Posted: November 7th, 2009 | Author: admin | Filed under: General | Tags: Christmas toys, top 10 toys, top 10 toys for Christmas, top ten toys, top ten toys for Christmas | No Comments »
Hi and welcome to Top 10 Toys For Christmas. Our name tells some of what we are about, but we are about much more than a list of popular toys.
We are, at this writing, at the beginning of the Christmas shopping season. So our first ten posts on this blog are indeed about the current most popular toys, the ones that are drawing a lot of interest from parents and of course kids. But as you know, things change rapidly. In a weeks time someone could announce the release of a new toy that comes out of nowhere and catches on like wildfire. When that does, we’ll be sure to tell you about it, and we’ll show you where to get it so you don’t miss out.
In the days before online shopping I remember our daughter decided at the last minute that she had to have a P.J. Sparkles doll. Remember them? You may not, They didn’t last very long. The problem was at the last minute they were impossible to find. And we called every store and toy retailer within a two hour drive. It’s amazing what we’ll do for our kids. Of course nobody had them. Some stores would tell us that they would have a new truck arriving overnight, but they had no way of knowing if the doll was on the truck. So the next morning, well before the stores opened I would go to one store with an overnight delivery, my wife would go to another, and we would wait until the store opened and the truck was completely unloaded. The bad news is that we never did get the doll, although we did end up with a pretty close clone. And since she was still very young, it made her happy. Man I wish there was good online shopping back then.
Which brings us back to this site. Our plans are to add at least one hot selling toy to the website every day. We’ll tell you a little bit about the toy so you can hopefully make an informed decision. And we’ll show you where to get it at a good price. We won’t be reviewing the toys per se since obviously we don’t have them all, but we will let you know what they are all about and what they do. And we’ll be doing this right up to Christmas day and a little bit beyond probably.
We recommend you subscribe to our feed in an RSS reader so you’ll know exactly when we add info on a new toy. That way you can check it out and see if it’s something your child (or you) might like.
We hope you find Top 10 Toys For Christmas a useful website. We certainly plan to make it one.
If you should buy and of the toys through the links on these pages we will receive a small commission from the seller.
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Posted: December 20th, 2009 | Author: admin | Filed under: Christmas toys | Tags: Razor E100, Razor E100 Electric Scooter, Razor Electric Scooter | No Comments »
We’ve already got one razor scooter on our list, but now it’s time to add another. The Razor E100 Electric Scooter takes things up a step over the standard Razor Scooter. If you think your child is responsible enough to cruise around on something powered by more than just their feet, this can be a great gift. A word of caution, this scooter is recommended for children 8 and up and it’s best to stick to that recommendation. It’s important that your child know and obey all laws and regulations regarding scooters.
That said, the Razor E100 Electric Scooter is different from some other electric scooters in that it doesn’t take off from a still position. Your child is responsible for getting the thing going up to 3 miles per hour before pressing a trigger to engage the motor. Once it’s engaged, the electric motor can go up to 10 miles per hour. It’s a decent speed because your child will be going fast enough to have a good time, but not so fast as to cause problems on the street or sidewalk.
The battery takes a while to charge, up to 8 hours, and will last for about 40 minutes of riding time.
Some good features include a folding handlebar for easy storage and moving around, an 8″ pneumatic front tire with a 4.9″ polyurethane rear tire and a hand operated brake. The weight capacity of this scooter is 120 pounds.
Most of the reviews for this scooter are extremely positive, but we need to point out that there are a number of negative reviews as well. It seems as if there are very few reviews in between. From what we can tell, most of the negative reviews focus on problems getting good service from Razor. As with anything mechanical, there’s a chance you will have a problem, and with this scooter it seems like most of the problems stem from the battery not charging properly. Getting the extended warranty with this toy is recommended.
But if you get one that is trouble free (as most of the reviewers did) the Razor E100 Electric Scooter will certainly be among the favorite toys or gifts you child receives this holiday season. Our recommendation with this or any other scooter, bike or anything else that travels is to be sure you get a helmet and make sure your child wears it while riding.
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Posted: December 17th, 2009 | Author: admin | Filed under: Christmas toys | Tags: crayola, Crayola Color Wonder Magic Light Brush, crayola color wonder magic light brush review | No Comments »
The Crayola Color Wonder Magic Light Brush is invisible ink with a twist. So how does it work? Well the paints it comes with are clear. The only way you can see them is to apply them to the Color Wonder Paper that is also included.
