to keep your little one entertained and excited.

Another feature of this robotic dog is that he has sensors on his body. That means if you pet or stroke him he can feel it and react! Again, this has some limitations, but it also means he's far more realistic than any of the other dog-bots out there.

Biscuit comes with an adoption certificate as well. This was one of the features we liked the best because it is such a nice touch. You can register your child as the owner online, which makes everything a lot more personalized and special.

Our verdict? While you'll certainly be able to tell the difference between Biscuit and a real dog, he's real looking and acts real enough to ensure that he'll be a favorite toy in your household. He's cute, sweet, and does tons of tricks you honestly have to see to believe.

Biscuit My Lovin Pup definitely tops the list of must-have toys for this year. He's a great investment for families that don't have a dog, or who want another dog friend (and doesn't make messes!).

Of course, before you take the plunge on Furreal Friends Biscuit you'll need to make sure you do your homework to find the best price! There are definitely some stores out there that charge more than others. We've done the research and found the best deals on Biscuit at http://lovingpupdog.com Saving money on the hottest toy of the year? There is nothing better than that!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jenn_Griffin

Best Selling Christmas Toys For Girls

2008-11-14T05:12:00.000-08:00

What are this year's best selling Christmas toys for girls? With this list you will get a complete Christmas guide for your girl. No need to run around the mall trying to think of the perfect gift.

Let's see:

If your little girl is aged from a few months to two years, this year's hottest toys are the ones that have a lot of lights and melodies, like Little Superstar Sing-Along. While looking at herself in the mirror, she will enjoy various sounds that start to play when buttons are pressed. With five different songs, she will be able to sing along or dance to the music. Another best selling toy is a chair with a bouncing pad which rotates 360 degrees. While playing with stalk toys, spinning balls, butterflies and caterpillar shaped beads, your girl will learn how develop leg coordination.

If your girl is aged from two to four years, the best gift to give her this year is a digital camera, specially created for little girls to easily document her adventures. It comes with a simple-to-use photo editing software, so she can add creative touches to her pictures. Another best selling Christmas gift is a Ponyville Playset. What girl doesn't like ponies and amusement parks? With this playset, she will entertain herself for hours with this pink-themed amusement park.

If your girl is aged from five to seven years the absolute hottest toy this year is a realistic FurReal puppy. Biscuit responds to six different commands, he can also give paw and ask for a treat. With a soft fur and glossy eyes, your girl will love having her own puppy. If she likes to play video games, she will definitely love the Barbie Fashion Show video game. Now she can become a fashion designer, with her own fashion line. There are lots of outfits and accessories so the possibilities are endless.

If your girl is aged from eight to eleven years and likes music, she will love the Hanna Montana acoustical guitar, specially designed for little girls. This year video games are very popular. Any game, where they get to sing, or dance is hot this year. Maybe she would enjoy recruiting her own cheerleader team to win the cheerleading tournament.

Older girls, aged 12+ years will love interactive video games like Wii Fit, a new cell phone or a new mp3 player. If she likes to read, the most popular gift this year is the new wireless reading device with over 190 000 electronic books available. I'm sure have already heard of it.

Since we have busy lives, there has never been easier to shop online than today. Online shopping can save you a great deal of time and stress, so I suggest you do it too this year. To avoid endless queues and a possibility of toys running out of stock, do your Christmas shopping earlier this year. To get a complete best selling Christmas toys list, go here: http://www.squidoo.com/bestsellingchristmastoys2008 and save yourself a lot of time and stress that this time of year usually brings.

Anzur Ursa

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Anzur_Ursa

Why Elmo Live Makes a Great Christmas Gift

2008-11-07T09:51:00.000-08:00

October 13th, 2008 marked the arrival of Elmo Live; the dancing, rapping and storytelling animatronic doll that'll be burning up retail this holiday season! We've thoroughly evaluated his MC skills, jokes and hugging ability. He's a really fun little animatronic dude, at least for a short little while. Elmo has four touch sensitive buttons that allow you to touch his foot, back, nose and stomach- and he does different things depending on where you press. It's good to see that Elmo still raps, and his instant classic "Elmo's gotta get on up" is as head-bobbing as ever! When you touch him on his back, he says all kinds of insanely lovable things such as asking for hugs or asking you to scratch his itch, etc. In reality, Elmo can get downright clingy!

