4. The scooter
Scooters have enjoyed a surge in popularity in recent years, tapping into every child’s need for foot-powered speed. They date back to the 1920s and the basic design really hasn’t changed much since then. Radio Flyer offers a beginner’s version with two wheels at the front for stability, and Razor’s version folds up flat for easy storage.
Radio Flyer ‘My First Scooter’
About $60 (available at select retailers across Canada), photo courtesy of Mastermind Toys
5. The jack-in-the-box
While there are many different tales of the origins of the Jack-in-the-box, the concept and design are consistent—a small box with a crank handle that, when turned, plays Pop Goes The Weasel and eventually a figure springs out. Children delight at the ‘surprise’ and the tense excitement leading up to it. Though the figure inside might change, the tune invariably stays the same.
Schylling's Peek-A-Boo Jack In The Box
$25, available at and photo courtesy of Mastermind Toys
6. Puppets and marionettes
Dating back centuries, puppets and marionettes are still in the biz of entertaining children. Puppet and Marionette maker Kelly Kirkham has a booth at Toronto’s One of A Kind Show and has seen increasing interest. “You can put a lot of personality in your puppet and can create your own character and so many scenarios,” she says. “It’s about imagination instead of boxing kids in with a set character.” You won’t find any television cartoon characters here!
Puppets, $65
Cat marionette, $140
Available at until December 7 and photo courtesy of One of A Kind Show
7. ”Paper” dolls
The flat paper dolls of years past wore paper clothes that attached with tabs and fell off with any movement. This classic toy has received a truly invaluable update—the dolls today are made of much sturdier stuff, usually wood, with a magnetic topcoat. Their clothes are magnetic, as well, staying on during active play (and preserving the dolls’ modesty!).
Melissa & Doug’s Maggie Leigh Magnetic Dress-Up
About $15 (available at select retailers across Canada), photo courtesy of Melissa and Doug
1 Comment
My husband is refurbishing an old "flyer" wagon thrown out last fall during cleanup time in our city. It only needs a coat of paint to spruce it up and he is planning on building supports for the back & sides so our 18month old grandson wont fall out. A fun way to recycle,reuse.