Ben 10 Toys - 10 Things Every Parent Needs to Know

"Ben 10 is without doubt the hottest boys' brand of the moment". The Ben 10 10cm and 15cm Action Figures were selected as the "2009 Toy Of The Year" and the Ben 10 brand also scooped the "Boys' Range Of The Year". So what are Ben 10 toys all about and are they worth buying?

1. What are Ben 10 Toys?

Ben 10 is the superhero from the Cartoon Network show of the same name. Young fans all over the world are going wild for the merchandise relating to their hero and he now has his own toy range. The watch like object called the Omnitrix gives Ben his super powers and is central to the toy range. It allows him to transform into 10+ different superhero aliens, who form the action figure toys available.

Ben 10: Alien Force is the sequel to the original show. The trusty Omnitrix has evolved, resulting in new aliens to transform into. The toy range has been updated accordingly with a new Ultimate Omnitrix and new alien action figures.

2. For what age group are Ben 10 Toys suitable?

The range is primarily aimed at boys aged 4 to 12.

3. Are Ben 10 Toys any good?

Ben 10 toys are exciting, good value toys that entertain and inspire creativity. They are realistic to the cartoon, well detailed and well made. In this time of financial crisis it is all about trusted brands and the makers of the Ben 10 range, Bandai, are the world's third largest producer of toys. If you are looking for high quality, durable, multi-purpose toys that can be played with in different ways - Ben 10 delivers.

4. How much do Ben 10 Toys cost?

You can get some good action figures starting from about £5.

The best 'Omnitrix' watches cost between £15 and £20.

The new Alien Force creature vehicles cost about £15.

The video games start at about £15 depending on platform.

You can find a nice selection of books for around £3.

You could perform a great Ben 10 bedroom make-over for around £60, to include curtains, a duvet cover & pillowcase, wall stickers and a lightshade.

5. Which is the best Ben 10 Toy?

The must have toys for any Ben 10 fan are an Omnitrix and some action figures.

The Omnitrix comes in many different versions so beware of the cheaper forms that are less playable. The two best Omnitrix watches are the Deluxe Omnitrix and the new Alien Force Ultimate Omnitrix. They are realistic to the cartoon series and are ideal for superhero role play.

The best value for money in action figures are the 10cm versions as they are poseable, well detailed and hard wearing but also cheap enough to buy a few. Ensure you are buying the 'right' alien though as your Ben 10 fan will undoubtedly have their favourites. Take advantage of multi figure packs to get your Ben 10 fan's collection started. The Creation Chamber figures also offer great creative play allowing children to mix things up and make new Ben 10 aliens.

If you don't mind shoot-em up games, the Ben 10 video games are great. They are fairly easy to play, challenging but not too much so. There's great sound and story line and you have to solve problems. The best bits for young Ben 10 fans are:

• another player can join or leave and help at any point in the game; and
• you start from where you run out of life so you don't have to go back to the beginning of a level.

6. Which is the worst Ben 10 Toy?

The playsets are typically expensive, cumbersome and have too many parts that get lost. Generally they also require you to buy the rest of the product range to use with it, so are often not worth the money. The adverts and the packaging are always very tempting but once the box is opened and the first play frenzy is over, disappointment sets in.

The cheapest versions of the Omnitrix (the Omnitrix FX and the Alien Viewer) have limited appeal. Check out my other article "Ben 10 Omnitrix Watches - The Differences Every Parent Needs To Know" for more detailed information.

With the action figures you need to avoid the smallest and the largest. The Transforming Alien Rocks or figures from Planetary Powder sets are tiny, mono-coloured and badly detailed. At the other end of the scale, the 30cm Epic Alien Figures are not poseable and made of inferior quality plastic.

7. What toys and merchandise does the Ben 10 Toy range include?

As well as the Omnitrix and Action Figures, the Ben 10 range includes:

• games and puzzles;
• vehicles;
• playsets;
• DVDs;
• video games;
• clothes & shoes;
• school equipment;
• dressing up costumes;
• arts & crafts;
• sports equipment;
• furniture;
• party supplies;
• bedroom accessories;
• books.

8. What educational value does the Ben 10 Toy range provide?

The toys encourage imaginative play with your child starting as Ben 10, meeting a villain and then transforming into one of the hero aliens simply by switching toys. They also help develop moral reasoning by identifying the good from the bad characters. When used to interact with other children, they will engage in cooperative and dramatic play.

9. Which toy should I buy for a child that has most of the Ben 10 Toy range already?

Take a look at some of the sports equipment, such as the skateboard or the scooter.

10. Where can I buy Ben 10 Toys online?

Everywhere! Ben 10 is so popular you can find the toys for sale at most online toy retailers such as Amazon, The Toy Shop and Toys R Us.

© 2009 Chloe Alice Wilson

Chloe Alice Wilson is the founder of Son Time Now - A Boys Toys Blog. She would love you to pop by and read more of her "10 Things Every Parent Needs To Know" reviews of popular toys such as the new HM Armed Forces toys.

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Ben 10 Toys - Which Will Be the Most Collectible?

It's easy to forget that some Ben 10 toys will become collector's items in years to come. These colourful action figures and play sets are seen chiefly as children's toys right now, and rightly so- Ben 10 is a massive hit with children around the world and looks set to remain that way for some time to come. As with most cartoons that generate such a buzz, the loyal fans will carry their enthusiasm with them for years to come, and as the show continues to evolve, so do the demands of those fans.

The demand for Ben 10 toys does fluctuate depending on seasons and the general flux of popularity for animated heroes, but dedicated fans of Ben and his adventures will always want to get their hands on Ben 10 toys that they may have missed first time around.

The Ben 10 toys and games owned by your young Ben 10 fans are sure to be seeing a lot of action, but will they become collectible in years to come? Possibly. The Ben 10 toys that look set to be the most sought after in years to come will be figures of Ben himself along with Ben 10 toys such as Kevin's car, the toy replica of which has already been a big hit with fans around the world.

