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Courtesy crayola.com
The Crayola Digital Light Designer lets kids draw lights on a cone-shaped surface with a special electronic pen.
If you need some ideas for what toys to get the kids on your list this year, the 2013 Toy of the Year nominees is a pretty good place to start. Picked by the Toy Industry Association, these are some of the hottest, fun and most innovative toys on the shelves this holiday shopping season.
The industry picked 84 different toys in 12 different categories. That's a lot of toys to go through, so I went ahead and made a virtual "toy chest" of what I think are the best of the best, based on some clear biases I have as a 30-year-old nerdy new father of a one-month old. I haven't played with any of these toys and my ideas are not reinforced by experience; my kid can barely grab a giraffe ring, let alone choose between a "4-D puzzle" and the Playmobil E-Rangers Headquarters.
But I like toys that encourage kids to move around. I like toys that are intellectually fun and make you get creative.
I'm skeptical of toys with a long list of all the discrete skills they supposedly teach, and toys that replace imagination with electronics for no good reason. I also looked for that "wow" factor that will light up a kids eye's when they open up the package.
You can see the full list over at toyawards.org and vote for which ones you think are the best. The toy with the most reader votes will receive "The People's Choice Award." As an incentive, when you vote, you also enter for a chance to win every single toy in one of the voting categories. That'll take care of your holiday shopping pretty quick!
Here are my picks for each category:
Activity
Crayola Digital Light Designer
It's a LITE-BRITE on a cone! Draw the lights on the surface with a special electronic pen and animate your creation.
Boy
HEXBUG® Warriors Battling Robots Battle Stadium
Whirring battlebots clang and bang against each other in this curvy stadium, using vibrations to knock each other from green to red. Because it's never too early to start learning chaos theory.
Gosphero.com
This robotic ball is controlled by turning and tilting a touchscreen device or tablet, and an animated, cupcake-loving beaver appears on screen when you view it with your device.
eConnected
Sphero
A robot ball you control with your smartphone or tablet and when you look at it on your device, appears to be a beaver hungry for cupcakes. You toss the cupcakes to him on the device and then move the real ball in real life, by tilting and turning your device, to catch them.
Educational
LeapPad2
The followup to last year's smash hit LeapPad. Like the iPad it's modeled after, the second generation of the device adds a camera and more power. It's a book-sized all-encompassing child entrancement device. Sure to save many a car ride from an epic meltdown.
Game
Perplexus™ Epic
A 3-D maze puzzle inside a sphere. Literally mind-bending.
Jakks.com
Motion-activated lights on this princess dress encourage the child wearing it to dance, spin and jump around.
Girl
Disney Princess Cinderella Magic Lights Dress
Motion-activated lights on this princess dress encourage the child wearing it to dance, spin, and jump around. Princesses aren't static sleeping beauties or demure ladies in waiting anymore, they go on adventures! Accessorize with a pair of light-up sneakers.
Infant/Toddler
LEGO® Duplo Creative Sorter
Kind of like training wheels for Duplos, this set features pre-cut animal shapes that help little ones assemble their first block creations. The colors are bright and awesome, too, and I love the big eyes.
Innovative
Nerf Firevision Sports Football
It always stunk, or stung, when it got too dark outside to continue tossing the football in the backyard. But with the NERF Sports FIREVISION Football, just put on the special glasses and it lights up with a 100-foot range glow.
Outdoor
YBIKE Explorer
A 3-wheeled Go-Kart with big wheels for sturdy riding. Kind of a souped up Big Wheel for the 21st century, with more precise handling, and handles. Speaking of Big Wheels, if the $199.99 price tag for the YBIKE is too "off the road" for your budget, you can't go wrong with the reintroduction of the classic Big Wheel for $59.99, also in this product category.
Toysrus.com
The Doc McStuffins doll may be the closest thing to a truly hot toy this holiday season.
