We have so many types of batteries in our house, it’s become a regular Radio Shack. While I mainly stock up on extras in case of power outages, they are inevitably used for the myriad of electronic toys that my two daughters can’t seem to live without. Be it a talking cat keyboard, or my older daughter’s Leapster, it seems we are forever in a state of gadget dependency. Sure, it’s nice when the girls can play unoccupied and I can get some work done, but the reality is that I’d much rather my kids’ rely on their already-active imaginations during playtime. Maybe that’s why Wikki Stix are such a win-win for our household: the girls can engage themselves in a creative project that doesn’t require me to supervise their every move. If you’re not familiar with the line, these are twistable, colorful pieces of non-toxic acrylic yarn that can be molded and shaped to fashion everything from ABCs to zoo animals. Out of the box, they remind me of wax shoelaces and are very easy to maneuver, bend and shape. Kids can make basic shapes or more complicated projects, making this one of the few toys in our house that appeals to toddlers and grade schoolers. I find it to be a great way of calming down a fidgeting preschooler and quelling a first grader’s “I don’t have anything to do” endless refrain. And from what I understand, Wikki Stix are especially helpful in the classroom and with special-needs children by developing their fine motor skills and helping them to focus. Since April marks National Autism Awareness month, Wikki Stix
make an ideal gift for a child who can create whatever he wishes, however he wishes. And that’s the sign of a true kid at play: no batteries required.
In a Nutshell: Not every toy needs lights and sounds to make it worth playing. This hands-on activity tool is destined to a favorite of teachers, parents and kids alike.
