Great Gift Ideas for Children - Hot and Popular Christmas Toy for 2008

Author: Krista QQ(www.123giftfactory.com)

In this article, we will provide you with some popular Christmas toy ideas that will help you hunt for 2008 hot Christmas toys.

Every year, the markets are flooded with different kinds of toys for Christmas. So, it becomes of prime importance to keep yourself updated, so as to make sure that whatever you are buying is in line with the trend. There were times, when kids were satisfied with any toy they got, but, today, they want the latest thing. They have become choosy about the toys also with which they are going to play. In the present times, it has become the most difficult task to convince kids into using something.

Now, pls Check out the following popular and hot Christmas toys for 2008.

1. Star Wars Toys

Star Wars is an epic science fantasy saga that has been revealed to the audience in the form of six movies. It was initially created by George Lucas and made a debut in 1977, with the last film being made in 2005. The animation movie 'Star Wars: The Clone Wars' came out in 2008. There will hardly be a child who is not a Star Wars fan and would not like to receive Star Wars toys as Christmas gift, be it the video games, action figures or other toys.

2. Doll with a Musical Potty

If your child is still an infant, who does not understand anything about video games or Playstation, then a doll with a musical potty is just the toy that you can gift him for Christmas. The crying, potty-going doll made its debut in 1991 and its latest version comes with a flashing, musical potty. The first doll to boast of 'human functions', it is expected to be one of the hottest-selling toys for Christmas 2008.

3. High School Musical Toys

'High School Musical' is the name of a very popular American television series that was released, for the first time, in 2006. Its sequel - 'High School Musical 2' came out in 2007, while 2008 saw the 'High School Musical 3: Senior Year' hitting the screen. Today, High School Musical toys rank amongst the most popular toys for Christmas. Right from the dolls based on 'High School Musical' to the video game series, you will find everything in the market.

4. Sesame Street Toys

'Sesame Street' is the name of an American educational children's television series that premiered in 1969. The longest running children's program on American television, it has been shown in 120 countries till date. No wonder, the toys based on 'Sesame Street' characters retain one of the position amongst the top 10 Christmas toys for 2008. Amongst them, the most popular is Elmo Live, an all-singing, all-dancing version of the red puppet.

5. Ben 10 Toys

Ben 10 has wooed the kids of today. The hero of an American animated television series, by the name of 'Ben 10', he made his debut on Cartoon Network in December 2005 and still has children going ga-ga all over him. Omnitrix, a watch-like alien device that transforms Ben into the alien of his choice, is the most popular Ben 10 toy amongst children. Apart from that, there are Ben 10 action figures, games and cards.

6. Cupcake Maker Toys

This Christmas, introduce your child to the joy of baking. How? By giving him/her a Cupcake Maker as Christmas toy. It will serve as an educational toy, making your children learn about the basics of cooking, such as measuring and mixing. At the same time, the Cupcake Maker will let them have lots of fun, just as a toy should be, by letting them decorate their cupcakes with various types of accessories, giving their personal touch to each.

7. Nintendo DS Gaming Consoles

Another one of the popular gaming consoles by Nintendo, DS is a dual-screen handheld console. Built along a clamshell design, the console has two LCD screens on the inside. While the upper one is used as viewing screen, the lower one acts as a touch-screen. It was released in 2006, as a slimmer, brighter, and more lightweight version of the Nintendo DS. Its latest version - Nintendo DSi has been released in Japan and will be available in other countries by mid-2009.

8. Doll Toys

If the recipient of Christmas toys is your daughter, then rest assured that dolls never ever go out of fashion. Whether it is Cinderella Barbie Doll, Baby Annabell Doll or Bedtime Lullaby Fifi Doll, dolls will always be amongst the best toys for your baby every year and that includes 2008 as well. Just make sure that you buy the latest model of the doll or the one that you Little Princess has been eyeing for a long time.

