BACK TO BASIC TOYS
by Susan Taylor Brown
When it comes to presents, children come up with of the latest electronic gadgets and most expensive toys so necessary in playing the child's version of keeping up with the Jones. The sum total of a child's top ten "must haves" can often match a family's monthly food or mortgage budget. It wouldn't be so bad if the kids got long-term play value out of the toys, but unfortunately, that's not always the case.
The most important gift a person can give a child is the gift of imagination. Imagination is special - the more you use it, the more it gives. Imagination is like a muscle - without regular exercise, it becomes soft and flabby, unable to perform the simplest jobs.
Before shopping for the child in your life, check this list of back-to-basic toys for some of your own childhood favorites. Better yet, why not take the time to introduce your child to something from your past? Jacks and finger paints are as much fun as an adult as they were as a child.
Some of the best back-to-basic toys run on imagination instead of batteries. Traditional dolls without voices and moving parts allow the child to assume a variety of personalities to meet their varied day-to-day needs. Dolls that are pre-programmed have difficulty being anything other than what they were made to be. But a rag doll can be a new baby, a fairy princess or anything else a child desires.
Simple cars, trucks and trains, where the child makes all the sound effects, can provide hours of imaginative play. Set aside a place in your yard that is okay for your child to dig. Let him build roads and mountains. Let him flood a river and then build a bridge. By allowing him to create a world of his own, you are encouraging him to grow as an independent freethinking individual.
Keep a box of miscellaneous craft supplies in an easily accessible place. Building blocks, scraps of wood, a craft box made of sewing room cast-offs, modeling clay and paints of all kinds are more good imagination boosters.
A dress up box is easily put together with finds from your closet or a minimum investment at the thrift store or a garage sale. The pay-off is 100% fun. Kids love to dress up and play house or school or perhaps write their own stories to act out on a living room stage.
And don't overlook the power of a blanket thrown over a table and a couple of chairs to make an impromptu fort. Let the child decide if it is a castle, a hide-out or a fairy tale cottage.
Other basic toys bring pleasure with their simplicity: soap bubbles, red rubber balls, jump ropes, jacks and marbles. These toys have endured year after year for the simple reason that they succeed in keeping smiles on children's faces.
Fun doesn't have to be expensive; it just has to be fun. So the next time you have to buy a gift for a little someone, think twice. Instead of robots that blow smoke or cars that transform into a dozen different creatures complete with sound effects, instead of dolls that act like real babies or age several years during the course of playtime, instead of the latest interactive video games, Give the gift of imagination and go back to basic toys!
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Fisher-Price Rainforest Jumperoo
List Price: $79.99
Price: $69.97 & this item ships for FREE with Super Saver Shipping. Details You Save: $10.02 (13%)
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Ships from and sold by Amazon.com. Gift-wrap available.
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· A bobbing elephant, swinging monkey, spinning lizard and more that baby will just "go wild" for
· Baby spins drum to activate lights & music
· Soft spring covers keep little fingers safe
· 3-position height adjustment ensures a custom fit for your child
Shipping Weight:
Shipping: This item can only be shipped to the 48 contiguous states. We regret it cannot be shipped to APO/FPO,
Shipping Advisory: This item must be shipped separately from other items in your order. Additional shipping charges will not apply.
ASIN: B000I2UJ0Q
Item model number: K6070
Amazon.com Sales Rank: #6 in Baby
Important Information
Safety InformationUse only for a child who is able to hold head up unassisted and who is not able to climb out or walk. Maxium height 32"
Product Description
From the Manufacturer
A place full of wonderful sights & sounds...the Rainforest Jumperoo brings it all down to size for little explorers! Still tons of safe jumping fun (which will activate Rainforest music & lights!), but now there are toys all around-and overhead--with a spinning seat that helps baby explore them all. A bobbing elephant, swinging monkey, spinning lizard and more that baby will just "go wild" for! Baby spins drum to activate lights & music (Mom can activate for 5 minutes of continuous play) Soft spring covers keep little fingers safe and 3-position height adjustment ensures a custom fit for your child. Requires 3 AA batteries for toy tray (not included)
Everything your baby needs can be found in this Rainforest Jumperoo. Its newly designed frame allows you to opens it up from the top, and lets the seat rotate 360 degrees so baby can play and interact from any side. A fun seat and toys at five locations on the platform engage baby all the way around, and an electronic toy at the front has motion, music and lights that can be activated by baby spinning a drum.
Seat also features a bobbling elephant, a monkey swinging from a vine, a parrot hanging from a bead bar, a clear spinning bead ball, a tiger that plays hide and seek, a spinning lizard that makes rattling sounds, a tethered chew toy and a stack of chips with cute graphics for baby to explore.
