We’re less than a month until Christmas, Smarties, and we’re here to help with a HUGE head start on your shopping list, thanks to the amazing staff at Toy Mania at Cotswold. Not only do the professionals at Toy Mania know the hottest trends in toys, they’ve also stocked up big for the holidays, which means you can avoid the stress of supply chain problems and delivery deadlines by shopping right here in Charlotte at Cotswold Shopping Center. Plus, we love supporting local, family-owned businesses like Toy Mania!
Here are 10 outstanding toy recommendations for kids ages 6-11. If you missed our list for younger kids, check out our Smarty Toy Guide for Ages 0-5 and Smarty Toy Guide for Tweens & Teens!
1. Electric Jellyfish Mood Light. Ages 6 and up. $99.99
This is a mesmerizing and soothing addition to any child’s room, especially if that child still has a fear of the dark. It’s also cool enough where you might want to borrow it! A “classically cool” LAVA lamp is another great option too.
2. Thames & Kosmos Gumball Machine Maker. Ages 6-12. $39.99
This is a super cool STEM toy created by a husband-and-wife scientist duo. Who knew arranging different avenues for gumballs to travel could be so fun, while also teaching kids principles in physics and engineering? It’s like the baby gumball toy all grown up.
3. Skullduggery Tracer Racer RC Blazin’ Loop Set. Ages 6 and up. $89.99.
In five years of parenting boys, I’ve figured out at least one thing: remote control cars are a winner. So how about remote-control cars that run on a 25-foot track that glows in the dark? Win- win-win!
4. Kid Galaxy Morphibians. Age 5 and up. $34.99
Yes, I realize we just recommended a remote-control car – that’s how much I believe in them – now here is a remote-control vehicle that’s amphibious, meaning it runs on land AND in water! The toy maker says it runs on dirt, grass, ponds, pools and more, which makes me want to test them out! There are three morphibians to choose from: crocodile, shark and dino.
5. Sing-along PRO Bluetooth Karaoke Microphone and Speaker. Ages 8 and up. $35.99.
This is a one-stop karaoke shop and a gift that is sure to rock your kiddo’s world. It might even be fun for mom and dad too (Shhhh!) An upgrade to the Bling Edition of the Sing-along features LED light-up speakers.
6. Let’s Glow Studio set. Ages 8 and up. $31.99.
This is an LED clip for a smart phone or tablet – plus accessories – that will take selfie-making to an entirely new level. Your child can use reflective thread, tape and stencils to “glow” once the LED light reflects back to the camera. This one will get you major cool mom points.
7. Loopdedoo Bracelet Spinning Loom. Ages 8 and up. $39.99.
This kit makes Looped creating friendship bracelets a snap! It includes a spinning loom, 30 different colors of embroidery thread, more than 65 charms and 90 beads. Hours of fun!
8. King Lizard Robot Kit. Ages 10 and up. $44.99.
From the creator of the top-selling snap circuits toy comes the King Lizard Robot Kit, which in essence teaches your child how to build an electronic toy! It’s like they’ll not only be creating a model but bring it “to life” too. This is a great gift for an age that can be hard to find toys that will keep them entertained.
9. Craft-tastic DIY Charmtopia. Ages 10 and up. $29.99.
This is a young girl’s dream set. This make-your-own jewelry set comes with four chain bracelets, one chain necklace, three hairpins and more than 380 charms, including studs to bedazzle your hair. Where was this when we were young?
10. HexBug collection. Ages 3 and up. From $5.99 up to $109.00.
All things HexBug are back in stock at Toy Mania, which is saying something for the popular toy that’s been hard to find. The micro robotic creatures that behave like real bugs offer a wide variety of fun – whether it’s starting simply with a few bugs for younger children or going all-in on a raceway or playground set for older children. Great STEMulation for kids!
The 2021 Smarty Holiday Toy Gift Guide is sponsored by our favorite local toy store, Toy Mania in Cotswold. Find everything on your child’s wish list without having to worry about supply chain issues and delivery dates! And guess what? They will wrap every gift BEAUTIFULLY and oh-so-expertly – so you don’t have to pull an all-nighter on Christmas Eve!
Cotswold Village Shops
242 S. Sharon Amity Road
704-910-2001
Hours: Monday -Saturday 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Sunday 12 p.m.- 6 p.m.
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