Summer Toys

Summer is finally here! I had a chance to enjoy the warm weather when I took my middle daughter and niece, who both just graduated from high school, down to Orlando for five days of fun and exhaustion. While I love roller coasters, as you get a little older you must be careful. After riding the Rip Rocket at Universal Studios, both my daughters told me how awesome it was and that they blacked out twice. Cool for a teen, not for a dad!

Summer also means blockbuster movies, and the biggest one for kids is Toy Story 3. While the movie is great, many of the kids want to bring home the movie experience and play through the world of toys. The Toy Story 3 toys are some of the best and widest variety to ever come from a movie. Here are some of my favorites.

The Deluxe Action Wing Pack from Mattel Toys allows you to “suit up” and role play being Buzz Lightyear. Also from Mattel is the Ultra Blast Gauntlet, the choice of blaster gadget for Buzz. The Imaginext Toys from Fisher Price are great for the younger children.  Barbie and Ken (he steals the show) are featured in the movie, and the Barbie and Ken Forever Dolls are also must-haves.

If you’re a fan of building toys, there are both Lego and Duplo Toy Story 3 sets, with my favorite being the Lego Western Train Set as you can play out the scene from the movie with Lego bricks. Also not to be forgotten are Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head, always lots of fun for the “tots.”

   

Maybe you’re looking for something different. Woody’s Run-Around Roundup from Wild Planet has kids up and scrambling. For those video game lovers out there, Toy Story Mania is amazing. For those who might want to spend a few extra dollars, Thinkway Toys has made some radio controlled Buzz Lightyear toys that bring Buzz to life. There are literally tons more of Toy Story 3 toys out there for every way your child wants to play.

If you haven’t seen the movie, run to a theater to catch this classic. If you’re looking for the coolest Toy Story 3 toys come visit us at Timetoplaymag.com.

Jim Silver is recognized as
one of the preeminent experts in the toy, licensing, and family
entertainment industries. As editor-in-chief of family entertainment
website www.TimeToPlayMag.com,
Silver and his team provide adults with information on what’s fun for
children and their families, including toys, games and trends.



Silver
is also editor in chief of trade publications Royaltie$: The Journal of
the Licensing Industry and Toys & Family Entertainment at aNb
Media. You can follow him on Twitter.