Two soft leaves extend from the frame to create an overhead 'canopy' with soft toys that dangle down for fun bat-at play. Jumperoo has has three height adjustments for extended use. Frame pivots to a nested position so it can be tucked away when not in use. Includes a motion sensor that encourages kids by rewarding them with lights and sounds when they jump. Weight Capacity is
289 Reviews
| | Average Customer Review  (289 customer reviews) |
Our baby asked us why we waited so long!!, March 30, 2007
By Mute208 (Bay Area, CA)
We were between this Jumperoo and another one that has 4 support poles as the base. The square Jumperoo didn't have nearly as many toys for her to discover and it seemed to take up much more space. We decided on this Jumperoo because it took up less room and had more toys for only slightly more money. The investment was worth it for just the first 10 minutes of fun!
When we first put her in, she wasn't quite sure what to make of it and just looked around at the toys grabbing for them. After she realized (in the first 2 minutes) that she could jump, she did with great joy. Her face was all smiles and watching her kick her feet out while jumping had us all rolling on the floor hysterically.
The toys she likes best are the ones that spin and she reaches for the parrot and frog that hang. The tiger that comes up when you push on the button seems pretty useless, as does the color wheel.
The whole thing took us about 10 minutes to put together and another few minutes to wash the toys. Remember not the submerge the electronic one and to put 3 AA batteries in it. The box does not include the batteries and you'll need a screwdriver to remove the battery cover. Also, the large spinning ball has a rainbow sticker along the sides that if you don't dry right away, well, they'll start to wrinkle. The Jumperoo does fold up for easier carrying/stowing but it's not a smooth transition. I don't see us doing it that often however.
As I mentioned, the entertainment that the adults got was well worth the cost initially. And now, our baby girl has a great time bouncing on it while strengthening her legs. She doesn't seem to like jumping without an audience but maybe she will when she gets a little older. Don't wait to get this, you won't regret it!!
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Fisher-Price T.M.X. Tickle Me Extreme Cookie MonsterOther products
0 comments Posted by Good Toy Review at 5/05/2008
Other products by Fisher-Price : See Fisher-Price TMX collection
List Price:$33.99
Price:$22.50 & eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over $25. Details
You Save:$11.49 (34%)
Availability: In Stock.ships from AmazonFulfillment.
Product Description
Amazon.com Product DescriptionTickle your funny bone with this hilarious Cookie Monster toy. Recommended for ages 18 months and older, he falls backwards, then rolls to the right and left while laughing hysterically.
Tickle Cookie Monster's belly and he falls to the floor in laughter. View larger. View side view.
Meet T.M.X. Cookie Monster
Part of the new Tickle Me Extreme friends, Tickle Me Cookie Monster is every bit as charming and fun as his popular friend, T.M.X. Elmo. When you touch his belly, this plush 11-inch doll falls backwards and giggles as he rocks back and forth. He even gets back up on his own! With googly eyes and soft blue fur, this Cookie Monster doll is cute, huggable, and a great toy for young children. He comes packaged in a cardboard carrying case with a handle at the top and a cutout to poke his ticklish tummy. Cookie Monster performs best on a hard, flat surface and requires six AA batteries (included) to bring him to life.
Laughter Is Contagious
Each T.M.X. friend has its own unique actions. The T.M.X. Cookie Monster features silly gyrations followed by humorous phrases. This motorized doll is so soft, kids can pick it up, snuggle with it, then put it down and watch it wiggle. It only takes two tickles to send Cookie Monster into hysterical laughter and kids soon find themselves giggling along. This doll has an incredible likeness to the actual Sesame Street character. Parents can add to the fun with T.M.X. Elmo or T.M.X. Ernie, sold separately.
Tickle Test
During the tickle test, it became easy to see why the T.M.X. friends are in such demand. When you tickle Cookie Monster's belly, he doubles over in hysterics. The second time he is tickled, he falls over backwards, rolls from left to right, then gets back up again, saying, "That was good." The doll moves best on a hard, flat surface and struggles a little when placed on carpet. But that was the only setback discovered during the hands-on testing process. A discreet on-off switch on his foot allows you to turn the doll off, if you're in need of some quiet time. Overall, T.M.X. Cookie Monster makes a great toy for its target age range. Even adults will crack a smile as this jolly character shakes and rolls with laughter.
What's in the Box
Plush Cookie Monster doll, 6 AA batteries
Product Description
Giggles are impossible to resist with the popular "Tickle Me" pals. Touch their bellies to send them into uncontrollable fits of laughter accompanied by funny phrases.
Press Cookie Monster's belly and watch him roll around the floor while laughing and blurting out hilarious comments -- then watch your preschooler do the same! Requires 4 "AA" batteries, not included. Measures 11" tall.
