|
Look, it's Chucky's sister! Maybe it's the bride of Chucky. Or could it just be Chucky, that frightening killer doll from the movie "Child's Play," in disguise?
Come Christmas day, Santa Claus
delivers the latest and greatest to kids
(or adults enjoying a revival
of childhood favorites)
In anticipation of the holidays, we present this series of gift ideas every day this week. Tomorrow, a look at cookbooks.Ordering online or by phoneBy Nancy Arcayna
narcayna@starbulletin.comNah! It's just Baby Go Boom!
Although she's not at all like that horrifying Hollywood creation, she acts as if she could be possessed. She laughs uncontrollably when you tickle her feet, and other times she falls to the ground hysterical, supposedly in imitation of a real baby's behavior but coming from a doll almost looks as if she is having an epileptic fit.
While some adults may be somewhat dismayed by her behavior, a little girl could fall in love with her. She utters 16 affectionate phrases, including "Mommy, I love you."
|
The talking, moving doll scared me when she suddenly snapped up into a seated position on her own while blurting, "Peek-a-boo!" That reminded me of Linda Blair in the film "The Exorcist."I child-tested her by placing her in front of 3-year-old Natalia Hayakawa, who watched the doll from a distance before daring to start cuddling her. Once Hayakawa became accustomed to Baby Go Boom's strange behavior, she loved her. My 5-year-old son and his 6-year-old buddy also enjoyed an hour's worth of entertainment watching her fall on her head. Under normal circumstances, they would not be caught dead playing dolls. But Baby Go Boom! lured them in with a cute face accompanied by somewhat psychotic behavior. The doll is $19.97.
Baby Go Boom! is one of the toys disappearing from store shelves as parents rush to make their children's dreams come true on Christmas morning.
Several hot items, including Babbling Boo, X Box, Nintendo Game Cube and the Deluxe Quantasauras Megazord, are already sold out at Toys R Us, according to manager Derek Garcia, but there is hope. "All of the toys that are sold out should be in our stores before Christmas, possibly next week," he said.
Getting back to basics
For parents puzzled by the new electronic and high-tech toys, many good old-fashioned toys are making their return."More traditional parents are shying away from the electronic toys and buying their children the same toys they played with as youngsters," said James O'Brien, a manager at Toys R Us. A few of the toys making comebacks include Lite Brite ($14.99), the Easy Bake Oven ($19.97), Play-Doh ($2.49 and up), Magna Doodle ($14.99), Tinker Toys ($24.99 for plastic and $29.99 for wooden), Mr. Potato Head ($7.99) and Shrinky Dinks, the shrink plastic art form, which may now be purchased with a maker allowing kids to work more independently since a kitchen oven is no longer needed ($24.99 for the maker; $7.99 for kits). All of these toys offer great play ideas that don't break the piggy bank.
Hot toy picks
Harry Potter toys have emerged from the woodwork and include everything from action figures to games. Prices range from $12.99 to $39.99."Harry Potter has been real hot, especially the potion set and the ride-on broom," said Lindsay Schrack, a manager at KB Toys. "Babbling Boo, Xbox and Nintendo GameCube have already sold out at all our stores." Schrack was not sure if more will be available before Christmas.
"Monsters, Inc." also has an array of toys for all ages that bring the recent movie to life. Glowing Bedtime Sulley lights up when given a hug and says calm and reassuring phrases. Babbling Boo laughs, babbles and says fun phrases from the movie. Action Eye Mike Wazowski moves his eyeball when his arms are lifted. Games, playsets, plush and action figures are also available.
"Babbling Boo is what all the little girls want," Garcia said.
|
O'Brien added, "She is definitely the most popular character and is always sold out."Infrared remote-controlled toys are also in. The Deluxe Quantasaurus Rex Megazord is a creature that lurks like a "little toy soldier from hell." It turns, walks and morphs from a Megazord into a metallic dinosaur-like creature and back again. The remote control straps on to a child's wrist to make the Megazord follow along. Some of the 5- to 7-year-old boys in my neighborhood played with it for hours, with most of their time spent trying to master the remote control. They were amazed by the creature's ability to morph at a click of a button. The boys didn't seem to mind that he was hard to control. Costs $89.99.
Rumble Robots, like Lobjaw, Lug Nut and Clamster aare interactive fighting robots that battle with lasers, punches, shields and more. Power levels are controlled by power cards. A set of seven cards is included with each robot, but additional power card sets may be purchased. Different robots are available. Costs $29.99.