Preschool
Doc McStuffins “Time For Your Check-Up” Doll
If the kid on your list is a fan of this Disney Junior animated series, which is laudable for featuring female ethnic doctor (who's 6 and heals stuffed animals and toys), this is a sweet and cool interactive toy. With her bedazzled stethoscope and tools, Doc McStuffins listens to her friend Lambie's heart and her magical toys make Lambie talk. This toy also has the added benefit of hopefully making the kid more compliant and less freaked-out the next time they see the doctor.
toysrus.com
Remember Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles? They're back, and retailers are betting they'll be big this holiday season.
Property
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
After a long hiatus, the heroes in a half-shell are in a new reboot, and it actually looks cool. As a fan of the Turtles, even more so after I discovered the edgy underground comics that were their origin, all I can say is...TURTLE POWER!
Specialty
All Duct Out™
Duct-tape wallets seem to get rediscovered by each generation of kids. Here's a kit for making them, along with headbands, belts, and more out of neon duct-tape. How cool is that?
Check out the other finalists at toyawards.org and sound off in the comments which ones you think should be the winners.
More money news:
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- Video: Hardcore shoppers line up for Black Friday
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Laurie Schact of toyinsider.com shares the best deals on children's toys this Black Friday, including a Haute Couture Fashion Studio, The Original Big Wheel, Mega Bloks, and a Hot Wheels Super 6-lane Raceway.
Leave a Comment:
Where are the pictures? What kind of lame crap is this???!
I was thinking the same thing as Alison. Where are the pictures? They must have thrown this article together.
Click on the names. The links will take you to websites with more info, or perhaps Amazon to order.
I'm amazed at how ppl can be so lazy...you don't need pictures....click on the link after you have read the description and then you are provided more information. As for the "unneccessary words," if you're a parent, you should be ashamed because you're teaching children that you're words are acceptable and they are not. Clean up your mouth and create respect for yourself and others.
Looks to me that this is just another bunch of expensive plastic electronic junk that does little for the imagination of children. Most will be broken expensive plastic electonic junk within a week of christmas.
I guess that's why they're called toys.
We are re-purposing furniture this year for our kids gifts. For our 2 year old we are making night stands into a play kitchen, for our 7 year old we are making an old coffee table into a deluxe Lego table and our 10 year old we are taking a desk and mirror and turning it into a vanity for her room. All furniture is used. With paint and accessories for all three we are spending no more than $100 for all three. It's amazing what you can do with a little imagination and effort and they will last longer than plastic. Granted, the light up football looks pretty neat.
Wow SDMN...I'd hate to be your kid..how about throwing in some used yarn or maybe bubble wrap...haha jk
Bo-1807298
Wow Bo-1807298....I'd hate to have you as a parent how about not being a bully or jackass....haha jk
Not the nicest feeling is it. Not everyone has the financial freedom to buy 'toys'
I think SDMN's idea is amazing and creative. Most people can't do that. Most people couldn't even think that up! I know all the little girls in my family have had play kitchens and vanities, and all have LOVED them, but they never held up because they were the junkie plastic ones. Not only will these get used, but they will hold up. I think it's awesome! And even at age 29, I'm pretty sure my brother STILL wishes he had a LEGO table, lol.
Campani...I hate to burst your bubble but nothing you post could make me feel one way or another...I don't know you...and as for my post, take the stick out of your butt and realize I was only joking...good grief
The negative nancies coming to a town near you!
a sad article for 2012. add some links!
A dress for girls. Seriously? Girls do like other things besides princesses and dresses. Could you aim a little higher, please?
As you wish:
http://www.amazon.com/Alex-Toys-In-My-Kitchen/dp/B00432342M
http://www.amazon.com/Casdon-Hetty-Cleaning-Trolley-Black/dp/B0037LL0U8
Tell that to a little girl who LOVES to play dress up
Alex, that hilarious!
So pretending to be a doctor isn't aiming high enough with the Doc McStuffins? Lighten up! My daughter loves to dress up in princess dresses. Oh, and the artsy light bright type of toy isn't creative enough for you? Were you burning your bra as you wrote your comment?
