Tuesday, August 20, 2013

Modern Toys for Everyday 10-Year Olds

The best toys for kids ten years of age and up, offer a child creative outlets for their ever-changing imaginations.

In 2013, the modern toys are the most imaginative, usually involving electronics and several pieces that encourage children to take part in the assembly. They're learning experiences in boxes! And fun ones, at that!

The following 3 toys are perfect for everyday kids; those that want something more than the usual trike in the garage, or board game on rainy days. These toys offer more variety for imaginative kids of the modern era.

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Huffy 20-Inch Green Machine

I’ve never seen a bike quite like this (in a good way)! It is decked in neon green with black and chrome accents, and one of the only trikes to feature an ergonomic joystick for sleek, fast steering. The wheels are slick for ultimate drifting and riding, while the molded seat is low-profile and adjustable to meet optimum safety standards. It’s a super-fun, wild ride for little daredevils that crave a little stunt trike in their lives. Plus, the whole frame is made from high-quality steel, meaning no rust, no breakdown, and all durability.

 Recommended shopping: @ Amazon Toys
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LEGO Minecraft

This is as modern as it gets! Made in 2012, this game was originally spawned online and quickly flourished into something bigger and better for kids of all ages. There are over 400 buildable bricks of varying shapes and sizes, with 4 modules that can be built “above ground” and 4 to be structure “below ground.” The realm of Minecraft is one of fantasy as little architects will attempt to build walls between mythical creatures and imaginary villains. The whole building is layered and never stops changing! Kids are encouraged to build, tear down, and rebuild over and over again, creating a never-ending, multilayered effect.

 Recommended shopping: @ ToysRUs.com
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LEGO Mindstorms NXT 2.0

There are a whopping 619 in this LEGO set! Equipped with a 32-bit microprocessor and a large display screen, these bricks build to form 2 interactive, touch sensitive robots. The software to activate each creation is perfect for the PC or Mac with a drag-and-drop programming option for simple personalization and customization of the small intelligence levels of every structure. The color sensor has triple functionality with distinguinshing capabilities that can sense when the lights are on and off or when colors change. Additionally, it’s a perfect nightlight for kids that need an extra, robotic protection from nightmares.

 Recommended shopping: @ Amazon Toys
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Find more great picks in toys for ten year olds:

http://top-10-store.com/top-10-toys-for-10-year-old-kids/

Monday, August 19, 2013

What are the Best Toys for 9-Year Olds?

Often pondered by parents is the question, “What are the best toys for 9 year olds?” Well, I’m here to tell you that in my search I’ve found a top 3 – all engaging, vibrant, multicolored, and fascinating for each gender or every age (from 9 and up). These toys only get better every year, as kids are ever-changing and manufacturers are expected to flourish with them. These toys aren’t only entertaining for children, they’re also perfect for parents on a budget.

The following short-list is inexpensive, yet endlessly amusing, from merchants and brands with a safe, trustworthy, kid-friendly reputation.

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NERF Big Bad Bow

Perfect for practicing stealth, speed, and range, the triple-B is a limited-edition bow for backyard battlers that love target-practicing. While refill packs and parts are sold separately, there are 3 reusable foam darts in a starter set. The bow comes with instructions for proper pull and pump action that mimics the mechanics of a real archer’s weapon. However, these are 100% safe for indoor or outdoor use; although, kids will definitely get more range (over 50 feet) with outside targeting. Not only is this toy a blast to play with, it could also lead to a real love for archery later on. It’s helpful with marksmanship, healthy competition, and accurate aim!

Recommended shopping: @ ToysRUs.com
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Razor E300 Electric Scooter

This scooter is the amped-up version of a traditional ride. It’s motorized with a 24V battery system that gives an hour’s worth of ride-time on an overnight charge. This is perfect for the recommended daily amount of sun that children need for the proper absorption of Vitamin D. They can ride and breathe some fresh air all at once! No more being stuck inside in front of the television; now kids will want nothing more than to ride this ultra-quiet machine at 15mph to their nearest friend’s house.

