The New Toy Story

It is time to master the child lock on your TV,before your child does.

Written by Anushree Majumdar
April 10, 2010 10:01 PM IST

2 min read

It is time to master the child lock on your TV,before your child does. This precautionary measure will be of much comfort when you next visit the mall: you and your children can walk leisurely past toy stores while other parents queue up to pay small fortunes for Doras Folding Kitchen Set (Rs 5,699),a must-have that is advertised on Nickelodeon,and the Firefox bike (Rs 16,940). Or else,be prepared for expensive questions such as: My friend has Barbie Inline Skates,when will you get them for me?

Toys these days are not Hot Wheels or plump,blue-eyed dolls. Globalisation and television have collectively ensured that the term collectors item is not limited to art and books. A visit to any major toy outlet will have you craving for sculptures of Darth Vader and other sci-fi and comicbook heroes. At about Rs 7,000,these sculptures are not a cheap buy. Neither is PS3s mega-hit,Band Hero and Guitar Hero. For kids aged between 10 and 13,the simulated game comes with a wireless guitar and drum kit and a wired microphone. That will be Rs 14,999,for a complete rock band experience. If you think sport is a better option for your kids,it is,but is certainly not cheaper. Football studs are priced at Rs 12,499. Welcome to a new range of toys for kids and pray that they dont outgrow them in a hurry.