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RATINGS EXPLAINED: - perfect score = 5 1. Price is within reason for the product (1 pt) 2. The product does what it claims (1 pt) 3. Suited for recommended age (1 pt) 4. Quality manufacturing (1 pt) 5. Instructions are clear and easy to follow (1 pt) 5 = PERFECT | 4 = GOOD | 3 = OKAY | 2, 1, 0 = rejected |
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Dino Tent & Tunnel Combo |
Company: | Pacific Playtents |
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Exploration. The main ingredient for childhood fun. Pacific Playtents has captured the love of exploration, with a tent and tunnel combination that children will absolutely love. This tent can be used indoors, as well as outdoors.
It is washable, water resistant, and ample in size and capacity. The tent itself is 4' square, and the tunnel adds another 4' to the usable area. This makes for an 8' total structure, that beckons for children to "COME AND PLAY!" CONSTRUCTION: The Dino Tent & Tunnel combination has a T style doorway. This makes opening it easy for children to run in and out of. The shock-corded poles make for a sturdy and easy to assemble structure that will last and last. The interior of the tent is padded, making for a comfortable and durable play area. The fabric is flame retardant polyester for the walls, and polyethylene for the flooring. CONCLUSION: When a child has a play space such as the Dino Tent & Tunnel combo, they will instinctively explore all of the regions of their imagination. Today they may be a team member on a jurassic park exploration. Tomorrow they may be a cowboy or an indian, out in the untamed west. Wherever they wish to go, using their imagination, this tent and tunnel combo will be there to lead the way. This is a great play piece for children ages 2 and up. For the younger ones, peekaboo and hide-n-seek will take a whole new meaning. For older children, the role they assume in play will be more distinct and pronounced, but ever so much fun. Large enough even a parent can sit inside the tent with them. (watch out if you try to go thru the tunnel though ... this is not meant for you and you may get stuck!) Set it up in the backyard, a safe distance from the firepit and pretend you are camping out in the wild. Set it up in the house and have a secret playspace where no one can see you. Wherever you choose, whenever you choose, this one will be there for you to construct any time, with easy assembly and a carry case that allows you to take it to the park for the day trip, or to grandmas for the weekend. The Pacific Playtents Dino Tent & Tunnel Combo comes with all necessary pieces for quick and easy construction, as well as assembly instructions which are easy to understand and easy to follow. Should you ever lose the instructions, and need them - they are also available on their website, for easy printing at any time. Many other tents are available at their website. Check them out today and find your child's favorite. Pacific Playtents are available at many locations within the USA. Their site will tell you where you can find them local to you.  |
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Make-Your-Own Cards |
Company: | Made By Hands, Inc. |
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Make Your Own (TM) Cards are a fun and creative way, for a child to express their feelings and their love with those they care about. Now your child is able to surprise you or others, with their gestures of affection, in an imaginative and fun way.
Make Your Own (TM) Cards come with everything that is needed to make 20 beautiful cards of just about any kind you can imagine. With over 500 pop-outs to choose from, a child is able to create a beautiful masterpiece, sure to bring a smile to the recipients face. The set comes in a beautiful and sturdy case, which has secure velcro closures. This keeps the treasures for card making, safely tucked away inside, while allowing easy access when the child is ready to create a new card for someone they care about. Wonderful idea for gift giving, as this is a gift they will enjoy again and again, and it comes with everything they need for their creations - including the glue stick! The pop-outs make scissor cutting a thing of the past. Now they just choose their favorite pieces, and place them on the card with their glue stick, and instantly they have a beautiful piece of art work, they can give to brighten someone's day. The Make Your Own (TM) Company offers many other kits for your child to explore and enjoy. Check them out today, to see what kits your child will enjoy most.  |
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Make-Your-Own Puppets | Company: | Made By Hands, Inc. |
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The kids and I had a blast with this set by MAKE YOUR OWN (TM) INC.
The Make Your Own (TM) Puppets kit comes in a velcro closed case.
