4 minute read
Ho-Ho-Holiday Toys!
Here are more of this year’s best toys (reviewed by local families). Find the full guide (including what was highlighted in November), plus games and gift ideas for parents at www.sandiegofamily.com/for-the-kids/kid-tested-toy-product-review.
Find our round-up of Holiday Toys for Kids of All Abilities at www.SNRFSD.org.
Plundering Times
$36; 8+
SimplyFun.com
Lead dragon pirates on an adventure while strengthening multiplication and addition skills and developing memory in this fun, educational game. “I like the gems and treasure chests!” says Martin, age 9.
Carrom Multi-Game Board
$130; 6+
Carrom.com
Do we have a game board for you! This handcrafted, two-sided, wooden carrom board features dozens of games, such as checkers, carrom, backgammon, shuffleboard and crokinole, offering hours of unplugged entertainment for 2–4 players. Have fun while learning strategy and improving focus. see p. 6
Carrera FIRST Batwheels: Time for Action
$39.99; 3+
Carrera-Revell-Toys.com
Race Bam and Redbird from the TV series “Batwheels” with this beginner slot car race track. Stay on the track with electronically regulated speed controllers that allow nonstop, head-to-head action. “My husband and daughter (4) love racing each other!” says mom Britany. Requires C batteries.
Musical Color Bug
$21.99; 2+
Crayola.com
Simply load two of the washable markers into Color Bug’s antennae, choose music mode and upbeat songs will play! Helps kids learn cause and effect, improve coordination and enhance gross motor skills. Music continues as kids color; when coloring stops, so does the music.
Pop-Up Ball Pit
$24.99; 9+ mos. Infantino.com
This cheerful fun zone for little explorers encourages motor skills development in a playful setting. Measuring 35” in diameter, the ball pit folds and unfolds in seconds, making it perfect for indoor playtime, outdoor adventures and on-the-go fun. Includes 50 colorful balls and storage bag.
Find more baby products and toys in the new edition of San Diego Babies and Toddlers at www.sandiegofamily.com/ parenting/baby.
Disney Princess Remote Control Carriage
$49.88; 4+
Walmart.com
Finally, an RC vehicle elegant enough for princesses! Place your favorite dolls in this beautifully designed carriage that travels forward, backward and in circles. Easy to operate indoors and out. Doll not included.
Bionic Robotic Arm
$54.95; 10+
ThamesAndKosmos.com
Young engineers will love assembling a mechanical arm with almost 300 plastic pieces as they discover how each part works together. Once built, control the arm with joysticks that enable precise movements, much like tendons control real arm muscles. No motor or electricity needed.
Bluey 3-in-1 Airplane Playset
$59.99; 3+ Target.com
Young imaginations take flight with Bluey’s awesome airplane that transforms into a boat and a resort (expandable to 27”). Includes Bluey and Bingo figures, accessories and 25 phrases and sounds that inspire endless adventures. “A fun addition to our other Bluey playsets,” says mom Samantha.
Ninebot C2 Lite eKickScooter
$199.99; 6–10 Segway.com
Designed for the next generation, the C2 Lite electric scooter looks cool and provides a smooth ride! It meets high safety standards with 7-inch rubber tires, a slip-resistant deck and mechanical hand brake. Choose from three speed modes (Standard, Sport or Power-Assist) with a max speed of 9.9 mph.
Ravensburger GraviTrax Star Wars Death
Star Action Set
$79.99; 8+ Target.com
Calling all Star Wars fanatics, young and old! Create an intergalactic marble run of epic proportions with this awesome set that inspires creativity while navigating a battle between the Galactic Empire and the Rebel Alliance. Over 200 GraviTrax pieces feature Star Wars designs, details and fighter figures.
Pink Paradise Adventure Tracks
$49.99; 3+ USAtoyz.com
Construct a race track with 200 colorful, flexible snap tracks and components like a windmill, bridge, billboards, secret door and more. Encourages creativity, fine motor skills and problem-solving. “There were lots of giggles as my kids (ages 3, 6 and 9) raced the cars around the track and crashed into each other,” says mom Jennifer.
Zypster $229; 3–6 Droyd.com
A mini electric go-kart designed for little ones! The ride-on has a steel frame and plastic body with adjustable seat and steering column. Safety features include smooth-launch pedal, safety flag, LED lights and speed control (use key to lock at 3 mph or 6 mph). Available in teal or pink.