What’s Hot With Toys and Games for Lads and Lasses
Merry Christmas to everyone and welcome to the toy shopping extravaganza of 2008, where old classics were remade into the latest fashions and fresh ideas were turned into winning toys. The following list is but a small selection of the top toys which are making little boys and girls the world over squeal with delight. This collection of toys was chosen through a series of votes, so do not be disappointed if your much-loved toy is not in the list. For ease of use, I have divided the list into a boys and girls section, to make the selection process that little bit easier.
• Toys for Boys
First up on my list of hot gadgets had to be the EyeClops Night Vision Infrared Stealth Goggles that are, in one word, ‘amazing’. These work just like real night-goggles for a third of the price of the real ones, allowing anyone to see clearly in the dark for up to 50 meters! This is no mere plaything, but an educational toy bar none, letting you see in the dark like other nocturnal creatures can. With duel modes of operation, namely black and white [for low battery usage] and green vision [for maximum night time fun], this true-to-life spy toy is one of a kind!
For children with boundless energy, the Wild Planet Hyper Dash action game will keep your family moving and thinking. This award-winning toy features an easy to learn game mechanism: you need to tag discs that can be placed at any distance before the timer runs out. This is a fun and exciting game which encourages team play, co-ordination and quick thinking. The tagger is made out of durable plastic and variable skill levels are available to challenge players of all ages.
• Gifts for Girls
The Fisher-Price Power Wheels Barbie Ford Mustang is a must-have for the little princess in your life. This nifty little car moves with speed and can easily fit up two passengers inits comfy interior. The Mustang is highly-detailed inside and out, with pony grille fog-lamps, a racy rear spoiler and revving engine sounds. The Barbie stylings also incorporate chrome wheels with detailed accents, a beeping horn and cup holders, enabling the little ones to really make believe that they are driving a car, just like mom and dad! It even includes a radio with pre-recorded music to hum to, perfect for those long journeys around the living room or garden. The Barbie Ford Mustang has two selectable speeds of 5 and 10kms respectively.
Little chefs can use the Jakks Pacific Girl Gourmet Cupcake Maker to create the tastiest cupcakes and with only a small amount of effort, crazy designs and cool frosting effects can be applied. This marvelous toy can create up to four cupcakes of varying flavours, namely red velvet, chocolate, yellow, and cinnamon sugar. The Cupcake Maker includes everything you need in order to bake, mix and decorate your tiny cupcakes. Mix the cakes, pour the batter into the cupcake paper, place in the backing dish and stick it in the microwave to make the perfect cupcake! Once the cake is cool enough to handle, it’s time to decorate. Get your preferred frosting into the machine and place the cupcake down to make perfect frosting spirals. Adorn with sprinkles and serve! If this doesn’t bring a sparkle to a little girl’s eye, nothing will.
This small list of toys should see you well on your way to selecting the right toy for your children. Whichever toy or game you pick, make sure it is done with love and your children will adore you for that. For a more varied selection of outdoor toys or educational toys, hope online and see what other parents are selecting for their family members.
Categories: Christmas Toys and Gifts Tags: Christmas Toys and Gifts, Little Princess, Plaything
Monopoly Here and Now World One of the 2008 Best Christmas Gifts
Welcome to the exciting new world of Monopoly. Every time you travel around the board of the Monopoly Here and Now World Edition, you also travel through six continents. If you’re shopping for a board game that will truly delight your Christmas gift recipients, this new take on a long-time classic is sure to please.
This 21st-century version of the popular classic board game keeps the very best ingredients of classic Monopoly while adding thrilling new twists to the game play. The utilities–water works and the electric company–are now hip new renewable energy sources (solar and wind). The oh-that’s-so-industrial-revolution railroads now include rail, air travel, ocean cruises and space travel. Banking is now effortless thanks to digital electronic banking that keeps track of your transactions.
The electronic banker doesn’t exactly replace a human banker, but it sure makes their job easier. Shove a couple of AA batteries into the banker (um, the electronic one) and it’s ready for business. Monopoly Here and Now World can begin when everyone picks a moving and a credit card.
The electronic banking unit really makes game play simple. Some people (like me) can find that Monopoly banking is somewhat of a chore, but the new electronic system makes everything easy, even fun. The banking unit also rides herd on all the wheeling and dealing that goes on when someone lands on a property they don’t want. It even includes a random auction timer to add even more excitement and chance.
The game comes with six randomly selected mover pieces that bring even more international flair to this hot Christmas gift. Although your game will only come with six moving pieces, there’s a total of 24 mover types available (I sense an eBay opportunity here). You could get any six of the following: Kangaroo, Koala, Surfer, Boomerangs, London Cab, Pretzel, Matador, Windmill, Canadian Mountie, Cowboy Hat, Baseball Glove, Nascar, Inca Mask, Easter Island Moai, Football, Inca Statue, Safari Hat, Egyptian Head Mask, African Mask, Camel, Chinese Dragon, Tuk-Tuk, Russian Dolls, or a Sumo Wrestler.
The cities on the board read like a rock star’s world tour. Your properties are located in Taipei, Tokyo, Barcelona, Athens, Istanbul, Toronto, Rome, Shanghai, Vancouver, Sydney, New York, London, Beijing, Hong Kong, Paris, Belgrade, Cape Town and more.
Monopoly Here and Now World teaches and informs the players during game play. The community chest and chance cards include a selection of international facts and holiday festivals. Every property on the board includes stunning photography from around the world.
Let’s be honest. When the presents are being opened on Christmas morning, the board games may not be the first things played with. But this Monopoly Here and Now World Edition will be a long-term favorite even after Christmas has come and gone. Every family should have one (or more) Monopoly games in the house. Whether this is your first game or a new addition to the family, it’s sure to please everyone.
Categories: Christmas Toys and Gifts Tags: Baseball Glove, board game, Electronic Banking
