Well, tomorrow’s the end of the line – the last shopping day until Christmas. And no doubt, it’s only a half day simply because family get togethers and parties usually begin in the afternoon to early evening. So, if you’re bold enough to brave the malls and toy stores like the other procrastinators, here’s a quick list of last minute toys to get that little one you love so dear.
1. Action Figures. Whether they be Star Wars, GI Joe, Transformers or [insert name of your favorite blockbuster hero movie here], an action figure is great because it’s small, will fit in a stocking, and makes for instant playtime. And if it’s an “exclusive,” so much the better.
2. Barbie. You can’t go wrong with the classics. And if you have a little girl who’s ready for her first serious doll, then classic Barbie is ideal way to begin her doll collection.
3. Board Games. They’re classic, they’re fairly inexpensive, and they may for fun for the kiddies at the family Christmas Eve Party while the adults are dipping into the egg nog (hic).
4. Video Games. Kids are all about the XBox, PS3 or Wii. And if you know a kid who spends his spare time killing the Covenant or collecting Lego studs, or even playing a round of virtual golf, a video game is always the gift that keeps on giving. And the most popular games this holiday season – Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2 (for teens, of course), Lego Indiana Jones 2 (for the youngsters), Super Mario Brothers, and Mario Kart. Give your favorite gamer one of these (or better yet, a gift card to XBox Live) and you can’t go wrong.
5. DVDs. Kids love movies and this year was a pretty good year for family films. Get your favorite family Disney/Pixar’s Up, or maybe Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince (on Blu-ray, natch) and you’re sure to be invited over for movie night and popcorn.
6. Gift Cards. You can’t go wrong with a gift card to Toys R Us. That way the little one can go pick out anything he wants at the after Christmas sales and really stretch it for a cool toy.
7. Football, Baseball, Basketball, name it. If you have a sportster in the family, a kid can always use another one of his favorite balls as sooner or later they’ll kick one into the neighbor’s yard and will have to wait to get it because the dog is barking and foaming. If you’re kid is a basbell freak, a bucket of batting practice baseballs would be an awesome gift – especially if you go out and pitch to him. If he likes football, think kicking tee. Most kids don’t have one and they’re a great, unexpected gift.
8. Elmo. Can anyone really go wrong with Elmo? Elmo makes the hottest toy list just about every year and if your child is in that Sesame Street age range, Elmo is no doubt their best friend.
9. iTunes gift cards. Kids around 10 are just getting into real music and most are starting to have their own iPods. So why not give them a few downloads for that new Jonas Brothers album they’re begging for?
10. An iPod Nano. The new generation of iPod Nano’s are awesome. Multiple colors, video camera, and sizes up to 8GB, the Nano isn’t that costly and puts your kids on a lifelong love affair with music. And with the gift card above, you encourage them to buy music instead of stea … er … share it.
Just one thing, gals. Just say NO to Hannah Montana. Granted, her music rocks. But Miley is out of control these days and frankly, she’s using up someone else’s 15 minutes.
Lastly, think about kids who won’t have a Merry Christmas this year. While most Marines have finished their toy collection mission for this year and are passing out those toys, it’s not too late to make a cash donation at toysfortots.org.
Happy Holidays everyone!