Suggestions for a recession friendly toy list
With the economy so unsteady and people insecure in their jobs, holiday giving may be a bit downscaled this year. The editorial director of Toy Wishes magazine, a trade publication, offers her suggestions for a list of recession-friendly toys. Let me know what you think of the toys on this list or if you have other “recession-friendly” (read: low budget) toys to suggest.
Toy Wishes Magazine Recession Friendly Toys
Color A Purse, Alex, Ages 7+ $19.99
Color Wonder Glitter Paint, Crayola, Ages 3+, $9.99
Chaotic: M’arrillian Invasion Starter Deck, 4Kids Entertainment, Ages 8+, $13.99
Cranium Family Edition, Hasbro Games, Ages 8+, $19.99.
Kooky Klicker Pens, Courage International, Ages 3+, $3.99
MagNEXT Deluxe System, MEGA, Ages 6+, $19.99.
Neopets Collectibles, JAKKS Pacific, Ages 4+, $7.99
Nerf Peyton Manning Vortex Mega Howler/Hasbro, Ages 5+, $9.99
Nick Jr. No-Spill Bubble Whistle, Little Kids, Ages 3+, $3.99
Polly Pocket Sparklin’ Pets Mobile, Mattel, Ages 4+, $19.99
Road Construction Set, LEGO, Ages 4+, $19.99.
Veggie Cutting Set, ImagiPlay, Ages 3+, $19.99
Yo Gabba Gabba Muno’s Groovin’ Guitar, Spin Master, Ages 2+, $19.99
Aisha covered education and breaking news for nearly ten years before joining the Lifestyle staff where she writes a "Dirty Laundry" parenting column. She is the home and family editor and wastes too much time on Facebook and political blogs. 
I’m all for trading toys with other parents. Why continue to add to the collection (i.e. buy something new) only to eventually throw away, give away or yard sale at a later date? I realize it’s the holiday season, but I wouldn’t be opposed to trading off a few of my daughter’s perfectly good toys for a few new ones in exchange. She won’t know the difference and we can better afford to buy clothes for kids on the Wish Tree or those in foster care.
Tuck,
Depending on how old your daughter is, I’ve got lots of stuff we’re willing to trade. Send me an email: asultan@post-dispatch.com
I love the idea of a toy trade. Also, we have found things at Goodwill still new for much less. Here’s a secret, Target frequently gives things to Goodwill that don’t sell or have very damaged packaging. Remove toy from bad packaging, wrap and viola… a gift!
I’m all about less toys myself. Most toys on the market are garbage and do your kids really need another piece or plastic junk that will end up in the trash or bottom of the toy box?
Here are a couple of cool toys I found that are cheap but look super fun:
http://tiny.cc/8pdhA
http://tiny.cc/s461z