9. Bakugan Battle Brawlers Toys

'Bakugan Battle Brawlers' is a Japanese anime series that debuted on TV Tokyo in April 2007, on Teletoon in July 2007 and on Cartoon Network in February 2008. It revolves around a gang of children, called Battle Brawlers, who have the power to wield creatures known as Bakugan. Go ahead, buy a Bakugan game for your kid and see him beaming with happiness on Christmas.

10. Roary the Racing Car Toys

Children and cars have a long-term association and it was further strengthened by the debut of 'Roary the Racing Car', an animated children's television show. Set around a motor racing circuit, called Silver Hatch, the series showcases the adventures of Roary, a red, single-seater racing car, and his race car friends. From Roary the Racing Car Sliver Hatch Turbo Race Set to Roary the Racing Car 10 inch Bike with Sounds, the options before you are many.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/gifts-articles/great-gift-ideas-for-children-hot-and-popular-christmas-toy-for-2008-701816.html

About the Author

I'd like to introduce and display an excellent selection of China fine art products and gifts - www.123giftfactory.com to you, also give you great suggestions about gift ideas and the latest fashion art trends in China.

These are No Simple Kids’ Toys

Author: Rich

Your dad always had the best outdoor toys and gadgets, didn’t he? From a pocket fisherman to a 100-in-1 pocket knife, your dad was always the king of ‘useless’ gadgetry. These mini-marvels that kept your mum and dad amused [mostly likely mainly your dad] have grown up and developed into devices of unparalleled sophistication, combined with the latest in technology to produce tiny wonder-machines. We bring to light a few of the best gadgets that are currently doing the rounds and ones that will make your fingers dance with delight every time you slide or fold it open. Remember, these gadgets will make the perfect gift for any grandfather looking to relive a little bit of their childhood.

 For the dad or mom who is always knocking their front or rear bumper into the garage wall, the Park-Zone is here to save them [or you] from an excursion to the dent store every month or so. This innovative piece of sensor technology uses advanced gadgetry to determine how far away your car is from the back of your parking spot or garage. Just install the tiny device on the wall and when you approach said wall, a stop-light like system will indicate how close you are until the inevitable wall-smashing. This life- and money saving device will fit any model of automobile.

Every little child has had dreams of flying and with the Walkera 4G1, you too can now be one with the sky and operate your very own micro-helicopter. The Walkera is an amazing helicopter for both beginners and veteran model aircraft enthusiasts alike. No assembly is required, so young or old, your dreams of flying can finally be realised! Everything you need is included in the box set, such as the servo [feedback control], receiver and transmitter.

Who of us have not dreamed of having their very own laser gun, after drooling for one in Star Wars or Star Trek? The time has now come and with a potent laser device from online stores such as Wicked Lasers, you can at least imagine that you are a Jedi Knight or a member of the Starship Enterprise. These are the closest one can get to a real-life; handheld laser gun and aiming these pointers at paper or wood can actually cause them burn! All this power comes at a price though and expect to pay upwards from $2000 for the best of the best.

If you are anything like me, then you delight in keeping a careful eye on your employees or for that matter, anyone who you suspect is misbehaving. With a micro-camera such as the CamBall, you now have the power of a full-sized digital camera in the palm of your hand. Miniature cameras such as these are stuffed with all the features of a regular DVR camera, except for the fact that it is no smaller then a ping-pong ball. This inconspicuous device will turn any household plant or Coke can into a super spy device! With a built-in motion-sensor and SD card for longer recordings, the CamBall should be at the top of the list of any would-be spy looking to keep their affairs in order.

Gadgets such as these can be purchased very easily thanks to the prevalence of the internet and online shopping. So hop online, and browse before you buy. Such is the power of online shopping, the true definition of convenience. It is amazing what bargains await the cautious and careful buyer.  The best toy shops will usually stock these handy devices as well.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/childhood-education-articles/these-are-no-simple-kids-toys-652295.html

About the Author

Rich wants to purchase some baby toys and came across some interesting educational toys online.

