Spring-loaded Serenade: Exploring Nerf
July 23, 2010 by Kyle Martinak
Filed under Vintage & Classic Toys
Funny how toys come about, isn’t it? As we all learned last week, Mr. Potato Head started as cereal prizes attached to real vegetables. A similar history surrounds the foam-based line of projectile (toy) weapons and soft sports balls: Nerf.
The best ideas really are the simple ones. Look at that funky-fresh font, too!
Mr. Potato Head: Under the Tater Skin
July 14, 2010 by Kyle Martinak
Filed under Vintage & Classic Toys
What're you lookin' at ya hockey puck?
He’s a staple of many childhoods. He’s a supporting character in a successful blockbuster series. He’s a family man. And he’s a snappy dresser, too. Mr. Potato Head has had a long history, and is one of the most famous and instantly recognizable toys in the world. How did this mustachioed vegetable rise to super stardom? Well, let’s take a look…under the tater skin. Read more
Grade School Currency: Silly Bandz
April 30, 2010 by Kyle Martinak
Filed under Kids Toys
I predict the next big craze will be paperclips with crazy plaid and animal print patterns.
Remember that useless collection of objects that decided your status in grade school? Tell Beanie Babies to slide down the bench, because the new generation is hooked on Silly Bandz. Read more
The Most Popular Educational and Learning Toys As Of This Moment
March 1, 2010 by Chris Pranger
Filed under Baby Toys, Learning Toys, Melissa and Doug, Science & Discovery Toys, Toys, Wooden Toys
This right here is one of the most popular education-based toy around. And it's a video game system.
If I were pressed to defend the educational value of video games, I probably couldn’t do much other than say they can teach reading, math, problem solving, community interaction, cause and effect, and hand-eye coordination skills, so really I’d have an uphill battle talking about their benefits (wink). However, there are a handful of very popular toys being sold this very second to parents wishing to give their kids a little boost in the learning aspect of playing while still making sure the toy is fun (gotta love parents). But just what are some of the most popular educational and learning toys right now?
Let The Good Times Roll: Ideas For Popular Ride-On Toys
February 11, 2010 by Chris Pranger
Filed under Kids Bikes & Ride Ons, Outdoor Toys, Vintage & Classic Toys
Oh yeah, forget those video games because things just got awesome.
I’ve been hung up on video games a lot lately, and I apologize for that. There’s just been an abundance of games getting released in such a short time frame. Plus, it sounds as if half the US has been snowed in for a while. To make up for all this sitting around in front of the TV, I think it’s time to take a look at the complete opposite here and talk about getting those kids outside and on something that moves. No, not a car, not even a bike, but one of these handy active outdoor toys. Grab your helmets and kneepads and let’s talk about some popular ride-on toys.
Melissa & Doug Toys: My Top 5 List
February 16, 2009 by Mary Price
Filed under Melissa and Doug
Quality products from Melissa & Doug have my appreciation and that of others, even in a less-than-booming economy. The educational toys are fun and designed to last, the puppets are wonderful, and the imaginary play items keep my daughter occupied for hours.
