Timeless Toys of
Christmas
By:
Jeremy
White
There's an old adage we're all
familiar with: the more things change, the more they stay the same.
There certainly is some element of truth to that when discussing the
Christmas holiday. The season of yuletide greetings is laden with
tradition, but that hasn't kept us from celebrating in ever evolving
ways. We moved from real trees to artificial, pre-lit Christmas trees.
We stopped hanging popcorn and homemade ornaments and replaced those
with garland and collectible ornaments.
And our gift-giving becomes increasingly lavish with each passing
year. Americans dedicate more dollars to Christmas spending each time
December rolls around, and our preferences as consumers have shifted
low-technology items to high-powered gaming systems and other
electronics. Simply put, Santa's elves get busier and his bag gets
heavier.
But, alas, the adage rings true. Some things never change, regardless
of the hottest buying trends. There are some gifts that are as
relevant to today's children as they were 20, 30, even 50 years ago.
It's no small feat for a toy to transcend the test of time, but jolly
ol' Saint Nick and his ever watchful helpers keep close tabs on those
that do. So, parents of America, rejoice! If you're looking to give
your kids a little nostalgia that they'll actually enjoy, you've come
to the right place. Because we've got the scoop on the goods that
never go out of style.
Barbie Dolls - America's favorite doll has undergone massive changes
over the years and has endured plenty of backlash for setting what
some parents believe to be an unrealistic standard of beauty. But the
reality is that Barbie, love her or hate her, has weathered the storms
and is as popular today as ever before. If there's a little girl in
your home, there's a good chance Barbie would be as welcome a stocking
stuffer as anything else you can dream up.
Toy Soldiers - Another time-tested yet controversial option. Some say
toy soldiers instill a sense of pride, patriotism and bravery in
America's youth. Others fear they help foster an acceptance of
violence. But, again, love them or hate them these toys appeal to our
nation's boys. Toy soldiers have come a long way since the original
G.I. Joe. They're more life-like and their uniforms have changed to
fit the times. And their weaponry and modes of transport have become
more sophisticated. But their popularity remains inarguable, and
thousands of boys from coast to coast still enjoy commanding their
ranks.
Radio Flyer Wagons - A timeless classic. It doesn't get more simple
than this, but boys and girls from toddlers on up to eight or nine
years of age still can't resist these nostalgic gifts. Whether riding
in them while daddy pulls or pulling around their favorite stuffed
animal or puppy dog, these wagons are perennial crowd pleasers.
Bicycles - Admittedly, bicycles have evolved every bit as much as the
Barbie Doll and G.I. Joe. The colors are more extreme, the tires
smoother and the design more aerodynamic. But the feeling of freedom
and exhilaration that comes with pedaling into the wind remains as
irresistible as ever. Bicycles have been a holiday hit for decades,
and will continue to be for decades more.
Lincoln Logs - They've been around 90 years and still haven't lost
their touch. Lincoln Logs are the quintessential building toys, and
boys and girls alike still love them.
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