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7 Toys, toys and toys! Lots of variety this year +e Browsing through the toy department of any large store can be a wonderful experience for people of all ages. And with just a couple of shopping days left until Christmas, it can also be a little bewildering, especially for those who aren't quite sure what will widen thé eyes of the youngsters onChrist- mas morning. While there is a steady build-up of sales of Christ- mas toy, it seers that the final rush comes when those uncles and grandfathers suddenly realize that time is running short and they have a lot of nieces, nephews, grandsons and daughters. Mr. William Batr of Stedmans in Port Perry reports that the volume of toy sales has increased this year, and like all consumer items, shoppers appear will- ing to pay top dollar for top quality toys. What's selling in the toy department this year? Well, just about everything, from inexpensive colouring books and building blocks to elec- tric pin-ball machines and floor model air hockey games, both of which retail at around $80.00. There are even more' expensive elec- tronic video games on the market these days which have several options on them and can cost upwards to $200. The CB phenomenon has moved into the - children's market with Coleco Walkie Talkies selling very well, and the 'homebase" outfit at $40 moving almost as well. As in every year, dolls are a popular gift, and the old favourite 'Barbie who has been around for almost 20 years, still delights the young girl. Dolls with such names as "Luv and Kisses," and "Baby Come Back' are also very popular this year, but the little guy named "Tender Love" who has all the proper anatomy, doesn't seem to be selling quite as well as in recent years. Parlour games Jn puzzles are always well received gifts at Christmas. N-------------- STERLING STERLING TRUST CORPORATION INVEST NOW! 9" For 4 & 5 Years. IF INTEREST IS PAID ANNUALLY DON FORDER Insurance Agency 24 WATER STREET PORT PERRY PHONE: 985-8471 'department store. Elsie Simmons (top) of Blackstock 747 v y BATES SREY BNE 5 ' apa RES TERE ESERIES IR RAFT THEN SURE RIE BLE EEA SPN ERR SAS Nr [W 3 : Lo 5 448 Regs od i TT i 2] , FON SIX ALLIS poi wx | DOLLAR WAX 0X is ied Bric, os: - ope LAPS - .. SPEED BUGGY ~ 2 ga ty FRO CE Ks Theral SLE LRG ARE OF TB INE » N E IN 1 There is no shortage in the variety of Christmas gifts found on the shelves this time of year in any large y.-3 A PORT PERRY STAR -- Wednesday, Dec. 21, 1977 -- 13 w, ew Eh 1 0e I asd was shopping Saturday morning for a young boy. The football game 'Super Toe' is popular with the youngsters and their fathers. 'Benji," (top right) a large stuffed dog known as a "plush toy" makes a great gift, but where do you put him, in the livingroom? The Barbie Doll, held by Janet Abraham (lower centre) is probably the most popular doll ever, and has delighted young girls for almost 20 years. Kids games such as Jaws, (lower right), the Six Million Dollar Man and Star Wars reflect current fad and popular TV shows. They sell well at Christmas time. Everybody's favourite for many years, Monopoly, still remains one of the most popular. A new game "Othello" has sold very well, as has a game called "Life". Father-son type games life football "Super Toe"and basketball"Super Touch" "are getting a lot of attention. Dads seem to get a special kick out of these kinds of games. Brand-names such as Fisher-Price and Tonka are recognized for the quality of their products and sell well the whole year. The Tonka vehicles are expensive, but being made almost entirely from metal, they can take the rough treatment from the youngsters. The Fisher- Price "play-school'"' at $8.00 is a very popular toy this ear. Large stuffed toys such as the dog Mickey Mouse which range up to $50.00 in price seem to be a popular gift. Inexpensive items such as piggy banks in a variety of shapes and sizes make good stocking stuffers, and building blocks and tinker toys are always in demand. Each year toy manufac- turers push about 60 differ- ent items through heavy tele- vision and other advertising. "Benjie," and: As might be expected, the demand for most of these items is keen around Christ- mas. There are toys that will suite the interests, likes and dislikes of just about any youngster; toys that amuse, toys that educate, and toys that offer nothing more than good old-fashioned fun. Some children's items are be- coming increasingly sophisticated, to the point where they will provide amusement and enjoyment for Mom, Dad and Uncle Harry. And of course there are toys to fit every possible budget. There are still a few shopp- ing days before Christmas. Anyone with a long list who is starting to get concerned, might get a small amount of satisfaction in knowing that the manufacturers are already thinking abouit next year, and by April retailers will have placed their orders a full eight months before the Christmas rush. SEE AND BE SEEN With all the dirt, mud, slush and snow around these days, it's doubly important to make sure that your head- lights and tail-lights are cleaned off. Keep your windows and side mirrors clean at all times. You need to see and be seen, states the Ontario Safety League.