The Joy of Toys

Having children has added so much more meaning to every aspect of the Holidays – from the traditions and the wonder, to the real reason behind the celebrations, to family gatherings and the joy of giving to others.  But, let’s be realistic, for children much of the excitement lies in the anticipation of receiving gifts and for most that means toys. Putting together a Holiday wish list and writing to Santa receives the type of care and attention in our house, I can only dream of when it comes to homework.  I also know a few big kids (aka my husband) who have quite the wish list too. 

Thanks to the evolution of online shopping, toy shopping has become a relaxing task. (www.airmilesshops.ca hosts leading toy stores and personal and home electronics retailers. )

To make it even easier most sites have gift suggestions categorized by age, interest, brand and price point.  airmilesshops has an inbuilt product search feature that cuts down the work even more, by identifying the retailers that carry the items you are looking for.

Many sites also have wish-list features where your loved-ones can register their gift ideas.  And, don’t forget to take advantage of gift wrap services, free shipping offers and have the gifts delivered to the destination of your choice. (Tip: arrange to have the parcels shipped to a neighbour, friend or relative to avoid a perceptive little-one asking why Santa uses Purolator!)

In honour of boys and girls of all ages, here are some fabulous gift ideas from the “toy” retailers at www.airmilesshops.ca

Toys R Us
Having boys, it has been a lot of fun looking for girls’ toys, but I know a lot of parents want toys that represent good role models to their girls.  I think these Polly Pocket Cool Careers dolls fit the mold and are only $19.99, exclusively at Toys R Us.   The Littlest Pet Shop store is more of an investment at $54.99, but comes with tons of animals and props, such as pet food and a cash register.

Talking of feisty career girls, Toys R Us has a selection of exclusive Dora items including this shopping cart and groceries for $29.99, or how about the Dora version of Candyland for only $8.97, or the Diego rescue pack complete with Baby Jaguar and tools to help animals in need, $19.99?

 
 
    

Cars, cars, cars…most boys love cars and the choice is endless.  This Cars movie branded Mack truck offers lots of options for imaginative play – it opens up to reveal living quarters. It’s $19.99.  The Rugged Rigs Tow Truck from Little Tikes features lights and sounds and is $14.97.

 

The classic game of Risk has never looked better than in this special collectors tin and it’s a great gift idea for the big kids (aka husbands, dads, brothers) in our lives (just don’t let them get involved in a game until the dishes have been done – it goes on for ever!)  $49.99.

Babies R Us
For those less than one year old, a nice idea is to give a keepsake or a classic toy that he/she can play with in the future.  Babies R Us has a variety of photo frames, memory keepers, piggy banks and more.   
 
 

Toys that encourage activity and exploration are appropriate from 6 months. The ball and blocks are $19.99.  The V-tech Sit to Stand Activity Walker grows along with baby, $39.99, and the classic Fisher Price Stacker is always a hit and only $7.97.

 

 

MasterMind Toys
Mastermind is known for its educational and inspiring toys for babies through pre-teens.  Not to mention a fabulous, free gift wrapping service. 

Take a look at a great multi-purpose gift for young babies – a teether (can be refrigerated) and toy that encourages sensory exploration all in one and it’s only $13.99.  Finding a spot to put baby down while you do some of life’s necessary tasks is always a challenge.  K’s-Kids Jumbo Go-Go Car is recommended from 5 months and all its bells and whistles keep baby safe and occupied while you take a quick shower or make dinner. $70.99.

 

For 6-12 month olds, this Fishbowl offers a lot of options – the sea creatures rattle and crinkle and the in/out concept is assisted by see-through and washable sides!  $22.99.  Keeping a baby-on-the go occupied in his/her car seat, high chair or stroller can become challenging. The Buggy buddies books have interesting, textured images and attach on so you avoid the “I throw and mom picks up game.”  $6.50.

 

Thomas the Tank Engine is one of those classic toys that you can give to a baby and can be taken out when he/she is ready at about age 2.  Thomas has been a part of our lives since my oldest was 18 months. (He’s now 7.)  Once pre-schoolers get to know the various characters, there’s usually a train or two that can be added to holiday (and birthday wish-lists) year-after-year. Mastermind has a fantastic selection of sets, trains and track.

      

For little girls, a first doll makes a memorable Holiday gift.  Here are a couple of thoughtful choices. 

