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If you are wondering what to get your son or grandson this Christmas, take some advice from the Toy Retailers Association. They should know a good toy when they see one and so here is a bit more information about three of their top choices.

Paper Jamz Guitars

A guitar made of paper. A guitar with no strings. This all sounds very odd but in fact Paper Jamz guitars are innovative, fun and easy to play but above all, affordable costing around $25. If your child wants to try out the whole rock star get up, these guitars are going to be ideal. You just strum your fingers across the images of strings on the face of the guitar to play. There are various modes built into this toy meaning that really young children can join in by using Perfect Play mode which effectively just plays one of three included tracks for them. Slightly older children can take a bit more control with Rhythm Play and then for any budding musicians, Freestyle Play allows them to play Paper Jamz like a real guitar. There are six designs of guitar to choose from and to make a complete band, the Paper Jamz range also includes drums and amps.

Ben 10 Ultimatrix

Ben 10 toys seem to crop into these top Christmas toys lists year after year. The brand is huge and does not seem to be fading in popularity at all. Indeed with the recent release of Ben 10 Ultimate Alien toys to accompany the third cartoon series, the brand is hotter than ever. One of the key toys in the Ben 10 range is the Omnitrix watch which allows Ben to turn into his alien alter egos. The Ultimatrix is the newest version but watch out because there are two different models. The one recommended here is the Disc Alien Ultimatrix, rather than the Vuescope. Using small see through discs that pop up from the watch face to replicate the holographic image that Ben sees on the cartoon, children can have hours of fun acting out their alien hero fantasies.

Lego Hero Factory

No Christmas would be complete without at least one Legos toy. As parents you know you are getting a good quality product for your kids to have hours of fun with. Lego Hero Factory is a recent invention from the company and is taking over where Bionicles left off. This series of buildable action heroes, villains and vehicles is sure to inspire any kids imagination. With 15 kits to choose from ranging in size from 17 piece sets to 390 piece sets, there is sure to be something suitable for your child. The heroes all come with weapons to use to defeat the baddies who are larger and come with interesting features such as a helicopter jet pack.

It is always hard knowing what to get your child, while wanting to buy quality toys that they will enjoy for longer than Christmas day. Stick to one of these recommendations and you won’t go far wrong.

About The Author
This article was written exclusively for A Moms Love by Chloe Wilson whose boys toys website offers a more in depth Paper Jamz review as well as full details on all of the boys top toys for Christmas 2010.

by Arlene Pellicane

Browsing online, I saw a toddler Easter basket selling for $65. Since when does a parent have to spend so much money on a basket filled with a stuffed animal, candy and plastic grass for a two-year old? You can spend a lot less and create a basket that’s even better because it’s tailor made just for your child.

Here’s how you make a perfect Easter basket that will not break the bank and make a great impression on your terrific toddler:

1. Start with a basket you already have at home. Don’t buy that Easter basket at the grocery store that you will use once and then pitch into your garage to be lost forever. Can’t find a basket? Look for a small plastic storage bin, decorate a shoebox, or extra plastic wastebasket. Nix the cellophane wrap.

2. Skip the candy and load up on healthier treats instead. Your toddler’s favorite fruits or crackers will do just fine. Or try a new brand of cracker. If your toddler is asking for candy, just include one small chocolate egg or a few peeps. Remember the less your toddler is exposed to candy, the better!

3. Instead of filling plastic eggs with candy, fill them with beans instead. Tape them up with colorful electrical tape and you’ve got a new shaker instrument. You can also fill the eggs with small toys or stickers.

4. Include items you need to buy anyway: a toothbrush with one of your child’s favorite characters, nice socks, new character underwear or pajamas.

5. Great toys to include are inexpensive items like crayons, sidewalk chalk, coloring books, toy cars, stickers, play doh, rubber duckies and other toys for the bath.

6. Celebrate the coming of spring with some outdoor activity toys like a Frisbee, bubbles, or ball.

7. Write them a simple note that says “I love you” or “Happy Easter.” Encourage them to say each letter in your note.

Create your basket with your toddler in mind. Include some of his or her favorite things and you’ll be sure to have a hit! And it will cost you a lot less than $65.

Article Source: http://www.wahm-articles.com

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