Gadgets Gizmos and Toys for Boys of All Ages

Author: Gen Wright

Where did that phrase come from? Boys toys, toys for boys etc. The time was| Time Was when you could bet your last pound that the car with wide wheels, noisy exhaust, flared arches, and an engine screaming 'change gear NOW NOW NOW! ' would be driven by a boy. These days it is as likely to be a young lady (another word where the meaning has changed dramatically).

Boys toys has come to mean anything that makes boys happy that they can buy, swap share look at play with admire show off etc. This can be anything from a gleaming red Ferrari, to something as simple as a jumping bean.

The biggest surge in boys toys is in the unusual gift area, I mean what Do you buy for the boy who has everything? How about a remote control miniature helicopter?

These tiny beasties are incredibly small, incredibly lightweight and are remote control, giving kids of all ages fun. Fly them around your office when the boss isn't looking, Better still, if YOU are the boss, fly them around when he IS looking.

How about a miniature sweety grabber, all the fun of the fair in a little plastic box. Control the levers, grab the sweeties, and bring them back to the opening where they drop and you eat them. Takes you back to when you were a child.

Another big growth area is USB powered gadgets and gizmos. These little things plug into your USB port of your computer, laptop each other, and are immediately ready to go.

Two of the most popular are the USB boxer, and the USB pole dancer. The USB boxer stands in front of that punch bag and hits it for six, or rather, you hit it for 6.

Once the USB Boxer gets going he'll punch away as you tap the left and right arrow keys jabbing the speed ball as he rotates around it. Boy does it tire your fingers out quickly! With various game modes and an automatic setting to unleash the USB Boxers full potential you can just sense how highly addictive and immensely competitive this office toy really is. The easy to use software records all your punches and sets your scores, a perfect excuse to gather all your mates together for a full blown on contest to see who really is the toughest of them all!

The other favourite is the pole dancing lady (is there such a thing?) Complete with podium and light show, she will gyrate and make you smile, a real great executive toy. Best of all, she works for free.

So if you are lost for gift ideas for the man (or boy ) in your life, or if you are looking for executive gifts with a difference, think of the new generation of boys toys, gifts, gadgets and gizmos.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/clothing-articles/gadgets-gizmos-and-toys-for-boys-of-all-ages-835119.html

About the Author

If you are struggling with gifts for men, then deviltronics can help. Deviltronics is chock full of unusual gifts ideas for the boy in your life, big small old young or just never grown up

Crazy Critters: Indestructible Dog Toy?

Author: Uncle Al

Our Four Furry Kids
We’ve got four...that’s right...four...dogs.  Three Maltese and one Australian Shepherd mix.  Three of the four are rescue dogs.  Just one of the Maltese was purchased from a breeder, and that was during a grieving period immediately after the death of another Maltese.  So, we are dog lovers, that’s for sure.  Maybe we take it to extremes,because when we travel, we have a dog sitter come in and stay at the house.  Not only do the dogs feel more comfortable, but it is actually less expensive than boarding them all.

They all have been given toys of every shape and size imaginable.  The Australian Shepherd doesn’t like any toy, furry, vinyl or rubber.  He only cares for the leather bones with the infused "meat” strips.  We’ve had the youngest Maltese for just over a year.  We rescued her from a puppy mill where she was one of the breeding females.  I guess she’s about five years old now, and we haven’t been able to interest her in any toys except for a smaller version of the leather chews that the Shepherd likes.  The next oldest Maltese doesn’t care for furry toys, but has this old raggedy, green vinyl “hamburger” (I think from Zanies) that she loves.  I’ve been all over the internet, and can’t find another so we hope that it’s good for the duration.

The Vicious Old Lady
The eldest Maltese is ten and a half years old.  The only, and I mean only, toy she would play with is a “carrot man” we found at a pet supply store.  It’s a furry, gold carrot, about six inches long with a squeaker.  Her life’s goal is to see how many of these she can destroy by tearing them apart and triumphantly pulling out the squeaker!  As I was cleaning up the stuffing from the latest carrot man carnage, I saw these Crazy Critters advertised on TV.  I usually tune out the As Seen On TV promos, but when I saw the dog tearing the stuffing out of the pillow, I became interested.