As a result, your child will love to paint, even when the room is dark. The brush lights up and glows with the color of the paint.
Parents will also like this because there is no mess involved with painting. The colors won’t get on your skin, carpet, table or clothes.
The Crayola Color Wonder Magic Light Brush is an easy to play with toy that is both durable and compact. Everything fits together nicely. The paint snaps in to the base and a flexible cord attaches the brush which snaps in snug. That means the brush won’t get lost. The colors will have to be replaced when they run out but refills are sold separately. The parts are plenty durable and will survive through lots of play. And the hard plastic has rounded corners to keep things safe. The paper is also included in the box; it’s a 30 page tablet.
This toy is designed for children ages 5 and up and has received mostly all good reviews. There are a few negatives however. The brush has to be cleaned after dipping in to each color and needs to be washed after each use. This can be a problem for smaller kids and likely means parents must be nearby to make sure clean up is done right. One other review found the toy difficult to use for a left handed child (something to keep in mind). And one other reviewer said refill paints were hard to find. You’ll need to check your area or online.
If you can put up with the few issues above you’ll find that almost every kid loves it and it would be a welcome addition under the Christmas tree. The toy does require 3 AA batteries which are not included.
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Posted: December 17th, 2009 | Author: admin | Filed under: Christmas toys | Tags: lionel trains polar express train, lionel trains polar express train set, lionel trains polar express train set o gauge | No Comments »
Trains sets have become almost synonamous with the holiday season. As a child I loved them, and in fact I still do. A train set reminds us adults that we are still kids at heart. The Lionel Polar Express Train Set brings those feelings back all over again. The feeling you get when you think about a heavy duty train chugging around a simple oval track is almost magical. The engine smokes, the whistle blows, and some freight cars or passenger cars are in tow. It’s a holiday dream the season is made for.
The Lionel Polar Express Train set is both accurate and detailed, and sure to keep you and your child occupied for hours. It doesn’t get any better than this. The set is based on the popular animated movie and goes well beyond anything else in it’s class in terms of realism and fun.
At the heart of this set is the die cast metal steam locomotive with the coal tender. It is strong and heavy. The locomotive is detailed and based on the Berkshire steam locomotive from the book and the movie. The engine smokes, the headlamp shines a light and the whistle really blows a realistic sound. Figurines can move around and be seated. The roof on the observation car is rounded and clear, letting you see inside. That plus the two passenger cars have painted silhouettes in the windows that imitate the shadows of the passengers. And all three cars have interior lights to help you see.
Of course a train has to have a track, and this one has enough track for you to set up a 60 inch by 40 inch oval. The transformer is heavy duty, but easily controlled by smaller hands as you make the train go forward or in reverse.
The Lionel Polar Express Train Set if perfect for you and your children to gather around and play together for a long time. Memories will be made around this detailed and realistic toy. And these memories will last a lifetime.
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Posted: December 16th, 2009 | Author: admin | Filed under: Christmas toys | Tags: Tonka, Tonka Toughest Mighty Dump Truck, Tonka Toughest Mighty Truck, Tonka Truck, Tonka Trucks | No Comments »
For years Tonka has stood for tough trucks. And one of the best trucks available today is the Tonka Toughest Mighty Truck. This great dump truck lives up to everything Tonka has stood for. It is sturdy, solid, and of course tough. Unlike other toy companies, Tonka has not fallen into the trap of using cheaper materials to make it’s toys. And that’s evident right away with one look at this truck.
Starting at the wheels you’ll find a heavy duty grade plastic that will not bend or crack. The bed is made from solid steel, no different than the truck I had as a child. It’s perfect hauling whatever your child needs to haul. Rocks, stone, sand, gravel, or even the pet hamster will not cause a problem. And the handle on the bed makes dumping very easy. This toy is made to handle whatever punishment your child can dish out.
The Tonka Toughest Mighty Truck is big. It stands 12 inches tall and is 18 inches long. Even the tires are big; 6.5 inches tall to be exact, meaning they can get out of the toughest situations such as being buried in the sandbox. And because it’s build so well, it comes with a lifetime warranty. Meaning if something should happen when it falls down a flight of stairs, you’re covered.
It’s also good to know that in spite of it’s toughness, Tonka has made it safe too. Rounded corners reduce the injury risk, it’s a sturdy three pounds, and wide enough to keep it and your child balanced as he runs behind pushing the truck.
