Because many families are very budget conscious this holiday season I've put together a list of ten great toys that I feel will surely be a hit with kids and won't break the bank. The following toys are for a wide range of ages and genders and I think most them will still be played with long after Christmas 2008 has come and gone, further ensuring your money had been well spent.
1. Bakugan Battle Brawlers. This toy is without a doubt on everyone's Top Toy list of 2008 that's out there on the web and rightly so. This toy is HOT and it's flying off store shelves. I've played this game with my nephew and it's a riot. It's not just popular with boys, but some girls as well. (Ages 5 and up)
2. Eyeclops Bionic Eye. If you haven't seen an Eyeclops before it looks like a giant eyeball with a handle and you can plug it into your television to magnify an object 100 - 400 times its original size (imagine seeing an ant the size of a dog on your television). So in other words its a microscope, only not as nerdy, actually quite the opposite. It's great for encouraging the little scientist inside and helps kids see the world from a different perspective. (Ages 8 and up)
3. The Easy Bake Oven. I wrote a whole blog entry about how cool I thought the Easy Bake Oven was. Its been around for 40 years and it'll likely be around for another 40. (Ages 8 and up)
4. My Very Own House Cottage. Some of my fondest memories as a kid was making forts out of cardboard boxes. This is a collapsible cardboard playhouse, which comes with markers that you can use to decorate the cottage and make it your own (you could probably paint it too). A much more creative project than the more expensive plastic cottages and playsets. Plus it folds away for easy storage and transport. Be careful to purchase only the ones at Walmart or Target, which are made in the USA and not China (the latter tends to be very poor construction). (Ages 18 months and up)
5. Blokus Classic. Created in 2000, this game has won numerous awards. Much like chess, this is a game that stimulates the mind by encouraging creative thinking and strategy. Great family fun as up to four people can play at once. So to sum up: kids have fun, kids get smarter, that's a good investment. (Ages 5 and up)
6. Force Action Lightsaber. Ok, so maybe not as educational but it's a ton of fun. These lightsabers feature the signature sounds when you swing them, "ignite", and close them. (Ages 6 and up)
7. Baby Einstein Discover and Play Gift Set, 9 piece. I love combo gifts and this set delivers considering the price. The gift set includes nine stimulating baby toys that promote gross motor skills,
tactile stimulation, visual and auditory development. It's only $28 at Walmart. (Ages birth and up)
8. Munchkin Mozart Magic Cube. This little cube helps your little one become a musical composer. The cube plays 8 Mozart pieces but depending on which side of the cube your child activates by touch, a different instrument plays the piece. Your child can play the harp, flute, French horn, piano, and
violin, or press the orchestra button and hear all the instruments play
together. (Ages 6 months - 4 years)
9. Vtech Take + Go Laptop Plus. I think getting young ones comfortable with technology isn't a bad thing. This little laptop computer, with its little mouse, helps teach valuable skills by including 30 engaging activities that teach language, math, games and music. Plus its durable and very portable as it runs on 3 AA batteries. (Ages 3 and up)
10. Tech Deck Fingerboards. Last, but certainly not least is one of my personal favs These are miniature skateboards that you use with your fingers to perform tricks with. The same tricks can performed as those you could perform with regular skateboards (such as ollies, flips, and grinds). They are even miniature skateparks that you could buy to perform your tricks on. Great time killer in the winter when you can't exactly go out to the local skatepark because of the snow. Very addictive and hours of fun. (Ages 8 and up).
