We might be well into 2012, but I got a little nostalgic while putting together an application. This application process, which involved pinning the best of 2011’s toys, made me really think about what made these toys and games so great*. But before I go into that, here’s just a few of the hot toys of 2011. Coincidentally, I was at the launch for two of my favorite toys from last year, but parties and costumed monsters aside, these toys really rocked!
Let’s Rock Elmo
This interactive and rockstar-inspired version of the the furry red monster, comes with his own tambourine, microphone and bongos. Kids can sing or play along with Elmo or let Elmo be his own one man band with his instruments. I love how Let’s Rock Elmo can recognize the instruments and does his own little dance. And not surprisingly, since this Elmo sings and dances, my four year old still loves to rock out with him. And as I mentioned on my Pinterest description, one of my favorite aspect of Let’s Rock Elmo is that its interactivity is a hit with many special needs kids.
Skylander Spyro’s Adventure
I have a whole detailed post about Skylander coming up, but I’ll just reiterate what I said on Pinterest. Activision’s Skylander Spyro’s Adventure does what no other video game has been able to do: bring characters to life in the form of functioning collectibles. And even though he may not totally get the game itself, my guy loves the concept and the whimsical characters—so much so, he slept with his Skylander case for weeks!
Pining for Pinterest
As social media continues to flourish, I try my best to stay at the forefront of it all. Even though I haven’t been blogging as much as I’d like, in our families’ recent health scares and the new baby arrival, Pinterest has kept inspired. Over the past few months I haven’t been pinning kid products as much, but instead, I’ve been unearthing ideas for my home and brightening up my monochromatic wardrobe! But tonight as part of the Toy Insider Parent Advisory Board application I submitted, I put together some pins and my opinions on what I thought were some of the best toys of 2011. I’ll be sure to update my boards with more cool kid stuff. Pinterest is such a tricky space right now, so I’ll more than likely share my own ideas and repinning everything under the moon! And since we’re talking about pinning, find me on Pinterest!
*IMO: What makes a toy great
Since I’ve been writing about kid products for a few years now, I thought I’d reassess why I choose to feature the toys and products on this site. Why do I think a toy is great? Aside from what my own family thinks about a product, I consider these things:
- Does it have a lot of play value? (this is a biggie)
- Will it make it past the first month?
- Is it durable enough to pass down?
- Is it safe?
- Is it educational in some way?
- Will it drive me crazy?
- Is it really worth it?
As products in general constantly evolve, I still get excited about the newest innovations in toys, games, apps, books. I count my lucky stars for being able to do something fun and fascinating on my own terms.
