http://articles.toylandhobbyshop.com/rss.xml A blog about toylandhobbyshop.com daily 365 1901-01-01T00:00+00:00 http://articles.toylandhobbyshop.com/?a=35637 <p>by Gregg Hall </p><p>As time goes on, people's definitions of things that are &quot;old-school&quot; or &quot;classic&quot; become different. Whether talking to an elderly person about blocks, or a younger person about gigapets, some toys will always feel classic. Others, on the other hand, will surely always be considered classic. A few toys that are inherently classics are puzzles, barbies, yo-yos, and balls &amp; bats.<br /><br />Blocks used to be generic in design. You'd find them in one basic size and one basic shape. Today, however, you can find a large selection of a variety of blocks. Having a variety gives you options to expand your mind, however, even with the traditional square wooden blocks (which you can still find today), you can make many different things. The best thing about blocks? They are very durable.<br /><br />Similar to blocks, they too, were once generic. Basic size for basic designs. Now however, there is a large selection of Lego's as well.<br /><br />Puzzles are a safe-bet gift. They are helpful learning tools and stimulating to the mind. The best thing about puzzles is that there are so many different types of puzzles, which could satisfy almost anyone. There are large wooden pieces with pegs for children, simplistic 100 piece puzzles, hard 1,000 piece puzzles,3D puzzles. From Disney characters, to animals, to scenery, puzzles offer a plethora of themes. With all the different themes and difficulty levels, you can find a puzzle for about anyone.<br /><br />Barbie dolls were desired from day one. The well-marketed product planted its heart into almost every girl's heart. This, of course, gained Barbie many friends and accessories. That combined with the fact that they're easy to transport and fairly inexpensive makes them timeless.<br /><br />Yo-yos are one of the most simple toys, yet one of the best loved. Easy to afford, and challenging, yo-yos were an instant classic. You first learn to use it in a basic manner, but once you do that, you can learn to do tricks with it as well. This inexpensive toy becomes far more advanced than simply up and down. People spend hours trying to perfect yo-yo tricks.<br /><br />Children and adults alike love throwing balls around, basketball, soccer, football. Many little league teams form in childhood, where children learn teamwork and participating in sports. The baseball and bat will probably remain on the &quot;classics list&quot; for quite some time, as they are fun, social, and easy to enjoy.<br /><br />Regardless of how long a toy has been around, it is unlikely the classics will die out. If anything, they will simply advance to keep with the time, but you can never go wrong with blocks, puzzles, Barbie, yo-yos, and balls, as they will probably continue to remain classics.</p><h3 class="popup">About the Author </h3><p>Gregg Hall is an author living in Navarre Florida. Find more about this as well as Toys and Hobbies at <a href="http://www.toylandhobbyshop.com/">http://www.toylandhobbyshop.com</a></p> 2006-09-03T00:22-04:00 http://articles.toylandhobbyshop.com/?a=35636 <p>by Gregg Hall</p><p>Children love to build (it's the basic reason as to why Legos are so popular). To expend your child's creativity and imagination, try to encourage them to build models! Between all the different ways to build, it is easy to find at least one toy, which will spark interest in virtually any child. A few different types of model-building toys are erector sets, coolblox, Gears! Gears! Gears!, and K'NEX.<br /><br />Erector sets first hit the market made with mostly small metal beams with holes. These holes were on the beams with the intent for you to insert bolts, screws, nuts, and other connectors supplied with the set. With these sets, you could create gears and pulleys and other great creations. Nowadays, however, there is an even wider variety of options! For example: model trains, experimentation kits, microscopes, and chemistry sets, to name a few. Beyond that, you can get sets capable of building various models (such as a motorcycle or an ATV).<br /><br />Coolbloxs are soft, colorful, interlocking blocks. They are fun building toys for kids of all ages. Easy to pieces together, these blocks can be used to make a plethora of interesting shapes and designs. Pictures and instructions are included with the kit, but you imagination can get you just as far, if not further!<br /><br />With another type of toy, Gears! Gears! Gears!, your child can create three-dimensional fun, as the connectors can be configured in many ways. This fun toy includes interlocking bases with a variety of plastic gears. It also comes with a guide and a giant storage tub in a basic set. You may also purchase add-ons to keep the fun rolling.<br /><br />K'NEX was invented by a person who was bored at a wedding reception. Sitting at the table, an interesting and unique model was soon created from straws. This product comes with a booklet which is sectioned into difficulty levels, so that it appeals to many different age groups. It is also compatible with a variety of add-ons. For instance, you can purchase a racing set, safari set, or even a flying set! Some sets are intended for basic design others have seemingly limitless options. The K'NEX 50 Model Building set, which can create 50 different models, is an example of a set with seemingly limitless options. The models, which can be created range from creatures to moving machines! Although, of course, your imagination can make limitless creations under a good set of K'NEX.<br /><br />Models help your child expend their mind and reach endless limits of creativity. Building models teaches hand-eye coordination, and helps your child learn how to follow instructions, plan ahead, and think critically. All while having fun!</p><h3 class="popup">About the Author </h3><p>Gregg Hall is an author living in Navarre Florida. Find more about this as well as Toy and Hobby Shop at <a href="http://www.toylandhobbyshop.com/">http://www.toylandhobbyshop.com</a></p> 2006-09-03T00:19-04:00 http://articles.toylandhobbyshop.com/?a=35247 <p>by Gregg Hall</p><p>Sooner rather then later gamers like you and I will get a chance to see Xbox 360 up close and personal at retailers nationwide. <br /><br />In some surprising news Microsoft is planning to deliver Xbox 360 demo kiosks to retailers across North America as early as October 24th. <br /><br />Although the Xbox 360 console doesn't launch until November 22nd, Microsoft intends to get the console out to the public early with these demo Kiosks. Be sure to check your local retailers the week of October 24th.<br /><br />Xbox 360 demo kiosks have been reported to appear in various Wal-Mart locations across the United States. The Xbox 360 demonstration units are hooked up to an HDTV LCD monitor and include a slot to insert a memory card to download promotional data.<br /><br />Microsoft's Xbox 360 console will drop to retail chains on Nov. 22nd. The next-generation system is due for a global launch in North America, Europe, and Japan this holiday season and it is sure to be a huge hit.<br /><br />The Xbox 360 kiosk contains playable demos of several games, including Microsoft's Kameo, Activision's Call of Duty 2, and King Kong. The demonstration disc also features movies of several titles, including Project Gotham Racing 3, Need for Speed Most Wanted, and Ghost Recon.<br /><br />The buzz continues to build for Xbox 360 as retailers prep for the Thanskgiving launch. Numerous online retailers, including EBGames.com and Amazon.com, have pre-sold out of the $299 Core System and $399 premium edition.<br /><br />Brick and mortar retailers like Best Buy, Circuit City, and Target, have set up promotional posters and take-home leaflets to start the marketing blitz.<br />Microsoft is expected to produce 1.5 - 2 million units for the Xbox 360's global launch. Most units are said to be allocated for the North American market, followed by Europe and Japan.<br /><br />Microsoft has sold 22 million Xbox units across the U.S. on hits like the Halo franchise. Sony's PS2 leads the U.S. game market, while Nintendo's GameCube ranks third.</p><h3 class="popup">About the Author </h3><p>Gregg Hall is a business consultant and author for many online and offline businesses. Check out <a href="http://www.toylandhobbyshop.com/">http://www.toylandhobbyshop.com</a> for toys and hooby items.</p> 2006-07-29T22:57-04:00