11.26.2010

Mom-Finds: Wish List of Toys for Christmas

Last Friday of the month:  Mom-Finds / Toys and Gifts

Are you done with shopping for the holidays? Need a few gift ideas for Christmas? I compiled this list of most requested toys from kids ages 3 to 12 as I was drafting my own list for this gift-giving season. These are actual brands and models of toys that came up while I was asking around so in case you are still in a bind as to what kids would like to have these days, then this wish list may help complete your shopping list. 
Eagerly opening his gifts last Christmas 2009
Some of these I bought for our God children, nieces and nephews. I'm so not into toys so I clearly am not in a position to say if a toy is great or not, unless I actually chose them and my own kids (and hubby!) say they are. Except of course for Barbie and Lego which I played with as a child. This is not an attempt at a toy review... just a mom's honest views and own description.
Here they are in no particular order: 


BEYBLADE

These are 'fighter tops' in assembled die cast metal and plastic. Each design has it's "powers" and unique features used in tandem with a special 'launcher' to beat the other player's tops. Obviously, like any other organic wooden tops of yesteryears, the goal is to be the last top standing (spinning), this time in the molded plastic arena. Some models cost more than others.

I can't believe that a top is the hottest craze in town!
For age 6+
Beyblade Metal Fusion Super Vortex Battle SetBeyblade Metal Fusion Electronic Tops - Lightning L-Drago (B-12)Beyblade Metal Fusion Value Pack


NINTENDO DSi XL

A very popular handheld video game system that can be quite addicting for kids and adults alike. It's portable gaming at it's best.  Out this year is the latest DSi XL model.

I was really against this gadget at first, but my kids received this a gift last year and so I had to try the DSi (sort of test-drive) for myself.  Good thing there are several very educational games (cartridges) that you can buy. This toy keeps them quiet for long periods of time! I hate to admit but one big advantage of having one is it's a great travel companion that keeps my kids "behaved" whenever and wherever necessary.
Parents should simply set your own rules and limits on game time, and choose age-appropriate games for them to play and learn from.  Pricey but worth the money. It's for the whole family.

Nintendo DSi Matte - Black  Nintendo DSi XL - Midnight Blue Nintendo DS Lite Metallic Silver
                     DSi Matte - Black          Nintendo DSi XL - Midnight Blue     DS Lite Metallic Silver


HARUMIKA Dolls - by Bandai

My 9-year old niece asked for this "fashion" toy and though I've seen the TV ads, I was really curious what this looked like since I did find it interesting as well.  I love fashion-themed toys when I was younger so I completely understood why she wanted this. It's like playing dress-up, only this time, you have to do it on mini mannequins using a plastic wand to lock swatches of cloth in place.  

It's quite expensive for the whole package.  I suggest instead of buying "refills" for the fabric, use scrap fabrics, loose beads and old hankies to wrap around and style your plastic body forms to create your own fashion line.

For age 4+
Harumika Designer Dress form Sets - New York CityHarumika Designer Dress Form Sets-Harajuku, JapanHarumika Style Starter Sets Wild One
                  Harumika Designer Dress form Sets                   Harumika Style Starter Sets


BEN 10 - by Bandai

Ben 10 is a cartoon show about this boy named -- Ben Tennyson. He has this powerful and amazing wrist gadget called the Omnitrix that allows him to transform into different alien forms to beat his monster enemies.  Convert that into toys and here you go.  It takes all forms, including action figures, alien creators and chambers, etc. etc. Boys go crazy over Ben and his aliens!

