Category — Toys

The Consumer Product Safety Commission just released a report with guidelines for choosing the safest toys this holiday season.

Here are the top 5 toy hazards:

-Scooters and riding toys, especially due to lack of helmets or safety gear.

-Small toys and toy parts that can be swallowed by kids under 3.

-Balloons: not good for sea life, not good for babies.

-Magnets aren’t good for kids under six, because they can be deadly if swallowed.

-Battery chargers and adapters require adult supervision to avoid burns.

Check out the full report at CPSC before beginning your holiday shopping to ensure a safe, happy holiday season.

Not content simply to put their competitor out of business, Mattel is now seeking to impound and destroy all Bratz products.  Apparently, Barbie does NOT believe that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.  This latest salvo in the war between the Barbie and Bratz camps seems like the official nail in the coffin for the Bratz, who still owe Barbie $100 million.

I am curious to see if, in some strange twist of fate, Bratz dolls become high-priced collectibles on eBay or the toy black market as a result of the soon-to-be excuted ban.  I am half tempted to buy one as a potential “investment”, but I don’t know if I can get past the fact that I really don’t like the Bratz’ “image.”

Should be interesting to see what happens, at any rate.

Don’t put the pink strollers away yet!  This holiday season, little girls may be dreaming of proudly taking these dolls out for a stroll around town:

Baby Alive: This updated classic eats, drinks and goes potty, but without the noises BABY Born makes, so it’s great for kids who already have a lot of noisy toys.

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I love Mr. Potato Head because it’s safe for kids as young as 2, but older kids still have tons of fun changing the faces and playing games with Mr. Potato Head as well, therefore it is like the perfect kid gift.  Mr. Potato head has also been a pretty budget-friendly toy throughout its long history, which makes it especially appealing in these penny-pinching times.

The best part about Mr. Potato Head is that he stays current, with new looks to keep kids amused for hours.  I am totally cracking up over all these Halloween “costumes” for Mr. Potato Head:

Mr. Potato Head Trick or Tater: Mr. Potato Head can be a Vampire or a Ghost with glow-in-the-dark eyes.  Scary!

Mr. Potato Head Transformers Optimash Prime: Toddlers will love transforming their Mr. Potato Head into a talking robot car.

Mr. Potato Head: Star Wars: The Clone Wars 3-Pack: My favorite is Darth Tater, but the Spudtrooper and Artoo-Potatoo are pretty cool as well.

Mr. Potato Head is also a great baby Halloween costume you can make at home, if you are still scrambling for last minute ideas.

Since kids don’t really care if the economy is tanking or not when it comes to discussions of holiday wish lists, be prepared to hear the name “KOTA” frequently over the next few months.  Kids can ride on the animatronic triceratops, which also makes growling noises and frankly, looks pretty cool.  Check out this commercial:

Kota the Robo-Triceratops runs on 6 “D” batteries, so I am wondering if Hasbro is considering making an adult-sized version that I can ride around on, since that seems way more environmentally friendly than a gas guzzling car.  Especially if I use rechargable batteries…think about it, Hasbro, you might be able to start this whole Neo-Flinstones trend with a fleet of adult-sized ride-on dinosaurs…yabba dabba do!

It should come as no surprise that kids accustomed to toys like Elmo Live aren’t satisfied with run-of-the-mill, drink-and-wet doll.   Fear not, because BABY Born lives up to the rigorous standards of today’s kids by crying, squeaking, eating, and using a potty, in addition to just drinking and wetting a diaper.  BABY Born also has a ton of cool accessories that Betsy Wetsy never dreamed of, like:

BABY born Comfortseat: This pink car seat can be fastened in for road trips, and is the perfect gift for girls who already have a pink stroller.

BABY Born Mini Car:  Babies driving cars.  Umm, Yeah.

Food for BABY Born: I have not been able to figure out what this “food” is made of, but you apparently can buy it “used” on Amazon.  Fantastic.  I’ll be keeping the kids in my life far away from this alleged food.

OK, since I have been having some technical difficulties the past few days, I am going to take this opportunity to name the pink stroller today’s “Stroller of the Day” while I still have internet access.  Little girls everywhere know the joy that a pink stroller can add to a doll collection.  So, strap BABY Born in and proudly take it for a walk in that pink stroller, girls!

Today is the 50th Birthday of the publication of “A Bear Called Paddington“, the book that introduced the adorable Paddington Bear to the world.  To celebrate Paddington’s big day, here is a look at some of his antics through the years:

Here are a couple of great gift ideas for fans of Paddington:

The Paddington-inspired duffel coat will delight young ones who yearn for something unique yet stylish in kid’s coats.

Commemorate Paddington’s birthday with this 50th Anniversary Paddington Bear with Suitcase.

Adult fans can enjoy their daily cup of tea with this Paddington Bear mug.

Strawberry Shortcake’s recent makeover is on full display in the recently released DVD collection “Strawberry Shortcake: Holiday Dreams.” The gift set includes 3 DVDs and 5 Strawberry Shortcake holiday greeting cards, for hours of berry berry fun times.

There are a couple of contests for Strawberry Shortcake fans who want to get their hands on a free copy of the DVD.  Check out:

• Parenthood.com: Strawberry Shortcake Holiday Dreams Collection Giveaway
• SAHM Answers: Win 1 of 5 Strawberry Shortcake: Holiday Dreams Collection

So apparently I have been a little behind on this trend: grown women buying incredibly realistic dolls called Reborns and treating them like babies.  There are even web communities and stores like Simply Reborn and Irresistables that sell dolls and offer classes for women who want to create their own fake babies.  I am a bit speechless, so I will let these videos speak for themselves:

Links to more information on Reborns:

• Angelic Reborns Forum
• Angels Unawares
• International Reborn Doll Artists
• Top 100 Reborn Forums and Guilds

On that note, let’s move on to today’s Stroller of the Day: the Combi Stroller.  Each Combi stroller is said to fulfill “the Parenting Dream”, and while that sounds great, I’d think I’d prefer getting my parental fulfillment elsewhere (perhaps a Reborn?).  But  Combi strollers will at least provide a safe and stylish ride, if not fulfillment.

I had no idea when I stumbled upon Teen Pregnancy Barbie last week that she was going to turn into an internet sensation.  Here’s what people have to say:

• Jezebel
• Feministing: Reappropriation or Just Offensive: Teen Pregnancy Barbie
• Choice USA : Coming to a Store Near You!