Toy Industry Making Changes Due to Economy - 5 Trends to Watch

Toy Fair 2009 has finished its run. Toy Fair is where the toy industry gathers. Often manufacturers can do an entire year's worth of business in the four day the trade show operates. With over 20,000 attendees, 350,000 square feet of exhibit space, 100,000 products with over 7,000 never before seen in the world, 1200+ exhibitors, and 1000 global media representatives, you can see that toys are a serious business.

I spent three days at Toy Fair this year. As the consumer cannot attend Toy Fair, I wanted to share with you what I see as the trends in the toy industry. While I can't say that I saw all 100,000 products, I certainly walked every inch of the exhibit space, all 350,000 square feet of it. I came away with what I see as five trends that we will see reflected on toy shelves and they all have to do with the economy.

1. Less New Toys - There will be less new toys this year. I noticed that many manufacturers have not expanded their line and are focusing on their basics. There appeared to be fewer newer manufacturers, especially in the small entrepreneur category. Although, there are certainly those mompreneur that are committed to getting their product to the market regardless of the economy. They feel that strongly about their product.

2. Games - Games are what is hot this year. Games for very young children, games for children of all ages, family games, electronic games, adult games, games to play by yourself, games to play with a crowd. The industry sees a trend that we are going to be going out less. We will entertain at home and they are betting that we will purchase more games to play while we are hanging out at home.

3. Green - Green and organic toys continue to grow. This was the niche where people did expand their line. Manufactures went out of their way to tell you where their product was made, what it was made with, how it was packaged, and more. If you are interested in green products you will be pleased with what you will see at the toy stores.

4. Repackaging - Manufacturers know that we have less money to spend so they are repackaging or redesigning to lower the price point. For instance, you will be able to purchase 50 blocks in a set instead of 100 blocks. There were also a lot of smaller art kits. Another company took the electronics out of their toy to lower the price. People are also looking for ways to package their toy differently to lower their costs.

5. Special Needs - In this economy, the manufacturers know that they need to find new markets to sell to. The Special Needs community is growing and the toy industry is noticing. Many more people were talking about how their toy could be used for a child with a disability. Parents who are raising children with disabilities are going to benefit from this if the retail toy stores market the products well.

Mara Kaplan is an expert in Play & Children with Special Needs. You can read her reviews on the toys she saw at Toy Fair by visiting her website http://www.letkidsplay.com

Toys For The Big Boys

Who says that toys are exclusively for the young ones? If you think so, then you are absolutely mistaken, because the young once and the not-so-young, now play games of their own. There are specialty stores selling what are now called "toys for the big boys" as they definitely know how to appease that child within you. All the more toy companies will never stop inventing and reinventing toys that will surely fit your age.

The early 20th century dawned with the arrival of air soft guns, paintballs and the likes. Air soft enthusiasts even formed organizations that formulated playing guidelines, organized competitions and among others. Paintball games were incorporated to some company's team-buildings and retreat seminars as a means of releasing stress and tension.

Air soft competitions thus became extremely popular not just among the male population but also women. Specialty stores selling full battle air soft gears abound and are selling like hotcakes from pellets to vision goggles. Night vision goggles, although its use is regulated and limited only to the military and police, is the latest addition to the air softers' combat gear.

What do air soft players be aware of when buying night vision gadgets? Obey the law. If you are an air soft player, you need to be familiar with the laws governing civilian use of these goggles to avoid any criminal or civil cases filed against you because some countries like the United States prohibits the purchase, exportation and importation of these goggles without proper documentation from the US government. Some countries like Canada, though, are not that strict regarding the sale of these items but it is always rewarding to be cautious and knowledgeable because ignorance of the law excuses no one.

Compare selling prices of the different generations and model types of vision goggles. Visit your local gun stores or gun memorabilia specialty stores or websites in your country. An idea on the selling price will work to your advantage as it will allow you to haggle or bargain for a lower selling price thus will give you an additional savings to purchase other accessory items for your passion.

Third, identify the exact type of goggles that answer the specifications you need. It is based on your need and not just because your team member or team leader said so or the manufactures say so. If you are on a tight budget, ask opinions and alternatives from your specialty store salespersons. It is always wiser to see and understand beyond somebody else's point of view other than yours.

Utilize your imagination so that every air soft adventure you have will be such a realistic encounter through the use of military night vision goggles. Check out the night vision goggle that will complete your larger than life war game experience.

