Kaleidoscope Toys

December 16, 2011

What is the "hot toy" this year?

We hear this question a lot, but especially during this time of the year as Christmas approaches. When asked this question, we see it as an opportunity—an opportunity to explain the whole “hot toy” phenomenon and what it really means to you, the consumer.

The “hot toy” by its very nature is not necessarily the best toy. It’s the most popular toy at the time, and that means one thing—marketing. In most cases, it has a large marketing budget behind it that allows promotion on TV, radio, newspaper, and the Internet.

It’s easy to go back through the years and think of hot toys—Cabbage Patch, Beanie Babies, Tickle Me Elmo, Zhu Zhu pets and more. I admit, these are all entertaining toys. However, none of them rank high on the play-value scale, which is our guide for recommending toys throughout the year including the Christmas season.

What is the play-value scale?

The play-value scale is actually quite simple and consists of three questions.

1)    Will the child play with the toy well after Christmas?
2)    Will the child outgrow the toy too fast?
3)    Will the child learn from the toy without really knowing that he/she is actually learning?

Questions 1 and 2 appear to be similar. They are indeed different. At Christmas, most children get multiple toys. There’s a time period where they play with all their toys. If a child is likely to play with a specific toy over all the other toys after the initial “play” period is over, then that toy is given a higher play value.

For question 2, we’re trying to determine if the toy will entertain for more than just a few months such as the Flying Turtle. In this case, a child "sit-skates", zipping along any hard, smooth surface by swinging the handlebars from side to side. Since it holds up to 225 lbs, even adults can ride it and they get a good physical workout, too.

Lastly, if a toy is educational in nature and provides some type of learning while also entertaining without the child realizing it, then the toy receives a high play value.

All three of these components are important in determining play value of a toy and can vary, depending on the toy. We encourage all of our consumers to think about the play-value scale during any toy-buying experience and it will likely result in a child that is content with a toy for a longer period of time.

December 1, 2011

A Day of Christmas Spirit

A Day of Christmas Spirit

Saturday, Dec 3

11am and 12pm

Storytime with Mrs Santa

Children's Craft

11am - 1pm

Spirit Radio remote with prizes & giveaways

9am - 5pm

Fill up the Box for Toys for Toys

We will take 50% off any toy you purchase to donate to Toys for Tots.

Coffee, juice and Round Rock Donuts 'til they're gone.

October 23, 2011

Neighborhood Toy Store Day!

We're having a Party to celebrate the joy of play and ASTRA's announcement of the Best Toys For Kids 2011 Top Picks!

Our Neighborhood Toy Store Day will Feature:

Best Toys For Kids list announced & displayed!

Fun, Top Quality Toys selected by neighborhood toy store owners all around the country who care about kids and know toys inside out!

Toy Exchange for Blue Santa!

Bring in one GENTLY used toy valued at $20 or more and receive 20% off one regularly priced item that day.*

Playmobil Photo Op!

Have your picture taken with our Giant Life-Size Playmobil Knight!

Toys Demonstrations!

Face Painting!

Free Goodie Bags!

*Limit one per family. May not be combined with any other discount or coupon. Toys must be clean, unbroken, complete and good enough to give as a gift. All used toys collected will be donated to Blue Santa.

What's the "Hot" Toy?

What’s the Hot Toy this Holiday Season?

During the holidays, “Hot Toy” lists are everywhere. You’ll find them on TV, radio, online, in newspapers and magazines; virtually anywhere you can imagine. But what really is a Hot Toy? Is it what TV or radio tells us it is? If we read it online or in the newspaper does that make it a Hot Toy? If a toy manufacturer tells us they have the Hot Toy for the season, is it really?

To answer these questions, we first need to realize that high priced advertising and marketing campaigns are fueling these messages. They are designed to create hype and excitement with the hopes of making their toy this year’s Hot Toy. But what about play value? What about creativity and imagination? Quality? Developmental appropriateness for your child?

We at Kaleidoscope Toys have a different definition for Hot Toy. For us, it’s the one YOUR child will be playing with long after the holiday is over. You see, we understand that a child’s job is to play. It’s how they learn. So to us, Hot Toys are toys that provide fun, open-ended, creative, rewarding play experiences. Toys that spark the imagination make kids think and well, get them involved in their play. In other words, the child does all the doing and thinking, not the toy.

So now you ask, does Kaleidoscope Toys have a Hot Toy list? Actually, we have two! Carefully put together with your child’s development in mind. You can find these two lists at www.kstoy.com. But keep in mind that even our lists are just a guideline, a place to start on your quest for that perfect toy for YOUR child. Take a look and let us know your thoughts.

As the holiday shopping season approaches, feel free to ask any of our staff members at Kaleidoscope Toys for a quick tour of what we think are Hot Toys for the holidays. Just cry out “Show us the Toy Fax!” Let us bring smiles to you & yours this holiday season.