Whoever said toys are just for kids has to take a closer look at these games and gadgets lining the toy store shelves.
If this is your first toy-shopping holiday as ‘the parent,” go ahead and buy your little one his own MP3 player outfitted in a cute bunny costume. You’ll have fun creating a playlist that will lull your baby to sleep.
Or, if you have a preteen in the house, you have a perfect excuse to buy Guitar Hero III and jam to some of your favorite tunes (think Guns N Roses and The Rolling Stones).
Julie Dennehy, a mother of two from Medway, isn’t ashamed to admit that she loves playing with her kids’ toys.
“Legos, video games, board games, even puppets ... all are fair game for quality time with my kids and when the kids are asleep,” she said. “In fact, my husband, Tim, and I had proudly worked together to collect and construct the full Lego pirate system before our kids were even born! We are kids at heart, and that spirit of play spills into our lives at every opportunity and without hesitation.”
Here’s a list of 10 toys you’ll love playing with this year:
1. Made For Me MP3 Music Player from Playskool
Perfect for baby's first Christmas (ages birth and up)
You probably have your own iPod and now you can have fun programming this MP3 player with your kids’ favorite tunes. The latest in nursery entertainment will allow you to customize music by creating personalized play lists, transferring tunes from CDs and the Internet or even recording your voice to say something like, “Go to sleep!” It’s cute too -- with bunny, dog or bear exterior. Toys 'R' Us exclusive.
2. T.M.X. Friends from Fisher-Price
Perfect if you have toddlers (18 months through 2 years)
In need of a good laugh? Last year, T.M.X. Elmo proved that laughter is contagious, and now Elmo's friends Ernie and Cookie Monster join the fun. Cookie Monster giggles and laughs so much that he rolls from side to side and struggles to get back on his furry feet. Parents (and kids) simply tickle each doll's belly to get the laughter started. Batteries included.
3. Easy Link Internet Launch Pad from Fisher-Price
Perfect if you have preschoolers (ages 3 and up)
Let’s face it, computers are a part of your life. Now, with this cool gadget you can introduce your children (safely) to online fun. Just connect the launch pad to a computer and kids can visit the game sections of their favorite preschool-appropriate Web sites.
4.
Furreal Friends Squawkers McCaw from Hasbro Perfect if you have kids ages 5-7 years
How can you go wrong with a toy that will listen to you? This interactive plush pet can respond by repeating words, answering with commands or responding with playful phrases. Plus, it loves to dance. Batteries included.
5. Transformers Ultimate Bumblebee from Hasbro
Perfect if you have kids 5 and older
The impressively styled Chevrolet Camaro Concept car changes into the beloved AUTOBOT hero, standing at 14 inches tall. Working headlights, battle sounds, and music, including Devo's "Whip It," will likely compel dads to play after the kids go to bed. Batteries included.
6. Air Hogs Havoc Heli Laser Battle from Spin Master
Perfect if you have kids 8 or older
Very cool – a helicopter dogfight for two. Chopper pilots each maneuver one of two miniature helicopters into position, fire infrared beams using the remote control and watch as an opponent goes into a wild tailspin. Batteries not included.
7. Monopoly: Boutique Edition from Hasbro Games
Perfect for preteens Moms will love this shopping experience. With each turn, young fashionistas can buy trendy boutiques like "Jillian's Jewelry Store," go on lavish shopping sprees and receive exciting text messages. The game case doubles as a pink polka dot jewelry box, making it the perfect keepsake. Toys 'R' Us exclusive. No batteries required.
8. 36" Player Series Acoustic Guitar from First Act
Perfect for preteens Are you ready to rock out? This white, acoustic guitar comes complete with stickers to suit any budding artist's style. Go ahead -- embarrass your kids. Toys 'R' Us exclusive. No batteries required.
9. Cranium WOW from Cranium
Perfect for big kids Cranium WOW has something for everyone as players hum, whistle, sketch, sculpt, act, puzzle and even spell backward to win. New cards cover everything from "The Hoff" to White Stripes to YouTube. A perfect way to remind your kids just how hip and smart you are. No batteries required.
10. Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock Game and Guitar Controller from Activision
Perfect for big kids Guitarists are challenged to fire up the fretboard, crank up the amp and get ready to rock as the newest edition of Guitar Hero drops them into the spotlight of the largest rock concert ever. The star-studded soundtrack includes some of every parent’s favorites including Guns N Roses, The Rolling Stones, Metallica, Beastie Boys, Muse, Pearl Jam, Kiss and more. Rated "T" for Teen.
Toys 'R’ Us compiled this list. For more information, visit www.toysrus.com.
author: Heather Kempskie