But is he really worth the $60 price tag? Or more realistically, the possible hundreds of dollars you'll spend buying him on eBay when supplies run out of stock? He's not as cuddly and interactive as previous Elmo's; and you'll mostly have to sit back after touching him and just let him do his thing. Despite all you may have seen of him, you might find yourself getting bored fairly quickly with him. The worst fact is that his motor skills are just as loud as his voice, which actually detracts from the fun in a big way.

On the plus side, most kids go absolutely nuts for Elmo! In this truly life-like creation of Elmo, for the first time ever, Elmo seems to actually be speaking as his mouth opens and closes just like the real live-action muppet, Elmo from Sesame Street!

Fisher Price has truly done it again, and created Elmo Live, an amazing animatronic Elmo that does it all! He dances, he sings and he even tells stories! Your kids will never run out of fun times with this Elmo! The most advanced Elmo robot ever created, this Elmo Live doll seems very similar to the real Sesame Street muppet character made legendary by Kevin Clash. Elmo Live's mouth moves up and down as his head bounces about complete with frantic arm waving that makes Elmo so hysterical to children and adults alike. He even crosses and uncrosses his legs between switching and standing as he entertains you and your family with cool songs and stories!

Elmo Live- Features

-Elmo Live Dances and sings while he tells interesting and fascinating stories and jokes, plays games with you and other interactive tricks.
-Elmo Live will automatically go to sleep when left unattended. This is to help save battery life.
-Elmo Live has a built-in tilt sensor. For example, if he falls, he will ask you to help him get back up.
-Elmo Live has touch sensors in his tummy, back, nose and left foot!
-Elmo Live features Animatronic style servos that animate his torso and shoulders. His legs have no movement actuators in them but they do appear to move when his torso lifts him in to standing position.
-When someone hugs Elmo, he says "Elmo loves you too" and "thank you"!
-When you squeeze Elmo's nose, you hear a honking sound, and Elmo stands up to sneeze.
-Elmo can even blow kisses!
-When Elmo falls over, he will ask , "Uh-oh! Elmo fell down. Can you help Elmo up? Once he is picked back up, he will say" Thank you. You're Elmo's best friend!"

With all the built-up hype, it's easy to see how this toy will be the hottest thing this Christmas! Experts estimate that this will be the IT toy of the 2008 holiday season. The good news? If you really want to get an Elmo Live, you can get it now!

Find out more about Elmo Live and where to get hold of this desirable toy in time for Christmas.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jean_Morgan

Top Christmas Toys For Toddlers

2008-11-05T18:42:00.000-08:00

Nothing is more fun than shopping for Christmas toys for toddlers. All of sudden, the task at hand is more important than what is going to be served at the holiday gathering! Seeing the surprise and delight in young ones' eyes can be enough to restore your own Christmas spirit. So, start early and have fun. Online shopping can take you the world over, but actually getting in the stores and watching some children in the toy sections can also inspire you this holiday season.

Toddlers are so easy to please! Anything new makes them happy and, of course, the box is a treasure. Think of your play space and a comfortable noise level, as you shop for the perfect gifts. The toddler in your life will respond to almost anything that pulls and pushes, or that involves dressing up and make believe. Activities such as dancing are first discovered at Christmas time as the toddlers are introduced to little musical instruments and sing-a-longs with new friends, and old, from their favorite toddler shows. Toddler keyboards are big this year as Christmas toys for toddlers. The concept of having a keyboard just like Mommy's or Daddy's, is going to make your toddler feel very important, and ready for work or play!

A toddler laptop is also available with all the pretend bells and whistles your toddler identifies your big computer with. Work side by side as your toddler begins to learn his or her way around the lap top. Little houses for little animals are a lot of fun, too, as pretending to run a home is a great outlet for creativity and imagination. Another great item that you do not see on many hot lists is puppets. These Christmas toys for toddlers provide hours of fun. Invite the play group over to participate, or simply Mom and Dad. Good old fashion play with plenty of involvement from Mom and Dad is still the best teaching tool a toddler depends upon.

Activity play mats for the younger toddler may be just the thing you wish to shop for this year. They come in all shapes and sizes but, perhaps, the one that is sure to draw your baby's attention is the one where you actually create a photo collage of your family for your toddler to recognize and identify. Some of these toys can be heirlooms to be preserved, such as this play mat. Another great idea for the toddler on the go is its own personal photo album! Mom and Dad can be found all day long in this album designed especially for toddlers. Christmas toys for toddlers are at their best when providing comfort.

