Whether they’re pretending to bounty hunt for Jabba the Hutt, dueling Darth Maul as Ahsoka Tano, or making the Kessel Run in less than twelve parsecs, these are the best star wars toys for kids by age to help them create their own exciting legends!
Product tie-ins have long been a part of popular filmmaking, from Western hero Gene Autry promoting Red Ryder bb-guns to Shirley Temple dolls. But no film is more closely associated with its toy line than Star Wars. As anyone familiar with the creation of the movie knows, George Lucas made his fortune not off of Star Wars directly, but by withholding merchandising rights.
When the movie launched as a huge hit, kids immediately demanded a set of action figures to create their own versions of battles across the Death Star. In fact, so great was the desire for Star Wars toys that thousands of kids received for Christmas 1977 not plastic versions of Luke, Leia, and Han, but an empty cardboard box with pictures of the figures, along with the promise that the real toys would be coming soon.
When they did arrive, the toys were a smash. Not only did Star Wars figures establish Kenner as one of the premier manufacturers in the business but made action figures a fixture in toy aisles. He-Man, Transformers, My Little Pony, and G.I. Joe all have Star Wars to thank for reigniting an interest in toys.
In the years since, demand for Star Wars toys has only grown. Kids don’t want just the classic figures, which Kenner still manufactures, along with packaging reminiscent of that first late 70s run. Now, they snatch up Baby Yoda pop sockets, Clone Wars cars, and Chewbacca Play-Doh sets. Additionally, the figures have become more diverse and detailed than ever.
That’s a lot of stuff to go through. But as always, Nerdy with Children has the answers. We’ve gone through the myriad Star Wars toys to find the best for each age. So, let us help you, Nerdy Parent. We’re your only hope.
Hit the hyperdrive, and check out our articles about Star Wars books for kids that dream of far away galaxies and Star Wars bedroom decor and ideas for kids for even more Star Wars related topics!
From the release of the first movie in 1977 to the latest episode of Star Wars: The Bad Batch in 2021, every child who sees anything Star Wars comes away doing the same thing. They take a stick or a cardboard roll and wave it in the air, pretending that it’s a lightsaber.
Obviously, kids today can’t have their own laser swords, so the JOYIN LED Lightsaber is the next best thing this side of the Dagobah System. Made of durable plastic (read: won’t break when your young padawan whacks it against the furniture), these toys come in the classic Jedi colors of green and blue. With handles modeled after the weapons featured in the films, the lightsabers have motion sensors, which means that your kids won’t need to make the “wah-wah” noises every time they wave it around.
And the best part of all? JOYIN sells the lightsabers in pairs, which means that neither the light side nor the dark side will be unarmed in your house, bringing balance to the Force.
One of the most inspirational moments in Star Wars history occurred at the end of Episode VIII: The Last Jedi. After hearing tales of the Jedis’ heroic deeds, a young stableboy reaches out his hand and uses the Force to draw his broom towards him, as if it were a lightsaber. The scene captures a feeling many kids feel when they watch Star Wars movies, the desire to dress up like a hero and get into the action.
Where costume sets of yesteryear were often cheap vinyl aprons and ill-fitting masks, kids today can play dress-up with far more detailed outfits. That’s particularly true of this Rey costume, which allows children to be their favorite Jedi from Jakku. Based around a comfortable jumpsuit, the outfit includes the belts and armbands Rey wore when training under Luke Skywalker on the island of Ahch-To.
When your child becomes Rey, they bring to life one of the most important lessons Luke tries to impart upon his pupil: you’re not bound by the old stories. You can make new stories, stories that matter to you.
With over four decades behind it, Star Wars can certainly be considered a classic children’s franchise. But what’s even more classic? Hot Wheels. The toy line has been around since 1968 and has produced thousands of tiny diecast vehicles, from real-world sedans and minivans to outlandish cars like the Batmobile and the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile.
The Child car is among the oddest in the Hot Wheels collection. Although parts of it recall a VW Beetle and The Mandalorian’s Baby Yoda, it is not a direct recreation of either. Instead, the design mixes the two elements into something odd, but undeniably cute. With big eyes that double as a windshield and ears blown back like a spoiler, the Child car is built for adorable speed.
