Playing for keeps
Toy gift ideas that will stand the test of time
There’s nothing like a parent’s joy in seeing a child’s eyes light up on opening a toy that immediately goes to the top of the oh-man-this-isfun list. And if it becomes one of those favored playthings that endures the test of time, so much the better.
With a shrinking selection of brick-andmortar toy stores, and a constant battle to find playthings that both engage and stimulate youngsters, it’s always a difficult challenge to find just the right item.
Here are a few selections that just might help out.
For the under 5 tot, the Penguin Musical Wobbler by Hape International is an introduction to both movement and sound that costs $15.99, says Lisa Gallegos, manager at Out of the Blue toys on Rio Grande.
“Babies will delight as they make this penguin pal waddle, spin, rock and roll,” she says. “What a welcome to the world of movement. Soothing, tinkling sounds awaken baby to the joy of music.”
For babies or even toddlers, bath time can be a wonderful time for play and the Hape Multi-Spout Sprayer for $11.50 is sure to break out the giggles.
“Kids have to push it and it sprays different designs,” says Keri Piehl of Color Wheel Toys on Central.
Color Wheel also carries an array of retro Fisher Price toys that will spark happy memories in parents and even grandparents.
“They’ve all been updated for safety and environmental standards,” Piehl says.
Old favorites like the See and Say World of Animals or the Chatter Phone will make everybody grin. Prices range from $20 to $40.
A couple of other prekindergarten toys sure to please are the Plus-Plus BIG Tube-Basic for $9.99 and Asweets’ Alpaca Rocker for $89.99 at Out of the Blue.
The Tube Basic is a construction toy that encourages imagination.
“Construct in all directions with these tubes of fun puzzle-like shapes,” Gallegos says. “The new BIG Tube presents BIG pieces that are easier for little hands. They were a huge hit with kids and parents at a recent in-store event.”
And the rocker is a throwback riding toy.
“A twist on the classic rocking horse,” Gallegos says. “We love this alpaca rocker. Soft as a cloud with a sturdy hardwood frame. Beautiful detailing.”
For youngsters entering their early school years, the Kazra Lights & Sounds Dragon for $39.99 by Douglas Toys sounds scary but is really just the opposite.
“Once you snuggle with a dragon, you know it’s a pussycat,” Gallegos says. “This plush prehistoric playmate is beautifully designed and loaded with details.”
Cooking isn’t just for little girls anymore as the Intro to Baking Set by Handstand Kitchen is a great introduction to food preparation made fun.
“This complete 17-piece kit is sized to be easily used by both kids and adults, from spatula to rolling pin to pastry brush,” Gallegos says of the $24.99 set. “Baking is more fun when you do it together.”
Everybody loves a good puzzle and Color Wheel has puzzles that will be intriguing for a wide range of age groups from pre-school to teenager.
Among Piehl’s favorites are the line of PUZZ’Art puzzles in which the outline of the design is an object and the object itself is filled with numerous colorful images.
“They’re challenging but not impossible,” she says of the puzzles that range from $14 to $24.
A fun kaleidoscope toy by Glitter Wand is a new twist on an old favorite, with swirling shapes and glittery specks slowly revolving through a liquid offering an intriguing, ever-changing scene, Piehl says of the $12 item.
For the late elementary and middle school group, a building toy, Circuit Blox by E-Blox, charges the imagination with blocks that connect circuits.
Tin-plated blocks or copper pins and sockets connect to a battery block, powering the electrical component blocks. The plated blocks line allow seamlessly integrated electronic circuitry into the process so there are no wires to bundle and hide, Piehl says.
In addition, they are compatible with Legos, she says. Sets run from $12 to $60 depending on the size.
Toysmith’s Laser X for $39.99 brings the excitement of laser tag home and is active fun for all ages.
“Laser tag is exciting on a device, but when the experience moves into the real world — at night — it’s awesome,” Gallegos says. “This real-life arcade game has a laser blaster and receiver vest for two, with totally cool lighting effects.”
The Amazing Star Cube by California Creations for $14.99 is another versatile toy that will appeal to many age groups.
“Two puzzles magically fit together into one cube and transform from their stars to show the planets and solar system,” Gallegos says. “Also great for fidgeting. A cool new theme for the popular Star Cube.”