Too dangerous for a kid?

CafeMoms are already starting to talk about holiday shopping and when it comes to Big Kids that means toys. Most of the gift guides out there tell you which toys to get -- but a recent post at Momversation lists 20 dangerous toys NOT to get.

Bummer. Some of these were my all-time faves as a kid. Here are three in particular that I played with constantly. Tell me if you agree that these are really hazardous. I promise I won't tell my mom what you said.

Then click over to Momversation for the full list.

The new Rainbow Brite dolls, coming spring 2010.

In the 1980s when she was first introduced by Hallmark, the animated character Rainbow Brite had chunky little legs, wore her hair in a messy ponytail and seemed as unconcerned about her looks as most other little orphan girls who are trying to save Rainbow Land from the evil King of Shadows ... wait ...

What I should really do is save myself some trouble and just repost the Dora article I wrote a couple of months ago, inserting Rainbow Brite's name in instead.

Because I'm basically telling the same story.

Hallmark is relaunching its popular franchise with more mature, fashion-conscious Rainbow Bright fashion dolls, including Moonglow and Tickled Pink. Plus, they are wearing lipstick and blush. As you can see, these are not your typical orphans.

Mattel has launched a new line of Barbies called So In Style, designed to look more like young black girls. 

Earlier this year, Mattel received a lot of heat when it revealed its plans for an older Dora the Explorer doll—parents thought the new 12-year-old Dora was too sexy!

This week, Mattel has revealed the actual Dora Links Doll, and (judging from the above photo) it looks like possibly the toy company has taken parents concerns into consideration! Would you agree?

Photo from American Girl

I'm fascinated to hear the new American Girl doll Gwen's compelling back story that includes coming from a broken family, destitution, and homelessness. Aren't you? And what about your kids?

Or are kids more concerned with how cute the Gwen doll is?

Photo From Inchmark

Won't your kids love building these little Juice Box Boats and floating them in the pond or bathtub? Inchmark shows you how...

Have you ever built a boat with your kids?

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Photo from Wild Dill

For the third year, Stevanne Auerbach, PhD/ Dr. Toy recognizes the 40 Best Green Toys and Children’s products.

Dr. Toy picks innovative products and companies that are working to make a difference in playthings and reduce the impact of production.

Check out Dr. Toy's top five eco-friendly children's products after the jump.

I am trying to rinse the twins' conditioner out of my hair (why did I forget to buy any for myself and why, oh why did I choose organic carrot conditioner?), when my eye is caught by a photo on the bathroom shelf. It is the twins, all of eighteen months old, round eyed with awe.

I know they are staring at their "big boy" cousin at his 8th birthday party, as he gleefully pulls out a Happy Meal® toy.  The twins are literally drooling -- they want that toy, really badly.

I fiercely wish that I could rewind time, and spend say, half an hour with those two chubby, edible morsels of humanity. I would really enjoy them jumping up and down, shouting: "Uppy Downy Mommy" as they insisted on being picked up simultaneously. Just for half an hour, then I'd happily return to my two, occasionally eye-rolling, increasingly independent fourth graders.

Photo From ToysRUs.com

I posted yesterday about Mattel's Twilight Barbie and Ken Dolls due out in November, but the more I think about this, the more confused I become. Toys "R" Us says the recommended age for the Bella and Edward Cullen dolls are 6 and 7...but are 6- and 7-year-olds even interested in Twilight?