Does the car make much sense? No! But will your kid love to make up stories about Baby Yoda racing through the cosmos? Absolutely.
While the prequel trilogy failed to impress longtime Star Wars fans, Episodes I-III have become embraced by those who grew up with them. And although snobby older Star Wars fans hate to admit it, prequel boosters love those episodes for the same reasons that their predecessors loved the original trilogy. Both sets of movies offer high adventure, filled with unlikely heroes, fantastic planets, and cool robots.
One of the standout characters from the prequel trilogy, General Grievous captured the imagination of moviegoers the first time he shrugged off his cloak to reveal a spindly, spider-like robot body. Wrapped around his waist was a belt filled with the lightsabers of the Jedi he defeated, four of which he grabs when going into battle – one for each of his hands.
This General Grievous toy captures everything fans love about the character. He of course comes with all the points of articulation that one would expect, giving children plenty of options when twisting him into cool poses. But more importantly, the figure comes with four Jedi lightsabers, each of which can be put into his hands to engage in battles.
For all the advances made by the original Kenner Star Wars toys, they were involved in a disappointing part of toy history. Working under the assumption that only boys liked sci-fi and action figures, marketers and storekeepers completely ignored female fans. Fortunately, those assumptions have fallen by the wayside and toymakers are coming to understand that everyone likes nerdy stuff, no matter what their gender.
With that in mind, Hasbro created the Star Wars Forces line, a set of intricately designed action figures marketed toward girls. A nominee for the 2018 Toy of the Year awards, this Rey and BB-8 set is the standout of the line. When you squeeze the legs of this 11″ figure, she swings her included blue lightsaber, ready to take on the First Order. The set includes both an incredibly detailed and movie-accurate Rey figure, but also a lovable BB-8 figure, complete with a moving head.
With toys of such high quality, the Star Wars Forces line begins to correct mistakes of the past. Now all fans of Star Wars receive recognition, and the toys to create their own stories from a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away.
For decades now, Lego has been at the forefront of giving kids the tools to tell their own stories. Commitment to that mission has only increased since the company started acquiring licenses to hit franchises such as Marvel and DC Comics.
With its Star Wars line, Lego gives kids cool minifigs based on all the heroes of the franchise, from Luke Skywalker to Ahsoka Tano to Rey of Jakku. But more importantly, it gives them bricks to build the ships and vehicles that have always been the center of the movies.
Based on the hugely successful Clone Wars and Rebels animated series, this set lets kids build the awesome Armored Assault Tank used by the clone troopers. Custom-designed blocks capture the AAT’s sleek silver and blue design, and its two spring-loaded cannons make for more immersive play. When you add in the included minifigs of Ahsoka and her Clone Trooper, and two battle droids, then your child has everything they need to tell bricktastic adventure stories.
From the pre-production concept art of Ralph McQuarrie to the posters from the legendary Drew Struzan, Star Wars is as beloved for its imagery as it is its story and characters. George Lucas drew on his love of old adventure serials, giving every part of the movies a timeless and exciting feeling.
This striking puzzle features some of the greatest villains from the Star Wars universe, dastardly bounty hunters including Bosk, IG-88, and Jango Fett. The dynamic design displays the titular scum in all their glory, with a strong composition and a warm-colored background.
The puzzle continues the series’ history of evocative posters. And with 1000 pieces, kids will have plenty of time to examine every detail of this exquisite piece of art.
For years, toys were created to be disposable entertainment objects for young children. Cheaply made and lacking detail, they were designed to be ripped out of a package, thrown around for a while, and then abandoned in a sandbox. But today, toymakers make products for teens and even adults. Closer to models and even statues, these toys aren’t intended to be played with. Rather, these detailed, movie-perfect recreations are intended to be displayed and admired.