Product Details
Product Dimensions: 5 x 8.9 x 12.2 inches ; 2.2 pounds
Shipping Weight: 2.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S. and to APO/FPO addresses. For APO/FPO shipments, please check with the manufacturer regarding warranty and support issues.
Note: Gift-wrapping is not available for this item.
ASIN: B000NW13RO
Item model number: L6567
Our Recommended Age: 3 years and up
Manufacturer Recommended Age: 18 months and up
Batteries: 6 AA batteries required. (included)
Amazon.com Sales Rank: #530 in Toys & Games
Customer Review
Better than Elmo, dare I say!We , October 30, 2007
By Turtle Girl(NJ) From Amazon.com
We LOVE the TMX Cookie! We already had original Tickle Me Elmo and TMX Elmo and now....Cookie just joined the family! We don't even have kids yet! But crack up at the laughter these monsters put out!!!!! It is sooo fun and dare I say Cookie is funnier than Elmo!!!!!!!!!! Sorry lil Red dude! We love when our friend's kids visit and they can play with them all! Can't to get Ernie too! You must have the whole collection!
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Radio Flyer Wagons - An Icon Of AmericanaAs the years progressed, the families that Radio Flyer catered to became more active with fast-paced, busy lifestyles. The innovative company kept up with the changing times by adding more versatility to their toys. Today's Radio Flyer wagons are still manufactured with the same durability and attention to safety as the original little red wagon first made over 85 years ago, but are now available in a wide variety of designs. There are also a line of accessories available for today's stylish wagon to ensure comfort with every ride.
The Radio Flyer Ranger Wagon is the perfect companion for busy parents. Made of solid, seamless steel, this popular wagon features a comfortable back rest and a safety harness making it ideal for long rides. All of Radio Flyer's steel wagons include scratch resistant rolled edges to hide sharp metal edges and to ensure safety. With the Ranger Wagon, a parent can complete all their errands without ever hearing a fuss from their children.
Safety and durability are top priorities in the making of all of Radio Flyer's products. The Ranger Wagon uses an exclusive "no pinch" ball joint to attach the handle to the wagon. This unique feature ensures safe fingers and prevents pinches while allowing the handle to swivel freely. The Ranger Wagon has an extra long handle to pull heavy loads with ease. The handle effortlessly folds underneath the wagon for simple storage when not in use.
Like all of Radio Flyer's wagons, the Ranger Wagon is virtually impossible to tip over during use. Radio Flyer uses a scientifically designed controlled turning radius to hold the wagon steady, even over bumps or while carrying a heavy or unbalanced load. This design makes the Ranger Wagon a great tool for gardening, moving firewood, or other lifting tasks around the house. For even more carrying space, a Radio Flyer wagon trailer can be pulled behind the Ranger Wagon. This easy to attach accessory quickly snaps on and off to add extra storage for shopping bags, gardening supplies, or whatever items the trip requires. The steel wagon trailer with high wood stake sides allows easy addition of the cooler pack making the Ranger Wagon the ideal pull-along for beach trips, outings to the park, and picnics.
The Ranger Wagon delivers exactly what consumers expect from a Radio Flyer product. The Ranger Wagon is dependable, durable, and exceeds modern safety standards. It is versatile enough to use around the house and sturdy enough to carry children as well as their book bags and belongings. The Radio Flyer Ranger Wagon promises years of use and plenty of adventure for every single child and adult who has one. Every boy and every girl who owns a Ranger Wagon will chase a childhood of dreams inside it.
Gary Clay is an expert on Radio Flyer Wagon and owner of stylish kids store MonkeyShine an approvedRadio Flyer stockist in the UK Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gary_Clay
Creating Memories with Fisher Price Toys
Fisher Price Toys have created many memories for children young and old. Many adults will save their toys from when they were children, and pass them down to their children to play with. Other times, the passing down of the toy may be as an act of a family heirloom.
There are many toys that are available on the Fisher Price line. Toys such as kitchenettes bring a lot of fun to small children. It teaches children creativity, as well as prepare them for the skills of cooking for when they are older. There are also toys plastic school buses, with little people inside. These types of toys are wonderful for toddler and young children, as they are indeed child friendly, and are not a choking hazard for younger children ( when accompanied with age appropriate toys).
The legacy that Fisher Price has left with many families is a long one. Grandparents are playing with their Fisher Price Toys with their grandchildren. The toys are purchased year around, and make a great gift for any childhood occasion. Many adults like to play with the toys with children, as it recollects their memories from their own childhoods. Fisher Price Toys are indeed created and used for making lifetime memories.
You can find this article and more like it at www.cherishedbabygifts.info
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Ed_Whit
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