If you’re trying to come up with some ideas for your holiday shopping for your kids without breaking the bank, here are some of the newest toys out on the shelves that I’ve personally tested on my kids.. Shopping for other people, even your kids, can sometimes be frustrating, so hopefully this list will ease the experience a bit.
We’re quite into family night, and the new game Brain Breaks by Cranium is quickly becoming one of our favorites. With more than 200 games that can be played in 60 seconds or less, families race to beat the timer using classic guessing, acting, sketching, sculpting and word-puzzling skills. For 2 or more players. Ages 8 and up. Retail: $12.99
Another new family night favorite is Jungle Speed by Asmodee. In this game, you must rely on your keen sense of observation and quick reflexes. It requires a steady hand — which can be hard to maintain during the many fits of maniacal laughter, which I can promise my family has had playing this game. Snatch it up and win the game.
We received a set of six jars of nail polish by Expressions Girl at an event a few weeks ago. They’re scented and come in fruit scents: orange, lemon, blue raspberry, grape, green apple and strawberry. My daughter loves playing a game where I close my eyes, she places the jar under my nose so I can guess the scent. Of course, she also likes wearing the polish and it stays on very nicely. Not for children under 3 years old.
VTech’s InnoTab is a multi-function educational tablet, billed for children 4-9, that combines interactive and
animated reading, learning games, creative activities and a rich collection of applications. The InnoTab features a 5” color touch screen LCD, a tilt-sensor for motion game control, a stylus, as well as interfaces for USB, SD card, and a headphone jack, all housed in a compact design for easy portability. My 7 year-old likes this better than my 8 year-old, who prefers the real thing. Retail: $79.99.
My kids love Hex Bugs. Their new Spider is no exception. A remote control operated robotic spider – what more could a child want? For $29.99 each, they come in multiple colors. It walks in all directions and is a great compact toy to take on any trip.
Ickee Stikeez, tiny, squishy, collectible monster figures, have tiny suction cups for feet. Kids can stick them anywhere, or keep them in their round plastic pods. The ickeez make a great “popping” noise as they disengage from different surfaces – televisions, cellphones, tiles and more. One three pack is priced at $10.95 and is for ages 4 and up, but I can tell you that my 8 year-old likes these more than my son. It’s a girl’s thing.
If you are looking for a gift for a child age 18 months up, Swiggle Traks by Pocoyo is new on the market and a great first track set for a child. It’s got a moving bridge, musical motorized vehicle, swigging wheels, swiggle stunts and four different-colored tracks that are available in purple, green, yellow and blue. A battery-operated moving bridge provides even more excitement while the vehicle moves around the track.
Time to get shopping!
Disclosure: I was provided with samples of these toys to facilitate this post.
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