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The Top 10 Toys For This Year and What Children's Ministry Can Learn From It (Pt. 1)

The top 10 toys list for this year was recently released.  The list is based on consumer popularity and predictions from major toy merchants. As you look at this list, take a moment and think about WHY these toys are so popular.  I begin to look at WHY certain toys resonate with children after reading the book “Creating Ever-Cool…A Marketers Guide to a Child’s Heart.”  If you’ve never read this book, I would encourage you to do so.  It dives into the inner needs of children and shows how they are drawn toward toys that connect with those inner needs. There’s a lot we can learn from this as we seek to connect kids to God’s Word.  The Bible has the answer to kids inner needs.  We just have to know what they are and connect the two.  When we do, kids will respond with engagement and participation.  I have highlighted a few inner needs these toys are meeting.  Would enjoy hearing your thoughts in the comment section below.

It’s music time!  Now kids can rock out with the Sesame Street Playskool Let’s Rock Elmo.  Dressed in a concert-style tee, this plush Elmo figure takes the stage singing and making music — and preschoolers can too.  Preschoolers can choose which instrument Elmo plays and he “magically” recognizes which one he’s given.  Kids can also play along on Elmo’s instruments – they’re perfectly sized for little hands! 

Inner needs met:  creativity, expression, freedom to make choices

The LeapFrog LeapPad Explorer is the personalized learning tablet just for kids with a built-in camera and video recorder!  LeapPad offers limitless learning and endless play with 2GB of onboard memory, 1 onboard writing app, 3 included learning app downloads and an available library of 100+ cartridge games and activities with innovative creativity and reading apps! Inner needs met:  knowledge, fun, uniqueness The Vortex Nitron disc blaster is the ultimate in Vortex innovation and technology!  The Nitron blaster’s cutting-edge acceleration trigger propels a full-auto storm of discs toward targets at extreme range for an all-out assault.  In addition to being fully automatic, the Nitron is also fully customizable with the Tactical Rail System that is compatible with most Vortex and N-STRIKE Mission Kit accessories for a fully awesome battlefield experience!  Remote control enables optimum management while racing, carry out exclusive tricks which defy the law of gravity and achieve speeds that are in fact rather incredible, particularly for toys.   Inner needs met:  adventure, conquering, fulfilling your destiny, be a hero, break out of the box and be special, defender

Air Hog Hyperactives Pro R/C Vehicles are rather unique little hot rods, having the capacity to up-right on their own to increase the quantity of racing, and may be played with indoors or out. Remote control enables optimum management while racing, carry out exclusive tricks which defy the law of gravity and achieve speeds that are in fact rather incredible, particularly for toys. Inner needs met:  success, achievement, value

The Power Wheels Dune Racer 12-Volt Battery-Powered Ride-On is a wonderful gift for your child that offers hours of fun. It can seat two children easily and offers a comfortable. It has an open cockpit design which further adds to the comfort level.  The Kids ride-on car has large off road tires and enjoys a maximum speed of 5 MPH. Inner needs met:  fun, adventure, control, exploration In my next post, I will cover the remaining five and share my thoughts.