Barbie and clones attack

Why do smart kids ask for silly toys from Baby Jesus? Because there is a commercial guerrilla ambushing Czech households. But only when the parents are asleep.

Mireček is an intelligent, well brought up boy. His parents won't allow him to watch The Clone Wars since he is still too young. All the same, he pines for overpriced film characters and a plastic sword that beeps and flashes and costs a thousand crowns. Where did he get the idea from? I was trying to find out last week (as preparation for an article focused on commercials for children which will be published 8 December). The results of my investigation show that an effective toy guerrilla is attacking Czech households, fighting for kids' attention and parents' money.

Other children confirmed this discovery. All of them were smart, well brought up; they displayed quick judgment and their own opinions – so long as toys were not concerned. They wish for „a Barbie doll with a flashing diamond“ or „with a walking horse“. Or, for example, „My little pony“, a bright pink plastic creature, apeculiar cross between a baby and a horse. When you press the heart button(!) on his body, it says „I have a bellyache“ or „I love you“. Another dream toy is „Flippin' frogs“ or, a different version, „Tumblin' monkeys“ (these are their actual names). Followed by Transformers, Lego City and Biscuit My Lovin' Pup that jumps on its…