It's a Wonder*Filled Christmas! {Day SIX}

 {flickr}

Toy Story is always on our brains here,

I would say it's our all-time favorite.

So, what would Woody be shaking in his boots over?!

Well check out these fine toys....

{many are not just for the boys!}


I have listed the two age ranges that I have researched
lots this year in raising five little men!!  
There are definitely a few on each list
that will be under our tree this year!  
Hope it helps you with any shopping you may have left!!

{Ages 6-8}

Unplugged


recently released Lego Ideas Book

{barnes and noble}


Dangerous Books for Boys Series

{amazon}

Chronicles of Narnia Boxed Set

{barnes and noble}

Star Wars Anakin Light Saber

{Target}

Perplexus

{amazon}

Skyrail Roller Coaster Marble Run

 {learning express}

Jelly Fish Aquarium

{hearthsong}


Plugged-In

Nintendo Dsi XL

{Target}

Visit this handy chart to learn more about the differences between all of the Nintendo DS items.  It's enough to make your head hurt.  We purchased the XL  as our trusty Target guy explained...if you purchased the 3D in a few months your kids will need glasses, it's not good for anyone's eyes, I figure the larger the screen the better...can't find fault with that thinking!  


Nintendo DS Games

Professor Layton Series

 {amazon}

  Super Scribblenauts

 {amazon}




Buy an experience here in Chicago ala Night at the Museum
our check with the museums, etc. in your area.  It's a great way to 
get in some one-on-one time with an older sibling.

Adler Planetarium Astro Overnight
{we did this, E loved it!}
Field Museum Dozing with the Dinos 
MSI Snoozeum

{Age 2-3}
 
 Crocodile Rocker
could definitely do the crocodile rock on this thing!

 

  

{amazon}


Parking Garage

 {Melissa and Doug}

Fold n' Go Castle 

 {Melissa and Doug}

 Log Carrier

 also a horse carrier, car carrier, cargo carrier
 {melissa and doug}


Radio Flyer Classic Light and Sounds Trike

 {amazon}

  Alex Rainbow Rollers Raceway

 

{learning express} 

Tag Jr. 

{leapfrog}

love the concept behind this book so much
I had to include it!  
{age range closer to 3-5}

{barnes and noble}

AquaPlay AquaLand Toys and Games

{amazon}

{Choosing the right toy}

Pick toys that will be a bit of a challenge.  

While there are some exceptions, if a toy says over 18 months and my child is over 2, I move them up to the next bracket buying mainly toys for 2 1/2 to 3-year-olds.  Of course other factors come into play and you do not want them to be frustrated, but often they can master more than we think they can.  

Use suggested age rather than manufacturer's age.

A great source too is Amazon's suggested age rather than the manufacturer's age.  For example, this Alex Toys Parking Garage.  

• Our recommended age: 36 months - 5 years
• Manufacturer recommended age: 36 months - 10 years
• I tend to agree more with the Amazon suggested age in general.  Plus they have a lot of reviews to glean research from.  

Try to cover all of your bases.

Especially with younger children before they develop a strong interest, it's great to have variety from educational toys to active toys to creative play, 

arts and crafts, etc.  In doing so you can develop the things they need a little more practice with and see what things they tend to take more of an interest in.  

Don't jump on the toy-of-the-minute band wagon.

How many "it" toys do we se being donated, on clearance, or tossed aside just a few months after the holidays.  While everyone may have it, you have to think will they want this in a few months?  If the answer is no, I would skip it.  Unless it is something you think will become a classic, like it did back in our day...Rubix cube, Atari, Rainbow Brite, you get the drift!

You can check this out for more ideas...

First Boy Wonder Toy Awards

A tradition we are trying to get back to is to give 3 gifts in the vein of the 
3 wise men.  
Frankincense: A gift for spiritual growth.
Myrrh: A practical gift.
Gold: A gift that fulfills a want. 

I have also heard of giving 4 gifts...want, need, wear, read.

Especially as children get older and the want is a major ticket item!

This post was not compensated in any way, simply researched and tested
opinions from a mom of five boys...what I say goes, ok?!  Stores listed are not necessarily the best price since they so often fluctuate in these weeks until Christmas.  


See you back here soon...
same bat time, same bat channel!


{michelle}