Another favourite will always be the Omnitrix in its many versions, but possibly the most popular one will remain the Ultimate Omnitrix. This is to be expected, as the props of main characters are always a hit!

When your child isn't playing with their Ben 10 toys, make sure they are tidied away and kept in a clean and safe place. If a Ben 10 toy is no longer being used, don't throw it away- preserve it in a protective wrapper. Why? Because, even if your Ben 10 toys and games don't become collectible items, there is sure to be someone else who would love to enjoy those Ben 10 toys for the first time that they can be shared with.

Are you too a big Ben 10 fan? The Ben 10 toys and games that are currently available will blow your mind! Check out the special offers you can take advantage of!

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Buying UK Goods With Delivery to Europe

Over recent months the pound has hit an all time low against the Euro. This has created an opportunity for European residents to buy from UK stores online, buying goods at reduced prices due to the exchange rate.

It's not only the exchange rate that gives you a great discount, but UK stores in these times of trouble are discounting their goods also. So if you live in Europe and earn euros check out UK stores for price comparison before you buy.

Lots of stores offer their price in Euros, so this makes comparison much easier. Don't forget you will probably charged by your credit card company or bank to convert the currency. Even taking this in to consideration the savings are great.

Major stores like Marks & Spencers, Dorothy Perkins, Wallis, Evans, Mothercare, HMV, Johns the Bootmaker, all delivery to Europe. The delivery charges vary from store to store, some for as little as 5 pound per order, no matter how big your order.

There are other stores like Chemists, Computer Stores, Games, Gadgets and DVDs that all delivery to Europe. This is great for British Expats, who want their electrical goods in English, with out paying over the odds to get a local supplier to convert them.

So if you are looking to buy new clothes, a new computer, a games console or medication. Compare prices of UK online stores before you buy and save, save, save.

Why spend more when you can save large amounts on the same products buying them from the UK, enter the global economy and save considerable amounts of money.

Sean O'Brien has lived in Spain for over 6 years and regularly buys goods from the UK, he recommends the following websites to browse for UK stores that deliver to Europe UK Shopping in Spain

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Musical Toys For Your Baby

It is fun when your baby is done with the sleeping phase of her first few weeks or months of her life. It is both exciting for family and parents when the little one learns new things and explores her surroundings. More aware of sounds and actions, and family can play with the little one. Children develop skills faster than you think in their early age. This is a good time to buy baby items and toys that fits your baby's development.

You can now throw or store away the infant toys and bring on the baby toys such as baby walker or musical toys for your baby's playtime. Toys are a big part of a child's learning process and exploring shapes colors and sounds are good for their development.

Toys with music helps stimulate your child's brain, go for toys that have features and functions with music and different sounds. Animal sounds, or beeping sounds are good, also lights and moving objects are good for your child. It fascinates babies a lot.

If you have notice babies are attracted to abstract objects and clear colors, this helps babies differentiate objects and shapes in their mind. If you have been hearing the same song while you were pregnant with your baby, try playing the song for your baby now and you will see she or he can recognize the beat and tone of the music and she or he will stop whatever he or she is doing and listen carefully. This is because even in mommy's tummy babies develop certain skills and senses already.

Helping your child enhances his skills and developments through playing and exploring is good way to teach your child how to differentiate patterns, movements, feelings and it also stimulate their intellectual developments.

Learning should be fun, with the right toys and books, your baby will be a happier baby and a more playful one. This also helps build her confidence if you let your child explore freely in your home or outdoor.

For more baby items reviews and articles you can read some of my posts on http://www.mommyandme.blogspot.com

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Gift Ideas For Baby Toys

Baby toys come in many different shapes, sizes, and colors, but the best baby toy gift ideas are as follows:

When choosing a baby toy gift, look for something with the following attributes:

1. Bold colors: Brightly colored toys will keep a baby's attention longer, and will help them to distinguish between parts, and what goes with what. For example, a toy that requires a baby to match shapes with the space they go in, reinforces the idea with color coordinating openings and shapes. Great examples of toys that make great baby gifts, and are brightly colored are almost anything by Lamaze, and the Touch n' Sing blocks by Neurosmith, which come in a variety of subject matters.

2. Something that makes a sound: Just make sure it is not sharp noises. Babies love toys that make sounds, and music can also be very educational, especially when introduced at a young age. Consider toys such as the Baby's 1st Birthday Music Set - by Edushape. Also touch n sing blocks are great, or the Mozart block. Finding toys that make music, or produce sounds that are pleasant for baby will result in more play and development.

3. Something simple: Baby toys are supposed to increase in complexity as a baby learns new skills. So, as you choose a baby toy, look for something that fits their skill level, or exceeds it by just a little bit. You want to help them develop their basic motor skills, and attune their fine motor skills. So, toys that can be pushed, pulled, tugged, etc. are all great, but keep them simple. Sometimes the best toy for a baby is a set of brightly colored blocks that the can stack, push over, throw, etc. Other great baby toy gift ideas for improving locomotive skills include plastic animals, dolls, rattles, and any toy that can help improve attention span, hand-eye coordination, and manual dexterity.

4. Illustrates cause and effect: Babies love toys that they can control, and their learning and development will progress if you give them a toy that responds with a sound or movement when the baby touches or grabs it. It teaches them cause and effect, and gives them a sense of themselves, and their power.

5. A toy that is educational: Educational toys for babies should stimulate the five senses, or at least the three most important, sight, sound, and touch. Look for toys like wrist rattles, squeak toys, pop-up toys, pull toys, musical toys, activity centers, cloth books, mirrors, and mobiles. These help with all of the above mentioned criteria, and can help you get your baby on the right track with development and learning.