For Star Wars fans, the Black Series from Hasbro is the epitome of high-quality collectible toys. This figure throws back to one of the original fan-favorite characters, the bounty hunter Boba Fett, as he appeared in The Empire Strikes Back. The figure’s many points of articulation allow it to be posed in hundreds of ways, all the better to show off its exquisite details. With a metallic paint job, accentuated with detailed carbon-scoring, a cloth cape, and an array of weaponry, the figure has everything a collector expects.
Like the other entry in the Black Series line, the Boba Fett figure looks like it walked right off the screen.
The post Best Star Wars Toys for Kids by Age appeared first on Nerdy With Children.
Whether they’re pretending to bounty hunt for Jabba the Hutt, dueling Darth Maul as Ahsoka Tano, or making the Kessel Run in less than twelve parsecs, these are the best star wars toys for kids by age to help them create their own exciting legends!
Product tie-ins have long been a part of popular filmmaking, from Western hero Gene Autry promoting Red Ryder bb-guns to Shirley Temple dolls. But no film is more closely associated with its toy line than Star Wars. As anyone familiar with the creation of the movie knows, George Lucas made his fortune not off of Star Wars directly, but by withholding merchandising rights.
When the movie launched as a huge hit, kids immediately demanded a set of action figures to create their own versions of battles across the Death Star. In fact, so great was the desire for Star Wars toys that thousands of kids received for Christmas 1977 not plastic versions of Luke, Leia, and Han, but an empty cardboard box with pictures of the figures, along with the promise that the real toys would be coming soon.
When they did arrive, the toys were a smash. Not only did Star Wars figures establish Kenner as one of the premier manufacturers in the business but made action figures a fixture in toy aisles. He-Man, Transformers, My Little Pony, and G.I. Joe all have Star Wars to thank for reigniting an interest in toys.
In the years since, demand for Star Wars toys has only grown. Kids don’t want just the classic figures, which Kenner still manufactures, along with packaging reminiscent of that first late 70s run. Now, they snatch up Baby Yoda pop sockets, Clone Wars cars, and Chewbacca Play-Doh sets. Additionally, the figures have become more diverse and detailed than ever.
That’s a lot of stuff to go through. But as always, Nerdy with Children has the answers. We’ve gone through the myriad Star Wars toys to find the best for each age. So, let us help you, Nerdy Parent. We’re your only hope.
Hit the hyperdrive, and check out our articles about Star Wars books for kids that dream of far away galaxies and Star Wars bedroom decor and ideas for kids for even more Star Wars related topics!
From the release of the first movie in 1977 to the latest episode of Star Wars: The Bad Batch in 2021, every child who sees anything Star Wars comes away doing the same thing. They take a stick or a cardboard roll and wave it in the air, pretending that it’s a lightsaber.
Obviously, kids today can’t have their own laser swords, so the JOYIN LED Lightsaber is the next best thing this side of the Dagobah System. Made of durable plastic (read: won’t break when your young padawan whacks it against the furniture), these toys come in the classic Jedi colors of green and blue. With handles modeled after the weapons featured in the films, the lightsabers have motion sensors, which means that your kids won’t need to make the “wah-wah” noises every time they wave it around.
And the best part of all? JOYIN sells the lightsabers in pairs, which means that neither the light side nor the dark side will be unarmed in your house, bringing balance to the Force.
One of the most inspirational moments in Star Wars history occurred at the end of Episode VIII: The Last Jedi. After hearing tales of the Jedis’ heroic deeds, a young stableboy reaches out his hand and uses the Force to draw his broom towards him, as if it were a lightsaber. The scene captures a feeling many kids feel when they watch Star Wars movies, the desire to dress up like a hero and get into the action.
Where costume sets of yesteryear were often cheap vinyl aprons and ill-fitting masks, kids today can play dress-up with far more detailed outfits. That’s particularly true of this Rey costume, which allows children to be their favorite Jedi from Jakku. Based around a comfortable jumpsuit, the outfit includes the belts and armbands Rey wore when training under Luke Skywalker on the island of Ahch-To.
When your child becomes Rey, they bring to life one of the most important lessons Luke tries to impart upon his pupil: you’re not bound by the old stories. You can make new stories, stories that matter to you.