I remember my first Tonka truck as a child in the 1970’s. It was big and yellow and it got a lot of play hauling dirt and sand. It was also involved in a lot of tragic accidents and survived, once coming out unscathed after a firecracker mishap. I outgrew the truck long before it was ready to go to the junk yard, but boy how we tried. I wish I knew what my parents finally did with it.
Tonka expects it’s trucks to have a rough life, and yet still offers a lifetime guarantee, so you know they are confident these truck can handle just about anything. If your child likes heavy machinery, the Tonka Toughest Mighty Dump Truck is a great gift this holiday season.
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Posted: December 14th, 2009 | Author: admin | Filed under: Christmas toys | Tags: clone trooper, star ward, Star Wars Clone Trooper Voice Changer Helmet | No Comments »
It has been over 30 years since the May 1978 release of the first Star Wars movie. It really does seem like such a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away. Yet everything created relating to the series of movies remains incredibly popular and collectible today. And while it has been a while since the last release, new items are being released all the time. One such item that is hot this year is the Star Wars Clone Trooper Voice Changer Helmet.
This helmet is a detailed, authentic and accurate reproduction of a Clone Troopers helmet. That makes this toy not only ideal for kids, but for adult collectors as well. It has three different voice settings to make it even more realistic. One is transmissions of battle plans, or you can play 5 pre-selected phrases. But the one that is the collect allows you to amplifiy and alter your own voice. The microphone in the helmet distorts and deepens your voice, making anyone wearing it sound like a Clone Trooper barking out orders. It even adds background static to make the person wearing it sound even more authentic.
The Star Wars Clone Trooper Voice Changer Helmet is made from a durable plastic. If you watch the movies carefully you will notice the the uniforms there have a plastic look as well, so even this is realistic. The helmet comes in three parts that snap together so no tools are needed. Assembly may require a little muscle, but don’t force it. Other than that putting it together is relatively easy. The helmet will fit children and adults, although it may be a bit heavy for smaller heads. But you don’t want this one for toddlers anyway since there are parts that could create a choking hazard.
Star Wars movies are so popular in part because of their good versus evil themes that appeal to everyone. Luke Skywalker’s journey to destiny, Darth Vadar’s slow corruption by power and Obi Wan Kenobi’s wisdom and sacrifice are things everyone can relate to. And it seems like everyone did. Walk up to a stranger and say “may the force be with you”. I can guarantee you that he will know exactly what you are referring to.
Will the force be with you this year with the Star Wars Clone Trooper Voice Changer Helmet? Get one for any Star Wars fan on your list. Get one for yourself as well. Intergalactic battles with your children will happen immediately.
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Posted: December 11th, 2009 | Author: admin | Filed under: Christmas toys | Tags: beatles monopoly, monopoly, monopoly board games, monopoly city | No Comments »
Certainly, unless you’ve been living in a cave, there’s no reason to explain what the Monopoly board game is. So we will only give you a brief history. There has been some argument over the origins of the game of Monopoly. Tradition holds that it was Charles Darrow who made the game in 1935, during the height of the Great Depressoin., however earlier variations are known to exist. But what matters now is not how the game got started but the fact that it remains one of the best selling games in the United States. It is estimated that 500,000,000 have played this game that never seems to lose it’s appeal.
The classic game remains as popular as ever, but Hasbro has offered up some great variations as well. This is where Beatles Monopoly comes in. For lovers of the Fab Four, this is the ultimate way to play the game. But the variations are not limited but in fact they are numerous. There is a Disney version, a Transformers version, a Pixar version, even versions for the Littlest Pet Shop and Star Wars. But it doesn’t stop there. You’ve probably seen the game featuring your favorite College or University. There’s Lord of the Rings, SpongeBob SquarePants, Pokemon, Coca-Cola and much more.
All those games are played with the standard rules, but Hasbro has introduced editions that add new elements. In monopoly City you can build factories, schools or stadiums on your property, but your opponents can place a sewage plant next door thereby drastically reducing the value. The world edition let’s you build skyscrapers and malls instead of houses and hotels. The Monopoly universe continues to expand.
Another thing that can make Monopoly fun are house rules. These are unofficial rules, and are a common feature of play at the non-tournament level. Getting money when you land on free parking, not auctioning off properties that aren’t bought on the first pass, or adding “depots” and “stations” to the railroads are a few examples. The official rules are fun, yet you can change them to make the game more exciting for your family. The game is extremely flexible.
It does, of course, take a while to play, but that’s just part of the fun. What a great way for the family to spend quality time together for the night.
