Sylvanian Families were a large part of the rush in collectible toys in the 1990′s, king of which would be Ty’s Beanie Babies, as well as the Teletubbies. These toys were mainly popular for their collectability with the occasional rare toy selling for far more than their original retail value, adding a sort of treasure hunt feel to the collecting experience.

In 1985, the line was released in both North America and Japan under the name Sylvanian Families, though there were some minor differences in the characters and packaging. Their success led to their release in Western Europe by 1987, and by 1988 they were considered a major success worldwide, prompting the creation of an animated series based on the line of toys. An animated series also ran in Spain and the United Kingdom, and was showing in the United States early in the 1990′s on Nick Jr, a segment of the Nickelodeon network that caters mainly to young children. The American animated program was co-produced in France and Japan by DIC Enterprises, Inc, who is also responsible for such popular children’s shows as The Real Ghostbusters, and the first two seasons of the English adaptation of Sailor Moon.

Sylvanian Families has, throughout its history, been very popular as a collectible item, and even won “Toy of the Year” from the British Association of Toy Retailers three years consecutively from 1987 through 1989.

Tomy, which was the company that had been distributing the toys around the world, no longer owned the rights to the name “Sylvanian Families” in North America by 1993. The line was then reintroduced under the name Calico Critters, which is currently still distributed in the United States and Canada by the company International Playthings, LLC.

By the end of the millennia, the popularity of the toys had begun dwindling, and the line had been completely discontinued in the United Kingdom. Since then, however it has been picked up by Flair, which is a toy manufacturer that produces a wide range of toys, most notably the Etch-A-Sketch and Stickle Bricks. Sylvanian Families has also been reintroduced to the Australian market and is again becoming widely available in addition to International Plaything’s Calico Critters.

In the UK, Sylvanian Families celebrated its 20th anniversary with a few new items in 2007. The best selling toys in this group consisted of the Otter boat and the reintroduction of the Dalmatian Family that now wore party hats reading “Happy 20th!” Because these Dalmatian Family plushes are different than the originals, the original plushes are sure to be some of the more expensive collector’s items in the series.

In 1963, ABS plastic was added to the LEGO toys in place of cellulose acetate. ABS plastic made the toys stronger and held on to the rich colours that the toys are so often known for. These new LEGO toys were made safer as well because ABS plastic is non-toxic.

In 1967, DUPLO was introduced to the market, which are larger version of LEGO toys made for children 5 and under. Lego has continued to grow to be an empire, well-known and loved across the world. The introduction of Legoland Parks have reached across the world as well, giving people of all ages the opportunity to build and create whatever their imagination allows them to.

Ben was just an ordinary boy when he spent the summer with his grandpa and cousin on a camping trip. After fighting with Gwen, Ben retreats into the woods and stumbles upon an alien pod that look like a watch. This mysterious watch-like pod contains alien DNA and allows people to live like an alien. The Omnitrix, as it is called, permanently attached itself to Ben, giving him the ability to be one of 10 different aliens. Ben can change into one of these aliens by a control dial, but Azmuth, the original creator of the Omnitrix, placed safeguards so that the Omnitrix will only work properly for the Master Control. Ben must get used to constant alien changes and other unpredictable controls from the Omnitrix.

Ben 10: Alien Force is a sequel to the original Ben 10 cartoon. It takes place five years after Ben discovers the Omnitrix. This series began airing on Cartoon Network in April 2008. Cartoon Network Upfront confirmed the new series, Ben 10: Evolutions, which will follow 16-year old Ben as a well-known hero. In this new series, Ben has a new Omnitrix that will take him to new and mysterious places.

No cartoon is successful without action figures and assorted toys. Ben 10 action figures come in several different characters and playsets. Bandai® creates the classic Ben 10 and Ben 10: Alien Force action figures. You can buy each alien Ben morphs into, such as Heatblast, Diamondhead, Four Arms, Upgrade, Stinkfly, Wildmut, and others. The DNA Alien Heros collection action figures can ooze DNA slime bubbles or other features. Each alien has its own unique features. The Meta-Morfigures can become two different toys; each one with a different feature. Alien Creatures resemble the look of each different alien, and comes with a 4″ version of the matching alien.

You can also find other Ben 10 toys, such as an Omnitrix watch that can change aliens or battle villains, an alien voice changer that allows the user to be the voice of Greymatter, Heatblast, or Four Arms. Other alien voices come with a second voice changing set. Transforming Arms sets allow the user to snap on an alien arm, which comes with sound effects and phrases. The Vilgax Battle Planet is a battle ground that allows different game play using 1″ or 4″ action figures.

Ben 10: Alien Force action figures include new alien creatures, new DNA aliens, an r/c car, action cruiser, and an Omnitrix Illuminator. This Omnitrix can project aliens and other scenes from the latest season of Ben 10 on a wall or any other surface.

