Toys for kids and grown-ups: Part 5

Terrific Turn-of-the Century Toys

Angular and light industrial by nature, this gadget, called a Grand View Frame, holds a photo or other memento behind the magnifying glass for a closer look, and grabs your favorite business card, too. $14.50 at Mongrel, 2924 W. Cary St., 342-1272.

The must-have gadget of the future, according to those with crystal balls — your very own handy-dandy electronic map, perfect for interstate travel or getting around town. Download lists of restaurants, hotels, museums and all kinds of other goodies. This eMap by Garmin includes a reusable chip and PC cable. $299 at Greentop Sporting Goods, U.S. Route 1, 550-2188.

In an age where custom is king — witness Nike’s recent announcement that you can design your own tenny pumps and they’ll whip em up for ya — the Dream Doll Designer CD-ROM allows girls to design their own dolls and then send away to have one made. $17.99 at Toymaker of Williamsburg, 1215 E. Cary St., 783-1744.

Ensuring that young children appreciate the sound of music is important, according to those who know about such things. This year’s choice for audible fun: Music Blocks, with easily interchangeable (i.e., little kids can do it) sound cartridges, $69.95 at The South Pole, Village Shopping Center, 288-7345.

As Grandmother used to say, “What has the world come to!” Architect extraordinaire Michael Graves’ good design line for Target now includes, of all things, a toilet bowl brush!! Oh, Michael, what on earth did you get yourself into?! $7.99 at Targets everywhere.

OK, you Y2K weirdos, fanatical trekkers and others who desire the latest in camping equipment: This here is the world’s lightest stove, the Snow Peak GigaPower Titanium 3-ounce model that fits in a tiny case and burns at 10K BTU. A must for every Y2K bunker. $119 at Blue Ridge Mountain Sports, 10164 W. Broad St., 965-0494; Chesterfield Towne Center, 794-2004.

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