Worst Kids’ Toys of 2007

Remember last year when I shared the purchasing mistakes I’d made in the past in an effort to spare you the same holiday shopping fate? 55 of you had your own horrible toy story to share, so in the name of group think, I thought we’d have another round of Anti-Gift Guide this year. Let’s all avoid the annoying toys, together.

Four Toys to Put on Your Do Not Buy List

Bratz BeBratz.com Webcam: My friend Maggie Mason posted a photo of this mini webcam on flickr with the caption “Pedophiles Rejoice!’  Just think, your preteen (or elementary school aged) daughter can be up on Myspace talking to predators in no time! Ho ho ho! (Or no no no, really.)

Squawkers McCaw: In last year’s guide I talked quite a bit about GoGo My Blind Sort Of Realistic If You Squint Walking Pup. Go Go — a robotic dog who didn’t do much but roll around in circles whining and barking every once in a while — was a pretty big disappointment. This year, Fur Real Friend is shoving Squawkers McCaw, an animatronic parrot, down our kids’ throats via advertising which makes him look like incredible amounts of fun. I predict you’ll be lucky if Squawkers McCaw is “fun” for your kids even two hours after opening him. On the bright side, at least he’s not Butterscotch the enormous horse who pretends to eat plastic vegetables. Wow how very fun!

Hasbro’s Rose Petal Cottage: This little playhouse surrounds your daughter with all the important things “Mommies” need: a stove, a washer and dryer, and a changing table (all sold separately, of course). Because nothing says Merry Christmas! like reinforcing gender stereotypes.

 

Tooth Tunes toothbrush: I bought one of these for my son because he’d had strep throat and I thought it would be a fun change after two days of miserable sickness. I’ve never seen a child so anxious to brush his teeth in my entire life! The Tooth Tunes toothbrush plays music while you brush — but only if the brush is actually touching your teeth. The music plays for two minutes, which lets kids know when they are done brushing. Perfect, right? Not really. The music distracted my son and instead of brushing, he just sat with the toothbrush in his mouth for two minutes, which the American Academy Of Dentists generally frowns on. He has also found the varying amounts of pressure he uses when brushing causes the music to be louder and then softer, which makes it hard to hear the music and also, again, very distracting in terms of getting his teeth brushed. Skip this and just set a timer for two minutes while your kids brush their teeth.

What have been your worst toy buys in the last year?

More Holiday Ideas on Alpha Mom:

• Best Holiday Hostess Gifts 
• Holiday Toys and Games for Big Kids 
• ‘Tis the Season… To Panic About Shopping for Teens