LilSugar

The Gifted Child: Gifts Fit For Young Boys

babysugar — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 04:00:33 -0800

Boys will be boys and these are their toys. From dump trucks to cooking tools to Harley Davidson ride-ons, we're covering the gamut and have highlighted some of this holiday's must-have gadgets for playful young tots. Come check out Lil's top ten gifts for our lovable little lads.

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Classic Toys For Modern Tots

LilSugar — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 07:00:52 -0700

Sometimes, older is better. Toys do not have to be powered by batteries, controllers, and electricity to be a lot of fun. In fact, many knickknacks that current moms and dads grew up with required nothing more than a hearty imagination. Take a nostalgic look at some classic playthings that have stood the test of time and would make memorable additions to any modern day toy box.

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Thoughts on the Homeless American Girl Doll

babysugar — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 08:00:08 -0700

I'm all for exposing my child to the different walks of life. One of the reasons why I believe in the public school system is that children can get a taste of the real world by making friends with different socio-economic and ethnic backgrounds. Taking kids along to volunteer can open their eyes and show them how good it feels to help those less fortunate. Having said all that, I'm not sure where I stand on the newest addition to the American Girl doll lineup.

As the economy has suffered, more children have become homeless. As a way to teach children about the unfortunate plight of some youngsters, the toy makers created a limited edition "homeless" doll named Gwen. I understand the concept and think it could be a great talking point but it does seem a tad ironic that the pretty lil blonde lass costs $95. While that's the going rate for the highly coveted dolls, it seems the company could have helped the homeless cause even more if they made the proceeds go directly to a homeless cause, say one that might actually help homeless children even. What's your take on the latest American Girl doll?

Blast From the Past: Legos Keep Generations Building

LilSugar — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 13:20:13 -0700

Before technological toys and character-inspired goods began taking over toy chests, Legos gave lil ones the opportunity to build exciting creations without worrying about them falling down in seconds. For more than 75 years the brainchild of a Danish carpenter, has been a staple in playrooms, where the multicolored, interlocking bricks have been used to create gargantuan structures and creatures of all kinds.

What began as an innocent alternative to the standard building block has evolved into one of the most successful toy companies in the world. After years of avoiding commercial tie-ins, Lego embarked on a Hollywood partnership with Star Wars 10 years ago. The company has since teamed up with Indiana Jones, Toy Story, and Thomas and Friends to create sets inspired by the films, and is now in the process of producing its first feature film based on the blocks.

Do you or your child love Legos - what is your favorite set?

Crib Toys to Keep Babies Busy in Bed

LilSugar — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 14:05:00 -0700

Party in the baby's crib! Once an infant is alert enough to take in their surroundings, add some stimulation to keep them occupied during non-sleeping hours. By putting a safe accessory in the crib, mom may buy herself a few minutes after nap time.

Before attaching any toy to the crib rails, the Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends checking to ensure that the ties are no longer than seven inches and that no loops have a perimeter greater than 14 inches. To see some entertainment options, check out the selection.

To see more crib toys to entertain babies, read more.

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Source: Flickr User valentinapowers

School Year's Resolutions: Toys For Preschoolers

LilSugar — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 08:00:33 -0700

Preschool is less about reading, writing and arithmetic and more about an introduction to the skills kiddos need for future concepts. Several new toys on the market are designed to help support these skills once children have left the confines of their schools. Take a look at a few of our favorites that will help early learners expand their minds at home.

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School Year's Resolutions: Toys For Early Learners

LilSugar — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 07:00:00 -0700

Not every child is heading back to school in the coming weeks. But tots a tad too young to join the preschool mayhem are just as eager to learn. Help expand their manipulative and cognitive skills with some shiny new items in their toy box. Manufacturers are introducing several new gadgets this time of year specifically designed for the early learner set. Take a look at a few of our favorites that will keep your lil one engaged.

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Breastfeeding Doll: Kid Friendly or Are You Kidding?

LilSugar — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 14:00:20 -0700

Teaching children about the birds and the bees is no longer a formal chat that happens during the tween or teen years. Many mamas choose to introduce the concept when a sibling makes her debut. Fourteen percent of lilsugar readers say they'd purchase a birthing and nursing doll ($90) to educate their kiddos about the miracle of life, while 43 percent of our mamas would invest in a Boobie Buddy ($55) or nursing doll. Now, a Spanish manufacturer has created an even more hands-on toy called Bebé Glotón ($62), a doll that comes with a halter top that allows children to "nurse" the baby. What's your opinion of the product - is it any different than buying your tot a bottle-fed babe?

Funky Sock Monkeys: They're Not Just Black, White and Red

LilSugar — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 05:03:04 -0700

Lugging a sock monkey around may be the only thing greater than monkeying around yourself, so it's no wonder these simple toys have remained a childhood must have for decades. We saw the toy box classic get goofy with Cece Bell's whimsical Sock Monkey Boogie Woogie, but there are a whole bundle of modern evolutions out there. They're funky, they're spunky, and they're ready to play.

This Spock Monkey ($40) is silly enough to grab a tot's interest and punny enough to please a Trekkie parent. Not ready for monkeys in space? Check out some of the other loony sock primates below.

Tell Mommy: What Are Your Top Three Toddler Toys?

babysugar — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 05:00:01 -0700

One person's trash is another one's treasure. The same can be said for wee ones and their toys. While my daughter obsessed over her Radio Flyer push wagon, some of her playmates found it less exciting than a rug. General favorites among youngsters are cardboard boxes, musical tables, or simple wooden figures.

What are the three toys your tot fancies most?