Best Christmas Toy

Want to give the best Christmas gift? Dying to find the perfect Christmas toy? It’s hard to keep up with all the new trends in toys. There are always new things out there and expensive technology seems to be overtaking the toy industry. Finding the perfect Christmas toy doesn’t have to be difficult. Here’s my guide for Christmas toys of 2011.

Expensive technology is overtaking the toy industry but don’t fall prey to changing trends and mountains of video games. Don’t make it more difficult than it has to be. Stick to my Best Christmas Gifts Guide. Skip the technology. It keeps people apart and has the new trends seem to change daily. Try something new this year. Get your kids durable toys that will last through the years and can be played with in a group. Nothing comes to mind? Follow my list of the Best Christmas Toys for Kids.

Check out Environmentally Friendly Toys. Environmentally safe toys come in a huge variety and are great for kids of all ages. There are art toys like environmentally friendly colored pencils or eco-crafts, eco-friendly vehicles like cars and trucks, playhouse toys like dishes and tea sets, and even stuffed animals. So why go eco friendly? They’re good for the planet because they use materials that are either sustainable or recycled and manufacturing processes that minimize pollution. All materials used to make environmentally toys are safe for the planet and made to last. What’s better than a fun, long lasting toy that’s environmentally responsible? Brands like Green Toys, Plan Toys, Sprig and Makedo all have fun, environmentally safe toys.

Collectible toys are another option for an out of the box toy. Think about collectibles like dolls, toy soldiers, or figurines. These are all beautifully made and toys worth holding on to. So many toys that kids receive today are quickly thrown away when the next new toy hits the shelves. They are also cheap and not particularly novel. Try something different and give kids a toy worth holding on to. Beautifully made collectible toys can be kept and collected into adulthood. Check out brands like Madame Alexander, John Jenkins Designs, and Anri to begin some beautiful collections.

Think Games. There are so many new games and old classics from brands like Thinkfun, Briarpatch, and Front Porch Classics. Games are a great gift that will last a long time because they can be played over and over again. They also bring people together rather separating them with technology or individual toys.

Check out Puppets. There are new, extremely creative puppets on the market today. They’re an upgrade from stuffed animals because you can animate everything from their mouths to their arms or tails. Puppets let kids create plays and express their performing side or can just be fun friends to play with. Folkmanis has a huge selection of puppets made in the likeness of every kind of real animal and imaginary characters as well.

Building toys are a great long lasting toy that is both engaging and challenging. Cobi, Erector sets and LEGO are all examples of popular building toys that kids can’t get enough of. Playing with these sets are fun projects that keep kids entertained by themselves or with a group and develop things like logical thinking, social skills, and fine motor skills while they play.

Classic toys like wooden and tin toys are making a comeback. Fisher Price Retro has reintroduced some of parents’ favorites and they’re a hit with kids too. The Chatter phone from Toy Story and the Xylophone are just two of the colorful classic toys that are still around today. Wooden toys are also a popular choice for long lasting playthings. Favorites like blocks, rocking horses, and games will last your family through the years.

Christmas shopping can be brain wracking but stick to my tips for the perfect toys and you’ll be sure to find something your kids will love. Think classic or innovative to find a toy that will be fun and outlast the rest!

Still have Christmas shopping to do? These are the Best Christmas Toys 2011 and Gifts for Kids Christmas!