Sunday, February 04, 2007

There are Toys, and there are Toys..

I dunno about you but after reading about this yesterday it made me cringe...what are people thinking to go buy their kid one of these things? I would much rather they make creations such as the one below that my Nicholas craftily put together. He even displayed it on his Bionicle Website aswell. Way to go Nicholas :)

Then again, when I was a kid, my Grandparents used to smoke. I used to get their empty packets, put a small hole in the top of the lid. Draw some pictures on small bits of card, put them in the empty cigarette packet. Then, I would use that as my camera, pretend to take pictures of people and open the lid to take out their picture. Playing with the cigarette packets never made me want to smoke, and I don't smoke, so I guess, what I am saying, is that the poker machine may not have an affect on kids having it as a toy...or would it? What do you think? I am still not going to buy my kids one anyway.

15 comments:

Anonymous said...

My mom used to have the same logic. If she let me play with something viewed as sinful she thought I'd grow up wanting to tamper with it. I loved candy cigarettes as a child, still do, as an adult, but I don't smoke either.

Cazzie!!! said...

Hey, same thing here. I loved the candy cigarettes, used to be called, "Fags". Then, they changed the name to , "Fads"... see pic of the item on this following link...


http://cardhouse.com/a/candy/foreign/f60.htm

Keshi said...

OMG I just cant believe that!

When I was a kid, my toys were a doll, few building blocks, a bicycle and a radio so that I can listen to music n dance. In my spare time I climbed trees, watched the fish in a lil stream, chased after yellow butterflies and enjoyed watching my granma make lovely cakes. That was my childhood n look what kids these days r getting into!

Keshi.

Cazzie!!! said...

Yeah, same here Keshi, but, itis adults that are marketing these things :(

Molly said...

Since there are so many other toys and things to play with, I think that it is best to stay away from toy gambling machines. However, I must admit that I played a card game called Tripoly that used poker chips.

Anonymous said...

Hey Cazzie,
I am sorry about the repeats. Blogger was acting up and then decided to publish my comment 4 times. I only wish that the comment was more astute.

Jay said...

I'm going to have say that I don't think a toy slot machine is a good idea for kids. Just like the candy cigarettes they used to seel. The candy was bad enough for kids, but it could lead to the worst habit of all!

Cazzie!!! said...

LOL MJD, don't worry, blogger does play up sometimes. FOr a minute there before I downloaded the commments section, I thought I had grown awfully popular, hehehe.
We used to play the card game Canasta, not for money, for fun. My husband and I and our two friends. I would team up with my friend, and my husband with my friend's husband. They cheated like there was no tomorrow, LOL.

PeppyPilotGirl said...

I'm sort of disgusted and horrified all at the same time. Talk about blatently trying to get 'em hooked early!

Rebecca said...

As bad as the toy is, it is only one part of a bigger picture. While it adds to what can become a future problem, it is neither the sole cause or reason for possible future events.
I wouldn't buy one for my kids, as it doesn't fit into my criteria for toys, fun, educational, practical.
A lot of it comes down to parenting. Sure I take kids to Macca's for a treat, but I educate them about the 'food' while I am there, and also teach them how to cook good food.
The same goes with toys, you have to be a part of the activity, and not just give the toy to stay out of your hair.

Anonymous said...

I looked at that website. I had no idea they used to be called Fags...or Fads!! All I know is they sure are sugary sweet!

general_boy said...

I dunno, I think the "play to win" slogan adorning the top of the "l'il pokie" sends a very positive message. Hey... kids could do a lot worse! LOL.

Melly` said...

It is a bit disgusting isn't it? I have a dear girlfriend who is addicted to pokies. I have witnessed the dreadful aftermath and recriminations after she has put her entire wage packet BEFORE BILLS AND GROCERIES through a machine.

Thank heavens I have always found putting money into a machine incredibly boring! (Although I get a little agitated searching threw my favourite blogs when no one has posted... kinda similar huh?)

Cazzie!!! said...

Jay, I agree with ya there mate.

Peppypilotgirl, welcome, call again :)

Rebecca, exactly, not a toy to stay outta the parents hair indeedy.

Flat coke and flies, yeah, they were very sweet weren't they...wash em down with Mello Yellow, LOL..even sweeter.

General Boy, welcome to my blog matey, I see what you mean, playing to win is important in getting the little blighters to have some competitive go in ém...but, also, trying their best even if they come last is important too. How are ya mate ? :)

Melly, I fall asleep with them machines too, and I couldnt'ever spend the milk and bread money..the kids would go feral, LOL.

Middle Child said...

In the abscence of "overcomplicated toys Kids will play with a bottle of coloured buttons and role play them into families, faeries whatever if left alone long enough to do so - in the absence of too much the imagination soars - but with too little it withers - its finding that balance.