As the impending holiday season nears and thoughts turn to gift giving, designers are going minimalist with pared down, well-designed toys for both adults and children alike. They’re getting back to the basics sleek, child size 1950’s style toy cars to bamboo rocking horses and stripped down and recycled mechanical toys that channel a certain nostalgia for adults and call upon the vivid imaginations of children. Not only that, all are made from either biodegradable or recycled material so these are the kind of gifts that keep on giving. Race to pick up all the cool wooden toys at Scandinavian design studio, Playsam, where the look of old toy cars are reinvented with a sleek new contemporary look. Playsam makes everything from their wooden Racer F1, a timeless take on a toy racecar, to their Roadster Saab, which is a four wheeled toy car suitable for children over three to take their first spin. With rocking wooden rabbits to classic rocking horses, these toys have something for everyone and while the toys aren’t cheap at around $180 for some pieces they sure beat video games and could make a stylish decorative and fun addition to any room. But, if you’re looking for the real deal check out this Indy Zoom Zoom vintage 1960’s toy racecar from Dione Herself or the BMW Isetta child pedal car from La Tropical De Luxe. If rocking horses are still you’re thing try this unusual looking bamboo rocking horse from HaPe International Ltd., which was created as part of a project in which 15 students from a toy design course at Shenkar college in Israel who were invited to China to develop toys with HaPe. Not only are the toys interesting and unusual new takes on classic toys, the use of bamboo is also environmentally friendly by avoiding the high levels of lead in toy paint, which have been the cause of several toy recalls in recent years. With tonka trucks to domino sets and bicycles they offer toys for all ages. They’re simplistic but quirky look makes them look fresh and exciting in a modern context. However, offbeat takes on classic toys isn’t exactly new. Take this Creative Playthings children’s rocker, which dates back to the 1950’s from 20C design, which could be behind any glass case of a contemporary museum. This one is for the grown ups though at $1,800. For those lucky few with even deeper pockets this holiday season, check out designer Cathy McLure’s whimsical collection called Remains. McClure’s humorous collection of stripped down motorized stuffed animals that are disassembled and cast in bronze cost a pretty penny at around $11,000 but they make for a fabulous statement piece. Plus, these animals can still walk and talk albeit a bit eerily. Chances are you won’t be letting your child near this one, but perhaps you’d let them gaze from afar if you’re truly in the holiday spirit. Nevertheless, whether it’s a cheeky, decorative design feature for a room or for a child’s entertainment, designers are thinking with the young and the young at heart in mind. ———————————- This article was written by Paige Reddinger. Paige Reddinger is a freelance writer based in New York. Prior to venturing out onto her own to do freelance she worked as a writer at TIME Magazine’s Style & Design issue under Kate Betts for two years. Born and raised in Birmingham, Alabama she graduated from Penn State University with a BA in English and French in 2005. Four the past four years she has resided in New York’s East Village.

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Talis joined VandM.com in March of 2009 and is responsible for overseeing the company?s marketing, advertising and business development strategies.

Before joining VandM.com, Talis led the account management department at The Creative Directors, Inc., a boutique advertising agency held by VandM?s parent company, EUE/Screen Gems. As Vice President, he managed new business as well as the company?s retail, financial and pharmaceutical accounts, including Office Depot, Silvercrest Asset Management, Wyeth and Schering-Plough.

Prior to The Creative Directors, Talis was at the advertising agencies McCann Erickson New York and Campbell Mithun in Minneapolis. Some of his accounts included Weight Watchers and several Unilever brands.

Talis started his career as a television producer, working on network news shows such as The Today Show, Dateline, CNN, and Good Morning America; reality shows such as Joe Millionaire and Big Brother; sporting events such as the NBA Playoffs and NHL All-Star Game; and documentaries such as Intervention on A&E.

Talis received a BS in advertising from the University of Minnesota ? Twin Cities.

Inside info: Talis climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro, ran the NYC Marathon, and can eat fire.

