In anticipation of Christmas, parents are making lists and planning surprises for their children for Christmas morning. Every year, certain toys are especially "in demand" and adults go to great lengths to acquire them for children
I participate in a couple mom forums, and one in particular is specifically targeted to discussions about toys... which ones are quality, which ones are educational, good prices, and reviews from real moms. I love the group because I get honest input from real moms helping one another to avoid wasting money on gifts that are soon forgotten, broken, or inferior to a better quality toy at a better price.
Last year, the hot toys for discussion were Kota the Triceratops, Elmo Live, S'More or Butterscotch Ponies, Moon Sand and the VMotion. So, out of curiosity, I recently asked moms in the forum who purchased these items (some at great lengths camping out overnight on Black Friday or forking over $300+ dollars for giant dinosaurs) how the toys fared a year later. Mother after mother wrote that they'd already sold the beloved toys at garage sales or craigslist, or gave it away, for small fractions of the original purchase price because the toy was "played with once and forgotten" / "ate up batteries"/ "took up space" / "big mess"/ "they loved something else MUCH more" and consequently all that time and money had literally been wasted to purchase a gift that looked so fantastic at the store, but was an immediate flop at home. Very few wrote that the toy was still loved in their home (the VMotion did the best there, but only in homes without a Wii or "newer/better/more sophisticated game system").
For our family, last year's Christmas gifts were a success. Our girls received a play kitchen and Melissa and Doug Castle from us (both of which are still enjoyed DAILY), a puppet theater from grandparents (MUCH loved), and dolls and dress up from grandparents (ALWAYS loved), as well as art supplies. I am so happy to see them enjoying their gifts almost a year later, and knowing that they're using their imaginations and creativity while playing. Plus, I was fortunate to get fantastic deals on Cyber Monday last year purchasing toys for small fractions of the original price without the hassle of crowd fighting on Black Friday!
This year's gifts will be "less exciting": ZipBins, Bath Dolls, toy laptop, toy cash register, Hatchling Dinosaurs, books, dress up, art, personalized Doll and CD for the new baby... all purchased at sidewalk sales, with coupons, etc... we're hoping for homeruns.
When choosing gifts for my girls, or answering inquiries for relatives seeking suggestions, I try to observe their interests and personalities, toys they most enjoy at indoor playplaces or museums, and "best bang for the buck" in terms of bargains for quality items. I love reading reviews from other parents, and try to see something "firsthand" on display at a local toystore first.
So, I want to know... Are your children still enjoying last year's Christmas gifts? Are they things you would recommend? Why/why not? If you fought the Black Friday crowds for that "big deal"... was it worth it? Are those items enjoyed/used? And, how do you make choices as a parent to avoid wasting time and money on the "Hot Toy" that quickly loses its spark?
Are you on a hunt for a "Hot Toy" this year? Children hoping for Zhu Zhu Pets, Bakugan Toys, Tickle Me Elmo, or Nintendo DSi? What is most appealing about these hot toys and do you think they'll still be a hit NEXT Christmas?