A few great toys for babies include:
- Foam blocks
- Pull toys
- Tap a tune piano
- Bath toys
- Rattles
- Crib mobiles
- Etc.

Base your gift choice off the stage of development and inclinations of the child.

Beverly Frank is a stay-at-home mom and writer. For more parenting tips, visit http://www.surfnetparents.com.

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The Value Of Wooden Toys To Pre-School Children

Preschoolers are full of energy and curiosity and have a natural eagerness to learn. They have mastered many gross motor skills and are extremely active. By preschool age, most children have also acquired a strong grasp of language skills and place a great value on friendships. Because of their strong imaginations and wide range of interests, preschoolers usually most enjoy dramatic and creative play, as well as physical activities.

The best toys for preschoolers are sturdy and durable, and not likely to result in jagged or sharp edges if broken. Look for toys that are made of quality, nontoxic materials and are appropriate for your preschooler's age and skill level. Wooden toys are extremely durable, safe, and offer hours of educational, fun play time.

Toys that encourage physical play are great for preschoolers. The outdoors offer children a number of sensory learning opportunities so it is important to provide your preschooler with a selection of toys designed for outdoor use. Wooden toys like tricycles, wagons, and scooters are ideal for preschoolers' outdoor play. Miniature replicas of adult outdoor tools, like wheelbarrows and lawnmowers, are also a lot of fun at this age.

Most preschoolers have a lot of interest in constructive play, especially building projects with a finished product or specific goal. Wooden toys like blocks and jigsaw puzzles are perfect for preschoolers. Simple models and snap-together toys also provide preschoolers with hours of enjoyable play.

Preschoolers also need a good selection of toys that encourage dramatic play, or imaginative play. Miniature appliances, like wooden stoves and refrigerators, wooden doll accessories, like cradles and highchairs, and wooden play sets, like car garages and fire stations, are all quality toys for pretend play. Props to enhance play settings are also important. Play food, dress up clothes, and baby items like blankets and bottles can help your preschooler expand her imaginative play time.

Puppets offer all types of play benefits to preschoolers. Your child can address frightening situations through puppets or can use them as a healthy way to express her anger or frustration over a recent event. Puppet play also helps preschoolers to expand their vocabularies and develop social and emotional skills. Wooden puppet stages are available in several styles and sizes. Together with a variety of puppets, a puppet stage can provide hours of creative fun.

During the preschool years, most children begin to enjoy simple board and card games as well. Matching games and games with simple objectives like color recognition or counting are typically the most enjoyable games for preschoolers. Wooden toys [http://www.monkeyshine.co.uk/traditional-toys-21/wooden-toys-22] and games with simple scoring and only basic rules are great for teaching preschoolers to share and take turns, as well as develop fine motor skills and school readiness skills.

Scientific toys and working tools are also good choices for older preschoolers. Small hammers and screwdrivers allow children to practice building skills and develop more precise hand and eye coordination. Toy microscopes and telescopes invite young children to learn by exploring the world around them. Ring toss games and wooden toys for beanbag tossing are also fun games that help preschoolers develop hand and eye coordination, as well as fine and gross motor skills.

Gary Clay is an expert on

Wooden Toys [http://www.monkeyshine.co.uk/traditional-toys-21/wooden-toys-22] and owner of stylish kids store MonkeyShine a retailer of Traditional Wooden Toys [http://www.monkeyshine.co.uk/traditional-toys-21/wooden-toys-22] in the UK

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Traditional Toy Market Remains Vibrant Across Britain

The UK has the world's largest toy market in terms of spending per child - last year each youngster received on average some £216 worth of new toys. According to market research company Key Note, the overall UK toy market was worth an impressive £2.09 billion last year, after a period of consistent growth between 2004 and 2007.

Despite the problems caused by the economic downturn, Key Note reported recently that the market remains vibrant, due to an ever-increasing child population in the UK thanks to a rising birth rate. Family sizes are getting smaller and people are becoming parents later on - two factors which mean more disposable income to lavish on their children.

Against this background, traditional toy suppliers have a great opportunity to carve out a niche; offering high-quality products for parents who want to move away from the plethora of high-tech electronic gadgets and licensed tie-ins with cartoons and children's films.

The British Retail Consortium reported last month that July 2009 saw sales of arts and crafts increase by 4 per cent across the UK toy market, in a signal that many parents are looking to more traditional pursuits during the school holidays. Of these sales, crayons, pens and paints manufacturer Crayola was the undoubted leader, taking almost £1 in every £10 spent. However, Spin Masters' Moonsand and Flair's Plasticine also saw healthy sales.

The BRC also said that building sets experienced a sales boost, as parents sought to stimulate their children's creativity. Lego remained comfortably on top, owning nine of the top ten toys in this category, and only Mega Brands' Mega Bloks Maxi prevented it from scooping all ten places, coming in at number nine.

With over 600 different companies involved in the market, however, competition remains fierce. International giants such as Bandai, Hasbro, Lego, Mattel and Tomy dominate in the stores, although the demise of Woolworths has caused a vacuum, which canny suppliers are rushing to fill.

The other fast-growing part of the toy market is, of course, online retail. Companies such as The Imagination Station are positioning themselves to take advantage of the growing trend for online shopping - as well as the backlash against electronic toys and games consoles.

Lisa Mills owns two commercially driven websites, one selling baby basket and the other promoting Melissa Doug Castle.

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UK Toy Safety And Consumer Protection

When buying toys, or any other goods, you should familiarise yourself with your rights as a consumer if the toys do not your needs or you feel that they are defective. Toy safety regulations and consumer law in the UK provide excellent protection for you.

Toy regulations in the UK are governed by EN71, the European standard that governs all toys sold in the UK and within the European Union. These toy safety standards became law in the UK on January 1, 1990 following the publication the previous year of the Toy (Safety) Regulations, and were updated in 1995.

