From paper guns to bakugans

Weeks before Christmas  vacation 2008 began, my kids were busy on weekends making paper guns. They do this after they finish their assignments and after studying for their exams. Doing that kept them busy during their free time. They were able to consume quite a number of pieces of coupon bonds and several rings of scotch tapes. And I allowed them because it made them more creative and imaginative at the same time. But the “paper gun fever” did not last long enough. When Christmas gifts came pouring, they devoted more of their time playing combat games using ready-made toy guns. The kind that releases small pellets when fired. Though they did not use their paper guns for play, they displayed it prominently in their room to show it to friends and relatives paying visit.

Then came the battle brawlers more commonly known as bakugans. I first heard of it in a television show showcasing affordable gifts for children. I did not mind it at first as they look too ordinary for a child to get hook into. Then my kids came home after celebrating their “mini fiesta” in school bringing with them bakugans. They showed them to me and asked me for more. And when anybody asks them for their wish list, they would simply answer “bakugan”. And they were able to collect several different kinds of different sizes.

It is amazing how toy companies come up with new toys every now and then. Simple materials such as magnets and cards were used. And because of the TV series featuring the Bakugans, these toys of different characters were such a hit to kids.

I remember that there was a time last year when Rubik’s cube was the fashion and my kids collected and was able to solve all kinds of Rubik’s cube they found in the market.