Playmobil is small plastic figurines and accessories that are about 3 inches in height. Recommended for ages 4 years old and up, Playmobil has dozens of lines that appeal to both boys and girls. One of the greatest features to Playmobil is that its designs are made to meet the current trends and interests of young children.

For example, Playmobil has shifted their focus to the modern, suburban dollhouse to reflect modern times. These accessories include pull-out sofa beds, big screen TV’s and modern kitchen appliances. For boys, the experience with Playmobil is the same. While cowboys and Indians were once the popular focus, boys can now use their imaginations with Playmobil’s line of pirates, deep sea diving and zoo animals.

Not only does Playmobil do a great job in making their toy sets manipulate the existing world, but they also allow young children to dabble in the things they love. A child interested in construction or trains can use Playmobil toys to identify and act out these objects.

Mega Bloks are large plastic blocks that are ideal for children 1 year and up, yet some sets are made for children even younger. These brightly coloured blocks are sold in sets that are used to build whatever the imagination allows. Mega Bloks grow with the popular trends and feature licensed characters such as Dora the Explorer or Wonder Pets.

It is often times these very licensed characters that inspire new ideas for Mega Bloks sets. Kids love being able to interact with their favourite characters, while also using their motor skills and creative niche to build gadgets. While most Mega Bloks sets are made to interest both boys and girls, some sets are designed for a specific gender. Examples include Disney Princess sets for girls and Xtreme Sports sets for boys.

While there are many similarities between the creativity and imagination that Playmobil and Mega Bloks allow, there are many things that sets these toy products apart.

The pieces in Playmobil sets have their own functions and set up a scenario for kids to play with. Playmobil sets also feature sets that date back to years ago, allowing kids to experiment with things that once existed. Mega Bloks on the other hand, are designed to be built with, so pieces can be used to make just about anything. Mega Bloks sets introduce the latest characters and come in a variety of sizes and colours, interesting a variety of ages.

Furthermore, Mega Bloks tend to focus on the present-day characters that children enjoy, while discontinuing older lines. Playmobil keeps producing many of the same lines of toys, but with new updates and expansions.

Of the forest, that’s what Sylvan actually means. The name Sylvanian Families for a toy collection of all types of woods and country animals is appropriate. In 1984 the Epoch Company developed and introduced the animal figures of the forest and called them the Sylvanian Family Toys. Hedgehogs, beavers, rabbits and bears came with clothes and accessories. Whole families became available with houses, furniture, boats and cars. The toy line started growing and people started collecting.

In 1987 Tomy Company launched the Sylvanian Family Toys in the United Kingdom with Flair Leisure Products as the distributor. The Sylvanian Families now live in homes in the UK, Japan, France, Australia, and other countries. In 1993 the name of the forest collection changed in Canada and the United States. The plush stuffed furry little families, their homes and accessories became Calico Critters, both in Canada and the US, offered by Intern Playthings, yet remains the Sylvanian Families in other countries.

Hedgehogs and beavers have welcomed many types of animal critters to the Sylvanian Family line of toys over the years. There are now persian cats, dalmation dogs, golden labs, skunks, penguins, otters, babies, twins and grandparents. Of course there’s a big variety of homes for these families to live in, – there’s Willow Hall, the Grand Hotel, the Old Oak Tree House, a manor house and several cottages and other homes available.

Homes need furnishings and accessories. Our little animal friends have many options available for their homes.
The furniture and accessories for living rooms, various bedrooms, nurseries, kitchens, etc., are all offered in this toy line. Complete with a street market, stores, toy shop, pancake shop, general hospital, pony and trap, caravan, boats and cars. The furniture and accessory choices for all are remarkable and there are many to please each animal’s personal preference of style.

For entertainment and family fun, the Sylvanian Families have a baby fairground – complete with ferris wheel, tea cup rides and baby train playhouse. Older members of the families may prefer excursions upon Captain Sea Dog’s River Boat, Canal Boat or the new Sylvanian Families Pleasure Boat.

The ‘Marita May’ Sylvanian Families Pleasure Boat, one of the newer additions to the Sylvanian Family Toys line, is designed to be of the old fashioned ‘wooden style’ house/pleasure boat. Tan with white, the boat has sides which open up and unfold to create various decks and play areas. Other areas on the boat are designed to be special areas for cooking, sleeping, sitting, etc. Maritime accessories are included; however, figures and furnishings are not included and are sold separate. The Sylvanian Families Pleasure Boat is for all the Sylvanian Family Toys to have an enjoyable adventure at sea or upon the lake. Whether skunk, bear, dog, cat, mouse or which ever type of furry friend, the pleasure boat is sure to please them.

