| THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH
Air Hogs Zero Gravity Micro Cars drive on walls and ceilings.
(See the details on Page D4.)Air Hogs Zero Gravity Micro Cars drive on walls and ceilings.
(See the details on Page D4.)Air Hogs Zero Gravity Micro Cars drive on walls and ceilings.
(See the details on Page D4.)Air Hogs Zero Gravity Micro Cars drive on walls and ceilings.
(See the details on Page D4.)Air Hogs Zero Gravity Micro Cars drive on walls and ceilings.
(See the details on Page D4.)Air Hogs Zero Gravity Micro Cars drive on walls and ceilings.
(See the details on Page D4.)Air Hogs Zero Gravity Micro Cars drive on walls and ceilings.
(See the details on Page D4.)Air Hogs Zero Gravity Micro Cars drive on walls and ceilings.
(See the details on Page D4.)Kids can put their swashbuckling skills to work with the Indiana Jones Temple of the Crystal Skull Lego set that features collapsible stairs and traps.Kids can put their swashbuckling skills to work with the Indiana Jones Temple of the Crystal Skull Lego set that features collapsible stairs and traps.Kids can put their swashbuckling skills to work with the Indiana Jones Temple of the Crystal Skull Lego set that features collapsible stairs and traps.Kids can put their swashbuckling skills to work with the Indiana Jones Temple of the Crystal Skull Lego set that features collapsible stairs and traps.
Earlier this month, the stick was inducted into the National Toy Hall of Fame.Yep, an everyday piece of wood — one that could become a sword, a scepter or a wild West pony– joined the ranks of the baby doll and skateboard as classic playthings praised by the Rochester,N.Y., museum (which presented the same honor to the cardboard box in 2005).Modern holiday fare, not surprisingly, has become much more complex, withmicrochips and digital doodads helping to inspire imagination, group interaction and physicalactivity.
That isn’t necessarily a bad thing.
Kids are not technophobes, said Gareb Shamus,publisher of Toy Wishes magazine.
When used properly, technology is a great thing.It allows you to do things you normally couldn’t.
We’ve highlighted some of theseason’s hot picks — from the unplugged to the unreal — in a variety of price points and ageranges.
(Items are available at most toy, discount and online outlets.)If your must-have gifts are sold out, don’t worry: Sticks can be fun, too.
With an accordion-style body, the pup slowly inches along like acrawling baby.
Press a button, and the textured pooch moves and makes noises.
(Also available as alion.) The plush critter, which can be attached to a crib railing, producessoothing sounds, including a heartbeat and ocean waves.
It has won numerous toy-industryawards.
Its blocks and sounds help establish alphabet basics.
The two-piecetrain can be played with on the floor or used as a walker or ride-on caboose.
Constructed of soft-knit fabric, the doll doesn’t reek of perfume or plastic,making the snuggly toy suitable for children with allergies or asthma.
For small hands not yet ready for big-kid Legos, the chunky connectingpieces make for easy building.
The battery-powered table serves as a building base and providessounds, a turntable-style platform and storage.
Refuel toy trucks, cars and other playtime vehicles with a pump thatlooks like the real thing (without the sticker shock lamented by Mom and Dad).
It features asqueeze pump, credit-card slot (card included) and a changeable image to indicate gasoline orethanol.
Kids can take to the skies with the building kit that sends aremote-control airplane on a loop-the-loop flight path guided by clickable track pieces.
Thecolorful plastic pieces are reportedly a hit with the preschool set.
The price indicates a 32-pieceset; kits with more pieces are available.
Standing 27 inches tall, the digital dino is striking but not scary.
He canpick up and throw plastic rocks, stand on his hind legs, spin and, naturally, roar.
Illustratedbuttons on the remote control make commands easy.
If you know anything about Bakugan — tiny brawlers that clash usingmarbles and magnets — you know the latest kid craze will be impossible to find.
(Seriously, startsearching.) Items range from a starter kit that includes three Bakugan and player cards to a $29.99battle arena.
Such books have always been a bedtime favorite.
Inventive authors can nowmake their own.
The pop-up pages are already in place; youngsters create illustrations to fit thepop-up designs.
Includes two books plus markers, stickers and ideas.
Connect the jewelry box to a computer (USB cord included), and use itsenclosed charms to claim gifts for a virtual fairy at www.pixiehollow.
com; parental registry isrequired.
– can play along with the hits of the Disney starlet.
The guitarplugs into a television without a gaming console.
Gravity always kept our remote-control cars limited to the pavement.Using a suction device, this vehicle can drive up a wall — or even on a clean, smooth ceiling.
It sounds simple: Tag the colorful discs based on verbal commands froman electronic base.
But the demands get faster and more complicated as the game moves along, addingelements of math and memory to the challenge..
The microphone is included.
Lower-cost versions are also available.
Get hip to the latest dance moves with step-by-step instructions (andyour own virtual footprints) shown on a television screen, no gaming system or crinkly dance matrequired.
Just hook the wireless foot tags to a dancer’s shoes.
Also features coordination andexercise games.
Take nocturnal backyard tag (or exploring the basement) to a new levelof fun.
The high-tech night-vision goggles allow a wearer to see up to 50 feet in totaldarkness.
Once the 929-piecekit has been assembled, there won’t be any shortage of action.
Inspired by the summer blockbuster,the Lego structure features firing spears, fall-apart steps, a rotating staircase and askull-dropping trap.
Two battery-powered taggers deliver silent, rumbling hits that atarget can feel, without actual weapon fire.
Includes a single-player video game for targetpractice.
Combine multiple sets for large-scale action.
Serious video gamers will love GameFly.The Web site works like movie-rental service Netflix — pay a monthly fee and keep items for aslong as one likes.
A teenage girl can spritz herself with a scent that’suniquely hers.
The kit includes six vials of varied fragrances with mysterious names (Rougeberry?Chymara?) plus a guide to mixing perfumes.
Wear a collection of trinkets inspired by Stephenie Meyer’spopular teen-vampire book series.
The set, exclusive to Amazon.com, includes a necklace, braceletand ring.
(Some items can be purchased separately on Amazon.com.) Too old for Heelys?
The inline action street-surfing board, made ofdurable plastic and supported by two wheels, combines the sensations of skateboarding, snowboardingand catching a wave.
A smaller board called the Ripple is available for younger riders.
Don’tforget a helmet.
Use the included extra-long laces to thread through 27 chunky beadsbearing the likenesses of numbers and animals.
The activity helps develop fine- and gross-motorskills, plus color and reading basics.
Insert a letter into the reader console — which can be magneticallyhung on the refrigerator — to hear sounds and songs related to one’s alphabet selection.
Enhanceshand-eye coordination, visual attention and word skills.
Enjoy the beach anytime — inside.
The table sits low enough toaccommodate a wheelchair, and play can be adapted to sensory-related or water games.
Jumping on a trampoline can help develop spatial awareness,coordination, fitness and balance.
Capable of handling up to 110 pounds, the item also includes asteel frame with a surrounding mesh net for safety.
jewelry for women*The rush is on (again): T-minus 29 days till Christmas.
Because we want you to embrace theseason (not dread it), we want to help you do your shopping.
Today through Dec.
24, we offer dailygift ideas for a wide range of recipients.
for the kidsBrought to you by:
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