“Bag it” the old school, year’s kids backpacks and lunch boxes, that is. What they need and want is a cool new look for sizzling summertime.

The kids are off to camp, or camping out at Grandma’s, or going to summer sleepovers. It’s their season of freedom from the old beat up food stained lunch bags and backpacks that carried tests and homework.

Whether it’s a hot new look, or a cool backpack for kids that they saw and it’s a must have, the huge array of characters, solids, polka dots and plaids– even many with matching backpacks and lunch bags (because some of these coordinating conscious girls just love everything to match) are easily available online. So your kids  can just oogle and aah, and pick their new favorites right off the bat. You know kids, because if Pokemon or Star Wars or Strawberry Shortcake or Zhu Zhu pets was their choice of best backpacks last September, it’s probably ancient history in their world of what is cool today. After all, they “graduate” …from everything.

Kids Backpacks and Lunch Boxes That “Go Live Your Dream”

Some new hits of the year for kids include Tangled, Go Live Your Dream, a perfect choice for summer dreams and doings with matching kids backpacks and lunch bags.

Scooby-Doo is running into mischief and mayhem and laughs always enjoying the outdoor summer life, and amazingly there are online at least four different looking Scooby-Doo kids backpacks available–in both full sized and toddler for big and little siblings that do like their togetherness. Not only that, backpacks are for those who love to carry, and those who love to roll. For those little “high rollers” all your favorite characters come in the perfect sized kids backpacks with wheels.

Summer hopefully has some water relief in it, and Sponge Bob is always taking the plunge with his great friends. Sponge Bob “It’s the Best Day Ever” kids backpacks know how to begin that dream of a day!

Kids Backpacks for Exploration

Besides for school books and notebooks, backpacks are designed for, well, backpacking, as in hiking, walking, camping out. Of course, Dora the Explorer and Diego, Disney Cars, Hot Wheels, and Tangled kids backpacks, lunch bags, drawstring bags, are always high on the list for leadership. What child doesn’t want to get out there and explore the world like our Tangled heroine. And kids today don’t just walk, they zoom. You are often just seeing their identifying kids Hot Wheels backpack or Mariokart backpack racing on ahead, coordinating lunch boxes swinging from their sides, while you wave goodbye, and throw a kiss. Even if the kids already have a Mariokart or Hot Wheels, or Dora backpack  believe it or not, right online you can see that for most of these kinds of favorites, there are more than 2 even 3 and 4 different styles to choose from. Of course there are a hundred –too many to list even, of everything there is in  colors, shapes, and with or without water bottles.

Now even if you don’t have available camping or hiking grounds, you can still have that kind of learning experience with the kids. Pitch a tent in the yard, or inside.

With Scooby Doo or Spider Man backpacks in your lead march off to adventure with songs and dances, make up your own marching or trekking songs to grab your packed backpacks and lunch bags and set out with the kids.

Venturing out for a walk or hike with your backpacks and trail mix? Discuss what to pack for survival. See how close they come to necessities of sunscreen, bug spray, bottled water, sleeping bags, rain gear, whistle to blow in case of separation, flashlight.

All the kids backpacks have handy pockets, and places to stow the all important water bottle. Many of the lunch boxes even come with their own water bottles. Spider Man and Barbie lunch boxes are two leaders well prepared for everything with included water bottles. You’ll also be relieved to know that these are tested lead safe, and the liners are 100% PVC free!

Now just because you’re out with the kids exploring doesn’t mean you forget about Grandma and Grandpa sleepovers. Online you can find tons of the coolest rolling luggage cases, just the right sizes. Each with it’s own special personality, just like your kids. Check out the Ni Hao Ki-Lan Sleepover Rolling Bag that comes with its matching fleece blanket. Even for hot nights, it’s nice to snuggle with their favorite character.

Kids Backpacks Build to the Stars and Back

For your kids who love Star Wars, and any fantasy like Ben 10 Alien Force, Transformers, Toy Story’s Buzz Lightyear, or little dreamy Caillou, have them grab those outer space kids backpacks and lunch bags, and do check out some star gazing charts and learn something together about what is up there in the evening.

Of course, one does not want to get lost, and the plan to know where you are going requires a great map. Map it out, pack that one in the handy backpack, along with a compass. Follow out your route. You’re bound to finish with something special to carry and crunch mom packed away.

