Currently Browsing: Best Kids Toys
Jan 4, 2010
Posted by admin on Jan 4, 2010 in Best Kids Toys | 0 comments
Rio Grande Games has been in business since 1998 and began when the creator of the company realized that the family strategy games once produced in Germany weren’t available in the United States. Now the company focuses on creating fun strategy games for the entire family to play and enjoy together.
RA: The Dice Game
The original Ra game was such a hit that the company decided to create RA: The Dice Game. In order to play this game, players try to score by collecting Pharaohs, floods, monuments, and even civilizations. They roll the dice and are allowed to choose which dice they want to keep and which ones they want to re-roll. As with the original Ra, disasters can happen at any times and can completely ruin a player’s strategy.
This game is absolutely wonderful for anyone who enjoyed the original Ra game and should probably only be used by families who have children who are ten and older, as the strategy can get a bit confusing at times if you’re not paying close attention to what is going on. It’s also a wonderful game for the entire family because it brings history into the house. The game spans 1500 years of history, from pharaohs whose names you may know, to obscure ones that you’d never heard about until you began playing the game. We believe this to be a great historical game for any household that has members in it who enjoy history and who also want to conquer an entire land based solely on their wits!
Fast Flowing Forest Fellers
With a hilarious name, Fast Flowing Forest Fellers by Rio Grande Games brings a little bit of silliness to the world of family strategy games. This game is all about trying to get ahead in the lumberjack world. Each player controls a small group of lumberjacks whose job it is to make sure that their load of lumber makes it to the finish line first. Every player gets to control up to three lumberjacks – the twist of the game is that they only get a handful of cards, and their cards have to work for all of the lumberjacks, making it necessary to plan your moves ahead of time.
What’s great about this game isn’t just that it’s perfect for children 8 or older, but that there are six double-sided game boards that are included in the box, which means that you can play dozens of different races down the river, making the game different every time you play. Let’s face it: we’ve all wanted to be a lumberjack getting their load down the river at some point in time or another, haven’t we? Okay, maybe not, but Fast Flowing Forest Fellers makes the idea of traveling down a river to deliver lumber an exciting prospect.
The 3 Commandments
We’ve all heard of the 10 commandments, but The 3 Commandments? It’s true! There are three commandments – at least in this game. The 3 Commandments is a very unique game. The game starts when one player becomes the High Priestess, and in this game, the High Priestess is the one who is in charge. The High Priestess is supposed to watch all of the other players while they participate in a religious ceremony. At the beginning of play, the High Priestess draws four cards that all have rules on them. He or she designates two rules as good, and one rule as bad. Then, during game play, the priestess keeps track of which player gets points for doing something that was on the card, and which ones lose points.
The fun thing about this game is that the cards don’t only give points for moving things on the board, but even for doing things such as taking a drink or smiling at the High Priestess during play, allowing players to have to pay close attention to what is getting the attention of the game’s ruler! This is a great game for families who enjoy games that have one person in charge and the rest trying to figure out what they’re doing!
Bonnie and Clyde
With Bonnie and Clyde, Rio Grande Games has taken Rummy, as well as the story of the notorious outlaws, to a whole new level. Bonnie and Clyde is a strategy game that’s all about earning points using your cards, much in the same way that you would earn points in a Rummy game. But this game is a bit different. Players are trying to make melds, which is three or more of a kind, using evidence cards that are the same color in order to score points. There are, however, Gavel cards, and these are what takes this game from being a simple card game to being one of strategy.
Card games are great for family members of all ages, but we found that this one is best understood by children who are at least over the age of eight, as there is definitely some strategy necessary in order to gain points in the game. It’s a quick play, taking under an hour to complete, and because two to four players can play at a time, it’s a great addition to any family game night. While we do wish that there were a bit more mystery in the game, it’s definitely a solid card game.
Burger Joint
Who doesn’t love a burger and fries? Rio Grande Games has taken the love for burgers and fries and has created a strategic game that is all about earning victory points through owning restaurants. Players start by owning one basic and two advanced restaurants on their own board, which is known as a development board. One player owns a chain of burger joints, while the other owns a chain of pizza joints. Players need to share their available resources but while the player needs to have all of the resources they can get, both players need different things, making it necessary to use your head to figure out what you need and what you can get from the other player.
Being only a two player game takes this down a notch in our eyes, as most families have more than two members in it, and it’s really only a game for children who are over twelve. Because, however, it takes only about a half an hour to play, it is definitely possible for two players to play for awhile and then to switch off to two more. This is a very unique game that is actually much more difficult to win than it first seems.
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Jan 4, 2010
Posted by admin on Jan 4, 2010 in Best Kids Toys | 0 comments
Large families, in general, have it tough. They have all the problems that any parent has, multiplied by a large number. Bigger families can be especially tough when kids are still very young and close in age, particularly in the case of twins or multiples. One of the many problems that beset larger families is that so many of the hottest toys are designed with only one child in mind. While there’s nothing wrong with this in general, in can often lead to a hassle for those who have two, three, or even more children to entertain. For families who often find themselves in this particular predicament, one great solution is the Step2 Choo Choo Wagon.
Unlike other toys that seem specifically built for only one kid, it is exactly the opposite—it was designed with multiple children in mind. Where other wagons have room for one child to get a ride, or two at most, this particular toy has the capacity to carry as many as five kids all at the same time. That’s because this particular wagon is built of modular “cars” that can be coupled or uncoupled. This innovation makes it easy to see why this is one of the most popular toys for families who have multiple kids to entertain. This way, instead of needing one parent to pull each child, a single mom or dad can give a ride to all their kids all at once.
The secret to the success of the Step2 Choo Choo Wagon is modular packaging. The actual wagon itself comes with two cars. Then, parents can choose to purchase other Choo Choo Cars to add to their train as they need. This way they can customize the toy, and purchase only as much wagon as they really need, while still guaranteeing that there’s plenty of room. There’s even an extra storage car that you can purchase to help you tote along all the things you and your train might need. This product makes trips to the park and other similar places fun and even easy, which make this one of the best toys 2010.
It should be noted though that each car has an intended weight limit of 50 pounds. While this might not seem like much, this means that if you have a full train connected, you could have more than 250 pounds to pull around. While this may seem like quite a lot, those who are used to dealing with having that many children to move around will probably still find that pulling the cart is by far the easiest and most fun way to move their family around. All in all, this doesn’t detract this from being one of the top toys 2010, but it is worth noting.
In general though, we found that kids loved taking a ride on the Step2 Choo Choo Wagon, which in the end really makes this one of the greatest toys for this situation. If you’ve got a large family to move and entertain, you’ll no doubt be glad to find out how much they enjoy riding on their very own choo choo train, no matter where they end up going.
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Jan 3, 2010
Posted by admin on Jan 3, 2010 in Best Kids Toys | 0 comments
Is your child ready for a quality, handcrafted toy that is as unique as it is beautiful? When you see HANSA’s line of lifelike animal toys, you will want one for yourself. The Tarsier Plush toy, modeled after the interesting Tarsiers of Southeast Asia, is perfect for children (three and up is recommended), animal lovers, and toy collectors. These are beautifully designed and crafted toys that you and your child will treasure for years.
