Now, the Cool Toy Pick of the Week for this week, was a favorite of mine when I was working in our Markham Store over 5 years ago. However, this is a toy I consider to be an Oldie, but a Goodie (much like, Sophie the Giraffe who has been around since 1961!).


The Marky Sparky Blast Pad Stomp Rocket ($29.95) is an absolute BLAST (no pun intended) to play with, and perfect for kids 8 & up! It comes with a telescoping missile launcher that can extend up to 3 FEET and the great thing about this telescoping tube is that it will not kink, so air flow won't be restricted. Even better, the Blast Pad comes with a carrying case that holds 6 missiles. Did I mention that the missiles have a nice, soft foam tip to avoid disaster AND are resistant to breakage?

To use this cool toy, the missile launcher must be set up in a vertical position for maximum air flow. To launch a Missile, all you have to do is STOMP on the Blast Pad which will send your missile FLYING! What I really like about this toy, is that kids can experiment with pressure on the blast pad to see which action will get the BEST launch (Ninja Kick Stomp anyone?). Then, after a launch, you can try to run and catch the missiles before they hit the ground!

The great thing about the missiles themselves are that they are BRIGHT and Colourful so they are easy to find after launching. However, if you should loose one or two, you can also get a Refill Pack with FIVE more missiles for launching (only $7.95)!!

This Blast Pad System is a perfect outdoor toy that can be played with just about anywhere! It's great to take the the park but is also great for front yard play! A definite hit at any birthday party!

--Lisa the Toy Whiz

While it's still not too late to ship toys in Canada and the US, you may be stumped by what you want to give the little one in your life. Mastermind Toys has a great category of toys that are called "Cool Toys." What could be better than a browse through this category? The great thing is that not only is there a wide variety of interests covered, there is also a range of prices. Below is a sampling of items available in the category.

Air Hogs Havoc Helis: What 8+ boy (or girl), doesn't love remote control anything? These lightweight helicopters fly by remote control, are small at 7", and best of all, meant to be flown indoors.

Automoblox Mini Wooden Cars ($11.95 Cdn): Mix and match really sturdy wooden racing cars. The wheels and roofs are interchangeable. The minis are approximately 3" in length, perfect for tiny hands. Recommended age: 3+.

Ty Girlz ($12.95 Cdn): Stylish 12" dolls that are ready to hang with your daughter! Available in a variety of different hairstyles and colours . There are extra clothes and accessories. Each girl comes with her own secret code which you can use to enter the online world of Ty Girlz. Recommended ages 7+.

Wild Planet Spy Nightscope ($19.95 Cdn): Do you have a James Bond in the making? These ultra cool 5x binoculars work during the day and at night. There is a built-in green stealth light for spying on people undetected, as well as a pop-up spotlight which can shine up to 7.5m.

Glow in the Dark Star and Planet kits ($5.95 Cdn): Turn your ceiling into a galaxy at night with the addition of glow in the dark stars and planets. Comes with adhesive and space facts on the back of the package. Age 5+.

Magic Kit ($9.95): From the popular book Dangerous Book For Boys comes a series of magic kits to impress their friends. The illusions kit uses scientific principles to create magic tricks, the magic kit contains a magic wand, a ball and vase, cups and a ball and a detailed instruction book to help the boys perfect their tricks. Ages 8+.

Hex Bug Nano ($9.95 Cdn): hexbug nanos come with a tiny internal motor that vibrates and sends them zooming across the floor. Any time they bump into something they will change directions. If they fall on their back they can right themselves. Set up a maze and watch them find their way out! Each bug comes with a secret code to unlock information available online. Ages 6+.