- 6 June, 2006 -

If you've ever been at a birthday party where something like an electric plane was given as a gift, chances are you've seen the following happen. The latest video game or complex electronic toy gets left on the table while the birthday child takes the plane outside to, "try it out." And everyone else follows! I've witnessed this more than once. The adults and children alike run all over the yard, laughing and shouting. Kids of all ages are captivated by things that fly. Not only do flying toys make great gifts, their independent and unpredictable motion are sure to liven up any birthday party, summer get together?or just a day in the park. The following gift suggestions span the history of flight and come in every shape, size, age and price range. Free Flight Fun Little planes that fly are first class entertainment. Hobbico makes a line of foam gliders that take only minutes to assemble. The Warbird series offers a number of famous WWII fighting planes with authentic markings. The Spitfire, the Zero and the Mustang are particularly popular. Each comes with an instruction sheet, but they don't take much to learn to fly. Just charge them up, throw them into the wind and watch them go! Once you've mastered that, several planes in the series can be converted to remote control, so the fun doesn't have to stop there. Each plane comes with a hand-held charger and an extra propeller. They are available for $20 and make great gifts for kids ages 10 and up. Just don't forget the batteries! Easy to Master Action Here's a radio control adventure for the entire family ? the Mega Blimp Combo by Megatech. This lighter-than-air duo is two toys in one, the Airship 1 blimp (4' long) and the Area 51 UFO (3' in diameter). For about $70, you get two specially designed balloons, one gondola with a silent electric motor, and a 4-channel hand held transmitter. Batteries are included, and you can fill the balloons with helium at a local party store or floral shop. Caution: Formulate a plan for hanging onto these so they don't get away from you once they've been filled! Flying either model is a cinch because they are so stable?and they feature flashing lights that kids will love! The folks at Megatech recommend that you read the "Flight Manual" before you get started and are available by telephone or internet if you have questions or need parts. You'll find the blimps incredibly maneuverable, with forward, back, up, down, and 360 degree left and right control. Suitable pilots are ages 7 or older, but everyone in the family can enjoy this toy?as long as Mom and Dad remember to share! Summer Daredevils If you're looking for something different, ask for Extreme Glow Jumper by Toysmith, or his courageous friend, Hang Glider Jack by the William Mark Corporation. Extreme Glow Jumper is a 4" tall glow-in-the-dark plastic paratrooper with a bright nylon parachute that opens when thrown into the air or dropped off something high, like playground equipment. He is safe for all ages and unlike the gumball machine versions, Extreme Glow Jumper is suspended from his rig with wide nylon webbing instead of teeny tiny cotton thread. Tangles and malfunctions are almost non-existent! Hang Glider Jack also comes with his own miniature extreme gear, but of course it's a ripstop nylon hang glider that comes in a variety of colors. When "Jack" is launched he climbs to 75 feet or more, his glider pops open, and he circles and soars to the Earth. The packaging he comes in is entertaining enough to warrant a read. One caution though, "Jack" is best suited for kids ages 9 and up who can safely handle the sling-shot like launching system. Both these great outdoor toys generally retail for under $10. The Perennial Favorite It's a sure thing. Every spring kites make a come back. And every year it seems there's something new to fly. Go Fly a Kite offers kites in every shape, size and price range, from classic diamond or delta kites, to elaborate and colorfully shaped kites. The kites are made from nylon rather than plastic, so you can use them season after season ?if you can remember where you put them! In a world of extreme sports, flying a classic, one-line kite is a gentle adventure, one suitable for children as young as 5 years old but enjoyed by all ages. Who can resist the opportunity to soar with an animal, airplane or pirate ship-shaped sailer? Flying toys are guaranteed to be a hit for summer. They offer tremendous play value and just might spark a life-long interest in flight. Pay special attention to the age recommendations on the packaging and you can't go wrong!- Cara Hubbard Cara Hubbard is an Assistant Manager at HobbyTown USA?. One of her favorite parts of her job is helping customers select just the right gift. Cara dabbles in a number of hobbies, including collecting diecast Mini Coopers and shopping. This is her first contribution to Hobby Outlook? Magazine. HobbyTown USA

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