It is true, though, that for years there have been kids who complained about the raincoats, the galoshes, and especially the umbrellas. But just the way the Cat in the Hat made a rainy day a memorable adventure for kids, the new amazing selections of childrens umbrellas now give them a wet and wild play toy, rather than a bleak, dreary necessity.

The truth is, kids love the rain — it’s water, it’s wet, it’s splishy, splashy. Kids don’t worry about chills, dampness, clothes that stick to your bones. Using any kids rain umbrellas today, is like wielding a  magic wand, or is the perfect stirring stick for the wild weather puddles. Even 5-year old Matthew proudly pushes up his Toy Story umbrella with a molded Buzz handle, and he is ready to rescue mommy and daddy –holding his prize high to hopefully shield them too! Not to be outdone, Kristin, an older and wiser aged 6, comes double handed–an umbrella in each hand. She never could decide between the Barbie umbrella or the Hello Kitty umbrella, so indulgent Dad got them both since there are plenty of rainy days.

Toddler Sasha at age 3 lags behind but still sports an adorable Dora umbrella–her hero. Today, specialty toddler umbrellas as well as older children’s umbrellas are all available easily online. And, you don’t even have to search for a specialty children’s umbrella store because all these umbrellas and more great rainy day fun is all together in one place online–these days!

Some Rain Must Fall

Now, as you’re parading or skiddadling in the rain, or forlorn and waiting under a store overhang for Dad, play some umbrella games, like who spots the first pink umbrella, or can anyone spot a Monster High umbrella–a real challenge in the sea of black ones, but hey, kids love those monsters, especially in the rain.

There’s a lot of sense to “Singin in the Rain”. You know the old favorites–Itsy bitsy spider went up the waterspout. Down came the rain and washed the spider out. Or, Rain, rain go away, come again another day, little Johnny wants to play. Here’s another one you may not know sung to Sing a Song of Sixpence. And this one has the lesson that rain makes things grow. Pitter patter raindrops falling from the sky. Here is my umbrella to keep me safe and dry. When the rain is over the sun begins to glow. Little flowers start to bud and grow and grow and grow.

And here’s another one.   Rain on the grass Rain on the trees Rain on the rooftops But not on me! Rain on the grass Rain on the trees Rain on the windows But not on me.

Weather or Not

Indoors you can continue rainy day pleasures with rain activities. If you didn’t already venture out, the kids may want to don their raingear and get poised with folded up umbrellas to be in the mood for fun with rain. Here’s one suggestion. Make a weather station with a map and some makeshift microphones, desk and pointers. Kids really love the opportunity to be weather reporters. Nothing like a cute photo of the clan in the rain holding up their colorful umbrellas for kids. These young weather people are prepared to announce the latest downpour.

More great water activities science oriented that are great to go along with rainy days are easily found online.

Here’s an activity that may help any child afraid of thunder. Do a thunder painting with gray black and white paint. You can reassure them while they are painting—a great art therapy activity.

Rainbows are sometimes seen with storms, and kids love to color them, or use scrap materials to design rainbows.

Now, Aunt Sue just asked you where to buy a Tinkerbell umbrella.  Well, you don’t have to fight the mall crowds because the best children’s umbrellas are available online–along with their matching lunch boxes, book bags, carryalls, and rain boots.

It’s true that even into little lives some rain must fall. So keep your tykes happy and prepared, with their favorite kids rain umbrella.

Who could imagine that when 8 year old Ariel brought upstairs 16 of her 27 Barbies in a shopping bag, what she was up to? Turns out she knew they all needed a bath and shampoo, and hair trim (her scissors were safely tucked inside her bag) and where did the lovely ladies dry off after their beautification? To the rescue in the linen closest are childrens beach towels just for her fancy and use. Of course, online you can find all the characters, Disney, cartoon, everything is on a beach towel to suit any fussy Barbie, or baby dolls, or even your little guy’s super hero tendencies. What Batman, Superman, or Captain America beach towel hasn’t doubled as a cape, as your little one “flew off” for adventure!

Beach Towels with Character

Lucky Ariellla has her choice of Disney beach towels, picturing her favorite princess and Toy Story themes, as of the moment. But wait, little brother Anton follows her everywhere and grabbed his own favorite Disney Cars beach towel. That’s because he was out to wave the towel like the checkered flag, zooming to victory just like Lightning McQueen! Yesterday, simply by tying a beach towel around his neck, Adam’s tricycle was magically transformed into the Bat-Cycle, just like the one pictured on the Batman beach towel. Tomorrow, he will surely be blasting off to “a galaxy far far away” space,  when Batman hits the laundry, and he switches to Star Wars All of these fabulous character kid beach towels are available on line. And of course, there are many more, like Mickey, Thomas, Nemo for your swimming fun, just about anyone every child adores.

