It’s that time of year when our children are even more exposed to inappropriate toys, commercials, and junk.  Walk into any major retailer, and toys are front and center, yet few of these objects are developmentally appropriate.

The Campaign For Commercial-Free Childhood fights for our children all year.  Just in time for the holiday season, they are hosting thing TOADY awards:

Each year, the Toy Industry Association gathers to present its TOTY (Toy Of The Year) Awards.  In honor of the industry that has led the way in commercializing childhood, CCFC will present its TOADY (Toys Oppressive And Destructive to Young Children) Award for the worst toy of the year.  From thousands of toys that promote violence and/or precocious sexuality to children and push branded entertainment at the expense of children’s play, CCFC has selected five exceptional finalists.

Here’s what I am voting for:

[amazon_link id=”B005D6OE9Y” target=”_blank” ]VINCI 7-Inch Touchscreen Mobile Learning Tablet (4GB)[/amazon_link]

Can’t wait for the day your child starts tuning you out for technology? Give your infant a head start with the Vinci, the first iPad designed especially for babies. The $479 may seem like a lot, but that’s a small price to pay for the tranquility that comes when your infant is virtually lobotomized. Make dinner in peace. Better yet, go out for dinner. The Vinci’s hypnotic apps are designed to guarantee that Junior won’t even know you’re gone. Plus, the Vinci makes lots of bogus educational claims, so you can join the company in pretending that screen time is great for your little one.

Seriously, a touch screen tablet for babies? That is not the sort of interaction babies need for positive social and emotional development.  I am not opposed to young children (over three-years-old) sharing their parents’ technology, but I am opposed to its overuse for the potential substitute it becomes for human interaction and bonding.

You can view the other four finalists by visiting CCFC and vote for the worst toy of 2011.