With your Tarsier plush toy, you will receive a tag that will tell you more about this exotic animal’s habitat, eating habits, history, and more. In addition to having a beautiful animal, you will also be able to learn a bit more about how it lives.
HANSA’s Tarsier plush toy will make a great buddy for your child or a great collector’s item for you. Young children will appreciate the lush texture and huggable size of this little guy. If you are an animal lover or toy collector, you may want one for yourself so you can admire the intricate detail, custom design, and quality materials. Tarsier plush toys allow you to bring a little of nature into your home and a little beauty into your life.
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Jan 3, 2010
Posted by admin on Jan 3, 2010 in Best Kids Toys | 0 comments
Watch your child’s imagination soar when you give her the Mega Bloks Bucket! Toy building sets offer a great way to encourage your child’s imagination and motor skills, plus they’re lots of fun! The Mega Bloks Bucket is truly one of the best toys out there for kids!
The Mega Bloks Bucket is a 500-piece toy building set that is designed for kids ages 4 and up. These colorful building blocks come in different colors, shapes, and sizes, and are perfect for creating towers, bridges, castles or anything else your child can come up with! That’s what is so great about this toy building set – there are no limits on your child’s imagination and the creations that are waiting to be built!
The block set comes in a sturdy plastic container that makes both clean up and storage easy. Just dump them out to play, and toss them back in the bucket when it’s time to pick up – it’s that easy! Plus, they’re easy to tote from one place to another in the convenient container so you can easily carry them from one room to another.
Toy building sets are the best toys because never lose their ability to capture the interest of children. Entertaining and easy to play with, they can be fun for both kids and adults when the imagination takes charge. The Mega Bloks Bucket will make a perfect addition to your child’s play room and will easily become one of your child’s top toys!
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Jan 3, 2010
Posted by admin on Jan 3, 2010 in Best Kids Toys | 0 comments
What does it take to be one of top toys of all time? A commitment to quality construction, durability, safety, versatility, and most importantly from your child’s point of view, fun. The Radio Flyer Wagon has been one of the best toys for children of all time, and the Radio Flyer Voyager Canopy Wagon offers a new design and extra features that will be sure to exceed your high standards and provide your child with endless fun and excitement.
What makes the Radio Flyer Voyager Canopy Wagon different? Its body, instead of being made of steel like other Radio Flyer Wagons, is made of a durably, sturdy plastic, which is suitable for children as young as eighteen months. Don’t worry: it’s still the bright bold red you expect of a Radio Flyer wagon. There are two seats, with seatbelts, that can fold up for up to two passengers, or fold down when you or your child needs the extra hauling capacity. In addition, when the seats are folded down, there is a bunch of storage space underneath. Your child is sure to find all sorts of things to carry around, and the wagon is also great for you to carry groceries or transport other items. For added comfort, there are four molded in cup holders which can hold juice boxes, cups, or cans. Your child will be riding in style with this great wagon, and will be doing it safely.
This Radio Flyer Wagon measures 39.25” x 19” x 16.5”, making it roomy enough for children, packages, other toys, and whatever else your child can think of putting in it. With its durable design and materials, it can withstand heavy loads, rough treatment, and much more. This is one of the best toys you can give your child: it is safe, fun, and can be used in endless ways. Your child will love the Radio Flyer Voyager Canopy Wagon for years to come.
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Dec 31, 2009
Posted by admin on Dec 31, 2009 in Best Kids Toys | 0 comments
A lot of people don’t consider submarines when they think of radio controlled toys; usually cars, trucks, airplanes, and boats that stay above the water are the first to come to mind. But if you’re shopping for an RC toy, you should think about getting a submarine. Why, you ask? Because they’re unique and awesome!
The Swimline RC Submarine also features a search light, long range transmitter, and cool yet durable body design. The handheld controller is easy to use, so navigating your sub is no problem. The sub is designed for kids as young as five years old, but older children and adults can also enjoy hours of fun with this cool watercraft. Four AA batteries for the submarine and one 9V for the controller is all you need to put your ship underwater and start having fun!
If you’re in the market for a radio controlled toy but want something a little different than the standard RC car or truck, then check out the Swimline RC Submarine. With its quality diving capabilities and lasting durability, this RC submarine will provide hours of underwater entertainment for you and your friends and family!
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Dec 29, 2009
Posted by admin on Dec 29, 2009 in Best Kids Toys | 0 comments
You can now return to the world of Pokemon on the Nintendo DS by playing Pokemon Diamond DS, one of the two new Pokemon Nintendo DS games. It is a game that places you in the fictional area of Sinnoh. Once you have started the game, you will realize that the symbols of Sinnoh are two different Pokemon, both of which appear to be mythical figures in that realm. These Pokemon supposedly have the ability to control space and time and the sinister Team Galaxy is hoping to find these mythical figures and use them to control the universe.
In addition to these two legendary Pokemon, there are also many new Pokemon that should be making their first appearances in the Diamond version. These Pokemon include Mine Jr., Weavile, Munchlax and Lucario, all of which are Pokemon that had previously only appeared in movies. Pokemon Diamond DS is set to be one of the best toys of the Pokemon saga because of the new introductions and of course it is probably going to be one of the top toys in the industry for awhile. As far as kids’ toys go, this is definitely one of your best buys right now. In the true tradition of the best toys of Pokemon, it has everything your child could want.
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Dec 29, 2009
Posted by admin on Dec 29, 2009 in Best Kids Toys | 0 comments
The Hot Wheels Turbo Driver is a PC game designed around the Hot Wheels Empire. It is a toy that could be the perfect gift for a Hot Wheels fan. Boys love Hot Wheels cars, and they love to play computer games. This product is a great combination of the two rolled into one affordable toy, and it could be one of the best toys 2010.
The Hot Wheels Turbo Driver consists of a game controller and a car-tridge. There are eight different car-tridges available for separate purchase, and they are each about the price of a multipack of regular Hot Wheels cars. Each car-tridge represents a different car in the game. To play the game, you just plug in the controller to your PC, install the software, and then log onto www.hotwheels.com. On the website, the controller allows kids to play 20 different games plus an exclusive “Race the World” game that has races on different tracks in countries all over the planet. This is considered to be one of the best toys for boys around because it is engaging and a little educational too.
Several Hot Wheels Turbo Driver reviews talk about the large amount of time that kids tend to spend on the computer after they get into this game. There are so many different games and race tracks, that they can spend many hours trying them all out.
You can also buy Hot Wheels Turbo Driver game car-tridges, which are little actual Hot Wheels cars that attach one at a time to the game controller and unlock a new car for you to drive on the website. Each car has its own special capabilities, so kids can pick out the car that is best for any one particular race. As one of the top toys of 2010, the game and the car-tridges will undoubtedly be a popular gift choice at holiday time.
One Hot Wheels Turbo Driver review pointed out a very important fact that parents will want to know before they set up the game. When you first turn on the game and start playing, you are instructed to enter your name and your car’s license plate number. You can only set up one player. Only one. You cannot set up more than one child with his own name on the game, so when you first play the game, it is a good idea to enter something like just a last name or maybe “smith family”, so that all the kids can play. If one child enters his name, then the other children will have to play the game as the first child, and there may be some hurt feelings or even arguments if this happens. All the boys in your family will want to play with one of the hottest toys for 2010.
Another Hot Wheels Turbo Driver review shared some useful information that parents may want to keep in mind when shopping for the game system, which is one of the best toys for boys. In order to win the “Race the World” game, one must have all the different car-tridges. The review stated that it is impossible to win a race if you use the wrong car to run it. Using just the one car that comes with the game for all races will not work. That said, the car-tridges are quite reasonably priced, so you may want to pick them all up when you buy the controller.
Even despite these statements, Hot Wheels Turbo Driver reviews are still calling this one of the top toys 2008. Even the people who mentioned the slight disadvantages of the system still raved about how much fun it was to play the game.
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Dec 29, 2009
Posted by admin on Dec 29, 2009 in Best Kids Toys | 0 comments
Are you looking for a cool radio controlled toy for someone special (or even yourself)? Then look no further! It’s time to check out the Air Hogs Mini Storm Launcher and find out what rc is all about! This sweet rc launcher comes with cool tricks and stunts that you have complete control over! This is seriously one of the best toys out there now, so don’t wait to amaze your friends (and yourself) with the capabilities of this must-have toy!
The Mini Storm Launcher is recommended for adults and children ages 8 and up and is guaranteed to please any crowd. With its awesome jumps and other amazing stunts, these kids toys are ones that everyone will love – even die-hard rc enthusiasts! Its impressive range and precision flying only add to its list of cool features and will leave both the operator and spectators in awe. This really is one cool flying machine!
If you know someone who’s got an rc toy on their wish list, don’t limit yourself to shopping for the standard car, truck, or plane. Get them one of the top toys out right now, the one that will truly knock their socks off – go for the Air Hogs Mini Storm Launcher!
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Dec 29, 2009
Posted by admin on Dec 29, 2009 in Best Kids Toys | 0 comments
All little girls love to play the mothering role, and the Little Mommy Dolls are regarded as one of the best ways to help them to achieve their goal of being the best mother ever.
Gotta Go Doll
Some parents find it hard to believe that Little Mommy Dolls include a doll who can go potty, but the Gotta Go Doll is all about letting little girls teach their dolls to learn how to use the potty like a big girl! This set includes everything that a child (or baby) would need to learn to go potty, including a toilet that has disappearing water and appearing “waste”, and a sink so that she can be hygienic! Some of the phrases that the doll says, which include telling the child that she needs to go potty, can be hard to understand, but other than that it is a great toy for young children.
Walk & Giggle
Who doesn’t love it when their child walks to them? Little girls who want to play mother can have their baby walk to them, and can actually teach their baby how to walk, thanks to the Walk & Giggle doll. This one not only learns to walk but can also play peek-a-boo and, once she learns to walk well, can take her little pull toy for a walk as well! With sixty phrases, this is one doll that we found to keep children entertained for hours, even though it may be a bit rough on batteries, especially if it’s used all the time as it likely will be.
Scoot So Cute
Like most Little Mommy toys, the Scoot So Cute is all about imagination play, and this one just begs to be cuddled. It not only learns to crawl and giggles, it coos as well, making it almost irresistible to not only children but their mothers as well, as this is one “baby” that doesn’t need tons of care and yet is extremely adorable. With a realistic look, this is a great starter doll for a young girl who wants to play mom. The manufacturer recommends that a child be 2 years old but we found that even eighteen month olds enjoyed watching this little girl crawling across the floor.
Scrub-A-Dub-Dub
What little girl doesn’t want to take their Little Mommy Dolls into the bath tub with them? The Scrub-A-Dub-Dub doll gives them that opportunity. This choice is designed to go into the tub with young children so that they can wash her up and play with her. It’s a great baby for a first baby doll, but a word of caution: make sure that you get all of the water out of her before you put her away, just to be safe. It is designed so that the water mostly comes out of it on its own, but spend a little time letting her dry out for a long life.
Baby Ah-Choo
There are Little Mommy Dolls for almost every occasion, and, of course, there is a baby that has caught a cold! The Baby Ah-Choo doll has got a cold and needs her mother to take care of her. Squeeze her belly and she sneezes, use her thermometer and medicine and mom can make her better! We found this baby to be great for not only helping girls develop their imagination, but also for helping them to develop compassion for other people. Even some little boys can enjoy helping the baby to get better using the medicine and the tools that come with this choice.
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Dec 29, 2009
Posted by admin on Dec 29, 2009 in Best Kids Toys | 0 comments
Are you looking for a fun way to entertain your preschooler? Look no further. The Fisher-Price Power Wheels Stinger XS is one cool dune buggy that will definitely please any child. Developed for children from ages 3 to 5 it features Fisher-Price’s exclusive Monster Traction. This is their high performance drive system that enables this battery powered vehicle to navigate through whatever terrain or obstacle it may find. Think about what you have in your backyard: tree roots, garden hoses, sidewalks and driveways and possibly wet grass, gravel, and mud. No need to worry about getting stuck. It can also tackle bumps and other rough terrain without the need for a push like other similar vehicles. It comes with two speeds going forward – 2.5 and 5 mph – and a maximum of 2.5 mph in reverse. It features Power Lock brakes, a 12 volt battery, and a charger. A fully charged battery should provide one to three hours of riding time. This will, of course, depend on the weight of the passengers, what surface it is riding on, if it is being run continuously, what speed is being used, and the temperature. It is important to note that it includes the safety element of high speed lock-out for beginners.
Brightly colored with orange, gray, black, and yellow components the Power Wheels Stinger XS has a steel frame with an open cockpit that is roomy enough for two. The gray molded seats and side bars provide comfort and security. The large off road tires enable it to take on hard surfaces, wet grass, and other rough terrain. It has a black go kart like steering wheel and pretend seatbelts. A bonus feature is the roomy front storage compartment under the hood. This is a great place to store toys or whatever else you want to take along for the ride. Or maybe you need a place to hide something special.
Power Wheels first came on the market in 1971. Each vehicle is made to precise specifications and meets very high standards with a One Year Bumper-to-Bumper Limited Warranty. All vehicles are tested by kids in both the Fisher-Price onsite Play Lab and its in-home test program. This helps to insure that their Power Wheels are age appropriate, easy to operate, and fun to drive. Power Wheels also has more than 300 Authorized Service Centers in the United States so it is easy for any problem that arises to be fixed.
What adventures your child can have with one of the top toys on the market today. All their friends in the neighborhood will want to ride along so they can share in the fun. They will be standing in line to get their chance to drive or at least ride along as your child takes them for a spin.
Made to withstand preschoolers and their activities, this kid’s toy is bound to be a favorite in your household. Your kids will think it is so much fun you shouldn’t be surprised to find it running around inside your house when the weather is bad and the kids can’t play outside.
The Power Wheels Stinger XS will surely delight any child and will ultimately become one of the top toys for Christmas 2009. Any child would love to see one under their tree!
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Dec 29, 2009
Posted by admin on Dec 29, 2009 in Best Kids Toys | 0 comments
Drawing and doodling are two things that every child enjoys and plays around with when they are young. Any parent who has had a child come home from school, beaming with pride over the picture they created during the day and excited to hang it on the fridge to show it off can testify to this fact. Giving a child some crayons and markers and letting them express their creativity is something that every parent can do to help foster their child’s artistic inclinations and imagination. Drawing and doodling just took a whole new spin with the creation of the RC Color Bug. This kid’s toy combines children’s love of drawing and their love of RC toys and puts it into one fun-filled, entertaining best toys choice.
This RC toy requires three AAA batteries and one nine volt battery, which do not come included. Let your kids try out this new “spin” on drawing and they will have hours of creative, imaginative filled fun. With the RC Color Bug, the possibilities of what your children can create are endless! Your child will be proud to show off what they have created!
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Dec 29, 2009
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The Littlest Petshop Digital Planner is like a pet who keeps track of all your important information. Kids think this is one of the most popular toys they have ever seen, and it comes in several different colors to choose from. Your child can choose what type of pet he or she would like to have, and then take care of the pet with the planner. You never have to worry about your child’s pet clawing your drapes or tinkling on your rug.
Once your child sets up the Littlest Petshop Digital Planner, the pet fun starts right away. You child can comb her pet’s fur and add pretty accessories like ponytails, give the pet a bath, feed it and take it for a walk. Using the stylus included, she can teach the pet to do tricks and even pet him. If you child feels like a shopping trip, she can take the pet along, buying new toys, clothes and even shoes for the pet. There are also several games your child can play with her new pet. There is so much fun to be had, and no barking or odors to worry about like there would be with a real pet. As an added perk, this pet can be taken anywhere: in the car, on a bus, out to recess, to the store, or even to grandma’s house. She’ll never have to leave her pet at home alone.
One of the things that places this among the best toys for kids is that it has many other features besides just game playing. The planner is also an electronic calendar, an address book, a calculator, and a fun interactive game tool all in one. This can be great practice for your little one who is old enough to understand the importance of organization. She can get used to entering important dates into her calendar and keeping track of her after school activities and social engagements. The planner can be a great toy that will help your child get organized.
She can also keep addresses and phone numbers for everyone in her family as well as emergency numbers. She’ll know where to call for help if she needs it, she’ll have your work phone number and she can also pick up the phone and call grandma on her own if she wants to. The Littlest Petshop Digital Planner is great practice with electronic data devices, and she’ll surely use more than one of those as she gets older. This is one of the hottest toys for growing girls who are learning responsibility.
If you are looking for one of the top toys to get for your daughter, your granddaughter, or your niece, this is a great one. If you do decide to go with the Littlest Petshop Digital Planner, it is a good idea to pick up some extra batteries to keep the fun going for a while. The planner uses three AAA batteries but the batteries do last for a little while.
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Dec 29, 2009
Posted by admin on Dec 29, 2009 in Best Kids Toys | 0 comments
Puzzibits Flexible 3D Puzzle Art sets are a building / puzzle toy brought to us by Manhattan Toy. The individual pieces are hexagonal in shape and come in twelve different colors, red, orange, white, black, dark blue, light blue, dark green, light green, pink, purple, grey and yellow. The hexagonal pieces interlock through small circles and pins on alternating sides. The small circles are slightly lower than the hexagonal face of the piece and the small pins are underneath the hexagonal face so that when they are interlocked you can only see the hexagonal face of the Puzzibits piece.
There are ten different sets which allow you to build different combinations of things. The Captain’s Crew set lets you build a two dimensional skull and crossbones, a two dimensional parrot or a three dimensional pirate saber. The Lovely Princess set lets you build a 2D princess, a 2D castle or a 3D tiara. The Prehistoric Predator set lets you build a 2D crocodile, a 3D dinosaur or a 3D shark. The Super Safari set lets you build a 2D monkey, a 2D tiger, a 3D lion or a 3D zebra. The Ocean Depths set lets you build a 2D sail boat, a 2D seahorse, a 2D octopus or a 3D turtle. The Pretty Pink Pets set lets you build a 2D kitten, a 2D ballerina bear, a 3D dog or a 3D flamingo. The Monster Madness set lets you build a 2D alien, a 2D crab like monster or a 3D dragon. The Garden Delight set lets you build a 2D flower, a 2D butterfly, a 2D butterfly and flower or a 3D dragonfly. The Wacky Wear set lets you build a 3D mask, 3D hat or a 3D tie. The Mega Mix set has enough pieces to build all the creations above and is by far the best value.
The Puzzibits review with the older group of children revealed that not long after they got their hands on these entertaining little toys, they were more fond of coming up with their own creations than of building by the instructions. Toy sets that children can get creative with and build whatever they want have always been a great success and Puzzibits, with its uniquely shaped pieces and bright colors is no exception. We came to the conclusion that not only would we recommend this toy, but most of us were going right out to buy some for our own homes as well.
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Dec 29, 2009
Posted by admin on Dec 29, 2009 in Best Kids Toys | 0 comments
There are a lot of things children can do when it comes to interactive television these days. Animal Planet Baby Animals Edition introduces children to young animals along with all sorts of games. Most adults know Animal Planet as a television show that delivers nothing but programming on animals. Now they have made a product that specifically tailors to young children.
What’s in Store
The DVD Discoveries Animal Planet Baby Animals Edition comes with two interactive DVDs and wooden puzzle blocks. The DVDs feature a great number of activities, trivia, and footage that features baby animals. Kids are not just stuck watching a show or a program for sheer entertainment. Instead, the DVDs encourage children to think, provide answers, and involve themselves in the show some other way. It allows children to be engaged and using their minds to solve puzzles as well as learn about different things as they go.
Parents can even get involved if they so choose, joining in with children as the program runs and either encouraging or helping kids along. There are also a few games included on the DVDs, which teach even as they give kids a good time.
The puzzle blocks are 9-sided, and when put together in the correct combination, create 9 different animal pictures. Because the DVD Discoveries Animal Planet Baby Animals Edition is meant for children of a very young age and up to 10 years-old, the wooden blocks will be able to take many years of kid play
Very Cute
It’s hard not to love something that features adorable baby animals. Kids will not only see them, but hear the sounds different baby animals make and how they interact with their animal parents and their surroundings. It’s an overall learning experience that involves plenty of stimulation each and every time.
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Dec 29, 2009
Posted by admin on Dec 29, 2009 in Best Kids Toys | 0 comments
Many adults remember the days of action figures—when a movie came out, that’s what everyone played with. Now, however, times have changed and interactive television is more popular than ever. Sometimes coupled with toys and sometimes not, Ice Age: The DVD Game is meant to both bring favorite characters back to the screen as well as provide hands on entertainment for children.
In the Screen
On the screen, kids and parents alike can take part in the materials, such as puzzles, video challenges to find things like acorns, as well as interact with the characters themselves. Different characters will have different things to say, as well as various challenges for players to partake in.
On the Floor
The Ice Age: The DVD Game also comes with a tile-based game board. There are 24 and each one is double-sided, which means there is plenty to do in the games. It also has 5 game pieces, allowing up to five people to play. Several of the challenges on the screen correspond to things on the game board, and only by solving puzzles and problems can players move ahead.
Kids should have a good time while playing, especially if they loved the movies. Parents are likely to catch the enthusiasm from kids and get into the game as well. This one is meant for children ages 6 and up.
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Dec 29, 2009
Posted by admin on Dec 29, 2009 in Best Kids Toys | 0 comments
As we get closer to the big day, don’t forget to download the content you need to run those new high-tech toys! For example, the LeapFrog Tag Reading System (Compare Prices) requires a grownup to plug the USB cable into a computer and download the books before they can be read. While this technology works pretty well, it’s best to allow extra time in case you run into hiccups.
To avoid disappointment on Christmas morning, parents should also pay attention to Christmas toys’ compatibility with your home technology. For example, the cool, new Dora Links doll (Compare Prices) is a high-tech toy with an online component, but it doesn’t work with Macs.
I have a close friend who grew up in the UK and speaks the Queen’s English. Her two daughters were born in the US, but because both she and her husband speak with a UK accent, the girls do too! She treasures toys that allow her girls to hear voices from her homeland, so she cleverly downloaded several Tag books from LeapFrog’s UK site for her daughter’s Tag Reading System.
Parents can also program many LeapFrog toys to greet the child by name, so that’s another good thing to do in advance.
We think maybe Santa will bring Tag books for our sons, so I put the Tag Reader and the USB cable in my suitcase when we traveled to my parents’ for Christmas. Hey, sometimes even Santa needs a hand in the technology department!
Downloading is Part of Assembly originally appeared on About.com Toys on Wednesday, December 23rd, 2009 at 07:46:32.
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Dec 29, 2009
Posted by admin on Dec 29, 2009 in Best Kids Toys | 0 comments
I think we can chalk up a win in the multicultural education department because my 4-year-old son just told Santa he wants a dreidel for Christmas. Santa didn’t flinch, as if his elves fulfill millions of dreidel (Compare Prices) requests every Christmas, but it’s posing a challenge for me. You see, our visit to the jolly one took place on December 23, leaving little time for Santa to manufacture and deliver our dreidel, so I’m going to try to help him out.
My sister helpfully suggested, “Make it out of clay!” but again, the last-minute nature of the request does not allow for clay’s required drying time. I think she’s enjoying this. She’s definitely enjoying this.
If I was in my own community (rather than visiting my parents for Christmas) I could post my dreidel wish on my Facebook page and countless friends would come to my rescue. I’d ignore their chuckles and smirks and accept their bottom-of-the-Hanukkah-box dreidel without hesitation, but alas I am a stranger in a strange land this week.
I’m planning to fling open the doors of the nearest Target at 8:00 am, head straight for the dollar section and score a post-Hanukkah dreidel deal. Please cross your fingers for me. Someday we’ll tell our grandchildren about this and I’ll be laughing, too.
What last-minute wishes are you hoping to fulfill today?
“Santa, I Want a Dreidel.” originally appeared on About.com Toys on Thursday, December 24th, 2009 at 06:29:44.
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Dec 29, 2009
Posted by admin on Dec 29, 2009 in Best Kids Toys | 0 comments
Phew. Can we all sit down now? The wrapping paper has been sorted through and thrown away. We’ve installed batteries and clipped twist ties and the children are playing with all their new treats. I’m watching what my kids are into and I’d like to hear your experience.
- Did your child settle in and play with that one must-have toy for as many hours as you spent looking for it?
- Did something else make its way under the tree and become a sleeper hit?
- Will you be returning any toys this year? Which ones and why?
I hope your holiday was happy! Now put your feet up!
Now That It’s Over, What Toy Was The Biggest Hit? originally appeared on About.com Toys on Saturday, December 26th, 2009 at 06:50:55.
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Dec 29, 2009
Posted by admin on Dec 29, 2009 in Best Kids Toys | 0 comments
At this point we’re all overwhelmed with the last-minute holiday shopping, but I may have a solution. If you have a car lover over the age of 3 and happen to need a tank of gas, pop into your local Hess or Hess Express station and pick up their annual Hess vehicle!
Each Christmas since 1964 Hess has released a vehicle and collectors never miss one. This year’s vehicle is a very cool race car with a smaller race car hidden inside. Both have flashing lights and the larger car has several cool sound effects. The smaller car has a smooth and quiet pull-back motor that makes it go really, really fast.
The Hess Race Car and Racer sells for $24.99.
Photo © Hess
Do you collect Hess vehicles?
Need a Last-Minute Gift and a Tank of Gas? originally appeared on About.com Toys on Tuesday, December 22nd, 2009 at 06:17:00.
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Dec 19, 2009
Posted by admin on Dec 19, 2009 in Best Kids Toys | 0 comments
Toys R Us and Walmart have been advertising that they have limited quanitites in stores only but this morning Walmart has a few online. They are also available at amazon and ebay but prices might be inflated.
Don’t fight the crowds, pick up Zhu Zhu Pets online now!
Zhu Zhu Pets have been nominated by the Toy Industry Association for Girl Toy of the Year and Innovative Toy of the Year. Winners of the Toy Awards are announced in February, 2010.
Dec 19, 2009
Posted by admin on Dec 19, 2009 in Best Kids Toys | 0 comments
Find where to purchase the best deals on the Play Kitchen Toys in this post.
The pretend play kitchen toys are usually designed for toddlers and preschoolers. Although we may think of them as girls toys, the boys often like to play with kitchens as well. I found that my daughter used her kitchen indoors and out (we moved it around) for a few years. It was definitely a toy that was played with over and over again. From time to time, we updated it with inexpensive new pots and pans or pretend food. Here are some of the great kids toy kitchen deals available right now:
Little Tikes Side by Side Kitchen – This is a corner design kitchen with small sink, refrig, oven and storage. With a smaller footprint and price, it is a great value. On sale now at Walmart for $49. At this price, it won’t last long.
Step2 Lifestyle Custom Kitchen – Another great plastic kitchen with lots of features. It has refrigerator, oven, stove, and lots of storage. Walmart has the Step2 Kitchen bundled with a 101 piece play food set for just $79. Another bargain that is hard to beat.
KidKraft Large Play Kitchen. If you’re looking for a wooden toy kitchen, KidKraft has the best. The large play kitchen has a refrigerator, freezer, oven and microwave with doors that open and close. Note the wood kitchens are made with particle board and we don’t recommend outdoor use. But if you’re planning to keep it indoors, this should be a great pretend play experience. The KidKraft Large Play Kitchen is $139.
If you have the space, there are several other larger play kitchens with more play options. I particularly like the new Step2 Market-Fresh Kitchen which combines kitchen with cash register, scanner and shopping made bag of recycled material.
Find these great Play Kitchens and more.
Dec 19, 2009
Posted by admin on Dec 19, 2009 in Best Kids Toys | 0 comments
The Princess and the Frog opens nationwide tomorrow but the toys have been selling already and some are sold out. With classic Disney animation, a great new African American princess, settings in New Orleans, music by Randy Newman, there’s a lot to like about this movie. We’ll hear from the Moms and kids tomorrow.
The most popular of the Princess and the Frog toys are the Princess Tiana dolls. Tiana wears her bayou wedding dress. Prince Naveen also wears his wedding suit. There is also a Princess Tiana doll in a sparkling blue gown that lights up with firefly lights. She is nominated by the Toy Industry Assocation for Girl Toy of the Year.
The Princess and the Frog Tiana’s Cookbook with recipes for kids is a fun and inexpensive gift at just $8. It includes recipes for Tiana’s Beignets, Swamp-Water Smoothies, Ray’s Mud Pie and Banana French Toast.
There is a colorful Disney The Princess and the Frog Princess Tiana Cooking set which would be a lot of fun to combine with a kids play kitchen for Christmas.
Finally, Disney Princess & The Frog Bedding makes for great room decor in fun colors. Your kids will love to go to bed in their fun new sheets and comforter.
Pick up the popular Princess and the Frog toys now as they are selling out quickly!
Dec 19, 2009
Posted by admin on Dec 19, 2009 in Best Kids Toys | 0 comments
What do these power wheels toys all have in common? They are super cool! These vehicles present little ones with the opportunity for off-road fun, safely in the habitat of their own backyards. They can ride safely and still be in the sportiest of styles.
Kawasaki KFX Ninja
This ride is the ultimate action vehicle. To get more power or realism, you would have to move up to an ATV. This example of power wheels toys is recommended for ages 3 to 5 years. The toy has such a sporty style that little ones will think it’s the real thing. Gravel, mud, road ruts, or wet grass – this super sturdy little terrain-climber can handle them all with ease. It offers two speeds going forward: 2.5 mph and 5 mph, and it also has the ability to go in reverse. It comes with a battery charger for its 12-volt battery and safety features that include a Power Lock Brake System and an option to lock the high-speed function out for beginners.
Lil Quad
This is a great beginner vehicle for toddlers, as it’s just the right size for them. Easy push-button control allows for simple start and stop operations. It sits fairly low to the ground, so hopping on and off is also easy for little ones. This option comes with a limited “bumper-to-bumper” warranty. It is sturdy and well-made. A 6-volt battery is required to make it go, which is included, along with a battery charger. Footrests are also provided and a cargo rack is in the back so your little one can haul “stuff.”
Ford Mustang
This power wheels vehicle is excitement galore, and you don’t get a sportier ride than this. Any kid will be awed by the vision of this beauty’s chrome wheels and other designer features. The key to this car will activate start-up engine sounds and also light up the gauges on the dashboard. All the instruments on the inside panel look real. Equalizer bars also light up when the “pretend” radio plays. A horn sounds as well, which might end up being one of your child’s favorite features! It is recommended for children aged 3 to 6 years.
Ford F-150
A real tough truck for your little one is what these power wheels toys are for your little boys and girls. Lift up the hood and what do you see? A pretty realistic looking engine that your child can examine and pretend to work on. It has a windshield and a side view mirror, too. Sturdy and heavy-duty tires make this an excellent vehicle for off-road driving. Your little one can now almost have all the cool toys that grown-ups have! It runs on a 6-volt rechargeable battery and includes a battery charger. This toy is recommended for children ages 2 to 4 years.
Jeep Rubicon
This edition is a new power wheels version of the classic jeep wrangler. It seats two and runs on a 12-volt battery that can be recharged (both battery and recharger are included). A new feature to this version is a handle that is easy for your little one to grab onto to get in and out. It can go forward in two speeds: 2.5 and 5.0 mph, and reverses in 2.5 mph. It has pretend seat-belts which can get little ones into thinking about how important safety is, and a storage area in the back so they can haul whatever they want to.
These remarkable smaller versions of the real thing will give your little one a taste of adventure and excitement without any of the hazards that the real versions can experience.
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Dec 19, 2009
Posted by admin on Dec 19, 2009 in Best Kids Toys | 0 comments
These days, booster seats are essential — especially when parents need to take their baby out to a restaurant. Booster seats at restaurants are often filled with germs because they are rarely cleaned. That’s what makes this choice such a great alternative. It’s easy to clean and transport, which makes eating out a lot more fun for everyone.
What is Special About the Healthy Care Booster Seat?
Healthy for All
Babies are susceptible to germs and illnesses, and so are mothers. The detachable tray of the Fisher-Price Healthy Care Booster Seat offers parents the opportunity to take the initiative and sanitize the tray as often as they like. As the baby gets older, it can be adjusted to the right size and fit so that parents don’t have to replace the item as baby begins to get bigger. Mothers will love the fact that the tray and seat do not have numerous food-trapping crevices, and that the booster seat is simple to transport around with them. One of the best things about this choice is the transportability it offers. Mothers will be able to carry it over their shoulder like a bag, and hold the baby in their arms at the same time. Good seats should have two basic features: they have to be easy to clean and simple to take almost anywhere. This selection has them both. What’s more is that it even comes with different color options. For under $30, parents will appreciate everything the Fisher-Price Healthy Care Booster Seat has to offer.
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Dec 19, 2009
Posted by admin on Dec 19, 2009 in Best Kids Toys | 0 comments
What little girl doesn’t love to play with a dollhouse? The Loving Family Grand Dollhouse is one of the more complex dollhouses on the market. It’s very large, but folds up for storage purposes. With eight rooms (four in the center and two on each side), there’s plenty of play space. Each room is decorated to the fullest extent, with all the little intricate and realistic details you could possibly think of. The dollhouse includes a mom figure, a dad figure, a baby boy, a baby girl, a set of chairs, one boy booster seat and tray, one girl booster seat and tray, and a dining table. Additional accessories can be purchased separately.
Dollhouse Features
As far as dollhouses go, there’s a lot to like about the Loving Family Grand Dollhouse. For starters, the details are impressive. There’s even landscaping on the front of the house, next to the front steps. The dining room table is covered with a patterned tablecloth, and the baby high chairs look exactly like the ones you would purchase at any Fisher-Price store. The mommy and daddy figurines were designed with modern faces, clothing and hair. Additional furniture and accessories will only add to the imaginary play possibilities. The rooms are deep enough to fit additional furniture without compromising play space. Young girls will love filling the house with furniture and setting up each room to their liking.
Assembly Required
Unlike other dollhouses that are made with wood, the Loving Family Grand Dollhouse is made with molded plastic so there is some assembly required. Parents will have to help set up the exterior trim and attach the staircase. The benefit with this set-up, though, is that it folds for easier storage. Our one and only complaint is that the house only comes with four family members and minimal furniture. Buying additional furniture and accessories can get expensive and the house itself retails for $80.00. For that price, it would be nice if the house also included a bed or some appliances as well. Other furniture sets, such as the kitchen set, cost about $35.00. And that’s just for one set of additional furniture. Aside from the overall cost of the dollhouse, we’ve found that it is a durable toy with lots of potential. The furniture sets can be purchased for upcoming birthday or holiday gifts, which can be exciting for young girls who love to play with the home.
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Dec 19, 2009
Posted by admin on Dec 19, 2009 in Best Kids Toys | 0 comments
Mega Brands Inc., based in Montreal, has introduced a new innovation in battling tops with their Battle Strikers toy. Tops have been around for over 2000 years with no real changes in how they work. These amazing new turbo tops require no ripcords or strings to pull to make them perform. It is all done with the use of magnets. Each set includes 2 Strikers, 2 Controllers, 2 Turbo Launchers, and the Battle Arena. Each launcher requires 3 AA batteries to make it work and these are not included. Recommended for ages 6 to 15 this toy is not your father’s or grandfather’s idea of the classic top.
With the help of magnets you are now in control of your top. Each top has four areas that contain magnets. Each Turbo Launcher has four appropriately located magnets on the bottom of it. The Battle Strikers are launched into battle with the use of this Turbo Launcher by attaching them to the bottom of the Launcher and pulling the trigger to rev them up. Then you hit the Launcher with your hand or your opponent’s Launcher to release the top onto the arena. These tops can reach up to 7500 RPMs. Each Launcher is a different color to keep them separate.
With practice you will be able to learn the skills to beat your opponents. The tops themselves are modular and can be customized. Each has six parts. The variations available allow the top to perform better in different situations. You can change the shape of the top of the top to change how the top reacts when it collides with your opponent’s top. The bottom of the top has two options. You can either use the metal marble for a more consistent, controllable spin or the plastic spindle which allows the top to spin at an angle so it is able to be aggressive. All of the tops have interchangeable pieces so you can mix and match to get the right one for each battle. Your child will want what is expected to be one of the top toys 2009.
There are sixteen different Strikers available each having different magnetic enhancements to affect their degrees of offensive and defensive abilities. You will want to collect all of them to be ready for whatever your opponent has in store for you.
The arena is made of black plastic and has storage available for three tops on each side. It is very durable and will be able to withstand the spinning of the tops during battle.
Battle Strikers is a fun and exciting toy that will definitely be one of the hot toys for Christmas this year. Expect to see it on your child’s wish list. Adding extra tops to the set is a great way to fill your child’s Christmas stocking.
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Dec 19, 2009
Posted by admin on Dec 19, 2009 in Best Kids Toys | 0 comments
When you are purchasing a motorized toy vehicle, you can expect to pay more than you would for an average toy. This particular toy one of the more expensive motorized vehicles on the market, but it’s because it is designed to resemble a real Harley Davidson model. This creative ride-on item includes realistic styling and kid-friendly features. A single button operates the stop-and-go controls, and the wide base makes it easy for toddlers to get on and off. Even for a motorized toy, the high-quality detail and design are indicative of the brand so many adults know and love. It’s a well-built product that will offer hours of outdoor fun.
Additional Features
Cost Less Than a Real Harley
The Power Wheels Harley Rocker Motorcycle costs much less than a real one. But parents can expect to pay around $150.00 for this toy. It runs a 6-volt battery than can be recharged on occasion. Kids will love riding up and down the driveway and sidewalk. As far as motorized toy vehicles go, this one is relatively safe and secure. Most of these ride-on toys are expensive, so the price isn’t that far from the norm. You’re basically paying for the detail and the brand name so many bikers know and love, but at least it costs less than a real one.
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Dec 19, 2009
Posted by admin on Dec 19, 2009 in Best Kids Toys | 0 comments
Some cradle swings come with a variety of musical gadgets and toys, which is fine for parents who need to keep their baby entertained and busy. But when it comes to sleeping, these additional features can be a serious distraction. The Fisher-Price Ocean Wonders Aquarium Cradle Swing offers plenty of additional bells and whistles that can be used to either entertain, lull infants to sleep, or keep infants busy. The main question is: are all these features worth it?
Many Different Features
So, is it Worth the Price?
Parents can use the many features of Fisher-Price Ocean Wonders Aquarium Cradle Swing to entertain or to initiate sleep during naptime and bedtime. That is the basic reason why this choice is worth the price tag. For $120.00, parents are getting much more for their money than a regular baby swing. The extra features offer so many different options for parents, which is a big plus. With soft music, lights, two-different swing positions, a water globe, a mobile with likeable sea creatures, six different speeds, and a removable activity tray, parents can use this swing to the fullest extent for a variety of purposes.
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Dec 19, 2009
Posted by admin on Dec 19, 2009 in Best Kids Toys | 0 comments
What child wouldn’t like a castle with fighting knights and fierce dragons? Imagine the fun they will have playing with the Fisher-Price Imaginext Dragon World Fortress. It is a castle that actually becomes a dragon and this dragon comes to life with the child’s help and imagination. What fun to find the secret stairs, release a chandelier, and hear the realistic sound effects that include lightning and thunder, cannon fire, and the fierce sound of a dragon’s roar. There are flashing lights and multiple moving parts.
Other special effects are brought to life when a button is pressed to enable a boulder to roll down the green dragon’s tail which is wound through the fortress. This also produces his fierce dragon sounds. Intruders can be warded off by pressing down on the cannon to fire its projectile or by releasing the chandelier to drop on them as they pass through the castle. What intruder will stay around with all this going on? With the help of a child’s imagination adventure can be found in every turn of the Imaginext Dragon World Fortress.
Included in the set is the fortress itself, a chandelier, two boulders, two activation figures with corresponding helmets, shields and weapons, a cannon and its projectile, two flags, a bed, and, believe it or not, the 3 AA batteries that provide the power for this awesome toy to perform its many special effects. The fortress is 24 inches high, 6 inches in length, and over 15 inches wide. An important safety feature is the slide out base that adds needed stability for this vertical fortress.
Recommended for children ages 3 and up, the Imaginext Dragon World Fortress will be on every young child’s list of Christmas toys 2009. Also noted is that as with most Fisher-Price Imaginext toys, added accessories can be purchased to enhance the enjoyment of playtime with this item. These include five free standing dragons some of which include another figure and a transforming wagon with weapons and a figure. Adding these to your child’s collection will ensure that there are always intruders around to ward off. Fisher Price has used its Imaginext line to help preschoolers with role playing and developing their imaginations. Who knows what adventure is around the corner when your preschooler is playing with this innovative toy.
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Dec 19, 2009
Posted by admin on Dec 19, 2009 in Best Kids Toys | 0 comments
Much like its name, the Fisher-Price Incrediblock does almost anything. It plays songs and sounds, speaks words, offers fives sides of games and activities, and even has a storage compartment. For infants 9 months and older, this item is an all-in-one activity center.
What’s is so Incredible?
Fisher-Price aptly named this toy. Wondering what’s so incredible about it? For starters, Fisher-Price understands the need for infants to explore and satisfy their curiosity. And there’s plenty to do and explore with the Fisher-Price Incrediblock. It comes with eight different clear cubes that fit appropriately in the five different activity sides of the main block. Additional cubes can be purchased separately. There are even creative holiday offerings online. Kids can stack the cubes in one section, and pull a lever to watch them all come tumbling down. The cubes can also be shoved and placed into holes, which triggers a variety of lights and sounds. The rotating top surface provides great interaction for kids. There are a variety of other fun activities and games available for kids to explore using the cubes. Parents will love the fact that they can open the center of the block and use the empty space to store up to 30 cubes with ease. However, they may not love the fact that this one is a rather large-size toy. It can be placed in the corner of a room, but it is too big to fit in most closets.
Five Sides of Activities
The biggest feature of the Fisher-Price Incrediblock is that is comes with five sides of activities. Parents are essentially paying for five toys in one. Each side involves a different activity that is designed to stimulate young minds and senses. Kids can place a cube in the top of the block to hear new words, songs and sounds. The cube comes to life and reveals what is inside for a special surprise. Kids can also shove the cubes through a variety of holes and watch them disappear into the center of the block. Each activity is unique, so kids will never grow bored. The item retails for $60.00, which is a reasonable price. However, parents will have to shell out more cash for additional cubes. For example, the alphabet cube set, which can be used with it, retails for $27.00. The more cubes there are, the more games and activities kids will be able to play while using the cube-shaped toy.
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Dec 19, 2009
Posted by admin on Dec 19, 2009 in Best Kids Toys | 0 comments
Some of the best and most popular children’s toys are those that respond to a specific need in society. Today, many people worry about the environment, and passing onto their kids the tools for sustainability, and want ways to teach these life skills in a fun and interesting way. For any parent who wants their child to learn eco-friendly lessons with their daily play, Idbids are recognizable natural figures make out of completely green materials. These characters come with names and back stories, making it interesting and fun to learn all these figures can teach about preserving our planet’s natural beauty. Action figures for the next generation, these are toys that are not only educational, but completely safe for children and the environment alike.
What’s more, though, is that each comes with a code your child can enter online. The code helps to protect actual animal habitats through a variety of different organizations. This helps your child understand his or her social responsibility to the environment as they grow up. There’s even an online rewards program that can help to teach that responsibility and reward them as they begin to understand the concept.
Between the interesting back stories and familiar eco-friendly shapes, it is no surprise that kids enjoy these educational action figures, or that they are among the best toys 2009. Perhaps the best part about Scout and his friends is that when your child has outgrown them, even if they get thrown away, they will not harm the environment. Made from biodegradable and chemical free environment products, it is good to know that providing for your child does not have to mean contributing to the build up of the local dump. As environmental sustainability becomes increasingly important, so too does the necessity of teaching it to our children, and this entire product line is certain to do just that. These days, it’s more than shapes, numbers, and letters in items for small children, it’s also about the things that will help keep our planet alive well into the future, and this line makes it very easy to do that in a fun, rewarding way.
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Dec 19, 2009
Posted by admin on Dec 19, 2009 in Best Kids Toys | 0 comments
Many adults may remember the days of the old game, a mix of tic-tac-toe goals and checkers-like game pieces. The next generation gets to play Connect 4×4, which allows more people to play and provides a rather interesting way of doing so.
Double the Fun
The grid is no longer just a flat panel that allows only two players to slip in checkers. Instead, it is a double-sided grid that allows for checkers on either side. Each player takes a turn and pops in a checker as they aim to connect four horizontally, vertically, or diagonally. Or they might be trying to block an opponent from doing so.
But that’s not all. Each player also gets two blockers. Blockers are double sided, so a player can drop one in and block either side of the board in one play. Strategic use of blockers can even keep a player away from an empty space below.
Connect 4×4 is one of those games that can get kids into a zone where they play for hours. The same can also be true of adults. It’s a good game for family get-togethers or at kids’ parties. Enough playing time will soon create skilled players that will be tough to beat in any situation.
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Dec 19, 2009
Posted by admin on Dec 19, 2009 in Best Kids Toys | 0 comments
The CPSC has recalled a toy dart gun set manufactured by OKK Trading Inc. The CPSC said the recalled ACTION TEAM play set “…has a toy gun with three soft rubber darts, a S.W.A.T. watch, a baton, walkie-talkie, a whistle, and a badge with a clip and an identification card. The soft, pliable orange plastic darts have a nearly 2 ½ inch long shaft and an approximately ¾ inch diameter suction cup. The toy gun is black with an orange nose and trigger and red spring release mechanism. “Made in China” is printed on one side of the barrel.”
Sadly, the death of an 8-year-old boy in Texas prompted this recall. The child choked on one of the darts in the set. If this toy is in your home, please remove it immediately. For more information on this recall, visit the CPSC website.
Toy Dart Gun Play Set Recalled originally appeared on About.com Toys on Friday, December 18th, 2009 at 08:13:35.
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Dec 19, 2009
Posted by admin on Dec 19, 2009 in Best Kids Toys | 0 comments
I’ve made it clear that I’m no fan of the Zhu Zhu Pets, but I admit that I feel a little bit sorry for cute little Mr. Squiggles today. A recent report by GoodGuide alerted the public to high levels of a chemical called antimony in the must-have hamster toys. The organization tested many of the hot, new toys for Christmas and found that (shocker!) they’re not all that “green”.
Today GoodGuide has published another article to clarify that its testing methodology is not the same as the government’s testing methodology.
The GoodGuide site says, “While GoodGuide considers the presence of any antimony on the surface of a toy to be a concern, we want to clarify that we used a testing methodology to evaluate the toys that is different from the testing methodology incorporated into the federal standards.”
Cepia LLC, the toy manufacturer issued a statement that said, “All Zhu Zhu Pets toys are safe and compliant with all U.S. and European standards for consumer health and safety in toys.“ and “Good Guide used an inferior testing methodology.”
It’s confusing when people in white lab coats tell us one thing, then the toy companies contradict it, but I had a bad taste in my mouth about this story when the news first came out. Parents aren’t dumb. We know that most of the hot new Christmas toys aren’t handmade from sustainable hardwoods by craftsmen in Vermont. They’re made from plastic in Chinese factories. Then they’re shipped to big-box stores where we line up for them because our children are begging for them. Besides, in the original report, GoodGuide misspelled the word “hamster.” (It had a ‘p’ in it.)
Parents have a responsibility to make informed choices and we must read beyond the gasp-inducing headlines and evening-news teasers to determine if the toy is a good purchase. It’s no coincidence that this story came out right before Christmas and focused on the one hot toy for this year. Now the organization’s name is all over the news. In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if a certain hamster had his people file a lawsuit to protect his good name.
Will you still buy Zhu Zhu Pets?
Photo © Cepia LLC
HamsterGate: Zhu Zhu Pet Defends His Good Name originally appeared on About.com Toys on Monday, December 7th, 2009 at 20:08:19.
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