It’s Crazy Critter Time
There are two Crazy Critters; each about 24 inches long.  One is a fox and the other is a raccoon.  They are plush dog toys without the stuffing and are practically indestructible.  They lie flat on the floor so it’s easy for the dog to pick up, and have squeakers at each end.  I figured that one of these days, they’re going to quit making “carrot man”, so I’d better try and find a substitute now.  Besides, cleaning up the stuffing is a chore I can do without, and constantly replacing the carrot man is something that isn’t budgeted.

So, I parted with the $24 bucks and ordered.  When the Crazy Critters came in, we sort of snaked the fox across the floor in front of her.  At first, she just sort of cocked her head and processed the new intruder.  Then, she pounced...grabbed it...shook it...and took it to her bed for the ritual gutting.  However, as hard as she tried, the Crazy Critter withstood the onslaught and remained intact.  Then, she discovered the squeakers, and was in heaven.  Now, she carries it around with her as a constant buddy.  What’s neat is that the Maltese from the puppy mill has adopted the raccoon, and has a ball playing with it.  It’s nice to see your kids having fun!

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/crazy-critters-indestructible-dog-toy-1791465.html

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Wear the Coolest Costume this Halloween - Be Duke!

Author: Eric LeRiche

The G.I. Joe mania is still making fans and enthusiasts frenzy over impossible to resist collectible items that surely rocked the world. Children and adults alike, fanatics of every gender and orientation definitely revel over the popularity and inspiration of this action-packed movie that started as a comics and television series. With the myriads of action heroes included in the G.I. Joe fable, Duke is one of the most scandalous and well known. It is little wonder the contemporary G.I.

Crediting his success to his incomparable martial-arts mastery and combatant talents par excellence, Duke is an expected storyline in the series together with his childhood rival and bro Snake Eyes. This continual interest and puzzle enveloping the personality of Duke makes him an instant hit in themed parties particularly in the Halloween season.

This outfit is the perfect epitome of creativity mixed with greatest inspiration that starts in the G.I. Joe fever. There are basically many features Duke fanatics and lovers can enjoy in donning their favourite character's costumes. Whatever your decisions are, you are assured of the genuineness and providence of the outfit from head to toe.
Duke costumes version 2 packages is complete with ninja hood that slips over the head with an eye opening and cover for the nose and mouth that accentuates a realistic touch. The adjustable belt in a Velcro-front closure is a comfortable feature that makes you like the party without the trouble of wearing the costume.

Now you are 101% sure everybody cannot take their eyes off of you.

It is typically not included in the set but you may have the restraint to look for the perfectly matching white socks and shoes that culminates the getup from top to toe. There are just so many local stores and online costume shops that you can avail these amazing outfits suitable for the Halloween parties.
You can always go for Duke costumes version two that is bound to make you the middle of attention.

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Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/holidays-articles/wear-the-coolest-costume-this-halloween-be-duke-1298645.html

About the Author

That being said I really think ">GI Joe is the greatest American character that's ever been created and that's one of the many reasons I love to wear a ">GI Joe Costumeat Halloween parties or every chance I get!

Bobbleheads & Bobblehead Doll Figures - Past and Present

Author: Steve Ripsky

Bobbleheads are back in the mainstream and as popular as ever.  Although, the earliest known bobblehead  ever to be created in 1842, the modern day bobblehead appeared in the 1950’s.  Bobbleheads have existed ever since and today, they are as popular as ever.  Many Americans have dressed their desks at work with these head wobbling statues.  Usually a conversation piece emerges from the workplace when displayed.

Bobbleheads are often referred to as Head Nodders, Head Knockers, Bobbing Head Dolls, or Wobblers.  Many variations of Bobbleheads have spawned including the Bobble Breeze, Computer Sitter Bobbler, Bobble Banks, and others.  Bobble Breeze are miniature Bobbleheads that double as air freshners.  Great for the car, you can adhere the bottom of the bobblehead to your dashboard.  Computer Sitter Bobblers are miniature bobbleheads that literally sit on top of your computer monitor.

