F the
thought of figuring out what to buy your kids for Christmas causes you to break
into a cold sweat, then take a deep breath.
Then check out our top suggestions
for this year’s hot new kids’ toys that won’t disappoint or break the bank.
GoldieBlox is a cute and quirky toy
that inspires girls to put their spatial skills to the test.
1
GoldieBlox and the Spinning Machine $39.95
If you’re looking for something
different to traditional girls’ stuff, then this innovative toy, which is new
to Australia, is cute and quirky. Aimed at ages four to nine, and designed by a
female engineer, it inspires girls to put their spatial skills to the test
through building their own spinning machine. Included are rods, ribbon,
figurines and a story book. http://www.goldieblox.com
The Sparkup Reader is designed to
help littlies get more fun out of reading.
2 Sparkup
Reader $79.99
Encourage little ones to get more
fun out of reading with this clever talking book. Clip the nifty recording
device to the top of any picture book, and you, your child, or a loved one such
as a grandparent, can read the book aloud and make a voice recording. When
reattached to the book, the device will recognise the book cover and play back
the recording while your child turns the pages. http://sparkup.com/
5 Second Rule is simple but fun and
suitable for both kids and adults.
3. 5
Second Rule $27.95
This relatively simple board game
has been a bit hit since it was released, and is most fun played with three or
more people. The pressure’s on as you answer supplied questions such as naming
three dog breeds, or three foods that are yellow, as fast as possible before
the five second timer
4 My
Studio Girl from $6.50
Tween girls who can’t get enough of
craft will love the pretty products from My Studio Girl. The website showcases
their latest products such as sewing kits, stencils, card making kits and
papier mache, which are available from Lincraft and Big W. There’s also a
dress-up doll game on the site, plus helpful videos on how to do things like
cross stitch. www.mystudiogirl.com
5
Disgusting Science $31.95
Mostly targeted at boys aged eight
to 12, the Disgusting Science experiment kit is gloopy fun at its best. Your
mini scientist will be able to make fake blood and mucus, collect bacteria from
their toes, nose and home then watch the cultures grow, and conduct other
grisly but fun experiments. Includes Petri dishes and magnifier. Made by
Science Explorer and available at Big W, Kidstuff, Australian Geographic and
other toy retailers.
Perfect for girls with flair who
love fashion.
Disgusting Science is gloopy fun.
6 Style Me
Up from $9.95
If your little girl or tween hascreative flair and an interest in fashion, then she’ll have lots of fun with
the Style Me Up range. Girls can create and personalise their own jewellery,
hair and nail accessories, and also download party invites and picture frames
from the website. Available from Toys R Us, Kidstuf and selected stores.
www.stylemeup.com
This is a gift that is really
cooking.
7 Uptown
Espresso Kitchen $208.05
Is your child the next Jamie Oliver?
Let your little chef cook up some fun with the Uptown Espresso Kitchen from
Zanui. And just to show how far kids’ toy kitchens have come, it even has a
cordless phone so your little tyke can chat away while they prepare delicacies
for you! www.zanui.com.au/Uptown-Espresso-Kitchen-78256.htm