It closes securely, so your pieces are kept safe, in between your craft sessions.
The case is very cute, offering a kid-friendly design that is attractive.
When you have completed using the products inside the kit, you will be able
to find plenty of uses for the case for a long time after. It would be great as a stationery case, or a craft case, a bill folder, or receipt holder. You will come up with many other handy uses for it.
This set comes with everything you need to make 12 puppets. A large enough kit you can use it for multiple children, or keep one child occupied for a long time. There are over 600 pop-outs to select from. This gives each child a large range of choices when making their puppets. Dress them up any way you can imagine. Create realistic or silly characters. Clowns, Queens, Kings, Dolls, People, Animals, Spiders, the list of possibilities goes on and on, as far as a childs imagination can carry them. One of my favorite features of this kit is the fact that children do not need to use scissors, and create the normal mess this entails, when using the MAKE YOUR OWN (TM) PUPPETS set. I am unsure how many hours I have invested in cleaning up bits and pieces of paper scattered all over the family room, when turning the children loose with scissors to make their crafts. The kit comes with everything that is needed, right down to the gluestick. You can simply set the case on the table and let them begin their creation, or, if you are like I am, I enjoy sitting down with them, and sharing the fun. My kids love this time together with mom and I treasure these moments with them. Boys and girls alike enjoy this set, because it is in no way gender specific. Every child loves creating, and every child can think of many characters they will want to create with a set like this. This kit is one of many offered by the MAKE YOUR OWN (TM) company. With the quality I have witnessed in this set, I am sure all of their sets will be greatly appreciated and enjoyed.  |
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Music Time CD |
Company: | Johnette Downing |
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Accompanied by guitar, other fine instruments, and various sound effects,
Johnette Downing's new recording is GREAT! A well established performer from
Louisiana, she shares a taste of cajun flare that jazz lovers of all ages will enjoy.
She brings the culture of Louisiana to her listeners, that is unlike any other place in our great country. This cd offers 15 fine selections that are all easy to listen to, very catchy, and a true inspiration and joy to listen to.
This CD is already an iParenting award winner and has just come to the market! You will want to experience this recording with your children. [be prepared for them to ask for it to be played again, and again.] This is one that will create in them a love for a different style than they are normally introduced to. There is no music like jazz. It is felt in the heart, as well as in the feet. When your feet start tapping, you will know they have turned it on again. This CD brings everyday activities and life happenings to music. From 'shaky tooth' to 'riding my bike' and 'getting dressed', every child will relate to these songs. A catchy beat, a nice 'down south' feel, that will leave you feeling happy and ready to bop with the music. It is so nice when you can share music with your children that will bring other cultural styles to them, and in a manner that not only they will enjoy, but you too. Johnette has a beautiful voice and her style is fabulous. A real treat for music lovers. Johnette Downing has been producing children's music for a long time and has many other cd's available on her website. Check them all out, to find your favorites. After listening to this cd multiple times, it just makes you want to say "CHA CHA CHA!" <<<- (2005) RETURN TO TOP |
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Nap Mat |
Company: | Just Ducky |
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The Just Ducky Nap Mat is a true winner when it comes to a comfortable nap mat for young children. Made of fine materials, in multiple colors and designs, this nap mat is as comfortable as cuddling up with your favorite comforter. The reason for this is the double amount of batting used for filler, which keeps its shape nicely, without bunching up when used or laundered.
The Just Ducky Nap Mat is available in many colors and with many applique designs available. You can also request to have it monogrammed for personalization. The blanket can be attached or left as a separate cover piece. There is also an attached pillow for added comfort. The Just Ducky Nap Mat sports strong straps which are used when you roll the nap mat up, to keep it in an easy to carry or store form. Your child will be able to carry this along with their lunch bag, as it is not bulky or cumbersome. The nap mat is great for going to daycare, preschool, or for a night out at grandmas house. Many parents prefer these when going on trips, so they are not reliant on the bedding provided at hotels. Now children can use the bedding they are used to at home, providing added comfort, security and cleanliness when away. Whatever your purpose for using, you can rest assured the quality is great when choosing the Just Ducky Nap Mat. Now children can take a piece of home with them wherever they go. The stitching is very strong in the Just Ducky Nap Mat. This is very important when one wants to make a purchase of a product that will be long lasting. The designs available are wonderful and the overall quality of this product is superb. It also comes with easy care instructions. Simply launder this as you would your other bedding accessories and it will come out looking fresh and crisp and ready for use. You will find that this great mat does not bunch up or become distorted in appearance from use or laundering. Perfect for girl or boy, because of the multiple choices they offer. Every child will be happy to own their very own Just Ducky Nap Mat. The size is 24" x 51" so this will hold a child easily up through the age of 8 years of age. Check out their site today to view all of the great choices they have available. They also offer play tents and other fun products you will want to view while there. <<<- (2005) RETURN TO TOP |
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Paper Holder Easel |
Company: | Beka, Inc. |
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The Paper Holder Easel by Beka, Inc., is a top seller and we can see why!
This easel holds the paper roll in place above the artist area, so it is
easy to access and allows for easy storage without removing the paper roll.
It comes complete with a chalkboard, a whiteboard for use with marking pens,
and red trays to use for storing your markers, chalk, and other art supplies.
A truly great multipurpose, multi-surface easel, that works great for preschoolers up through the elementary years.
This is a great easel for the budding artist, and one they can enjoy for years to come. It is made to last, and is very attractive in style. Because it has so many functions, it is truly multi purpose in design. Handy to use for illustrations and presentations to a classroom, great to use for artistic creations, and great for children to use when playing school or practicing their homework. They can use the paper, held firmly on the paper roll, or use the whiteboard or chalkboard, when there is no need to keep a copy of their work. The Paper Easel folds down for easy storage and only weighs 20 pounds, so it is easy to transport between places and functions. Highly suggested for: Daycares, Learning Centers, Art Centers, Preschools, Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, Homeschools, Classrooms, Resource Rooms, etc.  |
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Snow Daze |
Company: | All The Daze |
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Winter is that time of year that everyone ends up sitting in the house, bored.
Nothing to do, too cold to venture outside for long, tv shows are all reruns,
lots of days out of school for winter breaks, flubugs keeping everyone indoors.. etc.
While a great time of year in some respects, if you have a house full of children who lack in things to do, and you lack in ideas, then this book will cure your winter blues and keep everyone entertained and happy. Snow Daze, by Marcia Arpin, is a wonderful collection of more than one hundred ideas of things to do that are easy, not expensive, and a lot of fun for all. One moment you will be in the kitchen, whipping up a fun and easy recipe, the next moment you may be at the table making a collage. There are songs to sing, poems to read, creative writing projects, modeling with dough, sculptures, painting ideas, finger plays, drawing, patterning, outdoor games, lessons through discovery, cooking ideas, and many many more well thought out, and well laid out ideas that you will enjoy with your children. This book will help you when you lack in ideas, and will create a spark of creativity within your children. This book helps to inspire thinking, as well as fun. It also helps to create that sense of family time that we often push aside with our busy schedules. Whether you only have weekends for such things, or you are a stay at home mom and really need some helpful tips - this book will be a wonderful asset to your home. We have enjoyed the ideas within this book again, and again. So, turn off the tv, Take off the snowsuit, and warm up to some good winter fun! There are enough ideas in this book to keep everyone happy and busy every winter day off this year!Recommended for preschool age on up to about age 10 or 12. Excellent idea for parents or teachers. <<<- (2005) RETURN TO TOP |
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 Winner 2008 
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Take Along Play Pillow | Company: | Play Smart Toys |
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The Take Along Pillow, in the School Bus pattern, is a great toy for children to pretend play. The zipper holds all of the parts inside when not in use, and easily opens to make a schoolhouse, when they are ready for play time.
