When it comes to Christmas and holiday giving for kids, a popular rule to follow is to give them something they want, need, something to wear and read. For the sake of this story, the Courier focused strictly on something they want, which for most kids means toys. For some expert advice we turned to Kaboodles, a locally-owned store, which owner Lee Richmond over recent years has expanded from its original West Point Grey location to include shops on Granville Island, Downtown Victoria and Cambie Street.
In keeping with their commitment to community, the Vancouver locations of Kaboodles are holding their second annual toy drive in support of families in need on now through Dec. 25, by asking shoppers to drop off an unwrapped gift. Anyone wanting to purchase a toy from Kaboodles for the drive will receive a 10 per cent discount. All gifts will then be delivered to the Lower Mainland Christmas Bureau, where they will be passed on to families who can't afford gifts for their children.
Here is the top 10 list of toys as suggested by the experts at Kaboodles:
1. The FORCE is with us!: The ship has landed. It's the year of Star Wars and kids want it all, from Lego to R2D2 Bop It.
2. Thinking Putty: Keep your hands busy and give your brain a break with some Thinking Putty. Great for stress relief, hand exercise and silly fun.
3. Snap Circuits: Elenco's Snap Circuits makes learning electronics easy and fun. Just follow the colorful pictures in your manual and build exciting projects such as AM radios, burglar alarms, doorbells and much more.
4. Calico Critters: New families are moving into Cloverleaf Corners. Please welcome the Red Pandas, Hamster and Grandpa and Grandma Bunny to the neighbourhood.
5. LOZ Blocks: Miniscule in size, but not in fun. Build famous characters including Star Wars, Pokémon and Superheroes. Perfect for ages 10-plus.
6. Playmobil NHL: Get your ice ready for action with the Playmobil Zamboni and kick off another exciting season of hockey with the new Playmobil NHL series.
7. LiteHawk Quattro Neon: This neon is stunning. Check out the unique two-piece design houses – with all the electronics, mechanicals and LED lighting systems in a sturdy structure. The bright lighting allows you to easily see neon day or night.
8. Superhero Plush by GUND: GUND is ready to save the world with help from some of the DC Universe's most powerful superheroes. These 12-inch plush versions of your favourite heroes are sure to please comic book enthusiasts of all ages.
9. Bugs in the Kitchen: There’s a bug in the kitchen. Quick, who'll catch it first? This bug is on the loose and moving fast. Guide the bug into your trap – one wrong turn and he'll get past.
10. DJECO Glitter Boards: Magical butterflies flit across the beautiful board – all they need to become a glittering work of gorgeous art is YOU. The beginnings of an art board is at work, but it needs a make-over of the sparkly kind. Peel off the numbered sections to reveal a sticky surface waiting. Numbers correspond with the glitter for a sensational look or you can get adventuresome and pick your own colours.
