If you’re looking for a smaller basic swing set, the Flexible Flyer First Fun Metal Swing Set is just 103″ long by 92″ wide by 72″ high. It features a wave slide, 2 swings and glider slide. This metal swing set is exculsive to Walmart and is just $129. A great starter swing set and you won’t feel bad if you decide to upgrade by replacing it with a larger swing set in a few years.

The Flexible Flyer Triple Fun Metal Swing Set is also a great price at just $186. It features 3 swings, a see saw and slide. The Tri Copter is one of the largest Flexible Flyer swing sets with a slide, glider, 2 swings and unique tricopter ride. It’s just $268.

If you are wondering what the advantages of a metal swing set over a wooden swing set are, here’s a summary:

• Metal swing sets are generally less expensive than wooden swing sets.
• Set up time is greatly reduced. A metal swing set may take 2 – 4 hours, a wooden swing set may take 8 – 12 hours to set up.
• No splinters.
• Possibly more safe, less climbing and high fall worries.

What are the disadvantages of metal swing sets over wooden swing sets?

• They usually do not include a clubhouse. If you are looking for a clubhouse, we recommend picking up something like a Step2 playhouse for the kids.
• No picnic table, sandbox. If you want those other activities, you will need to purchase them separately.

Your swing set purchase decision will ultimately come down to a combination of what you are looking for, how much space you have in your backyard, and your budget.

Take a look at the complete line of Wooden, Plastic, and Metal Swing Sets, available from major online retailers.  Be sure to check tax and shipping charges to determine your overall cost.

Check out the Custom Muppet and other great custom toys now!

The pretend play kitchen toys are usually designed for toddlers and preschoolers. Although we may think of them as girls toys, the boys often like to play with kitchens as well. I found that my daughter used her kitchen indoors and out (we moved it around) for a few years. It was definitely a toy that was played with over and over again.  From time to time, we updated it with inexpensive new pots and pans or pretend food. Here are some of the great kids toy kitchen deals available right now:

Little Tikes Side by Side Kitchen – This is a corner design kitchen with small sink, refrig, oven and storage. With a smaller footprint and price, it is a great value. On sale now at Walmart for $49. At this price, it won’t last long.

Step2 Lifestyle Custom Kitchen – Another great plastic kitchen with lots of features. It has refrigerator, oven, stove, and lots of storage.  Walmart has the Step2 Kitchen bundled with a 101 piece play food set for just $79. Another bargain that is hard to beat.

KidKraft Large Play Kitchen. If you’re looking for a wooden toy kitchen, KidKraft has the best. The large play kitchen has a refrigerator, freezer, oven and microwave with doors that open and close.  Note the wood kitchens are made with particle board and we don’t recommend outdoor use. But if you’re planning to keep it indoors, this should be a great pretend play experience. The KidKraft Large Play Kitchen is $139.

If you have the space, there are several other larger play kitchens with more play options.  I particularly like the new Step2 Market-Fresh Kitchen which combines kitchen with cash register, scanner and shopping made bag of recycled material.

Find these great Play Kitchens and more.

Thanksgiving Day – Target has online only sales, find more info here: Black Friday Toy Deals .  This is followed by a 2 day sale on 11/27 and 11/28.

Walmart has several toys on rollback prices including the Step2 LifeStyle Custom Kitchen, several Power Wheels Ride Ons, the Step2 Fantasy Vanity, and the Leapster 2. On Friday, two new Power Wheels Jeeps go on sale for just $88. – the Fisher-Price Power Wheels Hot Wheels Jeep Ride-On and the Fisher-Price Power Wheels Barbie Jeep Ride-On.  Find a huge selection of Battery Powered Ride Ons.

Amazon has reduced the price on some popular toys including the new Bakugan 7 in 1 Maxus Dragonoid. Find these Bakugan Toys and more.

Kazoo Toys has specialty toys not often found at larger retailers. For the first time ever, they have coupon codes that are good through the holiday season. Pick up the Kazoo Toy Coupon Codes now.

DiscoveryStore will have several popular toys on sale starting on Black Friday, some up to 70% off. Check out the DiscoveryStore toy deals for Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

The Smart Cycle Extreme has been reduced in price at all major retailers. Last we checked it was available for $69.97 with free shipping and no taxes. Find the best deals on Smart Cycle and other new PreSchool Fitness Toys.

Spend time at home with family rather than in the malls, shop online for convenience and best prices. Some items will be in short supply this year as retailers try to keep down inventory and costs, so if you want, pick it up this week-end.

Happy Holidays.

