If you’re like me, you’ve already been hit with catalogs and internet lists of the hot toys for kids this year. But I have two dancing Elmos packed away in the basement that tell me that just because it’s “hot” doesn’t mean the kids will like it. To counter the popular new toy lists, the Five Hens have been working on a list of toys that day after day, year after year, our kids keep coming back to. These ideas will help get you ready for Black Friday.

• Stomp Rocket Junior: Every time we go out to play in the front yard, either one of my kids or a neighbor kid asks for the Stomp Rocket. They are a favorite of boys and girls alike, from very young to older, and sturdy enough for Mom and Dad to play, too. Basically, you set up a stand, put a foam rocket on it, then jump with all your might onto the launch pad. It’s great fun, and kids are always thrilled with how high the rockets go! The rockets are lightweight, blow off the roof easily, don’t hurt if they get you in the head, and easy to repair (if the fins come off, they glue right back on.) There are other, more expensive rocket sets on the market, but our Stomp Rocket has been very durable and costs less, so we’ve never had a reason to try any others.

• Bikes: I have met kids who take longer than others to be interested in bikes, but I don’t know of any kid who dislikes them. Bikes become horses, trains, airplanes- anything your kid can think up! They also promote exercise and outdoor fun, which we all seem to be looking for. Bikes can be expensive, but they don’t have to be. Used bike stores often have great stuff at very good prices.

• Bike Stuff: If a child on your list (grandchild, niece, friend’s child) is going to get a bike from Santa this year, a great idea for a gift is a bike accessory. A horn, light, basket or frilly handlebar pompon is a great addition, and makes the bike that much more special. My son has a horn on his, and it makes people smile wherever we go!

• Craft Supplies: Last Christmas, my sister-in-law gave me a present that has turned out to be one of the best gifts I’ve ever gotten. She gave me a giant tote bag filled with craft supplies: paint, brushes, pompons, pipe cleaners, popsicle sticks, glitter glue, clay, etc. I am not a particularly crafty person (like the other hens), but my kids and I have had a lot of fun making all sorts of things. Craft supplies can be pricey if you buy a lot of them, but my daughter is currently crazy about beads: a $5 bucket of beads and $1 worth of cord and she’s ready to have a bead party with her friends on the driveway! And a roll of butcher paper, set of paints and a pack of brushes would thrill any kid and won’t break the bank!

• Trains: Some kids love Geo Trax, others like Thomas, but it seems like most kids love trains! My daughter started our family’s train collection, and now she and her little brother play together. Some people prefer the classic wooden Thomas set, and they are nice. However, we like the Take Along Thomas figures which are die cast metal and half the cost of the wooden ones. For children who are interested in remote control trains, the Geo Trax sets are great. Kids can build tracks in many configurations and include other vehicles like airplanes and emergency vehicles. Some Geo Trax sets are push toys, so be aware of that if you are looking for a remote control set. (A tip from the Painted Hen: Geo Trax makes several sets and trains, but for most kids, three trains and extra track is about all you need.)

• Building sets: Younger children love blocks, especially towers which crash to the ground! As kids age, the blocks become doll furniture, train tunnels, and many other things. Older kids like Legos. Our neighbor (5 years old) has several Lego playsets. He usually builds the set once or twice, then uses the blocks to make his own creations. According to his mom, they keep him busy for hours! And because designs can become as intricate as you wish, Legos can entertain kids (and parents!) for many years.

• My Little Pony: As a child, I loved My Little Pony toys. Luckily, my parents kept them and gave them to my daughter when she was little. The large ponies are great for little girls, providing hours of imaginative play. There are also Ponyville Ponies, small figurines that come with accessories (like tiny shoes and food) and play sets for older girls.

The next two gift ideas aren’t toys, but are always a hit!

• Gift Cards: This one is for the older kids and teenagers in our lives. It’s can be very difficult to pick out gifts for older ones, but gift cards are always appreciated. They seem impersonal, but really, would you prefer the kid pick out his own clothes or get some that never make it out of the closet? And really, it’s easier on your schedule to pick up a gift card- just find out the kid’s favorite store ahead of time. iTunes cards are also a big hit for kids into music. But if you don’t like gift cards and the kid is nearby, it’s a lot more fun to take the recipient shopping with you, pick out an outfit together, and enjoy some time with each other. My niece and I did that last year and it was wonderful to have her all to myself!

• Events: Toys are fun, but let’s face it- most kids have A LOT of toys. This year, consider giving an event, instead. Ballet lessons, soccer, concert tickets, baseball tickets (or maybe hockey this time of year), or a trip to the zoo are all great. Kids remember that kind of thing! If you want to give this kind of gift, you might consider a little something to go along with it like an ornament. For example, give tickets to the Nutcracker along with a Mouse King ornament, and you’ve got a gift they’ll remember every year as they trim the tree! And this gift will also work on the adults on your list.

Now it’s your turn: I’d love to know what your kids’ favorites are, so please leave a comment. Most importantly, I hope this list will help ensure that the gifts you give are well loved and don’t end up with the “hot” toys in the basement!