Teaching Teddies teaches how to tie a bow, button up, zip a zipper, attach Velcro and buckle a buckle. But most important of all, she’s a great cuddly friend to take anywhere. $26.99.  And, Doucette from Corolle is soft and lightweight, so that little girls as young as 18 months can take her along wherever they go.  Also $26.99.   

 

Looking for something to keep your toddler occupied in the kitchen other than emptying the cabinets? This Leap Frog Fridge Magnet Letter Set might just be the trick. Secure the magnetic reader to the refrigerator and place a letter on it to hear a musical phonics song about that letter. Promises your child will be arranging the letters into words in no time (no guarantees you won’t get interrupted though!) $29.99.

 

Twister with an educational twist. Kids tie themselves in knots figuring out the continents and oceans of the world. $13.99.

Amazon.ca
Books, CD’s and DVD’s make great gifts and Amazon.ca is a great place to visit for the latest releases and more unusual audio-visual gift ideas.

The Pirates of the Caribbean 2-disc special edition is something for a family with grade school kids to enjoy together.  Johnny Depp and Orlando Bloom guarantee us moms will want to watch too. $25.96 for the set. For the younger crowd, Curious George is a lovely choice ($15.99) and appeals to both boys and girls.

 

My in-laws have sent us a few audiobooks over the years, and I have been pleasantly surprised at how much my boys have enjoyed listening to them in the car (makes a guilt-free alternative to having them watch movies on long journeys.)

Take a look at the selection at amazon.ca for all ages and interests. Prices range from approx. $15 – $50. Here are a few examples.

 


 

HBC
Keswick is HBC’s 2006 Limited Edition Charity Bear is designed for kids, collectors and everyone with a warm heart. You can purchase Keswick for just $9.99 and 100% of the net proceeds will be donated to local charities.   

Chapters Indigo
Mr. Potato Head highlights the icon at the new online toy store at Chapters Indigo, and in my experience this classic makes a great gift from about 2 years ($8.95.) 

 

These memory match clam bath toys come in a handy mesh bag and are $19.95.

The Cranium series of games have become a Canadian family favourite. Get a head-start on family game night with this Cariboo treasure hunt edition for 2 to 4 players, ages 3 and up at $19.95, Balloon Lagoon for ages 5-8 is $34.95. Cadoo for ages 7 and up is $39.95 and Cranium Deluxe is a great family gift at $49.99.

 
   

Knights, dragons and princesses never go out of style.  Like any property, a castle is a bit of an investment (typically $100 + for a good quality version), but the characters make wonderful stocking stuffers at $6.50.   
 

 


Electronic Game Systems
O.K.  Brace yourselves.  Here’s the part about electronic game systems.  My best advice here is to get dads, uncles and big brothers involved in the research and purchase decision – after all they want one of these as much as the kids!  Stores such as TigerDirect.ca, The Source by Circuit City, Office Depot and Sony Style Canada (all located at airmilesshops.ca) are a big kid’s dream come true – all the personal and home electronics, computers, games and gadgets they could wish for.

However, do take a look at the games available for each system.  Some have more choices than others for younger kids and are more reasonably priced.

Sony Style Canada
Sony is the creator of the Playstation series of handheld systems and has just launched Playstation 3, which can be played through the TV.

The PSP handheld packs a multimedia punch by running games, music, videos and photos and even internet access anywhere. It retails for approx. $200. Games are approx. $50 – $70.

The visuals are incredibly real and lifelike, and the new technology in the Playstation 3 system allows the player to intuitively play the games (just like you are really holding that tennis racquet of golf club.) Approximately $700 for the system.

The Source by Circuit City
The new Wii system from Nintendo is the other hot new gaming system of the season, and also promises an incredibly life-like look and feel to its games.  $279.99 for this system and games are around $60.

The XBOX 360 core system starts out with the basics and lets you expand at your own pace. $399.99 for the basic system and games range from $30 – $70.

Office Depot
Office Depot has products for both work and play. The retailer carries the Nintendo GameCube system which claims one of the largest choices of games on the market and is innovative in its cube design. $120 and games are $20 -$40.

Tigerdirect.ca
TigerDirect.ca retails brand name computers, components, software and games.

Nintendo’s DS Lite Portable Game System plus the new Over the Hedge game is $215.99 and additional games start at around $35.

All the stores and products highlighted above can be accessed via www.airmilesshops.ca, the AIR MILES Reward Program’s online shopping destination.

To enroll in the AIR MILES Reward Program, visit www.airmiles.ca