I am a child of the generation who sent our parents scrambling in search of the original toys that caused a shortage at Christmas time: remember the Cabbage Patch Kid? Parents would do anything, short of auctioning off the child that the doll was for, to get their hands on a Xavier Roberts creation. To this day, I remember that my doll’s name was Jobie Minna (ok, I was just learning to read and could have messed up a couple of letters in the name, but the point is that she was so special I still remember what I thought her name was).
In the years since, there have been toys that have been so popular during the holidays that even Indiana Jones would 
have an easier time on his last Crusade than parents would have to find that toy. Tickle Me Elmo, and Nintendo Wii come to mind. Even in the throws of a recession this year, parents are still experiencing problems with toy shortages.
This year, it’s the quirky Zhu Zhu Pet (right), the anime-based Bakugan, and a carry-over from last season, practically anything LEGO Star Wars. News articles are popping up everywhere to say that even in these tough times, hot toys are still going at a premium. Many stores are cutting back on over-ordering and trendy toys are becoming harder (and pricier!) to find, leaving parents looking for something to fall back on.
This is where sentimentality can step in, showing up in the form of traditions renewed, stories retold, and gifts remembered. I recently asked my Facebook friends what their favorite holiday traditions are, and I received responses like “hiking through the snow in the woods to find just the right family Christmas tree,” “watching Rudolf on tv, even if we have it on video,” and “letters to Santa – always starting with ‘Dear Santa, I’ve been a very good girl…’” There’s something magical about reviving traditions and reliving the celebrations of simpler times. Thinking back to these Christmases, I can’t remember if I got my Jobie Minna the year every kid had to have one or the year after. I do remember the hours of playtime with such a simple doll.
Parents are giving their kids many wonderful memories for the future with a more simple and reminiscent approach to gift-giving. There is a revival of favorites adored when parents were children. This year, some of the best toys given are the ones that were the best received. Just as fashion recycles it’s trends, these classic toys are finding a home in a new generation of hearts.
The classic rocking horse rides again! What parent doesn’t smile when remembering the fun of “Hi-Ho-Silver’ing!” away across the plains of the living room? These steeds are ready to ride off into the sunset starting at very reasonable prices, from as low as $32.99.
Last night, we had friends over, and with 5 hyper kids running around, we thought nothing would calm them down. Enter the classic Play Dough Modeling Clay to save the day! There were Play Dough hamburgers being made, Play Dough bugs created, and all sorts of shapes if all sorts of Play Dough colors making an appearance. Even the adults wound up with globs of the magical substance and our hands were busy squishing as we talked. These are great stocking stuffers or main gifts with prices starting under $2.
Little boys never seem to tire of anything with tires, and going round and round can never get old on a Toy Race Car Track. Imaginations really do take off as the wheels of little minds turn to come up with new crazy track layouts. Dizzying, dazzling, and delightful, simple tracks can get hearts racing starting around $6.
For little girls, dreams of having tea with dignitaries and dolls alike come to life at a table set with a Toy Tea Set. These high-class sets for little hands encourage imaginations as they teach manners. High-tea can be enjoyed starting as low as $11.99.
Every kid who grew up with a white Christmas has probably tried to ride their new bikes in the snow – decked out in full-winter garb as the wait for Spring was just too long. Mountain bikes for kids are a gift never forgotten. Prices start as low as $53.41 for memories on two wheels.
Next year, there will be new toys to take over the shelves. Kids will forget their must-have desires for the toys that they dream of tonight. These classic toys will continue to inspire the next generations and make memories for many more years to come.
Image Source: myzhuzhupetshamsters.com
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