If you would like more information on what are the Top 12 Games For Christmas 2008 visit the authors site http://toptoysforxmas.com/Top-12-Games-For-Christmas-2008.html

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jason_Hobbs

10 Best Christmas Gifts For 2008

2008-10-31T18:36:00.000-07:00

Looking for the best Christmas gifts for 2008 is a common experience as the year advances and we start to approach the holiday season. There are some easy buys that readily spring to mind, such as Christmas decorations, gift baskets, and Christmas cards. However, to really stir your imagination, here is a list of best selling gifts that has been researched with some of the largest retail stores.

1. Bakugan Battle Pack

A strategic game that is based on the TV series "Bakugan Battle Brawlers". For kids 4 and above, they pit a variety of warriors against each other and score points. The plastic spheres used burst open to disclose warrior apparatus that is truly fearsome.

2. Fisher-Price Elmo Live

A cuddly version of the Sesame Street character, Elmo. He's been designed to entertain kiddies from the age of 18 mths with his antics. These include singing, talking, telling jokes, moving his mouth as he talks, sitting, and more. Easy to activate, such as squeezing a toe or tickling his tummy. The little ones love it!

3. Wild Planet Hyperdash

Combines simple maths with physical exercise and uses a race-course game that moves along quickly. It's an exciting and fun way of helping kids to improve their listening and math skills, as well as their coordination. It's easy to set up and suits children aged six and above.

4. Lego City Advent Calendar

There are 196 pieces, including accessories and figures (such as a fireman), for building fun as your child creatively develops structures. See how the fire fighter manages to rescue the cat from a tree! For ages five upwards.

5. Vtech - Kidizoom Digital Camera

Designed for children 3 years old or more, this camera takes real pictures and is easy for little hands to use. There is also child level software included for simple photo-editing. It is rugged, has special grips and allows two-eye viewing. Encourages creative play.

6. Blokus Classic

Although designed for kids aged five or more, this strategy board game (using special tiles) will also appeal to older children and adults as it calls upon spatial thinking and invites you to block your opponent's moves. On the other hand, the bright colors and simple rules will easily attract the little ones.

7. Melissa and Doug Deluxe Standing Easel

Encourages the Picasso within and offers freedom of expression with a large chalkboard, a paper roller that is easy to load, and a dry-erase board. Invites endless hours of doodling, sketching, and drawing as well as painting. has an adjustable height and suits ages 4-10 years.

8. Bakugan Battle Arena

This is an accessory for the strategic game listed above that is based on the "Bakugan Battle Brawlers" TV series. Children aged four and above earn points in a black "Battle Arena" as they roll their plastic Bakugan onto magnetic cards. This addition helps to make the game feel more "professional" and offers extra fun to those who love to play this game.

9. Leapfrog Leapster

A hand held gaming system that uses a video game format as a teaching tool. There are different game templates which are not only entertaining - they also have a learning component. The toy offers recognizable movie and TV characters who engage users in a game as they learn language skills as well as math and reading.

10. Playskool Tonka

This is both an r/c vehicle and a racing car which is "driven" by youngsters handling a wireless controller. The vehicle goes over obstacles, flips, and rushes forwards and backwards. With a soft body and over-sized tires, floors, walls and feet are safe! The remote control is friendly to toddlers (up to the size of dads!).

This list is based on actual sales and demonstrated demand for products in stock during the period leading up to Christmas.

Children are probably the driving force behind the demand for much of the shopping which is done at Christmas. Our desire to please, entertain and educate the young is a key reason we empty our wallets and purses so readily at this time. The list above of possibly the 10 best Christmas gifts for 2008 will help considerably to make your shopping expedition less of a task and more joyful.

For a more detailed guide to Christmas shopping for all ages, including mums and dads, as well as the best deals available, check out Christmas Gifts or see the list available at: http://www.ElmoLive4U.info

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ivan_Kelly

Best Toddler Stuff

2008-07-14T12:44:00.000-07:00

One of the problems with bringing up a two year old is that it's hard to find people who can recommend things. My wife has started a blog, Best Toddler Stuff, where she highlights the best toddler thing in a particular area.

So far she has recommended:

Best Toddler Trike
Best Toddler Scooter
Best Cooler Bag
Best Placemat
Best Hooded Bath Towel
Best Toothbrush

She hasn't, and won't, recommend anything she hasn't bought or had given to us.

