10 Top Toys that Have Stood the Test of Time

Host Bee on Wednesday, November 23rd, 2011

10 Top Toys that Have Stood the Test of Time!

As Christmas approaches, I’ve been asking my children, now ages 11, 14 and 18, what they’d like to find under the tree this year. But, the process of shopping and wrapping is nowhere near as fun as it was when they were younger and toys ruled the day! While feeling nostalgic, I thought I would share 10 toys that have been welcomed gifts and enjoyed by my son, two daughters, friends and cousins over the many years that I have been parenting!

Parachute: one simple, colorful parachute has served many purposes at our house. From its intended use, to picnic ground cover and impromptu “fort,” this washable, multi-use item has proved itself to be a fabulous toy. (Play Parachute, on sale for $11.99; Six Foot; Twelve Foot)

Corolle Doll: my girls have had dolls that do just about everything from eating to talking and even a few less attractive activities! But the dolls by Corolle have always stood out. They have no special talents, other than to be the sweetest, most attractive dolls you will find anywhere. These dolls are sold in a variety of sizes suited to a wide array of ages and offer a lovely variety of play accessories. (A First Doll; Classic Baby Doll; A Doll For Older Girls)

Small Electronic Keyboard: if I had a dollar for every time I have heard the music of this small keyboard, I’d be rich! The fun music generated by this compact instrument has played often and sometimes loudly in our playroom and throughout the house! (Small Electronic Keyboard)

Veterinarian Play Set: this toy has been sought out time and again. I think that all children love animals and are attracted to this relatively simple toy. While my children’s set only included a puppy, this cute version includes a kitten as well! (Veterinarian Play Set)

Flying Turtle: forget scooters, wagons and rip sticks! This ride on toy has been so popular at my house that we now own two! A flying turtle is low to the ground; powered without pedaling, batteries or a motor; and fits kids up to 150 pounds! (Flying Turtle)

Apples to Apples: I often hear the din created when my children and their friends are playing this game! Played with 4 to 10 players, the game requires at least three players and one judge. Each player is given seven red apple cards with nouns and the judge has the green apple cards, which are adjectives. After the judge chooses an adjective, players must select the noun best suited, in their opinion, to the adjective. Lively conversation follows the judge’s decision as to the best noun! A junior version is also available. (Apples to Apples)

Fisher Price Loving Family Doll House: every time that I thought we were ready to pass this toy on to younger friends, interest was renewed! This dollhouse is unique in that it has a wide variety of family members that you can add and particularly special home accessories that are clever, modern and include small details. (Fisher Price Loving Family Doll House)

Find It: bright, colorful and great for one or a crowd, this toy is a container filled with small items that you search for among lots of tiny pellets. The Find It collection includes themed searches like Beach, Birds, Glitz and Glamor, Zoo and Sports – all of which can travel in cars or planes or be enjoyed at a party or in a restaurant. (Find It)

A Bucket of Super Balls: this might sound very basic, but for years, a small tin bucket filled with an assortment of super balls or bouncy balls, has been a highlight in our playroom! The kids have created games with the balls, tossing competitions and much more – and every time we clean up, more lost balls are returned to the bucket! (Definitely for the three and up crowd: Bucket of Super Balls)

Play Lemonade Stand: the version of this toy that my children had was a small stand with chalkboard front and striped fabric awning. The stand was relatively simple which allowed it to play many pretend roles! From restaurant to grocery store to snack bar, this stand did it all. Looking for a similar type today, Melissa and Doug have created a toy that can alternate between grocery store and lemonade stand, and comes along with bins and a removable chalk board sign. Just for fun, add some of Melissa and Doug’s wooden lemons and vegetables! (Lemonade Stand; Lemons; Vegetables; Fruits)

It was a lot of fun identifying these 10 toys and gathering input from my children for the final list! I know that every family has its favorites, but I hope that these suggestions might make the Top 10 in your home or give you inspiration for a great gift. What would you add to this collection of best toys? We’d love to hear!