As Christmas approaches, I know we’re all wondering what to get for the little ones in our lives. For some ideas, here are the German BVS, Bundesverband des Spielwaren-Einzelhandels (Federal Association of Toy Retailers) top ten toys of 2009. They’re not all available outside of Germany, but most are. Have fun!
36 Cube by Thinkfun - a puzzle for ages 8 and up that challenges you to concentrate, think strategically and logically, be patient, problem solve, use your visual perception and fine motor skills.- Burg der 1000 Spiegel (Castle of 1000 Mirrors) from Kosmos - For ages 6 and up. Help the little vampire Viktor recover all of his missing items, he’s missplaced them somewhere in his huge castle. This game was also awarded the 2009 Deutscher Kinderspiele Preis, German Children’s Game of the Year.
- Disney Fairies Pixie Glitter - A tie in with the new Tinkerbell movie. Fairies for ages 3 and up.
- FurReal Friends Lulu the Cuddly Kitty - Just like a real kitty, but without the feeding, allergies and litter box. For ages 4 and up.
- Playmobil Furnished School Building - With class room, science room, art room, music room and office, and plenty of accessories. For ages 4 and up.
- Mattel Password Journal - Helps your child keep their journal entries private with voice recognition, password protection and an intruder alert. For ages 6 and up.
Hasbro Monopoly City - Monopoly gets a makeover. Instead of deeds, you get zoning permits to develop the landscape into a city. For ages 8 and up.- Lego Power Miners Thunder Driller - Power Miners are the top lego-theme of 2009. Ages 8-14.
- Wowwee’s Roborover - a cute and easy to use remote control robot buddy for ages 6 and up.
- Schleich World of Elves - Extremely detailed figures to help your child recreate their favorite elven fairy tales. Ages 3 and up.
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Thanks for posting this list. I know this isn’t on your list, but I’m hoping you can help me…. I’m new to Strasbourg, France (originally from Canada) and am trying to track down where to buy a Kokua Like-A-Bike for my 28 month old daughter… I checked the website for retailers but it’s not very helpful, and the supposed “retailer” here is actually just a clothing store and has one in their window display. I’m willing to go to Frankfurt if I can get one there…. do you have any tips on how to find retailers in Germany?
Thanks so much! Melanie
@melanie: The Kokua Germany website doesn’t list shops in Germany that carry the bike, although you can order it online through the site. But there is no place for putting in country on the order form, so I don’t think they ship outside Germany.
I would search for shops in the UK. The exchange rate is really good right now and they usually ship worldwide, or at least to continental Europe. The UK Like-A-Bike site offers worldwide shipping and asks that you email them for a quote.