With over four decades behind it, Star Wars can certainly be considered a classic children’s franchise. But what’s even more classic? Hot Wheels. The toy line has been around since 1968 and has produced thousands of tiny diecast vehicles, from real-world sedans and minivans to outlandish cars like the Batmobile and the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile.
The Child car is among the oddest in the Hot Wheels collection. Although parts of it recall a VW Beetle and The Mandalorian’s Baby Yoda, it is not a direct recreation of either. Instead, the design mixes the two elements into something odd, but undeniably cute. With big eyes that double as a windshield and ears blown back like a spoiler, the Child car is built for adorable speed.
Does the car make much sense? No! But will your kid love to make up stories about Baby Yoda racing through the cosmos? Absolutely.
While the prequel trilogy failed to impress longtime Star Wars fans, Episodes I-III have become embraced by those who grew up with them. And although snobby older Star Wars fans hate to admit it, prequel boosters love those episodes for the same reasons that their predecessors loved the original trilogy. Both sets of movies offer high adventure, filled with unlikely heroes, fantastic planets, and cool robots.
One of the standout characters from the prequel trilogy, General Grievous captured the imagination of moviegoers the first time he shrugged off his cloak to reveal a spindly, spider-like robot body. Wrapped around his waist was a belt filled with the lightsabers of the Jedi he defeated, four of which he grabs when going into battle – one for each of his hands.
This General Grievous toy captures everything fans love about the character. He of course comes with all the points of articulation that one would expect, giving children plenty of options when twisting him into cool poses. But more importantly, the figure comes with four Jedi lightsabers, each of which can be put into his hands to engage in battles.
For all the advances made by the original Kenner Star Wars toys, they were involved in a disappointing part of toy history. Working under the assumption that only boys liked sci-fi and action figures, marketers and storekeepers completely ignored female fans. Fortunately, those assumptions have fallen by the wayside and toymakers are coming to understand that everyone likes nerdy stuff, no matter what their gender.
With that in mind, Hasbro created the Star Wars Forces line, a set of intricately designed action figures marketed toward girls. A nominee for the 2018 Toy of the Year awards, this Rey and BB-8 set is the standout of the line. When you squeeze the legs of this 11″ figure, she swings her included blue lightsaber, ready to take on the First Order. The set includes both an incredibly detailed and movie-accurate Rey figure, but also a lovable BB-8 figure, complete with a moving head.
With toys of such high quality, the Star Wars Forces line begins to correct mistakes of the past. Now all fans of Star Wars receive recognition, and the toys to create their own stories from a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away.
For decades now, Lego has been at the forefront of giving kids the tools to tell their own stories. Commitment to that mission has only increased since the company started acquiring licenses to hit franchises such as Marvel and DC Comics.
With its Star Wars line, Lego gives kids cool minifigs based on all the heroes of the franchise, from Luke Skywalker to Ahsoka Tano to Rey of Jakku. But more importantly, it gives them bricks to build the ships and vehicles that have always been the center of the movies.
Based on the hugely successful Clone Wars and Rebels animated series, this set lets kids build the awesome Armored Assault Tank used by the clone troopers. Custom-designed blocks capture the AAT’s sleek silver and blue design, and its two spring-loaded cannons make for more immersive play. When you add in the included minifigs of Ahsoka and her Clone Trooper, and two battle droids, then your child has everything they need to tell bricktastic adventure stories.
From the pre-production concept art of Ralph McQuarrie to the posters from the legendary Drew Struzan, Star Wars is as beloved for its imagery as it is its story and characters. George Lucas drew on his love of old adventure serials, giving every part of the movies a timeless and exciting feeling.
This striking puzzle features some of the greatest villains from the Star Wars universe, dastardly bounty hunters including Bosk, IG-88, and Jango Fett. The dynamic design displays the titular scum in all their glory, with a strong composition and a warm-colored background.
The puzzle continues the series’ history of evocative posters. And with 1000 pieces, kids will have plenty of time to examine every detail of this exquisite piece of art.
