Toys. That stuff’s for kids, right? Oh – who are we kidding? Everyone loves toys!!! Even though most of our toys tend to get bigger and more expensive as we grow older, we’ll admit that around here we still have a chest full of toys that are off limits to little hands because we just can’t let go. Children of all ages get emotionally attached to their playthings and they are often the best conversation starters for both young and old.

That’s why we think it’s pretty cool that the Arizona Museum for Youth is currently showcasing an exhibit dedicated to toys. Paintings, sculptures, and other artwork combine with hands-on fun to create an environment in which parents can reminisce and children can explore toys from a new point of view. To get your kids thinking about the magic of toys, encourage them to read on old classic. Whether the toy is made of plastic, wood, paper, or metal, their magic lies in the way they facilitate play and make believe. One of the best books to push your kids’ imagination as they read about toys coming to life – literally – is The Indian in the Cupboard. One of the ten best-selling children’s books of all time, this fantasy-based chapter book has been entertaining kids for nearly 30 years. We think your kids will fall in love with this book as quickly as we did years ago. Just be prepared to find toys in your cupboards for the next few weeks.

(more…)