These regulations ensure that all toys sold in the UK meet certain minimum safety standards. However, you should also be aware that you are protected by UK consumer law.

The Trading Standards Institute provides help, protection and advice for consumers when it comes to buying any goods. As a general rule, UK consumer law states that any product you buy should be of satisfactory quality, fit for the purpose and be as described in advertising or on the packaging.

If you have problems with any toys you purchase here are some steps you should take:

* Stop using the toys immediately and locate proof of purchase, usually a receipt.

* Take your receipt and the toy to the seller and ask for a replacement, repair or refund. If there is clearly a problem with the toy one of these solutions should be offered with little quibble.

* If the issue is not resolved at this stage you will have to take it further. Your local Trading Standards Service should be able to give you advice and help you draft a letter of complaint to the seller.

* If the seller makes a new offer you can choose to accept it or reject it. If you reject the offer, or no offer was made, you can consider legal action. However, this should only be done as a last resort.

Defective and unsafe children's toys

If you own a toy that has caused injury or if you think it is in breach of toy safety regulations then this is a much more serious matter. In this case, the manufacturer or importer may have committed a criminal offense so you should contact your local Trading Standards Service immediately.

Trading standards departments of local authorities in England, Scotland and Wales and Environmental Health Departments of District Councils in Northern Ireland, are responsible for day-to-day enforcement of toy safety regulations and will need to be informed.

Toy recalls

All parents should keep an ear to the ground for toy recalls. The Trading Standards Institute website provides up to date information on all toy recalls in the UK. You should regularly check this information at the Trading Standards website.

If you think a toy in your child's toy box may have been subject to a recall you should remove it immediately and keep it out of the reach of all children. Toy companies will usually offer vouchers or other exchange systems so you can replace the toy with a safe version.

Advice for businesses - UK Toy Safety Regulations [http://www.monkeyshine.co.uk/pages/toy-safety-in-uk-pv-c0-11.html]

As well as protecting consumers, the Trading Standards Institute provides detailed guidance for toy sellers. It is the seller's responsibility to ensure that all toys are correctly labeled and are safe. Failure to do so could result in fines up to £5,000 and six months' imprisonment.

All new toys must must bear the CE marking and the name and address of the manufacturer or importer. These must appear clearly on the toy or its packaging. In smaller toys it can appear on an attached label, an accompanying leaflet, or a display box.

Age warnings are a very important part of toy safety and the toy regulations impose strict guidelines on these. The most obvious are warnings on toys when they are not suitable for children under the age of three.

There are also a number of other warnings that apply certain other types of toys. For example, outdoor toys such as swings and slides must provide instructions for maintenance and assembly, while toys for the use in water should state that they must be used under adult supervision.

In general, it falls to trading standards departments to make sure that toy sellers comply with regulations. Enforcement measures can include:

* buying test toys;

* entering a premises at any reasonable time;

* ordering sellers not to sell toys that are considered to be unsafe;

* seeking information;

* prosecuting offenders in a magistrates' court.

Enforcement procedures are not only limited to toy shops. Toys can be examined at any point in the supply chain and can be held at ports of entry to the UK for up to three days if required.

Thankfully, the vast majority of children's toy suppliers and sellers in the UK are reputable and the need for prosecution is not very common. However, authorities and consumers must remain vigilant when it comes to toy safety, and the Trading Standards Institute plays a big role in this.

Gary Clay is an expert on Children's Toys [http://www.monkeyshine.co.uk] and owner of stylish kids store Monkeyshine, the UK's online toy shop specialising in high quality children's toys [http://www.monkeyshine.co.uk/traditional-toys-21]

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Old Fashioned Toys Inspire Learning

Toys don't have to feature loud noises, flashing lights, and other electronic functions to be fun and entertaining to children. Many simple, old fashioned toys still please today's children as much as they did twenty, and even forty, years ago. Old fashioned toys also inspire learning. Their simplicity encourages children to use their imaginations and to discover new things.

Reading is one of the best pastimes your child can enjoy. Provide plenty of age appropriate books about a variety of different topics. It is also important to introduce your child to all the various literature genres. Read fiction and non-fiction books together and discuss the differences. Explore several types of poetry and read biographies about someone your child has an interest in.

Dress up clothes are old fashioned toys that will never cease to delight young children. Career accessories, like fireman boots and hats, policeman uniforms, and mail bags, are great for role playing. Extra costumes are also a lot of fun for pretend play and are a good way to enhance language skills by acting out stories, movies, or favorite television shows. For real old fashioned toys, fill an old trunk with old prom gowns, wedding dresses, tuxedos, and suits as well as plenty of old fashioned accessories. Your child and her friends will enjoy hours of make believe fun.

Felt boards are also classic old fashioned toys that still promise tons of creative fun and learning opportunities. Felt board figures are available to create pretend play scenarios and to recreate stories and books or you can make your own old fashioned felt toys by cutting a variety of shapes from several colors of felt sheets. Your child can build all sorts of creations with the felt shapes.

Old fashioned toys like paper dolls and puppets encourage children to pretend and enhance language and social development as well. Paper dolls can be easily created by you and your child with a printer and cardstock. There are a number of templates available online. You can encourage your child to create their own paper doll clothes by tracing around the doll and coloring.

Puppets are old fashioned toys that have seen many, many changes. Today, special puppet stages are available as well as ethnic family puppets and several other characters. Children still love the old fashioned puppets they make themselves too. Simple sock puppets, craft stick families, and paper bag hand puppets are fun and easy to make and provide lots of learning benefits.

Instruments and musical toys have been a part of childhood for centuries. These old fashioned toys have also seen a lot of changes, with modern musical toys offering microphones, electronic sounds, and recording features. Traditional musical instruments like small drums, xylophones, and kazoos are still just as enjoyable and educational as their modern versions.

