Foolish Toys
Foolish Gift Guide
December 10, 1997

'Tis the season... for toys! Here are the playthings that caught our eye this holiday season.

Zapitalism! Deluxe -- for the gaming Fool. Yea, we know what you're thinking -- a game about business and investing? ZZZzzzzzz. Preachy, unoriginal, and just plain boring. Uh-uh. Trust us here -- we're Fools, remember? This game kept David Forrest (TMF Bogey) up WAY past his bedtime. Animated, 3-D graphics, great sound, and educational without hitting you over the head, this game's a Fools-only bargain at $34.00.

Moneywise Kids by Aristoplay. Start your little pumpkins off on the right foot. This game teaches both math and money management skills at the same time. $14.99

Pretend and Play Cash Register by Learning Resources. This working cash register is the perfect addition to any pretend store. It comes with a solar-powered calculator, play money and a pretend credit card. (Just make sure the kids know about the outrageous interest they can accrue on plastic.) $49.99

Allowance Kit by World of Money. Does Junior always spend his allowance the minute he gets it? Check this out and you'll have a budding accountant on your hands. The Allowance Kit provides an interactive way for kids to learn how to spend, give, save and invest wisely. $29.95

Checkbooks for Kids by Parent Banc. This game introduces children to banking and money management using a neat theme that works like a regular checking account. $14.99

Gold City Junction by Leggo. You'd better guard this frontier town closely - those bandits are robbin' the bank, holding up the stage coach, lootin' the General Store and just causin' trouble! $49.99

Business Kit for Kids by World of Money. Young entrepreneurs will love this start-your-own-business kit for kids. Lessons on budgeting, taxes and real business ideas make this one of TMF Hoyden's favorites. $19.95

Mighty Math Zoo Zillions by Edmark. Armadillo Annie and the Otter Twins head up math adventures for little munchkins. Grades K-2. WIN/MAC $39.99

Mighty Math Calculating Crew by Edmark. The Math SuperHeroics continue! More math mayhem from the same folks and critters who brought you Zoo Zillions. WIN/MAC $39.99

Flip Over Fun ATM and Checkout by QVC. Turn your kids into consumers and merchants with this two-in-one toy. The ATM features a safe and a place to deposit money and an ATM card slot. Then flip it over to reveal the Checkout. The grocery store checkout counter comes with a credit card slide and cash register. $28.54

TMF Yorick recommends a perennial favorite -- Monopoly! by Parker Brothers. Do not pass go. Do not collect $200 unless you get this game. At last count there were 17 different versions of ways to play Donald Trump Jr., from Atlanta Monopoly to Golf Monopoly to Star Wars Monopoly. From $14.99 for the basic "I can do whatever I want because I own Boardwalk" set to $24.99 for more exotic locales.

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