Whether a child playing with the Sylvanian Family Toys or an adult collecting them, the Sylvanian Families are enjoyable, whimsical, and a favorite. Collectors Clubs now exist in various countries. These furry, plush, little forest figurines steal a spot in people’s hearts and stay there.

Ben 10 Alien Force is a prominent children’s animated television series starring Ben Tennyson (Ben 10) who possesses the omnitrix. An alien version of a wristwatch, the omnitrix uses an intricate DNA blending technique allowing Ben 10 to shape-and-size shift into alien life forms like Humungousaur and Spidermonkey. Ben 10 Toys help kids to dramatize and have adventures comparable to those seen on the television show.

Ben’s goals are preventing Highbred aliens from invading Earth and rescuing his grandfather Max Tennyson. Assisted by his cousin Gwen and friend Kevin Levin, Ben 10 fights evil and searches for half aliens.

Ben 10 Alien Creation Chamber is a letter-perfect addition to any Ben 10 collection. The cool play set comes with four alien action figures like Diamondhead and Greymatter. Their detachable limbs and interchangeable body parts can be assembled in different combinations quickly and easily. The Creation Chamber also includes a key to unlock the figures, alien maker recipes, and the chamber can be used as a storage case.

Give your child a Ben 10 Ultimate Omnitrix and see them pretend to stop the alien invaders or identify half aliens. These realistic Ben 10 Toys feature lights, sound effects, and alien voices while providing hours of creative role playing. As an additional bonus, the Ben 10 Ultimate Omnitrix comes with a Swampfire action figure. Swampfire, a Methanosian made from swamp and methane gas, shoots fire from his hands and his body regenerates when injured. Be ready for high-powered excitement as Ben 10 and Swampfire battle it out.

Humungousaur is Ben 10’s powerful size-shifting form and any child will be delighted to receive a set of Humungousaur hands. These gigantic poseable hands are a talking toy featuring Humungousaur phrases and realistic punching sounds.

Ben 10’s friend Kevin Levin can transform into any object he touches. Kevin Levin’s Action Cruiser is a faithful replica of the vehicle he drives in the cartoon series. When the cruiser shifts into battle mode, watch Kevin launch DNAlien torpedoes loaded with planetary powder to fight the evil aliens. This Ben 10 Alien Force toy includes the cruiser, Kevin Levin action figure, three orbs, two mini alien figures, two missiles, planetary powder, and scoops. Get one soon before they are sold out.

Ben 10 Alien Force Lab is a snazzy RV patterned on the one shown in the series with a concealed lab inside. Complete with a green Ben 10 figure, transforming alien rocks, and an alien viewer, it is a wonderful add-on piece to any Ben 10 play set. The lab comes with two transforming rocks that dissolve to reveal a figurine, alien moulds and clay plates, sculpting tools, clay, and three animation disks for the viewer.

Ben 10 Echo Echo Voice Changer Mask is a white mask with an adjustable strap that changes your voice to sound like Echo Echo. Have hours of play-time fun with the voice changer and surprise your friends.

These Ben 10 Toys are suggested for ages four and older. Batteries are not included so be sure to purchase enough batteries so children can enjoy the toys immediately. Shop for Ben 10 toys at most major toy retailers.

There are many older kid’s toys that are being brought back with bigger and more exciting features. There are new boys’ toys, girls’ toys and toys for both genders. There are many boys and girls that have fun with the very same toys. Kids today are very well aware of the toys available today and have their opinions as to what they like and don’t like. Sometimes it can seem like a child’s holiday gift list goes on forever and knowing some of the most popular toys on the market today, helps gift givers decide on what gifts they will be giving their loved ones.

The following are popular children’s toys and games that are expected to be big for this Christmas:

Boys Toys

1. Ben 10 Alien Force Kevin Levin’s Action Cruiser. Just like his muscle car, but loaded with new unique features.
2. GX Racers Tightrope Terror Track Set. A track full of high-flying stunts!
3. Bakugan Battle Pack. Answer calls to brawl and decide the galaxy’s fate.
4. VTech Kidizoom Multimedia Pink Digital Camera + Free Travel Bag. Take pictures to preview and edit; also play built-in games.
5. Battle Strikers Starter Set Series 1 Tsunami. The new generation of battling tops.
6. Playskool Kota and Pals Monty T-Rex. Soft and snugly, responds to touch, movements and sounds and that are lifelike.

Girls Toys

1. Peppa Pig’s Princess Palace. Beautiful home for Princess Peppa and her family.
2. VTech Kidizoom Multimedia Blue Digital Camera + Free Travel Bag. Takes pictures that you can preview and edit; also play built-in games.
3. Disney Princess: Just One Kiss Princess Tiana Doll. Play out scenes from the Disney’s The Princess and the Frog.
4. Little Mommy Baby Ah-Choo. Sneezes, wheezes and sniffles.
5. Dance around Dora. Interactive Dora dressed in crystals.
6. Peg Perego Polaris Trail Princess Ride-On. ATV ride-on for 2 people.
7. Littlest Pet Shop – Cozy Care Adoption Center. Keep pets healthy and well-fed.

