This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Business & Tech

Adventures In Toys Spills the Top Gifts This Holiday Season

There is not one popular gift item this holiday season, but still plenty of great toys to choose from.

There might not be one hot toy this holiday season, but anyone heading to Birmingham's own has more than enough gifts to suit any youngster, said co-owner Debbie Val.

Judy Naser of West Bloomfield, who used to come into the store more frequently when her kids were younger, said customer service was wonderful and the staff really knows their stuff.

"I think they're wonderful, very helpful and I think they know a lot about the games and toys," Naser said.

Interested in local real estate?Subscribe to Patch's new newsletter to be the first to know about open houses, new listings and more.

Val soared through the store pointing out great gift ideas for children. She said that listing 10 hot items might not be accurate for every age bracket, but the following are top 10 items that typically sell best for ages five and up, followed by three popular items for toddlers.

  • Playmobil & Lego sets: Long-time favorites include the Playmobil and Lego sets. Currently, both product lines have a sale going, with 15 percent off Playmobil items and 10 percent off Legos. According to Amy Foret of Beverly Hills, her son is a big fan of Playmobil and when she brings him into the store, he always takes a free Playmobil magazine on his way out to thumb through later. "He could stand in front of that display for hours," Foret said.
  • Crazy Forts: This 69-piece, constructible fort makes the task of creating a bedroom fort out of pillows and blankets a little more dependable and sturdy. Complete with 44 sticks and 25 balls, kids can structure their fort in a variety of shapes and sizes. Cover the pieces with blankets or sheets and voila, your child has their own imaginary kingdom; available for $54.95.
  • Face-Off Frenzy: This portable game is a quick fix for any entertainment needs. Priced at just $9, it comes with an easy-to-build 3-foot by 4-foot frame that can be placed on any carpeted or wood floored room. Children place their pucks on the floor and combat each other in this Power Band Hockey tournament; meant for ages six and up.
  • ScienceWiz: For kids who love experimenting, here is a gift that challenges young minds. Adventures In Toys offers the kits in three different forms: Chemistry, Electricity and Energy. The Electricity kit comes with 18 activities, including how to build a circuit loop and light-up bulbs. Chemistry offers 35 activities ranging from growing crystals to making candles. Kits are available for $20.95.
  • Scientific Explorer: Make-your-own sets are quite popular in the toy store; some of the more popular ones include the Bubble Gum Factory, Ice Cream Kit and Disgusting Gags & Pranks. The Bubble Gum Factory can make over eight different flavors, the Ice Cream Kit can make ice cream with only the boxed contents and a t-shirt and Disgusting Gags presents ways to make liquid foam and other crazy pranks. Each available for $20.95.
  • Klutz products: Klutz offers an array of journals and projects for children. This season the Paper Fashions Fancy book has been popular, with girls able to trace the particular outfits they want on colorful paper and then accessorize their drawings. The book comes complete with 20 mini hangers as well and is available for $21.95.
  • Puppets: Adventures In Toys carries dozens of puppets ranging from raccoons, to giraffes, to pigs, penguins and more. Val likes the quality of the puppets, which are mostly made by Folkmanis. Puppets range in size and price, starting at $14.
  • Crafts: Val noted that crafts in general have been flying off the shelves. They're a great way to let the time pass and have a masterpiece at the end of the day, she said. Both My Friendship Bracelet Maker ($23.95) and Heart Box Sticky Mosaics ($14.95) are two of the top selling crafts. My Friendship Bracelet Maker takes the traditional way of taping down string and crafting bracelets into an easier method with this handy bracelet-making tool that clasps down on the string.
  • Morphibians: Boys are raving over these radio controlled cars by Kid Galaxy that can go on water and land. The design is waterproof; they can float and can handle a variety of terrains with their 4 x 4 drive train. Multiple Morphibians are in stock and priced at $29.95 each.
  • Bottle Cap Necklaces: These aren't ordinary bottle caps: they're smoothly filled, decorative caps that have been a hot item for girls of all ages. Decked out with flowers, glitter and sayings such as 'peace,' they are a cute accessory for any outfit. Bottle caps are $6.50 and necklaces are sold separately to hook the cap on for $6.50.

The top three age appropriate items for children three and up are:

Interested in local real estate?Subscribe to Patch's new newsletter to be the first to know about open houses, new listings and more.

  1. Thomas & Friends: This line is a success year after year for Adventures In Toys. Foret said Adventures in Toys is a great place to shop for fans of Thomas & Friends, especially considering the store's wooden train display.
  2. Calico Critters of Cloverleaf Corners: Val declared these have been selling like mad. With a different variety of critters, both family and pairs available, along with furniture sets and the big Country Tree House.
  3. Pretend Play: The Teaching Cash Register by Learning Resources is a great learning tool and toy for youngsters, according to Val. With four different interactive games, and a scale, coupons and credit cards, learning math is fun. Val cautioned not to forget the shopping cart and kitchen that brings lots more pretend play fun the child's way. Available for $57.95.
We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?

More from Birmingham