KIDS TOYS

Great bear that kids love and can even draw on.

How many times have you gone to great lengths to get your child the hot new toy, only to find it abandoned in a pile with all of his other stuff? Here's some advice from toy expert Chris Byrne on how to buy toys that aren't just fads.

Toy makers are busy at work, focusing on the big hits for next Christmas by updating old favorites like Elmo, Monopoly, and Cabbage Patch Kids dolls.

The San Francisco Board of Supervisors has preliminarily approved Tuesday a ban on toy giveaways at fast food restaurants unless kids meals are made healthier.The legislation, which passed on an 8-3 vote, allows restaurants to provide free toys with meals as long as the food and drink contain a restricted number of calories, sodium, sugar and fat content. In addition, the meals must contain a half cup or more of fruit and a three-quarter cup or more of vegetables.A San Francisco McDonald's franchiser, Scott Rodrick, voiced his disapproval saying, "Somehow the San Francisco Board of Supervisors just took the happy out of Happy Meals."However, Supervisor Eric Mar, who was the chief sponsor of the legislation, said, "It's not a ban; it's an incentive."If the bill passes the final vote next week, it will go into effect December 2011.

The Mercury News is reporting that the San Francisco Board of Supervisors has overriden Mayor Gavin Newsom's veto of a ban on including toys in fast food children's meals.The board's 8-3 vote on Tuesday allows the new law to go into effect in December 2011. The law would prohibit toy giveaways in children-targeted meals that contain more than a given amount of sodium, calories and calories from fat. Restaurants would also be required to limit saturated fats and trans fats and include fruits or vegetables with the meal if it is to be served with a toy.Newsom vetoed the ban, saying parents should be the ones to regulate their children's food and nutrition, not the government.Tuesday's vote was one of the few times the board has overturned a veto by Newsom during the mayor's seven years in office and is the first case of a governing body regulating the distribution of toys in children's meals.

Getting your children to do their chores is one of the toughest tasks a parent will face. In this episode of The Lab, DadLabs reveals the secret to getting your kids to help out with household chores like cleaning and picking up toys. First, we'll take you through the phases moms and dads will face during this parenting challenge. Then, we'll tell you take you into The Matrix - The Chore Matrix. Learn how chore charts for kids can encourage them to help out around the house.

Toy Expert Elizabeth Werner shows fun games that will help parents keep their kids busy during the summer break.

Playing with toys is not only fun for kids, it's an important part of their growth and development. But you need to make sure toy time is safe. Here's how.

Hexbugs, air hogs,and other hi-tech toys were presented at the 2010 American International Toy Fair.

Not sure what you should do with your kids' old toys?

Lego toys are always a hit with kids. In this episode of Gear Daddy, Daddy Troy finds out about the latest Legos at the Time to Play Holiday Showcase in New York City. Lego is celebrating the 10 year anniversary of their Star Wars collection with the launch of some great toys including the Tie Fighter with Darth Vader, Clone Wars, and The Battle of Endor complete with Ewoks action figures.

Are you constantly picking up your kids' clothes and toys? Follow these simple steps to teach them to lend a hand.Are you constantly picking up your kids' clothes and toys? Follow these simple steps to teach them to lend a hand.

If you're not sure what to buy the kids on your holiday gift list this year you may want to consider toys that are not only fun to play with but may help make your kids healthier. Juli is out shopping in New York City, let's see what she found.

Parents reduce your carbon footprint when buying toys. Hear great alternatives that are safe for your kids and the environment.

Are you looking for cheap toys that will keep your children entertained, and provide a valuable learning experience? This episode of Gear Daddy talks about building your own battery powered toy robots known as Bristlebots. These electronic toys combine a battery powered offset motor and a toothbrush to make robotic toys for kids. Brisltebots are fun learning toys that teach your kids about robotics, and teach them how to build your own.

Savvyauntie.com founder, Melanie Notkin, shows off some fun (and Earth friendly) new toys!

Nearly a third of kids are overweight or obese so we have tested toys and games to find ones that will keep kids active. Here are the star performers.

Do you need help organizing your clutter? Want to organize your life? This video offers unique ideas on how to organize your kids toys.

The team turn big kids to look at some of the coolest gadget toys - the Flytech Dragonfly, the Lazer Tripwire and the incredible Stormlauncher.

Kids grow up fast. And when they do, they leave behind piles of stuff. Lightly used clothes, toys and gear can be resold for cash that can be used for...more clothes, toys and gear. Oh, well. The Gear Daddy shows you how. DadLabs ep 472 brought to you by BabyBjorn. Distributed by Tubemogul.

If you are in to science and want to share that love with your kids, why not build something scientific at home?

The number of kids killed while riding all-terrain vehicles - or ATVs - has jumped more than 40% in a 4 year span. That's prompting politicians all over the country to adopt new laws to protect children who ride them. But ATVs aren't the only problem. In fact, a new study in the Journal Pediatrics proves there are plenty of other motorized threats that may be going unnoticed.

Thinkway Toys put out a motion activated Spiderman game that not only lets your kids play, but also gives them a little bit of exercise opportunity.

This video illustrates the fun and simplicity of using Perler Beads to create a holiday ornament. It is inexpensive and entertaining for everyone. Perler Beads and Perler kits can be found at places like AC Moores, Toys R Us (limited selection except during Christmas holiday season), and Michael's. These beads can be used to create a vast number of crafts (decorated buckets, holiday ornaments, shoes, bracelets, etc.). If you cannot find them locally, you can purchase them online at http://store.inkadinkado.com/prod_list.lasso?cat_id=3_5_Activity%20Beads&max=all (although they will cost quite a bit more here). Have Fun!

Paper airplanes are great toys that kids can easily make. Here's the standard and most popular way to make one.

In this episode of The Lab, Daddy Clay and Daddy Brad travel to the ABC Kids and Baby Expo to bring you their list of the best new products and accessories for kids and babies. Items include the BPA free Klean Kanteen stainless steel bottle, a Blinxy pacifier, Pop Pals popsicle maker, a new lunchbox, and some great eco friendly products for children. From toys to insect repellent baby clothes to a baby diaper bag from Diaper Dude, the dads have got this baby gear covered.