San Diego's favorite independent toy retailer has expanded, opening its ninth location this holiday season. To celebrate, local toy expert and Geppetto's owner Brian Miller has released his list of the "Top Toys for 2013." In honor of the company's ninth location, this year's list features nine different toys for kids of all ages.
Geppetto's "Top Toys For 2013" lean towards one of the hottest trends in the industry -- toys that focus on imaginative play, construction and engineering. “With the increased presence of technology in our children's lives, it is more important than ever to balance screen time with play and imagination time," said Miller. "Toy companies have really upped the ante when it comes to the quality and build of products on the market," he added.
To guarantee customer satisfaction, Miller personally hand picks each and every toy in Geppetto's stores and is always on the lookout for the most inventive and interesting products. Miller, who has owned and operated this San Diego institution since 1992, has grown the company to nine locations countywide with its newest location now open at The Headquarters at Seaport District.
Geppetto's "Top Toys For 2013" are:
Kinetic Sand ($15.99 - $44.99) -- Bring the beach indoors with this incredible play sand breathes motion! Easy-to-shape sand molds into simple designs and can be used again and again. No mess, no fuss - stays clumped and won't spread all over. Perfect for kids and parents and grandparents to play with together, increases developmental skills. (ages 3 and up)
Pogo Sticks by National Sporting Goods ($59.99 - $69.99) -- Kids of all shapes and sizes can pick the pogo stick that is right for them. The pogo sticks have a unique concealed low friction spring that enables smoother, higher and quieter bounces. Designed with high quality materials featuring comfortable foot pedals and handle bars for improved balance, these sticks offer excellent control, safety and durability. (ages 5 and up)
Demolition Lab by Smart Lab ($39.99) -- Ka-boom! With the mind-blowing Demolition Lab, kids can construct unlimited warehouse-type buildings using over 100 walls, spires, beams, panels and more. Then, they’ll try to demolish these monumental structures with strategically placed blasters -- all while getting inside the science of power, force, momentum and gravity! (ages 8 and up)
Nancy B Moon Scope by Educational Insights ($49.99) -- Magnify the night sky up to 90x and see amazing things such as mountains on the moon and Saturn’s rings! Comes with two all-glass eyepieces, lens cap, tripod with built-in red LED light, special moon filter for scoping in the dark, and 22-page journal full of awesome astronomy activities! (ages 8 and up)
Lazer Maze by Think Fun ($29.99) -- Lights and mirrors may make it feel like magic, but it’s really science and a good dose of brain power that’s needed to direct the laser beam through this series of mind challenging mazes. Get ready for a satisfying mental workout as you flex your strategic thinking muscles and ignite the light both on the grid and in your mind! (ages 8 and up)
Terzetto by Gamewright ($22.99) -- Outwit and outplace your opponent in this clever game of marble maneuvers. Take turns placing sets of three marbles onto your board according to the pattern in the shaker. Starts off easy but you’ll need a keen eye and a bit of luck to make everything fit. Fill your board before your opponent and you clearly know how to mind your marbles! (ages 8 and up)
Goldie Blox and the Spinning Machine ($32.99) -- Engineering fun geared for girls. Goldie Blox offers a much-needed female engineer role model who is smart, curious and accessible. She has the potential to get girls interested in engineering, develop their spatial skills and build self-confidence in their problem solving abilities. Designed to nurture a generation of girls who are more confident, courageous and tech-savvy, giving them a real opportunity to contribute to the progress made by engineers in our society. (ages 6 and up)
Spirograph Deluxe Set ($29.99) -- It's back! Originally created in 1965 as a drafting tool by mechanical engineer Denys Fisher, the Spirograph was an instant hit in the toy world. It's back and better than ever! Kids can make beautiful, intricate designs from the motion of gears around wheels using the art of mathematics. Without taking from the original integrity of the toy, little improvements make a big difference! (ages 8 and up)
Choon's Rainbow Loom® ($16.99) -- One of the hottest items of the year! Using a loom, kids link colorful rubber bands to make different patterned bracelets, rings and even a mini handbag. Endless projects and patterns. (ages 8 and up)
All of the “Top Toys For 2013,” along with thousands of other choices for holiday shoppers, are available at Geppetto's Headquarters at Seaport District location.