Hottest Toys for Kids Under 10

There's no doubt about it, play is a great way for children to learn new skills and to express creativity. However, with so many toys lining store shelves how does a parent choose the best ones? My motto is to find exciting and challenging playthings that stimulate a child's sense of wonder and curiosity - and it doesn't hurt that the toy holds interest for a long period of time. Below are a few selections of new toys that I had the opportunity to explore - and yes, play with myself. Hope one catches your interest!

Create A Story and Watch It Glow!

Leave it to Crayola to add another interactive toy where kids can create drawings that move. The Crayola Glow Book uses special ink markers that glow when kids draw on each of the four clear pages that are part of this illuminated flip book. Included are tracing templates to create a scene or the kids can draw on their own for creativity. Turn off the lights to see the artwork glow and move on each page. It's nice that these drawings wipe off easily allowing the children to create new ones and draw for hours. This art toy is suggested for kids 6 years and older and retails for $19.99. Three AA batteries are needed. Look for this toy at your favorite stores.

A Holiday Gift that Gives Back

Let's face it, girls love dolls! The Hearts for Hearts Girls is a doll line from Playmates Toys that features six dolls that represent girls from other lands. Each doll is authentically dressed and has a story to share about her land and ways she can help and change her community for the better. From baking to help the hungry, to creating knitwear for people who need warm clothes and from creating artwork to help win a contest to obtain community books - these girls all have a mission to help other people in need. Your child can even visit the interactive website via a code included in the box to an array of games and a blogging page just for them. What a fabulous way to teach your children about the importance of giving to those that are less fortunate through a doll and program they will love! Each doll is 14-inches tall intended for ages 6 and up. Retailing for $29.99 with a portion of the sales donated to children's causes in that doll's country or region. Choose from: Consuelo from Mexico City, Lillian of Balarus, Dell from Kentucky's Appalachian Mountains, Rahel of Ethiopia, Tipi who lives in Laos and Nahji from Assam, India.

Swirl It, Dazzle It, Wear It

Now girls can make their own jewelry with Crayola's Jewelry Boutique. Let the kids design their own bracelets, necklaces and earrings with this studio toy that comes with all the materials to make over 160 beads that use Crayola's Model Magic (a soft, squishy modeling material). The girls just choose the colors they like, put the Model Magic in a spinner and swirl to make unique beads. Use these beads to create your own designer wear. The boutique comes with eight packs of Model Magic, bracelet and pendant charms, shape cutters, drying rack, toggles, necklace cords, earring posts, wires and so much more. This creative kit is so cool - even moms will enjoy making jewelry with the kids. Suggested age is 6 and up with a retail price of $19.99.

Source: The information offered in this article is based on the author's personal observation and use of these sample toys provided by the manufacturers.

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