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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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Alphabet Stories |
Company: | Cominda, LLC |
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Award Winning Artist, Jim Hummel, teams up with the folks at Cominda, to bring you a fun video for your child, in a storybook style, called, The Alphabet Stories.
Four short stories, breaking down the alphabet into sections, on one interactive DVD. Children enjoy watching the stories unfold, as the alphabet is presented to them in a fun manner. Then, during the animation portion, is when you can interact with your child, asking them questions relating to what they are viewing and learning in the DVD. Their perspective, as well as their thoughtful imaginative responses may intrigue and shock you. [ there is a sample section of a Q&A section between mother and child, so you can learn how to interact with your child in this manner if it is new to you ] A whale [THE STORYTELLER], the 3 pigs, a goat [FRED] and a lion [TONGA], are all stars in this fun video. Each one has a way of bringing an educational basis to a fun story, while children learn the alphabet in a fun and interactive way. A true delight that young children will enjoy again and again. Parents enjoy this video because it gives them an excellent chance to interact with their child in a meaningful way, and to watch their children learn while having fun too!  |
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 Winner 2008 
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Animal House |
Company: | Play Smart Toys |
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Animal House is a toy that can be used for play in two ways. First and foremost it is a shape sorter. Children learn to sort by shape, but may also identify the animals by color.
Once inside, there is a barn gate door to release the animals, to begin play again.
It is not very large, about the size of a lunchbox, so it makes it handy to store when not in use, and also to take with your child when they go to grandmas or to daycare. Because it has no tiny pieces to lose, it is also a great toy to use in the car.
When not being used as a shape sorter, it can be used in imaginative play as a farm set. Children will enjoy corraling their farm animals into the barn, and acting out the scenes of their depiction of a day on the farm. The colors are bright, with a matte finish. The barn is simplistic in design without detail on the inside, but very nice, and appropriate for its purpose. Children will enjoy playing with this one alone, or with a friend. This makes learning shapes so much more fun than doing it on paper with a pencil. Now they can play as they learn and add skills they did not know they have. One of many great toys PlaySmart Toys has to offer. Be sure to check out their site for a full line of what is available. <<<- (2005) RETURN TO TOP |
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Cold Nose Puppy | Company: | Playmates Toys |
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I reviewed the Yorkshire Terrier [Amazing Pets] and he is so sweet. Much like a real puppy, he loves attention, and lets you know when he is not getting enough. (and when he is!) Cold Nose Puppy responds affectionately to your love.
He wags his tail, faster and faster, as you pet his head and tummy. He barks louder and louder, letting you know he is one happy pup! Once he is all wound up happy, place his nose to your cheek, and he will give you a cold nose kiss! If you try too soon though, he will sneeze on you. When you are finished playing with him, simply leave him be and once he is finished whining for more attention, he will soon fall asleep (turn off) on his own. When you are ready to play with him again, simply press the button on his paw, and he will be happy to play with you once again. This brings playtime to a more realistic level and will be a true hit with any child who loves puppies.  |
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I Did My Chores |
Company: | Jazwares Distribution, Inc. |
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"I Did My Chores", by Jazwares Distribution, INC., is an easy and effective way
to bring children into a helpful role in the home. Using positive reinforcement,
rather than punishment, this is a visual, practical, and helpful method to consider.
Children play an active role, utilizing this system. This helps them feel in
control. It also helps parents, because there will not be constant reminders or begging needed, simply set up the system with your children, and watch it work.
BACKGROUND: Even in prototype phase, this product attracted unprecedented interest from retailers and catalogers and promises to be a best seller very quickly. WHAT IS IT? A colorful Chore Board with pegs, complete with bright colored chore cards and reward tokens. Easily displayed, it offers a convenient easel back so it will stand on a shelf or hang on pegboard. It’s fun for the whole family and kids earn rewards in a new, entertaining form. WHAT IS IT USED FOR? Used to delegate chores to children of an appropriate age for the task. A system that builds on a child's love to succeed and complete a mission, when it is rewarding and fun for them. WHO WILL LIKE IT? Parents of children preschool age, to about age 8 or 10. SIDE NOTE: Easy as 1-2-3: FOOTNOTE: Ends the battles, ends all confusion, puts the child in charge of their system. Proven to be effective, as children find the system easy to understand, and fun to use. Parents find it very helpful, and a great relief.  |
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Incy Wincy Spider Puzzle & Puppet Set |
Company: | World Class Learning Materials |
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The Incy Wincy Spider Puzzle & Puppet Set, by World Class Learning Materials, is a darling set to add to your child's puzzle collection. Now they can not only put together the puzzle, but put on their own puppet show, with the spider glove puppet that is included in the set. This adds creative playtime with a skillbuilding activity like putting together puzzles.