Children’s Toys and Games for both boys and girls

1. Sylvanian Families Caravan. Everything needed for staying away from home.
2. Monopoly City. Build a city inside the board game as the game is played.
3. Lego Games Minotaurus. LEGO® Games that you build, play and change.
4. Bendaroos. Shape ‘em, Stick ‘em, Wrap ‘em, No stains, glue, or mess!
5. Color Me a Song from Crayola Beginnings. Create music with scribbles. The faster the scribbles, the faster the song!
6. Fisher Price Elmo Live Encore. Elmo does more in his encore. Life-like furry friend with the magic of the original Elmo Live but with new surprises.

For many people, the above scenario is one that they wish they had never left. Adulthood can be difficult, and thus there are times when one wishes to escape to just about anywhere else. But being a kid wasn’t just about fun, games, and supposedly unfair parental rulings. In order to succeed later in life, a child must be educated; this is not an endeavour that most of them would be enthusiastic about. Therefore, if you want your offspring to learn what they should at certain crucial stages, without realizing they are learning, you should consider educational toys.

These exercises should start when they are very young. Perhaps, as a toddler, you should present them with simple toys that help them grasp the concept of colours, shapes, and so on. At this stage, they will see them as nothing but something colourful and interesting to occupy their seemingly endless free time with; the concept of education will not enter their minds. Make sure, however, that any pieces of the toy are not so small that they could be easily swallowed. Throw away or hide anything of this description that you do find.

As they grow older, it will be a bit more difficult to get them to interact with learning toys. As this is true, you will have to become clever in what you give them. Do not pressure them into playing with these specific toys; you may quickly find that they will rebel and refuse to have anything to do with them at all. Instead, sneak them in with their other playthings, and see what happens.

With technology always changing, there are always new innovations when it comes to interactive toys. Some come in the form of video games, while others integrate a lot of sounds and stimulants to keep their attention. When truly successful in its goal, the child may know that they are supposed to be learning something, but they will not care. But this does not mean that you should drive to the nearest store and buy everything you can grab. The educational toys you purchase or receive as gifts should complement the child’s personality. If you know something will never get their attention, don’t bother with it.

It is a fact of life that children and toys go together naturally. So if you want certain milestones to be met in their life, you must consider investing in the entertainment that will get their brain thinking; even if they are not aware of it. You may replace one for another as the years go by, but never doubt that they are important. Remember to mix these options with more physical activities, such as biking or swimming, and your offspring will have the perfect balance of body and mind. What parent would not want that? They are our tomorrow, and every step must be taken to get them on their way.

Obesity is only one problem that is associated with kids not playing outdoors; many kids are vitamin D deficient. Vitamin D is important for the body to absorb calcium and control the protein and rennin that is associated with blood pressure. When kids spend time outdoors, the sunshine helps their bodies to make the vitamin D that they need for ideal overall health.

Because playing outdoors with toys gives kids the opportunity to run, climb, jump, ride, yell and use excess energy, it can also lead to improved behaviour and better sleep. Playing is also important because it builds muscles, conditions the lungs and strengthens muscles.

Not only is outdoor playing important for physical reasons but also for emotional and social reasons. It can encourage improvement in a child’s ability to reason and think logically. Taking risks and using their imaginations are also encouraged. When kids play outdoors with other kids, it builds social skills that are needed to form relationships throughout life. Playing outdoors makes kids happier and offers many development perks.

Gardening is one activity that kids can benefit from in many different ways. Garden toys help build a strong relationship between a child and nature. Gardening helps kids learn patience as they tend to fruits and vegetables as they grow. They also learn about how to nurture and what it takes for something to live. Working as a family in a garden teaches kids how to share and work together.

Working in a garden, kids are surrounded by moments filled with teaching. With garden toys, they are able to learn about the world hands on. Gardening also has a calming effect; a time to connect with nature and relax. Walking, bending and moving provide a great and fun way to exercise. Planting a fruit or vegetable garden makes it much easier to feed children healthier and makes kids more eager to choose better foods.

Watching a seed turn into a fruit or vegetable is a miracle of life and kids who garden learn how to appreciate that. Kids see that sunlight, water, dirt and care are necessities in the plant world as well as in the human world. Gardening give kids a way to love the simplest things that life has to offer.

The benefits of being outdoors are many and it is sad to see that the amount of time kids spend outdoors has drastically declined over the years. Time spent on games and television instead of outdoors can never be taken back or replaced.