Yeah, but it's a light up dress!!! There is nothing cooler than that for little girls..... Trust me :-)
Yup, a light up dress..... That's the shizzel....... There is NOTHING cooler for a little girl..... I was one once..... Trust me!!
Lighten up! I am a woman who fought for many of the womens rights that are enjoyed by women today. And I will be the first to admit that given a chose, little girls love to play dress up.
Yes, I noticed that the boys gift was something to engage the scientific side of the brain, and the girls were lumped back into the princess mold. At least for the girls, it exercises their imaginations, though not necessarily a good role-model type of imagination.
The really interesting thing is HEXBUGs aren't really anything more than a new take on the old "vibrating-table football game" that I had as a kid. the difference being instead of the platform vibrating, the pieces themselves vibrate. They are something that's interesting for a few days at most, then forgotten about.
I suspect the princess dresses will get lots more use than the HEXBUGs.
@Rincewind- Actually the HEXBUGs do vibrate by themselves(that's how they move.) They're actually pretty cool.
I feel we should give the author a break, even though he is writing about a subject he knows nothing about. He's a new dad with no experience to back up his recommendations, We need to help him establish his priorities when buying toys for the kids. We should make him a list, that should include the important things like how loud it that toy, how many small pieces are there to step on with your bare feet, how many batteries does it take, and lets not forget is it safe for your kid to put it in their mouth. I think we should all get together and help this guy out.
Why was it necessary to state the Doc McStuffins is Ethinic. Would the description have stated "White Doctor" if it was the other way around. We have such a long ways to go its disturbing.
Most toys that are linked to a profession are "white" by default so YES, it is necessary to say "ethnic" toys. There is a direct link between a child's self image and their surrounding environment. So, although you do not see any need in doing this (probably because you are white and would not notice this since most toys look like you), just by the simple fact that you commented on this toys betrays that you actually DO notice ethnicity in toys. I think it is a fabulous idea.
I concur with lindsays80--what does that even mean? If I'm white I don't have an ethnicity? So what ethnicity exactly is she? Ethnicity is not the same as race; this is a foolish distinction to make or point out, since a picture is clearly posted. My daughter and son both have brown skin that is a different shade than either of their parents. Are any of us more or less ethnic than the others? I have been very frustrated trying to find dolls that look like my kids, but I really don't need someone to point out that they doll is "Ethnic." I would expect a doll that was dressed in traditional Russian clothing to be considered "ethnic," but not necessarily a person of color. THis is as ridiculous as calling the fighting hex bugs a boy's toy (my daughter and all her girlfriends love these toys and play with them all the time) and making the best toy for girls a light up princess dress. I get the point of it, but find a better way to express yourself.
We are all equally 'ethnic.'
Thank God, there's only a few negative nancies to respond! Everyone else probably found some value in the article. I found it informative and descriptive. And, yes; little girls still like dresses and princess dresses.
That goes for little boys too. My son loves to dress up in his sisters dresses. At the daycare I worked for boys always dressed up in the tutu's and would dance around acting like complete goofballs. Not to say I'd buy him one, unless he asked, but certainly the dresses will get more use than just with the little girls.
Toys ???
Why in these times of desperation would anyone throw away money on junk like this when there are children starving around the world?
What happend to the days when mom would nit a nice sweater or a pair of gloves or booties?
If you want to knit sweaters, by all means go for it. People have the right to 'throw' their hard earned cash anyway they want. Although I agree that we should try to help the starving children of the world, that doesn't mean I can't buy a toy for my kid on Christmas. Quit being the negative nancy!
So I'll give my 4 year old a lame knitted sweater, then explain to her about the starving children that I can help only in a limited capacity anyway. Yeah, she'll understand that. My kid should suffer because other kids are suffering? One does not necessarily need to be connected to the other. Every time you eat ANYTHING that is not absolutely necessary for you to live do you flog yourself because there are starving people in the world? Come on, now. Let the kids have a little fun.
tigerlover, did you forget to wrap that post in <sarc> tags?