For years, toys were created to be disposable entertainment objects for young children. Cheaply made and lacking detail, they were designed to be ripped out of a package, thrown around for a while, and then abandoned in a sandbox. But today, toymakers make products for teens and even adults. Closer to models and even statues, these toys aren’t intended to be played with. Rather, these detailed, movie-perfect recreations are intended to be displayed and admired.
For Star Wars fans, the Black Series from Hasbro is the epitome of high-quality collectible toys. This figure throws back to one of the original fan-favorite characters, the bounty hunter Boba Fett, as he appeared in The Empire Strikes Back. The figure’s many points of articulation allow it to be posed in hundreds of ways, all the better to show off its exquisite details. With a metallic paint job, accentuated with detailed carbon-scoring, a cloth cape, and an array of weaponry, the figure has everything a collector expects.
Like the other entry in the Black Series line, the Boba Fett figure looks like it walked right off the screen.
The post Best Star Wars Toys for Kids by Age appeared first on Nerdy With Children.
Afronerd Radio can now be heard LIVE courtesy of Apple Music/Itunes
Let's make it happen, fellow AFROnerdists! Pull up a seat and sip a mint julip as you listen to the latest musings of Afronerd Radio's The Grindhouse broadcast, airing this, and every Sunday at 6 p.m. eastern on BTalk 100. Join your favorite arachno-irradiated AFROnerdist hosts as they "chop it up" about the following pulp/pop topics: Dburt finally got around to viewing the heavily touted Netflix series from South Korea, The Squid Game. Is all the hype warranted? We'll discuss; And right after last week's NYCC '21 (New York Comic Con), the Warner Media virtual version, DC FanDome premiered this weekend. We will wax about the multitude of upcoming projects (The Batman, The Flash, Black Adam, the Shazam sequel, Young Justice, video games based on the bat-family and Suicide Squad, etc) highlighted during Saturday's event;
Dburt happened to notice that the iconic comic creator, Jack "King" Kirby was trending on Twitter but not in a good way. It ended being a cyber fight between supporters and detractors of the late creative's work, especially since it was revealed that the forthcoming Eternals Marvel film will channel from Kirby's vision; it would be an understatement asserting that graphic novelist/screenwriter, John Ridley is on a roll. Not only is he currently helming the I am Batman and the new Black Panther comic runs but he is also directing a Black time travel story entitled, Needle In a Timestack, courtesy of Lionsgate Films. Lastly, we will highlight a budding mystery involving Yale University and a portrait of the college's founder, Elihu Yale, and an enslaved child. It's a further reminder that many of America's most exclusive and esteemed educational institutions were founded on chattel slavery. But specifically, relating to this case....who was the child?
One thing that Dburt is doing (finally) is investing in cryptocurrency, courtesy of Roundlyx. We would implore our followers to investigate, discern and then explore by using our referral code: afro-87A4BF
Call us LIVE at 508-645-0100. AFTER CLICKING ON THE HIGHLIGHTED LINK, GO DIRECTLY TO AFRONERD RADIO!!!
Also, Afronerd Radio's podcast format can be heard via BTalk 100 Pandora, Spotify and, IHeartRadio....more formats to follow!
After a year and a half wait, Netflix’s Locke & Key has returned to the streaming screen with its sophomore season. The live-action adaptation of the beloved comic series from Joe Hill and Gabriel Rodriguez was a highlight of programing back in February 2020. The story itself was not a panel-by-panel recreation, but instead, its own entity. It took the broad narrative beats from the series and changed up some elements. Whereas the original comic leaned a little more toward the horror side, the television series veered a little more fantastical (although there were plenty of moments of genuine fear that punctuated the first season). Crucially, the first season felt like it was still working off the scaffolding of the comics. While there were deviations, the essence of the comic remained intact and the episode titles punctuated which of the volumes was making its way to screen.
This second season of Locke & Key deviates more from the canon of the comic. While the tone and magic of the series remain, it becomes very clear very quickly that Netflix’s Locke & Key has plans to become its own story with its own unique identity.