Recommended shopping: @ Amazon Toys
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Syma S107/S107G R/C Helicopter

With dual frequencies, it’s hard to buy just one of these! Kids (or siblings and friends) can fly 2 at once and the technology literally fits in the palms of their hands. It’s small, sleek, and beautiful in a yellow and black with chrome accents. The charging is equal to 8-12 minutes of flying time in only 25-30 minutes. There are channels to fly at every angle, and it’s all powered by an inexpensive lithium battery for months of flight fun. Also available in red!

Recommended shopping: @ Amazon Toys

The Top 3 Toys for 8-Year Old Girls and Boys

In my search for the best toys for 8 year old girls and boys, I’ve encountered a top 3 that have really amped up the greatness for modern kids. They’re all different with varying interactions for hours of fun in any climate or condition. Kids can play with the following knickknacks indoors or out (with the permission of parents) and each one is 100% safe for ever-growing, curious youngsters. None of them require batteries or electronics or any kind – just good, seemingly “old-fashioned” fun in an affordable, colorful box.

Those aforementioned top 3 are:

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Huffy 20-Inch Green Machine

Sleek and fascinating, this miniature trike is comprised of an all steel frame in luminous green with black and chrome accents. There are dual-action controls to keep kids in complete control of their every move, from braking to spinning. The pedals are slickly tucked into the sides, making the entire contraption appear to be stream-lined; however, this design offers tremendous balance for amateur and more than enough drift-power for professional riders. The super-wide wheels are slick, yet rugged, for all-terrain riding; they’re capable of taking on everything, from gravel to a waxed, hardwood floor. This bike is as cool as it looks!

Recommended shopping: @ Walmart.com
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LEGO Lord of the Rings Attack on Weathertop

This set is a scene direct from an LOTR film! The one ring lies at the top of a weathered ruin, guarded by Frodo, Merry, and Aragorn. 2 Ringwraiths are trying desperately to steal the ring from Weathertop; it’s up to your little creator to build and protect the ring at all costs. With over 430 pieces, building is half the fun! Along with the fortress, there are also LEGO horses, 5 swords, torches, trapdoors, and weapons galore. Who will win in this epic reenactment of one of the most endearing battles of all LOTR history?

Recommended shopping: @ Amazon Toys
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Alex Toys Friends 4 Ever Bracelet Kit

Usually associated with crafts for little girls, this kit can be for each gender and every age. We all have best friends and artistic abilities, and this DIY friendship bracelet set allows kids (and creative adults) show their affections through creation. They’re colorful and easy to make with over 22 designs in 2 styles and 8 patterns. There are also 22 colors of floss with beads, a beading needle, and awesome accessories. The 4 looms are settled in a convenient suitcase for keeping everything together. No mess, no fuss!

Recommended shopping: @ ToysRUs.com
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Find more great toys - current top sellers for 8 year old kids:

http://top-10-store.com/top-10-toys-for-8-year-old-kids/

Sunday, August 18, 2013

Entertaining Outdoor Toys for 6-Year Old Kids

In the summertime, those constant games of hide-n-seek or tag can get boring! Some of the best toys for kids 6 years and up, address this seasonal problem with baubles designed to entertain and amuse for months of energetic, no-school fun. These summery, new favorites will ensure kids are always ready to go to bed after a full afternoon of playing with friends or alone in the backyard. Additionally, the following toys are great tools to teach sharing between friends and siblings, as each one can be used by 2 children or more at any time.

