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Shopping

Toy Box: Bring a Water Rush Into Your Backyard

Though the weather may not be cooperating to the fullest extent, the calendar reading March has my mind drifting to Spring toys and outdoor fun.

Though the weather may not be cooperating to the fullest extent, the calendar reading March has my mind drifting to Spring toys and outdoor fun. At the Toy Fair last month, I was lucky enough to preview a few of Step2's new outdoor products, and I was quite taken with the Water Rush Quarry ($100). A new take on the classic sand and water table, this sand box comes with an adjustable cover that slides up and over to create the ultimate race track for water, rocks, or matchbox cars. The set includes a crane, two bridges, a tunnel, a dam, a ramp, a bucket, a shovel, and two vehicles, which all enhance the experience.

I can already see my lil ones racing pebbles down the river to see which hit the sand first. Best of all, the whole set closes up at night, so there are no surprises hidden in the sand box the next morning.

Toys

Top 5 Trends Spotted at Toy Fair 2009

More than 100,000 new toys were on display at the annual Toy Fair in NYC this week, some of which are destined to become the it toys of the holiday season, and some of which may never make it to store shelves.
Top 5 Trends Spotted at Toy Fair 2009

More than 100,000 new toys were on display at the annual Toy Fair in NYC this week, some of which are destined to become the it toys of the holiday season, and some of which may never make it to store shelves. After roaming the convention center's massive halls, we were able to spot a few trends for the coming year. Take a look at our slideshow to see the top 5 toy trends for 2009.

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Toys

Toy Box: Summer Picks

Since summer is approaching, our minds shift to outdoor activities for our kids.
Toy Box:  Jumping Into Summer

Since summer is approaching, our minds shift to outdoor activities for our kids. Last week the Today show invited on an editor from Toy Portfolio who highlighted six new toys that should get your couch potato outside and moving. Check out her picks!Source

Toys

Toy Box: Whisper Ride Buggy

When small children decide they no longer like the confines of a stroller, it can be tough to wrangle them while running errands.

When small children decide they no longer like the confines of a stroller, it can be tough to wrangle them while running errands.

The Whisper Ride Buggy ($60) by Step 2 makes a mom's life much easier. The steering wheel, cup holder and under the hood storage space make it an attractive toy to children and the Silent Ride Tires make it completely acceptable to take to the mall or supermarket.

Able to hold up to 50 pounds of precious cargo, the scooter is amazingly easy for a preoccupied parent to maneuver.