THE RADIO-CONTROLLED HELICOPTER gets more praise, as reader Michael Brendzel writes:

Thanks for the Syma Copters tip. I bought two for my twin 7-year olds. They arrived yesterday afternoon and the boys were immediately engaged and engrossed. It has now supplanted the Nintendo DS as their favorite toy (which as any parent of a 7-year boy will tell you is meaningful). While the packaging suggests it’s for older kids (“14+”), my 7-year olds pretty quickly mastered the required light touch and by this morning were competing in races and obstacle courses. I was happy when they left for school, so that I’d have a chance to play with one. I just ordered two more, for the family.

While I’m writing, I’ll also mention that the Snap Electronics 500 kit was also a huge hit with the boys. Please keep the kids toys ideas coming.

Glad to hear it! Hey, times are grim, but people still need to have fun. And anything that gets kids off a Nintendo is a healthy change.