Laurie Schacht's Page

Between my kids and all the toys I’m playing with lately…I’m not sure where to start…but ok, “tis the season” let’s talk toys.

First a note….I will talk about all toys that I like. I will let you know why I like them…why your kids will like them. I don’t get paid to discuss the items I choose. I am in the toy business so I see it all. For our Toy Insider magazine, our holiday guide that we publish for the holiday season (with a site online at www.thetoyins… Continue

This holiday season, toy manufactuers kept our budgets in mind. So while there are some exciting toys with higher price tags, it has never been easier to find great toys for the season for under $30. Below is the Hot 20 list, and for the full list of hot toys for the season, go to www.thetoyinsider.com


The Toy Insider’s “Hot 20” Toys for the 2009 Holiday Season
0-2 Years
Elmo Tickle Hands – Mattel’s Fisher-Price
Mega Bloks Play ‘N Go Table – Mega Bran… Continue

While there are many trends to discuss this year, what makes the top of the trend list will be the price! The Toy Insider list that’s posted here does not have a single toy over $100….and many are under $30. As parents, we will not disappoint our kids for the holidays. There’s nothing better than the excitement when our children are ripping open their gifts. I remember when my oldest (now 19) was little….every time she opened a gift she would say “I always wanted this my whole life”, and my husb… Continue

Embracing our new world!!

As a mom of three teenage girls, I have my own internal battle with the technology that fills our kids lives. On one hand….it’s amazing!! Our connections to each other, how our kids do homework and stay in touch, the information that comes to us at an astounding speed by a few key strokes. This is what our children are growing up with! But for many, this new world leaves much to be desired. I love when my entire family eats together (rare…rarer now that my oldest is in… Continue