Remember your Jack-in-the box which you wouldn't trade for a big, shiny blue marble? Nothing could part you from your favorite toy. It always had a special place in your old fashioned children's toy box. Now that you're grown and a parent, you've given your treasure to your little girl. Ah, the memories.

Jack-in-the-box

The Jack-in-the-box is a favorite peek-a-boo toy for toddlers. The clown (or Jack) pops out of the box when the music stops. Today's versions have monkeys, poodles, teddy bears, and even frogs, all in bright colors. Your old toy was a jester with a wide grin. It may be old, but it is still around, and so is your old children's toy box.

You've turned it over to your little girl. Now everybody in the brood is clamoring for his and her own Jack-in-the-box. You've got no choice but to oblige. Anyway, your kids get to share that big reliable children's toy box,

Getting two more Jack-in-the-boxes is no problem, but you've got to do it fast to stop the squabbles. Your kids love the moment Jack pops out of the box after the music stops. It never fails to surprise them or catch them unaware. The fascinating toy never ceases to fascinate them as it did you when you were little; hence, it occupies a special place in the children's toy box.

Cool Gift Items for the Little Ones

A Jack-in-the-box is a fun gift you can give toddlers. There's a variety out there with different tunes. Be there when the toddler gets his first glimpse of Jack. He'll get used to the idea that when the music stops, out pops Jack.

Later on, he'll try to figure out why Jack has to wait for the music to stop before he can show himself. His curiosity will get the better of him when he plays with the crank to get the music going. Some toddlers will want Jack to pop out all the time.

Be sure, though, that you get a cute little doggie or something familiar to the toddler. You don't want him to be scared. If the toy scares him, it will land in the bottom of the children's toy box, never to be retrieved until he loses his fear of the sudden pops.

Other practical gifts for toddlers are wide sand boxes where they can play outdoors while their moms watch over them, a rocking horse or chair, play cubes, or a small stuffed toy. If you think your little recipient is getting more than enough of his share of toys, get him a children's toy box - a wooden one or a plastic box in bright colors.

If you choose a wooden children's toy box, have his name and the date of his birthday laser engraved for lasting memories. The child may be too young to appreciate the gesture, but later on the significance of the gift will be appreciated and will have special meaning with his name and the date of his birthday permanently engraved to last a lifetime.

It Is All About Love

The Jack-in-the-boxes and children's toy box (whether in wood or plastic) are gifts that show how much you love the recipient. Whether it's for a birthday or for the holidays, giving these away is always about love.