Tradition dictates we put out a Christmas list for the kids every year; this year we are looking at buying for two boys, one 7 and one 5. You can check out the list for the new addition to the family at our Infant Christmas Gifts – 2010 Edition.
Boy 7
Snap Circuits Jr. SC-100 – This looked like one of those toys that my son would love because you can build all sorts of cool projects like “AM radios, burglar alarms, doorbells and much more! You can even play electronic games with your friends.” Our boy loves to build things, and the fact that tools are not required makes this something even easier to have around for him to play with by himself. The fact that he will be learning some science is a nice bonus for the parents.
Lego Minotaurus Game – There are a lot of these new Lego games out there, but with me being a father who loves fantasy, this was the one we went with. I think these games that can be changed to make the challege a bit different each time are great. Gives a lot of replay value out of a single game. Plus these are Lego; you really cannot go wrong with them.
Ucreate Music – I always like something a little different for my older child, and I think this is it. Should be interesting to see if he enjoys making some of his own music. I do not worry about things like this being too complicated for him, as he really likes figuring things out. I can see them making a song and dancing to it.
Electronic Hyperslide – This is one of those toys that slid under the radar for me, as the first time I heard about it was while looking at other toys on Amazon. I am thinking that it will be pretty fun to play while on the dining room table, and it has three different modes. Code Buster seems to be the most interesting, but this is one I will be ready to open up and play with myself.
Melissa & Doug Travel Hangman – My boys love Hangman, so much so that if we go out to a restaurant napkins become the playing field. It is a game that keeps them amused for a long time. They work together, with my younger one getting a good word and the older boy spelling it for the game. I felt like this would make a great gift for bringing out when we eat as well as on vacation.
Boy 5
Hape: Totter Tower Eco-Design Building Structure – I first saw this at the Toy Fair and was intrigued. It is all angled bamboo that you can stack and play with. I played with it for a while during our time at the Fair and figured that my boy will have a great time with it. It is a pretty cool and unique item. I figure he will be able to play with the baby with it when she gets a little older, as well.
Phonics Flash Cards (Brighter Child Flash Cards) and Sight Words Flash Cards (Brighter Child Flash Cards) – My younger son is not as advanced as my older boy was at 5 when it comes to reading and spelling, so we figured some sets of Flash Cards would be helpful. These are the ones we decided on; hopefully they are fun to use as well as educational.
Battat Take Apart Crane – When my younger boy goes to Sunday School, he loves playing with this small little crane they have after the lessons. Well, I decided to get him a crane for the holidays, and the Battat Take Apart Crane looks awesome. It will be fun to see him put it together and take it apart as well as playing with it. The fact that you put it together makes it two toys in one, and hopefully one that builds confidence after learning to build it.
Both Boys
Model T Kit Rock Tumbler – Who would have thought boys would like shiny things, as well? I always wanted one of these when I was younger, and think it is a great gift for them. Not only can they make cool smooth rocks, but it keeps them interested in finding stones while on vacation. It is a cool hobby and will be an exercise in patience, I am sure.
Sonic Slam Game – After broken fan globes and things knocked off the shelves, Sonic Slam looks like the perfect solution. They can play during the winter, late at night, and when it rains out. Even though the swinging rackets will need to be curtailed, we should not have a problem with a ball flying and hitting anything. Plus we also do not have to worry about losing the balls or the dogs chewing them up.
Nerf N Strike Recon CS-6 – This is the year of Nerf for the boys; we wanted to make sure they could both enjoy them at the same time. Well the Recon CS-6 allows for different types of blasters with the boys building the ones that they want. Should be fun to play around the house and in the backyard, as long as they avoid hitting the baby and Mom. This unit I felt was the best because it was not so big that it was hard to carry for them.
Hot Wheels R/C Stealth Rides – Another toy that I saw at Toy Fair last year were the Hot Wheels R/C Stealth Rides. I knew once they came out that I had to get them for the boys. They have a ton of different models now, and they fold down rather nice. You can read my in depth review from last year, but they looked great.
Crayola 52-0029 Crayola 150-Count Telescoping Crayon Tower, Storage Case, Sharpener – Our crayon box looks horrible. Broken crayons, hard to find the color you want, all of that. Well I am hoping buying two of these crayon towers helps on that front. My boys love to color so this was a great product with all the colors at their fingertips.
OWI Frightened Grasshopper Kit – Solar Powered – Something for the stockings that looks fun for some time outside in the summer (before it gets stepped on).
Family
Playstation Move Starter Bundle – The Wii is great, but I want some depth to my motion control and also some high res graphics. Also something that has me excited is using two controllers to play the sword and shield games. Lots of potential there, and the sweet graphics will be nice. Also did not want to put all my eggs in one basket with the Kinect, so we’re playing both angles. The kids will love it also.
Nerf N-Strike Raide Rapid Fire CS-35 – If my boys are going to get Nerf Guns, that means I need one, as well. I went with something a bit bigger, as I will be fending off two boys by myself. Looks to be something I can use that might be too big for the boys. Nice to have 35 darts at my disposal.
Loopz – If you have kids, this is one product you NEED to have. It is fun for the whole family. We got ours a while back for review, and you can read all about it. When I saw it at the Toy Fair I knew it was going to be something special. All the family loves Loopz.
Travel Talk – I told you these are trip savers, keeping the kids entertained while on trips or out to diner. Pick some up for stocking stuffers. You can read my review to get some more information.
Xbox 360 250 GB Console with Kinect – Once I saw this at NYCC this year, I was hooked; I needed the family to have a Kinect. I knew my wife would love it for the exercise games, and my kids would love it for any game. They love interacting with video games, and this was going to be a new experience for them.
Dance Central and Your Shape Fitness Evolved – Both games for the Kinect, one for the boys and one for the wife. I know my kids are going to get a kick out of Dance Central. It may be a little hard for them to start, but hopefully they grow into it. They have already been to hip-hop dance classes, so this is a nice progression. Your Shape Fitness Evolved is something my wife should like. She does not have time to go to classes even though they are down the street from our house, so this should allow her some cardio on her own time in addition to the treadmill.
After this list is published we may end up getting a few extra things for the children, but you these are the big ticket items for the holiday season in 2010 for my children. Hopefully it helps you out when you are making those purchases for your kids, family members, or friends. Spread the word of our Christmas Gifts 2010 list for the boys.
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