The puzzle is great. it is a high quality wooden puzzle, that will last and last. The spider puppet also shows true quality and is a great size for child play. You would also find this to be a great set for story time in a setting like a daycare or a preschool, or even a kindergarten class. Then, once the story time is over, children can then have fun putting the puzzle together. Once your child has put the puzzle together, and placed the puppet on their hand, what a great time to recite the nursery rhymes that go with this setting, and sing the little spider songs children love so well. This a great set that children will be sure to enjoy. This is part of a series that World Class Learning Materials offers. Check their site for details on what sets are available. <<<- (2006) RETURN TO TOP |
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IQ Booster Early Learner Series |
Company: | Perception Publications |
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Each of the 4 books contained in this series, covers the main functioning learning centers of the child. These being motor, visual, auditory and comprehension skills.
This set is meant to help prepare a child to be a success, by laying a firm, solid foundation in the fundamental areas, prior to them trying to conquer things like reading. This set has been shown to effectively raise a child's IQ, by increasing their perception skills in the areas covered within the kit. By completing all 4 books within the set, a child should be ready to start in the world of learning, on a much higher level than if they had not had such pre-learning skills developed. Book 1 covers L-R tracking, Hand-Eye and Patterns - in the MOTOR area Book 2 covers L-R tracking, Hand-Eye and Mazes - in the MOTOR area Book 3 covers Hand-Eye, Mazes and Eye Movement - in the MOTOR area Book 4 covers L-R tracking, Mazes and Eye Movement - in the MOTOR area Book 1 covers similarities, memory, and figure ground - in the VISUAL area Book 2 covers similarities, memory, and figure ground - in the VISUAL area Book 3 covers memory, figure ground and space orientation - in the VISUAL area Book 4 covers similarities, memory, space orientation - in the VISUAL area Book 1 covers similarities, memory, and rhyming - in the AUDITORY area Book 2 covers similarities, memory, and rhyming - in the AUDITORY area Book 3 covers similarities, memory, and rhyming - in the AUDITORY area Book 4 covers similarities, memory, and rhyming - in the AUDITORY area Book 1 covers associations, sequence and language - in the COMPREHENSION area Book 2 covers associations, sequence and language - in the COMPREHENSION area Book 3 covers categories, sequence, language and awareness - in the COMPREHENSION area Book 4 covers categories, sequence, language and awareness - in the COMPREHENSION area This step by step, repeating of skill sets, will help a child learn as they go and be successful. By using pictures, letters, numbers, and fun activities, children will build in their skills and will develop strength in this important key areas. Every child preparing to learn to read deserves this set. So many children struggle in this key area, and once a struggle begins to form, so does their resistance to learning. By utilizing this series, a parent will help them to develop a successful approach that will teach them not only important skill sets, but confidence in their learning abilities.  |
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Quadrilla Basic Set |
Company: | HaPe |
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The Quadrilla Basic Set is a wonderful beginning to the
world of Marble mazes/runs. This one is unique, in that it is made of wood, and
has a mezmerizing array of pieces, that any way you put it together, it will
be quite a fun experience to both build and watch in action. This set includes
curved wood tracks, a funnel and an assortment of blocks, to total 99 pieces in all.
BACKGROUND: Quadrilla is the next generation of marble runs. It is a system of blocks, tracks and accessory pieces that allow the energy of a marble to travel in a make-your-own path. Beautiful wood tracks and a rainbow of colored blocks, each with a different function, are the starting point for endless contraptions for marbles to drop to a new level, go right or left, swirl in a funnel, or pour out of a teeter totter. Quadrilla’s versatile design allows the child to determine the marble’s path and the options are endless. Simple 2 or 3 level switches or complex multi-level, multi-direction layouts are possible depending on the builder’s understanding of the function of each piece. We have developed a logical, sturdy product where the process of building is as much fun as the process of playing. WHAT IS IT? Wooden blocks, tracks and a funnel, that combined with the marble that sails into action down this run, equals a great play experience! Children can determine the outcome, by how they set up the run, and will enjoy watching it in action again, and again. Strengthens logic skills, comprehension skills, and hand/eye coordination skills. WHAT IS IT USED FOR? The Quadrilla Basic Set is both a building block experience, and a marble run. By incorporating these two favorites, into one awesome toy, HaPe has a true hit! WHO WILL LIKE IT? Children who enjoy playing with blocks, building structures, or watching marbles in action will be sure to love this one. Because it captures the love of so many things, it is sure to be a hit with any child who is lucky enough to experience it.  |
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Soap Dough | Company: | Life Of The Party |
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Soap Dough by Life Of The Party, brings a new world of fun to bathtime.
Now children can create their soap, prior to getting into the bath.
When was the last time your child asked to take a bath? Now they will!
The problem will then become, getting them out!
The Soap Dough Kit by Life Of The Party includes everything needed to create fun shapes for soap. Children can make their own soapy ducky, a caterpillar, a dinosaur, or any of the creations they can imagine. Using the shape molds, cutters and other tools included, children will have few limitations as to what they can create. Each bath can feature a new star. The Soap this set makes is scented. It is non toxic and great for children ages 3 and up to use in both play and hygiene. When the soap is placed in the bathwater, it will turn the water different colors. This makes bathtime so much more fun! No worries mom, it does not stain the tub, nor the skin. Your child will come out of the tub the same color they went in, only cleaner. This is a real treat, and a set they will enjoy again and again. You can purchase more soap dough separately without having to purchase a whole new kit, so the fun never has to end. