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Flashlights for Kids

The dark can be a scary place when you're little. Having a flashlight within easy reach provides a sense of safety to anyone who's a little afraid of the dark. There are a wide variety of flashlights marketed specifically to children. Some are used as marketing devices, while others are aimed at being simply fun to use. Flashlights designed for children are generally lightweight and easy to use for those with smaller, less dexterous hands.

Character Flashlights
- Toy stores are one place to shop for kids flashlights. Look for small flashlights with characters emblazoned on them from movies and television shows geared toward younger children. These smaller LED flashlights are usually inexpensive and are compact enough for children to easily hold and use. Children's toy companies like Fisher-Price sometimes produce flashlights that, at first glance, don't necessarily look like flashlights. These movie and television based flashlights are made in the shape of actual figures. "Toy Story" characters and Lego men have both been converted into children's flashlights with the location of the actual flashlight components varying (sometimes in the mouth, other times at the end of arms or legs).
Regular Kids Flashlights
- At first glance, a flashlight designed especially for children might not appear all that different from a regular adult one, but kids flashlights sometimes hide elements that make them more interesting. Since the 1980s, Playskool has produced a children's flashlight with a dial on the side that allows the user to change the color of the light that's emitted (turning the dial lowers a red or green screen in front of the bulb).
  
  Alternatively, other companies change the shape of a flashlight so that it takes on animal characteristics. Larger flashlights with a handle that protrudes from the top are the style most often given a new shape since the body of the flashlight can easily be manipulated to look like something different. Even ones that appear like a normal hand-held flashlight can sometimes produce different sound or light effects.
Camping Flashlights
- On family camping trips, everyone needs a flashlight. Camping companies like Coleman manufacture flashlights for children that are just as sturdy and durable as their regular ones. Unlike other flashlights meant for children, flashlights produced specifically for camping can stand up to the wear and tear of active kids. While camping flashlights and lanterns may initially appear identical to adult ones, the target audience for these flashlights has been kept in mind. Hand-powered lanterns and flashlights capable of producing light-show effects are two features found on outdoors flashlights designed for children. The durability of these flashlights means that they cost a bit more than other children's flashlights but have the advantage of lasting longer.

Childrens Toys