And the game is no longer limited to a board and dice. The Monopoly Electronic Banking Edition replaces all cash transactions with debit cards! Monopoly Slots Pocket Pogo Game is a handheld slot machine game that goes wherever you go. There are also versions for the Wii, PS3 and XBox 360, as well as ones for your iPod and iPhone.
Why is the game still so popular? Well there are several reasons. Every game is different. There’s an element of luck that plays a part in every game. Sure you want to get Boardwalk and Park Place (standard edition), but without luck of some great negotiating skills, it rarely happens. That sums it up. The game requires both luck and skill in negotiating a good deal, which when you think about it, is not too far removed from basic business in life. You can’t win if you don’t know how to save money, make a deal, or recognize an opportunity.
So do not pass go and don’t collect $200. You can pick up either the classic version or one of the special themed editions this holiday season and have a great evening with your family or friends. We like Beatles Monopoly, but if it’s not for you, there is surely a version your entire family will love.
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Posted: December 11th, 2009 | Author: admin | Filed under: Christmas toys | Tags: matchbox rocky the robot truck, rocky the robot, rocky the robot truck | No Comments »
Truth be told, I always preferred Hot Wheels to Matchbox cars. But Matchbox made some great cars that Hot Wheels did not, so I definitely had more than my share of them as well.
Lesney Products, a British company, first introduced these cars in the 1950’s. Since that time they’ve basically stuck to the same foremat, great die cast cars. But that is changing this year with the introduction of Rocky the Robot Truck.
Dump trucks have always been popular with kids. I presume it’s because they are interactive. Rocky is no exception. Rocky the Robot Truck drives, lifts and of course dumps all by himself. It’s a fully functional working truck. But there’s more to it than that. Rocky sings. Rocky can dance on his back wheels. And Rocky talks and tells jokes appropriate to almost any situation. And the play interactivity doesn’t stop there. Push him along and his headlights come on, the engine roars and his brake lights glow. But if you want a little piece and quiet, Rocky the Robot Truck can have his sound turned off as well.
This truck is made of heavy duty plastic making him tough and durable. Bottom line is that it’s a great toy for any child aged three and up through grade school. But older siblings and even parents will probably want to play with him as well.
Remember the great fun you had with Matchbox cars as a kid? I certainly remember my James Bond “Goldfinger” Aston Martin with the guns that came out of the grill, the bullet proof shield and the ejector passenger seat. What a cool car that was! I saw that same car for a collector’s website selling for much more than my parents surely paid for it. I’m suggesting that Rocky will become the same kind of valuable collectible, but I’m sure our kids will have just as much fun playing with him as we had playing with our Matchbox cars. Of course there are still plenty of basic and detailed die cast cars available now as well. Pick up a few of these to go along with the new truck.
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Posted: December 9th, 2009 | Author: admin | Filed under: Christmas toys | Tags: Lego, Lego building blocks, Lego Pink Brick Box, Lego Ultimate Building Set, Legos | No Comments »
Legos are another toy that has more than withstood the test of time. In fact, we would venture to say that they are more popular now then ever before. And if you want to introduce your children to the wonder that is Legos there are two sets that will get them off and running with their imagination quickly. Although again, they may be difficult to find as Christmas approaches.
We’ll start with a set designed for young ladies. The Lego Pink Brick Box has 402 pieces. Among them you’ll find a brush, cups, flowers, a horse, and fences. Much like the next set we are going to talk about, the Lego Pink Brick Box has a number of wheels and other building components, but the bricks here have a definite feminine color scheme.
The second set we’ll talk about is the Lego Ultimate Building Set. This set also has over 400 pieces and will allow your child to build just about anything he or she can imagine. That’s what makes Legos so great, the ability to be creative and push your imagination to the limit. This set of cours econtaines all the standard Lego pieces, but a huge number of specialized pieces as well. In the set you’ll find a building plate, Lego figures, doors, wheels and windows. It’s that large variety that makes this set a perfect way to introduce your child to Lego toys.
Making the Lego Ultimate Building Set even better is that it comes with five plans so you child can build a house, helicopter, car or even a dog. He can build them exactly as specified or be creative and add to the designs. Plus there are detailed pictures of more than 2 dozen other objects that he can build. They are great for challenging your youngster to build without plans .And with both sets, all the parts fit nicely into a storage tub.
