Pastor Ryan’s Christmas Toy Picks for 2007
By Pastor Ryan | Posted November 27, 2007
Moms and Dads, I know one of the most time-consuming Christmas tasks is finding the right gift for your City Kid. Maybe in the past you asked your son or daughter for a Christmas list thinking it will help only to have them bring back a four page spreadsheet complete with example photos and a pie chart! This year, in an effort to ease your shopping pain, I compiled my "Christmas Toy Picks for 2007" to help make choosing the right gift easier on you. My staff and I scoured the top toys for this Christmas and selected our favorites based on the following criteria: Is the toy (a) uplifting, (b) fun, (c) highly recommended, (d) interactive, and (e) under $50? We chose eight toys for age groups four-years to Kindergarten and first-grade to sixth-grade. I hope the list helps you or at least helps generate more creative gift ideas this Christmas!
Helpful Online Toy Gift Guides
These lists contain some toys I do not recommend for kids.
1st-6th GRADE
- Air Hogs Havoc Heli Radio-Controlled Helicopter: $29
Ages 8+
What it is: Remote-controlled helicopter with 4-way control for flying in any direction with accuracy. Flies up to 100 feet high; flashing blue LED light for night flying. Flexible, high-impact EPP foam body. Rechargeable LIPO battery provides 6 minutes flight time from single charge
- Rubiks Revolution by Techno Source: $16
Ages 5+
What it is: A supped up version of the traditional Rubiks Cube, the Rubiks Revolution has six addictive, fast paced games built into one!
- Klutz Crochet: $25
Ages: 10+
What it is: A kit designed to teach how to crochet. The set includes two kinds of yarn, a crochet hook and yarn needle, and a step-by-step instruction book. The instructions include how to crochet a jewelry roll, flower, bath bag, envelope purse, hat, and scarf.
- Are You Smarter Than A 5th Grader? Game: $12
Ages 8+
What it is: Based on the popular game show, this game will put students and adults to the test by having them answer real questions from the 5th-grade curriculum. Kids compete with adults, while adults experience the fun and enlightenment (embarrassment) of realizing just how much they've forgotten since they were in school.
- EyeClops Handheld Bionic Eye: $39.99
Ages 6+
What it is: The EyeClops is one of the most recommended toys for Christmas this year. Plug the EyeClops into your TV and then use the handheld wand to project a magnified image onto the screen. You can view any object up to 200 times it's original size. Cool!
- The Planet Earth DVD Series by the Discovery Channel: $50
Ages 10+
What it is: One of the most breathtaking nature documentaries you've ever seen. The Planet Earth series explores different ecological region on Earth and all of God's incredible creatures that inhabit them.
- UNO Attack Game: $21
Ages 7+
What it is: One of my personal favorites! This game brings UNO to a faster unpredictable level. While the object of the game is to get rid off all your cards, beware; the motorized card dealer may spit more cards at you!
- Fly Paper Wall Graphics "Littlest Pet Shop": $12.99
Ages 6-9 years
What it is: More than just a poster, these 18"x24" flypaper graphics stick to most smooth, flat surfaces, so you can customize your personal space. Peel off the backing and smooth it on. Feel like rearranging your room? Flypaper is removable and reusable! Just peel it off and place it where you want it. Recommended for use on glass, smooth laminated surfaces, smooth fiberglass, and smooth painted surfaces.
4-K
- Moon Sand Castle Set by Spin Master: $25
Ages 3+
What it is: A sand version of moldable clay. It includes castle-shape molds, tool, play mat, and inflatable sandbox carrying case. Unlike typical modeling clay, it will never dry out.
- Dora and Diego Aquadoodle World (available at iVillage Shopping): $44.99
Ages: 3+
What it is: Kids love setting up the included scenery and characters from Dora and Diego's world, making tracks on the mat with the water-filled pen and watching the Diego jeep magically drive along them. Then, the water evaporates, leaving a clean canvas. Aquadoodle is a parent's best friend; no more messy markers, crayons or paint on my coffee table!
- DUPLO(R) Large Brick Box: $25
Ages 2-5
What it is: Younger builders will have hours, weeks and years of imaginative construction and play with this box of DUPLO(R) bricks. This collection of safe, colorful pieces includes a building plate, a wheeled car body, a DUPLO figure and much more, plus a sturdy box with a transparent lid for storage!
- Crayola Beginnings TaDoodles Washable First Marks: $5.99
Ages 18 months to 3 years
What it is: Designed to fit small hands, these egg-shaped markers will help bring out artistic expression in any toddler. Available in two animal-inspired assortments, toddlers can make their first marks with a green frog, brown puppy or red.
- Five-piece Doll Play Set: $34.99
Ages 4+
What it is: What it is: Stroller, High Chair, Swing, Bouncer Seat and Diaper Bag
- Wild Planet Hyper Dash: $19.99
Ages 6+
What it is: Hyper Dash is great for improving math skills, athletic skills and just having fun. Choose from 4 game modes to challenge your speed, skill, memory, coordination and teamwork. Play solo, head to head or in teams at varied skill levels. 2007 Oppenheim Toy Award winner.
- Littlest Pet Shop Round & Round Pet Town Play set: $22.99
Ages 4 to 7 years
What it is: Play and show off your growing family of friends with this pet-lovin' paradise that features three floors of fun places for your pets to get footloose and fancy free! Wind the tower clockwise to send your pets on a twirling gondola ride!
- Fisher-Price A-to-Z Learning Zoo: $39.79
Ages 2 to 5 years
What it is: Press the music button to hear a fun tune with animal sounds, or press the question mark button to answer questions about the animals on the alphabet trail.