Items tagged “Toys & Recreation”

Historically, boys have been easy to please when it comes to shopping. They tended not to fuss over clothing styles and many were happy with simple, action-themed toys. Today, many parents of sons voice a need for more variety in boys’ products. To some extent, they crave a return to the traditional ideal of carefree, outdoorsy boyhood. At the same time, they’re aware that a young man needs to develop his mind as well as his body. Kapital K, Outset Media, Lil’ Teammates, and Manhattan Toy are all doing their part to expand a boy’s world well beyond “snakes and snails and puppy dog tails.”

July’s “High Five” column counts down a handful of products that Editorial Director David Gaunt discovered at the Licensing Expo and ASTRA trade shows. His personal shout outs include an animated “reunion” with Warren Buffet, smiles from Puerto Rico, a recommended store appearance by a famous silhouette artist and author, card-caring creators of family games, and an original new entry in the silicone bandz craze that stands up to any competitor.

Move over tigers and bears and make room for the Anamalz, a wild and wonderful menagerie in the world of fun and fantasy play. In 2009, these bendable critter charmers won Australia’s prestigious Design Award for innovative use of materials and were also given three stars — the highest award — by The Canadian Toy Testing Council for excellence in function, design, durability and play value. A unique gift and story spinner, as well as a way for youngsters to meet many animal species, Anamalz come in a variety of figures finely crafted from sustainable maple with appealing fabric touches.

According to Lisa Manzione — mother, children’s book author and advocate for geographic literacy — if today’s kids are going to be well-equipped to thrive in our global economy, learning geography is paramount. Manzione’s most recent book, The Adventures of Bella and Harry: Let’s Visit Paris! relates the adventures of two Chihuahuas, Bella and Harry, as the pups and their family tour Paris and discover the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, French cuisine, and more. Illustrated by Kristine Lucco, the book won the coveted Children’s Literary Classics Seal of Approval and was also an International Book Award Finalist.