How To Start A Monopoly Revolution - The Classic Game Gets A Makeover

The Game of Monopoly sees its 75th anniversary and to celebrate it Hasbro have given it a makeover and given it the new name of Monopoly Revolution. Although the basic game play keeps to the traditional rules that we have all come to know and love there have been a few modern twists and turns added to reflect today's modern society. Destined to once again be one of the top Christmas toys this year, let's look at what this Monopoly revolution is all about.

If it 'aint broke don't fix it! For as many years as I care to remember Monopoly has been the family favourite property trading game and has kept a very traditional look to it. It comprised of a very simple set of rules and all based around a roll of the dice and a little shrewd wheeling and dealing to buy the best properties. There have been quite a few updates over the last few years to introduce Monopoly to people who may not have otherwise thought of playing the game. For instance there is a Spiderman version with instead of the usual metal player pieces in the shape of the little dog, the iron and the car they are little models of Spiderman and his enemy's. Even the Simpson's have gotten involved with the Monopoly legacy!

The Monopoly for kids version keeps the game play shorter and much simpler for children to follow. But this year sees a much more drastic makeover in the guise of Monopoly Revolution. As the name suggests it sees a new shaped board. Instead of the more recognisable square game board it now has a circular playing area.

To reflect a property market that has changed drastically over the last 75 years even the prices for the properties have been given a more realistic look. The big properties that we always try to get to first, that can easily win the game once covered in hotels such as Mayfair which normally cost a meagre £400 is now a whopping 4 million! Even the lame duck that no one ever really wanted, Old Kent Road now costs £600,000!

Keeping track of the millions that will be changing hands and serving as the banker, dice and sound effects and music player is a gaming pod device. So no more messing around with paper money, it is all registered electronically. One of my favourite sounds effects are when you go to jail you get to hear the jail door slam shut! While there are lots of other minor tweaks to the original game of Monopoly to bring it right up to date, you still have the same core needs of being able to negotiate and deal well in order to win the game.

Monopoly Revolution may not be for purists of the traditional version of the game. But if you like the idea of a game with a modern twist that reflects more realistic property values then Hasbro's Monopoly Revolutions should definitely be on your top Christmas toys list this year for gifts to buy.

Monopoly Revolution from Hasbro will be one of this years top ten toys for Christmas.Would you like to know who has them in stock at the best prices? To get the latest updates go to The Top Christmas Toys NOW!

4 Hot Toys For Xmas 2009

This Christmas parents are looking out for the hot trends in toys and gifts for children. This year there are many great toys that will out on the market. The interesting thing is that many new trends are going to be easier on parents' wallets. That is because many retailers have been hurt in by the economic downturn and see the Holiday Shopping Season as the best time to recoup their losses. This makes this the perfect opportunity to get many of the items on your children's wish list that you ordinarily may not be able to purchase. Here are some the trends that will be available this year.

A big trend to watch out is the miniaturization of popular toys and games. This is an effort for toy companies to still offer brand name toys but at reduced prices. A great example are hand held versions of popular games like BopIt and Yahtzee. This is something to look out for. So if you happen to see a smaller version of a toy your kids were looking for then make sure to get it while you can.

Another hot trend for the past couple of years have been Disney themed toys. The Disney franchise from Movies to Television and even Music has been probably a big part of how your kids spend their leisure time at home. This will mostly target the girls in your family. Make sure to look for Hannah Montana Dolls, Video Games and other products. There will also be great demand for the Disney Princesses and Fairies line of products. The main focus will be Princess Tiana of the upcoming The Princess and the Frog. Of course Tinker Bell is the head of the pack for the Disney Fairies with one DVD already out and another coming out this fall. The great thing about Disney products is that you can find them at high end stores and at your local Superstore so you should be able to find something to like.

Another big trend are green toys these are toys that are obviously made of recycled plastics. Many these toys are not only good for the environment but also good for your wallet. For example there are stuffed toys made from recycled plastic bottles such as the Fuzz That Wuzz. There is also a line of recycled plastic Trucks and Construction toys. Each of these will be well received by your children and help teach them important lesson about conservation and recycling.

Another popular choice will be games that you can move with your mind. There are two on the market right now but I will focus in on the cheaper one which can now be purchased for under $80 dollars. This a great toy and game for the entire family. Basically the Mindflex uses EEG technology. This is a technology that uses sensor placed on different parts of the head to record brainwave activity. By reacting to changes in brainwave pattern that occur when you concentrate on something it can be used to make the ball in the game levitate or descend as you please. What makes the game a keeper is the customizable course which allows you to play endless variations of the game providing hours of entertainment.