Check out Best Toddler Stuff the next time you're looking for something for your little treasure.

Great Fun For Kids - The History And Science Behind The Silliest Of All Putties

2008-05-28T18:56:00.000-07:00

Since the 1960s, children have been playing with an amazing substance which was discovered by accident during the second world war. It was created by Scotland's James Wright, who was desperately trying to find an alternative to rubber after the Japanese had invaded most of the countries which exported rubber to the UK.

What Wright ended up with was a stretchy goo which bounced and stretched with a high melting temperature. This was all well and good, but it was never going to be strong enough to be used for tires or boot treads.

At the end of the war a marketing consultant called Peter Hodgson from a successful toy company of the time met with Wright to discuss turning his failed rubber into a toy. A contract was signed, and Hodgson borrowed the princely sum of $140 to begin production. Soon 'silly putty' was born!

Putty was sold in plastic eggs for $1, each egg containing a 1oz lump. Food coloring was added to make putty of all different colors and slowly sales began to increase. in the late 1960s the product took off, quite literally! Apollo 8 crew members took an egg of silly putty into space to see if the substance would bounce even higher which it did. Since these humble beginnings, millions of silly putty eggs have been sold all over the world.

In the 1990s crayon makers Crayola purchased the silly putty brand name and started production on 20,000 eggs a day. The substance has had a number of different names over the years including potty putty and fun putty. These days the putty comes in every color imaginable and for some reason is sold in slightly smaller amounts 0.47oz lumps.

Silly putty is made from mainly dimethyl siloxane, sillica, and thixatrol along with a few other chemicals. The modern ingredients are similar to the ones used by Wright back in the 1950s. Today the mixture is more refined, and is slightly easier to get out of your hair!

Children who want to make their own need not be put off by the exotic list of ingredients. It is apparently possible to make your own silly putty, although you have to very accurate when measuring out the various components. A little bit too much of this, or too little of that and the whole thing turns into slime. This is of course a real bonus to some children scientists!

If you want it to bounce properly, mix 7floz of water with 2tbsp of PVA glue along with a small amount of your chosen food coloring. Then mix 20ml of water with 5ml of borax powder. (this can be bought at chemists). Mix the whole lot together until it begins to feel more solid. You should then be able to fish out a lump which, if you've done it right, will be cold and slightly squashy.

Whether you make it or buy it, anyone between the ages of 5 and 12 is likely to get a great deal of pleasure out of playing with silly putty. It can be rolled and molded, cut into shapes and letters, used for modern artwork pieces and most importantly bounced.

Silly putty recipe

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bob_Cartwright

The 10 Most Dangerous Recalled Toys

2008-04-30T13:05:00.000-07:00

This is an excellent summary, and something that we need to be concerned about. Recalls, particularly for children's toys, can be something that hits close to home!

More and more frequently, dangerous, defective toys-and their subsequent recall-continue to make headlines. Although dangerous toys have been produced for decades, some to have hit the market within the last 20 years have been clearly more dangerous, and deadly, than their predecessors-leading to recalls and class actions lawsuits against top toy manufacturers and sellers of these unsafe toys.

The following is LawInfo's list of the top ten most dangerous recalled toys of the last two decades.

Aqua Dots
Produced by the Spin Master Corporation, Aqua Dots were small, colorful beads that were part of a multidimensional design craft kit. However, the chemical compound of these beads included the then unknown "date rape" drug gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB). Children who licked and ingested Aqua Dots were subject to respiratory depression, seizures and often became comatose. One child was reportedly hospitalized for five days after swallowing an Aqua Dot. Spin Master Corporation recalled 4.2 million units and suspended the toy from the market in November 2007.

Mini hammocks from EZ Sales
After 12 confirmed fatalities by asphyxiation (of children aged 5-17) and numerous reports of near-death entrapments, these nylon mini hammocks came to be known as "death cocoons." The culprit behind the flawed design was the lack of spreader bars at either end, which would keep the hammock open when children were swinging and/or resting in them. EZ Sales recalled nearly 3 million of these products and suspended sales indefinitely in August 1996.

Fisher-Price Power Wheels Motorcycle
These very real motorbikes looked like a shiny motorized toy, but in fact were quite dangerous machines. On certain models, the accelerator jammed and became stuck, leading to crashes and accident-inflicted injuries such as lacerations, sprains and broken bones. Fisher-Price recalled 218,000 Power Wheels motorcycles and took the "toy" off the market in August 2000.