American toys have been around for as long as we can remember. In the beginning American toys were simple items such as balls, dolls, cars and trucks and believe it or not these American toys are still around today. When you think American toys; Barbie, matchbox cars, Legos and GI Joes instantly come to mind. If you purchased one of these items when they first hit the market and kept them in good condition they are very valuable today. When you think about American toy manufacturers Playschool and Mattel are at the top of the list. These companies have been around for a very long time and many people grew up playing with them, they have produced one great toy after another and still continue to do so. American toys have evolved with time just like everything else in this amazing world. They have to be of interest to kids today in this high tech world. You can now send Barbie on amazing adventures through your computer, or play fashion designers with her many outfits. Her family has expanded and now includes friends, siblings and pets. Matchbox cars has also created an online presence, they have changed the design of there vehicles to offer some really far out cars and trucks. Cool racing vehicles and vintage automobiles are always going to be popular. GI Joe is now nearly extinct which probably makes him one of the most valuable American toys you can own. Legos now have cool themes like pirate, knights in shining armor or sci-fi creatures. Although these classic American toys are still available many more have been added to the list. Step inside any American home with children and you will find Legos, video games and plenty of high tech toys to amuse your child for hours. Some children even have there own computer. Many American toys are modeled after characters on popular televisions shows like Barney and Dora the Explorer. These characters often come and go and the more popular ones become collectors’ items, like GI Joe and Barbie. If you want to have a special toy that you will keep as a collector’s item, the best idea is to keep it in its original wrapper. That will usually make it more valuable. Yet the real fun of American toys is that children love to play with them and use them to the fullest extent. To handle this, you can get one toy for collecting and an identical one for play. Another option is to get great, sturdy American toys that will hold up to any kind of use your children dish out. There certainly has been a wide variety in children’s toys, both in the past and in the present. Children enjoy playing make believe from an early age, and continue to do so long after they are sometimes willing to admit. In fact, some parents even have been known to get on the floor and play with Tonka trucks or baby dolls with their children. It often appears that they are having as much fun as their children. That is one way American toys are a part of a happy family.

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Ray Subs works with Heirloom Wooden Toys as a public relations consultant, more information about American toys can be found at www.heirloomwoodentoys.com

Confused with what to get your little boy or girl this Christmas? What are Zhu Zhu Pets? Twilight dolls? What would make a good gift for my pre-schooler? While this list may not be able to answer every question you have, it will give you a good idea of what are the most sought after kids toys this holiday season.Zhu Zhu PetsWhat Are They? – Little motorized hamsters.What Makes It Hot? – These little hamster zoom around, bump into things, make cute little sounds, then zoom off into different directions.What Should I Look For? – The Zhu Zhu Pets Hamsters are the main attraction, but they also have many accessories (such as the hamster wheel and hamster ball) which, when combined, create a big hamster city for the little fur-balls to bounce around in. Availability? – Scarce. These are the Tickle Me Elmo’s of 2009. Transformers 2 ToysWhat Are They? – Based on the blockbuster movie series about giant robots battling on earth. What Makes It Hot? – Megan Fox and giant robot battles capture the imaginations of both small and big boys alike. What Should I Look For? – Optimus Prime, any of the “Combiner” transformers robot sets, such as Devastator; also the ultra cool Transformers Movie 2 Ultimate Bumblebee which makes sounds, lights up, and moves around. Availability? – Healthy; although some of the more sought after characters (Optimus Prime, Bumblebee) may be harder to find.Twilight New Moon DollsWhat Are They? – The “other” hot movie franchise of 2009What Makes It Hot? – Robert Pattinson and teenage vampire love capture the imaginations of both younger and older girls alike. What Should I Look For? – Edward, Jacob, and Bella. The primary 3 characters featured on the Twilight New Moon movie posters (and every other piece of Twilight merchandise.) Availability? – A few different lines exists for the Twilight fans; Specialty manufacturer Neca figures for the enthusiast, Tonner Doll Company dolls for the collector, and a Matell Barbie line for everyone! In order of easy to difficult to find: Barbie, Neca, Tonner. Chuck My Talking TruckWhat Is It? – A bright red and yellow Tonka truck with a huge smile on his face.What Makes It Hot? – Chuck speaks more than 40 phrases and sounds, while built in sensors make him drive over to your child when they call him! What To Look For? – A big, friendly truck named Chuck. Just don’t confuse him with one of his less interactive friends. Availability? – HealthyLiv Fashion DollsWhat Are They? – Barbie dolls with an array of changeable styles included in the box.What Makes It Hot? – Multiple points of articulation for a wide range of poses, interchangeable hair styles, and inset plastic, not painted, eyes for starters. What To Look For? – “Barbie” meets “Bratz” with normal doll proportions.Availability? – Healthy 2009 Barbie Holiday Doll What Is It? – A new special limited edition Barbie doll.What Makes It Hot? – The Holiday Edition Barbies always have a little something extra in the detail and quality department which sets themselves apart from the standard Barbie line. Not to mention the 2009 Holiday edition is extra special in that it not only celebrates the 2009 holiday season, but the 50th anniversary of the Barbie doll as well!What Should I Look For? – Deluxe keepsake display packaging with a holiday twist. Availability? – Healthy Bakugan 7 in 1 Maxus DragonoidWhat Is It? – Transformers meets strategy card games with a dose of Japanese anime.What Makes It Hot? – For any kid (or adult) that plays or watches Bakugan, the Maxus Dragonoid is a must have. 6 “traps” and one “warrior” combine to form a fearsome robot like creature not unlike the Transformers Devastator. The cool part is that both the combined form robot and it’s individual pieces can be used in the card game as well!What Should I Look For? – A gigantic red Bakugan “robot” with a dragon’s head. Availability? – HealthyElmo Tickle HandsWhat Are They? – Big furry red gloves for toddlers. What Makes It Hot? – The right handed glove vibrates when placed on any surface, causing a “tickle” effect.What Should I Look For? – Big furry red gloves with Elmo’s face on it.Availability? – Healthy; A decent seller but not quite as in demand as the original Tickle Me Elmo that started the craze. Apple iPod Touch What Is It? – The latest, greatest iPod innovation from Apple.What Makes It Hot? – Now with up to 64gb of storage space, the 3rd generation iTouch adds more room for music, movies, apps, and more.What To Look For? – Classic iPod simplicity in touchscreen form. Availability? – Healthy Nintendo DSiWhat Is It? – The next evolution of Nintendo’s premiere hand held video game system.What Makes It Hot? – Built in cameras and sound recorders/processors open up a whole new dimension in portable gaming.What Should I Look For? – The same compact box of the original DS, just with a lowercase “i” attached.Availability? – Healthy So there you have it, the Hot Toys to look for this Holiday season. Time to get shopping!

