Top Toy Picks 2011: 7 – 10 Years

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Publish your own book with the IlluStory Make Your Own Story Kit!This award-winning activity kit allows future authors to write and illustrate their very own story on special book pages provided. Once the story is complete, it is sent to be published (in the pre-paid envelope included), and in a few short weeks the budding writer receives a color-copied, professionally type set hardbound book! The Make Your Own Book kit beautifully captures a child’s creativity and turns it into a keepsake that will be treasured for years to come. Recommended for ages 7 and up.

 

The first fully automatic, 20-disc, clip-fed blaster to date, the Nerf Vortex Nitron is must have for the Nerf-loving fans this year! High-tech features include an electronic scope with pulsing lights for easy targeting and an acceleration trigger on the blaster to let you power up for ultimate-distance blasting! Includes the Tactical Rail System which makes it compatible with most Vortex and N-Strike Mission Kit accessories for customizing your blaster. Recommended for ages 8 and up.

 

Electronic devices like the Nintendo 3DS, are very popular among both boys and girls in this group. Nintendo 3DS offers a new way to play – 3D without the need for special glasses. Each Nintendo 3DS system comes pre-loaded with a variety of fun games, applications and features, such as Nintendo 3DS Camera. One camera points at the user, while two additional cameras point outward. These two outer cameras take photos in 3D.  Other than the advisory to restrict 3D mode for kids under 6, there are no specific age limit recommendations on the Nintendo 3DS (games do carry suggested age recommendations).

 

The Easy Bake Ultimate Oven is a new oven from the makers of the classic you-bake-it toy. It comes with yummy mixes and pans for cooking up sweet treats and no more light bulbs needed! Easy to use, the oven features a larger cooking chamber so you can bake more than ever before! Oven comes with baking pan, cupcake pan, pan pusher, chocolate chip cookie mix, red velvet cake mix, pink frosting mix, rainbow sugar crystals package, paper cupcake wraps and instructions/recipe booklet. Recommended for ages 8 and up.

 

K’Nex building sets are perfect for older kids who are looking for a bit more of a challenge than the basic Lego building sets. Some sets, like the K’Nex Education Intro To Simple Machines – Gears  are designed to demonstrate science and technology concepts such as gear ration, gear configurations, applied force, movement and more! Recommended for ages 8 – 14 years.

 

Air Swimmers, the new remote control flying fish (available in Shark and Clownfish), swim through the air with incredibly smooth and life-like swimming motion. These amazing fish provide hours of remote control indoor fun in even the smallest of rooms. They require only four AAA batteries plus helium and have complete up, down and 360 degree turning control. Recommended for ages 8 and up.

 

On our list for the second year, the Alex Toys Friends 4 Ever Bracelet Making Kit allows girls to make personalized bracelets for all of their friends. Set includes 4 color-coded looms, floss, beads, beading needle, step-by-step instructions and a handy carrying case that’s perfect for carrying over to friends’ houses. Makes 22 bracelets. Year after year, bracelet making is popular among girls in this age group and this year is no exception. Recommended for ages 8 to 12 years.

 

The Spy Gear Spy Video Car VX-6 is a spy mobile combining top features from all of the Spy Video vehicles.  Unlike conventional remote-control cars, the VX6 allows you to see what it sees with real-time digital video displayed directly on the color LCD screen. Now kids can keep an eye on the action, no matter where it happens. Ideal for budding spies, the VX6 offers infrared night-vision technology, so kids can complete covert missions even after the sun goes down. Recommended for ages 8 – 12 years.

 

Monster High dolls like the Monster High Ghoul Spirit Action Figure Doll 3Pack  continue to show up on the hot toy lists this year! There is a complete Monster High doll line and all dolls are fully articulated so they can be posed in many different ways. In this set, the three Draculaura, Cleo de Nile and Goulia Yelps dolls come with a set of pom poms and a Skullete megaphone and they’re ready to get the high school crowd up on their feet in their fearleading uniforms. Recommended for ages 6 and up.

R/C cars and trucks are popular choices in this age range and one that has great reviews is the Cyclaws Remote Control Vehicle. This fast and furious remote-control car has wheels that transform into claws. When the wheels are closed, this RC vehicle can gun at high speeds, but when the wheels are transformed into claws they facilitate claw flips, wheelies, and spins. Kids will be fascinated by the CyClaws’ speedy reaction time and crazy stunts. Recommended for ages 6 – 12 years.

To view Top Toy Picks for other ages, see this post.