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Swimways Toypedo Bandits

Perfect for the pool, these miniature bandits are toy torpedoes of zooming, heavyweight fun! They’re designed to cut-through the water, diving effortlessly to land at the pool’s bottom, waiting on retrieval. The entire objective with these is to see how far you can dive to catch them again. It’s a lesson in breath-holding, swim technique, and bodily control as each torpedo has the ability to glide 20-30 feet before sinking completely. Professional diving instructors have been known to use these as tools to help kids learn and pass their diving classes. Colorful and cool, these bandits will steal your heart with their cuteness!

Recommended shopping:  @ Amazon Toys
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Fisher-Price Power Wheels Dune Racer

Zooming at a top-speed of 5mph, kids can race this 12-volt buggy over all-terrain with thick tires and an open, comfortable design. The cockpit fits 2 kids at once with seat belts for the utmost safety, while a chrome finish accentuates and brings out the hardcore racer in even the quietest tot. There’s an under-hood storage compartment for take-alongs, such as toys or snacks, and the contraption can steadily reverse at a speed of 2.5mph – perfect for little drivers, amateur and pro!

Recommended shopping:  @ Walmart.com
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Little Tikes Shady Jump ‘n Slide Bouncer

A bouncy house is synonymous with awesomeness at any special, kid-friendly occasion! But now, youngsters can have a bouncing good time whenever their little hearts’ desire. Sided and protected with a surrounding of mesh, this bouncer is equipped with a fully functional blower that spouts constant airflow through the structure. It fills and deflates in minutes, and can accommodate up to 225 pounds at once. It’s colorful and inviting with no special occasion required for use! Plus, it rolls for easy storage. Or you can deflate and cover with a tarp for unpredictable weather conditions.

Recommended shopping:  @ Amazon Toys
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Find more great toys for kids 6 years of age (and some older):

http://top-10-store.com/top-10-toys-for-6-year-old-kids/


Saturday, August 17, 2013

Creative Kits & the Kids That Love Them

Gift-giving for children is hard work, especially when you’re seeking the perfect reaction; that mixture of awe, happiness, and overjoy that makes your heart leap because you’ve given something amazing. I most often see this face of pure adoration with creative kits that spark imagination and artistic interest. In my experience, kids love these, which is why they’ve made the grade for some of the best toys for 7-year olds (and beyond). The following short-list is chock full of crafty coolness for little builders, future Picassos, and potential inventors. They’re toys to stimulate essential skills and abilities, feeding the mind as well as nurturing the imagination.

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Snap Circuits Jr. SC-100

For pint-size professors, this kit features 30 snap circuits of varying size, all color-coded and ready for currents to surge. The components snap-together to make over 100 different, exciting projects to fulfill every junior inventor’s scientific dreams. In my opinion, the best part is the fully illustrated, step-by-step manual! It details exactly how to make alarms, sirens, doorbells, and so much more, with just the simple snap and click of a few circuits. It also explains why each circuited combinations create those projects. Plus, kids are encouraged to forget the manual entirely after awhile, learning by simply snapping together random things for random results.

Recommended shopping:  @ Amazon Toys
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Crayola Masterworks Art Case

These were my absolute favorite when I was a kid! Everything a budding artist could ever need is right here in this well-organized, faux wood carrying-case (complete with handy handle). The set features 200 of Crayola’s best, most vibrant products, such as crayons, markers, colored pencils, oil pastels, glitter glue, and an array of sharpeners, glue, and safety scissors for hours of creative fun. It’s one of the most artistic kits available for those miniature Van Goghs in your life. Plus, there’s no mess, as everything fits perfectly back into the designated holders inside the carrying-case.

Recommended shopping:  @ ToysRUs.com
 
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LEGO Bricks & More Builders of Tomorrow

This LEGO set is nothing but bricks, bricks, and… you guessed it… BRICKS! It’s perfect for those imaginative little builders that can’t get enough of coming up with their own designs and building directly from their artistic potential. Included are over 650 colorful pieces of varying sizes, and they’re all simply bricks. There are no wheels or specialty pieces, as children are encouraged to build their own from an assortment of multicolored blocks. This kit puts no limits on creativity!

