Before I was a parent I was pretty picky about toys. I naively thought I could pick the best toys for the children in my life, smugly looking on as they opened other, not-so-great looking toys at birthdays and holidays. Now that I’m a parent, I live with two little toy connoisseurs, and I realize that even if a toy seems very good, if it sits unopened on a shelf or doesn’t hold a child’s interest, it doesn’t matter how very worthy it is. The best toys? They are the ones the children actually play with!
My toy connoisseurs and I were recently given the exciting opportunity to review some of this season’s hottest toys. This past weekend we invited several of my children’s friends and their parents over for a fun afternoon of toy testing (aka PLAYING). Each and every one of the toys we previewed was a hit, and the children and parents alike were thrilled with the opportunity to play, explore and share their opinions. Check out photos from our party on facebook HERE.
Many of the toys we previewed were from Jakks Pacific, a toy company with a variety of amazing toys for girls and boys of all ages!
Star Wars Big Figs
Standing 18-20 inches high, these Star Wars: Rogue One Big Fig characters are BIG fun. The children at our toy preview party immediately launched into epic imaginary play with the Stormtrooper and Death Trooper Big Figs, both of whom have moving limbs and removable weapons. These toys are best for kids ages 3+. The Suggested Retail Price for Big Figs is $19.99, and they can be found at Target, Wal-Mart, Toys R Us and on Amazon.com.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Remote Control Skateboarding Mikey
Dude. One of THE hottest toys at the party was this skateboarding dynamo. Mikey zips around on his skateboard doing incredible moves, like 360s, wheelies and more. Plus, he gets right back up after wipeouts! He also says 20 radical sounds/phrases to add to the excitement! Mikey is found exclusively at Wal-Mart, and retails for $59.97. Recommended for ages 4+.
Disney Frozen Northern Lights Elsa
The little girls at our party definitely didn't want to let THIS toy go! With a wave of your hand, Elsa's dress lights up in magical colors. She also says 40 phrases and yes, she sings the chorus of "Let it Go." For my full review and a video clip of Elsa in action, click here. Elsa is recommended for ages 3+ and retails for $39.99 at most major toy retailers, including Target and Amazon.com.
Gift 'ems Dolls, Tour Bus, and Hotel & Spa
Gift 'ems are a collectible line of mini-dolls that feature dolls from all over the world! They come in colorful gift boxes that open up to reveal the doll's nationality, and pictures and a map of her country. Each Gift 'ems doll is marked on a rarity level, from common to ultra-rare, so it is especially fun to try to collect all 84! Plus, children can take Gift 'ems on a trip in their tour bus, or let them relax in the Hotel & Spa, which is portable and stores up to 8 Gift 'ems dolls.
My daughters, ages 7 & 10, rated Gift 'ems their favorite toy of the party, and have already spent hours playing with them (and of course, asking for MORE Gift 'ems for Christmas)!
GloFish
The last toy we previewed at the party wasn't a toy at all...it was a gorgeous 5 Gallon Aquarium Kit from GloFish! My family decided to take the leap and purchase some GloFish for the aquarium, and we are so glad we did! These colorful, naturally fluorescent fish are a delight in natural light, and truly stunning under the blue LED light that comes with the aquarium kit. GloFish has a variety of aquarium products which can be ordered from the GloFish website or purchased at your local pet store. The fish themselves can also be found in most places fish are sold in your community (click HERE for locations). For my full review and a short video clip of our GloFish, click HERE.
Many of the toys we previewed were from Jakks Pacific, a toy company with a variety of amazing toys for girls and boys of all ages!
Star Wars Big Figs
Standing 18-20 inches high, these Star Wars: Rogue One Big Fig characters are BIG fun. The children at our toy preview party immediately launched into epic imaginary play with the Stormtrooper and Death Trooper Big Figs, both of whom have moving limbs and removable weapons. These toys are best for kids ages 3+. The Suggested Retail Price for Big Figs is $19.99, and they can be found at Target, Wal-Mart, Toys R Us and on Amazon.com.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Remote Control Skateboarding Mikey
Dude. One of THE hottest toys at the party was this skateboarding dynamo. Mikey zips around on his skateboard doing incredible moves, like 360s, wheelies and more. Plus, he gets right back up after wipeouts! He also says 20 radical sounds/phrases to add to the excitement! Mikey is found exclusively at Wal-Mart, and retails for $59.97. Recommended for ages 4+.
Disney Frozen Northern Lights Elsa
The little girls at our party definitely didn't want to let THIS toy go! With a wave of your hand, Elsa's dress lights up in magical colors. She also says 40 phrases and yes, she sings the chorus of "Let it Go." For my full review and a video clip of Elsa in action, click here. Elsa is recommended for ages 3+ and retails for $39.99 at most major toy retailers, including Target and Amazon.com.
Gift 'ems Dolls, Tour Bus, and Hotel & Spa
Gift 'ems are a collectible line of mini-dolls that feature dolls from all over the world! They come in colorful gift boxes that open up to reveal the doll's nationality, and pictures and a map of her country. Each Gift 'ems doll is marked on a rarity level, from common to ultra-rare, so it is especially fun to try to collect all 84! Plus, children can take Gift 'ems on a trip in their tour bus, or let them relax in the Hotel & Spa, which is portable and stores up to 8 Gift 'ems dolls.
My daughters, ages 7 & 10, rated Gift 'ems their favorite toy of the party, and have already spent hours playing with them (and of course, asking for MORE Gift 'ems for Christmas)!
GloFish
The last toy we previewed at the party wasn't a toy at all...it was a gorgeous 5 Gallon Aquarium Kit from GloFish! My family decided to take the leap and purchase some GloFish for the aquarium, and we are so glad we did! These colorful, naturally fluorescent fish are a delight in natural light, and truly stunning under the blue LED light that comes with the aquarium kit. GloFish has a variety of aquarium products which can be ordered from the GloFish website or purchased at your local pet store. The fish themselves can also be found in most places fish are sold in your community (click HERE for locations). For my full review and a short video clip of our GloFish, click HERE.
To see some great photos (by KDR photography) of the children interacting with all of the toys, check out my facebook photo album HERE.
I was provided with product and compensation for the purpose of these reviews. All opinions are my own.
