Classic Retro, Heirloom Kids Toys For Christmas

By: S. Dean: Although merchants and advertisers would have us believe that kid’s tech toys are king this Christmas, many parents, grandparents, and gift givers long for the simplicity of a low-tech Christmas featuring the classics that we remember from our own childhood - wagons, toy trains and transportation, simple building blocks, and high quality children‘s furniture that facilitates pretend play. Many adults want to give gifts that are made of high quality materials that will last, be loved for generations to come, and be passed down to the recipient’s own kids.

Most classic, retro and heirloom quality children’s gifts are made of wood or metal because both are high quality materials that lasts. Although more expensive than the plastic toys of today, metal and wooden toys are worth the investment because they hold their value and they don’t break, fall apart or lose parts. Here are five classic toys that might fit the bill for folks seeking out nostalgic toys this Christmas:

1.: This is the classic red wagon that most of us remember from our childhood. It’s flared edge is what stand it apart from competitors and makes it recognizable. (The design is trademarked). This item has been in production for over 30 years and is in the Parents Magazine Hall Of Fame. It retails for about $60, which is cheap considering generations to come will use it.

2. : Every child needs a classic wooden train set. Children love making the train go over the bridge and around the town while pretend-playing situations for the passengers. This set is superbly simple, but features a cross-over bridge and a figure eight design. Includes the cargo train, 2 houses and 6 people figures for about $55.



3. : You see these little kitchens in almost every preschool and nursery today, but unfortunately most are made of plastic that absorbs spills and debris and stains horrible.This kitchen is sturdy, lasting and wooden and features a stove top with a faucet and turning knobs and a removable, durable stainless steel sink. Wooden cabinet doors open and provide storage for kitchen supplies or can function as a pretend over. Retails for about $160.


4. : No matter how high tech our children become, they still love feeling the wind in their hair and the excitement of getting from here to there on a bicycle. This classic red, tricycle is the one you remember from your childhood and has the recognizable silver, steel bell as well as the stability training wheels. Retails for about $50.


: Wooden building blocks should be required in every playroom. Not only do they encourage mobility and fine motor skills, they are also wonderful for pretend play and role playing and the combinations and possibilities are endless. This block set is for use in building a medieval castle and includes 110 pieces in 21 shapes and retails for about $35.



Christmas and gift-giving occasions provide the perfect opportunity to share your childhood with the children you love. With just a little searching, you can find many suitable retro, classic toys to share with kids who live amongst ipods and game boys.