Ben 10 Legacy Omnitrix 27896Ben 10 Alien Force Alien Creation Transporter GreenBen 10 Alien Creation ChamberBen 10 Tennyson Alien Force Action Figure Alien Collection


NERF - by Hasbro

Friendly gun, if there's such a term, is how I call this pretty cool toy from Hasbro. It's not an electronic toy so no batteries needed! You simply load the foam suction darts and fire away! It has a pump mechanism that makes the darts really fly as you shoot.  Hit a target or fire at your wall and the darts will stick on it.  I was amused. Choose from an array of blasters, barrels, and darts. Lock and load, aim and fire!
For age 6+
Nerf N - Strike Maverick Dart Blaster - Double Your DartsNerf N-Strike Deploy CS-6 Blaster


TOY STORY 3 Toys - by V-Tech / Mattel / Disney Store / Hasbro

After the recent success of Toy Story 3 - the movie, how can the toys be far behind. The different characters from the movie take on many forms that kids can choose from.
V Tech Toy Story 3 - Buzz Lightyear Learn and Go               Toy Story Mania!         Toy Story 3 Buzz Lightyear Spaceshooter
Toy Story 3 Woody & Bullseye Roundup Pack                    Disney / Pixar Toy Story 3 Movie Exclusive Deluxe 14 Piece Mini PVC Figure Collector Set           Toy Story 3 Operation Buzz Lightyear


SING-A-MA-JIGS - Fisher-Price

First time I saw these adorable plush dolls was on the talk show Ellen. Just press their paws and they will sing and chatter and even harmonize when you play two or more dolls at the same time! It's too cute to pass up, but I have yet to see them in local toy stores.  I would really love to have two or three of these colorful, musical dolls for my girl, and myself! :-)

Watch them for yourself and be entertained! Click here to view the Sing-a-ma-jigs video.
For age 3+

Fisher-Price The Sing-A-Ma-Jigs - Purple  Fisher-Price The Sing-A-Ma-Jigs - Red  Fisher-Price The Sing-A-Ma-Jigs - Pink  Fisher-Price The Sing-A-Ma-Jigs - Blue  Fisher-Price The Sing-A-Ma-Jigs - Yellow
                  Purple                          Red                    Pink                       Blue                  Yellow


LEGO

Legos never go out of style. And they keep adding more characters from hit movies so there's always something new.  This creative and durable building toys are great all year round and for kids of all ages. They have Duplo (big) block for smaller kids. I am a Lego fan!
LEGO Brick Box   LEGO® Pink Brick Box (5585)   LEGO Duplo Basic Bricks
                           LEGO Brick Box                   Pink Brick Box           LEGO Duplo Basic Bricks

LEGO Star Wars Darth Vader's TIE Fighter (8017)   LEGO City MiniFigure Collection (8401)  LEGO Harry Potter Quidditch Match (4737)


ARTS & CRAFTS Toys - by Alex Toys / Melissa&Doug / Crayola / Barbie

There are an assortment of arts and crafts toys that little and big girls would sure like to receive. And here are some of my personal choices for the artsy creative young ladies.

           Alex Toys Friends 4 Ever Bracelet Making Kit                Melissa & Doug Friendship Stamp Set
                Alex Toys Friends 4 Ever Bracelet Making Kit    Melissa & Doug Friendship Stamp Set

Crayola Color Wonder Sound Studio       Barbie Rolling Art Desk
                           Crayola Color Wonder Sound Studio        Barbie Rolling Art Desk


What's in your Christmas toy wish list?  Feel free to share more gift ideas :-)

p.s.
This was one of my boy's birthday wish from the grannies (he got a Micro RC in yellow!) and I think you'll find this one amazing too -- the car can drive up walls!

AIR HOGS - Zero Gravity Car
Air Hogs Laser Micro Zero Gravity - Red                    Air Hog Zero Gravity Micro RC Car (Colors Vary)
                         Laser Micro Zero Gravity - Red     Zero Gravity Micro RC Car (Colors Vary)

The girl wished for a plush horse she could ride.  We got her something like this one (below left), but I personally prefer the rocking horse :-)

MELISSA & DOUG Plush Horse
Melissa & Doug Horse Plush     Melissa & Doug Plush Rocking Horse



Enjoy your toy shopping!!!


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