2009 Holiday Toy Guide
Some of the reviews featured in this guide were provided by www.Education.com. The Education.com Gift Guide was created to help parents find gifts to find fun, safe, loveable toys that also sneak in some serious educational value. This year’s list is packed with lots of gifts under $20 so parents can wow the kids on their lists without breaking the bank. For more information or to view the entire guide, visit www.Education.com
Tin Tea/Coffee Set
Join kids at noon for tea and cookies! Brightly colored with flowers and hearts, this carrying case stores tea service for four, including mugs, plates, teapot, sugar container and spoons. Encourages imaginative play for ages 3 and up. $19.98 www.Hearthsong.com
Dress Like Your Doll
American Girl’s winter pajamas for girls and dolls are just the perfect way to warm up this season. Matching winter pajamas for dolls and girls feature long-sleeved tops and easy-fit pants with allover wintry print. They’re not just for the holidays – wear them all winter long! $24 and $40. www.AmericanGirl.com
Decorate-Your-Own Wooden Jigsaw Puzzle
This puzzle-painting kit is an exercise in uncomplicated fun and contains everything your child needs to paint a puzzle design that can be taken apart and put back together again and again! $6.84 www.MelissaAndDoug.com, Isles of Smiles in Liberty. Many other Melissa and Doug products available at US Toy.
Dazzler Ribbon
The twirly twists and turns of this rainbow ribbon provide hours of active fun for kids. A simple rainbow-colored ribbon, attached to a colorful stick, can transform into a magical instrument for self-expression and active play. A must-have! $7.98 www.Amazon.com
Pick Up Sticks
Forget the plastic pickup sticks! You can get this set of pure wood beauties for less than 10 bucks. First invented by the Native Americans, and as fun now as it was then, the game works hand-eye coordination, small muscle control and concentration. $9.49 www.Amazon.com
MiQube
Part strategic game, part brain-teasing puzzle, MiQube includes five different games to be played using the simple wooden checkerboard and geometric pieces. Perfect for developing spatial awareness, mathematical problem-solving and strategic thinking, plus straight-up fun! $24.95 www.Mindware.com. Many more Mindware games available at Isles of Smiles in Liberty.
The Amazing Game Board Book
Can’t decide whether to introduce your child to backgammon or chess? No need to lose your head at the store: they’re all between these covers, from cribbage to mancala, plus 40 other games and activities. A natural for travel, but a lifesaver for any time boredom strikes. $14.99 www.Amazon.com
Mummy Rummy
This game, similar to Gin, has four color-coded “suits” which players must assemble into matching sets. Here’s the twist: these suits are illustrations of Egyptian antiquities. Ancient history is at the core of middle school social studies. Get your game on as we explore artifacts and bring the subject to life! $7.99 www.GameWright.com
Trash to Treasure
With this crafty kit your teen can repurpose her stretched out, pilled or undersized wool garments into a felted bag, fairy slippers and mittens. A great way to teach environmental responsibility and provide a creative outlet. $14.95. www.Harrisville.com
LEGO CITY’S Main Street and The Flight of the Flying Wing
Every child loves Legos and this holiday season, there are two new sets available for Lego enthusiasts! In LEGO CITY’S Main Street, children can help get the pizzeria and bike shop ready for customers. Lego offers many Indiana Jones sets, including the new Flight of the Flying Wing. Prices vary. Available at www.Legos.com. US Toy has many more Lego sets.
See Kai Run Shoes
See Kai Run are the latest in children’s shoes for ages 0-8 that are bold, hip, fun and sensible. All of their shoes promote healthy development of babies' and children's feet with their ultra-flexible soles, soft leather and wide toe box with easy to get on and off Velcro closures that ensure a great fit. Plus in November, for every pair of shoes sold on their website, they will donate a pair to a child in need. Prices vary. www.seekairun.com
TouchMaster 3
TouchMaster 3 offers a collection of 20 addictive puzzle, action, card, strategy, and word challenges in one, appealing to all ages, experienced and casual gamers alike for easy pick-up and play gaming on the go. Rated E for Everyone.