All I want for Christmas……..

The glint of a bauble, a flash of red and white, the twinkle of fairy lights, yes…..the countdown has started. Love or dread it, there is no escaping the inevitable! In the weeks to come, parents all over the country will be ambushed with Christmas toy lists that change on a whim, courtesy of some creative advertising campaigns.

Time-poor parents still holding out hope that somewhere, there are toys that fit their criteria rather than their children’s need look only as far as the many excellent educational online toy retailers. Educational Experience, a leading national supplier to early childhood centres and schools has a toy website dedicated to parents – it even allows parents to nominate a centre, group or school to earn fundraising dollars from their purchases.

To paraphrase a well known ad – their fingers have done the walking - whether that’s for a gift that is educational, an old time favourite or one that will send them outside for exercise and fresh air,  and peace and quiet (for the adults, that is).

Here are their top 10 picks for Christmas 2009.

1.  Mini super sports disk - our favourite! From OGO Sport, whose mantra is a parent’s dream – ‘to design toys for active play and endless fun for all ages’. Lightweight with a soft ball, it can be adapted to any game, used by all ages and even taken in the pool. The super sports disk is a Parents Choice Award winner and gets our stamp of approval too. And what is OGO? Oh Go Outside!

2. Radio flyer vespa tricycle - Go on, admit it, you would have loved this as a kid! The horn sounds, blinkers flash, and it even plays some funky tunes. From Radio Flyer, who have been making those classic little red wagons since 1917, it is made of a sturdy steel frame, non slip wheels and there is even storage under the seat. Ideal for 2-5 year olds and Totally Cool!

3. FILO Design -  One of the best selling products into schools and early childhood centres, FILO is a unique combination of lacing and design. From Italian company Quercetti, the special board has self locking slots that hold the laces in place but are easy to undo. Includes extra lacing pens and all parts can be enclosed in the carry case for storage – a big plus for parents.

4. Playfoam -Sick of play dough all over the house? Playfoam is a mum’s favourite and multi award winning product. You can squish, stretch and shape the soft beadlike sculpting matter over and over but best of all, it NEVER dries out, won’t crumble or stick to skin or surfaces. Non-toxic and light weight, it is the perfect solution for the over 3’s. Be warned though, you will find it hard not to wander around with a handful too.
 
5.  Original Memory game - Yes, an oldie but a good one. This is the original version of the classic game. Great for young minds, it will help to improve thinking and recall skills by finding and matching the colourful picture pair of cards. A perfect game to play together with your over 3’s and you may just find improvement in your own memory.

6. Wild Science Perfume Lab - Finding it hard to appease that difficult age of 8 and over? Wild Science has a great range of products that hides the fact they are educational by making them fun. Assembly is required, which is part of the learning journey. The Perfume Lab is just one kit in the range and guaranteed to keep them occupied for hours.

7.  Ezyshaid Fliptease Starter Pack - It is nice to find an innovative new Aussie product. Ezyshaid was created by a teacher who saw a need for an alternative colouring product that children, including those with disabilities, and adults will have fun using. Dry, it is a unique shading powder, colouring and drawing medium, but add water and it forms watercolours for painting. The powder is non toxic and washable from hands and clothes. A percentage of profits from sales are donated towards children’s charities too.
 
8. Recycle It Game -  To quote Mario Clementoni ‘Play is a serious thing’. Good words to live by from the founder of the Italian company synonymous with creative and educational games. Recycle It is one of a new breed of games designed to educate children through play. Children will learn about recycling and have the message of respecting the environment reinforced from an early age. There is also the added benefit of improving matching and sorting skills. It has our tick of approval for your 3-7 year olds.

9. Brainboxes - If you haven’t discovered the BrainBox range, do yourself a favour. BrainBox is a highly regarded range of educational memory, observation and concentration training toys. My First BrainBox is perfect for the 4 and up age group as it is based purely on visual images rather than words. For older children and adults, try the Animals BrainBox, which can be played either with 2 or more players or as an individual game. Visit the website Brainboxgame.com and test them out.

10. Dantoy Knight/Princess bucket set - With the summer months approaching, it is the Christmas must-have for sand and water play. Whether in the backyard or at the beach, this set will bring out the imaginative side of any child. Includes tools and mould with cute motifs and made of quality, safe (no PVC or phthalates) plastic, tough enough for the Knight or Princess in your life.

So whilst we strive to help enrich your children’s experiences with our toy range, remember that the gift they will cherish and remember most is your love. Have a Merry Christmas!
 

Toysandmore.com 

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This article was first published in the Spring 2009 edition of Australian Family magazine.