If you want to do something to help your more skeptical kids believe in Santa then you can have them get a personalized call from Santa. You find them astounded when they realize you are right next to them and their smart young minds will only be able to come to the conclusion that Santa is real!

Create magic in your child's eyes with our letters from Santa & Santa calls. EZSantaLetters.com offers fully personalized Santa letters and 15 pre-written Santa letters. All letters are postmarked from the North Pole and will definitely put a smile on your child's face.

Bakugan Toys

Do you know what is guaranteed to be at the top of every kids Christmas list this year? Bakugan Toys! Yes there is a new toy craze in town and every kid from here to the Philippines wants it! Bakugan mania is in full storm in the US! Toys R Us can't keep these toys in stock, they sell out as fast as they are putting them on the shelves. There are national tournaments being hosted by Toys R US, and Activison has even signed on to make a Bakugan Video Game. But what exactly are these popular Bakugan Brawlers and why are they so popular?

Remember when you were a kid and you had the biggest collection of marbles in your neighborhood? Well, imagine if those marbles transformed into robots and monsters when you rolled them, springing to action with hidden magnets when they hit the field? That's pretty much what you get with Bakugan, it's a new spin on a classic game. The game itself comes from the Japanese Anime cartoon called Bakugan Battle Brawlers. First aired in 2007 it was a wild success. In fact it has been signed on for a new season called "New Vestroia." In the show, the main characters and their Bakugan buddies battle to protect the Earth from the evil Naga who wants the ultimate power and control of two universes.

The characters play the game by throwing down their cards and letting their Bakugan balls do the talking. The monsters within are released, and the most powerful Bakugan wins the battle.

Every year it seems like there is a new popular cartoon-made-into-a-game. Pokemon, Yu-Gi-Oh, Digimon, and the list goes on. This year promises to take that to a new level. Not only do kids get to play with the cards, they have the Bakugan Spheres as well to play with. When the spheres hit the magnetic cards they pop open revealing what is inside. The players can use their ability cards to boost the Bakugan's 'G power' and the strongest one wins the match.

The game itself is simple enough for your younger ones to play, but also has enough complexities to keep the older ones entertained for hours. It's also a great way to help your kids learn math. With two levels of strategy, not just your cards but also rolling your spheres, there is enough here to captivate parents as well. Although be sure you don't let your kids know!

Bakugan are guaranteed to be super popular this year, Toys R Us is having a difficult time keeping them in stock and many are being sold for much more than market price. It will just get more expensive as time goes on, so score yours today and save!

Buy cheap Bakugan toys today! Visit us at the BakuganDojo.com for the best prices on Bakugan Balls . We will be sharing the latest news on all things Bakugan, revealing in depth strategies, and creating a community of people who are interested in learning more about this addicting game!

Christmas Toys That Help Increase Kids Physical Activity

During the holiday season, parents and grandparents are confronted with choosing Christmas Toys for their kids or grand kids. Now is the time to possibly buy a few presents that will also add to your childrens' health by increasing their physical activity. There are dozens of toys available that will increase your kids physical activity. Below we discuss 6 different toys for both girls and boys, and for different children's age groups, that will get your kids up off the couch or from behind the computer.

For Babies:

Let's start our babies off with a bit of physical activity. Choosing a Christmas Toy for baby may seem difficult, yet one of the best gifts we can give them is a baby "gym". These toys usually come with a mat and highly attractive items that attach to the mat like colorful toy animals or lights. Some even have music.

The Rainforest Melodies and Lights Deluxe Gym by Fisher Price is a great baby "gym." It offers lights and musical melodies in a rainforest setting. It will help increase your baby's actions and their coordination as they reach for the various toys. It can keep baby entertained, yet calm too.

For Toddlers - Ages 9 months to 3 Years Old

As our children become more mobile toddling around, we may wish to engage their interest in using the Hasbro Playskool Step Start Walk 'n Ride This is an excellent gift for toddlers from 9 months to 3 years old. What is great about this particular product is, it is a "two in one". You can start it out as a sturdy walker that can help your baby learn to stand and walk. Then you can convert it into a ride-on scooter. This product could have your baby to toddler zipping around in no time.

