Top picks for Summer toys

Chris Byrne, Director of Content for “Time to Play” magazine presents his tested picks for SUMMER/OUTDOOR toys.

WHAT'S NEW FOR SUMMER? WHAT'S SELLING WELL? WHAT ARE THE TOY TRENDS FOR THIS SEASON? Here they are!.

ORGINAL BIG WHEELS

Jakks Pacific

Ages 3-8

$59.99

The classic toy is back! First launched in 1969, this iconic ride-on is being introduced to a new generation of young children. Featuring a three-position “grow with me” seat it will be in stores this July. What’s also the new about the famous three-wheeled ride-on? It’s being manufactured completely in America!

 

LEGO GAMES CITY ALARM

Lego

Ages 6+

$19.99

This exciting game for 2-4 sends players on a chase through the streets of LEGO® City! Once the board is built (247 pieces), thieves must steal the money without setting off the alarm while the police attempt to catch up with them and put them all in jail. Every roll of the dice changes to chase.

 

BRAVE DOLL

Mattel/Disney

Ages 3+

$19

Filmgoers of this summer’s Disney·Pixar movie "Brave" will be introduced to Disney’s newest heroine, Merida. Merida is a courageous young woman with fiery red hair and a spirit to match, and her 11” doll is inspired by this brave, young, skilled archer from the film. She’s perfect for girls to re-create their favorite movie moments.

 

BOP IT! SMASH

Hasbro

Ages 8+

$19.99

Are your reflexes faster than the speed of light? New BOP IT! SMASH tests your skill and competitive nature as you attempt to control, trap and play with light. This fast action, reaction skill game asks players to trap a rapidly moving light in the center of the game by quickly smashing the ends of the game together. The closer the light is to the center, the more points you score.

 

CRAYOLA 3D KALEIDOSCOPE GIANT CHALK

Crayola

Ages 4+

$9.99

Experience sidewalk art in a whole new way! Kids simply draw their design on the sidewalk, put on the 3D kaleidoscope glasses and watch as their creations pop off the ground and become a unique twirling design right before their eyes.  The dual-ended chalk pieces make creating this 3D art easy and give kids even more colors to choose from. The Giant Chalk also lasts seven times longer than regular chalk for extended creative 3D fun!  Moms will appreciate that the 3D Kaleidoscope Giant Chalk is washable from sidewalks and driveways - simply spray away with water. The set includes four giant dual-colored chalk sticks, Kaleidoscope 3D glasses and a how-to booklet for easy use

 

GAZILLION BUBBLE CANNON

Funrise

Ages 3+

$19.99

Battle boredom and take control of the Gazillion Bubble Cannon! With this interactive bubble machine, you can crank out massive amounts of bubbles at the pull of the lever! You can make huge bubbles, hundreds of small bubbles, and even bubbles inside of bubbles! And, with the award winning Gazillion Bubble solution, you’ll always experience the biggest, brightest most colorful bubbles ever! Just snap on desired wand size to the machine, fill bubble tray with Gazillion Green Solution for hundreds of bubbles, or Gazillion Blue Solution for super-sized bubbles, and pull the lever to start the bubble party! Take turns with friends pulling the lever to fill the sky with fun!