“We don’t stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing,” said George Bernard Shaw. That was the quote on the gift bags at the Chicago Toy & Game Fair. It set the tone to remind adult attendees to get in touch with their inner child. I took my nine year old nephew with me to get expert advice on what is hot.
In addition to toys and games, the Chicago Toy & Games Fair sponsors a Young Inventor Challenge for ages 6-18, to teach “kids to become innovators and entrepreneurs.” A spin off of the Young Inventor Challenge is the new Young Tech Challenge for creators ages 8-22 who “present their tech idea to top play industry experts.”
Razor’s electric drift and drive Crazy Cart was his favorite. Ben’s Bubble Show thrilled kids of all ages. If you loved Rubik’s Cube, then you will freak at the souped up “shape shifting” X-Cube by Moving Parts. My nephew’s second favorite was Uncle Milton’s Virtual Explorer’s Antopia Adventure.
My favorites were the battery powered Slingshot and Ducati by Peg-Perego and Radio Flyer’s Mini Tesla Model S. For parents who have a budding Beethoven or Questlove, Rock and Roll It’s flexible roll up drum kit and piano have realistic sound with space saving benefits.
With all the kiddie toys, Tesla provided adults with the Model X SUV with falcon wings.Santa Baby I want Model X for me. I’ve been really good girl.
The Chicago Toy & Games Fair is the perfect pre-holiday family fun trip for all.
Also published on Huffington Post.
Ronda is an attorney, writer, and entrepreneur. She is a contributing writer for the Huffington Post. Originally from Chicago, she has lived in Los Angeles and New York. She loves to travel and is passionate about education equity, especially for first generation college students.