Kids today are growing up with iPods and cell phones and the play in a different world than we did growing up. It’s no surprise that 75% of the top toys are either plugged into a TV or laptop.
Here’s my breakdown of some guaranteed hits for children of all ages.
For the older kids:
Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock — (RedOctane Inc., $99.99) This is the third installment of the Guitar Hero franchise. Unlike the previous versions, Legends of Rock supports online play and the game includes Slash (of Guns N’ Roses/Velvet Revolver), Tom Morello (of Rage Against the Machine/Audioslave) and Bret Michaels (Poison) as in-game characters. Players rock out to such songs as The Rolling Stones’ “Paint It, Black,” Smashing Pumpkins’ “Cherub Rock,” Beastie Boys’ “Sabotage,” Tenacious D’s “The Metal,” Weezer’s “My Name is Jonas,” Muse’s “Knights of Cydonia,” Kiss’ “Rock and Roll All Nite,” Alice Cooper’s “School’s Out,” Foghat’s “Slow Ride,” Metallica’s “One,” and Heart’s “Barracuda.” Available for the Playstation 3, Xbox360 and The Wii. Rated Teen.
For 8-10 year olds:
Transformers — are a big hit. You could get the new movie that just came out on DVD. The box transforms into a transformer! The new movie has a bunch of different toys that have come out since it debuted in July. The toys are still a hot ticket for boys. I spoke with my cousin, Corrick McConnell, who is 8, and he recommends the Transformers Optimus Prime Voice Changer Helmet. “ It has little buttons on the side that you can talk into it and it says cool phrases from the movie,” he said.
IlluStory Make Your Own Story Kit — This make your own book kit allows children to write and illustrate their own story. They create it completely online using bookmaking software and for no additional charge the company actually sends a hard copy to the child’s house. In about four weeks, the child gets the book they made! Children get to design the cover and write the About the Author biography page. It includes 18 book pages, two cover pages, 10 washable markers, story web planner, instructions, order form and a prepaid envelope.
Kids will be so excited to see their story in print. It promotes creativity and reading, and discourages TV time.
For kids age 6 and below:
The Rubik’s Revolution! — This toy is a spin-off of the classic Rubik’s Cube. Players can enjoy six fast-paced games to challenge fast hands and quick minds. Packed with speed games that increasingly get harder, this gift is perfect for the younger crowd that really enjoys puzzles and brain teasers. Join the revolution with this simple, yet addictive game.
Jonathan Masker is a wireless solution expert and a self-proclaimed gadget guru. Reach him at jonathan.masker@gmail.com.