Soft enough to use as a pillow, fun enough to keep them busy for hours. This is a great toy that they will enjoy pretending while playing. The inside has a chalkboard for the teacher to stand by. The student may sit in the chair by their desk, with their schoolbag closeby. Everything that is needed is there, to make role playing in a new way fun and entertaining. Then, when they are done playing school, they can simply zip it up and drive the pretend children home on the schoolbus it becomes when closed. A terrific concept and a whole lot of fun! My children love playing with this new friend. <<<- (2005) RETURN TO TOP | 2005 Great Product Award |
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The Dooley and Pals Show - Vol 2 Be Good To Your Mother & Family Circle | Company: | Ardustry Home Entertainment |
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The Dooley and Pals Show Volume 2 was released by Ardustry Home Entertainment in November 2004. This widely acclaimed children's video comes with 2 episodes on one DVD or VHS.
Dooley and his pals have a way of invoking good morals and character in children, with a lot of high action entertainment that children love. This brings learning these valuable lessons to children in a way that they will wish to imitate, because the real life issues they cover, meet children where they are. In part one of this video, children learn the important lesson of helping those who help us. In this segment, the children get the help of Dooley, to complete mom's chores when she has to leave, prior to finishing her projects for the day. With everyone's help, all of the chores are completed and everyone is jubilant - especially mom! Children will also discover how important it is to help our mother earth, with valuable lessons along the way as well. Segment two of this video shows Dooley very homesick. He misses his family terribly. This raises the issue of what being a family really means, and how it can differ from one family to another, because no two families are alike, but all are uniquely special. This segment also shares Chris' turbulent times, as his new sister is on the way, and he must adjust to not being an only child. This is hard for Chris at first, and he feels he will be left out now, as the baby will get all of the attention. He quickly learns that parents love each of their children, no matter how many they have. Each has a special place that no other child can fill. A great series for children, and ones you will not mind them watching again and again. There is no violence or language to contend with, and everything they learn is a positive example of the lessons we want to teach our children. So, sit back and relax and enjoy the video with them. It is a great tool to spark family conversations about the situations it includes. Full of good clean and sometimes funny antics of Dooley and the gang, and also has sing alongs all children will enjoy.  |
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The Dooley and Pals Show - Vol 3 The Four Seasons & Rainy Day Blues | Company: | Ardustry Home Entertainment |
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Teaches a subject, instills good values, and family principles, all while entertaining children from ages 2-10. This is what you will find when you watch Dooley And Pals.
This DVD offers two stories that children will enjoy and be fascinated with. All geared around our weather, and the pattern of seasons. To further make discoveries on these topics, the characters ask their friend M.A.R.T.I.E. to build a weather machine. They have watched the effects of the weather on Mom's garden, and they are in hopes that the weather machine will enable them to understand the changes, how and why they occur, and what the changes do and mean to our world. The second portion is Rainy Day Blues, in which the rain spoils their plans for a fun day having a picnic out of doors. Rather than let the change in weather wreck their plans, they decide to merely allow it to change their plans and they decide to have fun indoors instead. This teaches children the concept of changes are not bad, and we can make the most out of what appears to be a bad turn of events, if we strategize and work together, remaining determined to not be defeated. The upbeat tempo of this series, along with the upbeat message it portrays and upbeat music it offers in a sing along fashion, will inspire children to become all they can be and to work on those areas they need improvement. All in a positive approach fashion that they will enjoy and believe in. No bad words, no violence, no sexual implications or undertones - Everything is geared for their age and for their betterment. This is a series I can greatly recommend to anyone looking for a positive video for their children that will not bore them, but inspire them and intrigue them enough that they will want to learn more on the topics posed in the stories. Well done video. It is very professional in scope, sequence, and delivery. The characters are amusing, the presentation is well thought out and performed and it is one that parents will even enjoy watching with their children. Hats off to Ardustry Home Entertainment for a job well done!  |
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The Dooley and Pals Show - Vol 4 Work and Play & Safety Days | Company: | Ardustry Home Entertainment |
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If your children are like mine, there can never be enough DVD's in the house that are suitable for their ages. However, there always seem to be those select few that they decide are their favorites and these are the ones that get repeated use, as they watch them over, and over again.