Just Add Water – or Not.

Add a beach towel, and a dash of a Child’s imagination and it’s a recipe for tons of fun, – even with “no water added.” Four year old Jonathan pulls out his Nemo beach towel, and brother Jason favors Mickey Mouse. While Jonathan lays out the ample Nemo towel backdrop and plays school and swimming out to his plush toy submarine, Jason pulls out all his little friends to join his Mickey Mouse Club fair.

And, when it’s time for a snack, these towels are an inviting and easy place for the kids to sit and munch without getting the crumbs all over the place.

There is something about making a tent that kids just have to do. They’ll pull over heavy chairs, pile up blocks, and pillows and stretch those huge beach towels over them to give them their camping tent or private “members only” club.

Wet and Wild

But of course the primary purpose of a beach towel is water play! Now when it comes to actual beaches, some people have them, others have a backyard, or porch wading pools, or sprinklers. Splashing is the best, and wrapping up like a burrito is no struggle with cartoon beach towels with friendly faces and warm embraces.

Beach Party Anywhere, Anytime

If you don’t have a beach or a backyard pool, or it’s any other season but hot, you can make a beach party right inside. You decorate with tropical clothes, tropical party goods, use some inexpensive blue beach towels on sale for the water. The kids can paint shells, and you can serve cupcake ice cream cones. Play fishing pond games with dollar store poles and fish, or a tub filled with suds and water for finding sunken treasure.  Give out party favors of sand pails with shovels or shells, shark teeth necklaces, games. And have their own special choice towels ready for use. Musical towels is a favorite with moms of young ones since no one falls off the chairs and gets knocked to the ground in the frenzy, they just grab a spot on a beach towel and lie down when the music stops. The loser can have the cool job of picking out and collecting a towel to remove.

Sales to Celebrate About

Speaking of sales, you can get all the kids favorites beach towels on sale too, online, you don’t have to spend top dollars for these name brands and favorites. Then they can actually invite their best and “bff” character friends to their own dinner. Lisa always used to beg, “Can’t I invite the Backyardigans to dinner?” and wistfully proclaim, “I dreamed Ariel asked me to go with her to the park.” Just give them their favorites right on a handy beach towel, easy to hold and have.

If your beach party is outdoors, a beach towel is great for use as a very safe “net” for throwing the beach ball over the net games. Then wind it up to stretch across for the limbo.

The Hood that Hides– Kids Love

The most favorite kids pastime is probably dress up, and what child doesn’t like to pretend he or she is some powerful figure? And there are great kids hooded beach towels perfect for this role play. Star Wars beach towels are available in their personalities. Anakin, or Luke Skywalker, Stormtroppers, and Yoda These hooded beach towels let kid’s imaginations soar defending the galaxy as a valiant Jedi Knight, or hiding beneath a hooded beach towel, using the dark side of the force!

For hours and hours of wet and dry fun that never has to end just “throw in the (beach) towel!”

Kids from all walks of life live to draw and create images that they can admire, and then they like to start over on something new and even better than before. How many times have you sat and watched your child create or draw something on paper, only to turn the page and start something new. Many times they draw the same thing over and over and over and every time it seems like exactly the same thing. Yet when you look closer, you see the minor variations, the indications of improvement, alteration, or adjustment of their mind’s eye.

The Aquadoodle floor mat is the perfect combination of creative ability with the opportunity to start fresh without having to worry too much about erasing, since it does it for them. The unique Aquadoodle pens and patented technology are revolutionary and kids absolutely love the magic that the Aquadoodle pen creates right there in the palm of their hand.

To a young mind, the way the pens and the amazing water-based technology works, with the colors that they portray on the mat and how the lines disappear on their own will lead to hours upon hours of excitement and energy within your child from the first moment they place that unique pen to the incredible mat. Once the wonder fades, the joy continues on for years to come.

