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Dear Marianne:

How can you tell if these holiday "hot toy" lists are credible or just advertising?

Shelley, New York, NY, Mom of Luke (4) and Max (18 months)
The best way to approach a "hot" toy list is to read it for information and not as a shopping list. Most of these lists have little or no research behind them. To determine if a list is credible or not, look for these red flags.

1. The list is based purely on opinion. Anyone can have an opinion.
There are more scientific ways to evaluate toys.

2. Kids are billed as toy experts. Children are toy consumers, not toy
experts.

3. The list contains nothing but descriptions of the toys. That's a
hint there was never really any testing or evaluation.
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Crayola My First TV Play System

by Techno Source

$19.99

Starts at 3 years of age




This is a self-contained and battery-operated video gaming system that plugs into any standard television. The software and hardware is built into the controller and the system includes an electronic coloring book and arcade-style games. The portable design allows for easy travel to a relative or friends' house. Gameplay assists to stimulate socialization and interaction among peers, concentration, creativity, auditory and thinking skills. TIP: Since 20 activities are included, this is an affordable option to a more expensive gaming system which requires separate software. Ideal for home use and for families with multiples.
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I enjoy hearing from our readers. If you ever have a comment, question or concern, please email me at marianne@toytips.com

Thanks for caring about our children.

Marianne
 
Toy Tips to Parents: Time to Unplug

Don't over stuff the toy box with tech toys. When is technology too much technology?

While tech toys are popular and some can be educational, the latest round of newcomers at Toy Fair makes it clear we're going too far into technology assisted play. It seems technology now permeates almost every kind of toy category on the toy shelves. Parents run the risk of stocking the playroom with items that undermine the important developmental aspects of childhood play.

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