I'm new to blogging and recently discovered that I should be sharing more about myself, so those of you who reading my posts know why I am posting, know that I am a real person/mommy and understand that I have nothing to sell anyone! I spent my entire life growing up around toys. First my dad was a buyer in the toy world, and than a publisher of a top trade magazine for the toy business. When I was just about done with college, he started his own publishing company and new toy trade magazine, and about 3 1/2 years ago, I took over the business completely.  The Toy Book, a magazine for the toy trade, has been in business since 1983.

When I realized the knowledge that my team had in the toy industry, and took a look at all the lists that retailers put out (promoting the toys they have to sell) we decided that there's really not a source to help parents choose wisely. And so The Toy Insider was created. This consumer magazine sells you nothing. We give you advice on what to look for when shopping for toys and give you an easy to use guide, broken down by age, on how to shop for your children. In our guide you'll find what we consider to be the top 90 or so toys (not to overwhelming). What's the key element in anything we choose....play value!! I know what's it's like to give my children something they are done with in 5 minutes. I have felt the pressure of TV commercials and not really knowing about the toy, and given in to those with my own children (when I was PTA mom/president, and not back at work). We also give you safety information and sites to go to if you have any questions.  On the personal side, I have three teenage daughters, 18, 15, and 13 and I'm married for 20 years.

 Feel free to ask me questions about toys, about raising three teenage daughters and working, and did I say toys? Here's todays post!

Play value on higher price toys:

When shopping for toys spending over $40 for an item, you might stop and think about if this will make your child happy.  What should you look for when your ready to dig deeper into your pockets?  First, you are looking for added value in the toy.  Are there components that will increase the types of play that your child will get from this toy.  For example, if it’s a great action figure or playset, are there enough different parts to ensure longlasting creativity?  Is there an online piece…if so, you’re talking about a toy that has value on its own, and value because of the “tech” that’s been added.  Is this a toy with levels that will grow with your child, so that this will remain in the family room for quite some time, and is it a toy that will be passed down to siblings, because it’s that good and that well made. 

So here are some of the favorites that my team picked for the holidays, that cost a little more, but the value is there.  And as always, remember to shop around, the discounting is just beginning.

 VTech makes a great line of "grow with me toys" and this years Alphabet Train is truly a favorite.  The children begin with lots of activities while they are on their bellies or just learning to sit, but as they begin to be more mobile, this becomes a ride on toy.  It's colorful and teaches numbers, letters, colors, songs, stories and more.  At $49.99 it's a toy that will last for children 6 months and up. 

At 12 months+ International Playthings makes a Yookidoo Discovery Dome.  This hide away dome has inside and outside activities that encourage physical and cognitive development and includes ball play, shape sorting, and peek a boo play.  Retail is $99

At 5+, I’ve always been a huge fan of Playmobil and will vouch for the playtime and “hand me down” value in this toy.  This list is $104 and will provide years of fun.  This years choice for us was the Playmobil Circus Ring which includes the Big Top, the ring, seven figures, ticket booth and seating.  I began purchasing Playmobil for my oldest (now 18 and in her first year of college) and when my youngest (now 13) outgrew these toys that made it through all three girls, I gave to my sister for her daughters to enjoy (now 4 and 7).  So yes, this is definitely a pricey item, but well worth it…and made in the USA.

For the 6+ set, Hannah Montana rules and that will continue to be so.  The girls love her and will love her Malibu Beach House.  The retail is $159, but again, shop around!  This is the largest Hannah Montana playset to ever hit store  shelves and each room in this house is an authentic replica of Hannah’s house on the Disney Channel TV show.  The furniture is all included, the dolls are sold separately., by Jakks Pacific.

For 9+, let’s get them dancing in the street (well, at least in front of a TV screen).  The dance craze is still going stong, and the U Dance system will deliver.  This is wireless and  there’s no dance mat, but instead the system features motion sensing technology that allows players to use a full range of movement using their body to control the game play.  They perform real dance moves like jumping and sliding, cross overs and more.  There are 3 levels of play and you are looking at the screen, not at your feet (it’s not easy and it’s loads of fun), listing at $74.99

Remember to email me with any questions and sign up for our sweepstakes to win a room full of toys.  The Toy Insider Mom

thetoyinsidermom@aol.com

www.thetoyinsider.com