Instruments are fun and easy to make from basic household supplies. Shakers and maracas can be made from small containers filled with rice or beans or from paper mache. Help your child hammer nails across a small wooden block, then string rubber bands between the nails for a fun guitar. You can make music with just about anything from sand paper to a comb and wax paper.

The love of old fashioned toys will most likely continue through several more centuries of childhoods. These types of toys are held dear because of their simplicity. Old fashioned toys invite children to take over play time, to use their imagination, and to explore the world around them.

Gary Clay is an expert on Fantastic Traditional Toys [http://www.monkeyshine.co.uk/traditional-toys-21] and owner of stylish kids store MonkeyShine a retailer of quality old fashioned toys [http://www.monkeyshine.co.uk/traditional-toys-21] in the UK.

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A Brief History of Wooden Toys

Toys are important as they help children to learn about the world around them. Toys and play are used to help learn cause and effect and to practice the skills that they will need as adults.

The first toys were made out of natural materials such as wood, stone and grass. Archaeologists have discovered wooden pull toys from Egypt from about 4000 years ago. Ancient toys were mostly made by the parents or family of the children who used them, or by the children themselves. Children in ancient Greece played with wooden spinning tops, hoops and rocking horses. Girls are recorded as offering their toys to the gods as a rite of passage into adulthood.

The children of ancient Rome played with wooden dolls, hoops, carved wooden horses and chariots. Wooden puppets have been popular since the Middle Ages. They were used in street shows by ventriloquists. The most famous wooden puppet comes from the story of Pinnocchio. In the sixteenth century children still liked to play with wooden dolls. The dolls commonly available were known as Bartholomew babies as they were sold at St Batholomew's fair, London.

In 1760, the first (wooden) puzzle was created by John Spilsbury, a mapmaker, who glued one of his maps to a thin wooden board and cut it into pieces, initially as an idea to teach geography.

Before the twentieth century children didn't have many toys and the ones they did have were precious. Poorer children had no choice but to make their toys. The Industrial Revolution allowed toys to be manufactured in bulk and they also became cheaper.

New materials were available to toy manufacturers and plastic toys flooded the market.

Wooden toys endure though because they are made from natural materials. Skilled workmanship on handmade pieces make each toy unique. Even mass produced wooden toys have a natural beauty, smell and texture that makes them special and the grain of the wood adds to their beauty. Wood is also a naturally germ-free material, therefore safe for teething babies to chew on.

By Rebecca Twigg

Great wooden toys can be found at Why Wood Works, a company who specialise in eco friendly wooden toys and furniture for children and babies.

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Why We Love Wooden Toys

When you walk down the toy aisle in a store you will see a million different toy options. There are plastic toys, foam toys, rubber toys, and of course, wooden toys. Wooden toys are awesome, and we love them. There are several reasons that wood toys are better than other toy options. Here are the reasons why:

Wooden toys are great for children's imagination:
Wood toys do not require batteries, which means that you can play with them anytime, regardless of whether or not you have functioning batteries. They also invite open ended play, and require kids to enjoy their creativity. Toys made out of wood allow the child to think for themselves, and play the way they want to.

Wooden toys are great for children's mental health:
Wooden playthings are not going to over-stimulate kids the way plastic toys with lots of lights, music, etc. do. A wood toy is going to allow the child to process their play, and not just move from one automated thing to another. Wood toys focus more on creative play and actively using your mind than on cause and effect.

Wooden toys are good for children's physical health:
Plastic toys can negatively affect health because of the chemicals and lead, etc. that can be found in them. So, you want to make sure that you choose wooden toys that are not going to damage the organs, skin, etc. of your child. Wood toys are dyed with natural dyes, and are sanded down smooth and are not going to pose a risk to kids. Kids tend to put things in their mouth, cuddle them close, etc. so, you have to be careful about the kind of toys you buy them and allow them to put in their mouths.

Wooden toys are good for environmental health:
Wood is a renewable resource that is very durable, and lasts longer than plastic. Not only can you grow new wood quickly and easily, you also know that if you do throw the toy out it is going to be biodegradable, and not fill up a landfill with something that is going to take millions of years to degrade. Bamboo toys are the best form of wooden toys because bamboo can grow up to a foot a day. In addition, there are no chemicals used to grow the wood, unlike the chemicals used for plastics.

Wooden toys are a wonderful choice. The natural materials in them is naturally appealing to children. They are more comforting and inviting than plastic toys, and they also offer a great deal more potential for fueling creativity. They are more environmentally safe, and will give you more bang for your buck because they will last longer and get played with far more. You have to know that your child will get more use out of a wood toy, and if you invest the little more upfront, you will get a lot more in the long run.

Beverly Frank is a work-at-home writer and mom to two young kids. Visit http://www.surfnetparents.com for more parenting ideas.

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Wooden Toys - A Summary - Rubberwood and the Environment

Toys have been excavated from archeological sites dating back to 3000BC. Wooden toys in particular are said to date back to the ancient Egyptians where dolls were made of wood and pottery. Past civilisations utilised natural materials which were widely available, wood being one of these materials. Wooden toys have always been available although the use of plastics and other man made materials made wooden toys fall from favour with many parents.

Times are changing once again with environmental issues in the news daily, many parents are keen to reduce the use of plastic and are choosing wood as an environmentally friendly alternative. I especially like toys made from rubberwood. Rubberwood has a very attractive grain and a solid feel, it is easy to machine and shape so it is ideal for making lovely shaped toys. Environmental wise the rubberwood was in the past a byproduct of the latex industry. Trees were discarded and burned once they had reached to end of their latex producing life. These discarded trees are now used to produce toys, Plan toys and I'm Toy are two manufacturers that use this method and the toys produced are really lovely.