Many Different Aquadoodle Products to Choose From

Perhaps the best aspect about these uniquely artistic mats is that there is a tremendous variety of styles and characters to choose from to connect with your kid. Probably the most popular among young children is the Thomas Aquadoodle. These Aquadoodle draw and doodle mat with the Thomas and friends characters are simply adorable. When a child’s favorite characters from cartoons or other programs, such as Disney, are portrayed on their favorite toys, then the magical connection is apparent almost from the start.

Making an Aquadoodle drawing with their favorite fictional friend can be inspiring and wondrous for any young child. It’s not always a matter of being able to draw that makes something like this so precious, but the connection and joy that it brings to the child as they become lost in their own little world for hours on end, believing that Thomas or his friends are welcoming them into their private world.

The imagination of a child will help to unlock a mountain of potential later in life if it’s allowed and encouraged to develop. The Aquadoodle draw-n-doodle mat is a great way to help your child reach their potential and forge a bond with creativity that can last a lifetime.

There are many different kinds of luggage for kids, and many different themes. Disney luggage for kids is certainly one of the most popular with an array of characters to choose from that will appeal to different age groups. For example, Mickey and Minnie Mouse, along with Goofy and Pluto and all of the other traditional Disney characters are great for younger children while Toy Story and Indiana Jones will tend to appeal to the older children.

To make it even more appealing, Disney kids’ luggage that is personalized can make your child feel quite special, as though their favorite Disney characters are speaking directly to them. ‘Cars’ characters are also quite popular today, based on the Pixar movie.

Sesame Street also has a number of characters that appeal to younger children and are wonderful additions to your house when they come on kids’ luggage. Elmo has been a staple in children’s lives for many years and will continue to appeal for years to come. Bert and Ernie, Big Bird, and Grouch are wonderful characters that kids who watch the show, or the videos with them, connect with.

The reason that kids’ character luggage is so appealing for many parents is that children tend to become attached to these characters. When they feel a connection to these items, they are familiar and reassuring. If you think back to your own childhood, there are bound to be some items, whether a stuffed animal, blanket, or lunchbox that you felt a connection to. They made you feel secure and safe.

Kids’ character luggage helps them to feel secure and safe.

Dora the Explorer is also another one of the most popular kids’ luggage on the market, as is Nick Jr. Tinkerbell is a Disney character that has lasting appeal for many young girls throughout the world. These children’s characters offer familiarity during a time of travel when things are new and unfamiliar and, at times, overwhelming.

Airports are the prime example of places that can become overwhelming for many young children. The shear size along with the crowds, many of whom are pushing and rushing through the terminals, can be frightening for children who have never experienced it before. When their kids’ luggage speaks to them through these popular characters, it has a soothing effect on them and can also keep them from focusing on the things that frighten them.

Just about any television show or movie for kids has a luggage line for kids. When you set out to select the right kids’ travel luggage, it’s important to know who your child’s favorite characters are. When they get the perfect kids’ character luggage, they will be looking forward to that next trip with excitement and anticipation because they will get to use their kids’ luggage!

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Picnic Locations

For the sake of convenience, the easiest location for a mother’s day picnic is of course your very own backyard! But if you’re looking to veer off site, consider state parks, zoos, beaches, botanical gardens, or natural preserves. Depending on which location you finally decide on, make sure you bring with you appropriate picnic gear. Scouting the location before hand is an option. You’ll want to make sure they have picnic tables and other amenities you might need.

Picnic Activities for the Family

Some of the best times of our lives are spent with our families. On a picnic we want to make it as fun and entertaining as possible. Just sitting around and stuffing our faces is kind of boring when you have little ones to consider. Keep them busy with picnic games that will occupy their time in the sun. Some of my favourites include the following:

• Kite flying
• Soccer
• Football
• Badminton
• Butterfly catching
• Scrabble
• Yahtzee

Picnic Foods for the Kids and Family

The most important aspect of the family picnic is of course FOOD! Keep it easy and keep it simple. Try to pick foods that don’t require utensils, but if you’re a keener and want to go all out, then make sure you have the right equipment. There are picnic sets on the market that come nicely assembled with plates, forks, cutting boards and everything you need to plan an exciting family picnic event.
The simplest picnic foods to choose include chips, dips, finger sandwiches, dried fruit, corn on the cob, and cookies. If you go to a park that has a BBQ, then bring along your frozen burgers and hot dogs. My favourites, you might even want to grill a few veggies.

