Christmas Gift Ideas for Older Kids 2009

Travel across North America!

October 2, 1900 was 28 years to the day that noted London eccentric, Phileas Fogg accepted and then won a $20,000 bet that he could travel "Around the World in 80 Days". Now at the dawn of the century it was time for a new "impossible journey." Some old friends have gathered to celebrate Fogg's impetuous and lucrative gamble and to propose a new wager of their own. The stakes: $1 million -- and the winner takes all competition. The objective: to see who can travel by rail to the most cities in North America - in just 7 days. The journey begins immediately...

It's the electronic game that's as fast as you are. Test your speed and agility in a race against time using five targets and an electronic handheld unit. To start, set up your targets on the table, around the room, around the house or throughout the yard. Then, follow the announcer's commands as you zip around your racecourse to tag your targets with the handheld unit. The fastest time wins. Features four game modes that challenge your speed, skill, memory, coordination and teamwork.

One of the most successful games of all time, Settlers of Catan is a trading and building game set in the mythical world of Catan. Players roll dice to determine which resources are generated each round and then must strategically trade those resources with other players to get what they need to build their settlements, cities, and roads. With multiple ways to gain victory points and a board that changes in every play, Settlers of Catan is a game that can be played hundreds of different ways. The base of a hugely successful franchise, with multiple engaging expansions, Settlers is the core game of many collections, and is a wonderful way to spend time with family and friends.

Indiana Jones and his father have found the treasure map that leads to the Holy Grail. But a guard is hot on their trail and the motorcycle chase is on! The gate is closing - Indy will have to crash right through it if he wants to escape. The gate moves up and down for added realism. Includes Indiana Jones with hat, whip and bag, Professor Henry Jones, and guard. Includes Indiana Jones' motorbike with a sidecar that detaches. 79 pieces.

You never rocked this hard, this easy! Strap on this amazing electric guitar that teaches you how to play with authentic electric guitar sound! Simply follow the lights and you’ll be pounding out power chords, shredding leads, and rocking right out of the box! Learn to play six different rock classics, including “Wild Thing” and “Smoke on the Water.” Connect the guitar to your MP3 player (not included) and strum along to your favorite tunes, or rock out solo and compose your own monster anthem! Styled to look like the Gibson SG electric guitar, this portable instrument also features a built-in speaker and dual-function knobs that let you add cool effects to your sound!

Ages:  6 - 10 years

Who needs needles, stitching or stuffing' Get "knotty" and easily make a quilt without any difficult techniques. It takes just a few creative hours to make a giant 36" x 48" quilt of fringed squares knotted together into a colorful pattern. Then cuddle up in your new creation. Kit comes with instructions and 48 squares (9" each) of colorful fleece in six colors.

This kit won the Parents' Choice Approved Award!

Ages 8 - 12 years

Stay plugged in with this totally stylin' portable CD player that captures all the cutting-edge cool of the girls with a passion for fashion!? Featuring everything you'd expect from a state-of-the-art portable CD player, including Built-In Stereo Speakers, 60-second anti-skip, fully programmable playback, and matching earbud headphones. Music never sounded this good!

A Pirate's Life Treasure Hunter is an electronic game of hot and cold. The top and bottom come apart, the top is a treasure map and the bottom is the treasure. Hide the bottom treasure part of the chest and follow the map to find it. The "X" flashes from blue to yellow to red as you approach the treasure.

Fun for both kids and adults, Blokus is a strategy board game that challenges spatial thinking. Bright colors and simple rules make it ideal for ages five and up, but adults will certainly be engrossed by this unique and challenging game.

Ages: 8 - 12 years

When your beauty sleep is complete, wake up to the Bratz™ Talk Back Alarm Clock! This amazing alarm clock uses voice recognition technology, so you can tell your clock to snooze instead of sleepily searching for the button! With the Fortune Teller, cool sounds and Bratzä voices, you'll always wake up with style!

BOOKS

Every child deserves his or her very own copy of Clement C. Moore's classic, 'A Visit from St. Nicholas.'

This special kid-friendly edition combines classic art with fun touch-and-feel areas, sparkly foil accents, and slightly abridged text. It's a perfect introduction to everyone's favorite Christmas poem.