Wooden toys are durable and relatively safe although as with all toys you should ensure that your child plays with age appropriate toys. Be especially aware of toys with small parts which can be a choking hazard for small children. If you have children of different ages it is a good idea to have a play session with both children using toys suitable for the younger child, the older child will have fun interacting and teaching their younger sibling and will enjoy revisiting old favorite toys.

Regularly inspect your child's toys for signs of wear and tear and loose parts as even the strongest toys can eventually show signs of damage. I look for wooden toys that use water based dyes rather than paints, they look great as you still get to see the grain of the wood rather than a thick coat of paint. It is a good idea to look at the sort of adhesive used on the toy, there are child safe adhesives on many wooden toys.

Wooden toys now come in all forms from simple building blocks to parking garages and train stations. The benefit of wooden toys is that they remain simple, there are no flashing lights and music to distract. Children will benefit from using their imaginations to create their own games with or without siblings, friends or parents. Role playing situations with garage or play kitchen type toys are great for cognitive development and developing fine motor skills. I would also recommend toys that are not gender specific - boys love play kitchens as much as girls so why paint them pink? Dollshouses are another example of a traditionally girls toy which should and can be enjoyed by boys.

So in summary wooden toys have a long history for a reason they are durable, safe for your child and likely to be better for the environment. They will offer years of quality play value and can then be passed on for another child to enjoy. I firmly believe they represent an excellent investment.

I have first hand experience of wooden toys as a mum of two boys and co director of an online toy shop. If you would like to see some of the wooden toys mentioned in the article please visit Jack Ted and Dolly

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Waldorf Toys For Children

Waldorf toys offer a charming, imaginative option in todays world of electronic, brainless toys. Waldorf education and principles of child development have been gaining more attention and with good reason. These principles encourage the growth and development of the whole child - physically, mentally, emotionally, and they also recognize the importance of spiritual principles in the development of humanity.

When you think of "Waldorf" toys, dolls may come to mind. Simple cloth dolls with warm, simple faces are the Waldorf toy that has gotten the most notice among families with children. Many other wooden toys also get labeled as Waldorf.

These toys are good, and many are made by craftsmen that spend hours of time beautifully shaping wood or working with wool and cloth to create toys. They have a life and love to them that you can feel when you pick up the toy.

It's important to point out, however, that a "Waldorf" toy goes far beyond these carefully crafted works of art.

Waldorf pedagogy (theory of child development and learning) says that children need lots of time spent in open-ended, imaginative play. Children need to be free to create their own play scenes and spaces. They need to be free to use their imagination to "make believe" whatever they want.

Beautiful "Waldorf toys" are lovely and by all means, you should have some. However, a carefully hand-crafted wooden farm animal is probably only ever going to be used as a wooden farm animal. A block of wood, on the other hand, can a chicken on a farm one day, a cookie on a plate tomorrow, and telephone the day after that.

Simple, open ended toys like blocks are important to the development of all children, and a Waldorf playroom is very conscious of this fact.

Other good things to have on hand are squares and rectangles of cloth. These are often silks called "play silks" and come in all colors of the rainbow. Squares of cotton cloth work just as well, however. These cloths can make capes, hoods, doll blankets, even grass and water in the fertile imagination of a child.

Natural materials are great. Rocks, stones, pine cones, and other treasures found in nature can work with a child's imagination to bring forth many adventures.

Do have open-ended, inviting things for your child to play with. The simpler your child's toys are overall the more vividly he or she will imagine and the more comfortable he or she will be with creating their own make-believe world with the materials at hand.

You can, of course, provide other, more formed toys. Toys dishes, wooden boats, metal toy trucks and tractors, and baby dolls are all good things to have on hand. Dolls should be simple and made of natural materials if possible. A plastic baby doll with a harshly molded face doesn't mold in a child's arms as well as a cloth, stuffed doll will. The face is forever trapped into an expression - a simple cloth face with basic features allows a child's imagination to determine the mood of the doll. That said, if all you can get is a basic baby doll from the local toy store - do so. Any baby doll is better than other dolls such as "Barbies and Bratz." Children should play with baby dolls.

Put open-ended, simple toys in your child's play space. Your child wants to imitate adults during their playtime. It is completely normal, natural, and desired for children to want to spend their playtime "cooking, cleaning, keeping house" and doing other things they see adults doing (many children like to "talk on the phone" or "play office"). Allow your child the toys and opportunity to facilitate this healthy play - and watch their imagination and intelligence blossom as they do.

Kristen enjoys writing articles and sites about things related to her life. Check out her newest site, which is all about the Braun Powermax MX2050 and includes blender recipes.

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Finding the Best Ride-On Toys For Your Child

Are you confused about how to find the best ride on toys for your kids? Don't know where to turn because there are so many different varieties and styles available? There's really no doubt that ride on toys are one of the most popular rides for children of all ages. If you're aware of the many different styles available, you'll have a much easier time shopping.

Since the best ride on toys for kids include rides for children as young as 9 months of age, it's important that you search for toys that are age appropriate for your individual child. Knowing this information before you hit the shops or the internet is important in ensuring that your child's ride will get the most use. This is a list of the more popular toys:

#1 Push Ride on Toys

These toys are the best ride on toys for infants, toddlers, and even preschoolers. Your child can either sit on the toy and push themselves around or they can stand behind the toy. When standing behind they will be able to hold on and take steps that will move the vehicle, strengthening their large muscle groups as they go.

#2 Wagons

Children of every age group can enjoy wagons. They can pull them or just sit in them while we take them on rides. Available in both classic steel and plastic, there's sure to be one for everyone. The steel rides are very hardy and some have removable sides. The plastic ones are easy to take care of, provide shade, and are transportable.

#3 Tricycles

Tricycles are one of the best ride on toys for preschoolers who aren't ready for a two wheel ride or for the motorized rides. These classic three wheel bikes are great for those little legs. They help your kids get used to pedaling, steering, and the new found experience of being more independent.