Many Major League Baseball teams and other sports teams give bobbleheads away at their games as a means of promotion.  Sponsors create these bobbleheads and most are manufactured exclusively for these events.

At present, the list of bobblehead manufacturers continues to grow year by year.  Some manufacturers incorporate sound when the bobblehead bobbles.  The entertainment world offers many themes that have been licensed for bobblehead manufacturers.  From Star Wars to The Dark Knight to The Godfather to Gremlins to Predator to Office Space.  Science Fiction, Comedy, Drama, Horror films, and musicals, bobbleheads come in all facets of entertainment.

Bobbleheads are also favorites for collectors.  Since many collectors look for rare or exclusively manufactured items, bobbleheads make for a great collecting hobby.  Most bobblehead manufacturers offer their products for a limited time.  Several production runs are made and eventually the item is retired.  Some manufacturers make exclusive variations of their items and only make these available to special retailers.

With over 150 years of history since its first introduction, the Bobblehead is here to stay for many generations to come.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/collecting-articles/bobbleheads-bobblehead-doll-figures-past-and-present-722190.html

About the Author

Steve Ripsky runs and maintains the Action Figure
& Bobblehead
Blog. Steve is also an associate of the popular online store ActionFigureUSA.com. His knowledge of the industry is the driving force behind the site.

The Hottest Action Figures of 2008

Author: Andrew Hawnt

It has been quite a year on the action figures front, with all manner of media tie in merchandise being made available from feature films, comics, TV shows and games. The area that has seen by far the most interest in licensed action figures this year is undoubtedly the ranges of merchandise based on video games titles. With the continued growth in the gaming industry's influence over popular culture, it stands to reason that related merchandise would be in demand, and it certainly has been.

The big two names I'm talking about here are Gears of War and Halo. While the Halo range has grown with another two sets of articulated figures this year, the makers have also branched out into statues, large format figures, headknockers, posters, calendars and various apparel fir the discerning fan. The success of the Halo range has been dwarfed slightly by the sheer demand for merchandise based on the Gears of War franchise.

With a huge sequel to the first game now doing the rounds, the demand for Gears Of War items has been steadily growing throughout the year. Thankfully NECA have created some incredible items to keep the fans at boiling point, with some of the best action figures that have been on the market in years. The Gears of war figures are a larger format to most games figures and feature a much higher level of detail as well as better accessories and packaging. The box sets have been hot sellers as well, each of the three released so far featuring four separate figures.

Other games that have featured on the action figure hooks in 2008 include Call of Duty, Final Fantasy, Street Fighter, Sonic the Hedgehog, Super Mario Brothers and more, proving that older ttiles still carry some clout with the fans.

Star Wars has been present again this year thanks to tie-in merchandise from the new Clone Wars movie and TV series. One surprising thing in this year's run of film and TV related merchandise has been the demand for the 'Classics' range of Doctor Who action figures, which surpassed all expectations and have been snapped up by fans and collectors left, right and centre.

Movie merchandise has seen something of a resurgence too, and a particularly popular item of late has been the 12 inch SAW puppet on Tricycle box set, depicting the infamous Billy doll from the horror franchise, which, of course, had its fifth instalment released in the latter part of the year. Other official horror based items have included a superb 12 inch version of Jason Voorhees and more, just going to show that the fans still want blood. Iron Man, The Incredible Hulk and The Dark Knight have all had their parts to play this year too, and some fantastic merchandise has been available.

Music fans were treated to new figures of Joey Ramone, Lemmy from Motorhead, two new Elvis Presley figures and two new Elvis headknockers. While the number of new items in the music ranges has been pretty thin on the ground, the demand is certainly there for more.