End off the main course with a picnic dessert. Here are some popular picnic desserts recipes I’ve put together:

1. Lemon Bars
2. Chocolate Cakies
3. Easy Fruit Smoothie

1. Opening and closing mechanism. Depending upon the child’s age, you’ll first want to consider whether to purchase a kids umbrella that opens manually or automatically. For ages five and under, the manual kind is recommended. Test it out before purchasing. Have your child open the umbrella to see whether there are any chances of little fingers getting caught.

2. Protective piece. At the tip of the kids umbrella, make sure that there is a protective piece (usually in the shape of a ball). Make sure the piece is well glued and does not easily come off. We don’t want to poke any eyes out!

3. Handles. Typically, kids umbrellas have three different types of handles. Some have plastic moulded handles in the shape of a cartoon character, others have a plastic handle with an image, and of course the classic round hook kind. Make sure the kids umbrella handle is not made of wood. We don’t want those pesky splinters getting in those little hands.

4. Size. Consider two types of shapes for umbrellas for kids; the bubble shape and the standard shape. Which to choose is really a personal preference. Some argue that bubble shaped umbrellas for kids give more coverage. We’ll leave the choice up to mom. In terms of size, a kids umbrella will measure approximately 28 inches in diameter.

5. Design. The most important factor in choosing a kids umbrella is of course design. Ask your child which character they love best. There are many themes available nowadays. For boys you might want to consider Toy Story umbrellas, Spiderman umbrellas for kids, or Disney Cars to name a few. For girls umbrellas, consider Disney Princess umbrellas, Strawberry Shortcake umbrellas or Dora the Explorer umbrellas. Popular choices for tweens include iCarly, Hannah Montana, or Wizards of Waverly umbrellas.

Some Tips and Warnings about Umbrellas for Kids

1. After prolonged use, you might want to double check to see if there are any missing pieces or protruding metal rods. Those little kiddie eyes need to be protected at all times.

2. Look for matching rain coats and boots. What’s cuter than your little girl all dressed up in Disney Princess or boy outfitted in Disney Cars!

3. Make sure when purchasing umbrellas for kids that they are age appropriate. Again, there are different sized umbrellas out on the market and you don’t want to get one that is too difficult for your little one to open and close.

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That vigilance for safety is also seen in the toys that a parent will buy for their baby and everyone at Kimmy’s Shop is just as focused on safety as the parents who shop here.  We are worried about the overall safety of children and make sure that we offer parents the support they need to keep their little bundles safe.

And that brings us to today’s post, safety with baby seats and exersaucers, which are a very popular toy that you can purchase to keep your baby entertained for a few minutes of each day.  While they can be a lot of enjoyment, especially seats like the Fisher-Price Song and Story Learning Chair, there are a few safety concerns that you should be aware of before you purchase.

Tip Number One:

Make sure the toy has a firm base.  One of the most common accidents with exersaucers and baby chairs is that they tip over.  When they do tip over, baby goes for a tumble and this can lead to serious injuries so it is very important that no matter what type of seat you are buying.

Tip Number Two:

Limit the amount of time your baby is in the toy.  This is a very important tip since studies have shown that the prolonged use of exersaucers can cause delays in development.  By keeping the time short, you can make sure that your baby gets just enough time in the exersaucer without hurting their development in any way.  For even more security in your baby’s development, you can purchase a Three Stages Super Seat, so baby has all the benefits of an exersaucer without a lot of the negatives.

Tip Number Three:

Keep seats on the floor.  While it may be tempting to place baby in the Three Stages Super Seat and then sit them up on a table beside you, it is much better to keep baby on the floor.  Your baby’s movements can send the seat sliding around, which can result in a serious fall.  In addition, keep the seat away from stairs or counters since seats offer your child extra height for reaching.

Tip Number Four:

Check for recalls.  The last tip that I am going to mention with exersaucers is to make sure that you really watch for recalls.  Being aware of the recalls can make a lot of difference and you will be ready to either return your toy to the manufacturer or order the safety product that will fix any problems. So whether you are purchasing the Three Stages Super Seat or the Fisher-Price Song and Story Learning Chair, keep an eye on those recall lists.

Today, I would like to look at the top five girl toys that usually find their way onto a little girl’s wish list with very little difficulty.  As with the boys list, there are some new toys that have been propelled into the spotlight but there are also some oldies that have endured the test of time and are still popular today.

So let’s get down to business and start looking at a shopping list that will delight any little girl.

NUMBER FIVE!

