Just in time for the upcoming holiday (no, not Thanksgiving, the day after Thanksgiving and all of its Major Shopping Events) comes this list of the ten worst toys to buy for your child this Christmas. This year's list may seem a little different from previous years' lists--for one thing, one of the toys on it has already been recalled over lead paint concerns, and a second, a toy Rod mentioned here not that long ago, has also been recalled because we parents really don't think too highly of a kiddie/date rape drug device masquerading as a toy.
But the "List of toys you shouldn't buy" is only so useful to the parent who, even keeping in mind the values of simplicity and crunchiness, still plans to surprise the tots with a few playthings under the live organically-grown evergreen in the living room (though not at my house, I'm afraid; I can either be crunchy about my Christmas greenery, or I can continue to breathe freely through Christmas and into the New Year). Such a parent will be far more interested in a list of suggestions for toys, books, games and so on that might fill their children's hearts with wonder and delight on Christmas morning than in a list of items to avoid.
You may not know this about me, but I'm the second oldest of nine children. Here, then, in honor of my siblings (and with their help) are the nine gifts that bring back the best and most wonderful childhood memories:
-A much longed-for set of J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings trilogy,
-A beautiful musical kaleidescope,
-A wood-burning set,
-A Nerf(tm) football,
-A Big Wheel(tm)
-A bug collecting/identifying kit,
-A set of toy cap guns, with holster (minus the caps),
-A pioneer doll,
-Gumby(tm). (No, really!)
My mom and dad got in on this too, and shared their favorite childhood toy memories. Mom loved her Madame Alexander (tm) doll; Dad had great memories of his Captain Video's Decoder (and if this still needs a trademark symbol beside it, it's news to me).
And, just so you'll officially know far too much about my family, this toy was my husband's favorite. I have no comment.
What was the best gift you ever received when you were a child?
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Anonymous Also, you're very welcome. (If it's any comfort, I can't stand country or gospel music either--but I think my entire household would have disliked it, too.) Well, perhaps you and I should both take some time this evening to read a library book and make a colored-pencil drawing. Best wishes,
OMG, I was reading a library book this afternoon, which is why I didn't respond sooner to your first post!!
How cool is THAT?? ;)
Anyway, I actually do have colored pencils and paper here, and just may reclaim my inner artist. (without country or gospel music in the background, I quickly add :-)).
Best Wishes to you as well, and Happy Thanksgiving!
Wow, they really need a "preview" button on here to save me from myself at times...
My last post was for Metro Center, but the Happy Thanksgiving part goes out to MC, and all who post on here.
Enjoy!!
Anonymous Also, thanks so much. (I dozed off early last night, and am just reading this now.) I'm glad you had a library book nearby, and I hope you reclaimed your inner artist. I've always got Berol Prismacolors close at hand, and I think I'll do some drawing today. (Make mine vegetarian)--a Happy Thanksgiving to you, too.
Thank You!! :-)
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