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Podcast: Selfie
Episode:

Summer Toy Guide
Category: Health
Duration: 00:00:00
Publish Date: 2011-05-25 12:16:00
Description: Summer is almost here!  In anticipation, I wanted to round-up some of the best toy finds for the summer.  My criteria: I was specifically looking for toys that promote activity, provide educational stimulation, enhance family bonding, or that keep kids entertained on road trips. My kids were my more-than-willing test subjects over the last month as we tried out a variety of toys.  Here are some of our favorites: MeteorLight L.E.D Ball It's a ball that lights up.  Instant party.  Perfect for playing ball at night.  My boys loved this. Green Toys Stacking Cups Karis loves these cups for stacking and for water play.  I love them because all Green Toys are made of recycled milk jugs. No BPA, PVC, phthalates or external coatings, and they are dishwasher safe. Hoot Owl Hoot Peacable Kingdom has a line of great games for kids that eliminate the fighting and competition.  They are created to allow kids to work together, and best of all . . . this one is simple enough for my kids to play peacefully together without my help. Charles the Lion Canvas Backpack I love Blabla's modern stuffed toys, and they now have screenprinted canvas backpacks.  So cute!  These are great for travel, or for toting toys in the car. Playmobil Sunshine Home This cute dollhouse comes with 4 family members and is furnished with kitchen, living area, bathroom and bedroom for the whole family. It's a perfect size for playing. Razor Jr. Folding Scooter Karis's scooter envy is finally over - she is in love with her little Razor Jr. It has a three-wheel design for added stability and an impact-resistant plastic body.  Razors are the perfect summer toy and I love that our whole family can now enjoy them. Razor Graffiti Chalk Scooter Speaking of Razor and summer, their newest edition is a traditional scooter outfitted with spots for three pieces of chalk that allow kids to create sidewalk art as they ride. Like all Razors, this version folds up easily so it can be taken to the park or the bike path.  (Chalk optional!)  Razor Multi-Sport Helmet Razor mult-sport helmets are a must, too.  Good for bike-riding, skateboarding, and (of course) scooters, they even come in pink! Crayola Glow Explosion Sand Art Glow Sand is a fun and creative project that allows kids to create their own work of art with glowing sand.  Crayola Sidewalk Tattoos Bug Critters Sidewalk tattoos let kids create and color detailed drawings and scenes on sidewalks, driveways or any other flat outdoor surface.And they wash off with water. Smart Lab Indoor/Outdoor Microscope I have to admit, even Mark and I were fascinated with looking at things through this super-powered microscope. Commonly found items like newspapers, pencil strokes, flower petals, bugs, and even clothing fibers are fun to watch at 40 times their normal size. Kids can use the stand to view prepared slides, or remove the microscope from the stand and head outdoors to explore. Smart Lab Bug Playground My kids love hunting for bugs and putting them into this playground.  And then chasing their sisters around with their new "pets". PlanToys Workbench This is a really fun construction workbench that includes 6 tools, 27 construction parts and a removable storage unit. Kids can hammer and screw construction parts into both the table and back panel.  Like all PlanToys, this set is made of non-toxic, natural materials and organic rubberwood. The Original Snoopy Sno-Cone Machine I had this same Sno-Cone machine as a kid, and it is so fun seeing my kids play with it, too!  First introduced in 1979, this nostalgic toy lets children create treats to help them beat the heat. Kids can place an ice cube top and watch it transform into a sno-cone by turning the handle. Happiness is a Warm Puppy Speaking of Snoopy nostalgia, this book is one of our favorites.  On every spread there’s a tiny tidbit of wisdom from one of the characters. 
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