The market for licensed memorabilia from all corners of popular culture has seen a definite upturn in 2008 despite the economic troubles the world is facing, and these collectibles make perfect Christmas gifts. The merchandise industry is now even more a part of popular culture and the media it is based on that ever, even going so far as being integral to the continued life of the entertainment industry itself to a certain extent. While DVD sales are keeping cinema alive and box office takings slowly raising, the future is looking rather solid for the action figure world, and there are many, many more to be collected in 2009. The winners this year must be the video games ranges, and in particular Gears of War, which does appear to have won the battle of 2008.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/art-and-entertainment-articles/the-hottest-action-figures-of-2008-658315.html

About the Author

Andrew writes for the Starstore Blogs as well as being a renowned music journalist, pop culture expert and SF author. For the latest updates on movies, TV, comics, collectibles are more, visit The famous Starstore Blog, and for more Christmas tips and information you can visit The Best Toys and Gifts For Christmas.

Star Wars - the Ultimate Movie Gamble

Author: Niall Roche

It seems almost impossible to imagine now that Star Wars is such a big part of our culture and the history of movies that before Star Wars hit the screens in May of 1977, it was considered to be a long shot to ever get made much less become the huge success that it did. But from the moment George Lucas got the vision for Star Wars and began drafting those early scripts, it was clear this was going to be a movie that would be like nothing that was ever seen before.

George Lucas was not a new kid on the block in Hollywood when he started trying to get his majestic space trilogy, Star Wars, made. While he wasn’t the Hollywood powerhouse he is now, he had some credibility after making the delightful and successful American Graffiti. But even in that early movie making experience, Lucas was showing himself to be a visionary as American Graffiti went on the set in motion the 50s nostalgia trend, was spun off into the successful “Happy Days” TV show and launched the brilliant career of Harrison Ford.

You would think with that success, studios would have seen the genius of George Lucas and embraced Star Wars. But from the very beginning, Star Wars was a gamble. The vision was unique and untried and to studios, that meant risk. Too often innovative and bold film making is not successful at a financial level. Studios like to go with things that are going to make money for sure. That is why studio after studio turned down the chance to make Star Wars, even Universal Studios, who made American Graffiti, passed on it because they said it was a “silly idea.” You can imagine how the studio ate those words when Star Wars took the movie business by storm and netted hundreds of millions of dollars for Fox Studios because they were willing to “take a chance” on George Lucas’s incredible vision.

Star Wars created innovative story telling and movie making ideas that were untried before and so far ahead of their time that we overlook that in these days of movies that are completely computer generated. There is no question that the special effects of Star Wars had a lot to do with its massive appeal. Nobody has ever seen such realistic effects done before. If you can remember the first time you saw Episode 4, the first Star Wars to come out, that moment at the beginning when you see that huge Star Destroyer is one that literally takes your breath away. And the effects just kept on coming until the amazing battle scene at the end where the audience literally felt like they were right there in the fighter with Luke Skywalker, using the force to blow up the enemy star ship and escape as the fireball erupted all over the screen. It was a cinematic triumph.

We can all be grateful that one studio and one amazing film maker were courageous enough to make a movie that was unlike any before it. We, the movie going public, got this wonderful Star Wars series to enjoy and share with our kids for generations to come and the movie industry would never be the same because they took that chance.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/movies-articles/star-wars-the-ultimate-movie-gamble-278489.html

About the Author

Star Wars has become a part of modern culture - adored by most; hated by a few. For those who love Star Wars you can always become part of the legend by collecting some of the vast range of Star Wars memorabilia available online today. www.lightsaberguide.com

History of the Lego Company

Author: Bronnie Vaughn

Lego is the toy building set of choice for children, and the young at heart, worldwide. Lego is a company in Denmark known for its colourful plastic bricks that interlock to build everything from buildings to space ships. To accompany the building bricks, other accessories are sometimes included, such as gears, wheels, and the ever-popular minifigures with interchangeable heads, hands, legs and torso.  Everything made using Lego bricks can easily be taken apart and built again and again. Ever since they first debuted in 1940, the Lego Company has grown to become so massive that it now has several theme parks and video games to just name a couple.

With beginnings vastly different from those of other toys, Legos have always been unique. The original concept was born by Ole Kirk Christiansen, a Danish carpenter, who made houses and furniture. It can be said that those were the very inspirations for Lego bricks.

