| After buying toys for my kids I am sometimes | | | | children interested and looking forward to something |
| overwhelmed by how short a time it takes before | | | | new. |
| the latest toy that they always wanted is discarded. | | | | MEGA BLOKS has many different add-ons for each |
| Left for dead under the bed or tossed into the | | | | new series. For example the Pyrates series has two |
| wardrobe to be forgotten about. Or sometimes, and | | | | main boats-Dread Eye's Phantom and Captain |
| these are the times I like, the imagination takes over | | | | Cutlass's Stormstalker. The other main bases for the |
| and the toy is transformed into something else or | | | | series are the Pyrates Cove and the Smuggler's Fort |
| combined with other toys. | | | | with the Pyrates Treasure Pack and Pyrates Skull |
| I have spent countless dollars on little Barbie dresses | | | | Cave and any number of figurines as add-ons. So if |
| and now Barbie is wrapped up in a handkerchief with | | | | your little boy falls in love with the Pyrates there |
| a shoelace for a belt. I don't know where this idea | | | | would seem to be a never ending supply of toys to |
| for the latest fashion came from, but then again | | | | choose from. |
| children see things differently from us. | | | | A slight variation on this theme is the classic game, |
| This same philosophy of children losing interest is | | | | Monopoly, which now has countless versions all based |
| possible behind why the toy makers are always | | | | on the original game. These are not really add-ons |
| adding to the existing models. | | | | they just make the game more appealing to a wider |
| Barbie has been going for many years and she is | | | | audience. Instead of just the property game, now |
| always being upgraded with different accessories. | | | | you can get dinosaur, cat, car and sports monopoly |
| The latest Barbie is a rather elegant model that came | | | | along with scenery and fishing and many more. |
| out as the Chinese New Year Barbie with an elegant | | | | If you are a dinosaur fan then Dinosaur Monopoly, to |
| price to match. | | | | find out if you end up extinct or not, is the game for |
| One toy set I like and my kid keeps collecting is the | | | | you. |
| Littlest Pet Shop. This has been around since the 80's | | | | Kids love new things, especially popular toys they can |
| so now the older stuff would be collector's items. | | | | show off to their friends. But we parents have to |
| There are untold pieces and many different | | | | fork out our hard earned cash. I must admit in most |
| accessories. This little playset is reasonable priced and | | | | cases I do it willingly because I like to see my kid |
| buying up the little pets won't break the bank. Every | | | | happy. Now I'm starting to check myself and before |
| time another add-on hits the market there are usually | | | | I buy I like to think my money is going to good use. |
| only two new pets in the box, but on the picture on | | | | So if I buy one in a series and the kid does not play |
| the box you see pictures of many lovely little pets. | | | | with it I do not buy anymore, despite the tantrums. |
| This is an excellent marketing strategy and should | | | | When we parents are up against modern advertising |
| guarantee future sales. But us parents are at the | | | | and exquisite packaging designs we have no chance. |
| receiving end. | | | | So the best weapon we have is to say "NO" and |
| Looking around the toyshops many different toy | | | | mean it. |
| sets do the same thing. I suppose it keeps the | | | | |