Fisher Price Handy Manny’s Repair Shop – Many preschool boys love Handy Manny! The repair shop gets high reviews at Amazon!

Playskool Kota & Pals Monty Rex – A soft and snuggly dinosaur that responds to touch. He walks, roars, chomps, and plays tunes. For ages 3 and up.

LeapFrog Zippity High-Energy Learning System - Learning system from LeapFrog and Disney that combines movement with games. The Disney characters will be sure to appeal to the girls.

Fisher Price TRIO King’s Castle – Build a cool castle with easy to follow instructions for several designs.  Once built there are plenty of accessories for creative play.  Designed for ages 5 to 9.

Magic Reveal Chef’s Oven – Inexpensive play oven with pot, food, fork and spoon. Put your food in the oven and it comes out cooked. Ages 3 and up.

Mattel D-REX Interactive Dinosaur – Updated for 2009, this popular dinosaur combines robotics, sensors and reptilian like skin for a lifelike appearance and behavior. He walks, chomps and roars. You can even teach him tricks. Ages 8 and up.

There are many more Target Toy Coupons, take a look now before the sale is over!

The kids are sure to want Harry Potter toys and there are a few available now. The Harry Potter action figures are all on sale tomorrow  (July 15) to celebrate the opening of the movie. You can grab Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, Draco Malfoy, Ginny Weasley, and Professor Mad-Eye Moody.

Harry Potter costumes are in stock too and will be popular this year for Halloween. There could be shortages so buy early if you really want that robe!

Giddy Up N Go Pony

Find the complete seller list for the Goddyup Pony along with some other great ride on horses!

Find the complete line of Banzai and Little Tikes water slides!

Here are the latest deals on Banza water slides:

Banzai Wipeout Curve Water Park - newest Banzai for 2009 – price reduced from $599 to $399.99.

Banzai Falls Splash Blast Lagoon Waterslide – an older model and a little smaller – best value at $99 (originally $249).

Banzai Double Cannon Blast Waterslide - giant water slide with cannon – original $349, now available at $249.

Banzai Sidewinder Falls – the most popular water slide in 2008 – now available for $349.99 (originally $499).

Banzai Jungle Blast Water Park – a huge water slide with cannon and activities – originally $699 and now just $499.99.

Banzai Blackout Blast Waterslide – fun tunnel to slide through – originally $399, now just $249.

Little Tikes Water Slide

Little Tikes has two water slides this year:

Little Tikes Slam N Curve Water Slide – Little Tikes waterslides are know for durability – was $379.99, now just $298.

Little Tikes Rocky Mountain River Race – double waters slides – originally $640, now available for $348.

Compare water slide prices at major retailers now.

1. You can carry around up to 1500 books at once.  Great for travel.

2. It comes with free Internet access. Of course, the purpose is to make it easy for you to buy more books but it can be used to surf the web as well.

3. Books are usually a little cheaper than purchasing a hard back or paper back.

4. No waste of paper – good for the environment!

The Kindle is only available at Amazon (or ebay), check it out here and see a video preview too:

U-Dance by Tiger is a fast moving dance game that can be played alone or with friends. The manufacturer’s recommended ages is 5 – 12.  U-Dance is receiving 4 and 5 star reviews on Amazon from folks who paid $74.95 for it.  It’s now available for just $19.99 and eligible for super saver shipping.  Find U-Dance and more great gifts for pre-teens!

Last year the Dream Town Rose Petal Cottage was one of the top sellers of the season. Playskool came out with two more play houses but they just didn’t take off as well. Now you can pick up both for bargain prices. The Playskool Dream Town Sweet Lily Castle with Dress Up is a 5 foot tall castle for fun pretend play. It comes with a princess dress up set and a frog prince!  Originally priced at $199.99, the castle is now available for $65.99 and eligible for free super saver shipping. This castle is designed for ages 3 to 6.

Also on sale from Playskool, is the Cherry Blossom Market.  Just over 4 feet tall, a colorful market with walk up window. This play market was $59.99 and now is only $15. Wow, it’s a give away. You’ll probably want to pick up some of the accessories too such as the Ice Cream Set which is also $15.  Still makes for a great playset at a great price.  Find the Playskool Cherry Blossom Market and accessories.

There were lots of new robots this year, maybe just too many.  One of the cool ones is the WowWee Tribot Talking Companion.  He talks and moves and is interactive. Aimed at ages 8 and up, Tri-Bot originally sold for $99.99 but is available now for just $49.99. Find the WowWee Tribot and more great Robot toys.

Yes, it’s getting a little late for shopping but not too late. Free shipping is still available and you might as well pick up on some great toy sales now!  Why wait until after Christmas?