Sometimes as busy parents, we use the television as a "baby sitter." I know I did when my daughter was little. I would sit her in front of the TV with her blankie and turn on a show made for little ones. She would be captivated for an hour or so. As we know now, this is not an especially good way to entertain our young ones.

Instead, it might be a good idea to use the Smart Cycle Extreme. This is an excellent Christmas toy to help increase physical activity in our children three years to six years old. You set it up with the TV and load its programs. Your kids can ride the "bike" and it will seem as if they are riding through all types of terrain. The handle bars will even give the impression of riding over bumpy paths.

For Children Ages 6 and Up

As our kids get a little older, it becomes even more of a challenge to get them off the couch or from behind the computer. At ages 6 or 7 and up, they seem to be able to use the computer better than we can! One toy that can be played indoors or outside that will surely hold their interest is the Wild Planet Hyper Dash.

This particular toy can be played with alone, in pairs or in teams. So it covers all the bases if you have just a single child or several. Hyper Dash offers an electronic "tagger" and five different colored and numbered targets. The "tagger" plays music and will call out which target the player must "strike." It keeps track of the time that it takes to go through the sequences and the course. You can set the targets as far away from each other as you like. There are even four different game modes. This product challenges your kids speed, skill, memory and increases coordination and teamwork.

For Children Ages 8 and Up

If you wish to increase your kids outdoor physical activities, coordination and a whole lot of fun, then you may wish to purchase the Razor E100 Electric Scooter for Christmas. This particular model requires a physical start, meaning it has be pushed and going at least 3 mph before you can push the button to start the little engine. The scooter can get up to 10 mph which is fast enough for fun, yet not too fast. It has a rechargeable battery that will last up to 40 minutes.

Fun for the Whole Family

Most people are aware that the Wii Game System is an excellent choice in increase physical activity for the whole family. It has numerous games that will get the whole family moving. If you do not have this game system, you may wish to consider buying it soon. The price has gone down and during the holidays, there will probably be many discounts found online.

If you already have the Wii Game System, than you may be interested in the Wii Motion Plus. It is a Wii game controller accessory that adds to the controller's sensitivity. It makes the controller respond faster to the slightest twist of the wrist, or any body motion. With more sensitivity, it brings a whole new level to playing Wii games by enhancing accuracy and play control.

Finding the perfect Christmas toys for your children can be a challenge. We always try to get them the best toys that will help them physically as well as mentally, without spending too much. If you wish to find even more age appropriate gifts at low prices for your children or grand children, than you may wish to visit this website today: http://christmastoyssale.com.

By A. Dixon, Copyright 2009

Batman Legos

Batman Legos are the new and revamped Legos we all use to play with as children. They hit the scene mid September 2008 and have been very popular with all ages, primarily the younger ones. They are definitely unique, but definitely more expensive. You can purchase a set of Batman Legos for around $15 dollars if you just want the plain set, but if you get a particular set, you may end up spending over $500 dollars. Some of the sets that are priced over $500 dollars are more expensive because of the great condition they are in, especially the sets that have never even been opened.

Aside from the Legos, there are many other items being sold in the whole Batman collection. You can even find Lego Batman video games. Those Lego Batman video games are only about $20 dollars on average and they can be found at just about any video game store out there. You can even purchase the Lego Batman video games off the internet and you may just find them to be a lot cheaper than in the store. The Batman Lego games, just like any other games, can have difficult and challenging sections to it, so some gamers will actually go online and look up cheat sheets for games, including the Batman Lego games. Some of the cheat sheets for Batman Lego games are sold, but if you are lucky and really good with the internet you can find free cheat sheets.

If you are a big collector you will notice Batman, among other things, do cost quite a bit of money. However, the internet is loaded with people willing to sell their memorabilia for low prices. You can find apparel, games, Legos, video games, mugs, key chains, and just about anything on the internet. People will sell their used, slightly used, and even never used belongings at a lower price than you would find in any store. I would be very careful though, not to get scammed. Also, I would recommend viewing a picture or some sort of visual aid to assure you in your purchase. Statistics have proven that people purchasing items off the internet are more likely to get scammed if there is no picture next to the description of the item being sold. You would be surprised by how many people lack a decent conscience. I know some people who frequently purchase items off the internet. Most of their purchases are a success. However, once in a great while they have completed a sale and either never received the product they purchased even though they already paid for it, or they have received faulty items. For instance one of my friends bought a cell phone off the internet and there was no picture or anything just a brief description and a price for $9.99. Well my friend received the phone a few days later and it did not work, apparently the battery was shot. So you just need to be really careful.