There are some things you should consider though before making your purchase. Legos are not for smaller children and many of the pieces are small enough to create a choking hazard. Plus you may be surprised at the number of smaller bricks in each set. We’re not sure why so many are included but suspect it’s to get the brick count up while keeping the price down. And if you child is not good a cleaning up after play, those small pieces really hurt if you stepon them without shoes.
But theres a reason a toy deveoped in Denmark in 1949 is still so popular today. For 60 years Legos have provided children (and adults) a bunch of fun plus the ability to use their imagination. In fact the work Lego comes from the danish words leg godt. Translated that means “play well” in English. The name is appropriate because Lego Building Blocks really do play well. They are designed to high standards that make sure they are durable, but also fit nicely with any other Lego piece that has ever been made. Lego guarantees it. So the pieces you buy today will fit perfectly with pieces you owned over 30 years ago.
We still love to play with Legos with our children. And any toy that is great for both adults and children is a definite winner. Legos are a classic toy that will never go out of style. And that’s why the Lego Pink Brick Box and the Lego Ultimate Building Set are ideal gifts for your children this Christmas.
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Posted: December 9th, 2009 | Author: admin | Filed under: Christmas toys | Tags: hot wheels, hot wheels cars, hot wheels color shifters, hot wheels games, hot wheels toys | No Comments »
Hot Wheels has built up quite an empire over the last 40 years. These cars have been a holiday favorite since 1969. There are Hot Wheels cars, Hot Wheels games, and Hot Wheels toys, all of which you probably played with as a child. And now your kids are playing with them as well. And there is more than ever to choose from. You may not have known this, but there are now more than 10,000 die cast metal cars for collectors to choose from. And many of these free spinning wheel cars with custom paint jobs are licensed and accurate versions of standard production cars.
In fact, it is the attention to detail that has a lot to do with their popularity. That and the obvious fact that these toys are a lot of fun.
One reason these cars have remained so popular is the way Mattel responds to changes in the market. And new for 2009 are dozens of cars that change colors. Hot Wheels Color Shifters, used in conjunction with the Hot Wheels Custom Color Shifter Shop, are a great holiday gift idea. The cars change colors when you apply cold water, and shift back to their original color with warm water. You can even vary the paint job and make it unique depending on how you put on the cold water.
The ‘57 Chevy can change from white to orange. The ‘77 Dodge Van is blue but turn white with custom blue flames when the cold water is applied. The Shifter Shop makes painting your cars easy. Send it up the ramp into the color changing station. You can do this by using the Turbo Launcher. There are hot and cold water reservoirs and a spray nozzle for easy application. Use the Color Shifter detail pen to apply detail colors. The Extreme Spinner will dry your car, then launch it back to the track when finished.
Hot Wheels Color Shifters along with the Custom Color Shifter Shop are a great way to introduce your child to the fun of Hot Wheels games, toys and cars. And isn’t it great to know the toys you played with are still being enjoyed today?
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Posted: December 7th, 2009 | Author: admin | Filed under: Christmas toys | Tags: GI Joe, GI Joe 25th Anniversary 5-Pack, GI Joe Toys | No Comments »
Time for another classic that has withstood the test of time and remains a popular item today. This one is aimed at boys. We are of course talking about GI Joe toys.
For years girls had Barbie, but it wasn’t until 1964 that a “doll” was aimed for boys. Of course they didn’t call it a doll. Stan Weston’s idea, pitched to Hasbro, was an “action figure”. And the first line of GI Joe toys had an action figure from each military branch in the U.S. As the toy grew more popular the line expanded to include armed forces figures from around the world, from places such as Great Britain and the Soviet Union. Specialized figures emerged as well including an astronaut, a Green Beret and a Navy Seal. These original GI Joe’s are very collectible around the world.
And the popularity of this toy continued to grow. There have been cartoons and even a successful GI Joe movie. And kids enjoy having Joe and his friends battle an evil organization known as Cobra that is trying to doimnate the world. GI Joe, Duke, Agent Scarlet and the rest of the gang are fighting to protect America and it’s values.
Which brings us to today and the special edition GI Joe 25th Anniversary 5-Pack. This set included the above figures plus Snake Eyes and Roadblock, all extremely detailed with an extra wide base for easy play, posing or display. The pack also has a light up sign of the GI Joe logo, a nice bonus for play or for serious collectors. It all adds up to a great toy for any boy or GI Joe fan, providing both great fun and great value.
The GI Joe Anniversary 5 Pack is a great gift for any young boy on your list. You may even want to get two so you can keep one for a collection. Shout out “Yo Joe” and get your child some GI Joe toys this Christmas.
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