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If you’re shopping for Transformers 2 Toys, Zhu Zhu Pets, Twilght Dolls, an iPod Touch, or any thing else fun for your kids this holiday season, be sure to visit us at the Hot Toys List 2009 Holiday Toy Store at HotToysList2009.blogspot.com

There are plenty of different kids toys on the market. In fact, there certainly is no shortage whether you are looking for boys or girls toys. And no matter what age you are shopping for there are endless options. The key here is choosing quality kids toys that are safe, affordable, and will last for some time.

There is a huge difference in the quality of various kids toys and just how long they’ll last. Take for example that metal Tonka truck. Chances are 30 years from now it will still be intact, perhaps missing some paint, but never the less ready for grandchildren to now play with. On the other hand the comparable plastic truck might be lucky to make it a full year before something breaks. The difference in price? That depends – sometimes it’s actually very little. The quality is certainly in the Tonka truck.

Another consideration is the safety of the toy especially if you are buying for younger kids. Some of the cheap kids toys may not be made well. Perhaps there are sharp edges, or maybe there are small pieces that come off. It’s important that you check the item over carefully before you make the purchase.

Choosing quality toys for your children should be a priority. With so many to choose from, the consumer has the opportunity to demand excellence from toy manufacturers. Over time, the sturdy dollhouses made from real wood and the tough Tonka trucks made of metal have been replaced with plastic replicas that aren’t very durable.

You should also look for toys that offer your child the chance to use their imagination. This can include blocks, Legos, Play Doh, art supplies, and crafts. These toys offer your child the chance to be creative rather than just following the directions of other toys on the market. Creativity is very important to develop from an early age.

Safety is very important with children’s toys. You should always take a look at the recalls of toys. You can do this quickly and easily on the internet. You can even get email alerts as toys are added to the list. Watch for small parts that can break off of toys and be swallowed. Be aware of sharp edges or other possible injuries.

Make sure the toys you choose for your children are age and skill appropriate. Don’t go just with the age guidelines on the side. Some children catch on to particular skills easier than others. It is a good idea to purchase toys that introduce new skills for your child to learn. While you shouldn’t only buy educational toys, it is great when you can find toys that teach your child something but they are great fun as well.

You can find excellent reviews about the various children’s toys out there in parenting magazines and on the internet. Take sometime to find out how well particular toys are holding up as your child plays with them. Find out if they operate properly and any safety issues parents have experienced. This will help you find quality toys for your children that are educational, safe, and fun to play with.

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For more information on kids toys, please visit us at Top Toys Guide