So, what types of toys best capture and hold the attention of kids? Wouldn’t you like to know the answer to that question before you buy one more toy? What we do know is that there is no particular category of toy that is a sure-fire winner each time. Instead, the magic is in a toy’s capacity for ‘engaging’ children and their minds.
Children are programmed to learn. If they can’t learn from a toy or a game, or have the chance to use their skills, they don’t stay interested in a toy for long. Toys that light up (like a Christmas tree!), make fun noises, or move in a fascinating way, but do little more, surely entertain kids. But not for long. The novelty wears of quickly. Children get bored ‘watching.’ They want to participate.
Here are the rest of our 2012 Gold Star Award winning toys and games, all of which are recognized for having a magical quality that engages kids and therefore offer exceptional play value for both kids and parents. You can check out earlier items by clicking here and here.
Perplexus Twist
Perplexus Twist is the newest member of the Perplexus family of 3D maze puzzles. Twist requires players to
twist, turn, and realign the tracks to escape traps, dead ends and cliff-hangers. Helps develop motor and dexterity and problem-solving skills as well as hand-eye coordination. This is a toy that offers so much for kids 6+ but is also great fun for the whole family. The level of difficult is ranked at 7 out of 10. The suggested retail price is $29.99.
Pretend & Play Learning Cash Register (Canadian Currency)
What kid doesn’t want to operate a cash register? This ‘talking’ cash 
register puts a lot of fun into the basics of money math. Kids practice coin identification, addition, subtraction and place value as they play four featured games that increase in difficulty as players advance. This item is also great for pretend play and learning basic calculator skills. For parents there is an automatic shut-off that saves battery life. Pretend & Play Learning Cash Register comes with play money in Canadian currency, coupon and pretend credit card. It requires three C batteries which are not included. The recommended age is 3+ and the suggested retail price is $59.99.
Slap Shotz
This ‘knee hockey’ game is now ‘Made in Canada.’ It comes with a set of two hand held blades and a soft foam ball keeps kids of all ages active, outdoors or inside. Slap Shotz improves eye-hand coordination as well as slap shot and backhand skills while providing a great overall workout. Manufactured by an Ontario-based company, this eco-friendly product features organic dyes and 50% recycled plastics made from milk bottles. It is suitable for ages 3+. The suggested retail price is $19.99
Snap Circuits Light
Snap Circuits Light offers 175 exciting projects and 55 parts along with a
colorful picture manual that will appeal to curious boys and girls 8+ who will be able to make exciting projects that feature a strobe light, color changing LED, glow-in-the dark fans and more. They can even watch their iPod or other MP3 player play music with Snap Circuits Light. Suggested retail price is $79.99.
Spot It!
There is always one, and only one, matching symbol between any two 
cards. Spot it and you win! A sharp eye and quick reflexes is all it takes to play the five quick party games included in Stop It! grab-n-go tin. Its fast action and brilliant game mechanics will have you hooked! Fun for the kids and a highly portable game for holiday travel. Plus, one mom we know says she keeps Stop It! in her purse as it makes errands and waiting room situations a breeze! Suitable for ages 7+ and 2 to 8 players. Play time for each game is approximately 15 minutes. Suggested retail price is $14.99.
These are only a sample of the quality recommendations you can expect from retailers belonging to Neighbourhood Toy Stores of Canada (NETS). If you find yourself in a 'holi-daze' around gift giving ideas, don’t think twice about contacting your nearest independent toy retailer.
We wish you all the best for a holiday season filled with much merriment, fun and lasting memories 'yule' have forever!
Neighbourhoo
d Toy Stores of Canada (NETS) is a network of local independent specialty toy stores, and their suppliers. NETS retail stores are owned and staffed by people who live in your community and are usually parents themselves. NETS retailers and their suppliers are passionate about connecting children with safe, fascinating, quality-made toys and games to engage them in fun and learning.
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