The DVD I am telling you about, has become one of those 'select few' in our home. M.A.R.T.I.E. is a true hit and his antics are always on the frontline of the favorites when my children share their viewpoints on the videos. In this video, which is age appropriate for ages 2-10, children learn the important value of teamwork. When M.A.R.T.I.E. makes a total mess of things, during his handyman repair on the spaceship, the crew must come together to get things back to how they should be. The video also includes SAFETY DAYS - in which Dooley finds his friends and their mom practicing a fire drill and finds this intriguing and wants to learn more about it. In this segment children will learn the important role of drilling for safety and will learn safety tips that are useful at home, as they attend safety school with Dooley and the gang. My favorite thing about this series is the kid friendly and morally correct philosophy taken to share the stories. Now children have positive reinforcement rather than the violence and negative images they will see if exposed to television, even if cartoon level. Cartoons are just not how they used to be. Now they are set for very young ages, yet the humor, language, and undertones are geared toward teens and adults, and most are very inappropriate for young viewers, even if the characters appear "cute". Now you can relax and let the children watch a video as many times as they like, and know that only good will come of it. Watching this series children will learn morally correct principles that will encourage them to be frutiful children and adults when it comes to their morality and character. This series is a must have for every child's video library. Ardustry Home Entertainment have produced many high quality, child - friendly videos, and I encourage you to check out what they have to offer and support this fine work they are doing, to try and make a difference in the homes and lives of children everywhere.  |
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Woodkins Dress Up Kids | Company: | Pamela Drake, Inc. |
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I have reviewed Kirsty, which is part of the Classic line at Woodkins.com.
This set is so darling, it makes me wish I was my daughters age again.
Woodkins are a great toy, that bring hours of creative play to our day.
My daughter and I have enjoyed dressing up Kirsty, by not only changing her clothes, but also her facial expression, which changes the mood with the attire we have chosen for her.
The set comes with 4 different faces to choose from, as well as 8 outfits. By cutting just a small strip of cloth, from any fabric you choose, you will be able to expand her wardrobe anytime you wish. The clothes then wrap around the body, and you then place it back in the sandwich board, to create a new style for your dress up doll. Remembering back to childhood, all girls can remember paper dolls. They were so much fun, and we spent hours on them, but they would tear so easy, it was hard to keep them for long. Woodkins has solved this problem by creating a paper doll without the paper. Because they are made of wood, they are durable and long lasting. The sandwich style board they come in, makes them easy to maneuver in play and to see them standing once you have created the design and look you wish. This is a toy your child can take in the car, with no small pieces to lose. It is also great for taking to grandma's house, for overnight stays there. What a fun show and tell display your child can have, using Woodkins Dress Up Kids, as well. Now your little girl can share a unique toy that all of the girls will enjoy seeing. The handy (and attractive) carry case, is great to carry all of your parts and fashions in. This is like a small purse, and comes with a great beaded handle that makes it ever so attractive and stylish for your little princess to carry along. The design and artwork in these sets are very professional. You are getting a true high quality set when you choose Woodkins Dress Up Kids. You will be very pleased with every piece that comes with it. If you are looking for an entertaining toy, that doesn't make a lot of noise, try Woodkins! We have had so much fun with this set and I know you will enjoy them too.  |
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RATINGS EXPLAINED: - perfect score = 5 1. Price is within reason for the product (1 pt) 2. The product does what it claims (1 pt) 3. Suited for recommended age (1 pt) 4. Quality manufacturing (1 pt) 5. Instructions are clear and easy to follow (1 pt) 5 = PERFECT | 4 = GOOD | 3 = OKAY | 2, 1, 0 = rejected |
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