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2008
Gift Guide
Kids
 I’m
a bit of a curmudgeon when it comes to the latest crazes in
the wee world of children. The site of Bratz merchandise sends
me ranting: Seriously, who markets a toddler doll with gold
go-go boots, and a rhinestone “Rock Star” tank top? And while
they’re fleetingly delightful, I’m not usually a big fan of
the latest talking whatsit with siren sounds. Isn’t part of
the fun inventing the conversations and firing up your best
“VroooomVrooooom”?
Play has a purpose. Those precious videos of baby monkeys
frolicking about—that’s how the little simians learn to survive.
And the same goes for our kids. That’s not to say play has
to be all flashcards and factoids, but in a year when the
stick—yes, the stick—was inducted into the Toy Hall
of Fame, here are a few toy suggestions that will stretch
your kids’ minds and imaginations.
The toy car has been around for, well, probably even longer
than the real car (you don’t think some kid snuck a scale
model out of Karl Benz’ workshop?), and it’s been reinvented
with Automoblox. These sleek, sturdy, wood-and-polycarbonate
cars double as blocks for quadruple the fun. Available in
a wide variety of models, the front and rear blocks, main
body, roof, wheels, tires, even the driver and passengers
are interchangeable. Aesthetically pleasing enough to roll
across an executive desk, they are created for children first.
Automoblox retail for $38-40 in their original size, and $10-12
for the recently released mini-version that fits in the palm
of your hand. Start your collection with a mini three-pack
($28), which will have kids mixing, matching, and racing their
way across the carpet in no time.
In other dual-action fun, marble mazes meet construction toys
with Q-Ba-Maze. Available in packs of cool and hot
colors, this multi-award-winner’s clear cubic blocks connect
to create sculptures and skyscrapers, and channels in the
blocks create a marvelous marble run that’s new every time.
A pack of 20 blocks will run you $20. Or splurge on 50 blocks
for $40.
As the economic crisis continues to unfurl and we point fingers
at bank executives and politicians, it’s important to remember
that some of the fault lies with our own nationwide financial
irresponsibility. So take this opportunity to teach your kids
some basic money- management skills that will last them a
lifetime. Moonjar has created a classic tin moneybox
with three separate compartments, labeled spend, save and
give. Moonjar encourages kids to allot a set percentage of
their earnings for each category: some to save, some for gifts
or charity, and some to run off with to the comic shop or
candy store. And just like your grown-up bank book, a passbook
helps kids monitor their funds. The classic tin money jar,
passbook and family-friendly finance guide will run you $24.
Moonjar also offers the kit in a more economical but less
enduring cardboard variety for $7.95. If you’re willing to
trade a little of the learning for some do-it-yourself fun,
the paint-your-own Money Monster Banks from Creativity
for Kids, sold as a pair of monsters (one for change and one
for bills) for $19.95, are so darn cute, even the spendiest
tyke will want to feed them some freshly earned dough.
For family game night, Merillian Games presents Flibbix.
Each time you play, you create your own board, and your own
rules. Chosen as the No. 1 game of the year by a bevy of judges,
the Washington Post’s fifth-grade toy testers declared
it one of the best games they’ve ever played. For 2-5 players,
and recommended for ages seven and up, Flibbix retails at
$39.99.
And for the budding photographer, Fisher Price has perfected
their Kid-Tough Digital Camera ($50) by making the
already nearly-indestructible gizmo waterproof. The Web site
actually depicts a kid dropping the thing in a fishbowl, pulling
it out, and taking a picture. And while a digital camera might
seem like a high-tech contraption for the Fisher Price set,
it is loaded with benefits. For one, if you’ve ever turned
your camera over to your favorite little one, you know that
there is just about nothing more fun for a kid than running
around snapping pictures and marveling at the instant gratification
of digital media. And that digital media can save a bunch
of money—as any parent who’s developed a disposable camera’s
worth of blurry cat photos will know. Most importantly, through
their picture snapping, your little shutterbugs will discover
new ways of seeing themselves and their world. And, after
all, isn’t that what play is all about?
—Kathryn
Geurin
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