Dora the Explorer

Dora the Explorer has been a big hit for a decade and is still going strong with many little girls around the globe.  She is polite, helpful and always greats the day with a big smile and a loud, “Hola!”  She has been popular with boys and girls but the latter has moved on to Diego and Dora has still remained a favorite with little girls that have made her number five on our list.

And what is not to like about Dora.  Originally found in a television show and later in Story Reader Video + with BONUS Dora the Explorer Cartridge, she can now be found in just about anything from raincoats, such as the Dora the Explorer Rain Poncho, to puzzles, like the Dora the Explorer 24 Piece Puzzle – Dora and Boots, to toy sets like the Dora The Explorer Electronic Adventure Phone Set.  She is a character that delights many kids and with a new makeover expected this upcoming fall, she is about to make a whole new splash with an older audience that loved her when they were toddlers.

NUMBER FOUR!

Disney Princess

When I first experienced the trend that is Disney Princess, I was a little on the fence with all the Disney Princess Mini Backpack and Flip Flop Set – Size 6½, Disney Princess Umbrella and the Disney Princess Before Once Upon a Time – Belle Doll. It just seemed like too much pink and while I enjoy the occasional splash, I was worried about having too much.

Of course, my fears weren’t necessary and I realized that Disney had found a way to make every little girl feel like one of the gang; a princess that will shimmer in her Disney Princess Backpack with Purse and Pencil Case as she closed her very own Disney Princess, Sleeping Beauty Flip Phone.

After realizing that, I began to see all the cute accessories and toys that you could find for Disney Princess and the delight of my students as they would show me their latest Disney Princess Shimmer Princess Cinderella Doll or Disney Princess costume.  It is for all that delight that Disney Princess is ranked fourth on our top 5 toys that all girls want toy list.

NUMBER THREE!

Bratz

A fairly new kid on the block, the Bratz dolls and accessories have made a surprisingly big splash in the world of toys for girls.  Most girls have seen one and are desperate to own a specific one such as Bratz Babyz Magic Hair – Cloe.  They even have their own movie and that has gained them a bit more appeal and has made them our third choice on our top 5 list.

NUMBER TWO!

Dolls

Well, it would seem that both lists will have something generic on it and for girls, that generic item is dolls.  These little treasures have been just that, a treasure, for girls for decades, if not centuries and you can pretty well find a doll for any age possible.

I personally purchased a baby for my niece before she had even reached the age of one and she cared it around everywhere with her. While that doll was pretty basic, you can find a doll for any little girl and they can do everything from simply look cute, like the Anne Geddes Baby Flower Plush Doll, to wiggle and interact, like Baby Alive Wets ‘N Wiggles Doll.

In addition to all the dolls, you can add a number of accessories to care for your doll, which boosts the games that you can play with a doll, making them number two on our list.

NUMBER ONE!

Barbie

The number one toy that every little girl is going to ask for at one time or another is Barbie. She has been around for 5 decades and for the looks of things, she isn’t going to be going too far.

Over the years there has been a few changes for Barbie and we have seen her become everything from Barbie as The Island Princess Doll to a mermaid and girls still take the time to purchase her, dress her up and shower her with all the must have accessories.

In fact, there are so many accessories for Barbie, like the Barbie Repunzel’s Wedding Horse that half the fun of owning a Barbie is in owning one of the many things that she can use or ride herself.  She has even come out of the toy aisle and had successful movies and even fashion accessories or fashion inspired toys like the Barbie I-Design Slide 2 Style with 35 Fashion Cards and 2 BONUS Fashion Cards Pack.  There is little doubt that Barbie will be here for another fifty years and will continue to be a hot item for little girl’s wish lists.

And that is our top 5 toys for girls but I am sure that for every child, there is a unique list of top fives.

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While I am not a big fan of the push, I am usually a huge fan of the new toys that are coming out and every year I watch the list and one thing that I have noticed is that there always seems to be similar toys on the list and there are tons of classics that are always a must have toy for every child.

Today I am going to look at the must have toys for boys and over the next few weeks, I will also have a must have list for girls.

NUMBER FIVE!

Thomas the Tank Engine

When I first arrived on the child toy circuit about ten years ago, I found much to my delight, a little toy train that was capturing the hearts of children and parents alike. There wasn’t much that you could dislike about Thomas the Tank engine with his large box sets of wooden tracks, his colorful friends like Salty or his cheerful nature that always made him a very useful engine.

