Cheap FurReal Smores Pony Alternatives

The Hasbro FurReal Friends Smores Pony is likely to be a hot Christmas toy for 2010. If you balk at paying $300 for pony toys with no real educational value that children will quickly outgrow, these are 6 cheap FurReal Smores Pony alternatives.

Reeve and Jones Pony Toy: This cheap FurReal Smores Pony alternative looks very cute and makes horse sounds. It doesn't move but kids can sit on it. It's 2 feet tall compared to the FurReal Smores Pony of over 3 feet. ($59.99)

Little Tikes Pony Toy: He's a little clunky looking with his wheels showing but he neighs and his legs move when kids ride him. Many customers warn that he's quite heavy, but he holds up to 150 pounds compared to the 80 pound limit on the FurReal Smores Pony. ($149.99)

Happy Trails Pony Toy: You'll have to supply your own horse sounds but he rolls on wheels. He's also got foot rests for stability so he's recommended for kids as young as 2 compared to the suggested starting age of 4 for the FurReal Smores Pony. ($101.02)

Gallop-N-Go Stick Pony Toy: Hey, when I was a kid I played with a broom so this is a step up. It's the traditional stick pony with a handsome plush horse head and sound features. With 2AA batteries, he'll neigh when kids squeeze his ears. He's recommended for kids 3 and up. ($39)

Gund Prance and Play Pony Toy: This is another handsome hobby horse with similar sound effects. He's got a fluffy black and white horse head with a red leatherette harness. ($25)

Real Ponies: Sure, the Hasbro FurReal Smores Pony is life-like. Kids can ride it, feed it a fake carrot, and enjoy its realistic moves and sounds. It's still more fun and constructive to introduce your child to real ponies and horses. Visit a local stable or join your local chapter of the United States Pony Club especially designed for youths. Kids as young as 5 can usually take riding lessons that will help develop their health and character with some packages cheaper than a FurReal Smores Pony.

The Hasbro FurReal Friends Smores Pony is very cute and most reviewers at Amazon are happy with it, but I don't think any pony toy is worth $300. These cheap pony toys will give you something to put under the Christmas tree and you can use the balance for more educational experiences.