#4 Scooters

Scooters are incredibly popular and are great for preschooler's right up to teenagers. The younger children will do well by learning on a kick scooter, one that is only powered by their leg power. Once they become more advanced riders they can bump up to the electric rides.

#5 Battery Operated Ride On Toys

The Power Wheels motorized rides have been very popular over the years, causing them to be available for children as young as only 1 year of age. They are conveniently available in three different speeds so even the inexperienced driver can enjoy them. Be sure to take into account the manufacturer age recommendations.

You will be able to find the best ride on toys for your children with just a little bit of research on your behalf. By doing a little advance work, you can be sure that the ride that you choose will provide months and even years for fun and entertainment.

Looking for the best ride on toys for your kids that are especially popular and sought after this season? If so don't miss out on reading the reviews for the Radio Flyer Twist Trike and the Razor Sole Skate!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=T_Traver

Pedal Ride on Toys For Boys

Pedal ride on toys are very safe and age appropriate for toddlers. There are several great options that you can look at for the boys in your household. This list would include race cars, John Deere tractors, and even noisy fire trucks. Whichever style you prefer, you can be sure that these great ride will create a fun filled day of adventures for those busy minds and bodies.

Do you find that sometimes those boys are rough to raise when they're in the toddler stage? Are you wondering what you can do to turn a tough parenting day into a fun parenting day? We all have rough days with the kids and being able to go outside and let those boys let off some steam is usually a good way to go.

Turning a bad parenting day with a rambunctious or cranky boy into a good parenting day can be as simple as turning frustration in a little fun. Our children act badly because they're feeling badly about something. Since they can't always communicate well with us it can be difficult to try to pinpoint the problem. It's great to be able to break up those bad feelings with good feelings and pedal ride on toys can be the perfect solution to your dilemma.

Toddler boys have lots of energy and being active and participating in physical activities is essential to a happy and content child. My boys used to climb on everything. They would climb on anything within reach and get into and make a mess out of everything within arms reach. Not all boys are content to sit still and those little legs of theirs need to be moving at all times....hence the pedal ride on toy.

Pedal ride on toys are a great means of physical exercise. Those little legs will pedal just as fast as possible to get from one place to another. This exercise will use their large muscle groups and enhance gross motor skills. They'll also be getting an upper body workout when they steer around all those corners. Working their upper and lower body together will give them a great cardio-vascular workout to boot!

Spider man has been a favorite boys superhero for years. Talk about just an ordinary guy who happens to have superhero powers. He gets to battle the villains and save the world on a regular basis. With a Spider man pedal ride on toy your boys will not only get some great exercise but they'll also be using their imaginations for some great creative adventures. Your day will quickly before more enjoyable.

By considering the Spiderman Power Wheels for your boys, you're opening up a new avenue of fun and adventurous play for those busy little bodies and minds.

To consider the Spiderman toys and get other great ride on toy ideas just take a moment to visit my favorite toddler toy site at: http://www.toddlerrideontoys.net/spiderman-power-wheels.html.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=T_Traver

Big Boys' Toys - Why Men Love Gadgets

From sports cars to spy cameras, power tools to wireless power gadgets--guys love technology. Most men have at least one high-tech obsession. It could be the latest gas grilling equipment, a cutting edge fly rod, the newest graphite golf clubs, computers, electronics--the list goes on and on. It's obvious that guys love gadgets--but why? Here are just a few possible reasons.

The "Wow" factor. Let's face it: a shiny new techno-toy is cool. From the latest plasma screen TV's to slender, stylish mobile phones, a beautifully designed machine is sure to catch a guy's attention. Many gadgets are designed to maximize the coolness appeal: electronic card shufflers for the card shark in your family; sleek Mp3 players and mobile phones that look good out on the town; computer speakers that look like contemporary sculpture. The "wow" factor is elusive, and it's usually a combination of style and function.

It's all about status. Cutting edge technology is a status symbol. And even those of us who insist we don't care about such things get a secret thrill from owning the latest and greatest. Those gadgets cost money, and they send a signal that the owner has it to spare. They also give the impression that the owner is educated, trendy, and plugged-in. Most social species have ways to determine status among their members, and human beings are one of the most complex social species in the world. Techno-gadgets are just one way guys can display their status among their peers.

They make guys feel like kids again. Most guys start their love affair with gadgets at an early age. Little boys love remote control cars, video games, kid-sized tools, and more. A new gadget can make a guy feel like a kid again. Playing with high-tech toys is something that never changes. It's engrossing, fascinating, and fun--just like it was when he was a kid. Most guys get just as excited now when they're given a gadget for Christmas as they did when they were much younger. No wonder gadget gifts are a quick and easy way to a man's heart.

Believe it or not--they're practical. Gadgets let you do things you couldn't do otherwise. A cutting-edge laptop can let you do everything from recording your own music to building your own e-commerce business. A feature-packed cell phone lets you check your email, play your favorite music, and even download a movie or television series in addition to keeping in touch with your friends. A well-made power tool lets you build anything from furniture to sailboats to motorcycles from the ground up. Guys love gadgets because they don't just make our lives easier--they make impossible achievements commonplace.

Entertainment value. Technology doesn't just improve our lives--it also makes things more fun. Entertainment technology has come far in the past decades, from early radio and television to cutting-edge plasma screens, video games with astonishing graphics, and more. No matter what you like to do for entertainment, technology takes fun to a whole new level. And it's everywhere in our culture--almost everybody has a television, a radio, a CD collection, a computer, and many other gadgets. Today, even our most simple and familiar toys have been given a technological overhaul: dolls walk and talk; teddy bears play songs and tell stories; and toy cars have remote controls.

