Shopping season

Learning Express lists top holiday toys

In anticipation of the hustle and bustle of the holiday shopping season, Learning Express of Naperville is giving local parents the inside scoop on toys that will provide kids with more than just fun this year.

"The great thing about our gift suggestions is that they manage to combine fun and learning," said owner Steve Zdunek. "Whether it's a craft project that encourages creativity or a game that teaches strategy, these toys allow children to express themselves and interact with their families and peers."

The following list of top toys is categorized by age.

Gentle Giraffe on the Go by Cloud B -- Take the comforts of home on the road with this travel-sized pal. Four timer-controlled sound tracks sooth the senses and help a child feel right at home no matter where they are. Velcro straps are included for easy attachment. $24.99

Crocodile Rocker by Original Toy Co. -- Your child can climb on this low rocking crocodile for a gentle, stable ride. Smooth, safe and sturdy; kids love the motion. Suitable for indoor or outdoor use. $54.99

Wooden Cupcake Set by Melissa & Doug -- Junior bakers, tie your apron strings! Tea time is more fun with individual cupcakes to frost and decorate. Gentle magnets hold frosting onto the cakes and candles onto the tops. Decorate with icing markers, which are easily wiped away for fun again and again. $19.99

Twinkle Tiaras Sticky Mosaic Kit by the Orb Factory -- It's anything but a sticky situation when young royals sit down to create their own personal tiaras! One thousand fabulous foam pieces with foil, jewels and plenty of sparkle create a palette fit for a princess. Kit makes six different tiaras, which makes for six times the fun or a great party activity. $19.99

Dodge Tag by Diggin -- Get the kids moving with a new kind of fun. Don a mesh vest and grab three balls, then try to hit your opponent before he hits you. Balls that stick are considered a hit. A great get-up-and-go activity. $19.99

Groovy Scrapbook Kit by Alex -- This kit contains everything you need to make a groovy album, including a 48-page hardbound spiral scrapbook, stickers, frames, borders, scissors, glue sticks, fabric flowers, easy instructions and more. Available exclusively at Learning Express. $19.99

Magformers Carnival Building Set by Rainbow Products -- This colorful construction set includes powerful geometric magnets encased in jewel-toned plastic. Pieces rotate to attraction position upon contact, allowing for easy and elegant building. $54.99

Pentago Game by Mindtwister -- It's harder to create a row of five marbles than you think in this fast and fun strategy game. $19.99

Cap it Off Jewelry by Alex -- Put a cap on it with our exclusive bottle cap jewelry-making kit. You will be able to make oodles of "bling," including earrings, necklaces and bracelets from bottle caps. The kit includes bottle caps, stickers, bracelets, buttons, beads, cords and more. $16.99

The Dangerous Book for Boys Classic Chemistry Kit by Thames and Kosmos -- Here's a kit that will teach kids everything their parents never learned about basic chemistry. From atoms to elements and on through the periodic table, they'll experiment with compounds, mixtures, solutions and suspensions. $36.99

Zdunek said that by using this list as a guide, shoppers can think outside the box and explore a unique product mix at Learning Express of Naperville,

"The toys you play with as a child help shape the person you'll become," Zdunek said. "Playtime should be carefree and fun, but it's also an opportunity for development that shouldn't be missed."

Call 630-922-3334 or visit www.learningexpress.com .

-- Submitted by Learning Express of Naperville