Toys for the kid in your life

Originally published: June 21, 2009 10:07 AM
By Marisa Costa Special to amNewYork

Photo credit: Handout | Toy ideas for children.

Photos

It's that time of year again -- to buy presents for the kids in your life. But this year, shopping for toys will take a slightly different spin.

"Because of all the recalls, safety is of utmost concern to all parents, and shoppers are really taking the time to research toys rather than just buy what is on 'hot' lists," says toy expert Marianne M. Szymanski, founder and president of Toy Tips, Inc. Szymanski recommends thinking back to your childhood, and choosing favorites that are still around because of quality and satisfaction.

Lucky for you, we've done the research. So get to the stores!

Chicco New Rodeo horse $89.95, www.amazon.com What child doesn't love a rocking horse? Electronic neighing and galloping sounds add to the experience. (Ages 18-36 months)

Little Superstar Sing-Along Stage $40, www.fisher-price.com Little ones will love to sing and dance with this musical stage. Dancing spotlights, a magical microphone and a large mirror make for a rockin' good time. (Ages 6 months and up)

Go Baby Go! Kickin' Bobbin' Gym $35, www.fisher-price.com Encourage a baby's physical development with this overhead gym featuring music, lights, sounds and a smiling bobbin' bear. (Ages birth and up)

DC Super Friends Batmobile $24.99, www.amazon.com This ultimate vehicle for the crime-fighting hero includes a net launcher, sound effects and lights. (Ages 3 years and up)

My First Computer $59.99, www.leapfrog.comI ntroduce computer skills by turning any TV into a child's first machine. Learning games teach phonics, letters, animal facts and counting. (Ages 3-6 years)

Smart Cycle bike $100, www.fisher-price.com Bring the arcade experience home and encourage kids to be active while learning. Using plug and play technology, parents simply plug the stationary bike into their TV's A/V jacks. Kids hop on the bike, start pedaling and play games right on the set. (Ages 3-6 years)

Transformers Ultimate Bumblebee Figure $89.99, www.hasbrotoyshop.com One of the hottest transformers on the market, this toy makes battle sounds while changing from a sleek 2008 Camaro into an intimidating robot. (Ages 5 and up)

Hannah Montana Best of Both Worlds Singing Doll $34.99, Toys "R" Us, 1514 Broadway, 646-366-8800; 692 Broadway, 212-477-2051 Watch the adorable Hannah sing her most popular hit, "Best of Both Worlds." This 13-inch-tall doll comes with a brush, poster, backstage pass and microphone. (Ages 6-10 years)

EyeClops Bionic Eye $39.97, KB Toys, Manhattan Mall, 901 Sixth Ave., 212-629-5386 This handheld magnifying device lets kids view objects at 200 times their regular size on any TV screen. (Ages 6-12 years)

Nerf N Strike Disk Shot $29.99, Toys "R" Us, 1514 Broadway, 646-366-8800 Kids will love this moving target challenge. Load the launcher with foam disks and shoot the disks out of the air with the blaster gun. (Ages 8 years and up)

American Idol Talent Challenge $39.99, Target, 139 Flatbush Ave., Brooklyn, 718-290-1109 Sing along with your favorite American Idol performers as you watch them on TV using your DVD player. Compete with friends, rate each others performances and then listen to Randy, Paula and Simon tell it like it is. (Ages 8 years and up)

Power Tour Electric Guitar $49.99, Toys "R" Us, 1514 Broadway, 646-366-8800 Kids learn basic guitar principles and classic rock songs. Included are an electric guitar, cable, strap and instructional DVD. (Ages 10 years and up)

Splurges

Rose Petal Cottage $184.99, www.hasbrotoyshop.com Little girls will love to "play house" and let their imaginations roam free with this cozy, fabric-covered cottage. (Ages 3 years and up)

Magnetix I-Coaster $144.99, www.megabrands.com Using the immense power of magnetism, kids can construct a roller coaster, complete with drops, jumps and loops. This toy is great for developing creativity, reasoning and fine motor skills. (Ages 8-14 years)

Under $20

Grip & Grasp stroller accessory $19.99, www.tinylove.com This stroller toy catches and keeps a baby's attention with its colorful woodpecker and bounce-back grasshopper. (Ages 6-12 months)

Musical Stack and Ball chicken game $19.99, www.amazon.com Babies drop balls through the funnel-shaped hen to produce a variety of sounds that encourage repeated play. It includes four easy-to-grasp stacking rings, three rattling balls, and a hen. (Ages 6-12 months)

Candy Land Castle Game $19.99, KB Toys, Manhattan Mall, 901 Sixth Ave., 212-629-5386 This simple, educational matching game teaches colors and shapes. Kids will have fun playing alone or with others. (Ages 3 years and up)

Rubik's Revolution $14, KB Toys, Manhattan Mall, 901 Sixth Ave., 212-629-5386 Beware -- the new spin put on this classic toy is both fun and addictive. Six fast-paced electronic games are packed into one cube with lights, sound effects and increased levels to keep you playing for hours. (Ages 5 years and up)

Operation Sponge Bob Edition $19.99, www.hasbrotoyshop.com Perform undersea surgery without setting off the buzzer. The surgeon with the steadiest hands wins and saves the day. (Ages 6 years and up)

Hyper Slide $19.99, www.hasbrotoyshop.com Be quick as you flick, slide or shoot the colored hyper discs under the game's arch before time runs out. Three fast-paced electronic tabletop games fit into one compact unit. (Ages 8 years and up)