Recommended Shopping:  @ Amazon Toys

Saturday, August 10, 2013

Brainy KnickKnacks for 5-Year Old Kids

In a list of top 10 toys for 5 year old kids, my favorites were the ones that seemed to ooze intelligence, confidence, and creativity. I’ve always had a soft-spot for brainy knickknacks, as I was one of those kids that could spend hours playing with circuits or pulling together and alarm clock to discover how it would work. Therefore, I encourage children that are inventive and artistic; those that feel a yearning to learn everything about anything. And in that aforementioned list of top 10, I found 3 that were the perfect blend of creative, imaginative, and educational for children that love a good brain-bender.

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Perplexus Maze Game

This is something anyone would become fascinated with! In a transparent, plastic ball, there’s nestled a sphere containing challenging mazes of varying difficulties. There are barriers, ramps, and dozens of tracks to navigate with a small, metallic marble. The objective is to turn, flip, twist, flip, and shift until the small ball pings to the finish line’s hole. Easy right? Not quite! It’s a mind exercise that could last hours, but it’s all in fun, as children (and adults) can spend a tremendous amount of time in concentration and focus.

Recommended shopping:  @ Amazon Toys
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Snap Circuits SC-300

The larger of a series of Snap Circuits sets, this 60 snap-together collection allows inventive kids to create doorbells, alarms, sirens, talking machines, and an array of other cool devices. The pieces simply snap together to make electrical currents that flow in the direction of classic mechanisms. Color-coded and built for durability, this particular set offers 300 exciting projects, all varying in different, challenging degrees. Also featured is a clear, illustrated, colorful manual that details completely each step required to attain snapping accomplishments.

Recommended shopping:  @ Amazon Toys
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Snap Circuits Jr.

The smaller version of the aforementioned 300 piece set, this junior-size kit has 30 color-coded pieces that will snap together to build 100 projects. Because of the compact size, this toy would be the perfect go-to for on-the-go kids. There are a number of exciting, challenging creations to be structured, and each one is more amusing than the last. Kids will feel an instant sense of accomplishment and confidence over their building achievements! An illustrated manual features instructions on how to build fans, alarms, sirens, doorbells, and so much more in a step-by-step, easy-to-follow manner. Additionally, there aren’t any loose pieces, so there’s nothing to clean up!

Recommended shopping:  @ Amazon Toys
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Find more picks for 5 year olds...

Top 10 Toys for 5 Year Old Kids

Colorful Creations for Crafty, Inventive Kids

Some of the best-selling toys for 4 year olds are craft, colorful, creative and inventive for kids with a scientific streak and a love for learning. They’re the toys that make adults exclaim, “Wow! I never knew my child could do that!” And they’re the toys that makes kids confident, reassuring them that they can do absolutely anything artistic that they set their minds to.

The following baubles are brainy, super-fun, and fascinating for children of all ages; however, those 4-year olds with their flourishing imaginations and beautiful, growing minds will take an especial liking to everything on this list.

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Melissa & Doug Habitats Reusable Sticker Pad

I’ve never met a child that wasn’t fascinated by animals! With this sticker pad, kids can explore where animals (and a few people) live, with over 150 reusable stickers and 5 glossy, colorful habitats. There’s a prehistoric setting for dinosaurs, farms for horses and similar pets, underwater reefs for fish and sea-creatures, a jungle with lush foliage, and a desert oasis where you can practically feel the dry heat of a mid-day sun. Additionally, there are tons of animals to place in every setting! Children can also explore their imaginations by mixing animals and their natural habitats.

Recommended shopping:  @ MelissaAndDoug.com

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LeapFrog Touch Magic Rockin’ Guitar

Children can make their own music with this guitar! There are 10 pre-programmed songs that are powered by a series of colorful buttons, and dozens of awesome sound effects. Your miniature, amateur guitarists can press tabs to come up with new songs and sounds, regaling family and friends with incredible, unique tunes. For a new kind of fun, this guitar also has a USB port and plug to hook to the Internet on the LeapFrog website. It expands learning by offering exciting, challenging, musical exercises for children to follow along and learn.