The cutting edge is addictive. Once you get into techno-toys, it's hard to stop. You get excited when you see the newest model out on the market. You read about the new features, you watch the reviews, you comparison shop until the price comes down--and then you jump on the best deal. If you love gadgets, it's hard not to keep up with the latest trends. No matter the type of tool, the technology industry is making new developments every year. This year's gadgets have more to offer than last year's, and next year's techno-toys are sure to make this year's look like stone tools. When you're into technology, it's tough not to keep up with the latest trends.

It's not just men who love gadgets. Women are also getting involved. In fact, it's likely that the sleek, graceful lines of today's technology, from thin plasma screen televisions to stylish mobile phones and Mp3 players, are designed to appeal to women as well as men. Technological advances have made it possible for us to do things our ancestors never dreamed of. With everything we can do with gadgets, it's hard not to love them--no matter who you are.

Janette Vince is managing director for http://www.thanksdarling.com For more useful articles on the perfect gift for your husband or boyfriend and a wide range of days out and big boys toys visit http://www.thanksdarling.com/62-7.htm

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Why to Buy Toy Model Cars in Diecast

If you're buying toy model cars for the car loving tyke in your family, let us make a humble recommendation: Go with diecast car models.

Simply put, they just plain last longer. They're more durable, and the dog won't want to chew on it!

How many times have you bought plastic toy model cars for your kid, and the darn things are broken less than a week after Christmas? Even one time is too often. The plastic they use to make toy cars tends to be kind of cheap and brittle, easily broken.

The thing is, plastic is cheaper and easier when it comes to mass production, so more and more, it's becoming the choice material to create toy model cars with. Unfortunately, they don't last as long, they're not quite as fun to play with, they don't look as good... but, the bottom dollar is preserved. Plastic toy cars are more profitable to produce.

If you were a gearhead as a kid, you probably still have some of your die cast model cars from your childhood. Maybe you've passed them on to your own kids, or even your grandkids. How many plastic toy cars get passed on from generation to generation? Not many.

Besides which, the fact remains that diecast toy cars are usually much cooler.

Hot Wheels diecast, for example. If you remember playing with Hot Wheels growing up, you remember how cool those cars were. Some of those 1:64 scale diecast toys served as surprisingly accurate replicas of real cars, while others were really neat little concept cars that were simply too crazy to ever be put into production, or indeed, even presented as a concept car to a major car design firm.

But if you're talking about making toy cars, the sky is the limit, so we've seen all sorts of cool Hot Wheels shaped like dragons, scorpions and snakes, cars with machine guns and missile launchers mounted on them, and cars with way more rear wheels than any compact sports car could ever possibly need for any reason. And they're all diecast, because Hot Wheels has it together and they know that diecast toy cars last longer, and more importantly, that they're more fun to play with. They roll smoother, they look cooler and they just plain make for better toys, overall.

In other words, a diecast toy car is the sort of thing you can pass on to the next generation, where a plastic toy car is the sort of thing you can usually pass on to the trash can about a week after you've opened it.

Julie-Ann Amos is a professional writer. She regularly writes on the topic of collectibles and toy model cars. She recommends diecast models cars if you need to buy some toys for grown ups.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Julie-Ann_Amos

Tips For Buying Boys Toys and Gadgets

Ever wondered how to keep the gentleman in your life in check and under control? It is a lot easier than you think - with gadgets and toys! In this short article we will look at the top gadgets and tech for keeping your man in line - whether he is into gaming or cameras, or just an audio, TV and video nerd.

1. Gadgets - Blokes love tech and here is a quick guide to buying gadgets for him. There are a couple of rules you must follow when buying gadgets for him:

• Make sure you are up to date - there is no point buying gadgets for him that are outdated or last years model.

• Keep up with the reviews before purchasing - your bloke will be up on whats hot so you should be too. There is no point buying gadgets for him that has given the thumbs down by this months copy of Stuff magazine.

2. TV & Video - Prices in the UK for Sound and Vision products are dropping rapidly. There is no reason nowadays that you cannot treat your significant other to portable DVD player or home cinema system. This price drop in the UK for Sound and Vision products means that flat screen TVs are now in most peoples budgets.

3. Gaming - Men just love their gaming consoles so it is hard to go wrong here. I saw a PS3 for sale a few months ago and picked it up - a decision I am quite glad I made. As a console the PS3 is head and shoulders above the rest in its capabilities. If you want to treat your other half I suggest if you see a PS3 for sale cheap then you should take advantage and treat him.

4. Cameras - Good Photography used to come with a large price tag and a giant lens - but now the cameras are as small as the prices. Treat your man to a fancy digital camera and there is no reason not to get good photography at every event you attend. The range of features on modern digital cameras means he will struggle not to produce good photography. Key features to look out for include:

• Long Zoom Capability
• Steady Shot Stabilizer
• Adjustable Screen
• Red Eye Reduction

Follow these rules for good photography all the time.

5. Audio - You are going to be spoilt for choice if you decide to buy him Sound hi fi equipment - as the range nowadays is phenomenal. Here are a few suggestions for possible sound and hi fi gifts for him:

• The iPod - the classic choice and the current Rolls Royce of sound hi fi equipment. If he doesnt have one of these yet shame on him - but at least you get to buy him one.
• If he loves his music loud then you could opt for a hefty in car amplifier - as sound and hi fi equipment goes they are fairly inexpensive.

• If you have piles of old vinyl lying around the house from 'when he used to DJ' then the hot piece of sound hi fi equipment at the moment is the turntable that can rip his vinyl to cd or his MP3 player - an ideal gadget for him.

Hopefully you can now go away with enough knowledge to know what to look for when buying gadgets for him!

This article was written by R Deans on behalf of wizmole.com. wizmole.com is a UK Tech Toys & Gadget Store. specialising in a whole array of wonderful boys toys. for more information about Wizmole or UK Sound and Vision please visit Wizmole.com

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