Best of 2009: Toys

Childhood holds many special memories for a lot of people and this can be especially true regarding the presents and toys we received for Birthdays and Christmas when we were young. Everyone can remember the excitement of opening presents, hoping it was the must-have toy of the day and the joy we felt at receiving this. Children of 2009 will be no different and many will be hoping that the following toys are the ones they receive this year.

Zhu Zhu Pets

The real must-have toy this year and the one which is proving most difficult to get is a Zhu Zhu Pet. These are little hamster toys which can act like a real pet, without all the work and trouble which can come with a live animal! They are battery powered and each one is designed to have its own personality. They have different modes, such as loving and explore, which makes them act in different manners and will be a treat for young children who love animals. They can be stroked and also run around like the real thing, which makes them very lifelike and accessories can also be bought including houses and blankets. A great present for kids.

Tonka Chuck My Talking Truck

Tonka toys are world famous. They are durable and provide good fun for children. Chuck My Talking Truck is a Tonka toy which is both fun to play with and also educational for younger children. It is a battery powered little truck that drives around and speaks various phrases which will help children learn. There are around 40 phrases and sounds and the toy generally comes with a book which has stories about Chuck. This one is probably for the boys although girls will enjoy it also.

Barbie

Barbie is a perennial favorite toy for girls and has been for a long time. Most years it tends to be one of the toys that younger girls long for and 2009 will be no different. This year's favorite will probably be the Barbie Twilight, Bella and Edward Dolls. The Twilight vampire books and movies have proved to be very popular, with the Bella and Edward characters being the firm favorites. The success of both the books and movie should help these Barbie dolls to become best sellers.

Mickey's Magic Choo Choo Train

Disney toys are another perennial favorite with children. Based on the TV show, this train set is different from others in that it can lay its own track and when it is laid the train rolls forward while playing a tune. A clever idea and the majority of younger kids will love to watch it. Comes with a Mickey Mouse figure, a character that most children grow up loving, so this toy is definitely one of the best of 2009.

Live Butterfly Garden

Most kids love to see butterflies in the summer, with their vibrant colors and beautiful patterns. The Live Butterfly Garden is an educational toy that children will love and teaches them about butterflies. It has been popular in schools for a long time and with this new toy it is now possible to have it in your own home. The toy includes a butterfly house and live caterpillars which over a period of time will grow into butterflies which can be kept in the house or released. It teaches kids about the natural world and helps them learn about the life stages of butterflies from caterpillar through to adult butterfly. It is a good choice for older children and parents will love it too!

Fisher Price Splatster

Fisher Price is another world famous name in children toys that are both fun and educational. The splatster is no different. It has a unit that is plugged into your TV and a wireless paint brush that can then be used to make works of art on your TV screen. It also has games which can be played and will give kids hours and hours of fun. You never know, it may inspire the next great artist of the world!

Learn more about this author, Ian Farquharson.
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