Every time I thought the glory that was Thomas the Tank Engine was fading, another generation of mini conductors was born and the lure of all things Thomas from the Thomas & Friends Folding Potty Seat to the Aquadoodle Thomas Toot N Doodle was once again established.

For this reason, Thomas and all of his friends are still a must have for boys around the globe and are popular with girls as well and makes this useful little engine number five on our list.  You can find Thomas in toys, puzzles, such as the HIT Kids’ Favorites 6 Puzzles Set and videos, like the Story Reader Video + with BONUS Thomas the Tank Cartridge.

NUMBER FOUR!

Spiderman

Number four on our list is a favorite superhero that has proven time and time again that you don’t need to be the biggest guy on the block to fight evil and save the day.  Perhaps that is that reason alone that has made Spiderman one of the most popular superheroes for boys and he often outsells all of the other superheroes that are on the market today.

With several movies behind his stardom and several animation series, there really is a Spiderman for all ages, whether you are young and receiving your Spider-Man & Friends – My First Spider-Man or you are a teen and waking up to the The Amazing Spider-Man Alarm Clock.

In fact, there are so many things that are Spiderman related that you can find a toy or puzzle, like the Spider-Man & Friends 25 Piece Puzzles – Set of 2, for just about anyone.  You can even find Spiderman clothes and baseball hats like the Spider-man Baseball Hat Cap that is sure to delight any boy that you are shopping for.

NUMBER THREE!

Cars

Although it may seem like I am talking about Disney’s creation, Cars, with all their wonderful toys  and memorabilia such as Disney Pixar Ramone DVD Player with Toggle-style Remote, Disney Pixar Cars Pit Race Off – Lightning McQueen – Die Cast and Mega Blocs Disney Cars – Lightning McQueen, I am actually talking about general run of the mill cars that have captured the attention of little boys (and big) for the last five decades or so.

Boys love cars and when they are asked for a top 5, they are sure to spout off a dozen little cars that they absolutely love such as Hot Wheels 40th Anniversary Die-Cast ’70 Mustang – 1:64 Scale or the Hot Wheels 40th Anniversary ’56 Ford F-100 and ’56 Crown Victoria Collector Set .  Cars are a big hit and boys are always happy to add a few more to their collection of die casts but cars can go a bit farther and you can now add to any boy’s collection a number of race car tracks such as the Hot Wheels Monster Jam Crash Cage Action Set or the Carrera Go Speed Racer Racing System.

With all the things you can purchase for generic cars and the relatively low price of these little treats, there is very little surprise that they still remain an all time favorite for boys and make our list at number three.

NUMBER TWO!

LEGO

Lego, number two on our list is met with a mixed review on my part. On one hand, I love the fact that you can purchase anything, and I do mean anything, in Lego. My house has become a haven for LEGO Indiana Jones – Jungle Duel , LEGO Star Wars Ahsoka’s Starfighter and Vulture Droid , and LEGO BIONICLE® Toa Hahli.  In fact, there is so much Lego in my house that I often find it sitting just about everywhere, a piece here, a piece there and even a few in the bathtub.

Lego is a hit with children, especially boys, and I have seen children build with it for hours.  I have always wondered at the wow power behind a simple block but watch one child build his own city or LEGO Build You Own Harbor, and you soon realize that the wonder of Lego comes in the ability to create things with your own hands out of your own imagination.

With all the wonder of Lego, there is little doubt that it is a must have toy for thousands of boys and the only thing that needs to be figured out with Lego is how to avoid stepping on it.

NUMBER ONE!

Transformers

Our number one toy that all boys should have is one that I am always excited about because it has been a classic for a long time. Transformers is what I am talking about and there is a lot of excitement over the whole Transformers toy line, whether it is the TransFomers Movie Premium Series – Megatron or the TransFormers Movie Premium Series Optimus Prime.

Even without being completely cool and transformable, these toys are sure to be a number one wish list for Christmas since the new movie is now out and has been met with rave reviews.  Boys, and their parents, are flocking into theatres to see the latest Transformers movie and after the movie, they are sure to be heading back out to the buy toys such as the Transformers Movie Voyager Ironhide.

Transformers have even moved past their trademarked images such as Transformers Premium Series – Bumblebee and Transformers Decepticon Heavy Load & Drill Bit Mini-Con! and have moved into other franchises with Transformable Star Wars.

And that is where we will leave you today, with 5 top toys that are sure to brighten the eyes of any little boy who receives it.