Parents struggle to find gender-neutral toys

Parents who hope to expose their children to different kinds of play, like science sets for girls and dolls for boys, for example, can find themselves stymied by a toy industry that can seem stuck in the past when it comes to gender roles.

Christmas spirit is alive in Hammond

Tim Ford, of Gary, helps 10-year-old Tristian Fornett lasso a calf as Tristian's twin brother Christian looks on Thursday at the third annual toy giveaway at Hammond High School. The giveaway was sponsored by the East Side Community Council in partnership with Mayor Thomas McDermott Jr.

Christmas spirit is alive in Hammond

Alyssa Papp, 3, chooses a candy cane Thursday at the third annual toy giveaway at Hammond High School.

Christmas spirit is alive in Hammond

Micah Matlock, 8, looks over books at the third annual toy giveaway Thursday at Hammond High School.

The holidays' hottest toys

Not all the testers for Good Housekeeping's annual Best Toys list wear lab coats. Some are barely out of diapers.

Munster Mustangs round up toys

Munster Historical Society volunteer office manager Shirley Schmueser poses with toys donated to the 30th annual Mustang Toy Roundup sponsored by Munster football coach Leroy Marsh and the football team.

2013 And Beyond

'Star Wars' figures, dominoes in Toy Hall of Fame

Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia outmuscled little green army men for a spot in the National Toy Hall of Fame. "Star Wars" action figures join centuries-old dominoes in the class of 2012, which was announced by the Rochester hall Thursday.

Still Paying High Rates

VTech Cogsley Robot

VTech's Cogsley is a kid-friendly robot who runs on information "chips" to provide educational lessons for children. He's $39.99 and ideal for children ages 3 to 6 and sold at Target, Walmart and Toys R Us or vtechkids.com.

Edgar Allan Poe Bobblehead Prize at Nerds at Heart Dating Party in Chicago

An Edgar Allan Poe bobblehead is one of the unique prizes awarded to winners of games at the Nerds at Heart Dating Party events in Chicago. The gatherings are intended to ease nervous dating types by offering board game team events with fun prizes and flirting.

Mother, daughter team creates Joi Doll to inspire children

CHICAGO | The inspirational, educational and motivational Joi Doll was born when a friend suggested LaTrece Joi Russell should design a doll in her own image.

Providing holiday toys, meals

Ashley Cruz, of East Chicago, and her son Yosnel Doimoy pick out toys Monday during the East Chicago Salvation Army's giveaway to needy families. Meals were provided free from Jelly restaurant in Merrillville.

Providing holiday toys, meals

East Chicago Salvation Army Capt. Daniel Paredes, right, and Jelly restaurant co-owner Steve Vlahos look over the thousands of donated toys and clothes being given away Monday to needy families. Jelly restaurant in Merrillville also provided free meals.

Providing holiday toys, meals

Arthur Comer, of East Chicago, enjoys a free meal provided by Jelly restaurant at the East Chicago Salvation Army.

Alphaberry by B. Toys

B. toys, $19.95, Ages 18 months to 5 years Alphaberry

Some homes are too big

Three houses ranging from small to large. 3D render with HDRI lighting and raytraced textures.

Region residents recall former frenzy for fads now collecting dust

DeMotte resident Sarah Walsh's daughter Alyanna plays with one of the more than 100 Beanie Babies her mother collected since the early 1990s. She amassed an extensive collection over a few years, but as collective interest in the animals waned, so did Walsh's.