Dad toys for little boys

Gadgets such as tablet computers are being reconfigured for a younger audience

Monday, 19, Dec 2011 05:30

Dad's toys for little boys

It can seem as if each festive season brings an array of weird and wonderful new toys designed to feed young imaginations come Christmas time. The trickle-down effect of technology sees gadgets that once wowed adults being quickly reinvented for a more youthful audience.

With iPads probably being at the top of many an optimistic adult's Christmas list this year, it was only a matter of time before the tablet was given a child friendly spin. The LeapFrog LeapPad is a tablet computer specifically designed for children and is being picked out as one of Christmas 2011's hottest gifts, according to the Toy Retailer Association (TRA). It is said to be more durable than the adult version, and can be used to read eBooks as well as play fun and educational games. Other technological marvel must-haves this year include the Kidizoom Twist digital camera, and Let's Rock Elmo - just a character on a TV screen for a previous generation, but a 'living' interactive musician for today's kids.

While the march of progress is sure to bring new delights with each Christmas morning, there are certain presents whose continuing popularity ensures some gift wrapping beneath the tree retains a comfortingly familiar shape. So, what are the toys with enduring appeal that will unite man and boy on Christmas Day?

Building links

Few things sum up Christmas Day quite like the older menfolk of the family taxing their bank holiday brains by helping out with a steady hand to oversee the building of a complicated construction. Making it into the 'dream dozen' predictions by the TRA is the Ninjago Fire Temple, made by Lego.

Celebrating its half-century in 2008, the Lego brick has been the block upon which several generations of building dreams have been founded, and many children will have spent some time painstakingly following the instructions with a parent to piece together the little bricks until an intricate design takes shape. In fact, the coloured bricks were voted the top toy of the 20th century in a poll of the UK toy sellers' association. Meanwhile, going back even further, Meccano was released way back in 1901, and has outlived many children who have played with it.

Get a grip

Another old-school favourite which is capable of holding the affections of today's digital children is the evergreen Scalextric. For a generation of children bred on the likes of Gran Turismo and Mario Kart, there could be something to be said for turning off the computer game screen and indulging the senses with that unique smell of smoke and warm rubber. Dads may be happier to hold the trigger grip in the place of a console controller, and will certainly come in handy to fiddle with those connectors and lay the vehicles back on the track after some over-enthusiastic revving.

The fun is still often based around race cars and versions of famous circuits - but a recent addition is the Velodrome Cycling Set, which sees cyclists go head to head in anticipation of the track battles to come at the 2012 London Olympics.

Seasonal games?

While recent years have suggested that sledging or ice skating may be the most appropriate outdoor pursuit at Christmas time, indoor games are a seasonal highpoint. If you have the room, then pool or snooker can be a great way to bring the generations together at the table. For something slightly more energetic, try table tennis or even Swingball - an established favourite that is bound to go down well on Christmas afternoon, provided the weather allows it.

And while you can't exactly go wrong with Monopoly or Scrabble, if you want a modern take on the idea of a board game, there is one that is possibly set to divide generational opinion: Doggie Doo. Hotly tipped for this Christmas, the game features a cheeky dachshund and a lesson for youngsters in cleaning up after their pooch - though thankfully in this case it's only play putty they have to shovel.

Getting the right Christmas gifts before they run out can be a headache for parents. One convenient way to pay could be by credit card, especially if you've got a card that offers a 0% period on purchases or rewards your spend. Outside this, it's important to remember that if you don't clear your balance by the end of the month, you will incur interest. Also, it could be a good idea to bear in mind any rewards you could collect by making your purchases on a credit card.

Issued by Sainsbury's Finance

Sainsbury's Finance is a trading name of Sainsbury's Bank plc. All information correct at time of publication, but may be subject to change. Any views or opinions expressed in this article are the responsibility of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of any part of the Sainsbury's Group of companies.

Sainsbury's Finance is a financial services provider engaged in savings accounts, credit cards, and personal loans. It also supplies insurance services in car insurance, home insurance, life insurance, pet insurance and travel insurance as well as being a provider of travel money services.