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June 22, 2009
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Update the kid's toy box this summer with these too-cool toys.
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Big Draw Drawing Machine
Creating enormous chalk drawings
While younger children free-form illustrate the driveway with chalk, give older kids a creative outlet with chalk too. Chalkworks Big Draw Drawing Machine allows kids 6+ to create huge chalk drawings by following a letter/number coordinate system, similar to connect the dots. The kit even includes a tape measure to teach kids precision and rudimentary math skills. Comes with 10 different pattern cards, jumbo chalk, the Big Draw mechanism and tape measure. $15.95 from www.piggyroo.com
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Fun Fly Stick
Almost like real magic!
Any child that is a fan of science or Harry Potter-like magic will enjoy the FunFlyStick. Using the principles of static electricity, kids can expand and levitate mylar shapes. The wand uses a small Van De Graaff generator that when you press the button in the wand a rubber band is moved which generates the static electricity. FunFlyStick comes with five flying mylar shapes (three spheres, one butterfly and one hourglass shape). Winner of Toy of the Year and a Platinum Award from the Oppenheimer Toy Portfolio. www.davescooltoys.com
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Plan Toys Woodpecker Walker
Enticing those first sweet steps
This adorable toy from Plan Toys entices little ones to walk; two woodpeckers create a “unique sound” when the walker is pushed tapping into emerging walkers already present curiosity and their developing understanding of cause and effect. Made of wood. www.hazelnutkids.com
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Ice Cream Maker Play and Freeze
Have a ball making ice cream!
Ice cream and summer go together like peas and carrots. Now, get your child involved in the process of making ice cream with the Ice Cream Maker Play and Freeze. Just add cream, sugar and ice and after 20 minutes of rolling the ball, a pint of creamy homemade ice cream is made! Perfect for play dates with all age children, camping and summertime fun. Ball is available in different colors and costs $29.95...www.mastermindtoys.com
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Summer Magnet Dive Gloves
Fun for underwater swimmers
Looking beyond the foam fun noodle for pool entertainment? Check out these dive gloves. The magnetic fish float to the bottom of the pool and are then attracted to the glove when your child dives down to the bottom. Each fish even has a point value, so kids can even race down for points. Comes with 2 gloves and 12 magnetic fish. Fits kids 5 years and up. www.grtoys.com

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[july 4th weekend buzz]
this year, fourth of july falls on a saturday, perfect for a day of picnics, games and fireworks. Check out what's being offered in tampa bay this year!