When you’re looking for the right toy to put under the tree, go straight to the source.
I did, spending an hour with a group of kids at Walmart, 4375 Belvedere Road, West Palm Beach, last week. The store managers set up a table of toys for them to unwrap and demonstrate, but the choices were all the children’s.
Here’s what they said, in their own words. Follow all of our Black Friday coverage this week and contribute by using #PBBlackFriday.
A clear winner from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles was Leanardo’s Electronic Stealth Sword ($18.95). It lights up as Leo’s voice directs the bearer battling evil mutants.While Nicholas Newbold, 8, wanted this gift the most, it was young Madeline Moseley, 5, who got to show it off for the cameras. She accessorized with one of the figurines, and a mask was making the rounds too.
Another popular toy was the Huffy Disney Sophia the First bike ($69). Naomi Zuniga, 2, was a little short of leg to ride it down the aisle, but it got a lot of trial runs from the girls in the group.
It includes a heart basket, bell and streamers.
The LeapFrog items got a lot of looks, including the LeapReader ($49.99) with pen device that helps children read out loud, and the Leapster GS ($69.99) which, as Nicholas Newbold, 8, put it “has games.”
Check out the video for these reviews and more.
Store co-manager Ramesh Ramcharran said Walmart will have brand experts from Fisher Price, Barbie and other toy makers at the store at various times to answer questions. But he said there is always someone who can help shoppers find the perfect toy.
“This is the one-stop shop,” Ramcharran said. “We’ve got knowledgeable associates one board to help with questions.”