Because of the Great Depression, Christiansen was forced to create miniature products that acted as design aids. Those were the very first Lego bricks that eventually inspired him to go into toy making. He manufactured other toys first, such as wooden piggy banks and yoyos. Eventually, he named his company Lego, an amalgamation of the Danish words leg and godt that meant ‘play well’. When plastic became widely used, He was inspired by the company Kiddicraft to make his own interlocking bricks. He then began building Legos and selling his new products, which would eventually take the world by storm.

The toys building sets have become a worldwide phenomenon. Almost everyone today, including adults, have played with Legos at least once in their lives. Lego building competitions are held annually. There are also many Lego theme parks that showcase life-sized Lego structures. A reason as to why Lego has so much appeal is that practically anything can be made from them, as shown in theme parks that have patented Lego versions of St. Paul’s Cathedral and the Chrysler building, two very big, well known structures. The very first big Lego creation was a train station, and the progress from big to giant can be clearly seen today.

In order to further boost the profitability of their product, the company has signed agreements with several popular franchises. The very first franchise to be joined was Star Wars. To this day it is Lego’s most well known and most profitable partner. Lego Star Wars has huge appeal, because fans love building their own Star Wars vehicles and re-enacting scenes using characters such as Star Wars Luke Skywalker and Star Wars Darth Vader. You are even able to include their own Jedi wars and build such famous pieces as the Star Wars destroyer space ship using Lego building bricks.

The popularity of these delightful and creative toy sets hasn’t waned in any way. Fans continue to purchase them for themselves and as enjoyable and creative gifts for the children in their life. Watch your child’s eyes light up when they see their first very own Lego building set!

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/gifts-articles/history-of-the-lego-company-644179.html

About the Author

Originally from Texas, I now live in the mountains of Arizona. I have 2 online stores, the 1st of which is http://toybuildingbricks.com and offers all Lego toy building sets, as well as, individual pieces and building bricks sold in lots. http://bikertshirtsandtanks.com is the 2nd store and stocks a complete line of Harley Davidson and other biker apparel.

Lego Star Wars Review Set 8036 Separatist Shuttle

Author: Inger Fountain

The Star Wars Lego set, Separatist Shuttle, model number 8036 recreates Nute Gunray's Shuttle as seen in The Clone Wars television series episode Mission to Rodia. In this episode Nute Gunray flew to the planet Rodia to recruit the planet's leader and Padme Amidala's old friend Onaconda Farr. Nute hoped to trap Padme as revenge for her role in the Battle Of Naboo, where, as queen, she successfully defended her planet from Separatist Shuttle.

With 259 pieces and with a recommended retail price of  $29.99 this may seem like a small set for the price but the exclusive minfigures go some way towards making up for the vehicle's small size. The five figures include two regular battle droids (both are the new arm version that allows them to hold a gun properly) and one pilot battle droid who is distinguished by having a blue torso piece rather than the regular tan. Nute Gunray appears at last in a Lego set, after a decade of absence and he is a screen accurate representation of his Clone Wars character. The color s and detail on the torso are beautiful and his Neimoidian features and ceremonial headpiece make him instantly recognizable. The final figure is another first, the Rhodian senator Onaconda Farr and again Lego have done a wonderful job with the colors and designs on this figure.

The vehicle itself is fairly small and simple. As a shuttle there are not many weapons or play features that would feature on a starfighter of similar size.  Instead there is an opening at the back which converts to a ramp for Nute to exit the vehicle and an opening cockpit for the pilot droid to sit. The legs of the ship lower and raise manually and the creepy spider-look makes for a nice effect.

Overall a small set that will appeal to fans and collectors more than casual fans, but the former will be drawn by the first appearance of a long awaited villain.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/hobbies-articles/lego-star-wars-review-set-8036-separatist-shuttle-1957126.html

About the Author

Inger loves stories and loves to write. As a librarian in a previous life she also has an insatiable thirst for general knowledge. You can see her latest website which takes a look at the best small water pump models for home, garden and other water relocation requirements. The site is located at small/">http://www.smallwaterpump.org