Sky Dancers Flying Dolls
These Barbie-inspired 9-inch hard plastic dolls were designed to fly but lacked reliable controls, thus launching with incredible speed in unpredictable directions. After 150 reported injuries, including temporary blindness, broken ribs and teeth, mild concussions and lacerations, almost 9 million units were recalled by manufacturer Galoob Toys and all sales suspended in June 2000.

Easy-Bake Oven by Hasbro
Easy-Bake toy ovens have been around since the 1950's, but this Hasbro model had a clear defect: the front-loading oven would trap tiny hands that were reaching inside of it-inflicting some 77 second- and third-degree burns to children's hands and fingers, including one 5-year-old girl who required a partial finger amputation. Hasbro recalled the oven and stopped distribution in July 2007.

Jarts Lawn Darts
Jarts (a variable of lawn darts) were heavy, metal projectiles that sharply pierced whatever they struck -including many children. Lawn darts were responsible for 6,700 injuries and four deaths in the 1980's and were permanently banned (in all varieties) in 1988.

Snacktime Cabbage Patch Dolls by Mattel
These models from the widely sought-after Cabbage Patch line of the 1980's and 90's had automated jaws that would "chew" whatever was placed in its mouth. The problem: the doll didn't stop chewing. After 35 tiny fingers were reportedly injured by the chomping doll, Mattel removed the dolls from retail shelves in 1997 (although never formally "recalling" the product), and offered 500,000 customers a full refund.

Battlestar Galactica Missile Launcher
In 1978, Mattel launched a series of Battlestar Galactica toy missile launchers known individually as the Viper, the Cylon Raider, the Scarab and the Stellar Probe. In 1979, a child reportedly died after choking on one of the missile launchers-prompting Mattel to recall all BSG models and suspend production.

The Chicken Limbo Party Game
Manufactured by Milton Bradley, The Chicken Limbo Party game lacked sturdy support poles, therefore with the slightest touch, the entire apparatus could shake and collapse on participating children (and any bystanders). After 46 reports of the game collapsing and causing subsequent injuries such as bumps, bruises, welts, chipped teeth, and one fractured foot, Milton Bradley recalled 461,000 CLP units and suspended all sales in 2006.

Clackers
Clackers, which were marketed under a multitude of other names, consisted of two glass-like acrylic balls, each about the size of plum, which swung on either end of a string. The idea was to tug on the middle of the string until the balls swung faster and faster, smacking each other above and below your hand until the motion formed a stunning arc. However, being made of glass, the balls were heavy-leading to numerous reports of injury when they hit children's faces, and when the balls themselves occasionally shattered, causing lacerations. Clackers were pulled from the shelves in 1981 and, later that year, a mandate was issued that any future product(s) be made with foam balls and nylon cords.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lindsey_O'neil

The Best First Teddy Bear For Your Child

2008-04-09T10:34:00.000-07:00

My first teddy bear was Gund teddy bear. Gund teddy bears come in blue, pink and cream and I can still remember how super soft my teddy was. Embroidered right above the teddy's heart was, "My First Teddy", with a satin ribbon that goes around the neck in the shade of the bear's color. If you are looking for a teddy bear by Gund for your child, the most popular size is 12 inch, which is just the right size for your baby to hold and cuddle with.

Other First Teddy Bears To Consider For Your Child

Very colorful teddy bear that babies love to look at is Baby's My First Thermal Pastel Bear. It is very light in weight and is made of thermal. When he your child gets a hold of this teddy bear it'll rattle every time he moves it and that will add hours and hours of giggling from your baby.

For your newborn, excellent teddy bear gift is Breathe Easy Teddy Bear by Asthma Friendly, especially since this teddy bear is asthma friendly. Besides their asthma friendly quality these little teddy bears are soft and friendly and your baby is sure to snuggle up to this little guy every night.

Geared up more for an infant is Nursery Rhyme Pal Pat-a-Cake Bear and trust me when I tell you they'll love it just the same, no matter the age your child is. Just push the buttons on your little teddy bear to make him sing to your little one and watch his face as he listens to it. You can expect your baby to start singing right along with the bear in no time at all.

The Cashmerino Baby Bear has its own cashmere sweater that comes off easily. The bear is made out of cashmere yarn, which is extremely gentle on baby's skin. The bear has sewn in eyeballs, but don't worry they will not hurt your baby. This gorgeous bear comes in 23 different shades, which means that there won't be a single teddy bear like him at the baby shower.

