Topic: Toys

Stock market mixed: Retail sales up, Barbie sales down

Stock market sees Dow rise, but S&P and Nasdaq indexes fall. Mattel shares fall on lower Barbie sales, but a better-than-expected retail sales report buoys stock market.

Turn everyday objects into toys

Lots of household items make great toys. Just make sure they are sturdy, safe to put into a child's mouth, and too large to swallow.

The games kids no longer play

Experts say the more creatively children play, the less lucrative it is for toy makers. They advocate returning to the games kids no longer play.

Christmas toys: Five ways to make sure they're safe

How are parents ensured that their children's new toys are safe?  Here are five ways to stay informed.

When to invest in quality items and when to buy cheap

In general, it's wise to invest more in products that you use every day, especially if a cheaper version will wear out quickly.

Top 15 money games, toys for kids

One of the best ways to teach kids about money is to make it fun. There are plenty of toys and games – even books – that do just that. Here are my 15 recommendations for money toys and games that entertain as well as teach something about how to handle cash, ATM cards, debt, and so on. These money games and toys are age-specific, so click through to the age of the child you plan to buy for. (Descriptions include links to examples from Amazon.com, but there are many alternatives you can find).

Kids' tablet computers? Just accessorize your iPad.

Kids' tablet computers can be created by adding a Crayola iMarker or Disney microphone to the iPad. With the right accessories for kids, tablet computers can be used by the whole family. 

Seven worst Christmas toys for kids

This year’s list of the worst toys is brought to you by plastics, those bright synthetic polymers that threaten to overtake the living rooms of middle-class parents. They can be classified into three categories: those that assault our senses, those that skank-ify our daughters, and those so bizarre they deserve a spot on late-night TV. Don’t be fooled. Many of these toys make great gifts, at least for someone else’s child, ideally someone who lives out of state. Here's my list of the Top 7 worst Christmas toys for 2011: 

Ode to my son’s piggy bank

Want your kids to learn how to save?

Year of the tiger? No, year of the hamster.

The Chinese calendar says it's the year of the tiger, but 2010 sure feels like a hamster.

Zhu Zhu Pets safe, US government says

Consumer Product Safety Commission says Zhu Zhu Pets are safe after consumer group questioned metal levels.

After Zhu Zhu Pet mishap, GoodGuide revamps standards

Singed by misleading safety test on Zhu Zhu pets, consumer group GoodGuide reworks inspection standards.

Zhu Zhu Pets unsafe? Hardly, says manufacturer, as consumer group backtracks.

While a consumer group's report suggested that Zhu Zhu Pets were unsafe, new details put that proposition in doubt.

Could a consumer group's report lead to a Zhu Zhu pet recall?

A consumer group's test says a Zhu Zhu pets recall might be in order after toxic chemicals were discovered on Mr. Squiggles.

How to find a cheap Zhu Zhu Pet

Try these tips for finding cheap Zhu Zhu Pets.

Zhu Zhu Pets: Should you buy one on Cyber Monday?

Zhu Zhu Pets on Cyber Monday are a rare find, unless you pay five times the suggested price.

Fewer dangerous toys on shelves – but safety still an issue

The Consumer Product Safety Commission has had 38 recalls for dangerous toys this year, down from 162 in 2008. But parents shopping for children this holiday season still need to be vigilant.

A new law hurts small toy stores and toymakers

New regulations banning harmful chemicals in children's items has had unintended consequences for small businesses and crafters.

Toys 'Я' (for) us grown-ups!

Sales of toys are down – except to adults, who love to collect the toys that were popular when they were younger.

Rock revival, via video games