Toys and Games

Ever since my brother showed my three kids all six Star Wars movies within a week (upsetting my husband, who felt they should have been forced to wait years in between like we did as children), they've harbored one career ambition: to become Jedis. So I guess it's no surprise that our family will be celebrating International Star Wars this Friday, May Fourth at a big lightsaber battle in Washington Square Park. As we fans like to say, "May the fourth be with you."

Of course, since we live in New York City, we don't need to limit our Rebel revelry to one day. NYC has more Star Wars attractions than "you can possibly imagine," as Obi-Wan Kenobi would say. Here's where you can get your Jedi on throughout the year.

If you want to make your kid's birthday a little extra special, don't just buy them a cool toy, let them make it themselves. Give the gift of creativity, self confidence and not to mention, an amazing memory this year by providing them with the special experience of building their own toy. Kids can pretend to be mad scientists by building a one-of-a-kind walking, talking robot. Or they can channel their inner Jim Henson and make their very own Muppet. Little kids can stitch up the stuffed animal friend of their dreams or visit a café where arts and crafts are on the menu. 

We continue our focus on Park Slope this month with a look at toy stores in the nabe.

Considering how many families live in the area (mine included), it's no surprise that there are lots of shops selling toys. We've rounded up our favorite places to pick up playthings, from well-known boutiques like Little Things Toy Store to unusual spots where you can find fun knickknacks.

These days, it seems like so many gifts require batteries. Even classics like a hobbyhorse need AAs so it can make galloping and neighing noises.

A few weeks ago, when my three-year-old daughter complained that her toy fire engine was no longer making the siren sound, instead of replacing the batteries I suggested she make the noise herself. She did it and loved it of course. It made me realize how much I longed to step away from all of the electronic toys with the flashing lights and sounds, and let my daughter play with kid-powered toys. Not only do they encourage her to use her imagination, they're also more eco-friendly. No leaky batteries to throw away.

Here are 10 great non-battery-powered toys for young children. All of them are good for kids 3 and up. We've included links to amazon for purchase, but you can also pick most of these up at local toy stores.

As we mentioned last week, Mommy Poppins' neighborhood of the month is the Upper West Side. We already shared our top 30 things to do on the UWS. Today we're highlighting our favorite toy stores in the area.

The UWS is so family-friendly that you can find a business selling toys on most blocks (along with a Starbucks or two). The West 80s in particular could be dubbed "Toy Store Row." Now if you ask my three-year-old, there's no such thing as a bad toy store. However, as an UWS parent who frequently finds herself searching for last-minute birthday party gifts, I certainly like some more than others. Here are eight Upper West Side toy shops that really stand out from the rest in terms of products, prices and cute offerings. One even has a Tooth Fairy Registry.