Recommended shopping:  @ Amazon Toys
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Crayola Magnetic Double-Sided Easel

There are several ways for youngsters to create and be artistic with this easel! Dual sided, this play area features a magnetic, dry-erase board on one side, and a chalkboard on the other. There are bins for storage of art supplies on both sides, and 77 magnets of varying shapes and size are included with each set. When folded, the entire easel can easily fit in a compact storage space without being disassembled. Plus, there are top-clips that will hold drawing paper in thick sheets for hours of non-stop drawing and painting fun.

Recommended shopping:  @ Amazon Toys
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To see more great toys - for kids 4 years of age:

http://top-10-store.com/top-10-toys-for-4-year-old-kids/

3 Years & Up Toys for Two Tots or More

As the oldest of 6 children, I was taught how to share and be friendly from a young age! It was required to get along and love your siblings in my household; therefore, the fact that there are toys for 2 tots and more is thrilling to me. It’s important for kids to discover how sharing can lead to better relationships with friends, brother and sisters, and younger or older family members in general. However, I’ve dubbed 3 years old the “MINE!” phase, as even toddlers with siblings are hesitant to give up their beloved toys.

But, just in case, here are the top 3 toys for 3 year old kids that are learning the importance of sharing and caring.

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Imaginarium Alphabet & Numbers Foam Puzzle Mat

Available in 36 foam pieces, this kit includes easy-grasp puzzle pieces that feature the alphabet A-Z and numbers 0 through 9. Each section interlocks to create a soft play-surface that kids can roll around or dance on. Perfect for a preschool setting with storytimes, or simply a cool rug for a child’s at-home playroom, this kit teaches children teamwork as they’ll build and construct together. When they’re all finished, a zippered bag offers a perfect place for easy storage.

Recommended shopping:  @ ToysRUs.com
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Little Tikes Jump ‘n Slide Inflatable Bouncer

Typically adored by children at the latest birthday parties and events, this inflatable bouncer expands in minutes, offering a miniature bouncy experience for siblings or solitary kids with their neighborhood friends. No special occasion required! There are 3 mesh sides to keep toddlers contained and safe while they’re jumping, and stakes on the outside of the house will anchor it in place to any flat, earthy surface. Included is a heavy-duty blower and storage bag, providing hours of constant airflow before making packing-up an easy task.

Recommended shopping:  @ Target.com
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Crayola Magnetic Double-Sided Easel

With 2 drawing surfaces, this easel is an instant favorite for parents with 2+ children. There are several ways for kids to enjoy this toy, as 4 plastic bins hold paints, pencils, and all necessary art equipment for hours of drawing, painting, sketching, and tracing fun. There are tons of methods that kids can use to create on this easel! One side is a chalkboard, while the other is a magnetic, dry-erase board, offering kids a chance to show their skills in both artistic venues. It’s also easy to fold and storage is a cinch!

Recommended shopping:  @ ToysRUs.com

Fisher-Price Baubles for Babies

The best baby toys are those that allow an easy transition of discovery from infant to toddler. They’re the toys that will outlast a child’s curiosity from 3 months of age and beyond. With that said, Fisher-Price has been entertaining children for decades as one of the leading toy manufacturers in the world. Their logo is everywhere and it’s difficult to find kids that have never had at least one Fisher-Price toy in their lifetime. For babies, this brand makes the best baubles, as each is educational and kid-friendly for all ages, not just those post-newborn youngsters.