You can view the original article here: Batman Legos.

If you would like to read ongoing updates and news about Batman Legos, you can see that here: Batman Lego News.

Hottest Christmas Toy - U-Dance Review

One of this year's best-selling Christmas toys is a new take on an old favorite. It's U-Dance: a Dance Dance Revolution (DDR)-inspired game where players (up to two) dance to the beat of a pre-selected song and match up their steps with digital arrows on the TV screen.

Sounds just like DDR, right? Well, it's close. But U-Dance wins the dance-off on one count: it's wireless. That means no dance pads sliding around the living room, and no cords to get tangled in when stepping to victory. Instead of a pad, U-Dance features elastic foot straps, called Motion Tags, that have sensors that measure just how close to the beat you stomp your feet. Kind of like a Nintendo Wii, in U-Dance, the player is the controller.

Although the wireless aspect of the game is a huge advantage to games like DDR and its knock-offs, U-Dance has a couple major drawbacks. This Hasbro game is not a disc that you can put into your PlaySation console or GameCube. U-Dance has its own console, and its only game is, in fact, U-Dance. There's no word as to whether this one-trick pony of a console will learn new tricks (that is, whether or not it will accommodate other Hasbro games). The other major drawback is the song bank. Ask any DDR aficionado, and they'll tell you they wish the game had either more songs or more levels-or both. U-Dance has the same amount of levels as DDR, three: easy, moderate, and difficult, but it has fewer songs: 12 to DDR's dozens. And some players have complained about the fact that not all of the songs are the originals-because of complications (or price) of royalties, some of the songs are recorded by sound-alikes.

There is something to be said, though, about the game's celebrity endorsement by pop artist Chris Brown. Brown's hit song, Run It, is featured on the game, and the artist only has good things to say about it (the game; not his song): "U-DANCE is the best dance game out there. If you like to dance like I do, you are going to love this game." Well, if Chris Brown says it's the best, who's going to argue?

U-Dance can be purchased for $74.99 and does not include the four "AA" batteries necessary to run the game.

For more Christmas Toy reviews, check out TopChristmasToys.Net.

Julian Hartley

TopChristmasToys.Net

Video Game Prices - How Can a Parent Keep Up?

If you are a parent of children who love playing video games like I am, you know how expensive this activity can be. Of course any true gamer wants to get the game when it is first released. To make this easier, many retailers will let people preorder before the title is even on their shelf. These often cost between fifty to seventy dollars apiece depending on what the particular game is.

I have no problem spending this amount of money for a toy or activity that is going to last my child for a long period of time, but these video games don't last. I have spent seventy dollars buying the latest installment in whatever RPG series is popular at the moment, only to have my son defeat the game in two weeks. Of course, he gets bored and wants another one to play. The cost of these new releases are ridiculous for the amount of play time they actually provide. Even with some of the new interactive ones that can be used repeatedly, they require the use of additional external devices to fully enjoy them.

The motion sensor games have all types of accessory items like steering wheels, fishing rods and dance mats that children use to play the games. The fact that video games are made to be played by more than one person doesn't help the situation when dealing with children. They have their friends come over to play games with them and of course they want to have the popular games and accessories to show off to their friends.

I think what really frustrated me through all the years I purchased game consoles and video games was the ever changing formats the game manufacturers designed. After I had already invested hundreds of dollars buying video games for a certain console system they would make a new and improved version that didn't use the old cartridges or discs. If they did, the graphics were not displayed in the same manner for the old games as they were for the new games.

The other big disappointment came when I tried to sell the old games I had spent hundreds of dollars buying as brand new products and found they were only worth a small fraction of what I had spent. Over the years I have spent well over a thousand dollars in total buying various games, and made back about three hundred dollars in reselling them.

Sick of Paying too Much for Video Games?

Want to Play Free Video Games?

Free Report Reveals How to Play any Video Game for Free. Visit www.PlayFreeVideoGames.net

Transformer Games For Kids

Now you all must have enjoyed the Michael Bay movie Transformers right? And it's the favorite of all you kids out there. So you can have more of it with the transformer games available online! With the gaining popularity of online gaming, kids for sure can avail such popular and free games, which are created out of movie series frenzy.

Like you all know, Transformers (film) has got all the robots fighting for victory against Deception, all the flashy Autobots, are scientifically enable to charge up what not. So all that spark, all those robots, all the action can be in your hands now, your operation, your strategies, and feel-good-factor for all you kids.

