Nephew's Birthday

So I’m searching for stuff for my nephew’s birthday (he’s turning 8 October 2). The only item I have been informed of is a wacky food thing that allows the child to make their own food treats.

In looking on Amazon for this toy, I stumbled across some really neat toys. A company called Wild Planet has created spy toys that mimic the favorite tools you see in cartoons, TV, and movies. One is a Spy Pen that can turn into a motion detector, a magnifying glass, and has a secret storage compartment. Another is a Spy Kit that includes a long-distance listening device and a telescope.

Now this is something Uncle John can get into giving to his nephew! It does two things that I always liked in toys when I was a young boy growing up: enhanced my level of play with cool extras but did not get in the way of my own imagination.

I look at so many of the toys today and I wonder where the imagination has gone. The toys do everything for you, it seems. Many of the video games and similar electronic toys do most of the work for the child. I am noticing the action figures do more and more—and require more and more “upgrades” and accessories to even work to full potential.

Some of the most fun I had as a child was taking my (copious quantities of) Hot Wheels out into the backyard, scooping sand around and using water to make roads and jumps and such, and playing with my cars. I remember using Lincoln logs, Lego blocks, and erector sets to build things of my own design. I often built my own toys out of knick-knacks around the house—I still remember when I cobbled my flashlight, a clear plastic tube, some green cellophane mom had lying around, and a large amount of duct tape into the first “lightsaber” seen on the block. And how all the other children came running out as I ran down the street swinging it. By the next weekend every kid had made something similar and we were having epic battles.

I feel strongly that children need to have tools and toys that allow them to stretch their mind, be inquisitive, and learn as they go. They should even have a slight element of danger to them, so kids can learn that metal can be sharp, not to eat the small plastic pieces, and that you really can put an eye out if you try hard enough. Some of my best lessons were learned as I sat crying on the floor as mom got out the Bactine, hydrogen peroxide, and bandages to patch me back together from yet another unsuccessful stunt.

My poor nephew probably thinks I’m a bit weird. He’s received books, educational toys, and even a Learning Frog toy from me that was probably 3-4 years ahead of his learning curve at the time. The last thing I sent was about geology from a science-oriented online site. He probably would love it more if I’d just send him gift certificates, clothes, or more simple toys.

I’ve also got a special piggy bank that is designed with multiple slots so you can decide whether to put money into savings, for a special item, for charity, etc. and it stores the money in easier and harder to open areas. He’s 8! Time to start learning fiscal responsibility and that charity begins at home, right?


Oh well, I’m okay with being the weird “educational” uncle. I sort of pity my own children if/when I have them-- but I'll sure be having fun!