If your are struggling to put your baby to sleep, then Womb Sounds Mommy Bear can do the trick. When your baby was inside your tummy all the baby heard was your heartbeat. Now all of a sudden the baby hears everything around him. For some babies this is not an issue, however it can be very frightening for other babies. The Womb sounds bear helps in a way that it actually mimics the sound of a heart beating. Once you place the Womb bear inside the crib near your child it will help your child to calm down and fall asleep.

Another excellent first teddy choice for your baby is Blanket teddy bear. Blanket teddy bears are small fleece blankets that have a teddy bear attached from the arms up. The blanket bottom is made out of satin, which makes it soft enough for your baby to chew on.

These seven teddy bears described above will all make great pals with your newborn. Be sure you get a ton of shots of your child with his favourite toy. When the time comes, you can store his teddy bear for safekeeping.

If you would like to search for more teddy bear choices for your child, a great number of teddy bear types can be found on the "Ultimate Site For Teddy Bear Lovers". Besides teddy bear types you can also learn almost anything you want to know about teddy bears.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Iva_Malese

Fun Cowboy Birthday Party for Children

2008-03-24T18:07:00.000-07:00

Are you planning a birthday party for your child or grandchild? Do you want it to be special and fun? Are you at a loss for ideas? Do you have a large group of people attending but are limited on what you can spend?

Below are some great ideas for a cowboy or cowgirl birthday party.

1. Invitations-Cut out the form of a barn in white paper. Make sure you have a barn door on the front, center bottom of the barn. Take a picture of your child dressed in a cowboy or cowgirl costume to later glue inside the barn doors. Cut an opening in the center of the barn doors. Next, cut a piece of deep red card stock in half, fold them in half, then glue the barn onto the face of each red card stock. Glue the picture of your child on the inside of the barn door.

You can write on the front of the card in black marker, "Howdy Partner" "You're invited to". Then on the inside write, "You are invited to our little cowboy's birthday party". Add where, when and time. Lastly put, "Come and enjoy some good old fashioned chili and corn bread. Dress-up your cowboy or cowgirl for a Western picture and tell him (or her) they'll have a rootin, tootin time. Hope to see y' all there".

2. Costumes-Most party stores have plastic cowboy hats and handkerchiefs that children can wear. They both cost around $1.00-$2.00. If you want a full costume for your child, you can purchase it through costume companies.

3. Food-A large pot of Chili can feed a big crowd with minimal cost. Add delicious corn bread, birthday cake and ice cream. For the children, serve pork and beans and hot dogs.

4. Decorations-Decorate the table with a red and white checkered table cloth. The cake can be decorated in white frosting. Purchase plastic horses, and fences. Use green frosting for grass, frost two corners of the cake with the green frosting and place the horses and fences in each corner. Decorate the center of the table with blue, red and orange balloons to keep with the cowboy scheme.

5. Entertainment-Have the movie "Toy Story" playing out of the way of the large group to keep children entertained. Also, for small children, parents may bring rocking horses they can play on.

6. Games-Cowboy bean bag toss and a large cowboy poster with the head of a cowboy cut out. Have each child take turns getting their picture taken with their head in the cut out circle. Later place the picture on a wanted poster (small, long envelope size) and mail to each child.

7. Party Favors-Purchase miniature brown paper bags and raffia from Target or a party store for little goodie bags. Also, purchase miniature bubble bottles. Place a copy of the picture you took for the invitation into the slit on the bubble bottles. Lastly, add candy or other fun items in the bags with the bubbles. Hole punch two holes at the top and tie with beige raffia. As each child leaves, give them a goodie bag and a sheriff's badge. (Badges can be purchased at either Target or a party store)

Not only will the children at the party have a great time, but the children will be so entertained that it affords parents an opportunity to mix and mingle. This will be a memorable experience for everyone.

Some other fun party themes could be the following: pirate, fireman, super hero, warrior, soldiers, magician, Barbie, princess, fairy, Snow White, Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, or Disney Themes. Be creative and have a lot of fun planning birthday parties for your children.

--La Donna Jensen, co-owner Aaron's Online Boutique, owner of Network Marketing Income, Internet entrepreneur, 20 years marketing and sales, author.

To see pictures of various items for your cowboy party and to see costume ideas visit http://www.aaronsonlineboutique.com

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