Gaming spree

Now online games and gaming series for infamous characters, plots, action, strategies, sports, make-your-move games are all available in plenty for download. You can get hold of them online, or can even get the game CDs that ensure the series and sequence.

As the series goes, where Autobots fight against Deception, they invade earth. And as you play, the control remains yours and you get to play to decide who wins! Though transformer games aren't really famous, but the film is for which there are action packed games available in series on the internet, and also on official gaming sites. Kids can go for free trials, and even download the games.

Toys for kids

Well, to try the transformer games out, you can very well, find transformer gaming images on Google, and also get access to many videos for free. If you are already familiar with the characters, and BumbleBee or Optimus Prime is your favorite, then play with the transformers.

Transformers toys have been launched and consist of an amazing set of actually transforming robots, which can change into anything, truck, sports car, music system, and robot. If this sounds good then there is more to it.

These toys function with a remote control which can actually transform into a car and run for 30 minutes (approx) and also comes with a 9volt battery required for charging for 4 hours.

Transformers Robots

Transformers robots in disguise, as you have heard is the English dubbed version (2000) taken from the Japanese series- Transformers: car robots. You can get hold of the episodes online, and this series as you know has been quite famous in the recent times.

The characters included Omega Prime, Optimus Prime, Ultra Magnus and all had an American and a Japanese dubbed version, whichever way you want to relate to, it is by far a fascinating sci-fi series to acquire in your gaming or series collection. Transformers series is an all cool gaming for kids, where different action pack episodes will keep you at the edge of the game.

Talking of gaming, you can always know about free trials and downloads, available in special transformers gaming sites and also purchase outlets. Transformer games can easily add up to your action gaming folder, just have access, and never be off the remote!

For more information on Transformer Games and the complete Transformer Universe visit http://www.transformertoysreview.com/Transformer-Games/

Kids' Gifts - Popular Toys For Kids

Children of all ages love to play with toys, and for that reason a toy is almost always an excellent gift choice. There are always toys that are in style or fashion, and some that are very trendy, and some that are classic gifts. When considering what gift to get a child, it is important to consider the age of the child, what they already have, what they like to play with, and what your budget may be.

There are several different toys that are popular with kids, and there are toys that are more popular with boys than girls, and vice versa. In choosing toys for kids remember that children love to use their imagination, so toys that encourage creativity and play are exceptional choices.

For young boys cars and racetracks are always popular. Fisher Price has produced a "Shake and Go Speedway Racetrack" which allows the child to shake the car to power up the motor, and then place it on the track to race. An automatic voice gives a play by play of the race, and kids and adults alike can cheer along. Lego has always been a favorite, and the wide variety of theme packs that can interchange with each other makes Lego a versatile gift. A new Wild Hunters Lego set complete with elephants, lions and crocodiles can really stir the imagination. Another building set that is very popular in Magneatos, which uses the concept of magnets to hold the building blocks together. These pieces are larger than Lego blocks and are perfect for younger children.

For girls there are several new toys that are very popular. The Rescue Pets are delightful looking puppies and kittens waiting to be adopted by your little girl. They have their own adoption certificate and information on caring for your puppy or kitten. EZ 2 Quikrochet is not your old-fashioned spool knitting craft package. This uniquely designed easy to hold knitting tool is perfect for making fashion jewelry, hair accessories, scarves or other projects. The Hollywood Barbie set is very popular, with Barbie being a Hollywood movie director. The doll comes with all the accessories, and can of course be interchanged with any other Barbie set. There is also the traditional favorite of the Easy Bake Oven for younger children. Kids love to pretend to cook, and this is a terrific way to let them pretend, without having to worry about safety.

Boys and girls enjoy a lot of toys and games together, and it is important to avoid indicating that some games or toys are just for boys or just for girls. Encouraging children to spend time playing together with toys, using their imaginations and just having fun is what being young is all about. One of the cool new toys that is loved by both boys and girls is the Etch a Sketch Wired. This allows the Etch A Sketch board to be wired to the TV set, so the children will actually see on TV what they are drawing on their Etch-A-Sketch screen. Another popular board game is the Cranium Family Fun or the Cranium original. The Family Fun version is designed for younger children up to age 7, and the original game is for older children.

Corinne Waldon writes a diverse number of toy articles [http://www.toys-247.com/toy-stores-articles] for Toys 247, where you can find many online toy store resources such as forums, directories, shopping and news.