For those really interested in helping out the underpriviledged in Africa, just a note that $1500 is enough to provide a source of clean drinking water to a whole village. That's a one-time cost to provide clean, clear, safe drinking water for the forseeable future.
If you waited all year long for this list of "HOT" toys befor shopping for your kids my condolences. I shop clearence all year round for my kids and find not only is the bank not broken at this time of year but the kids are very happy with my unbeknowest to them clearence toys.
"Park Avenue: Money: Power and the American Dream". Watch and learn.
I am surprised that nobody recommended "Tickle me Elmo."
We are all equally 'ethnic.'
Hexbug? Maybe on the Xmas 2011 list......that item is dead and being cleared out of stores.
How many of these "hot" toys were actually made in the USA that would be nice to know. Are they SAFE! I found a great site for Educational Made in the USA wooden toys
www.jjsdirect.com
Bob a supporter of Made in the USA
Where are the American made products? Are we sure this isn't just an ad, pretending to push the foreign goods from Bain Capital on us, like we have been seeing for weeks on the TV? Bain Capital advertising has blanketed the US with ads from Staples, BestBuy, ToysRus, Burlington Coat Factory, Lowe's Home Improvement Centers, Sports Authority and on and on and on....
I say Americans should buy local! I say boycott all the stores who only sell imported products. This year, shop at the local nurseries, or buy handcrafted steel and wood products made in America. How can we ever expect to gain more jobs if our purchases just leave our communities, and end up lining the pockets of the wealthy, who employ slave labor workers in Communist China, while hiding those profits in the Caymans?
Hey Jack the Election is over and President Obama won and America Lost. Grin and bear it for another 4 years
The only reason America lost in this election is that the same bunch of Do-Nothing Republicans were elected to the House of Representatives. Expect the stalemate to continue.
"Rincewind"....awesome.
I love Terry Pratchett :)
Looks like some one bought into the list.
Jack- 295117, made in Michigan by a retired American Army Vet in his workshop. Being a Proud Supporter of Made in the USA and small business I checked this out throughly.
Bob 112
Well Marry Christmas and my God bless us all !!!!!!!!
Legos are the best for all kids from 3 yrs old to kids 16yrs of age My grandkids all ask for Legos as gifts for birthdays and Christmas!
I do not believe that any toy for a small child that uses Batteries to run is safe for small children. If they manage to get the Battery out they will be able to put them in the mouths.
What ever happened to teaching kids the correct way to utilize toys? perhaps cars should be banished from streets so children won't be run over. Maybe we could just teach them to look both ways and not run out without looking. It's like banning peanut butter from school lunches because children can't be taught to not eat peanut butter if allergic. What ever did our parents do years ago......uuuhm yes thats it they taught us to take responsibility and think.
If they can figure out how to remove batteries they should be able to learn to not put them in their mouths....duh!
I love these artices this time of year, NOT! Okay folks, walk into your loca big box retailer and look at the feature items on the endcaps......all were items listed above. It's the same thing every year- the top toy list is not what was purchased or tested by the consumer its what the big boxes have ordered the most of. Parents dont rely on a list or an article talk to your kids and see what they really want. FYI- if you don't already know its probably a little late for the top toys.........
Wow. "2013 toy of the year nominees"...and this list was made by....grown ups?...on the behalf of kids who just have to have these toys? Lol. Smh. Sounds like media propaganda to me- as usual. The other posters put it best, "a bunch of expensive, electronic/plastic crap that's not even made in America and will be broken/neglected two weeks after Christmas."
Why are these the top toys for 2013. It is 2012. Why is everyone trying "one up" one another by going into the future? These are not the top toys for 2013. No ones knows what the top toys for 2013 are going to be. These may be the top toys for 2012.
Is the author going to predict the Chiefs win Superbowl XLVIII in 2014? What about best picture?
Keep it current people. Let the predicting of the future stay with the "fortune tellers, psychics, and Mayans."
Love how everyone blames the list when you can actually decide whether or not to buy the products. They are a mere suggestion and nothing more. Be smarter than the article people........
I'm glad I wasn't the only one getting shocked from the whinners.. :)