Transformers first appeared in 1983 as really cool vehicles that would transform into robots. Then of course, the good vs evil story line needed to be developed into the Autobots, the good guys, and the Decepticons, the bad guys. In 2007, the Transformer movie was released spiking interest in the Transformer toys.

Thus, Transformers have the great connection of "I remember when I was growing up" and the "let me share this memory with you." As well as, adults who love entertainment that allows them to go back and remember childhood fun.

You could most definetely have a "Transformer Christmas" and make each many member of yoru family very happy. 

From Newborn to Age 3

Transformer pajamas would be a great way for this age group to join in the fun. For the two and three year old little guys, you could also buy them dress up costumes of the movie characters for hours of creative fun.

To think the fate of the entire Earth could be determined in your living room in the raging battle between the Autobots and Decepticons could be a quite an entertaining afternoon. 

Ages 3 to 5

The Animated Transformer series is best for litle ones this age only if the child is out of stage of putting things in their mouths.  Since kids in this age group are not the most responsible, you also need to consider if you have a small dog or other small children in the house that could choke on robot pieces that are left laying around.

The Animated Transformer series is based off a cartoon series which is based from the movie but not quite the same. These aminate action figures do not have near the detail or detachable pieces of the other line of Transformers making them a better choice for little ones.

If there are other little ones in the house, my best suggestion for this age group would be to stick with the pajamas or dress up costumes and get the action figures when you child is a bit older. 

Ages 5 to 12

This age group is old enough to be able to transformer the robots and keep track of the detachable pieces. So you can have a great time buying the real robots from the movie. In case you need a little bit of help with all the names, let me introduce you to some of the robots.

Autobots - the good guys

Optimus Prime is the leader.

Bumblebee is a real favorite from the movie. He transforms into a Camaro.

Ironhide specializes in ammo. He transformers into a pickup truck.

Jazz is the 'coolest' Autobot transforming from a Pontiac Solistic with slick moves and a banging sound system into an Autobot. He is very courageous.

Decepticons - the bad guys

Megatron is the leader.

Bonecrusher transformers from a robot to Buffalo MPCV. He does not like anyone or anything and loves to destory things.

Starscream wants ultimate control over the Decepticons and is a renowned traitor. He transformers from a F-22 Raptor to a bulky apelike robot topped by a bell-shaped semi-insectoid-head.

When you are purchasing Transformers for Christmas gift be sure to get at least one Autobot and one Decepticon so they can fight against each other.

I also found some beginning readers about Transformers. As I am sure you know a great way to encourage reading is to provide books the kids are very interested in. Consider giving a book or two in the holiday stockings to boost your child's reading interest.

Notice all the suggestions in this age group are for the 'real' Transformers not the 'animated' ones. This is an importance difference. If the kids are really into the movie the animated figures will be looked at as for babies. Just wanted to make sure you knew this so Christmas morning is a happy occasion not a break down because you have the wrong transformer.

Ages 12 to 102

For adults and teens, the action figures may be more of an interest to collect the figures as opposed to play with them. It also may be fun to buy an action figure for an adult that was his favorite character as a kid.

Of course the movie is a big hit for a Christmas gift.

Nintendo also has games to go with the movie. The DS game says it is appropriate for ages 10+. I would love a few comments from anyone who has seen this game to let us know if that is true.

The Playstation also has a Transformer game that is rated for 10+.

Have fun buying your Transformer gifts for Christmas!