Season 2 opens with the Locke kids in a place of confidence. Tyler (Connor Jessup) is enjoying life and spending time with his girlfriend Jackie (Genevieve Kang). Bode (Jackson Robert Scott) getting ready for a new school year and enjoying the magic of the keys. Kinsey is (Emilia Jones) happily getting ready for the premiere of The Splattering, while also enjoying spending with her boyfriend Gabe (Griffin Gluck). Although Kinsey and the rest of her family are blissfully unaware that Gabe is actually their moral antagonist Dodge. Also, that the Dodge of last season was actually Ellie Whedon (Sherrir Saum) and that Gabe/Dodge managed to open the Black Door and enlist a recruit in the form of the demonized Eden (Hallea Jones). So, things are not as copacetic as they seem.
The Locke kids are using the keys without inhibition. They have fully embraced magic, they are making the most of their time with said magic and they are genuinely happy. Former key user Duncan (Aaron Ashmore) has moved back in with the family while his husband is away for business and he seems to be in a solid place. Even Nina Locke (Darby Stanchfield) seems to be recovering from the most difficult year with a new job refurbishing the school’s theater.
Fascinatingly enough (given that Nina Locke in the series is a very different character from Nina Locke in the comics), Nina acts as the bridge to one of the newer elements of the series. In season two she begins to interact with canon foreigner, Josh Bennett (Brendan Hines), the new history teacher on campus. However, Josh’s presence in the story does afford Locke & Key the ability to look deeper into the lore of the keys as his relationship with Matheson and Key House is revealed over time. These new additions add depth to the narrative and offer some interesting insight into the current predicament that the Locke family finds themselves in.
The entirety of season two is a case study in power dynamics. With all of this magic at their disposal, the Locke kids feel like they have embraced their title as ‘Keeper of the Keys’. But, they are still young and the power they wield is immense. Gabe makes for a fascinating antagonist, indirectly socially engineering a lot of the conflict in the background. Griffin Gluck (who plays Gabe) is clearly in a state of glee playing such a delightfully evil character in tandem with the similarly hedonistic and possessed Eden with Hallea Jones taking her time to chew the scenery.
It is a true spectacle to watch this season play out. The cinematography and special effects are elevated from the already high caliber of the first season and the show itself is really a joy to watch. The set pieces are gorgeous and the magic of the keys feels palpable in every scene. Actors on the show sell the awe (read: old school biblical fear) and the awe (read: modern-day amazement) of the world and it’s hard not to be similarly enthralled by the experience.
Out of the primary trio of this ensemble cast, I think I loved watching Tyler grapple with growing up with the looming deadline of “adulthood” as the ‘exit ramp’ from magic. Honestly, everyone had meaningful moments that lingered and sold the gravitas of the story.
The conundrum I find myself in is that I enjoyed the experience of watching Locke & Key season 2. There were lots of interesting elements that made for good storytelling. Even the magical aspect, the thing that made me fall in love with the comics, was cultivated properly. However, as I was watching (and reminded of the fact that there was a season 3 in the works), the story diverged more and more from the source material and where we end was so drastically different then where I was expecting that I couldn’t help but experience a slight cognitive dissonance.
Now with all of that said, if you liked the first season, I think you’re going to like the second. The creative talent behind and in front of the camera do an incredible job at forging a new chapter of the Locke & Key universe that is entertaining. And while my uncertainty about what comes next remains, I am still certain I’ll be tuning into the next chapters whenever they premiere.
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The post ‘Locke & Key’ Season 2 Review: Returning to Key House appeared first on Black Nerd Problems.
One highlight of the recent DC FanDome was the twentieth-anniversary reunion of
But one thing they didn’t talk about was the news that they are working on continuing the story of
“It’s something that we’re passionate about. Something we love. Hopefully, we’re going to obviously share with Warner Brothers when the time is right. And hopefully, we’ll be able to work with them. And that’s about all we can say right now.” Rosenbaum admitted that the news of the project leaked early. He also added “Here we are, 20 years later since it started. And one of the most frequent questions is, where do you see your characters now? So that’s literally what we’ll be addressing.”
Of course, the CW’s
The post Michael Rosenbaum Confirms SMALLVILLE Animated Project appeared first on Nerdist.
