I am now a frequent visitor in toy stores. I would look for toys suitable for Gab at 3 months and look at other toys for 6 months and older.
It’s fun to window shop for toys. Makes me feel like a kid again. But the best toys that I can’t wait to buy are those for older children.
First, a disclaimer. It doesn’t mean that I will buy them eventually. I just thought that they are great. I just want to stress this one in case Gab reads this someday. 😀
1. Lego Creator Offroad Power – I love Lego. I owned only one which was given to me on my birthday. It was an ambulance. But Lego stimulates creativity that it was more than an ambulance. I make a helicopter or a motorcycle or a boat out of it. Nowadays, Lego is more elaborate and specialized. I can’t wait to give Gab his starter kit and eventually get one of the Lego Creator Series like the Offroad Power.
However, this one is recommended for 9-12 years old. I have some time to save for it then. Or I can teach Gab an alternative to Lego that I used to play with. Bottle caps, popsicle sticks, pebbles and other small stuff can create a lot of things too.
This one costs about 6,000 Php at Hobbes and Landes in BHS.
2. Lego Mindstorms NXT 2.0 – If blocks and bricks are not enough, I would like Gab to start learning robotics at an early age. I am an electronics engineer but I have very little exposure with building robots. I still want to make one from scratch. Gab will be much welcomed to lend a hand someday. We can build one together someday.
The new Mindstorm NXT 2.0 is recommended for kids ages 10 years old and above. This one is very expensive and costs about 30,000 here in the Philippines. I don’t think I can wait for ten years to buy one. I should start learning how to use it today so I will know how to teach Gab basic robotics, right?
3. Nexstart 4SE Computerized Telescope – Astronomy is another passion I wish to nurture. I love gazing at the sky at night back in the province. Quennie and I once counted 18 falling stars in one night during a Geminids. It’s an annual meteor shower near the constellation of Gemini. Since then, I have been wanting to own a telescope.
It’s really cool to see comets, meteor showers, and name a lot of constellations with the naked eye. How much more if I can look at stars and galaxies up close in a telescope.
I hope to influence Gab about the vast universe so I can justify buying this expensive hobby. This one costs about 50,000 Php in one of the stores at Greenbelt 5.
4. Sony Playstation 3 – Who wouldn’t like to have this total entertainment system? I am a gaming addict. I used to skip classes just to go to Plaza Mart or Quad Tech in Bacolod and play Nintendo Games. But this would probably the last one I would buy in this list for Gab. Or the one that will take a lot of time thinking. As much as possible, I don’t want Gab to be addicted to video games at an early age. We need to establish excellent study patterns first before we get this one.
By the time Gab is ready for these, they are already obsolete and have been upgraded. So I still think it is a good idea to by them now so I can teach Gab how to enjoy them later. 😀
Glad to have found your page. I recently ‘rekindled’ my love for Lego when I bought birthday and Christmas presents for my niece and nephew last weekend. I was actually eyeing a Ben-10 watch but ended up buying Lego (despite it being a bit pricey) as it really does stimulate creativity, it’s fun and learning all at the same time. Funny thing was, the store was offering free gift-wrapping service for the items you bought but I insisted to wrap them myself so I can first play with them when I get home, before I give them to the kids. Haha!
I’m planning to save up so I can buy Lego Mindstorms NXT 2.0. For now I might practice with the Creator Series. Thank you for the idea! 🙂
Matt
I like your idea of not wrapping it yet. I agree that Dads need to “test” the toys before giving them to the kids. Im planning to buy Lego Mindstorms too. But not until Gab turns older to handle the small parts. Enjoy the new toy.