What can keep your little one amused and playing for hours at a time? These following 3 toys from Fisher-Price can!
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Fisher-Price Ocean Wonders Soothe and Glow Seahorse

10-inches long and in the form of an adorable seahorse, this cuddly plush has a glowing belly that plays music and ocean sounds to soothe babies. There are 8 lullabies and several classical music selections that slowly rock an infant into a peaceful sleep. Additionally, these sounds fade after 5 minutes to avoid waking your baby after they’ve dozed. For times other than naptime, there are easy-grip contours along the seahorse’s body that make it a perfect toy for casual snuggling and toting around the house. Plus, kids will be tickled with how their toy’s tummy alights at the lightest touch!

Recommended shopping:  @ Target.com
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Fisher-Price Brilliant Basics Rock-a-Stack

In an array of beautiful rainbow colors, this stack of rounds is settled on a rocking pole that can strengthen a baby’s touch. The objective is to get kids to place the rings back on their rocker in the order they were taken off. The top ring shakes and slides with multicolored beads inside. While this is a simple toy, the effects on a child’s mind are astronomical and 100% beneficial! Kids are encouraged to utilize their motor skills to build and rock the stack, as well as their hand-eye coordination for structuring the rainbow back into consecutive colors.

Recommended shopping:  @ Drugstore.com
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Fisher-Price Discover ‘n Grow Kick and Play Piano Gym

We’ve all seen variations on this awesome toy, but Fisher-Price’s version really has everything! There are piano keys to kick that plays rhythmic sounds for baby to enjoy, as well as dangling toys above your infant’s head. Lights are activated by kicking feet as well, but the entire gym can flip up to accommodate flourishing toddlers, allowing the use of hands for motor skills and hand-eye coordination. It’s an all-in-one gym for babies!

Recommended shopping:  @ Amazon Toys
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Get a look at the "best of" baby toys for the current year...

http://top-10-store.com/top-10-baby-toys/

Friday, August 9, 2013

The Best Toys for Everyday Fun

Children are naturally curious; a feeling that extends to their every waking hour. Choosing the top 10 toys for these eager, imaginative youngsters, is like sorting through a haystack of needles to find the sharpest. Any toy that meets the expectations of being educational and entertaining for everyday fun is a knickknack worth having.

However, I’ve narrowed down a short-list of 3 favorites that are the most amusing at any time of day.

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Melissa & Doug Habitats Reusable Sticker Pad

I can’t brag about this sticker pad enough! It’s the ultimate toy for children interested in nature and animals. Decked with 5 glossy, colorful, themed scenes, this kit gives kids the opportunity to learn about different animals and people in what would be considered their natural habitats.

The 5 landscapes represented are prehistoric, desert, farm, deep sea, and jungle; each with amazing creatures to fill each one. There are over 150 stickers and kids are encouraged to create their own habitats in a unique, imaginative, funky way. It’s not unusual for parents to see a whale wind up in the farmer’s pond after a creative session with this pad.


Recommended shopping: @ Amazon Toys
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Swimways Toypedo Bandits

This is great for any time of the day because it can be played with in the pool, bathtub, or sink. There are a package of 4 colorful torpedoes that will zip to the bottom of a bowl of water, making it fun for children to retrieve them. It’s especially entertaining in a pool, as kids can zoom to the bottom, learning to hold their breath for longer to achieve a goal. None of these little bandits float; however, they can glide across water at top-speeds when thrown with force. It’s the equivalent of miniature sinking ships – only no tragedy and tons more fun.

Recommended shopping: @ Amazon Toys
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LEGO Minecraft (21102)

While it’s true that Minecraft is a fast-growing, online world, kids don’t have to have knowledge of the Internet or how to play online to love this set. There are secret passages to construct, princesses to save, and villains to defend against! This set is comprised of 480 pieces that can be built, torn down, and rebuilt in a hundred different ways. The beauty of Minecraft is that it never stops changing or growing, as kids are meant to structure new passages, walls, and towers with every turn to keep imaginary monsters at bay.

Recommended shopping: @ Amazon Toys
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Click here to find the current ten best toys for kids...