Educational toys
Reading and educational toys can stimulate youngsters during critical learning periods. "This year's emphasis has been more on educational toys," said O'Brien. Here are a few items to check out:Count-a-pillar: The rapping caterpillar teaches number recognition, addition and subtraction while dancing and singing to hip-hop beats. Children (and even some adults) playing with this toy become enraptured, though the repetition might drive some parents to throw the toy out the window in a matter of minutes. But if it enhances math skills while keeping children entertained, why not try it? Costs $19.99.
16-Story Read-Along Baby Bear: Baby Bear becomes a storytelling companion. Children activate page-by-page reading by pressing numbered patches on Bear's paws that correspond to page numbers in the books. No cartridge-changing is involved, and all stories are combined into two illustrated books. Toddlers can learn to read while cuddling with their furry friend. Costs $24.99.
Leap Frog Imagination Desk: This interactive learning center features all types of activities including phonics, letters, numbers, counting and vocabulary. Friendly characters teach letter names, letter sounds, fun facts, silly rhymes and more, while games and music add to the fun. Costs $49.99.
Leap Pad: "Leap Pad goes like hotcakes. We're sold out now but should get more in before Christmas," said Garcia. The Leap Pad's multisensory interface teaches kids reading skills without making it seem like work. Books fit into the pad, and a pen moves over words to also teach phonics and spelling. Costs $49.99. Refill books are $14.99 to $16.99.
Fun and games
30-second Cotton Candy Maker: Turn an ordinary day into the sweetest of holidays by conjuring up the excitement of a carnival or circus. The kids loved it. Only a bite-size piece of cotton candy is made each time, so parents need not worry about their kids overdosing on sugar. The machine turns table sugar into cotton candy, but flavored sugar packs with bubble gum, raspberry, cherry and orange flavors also are available. It's lightweight and portable so you can create the fun anywhere -- the back yard, birthdays or at the kitchen table. Costs $24.99.Lego Bionicles: These are canister robots. The theme for Bionicle is "Six heroes, one destiny." Six hero figures (the Toa) who must work together to collect the Masks of Power (Kanohi) and defeat the Rahi, minions of the evil Makuta, who have taken over the island of Mata Nui. The Toa are aided in their quests by the Turaga, who are the village leaders of the island. Costs $7.99.
"We don't even get a chance to put these (Bionicles) on the shelves. People are grabbing them out of our hands," said Ui Bent, a sales associate at Toys R Us.
Power Rangers: Time Force figures line the toy aisle just as they have for nearly a decade as they fight evil villains while passing on lessons of friendship, trust and teamwork.
"They continue to be popular items in Hawaii even though they are kind of a thing of the past on the mainland," said O'Brien. "Digimon, Pokemon and Hello Kitty are also popular here because of Asian demographics."
Hello Kitty: No longer just content to look good, Hello Kitty is now productive, working at her own tropical juice bar. She wears a pineapple hat a la Carmen Miranda and sits within a pineapple-shape bar where she sells apple juice, lemonade and other cool drinks. It costs $10.99. A Sunflower Fun Wheel is another Hello Kitty toy. Two-inch Hello Kitty and Mimi figures can ride the sunflower Ferris wheel or take a ride down a slide. Music is included. This one is $22.99.
Bob the Builder: His ability to fix things seems to intrigue youngsters. O'Brien said Bob is taking over Tucker the Truckbot's territory, though to me, Tucker ($39.99) was much friendlier. He talks when his claws are lifted and recites 47 phrases. Bob ($24.99) just stands around with his tool belt.
And we can't forget to mention Rescue Heroes action figures and accessories. "The sales have been tremendous, taking off after the Sept. 11 incident, said O'Brien. "The fireman and policeman are especially popular."
Prices were obtained from Toys R Us
and may vary from store to store.
|
Avoid the hassles of crowded shopping malls by ordering online. Catalogs offer an array of toys and gadgets that boost creativity and encourage imagination. Order by mail
Creative Kids Stuff: 1-800-353-0710 or www.creativekidstuff.com
Hearthsong: 1-800-325-2502 or www.hearthsong.com
Lily's Kids: 1-800-545-5426 or www.lillianvernon.com
Mindware: 1-800-999-0398 or www.MINDWAREonline.com
Museum Tour: 1-800-360-9116 or www.museumtour.com
Toys to Grow On: 1-800-542-8338 or www.ttgo.com
Young Explorers: 1-800-239-7577 or www.youngexplorers.com
Click for online
calendars and events.
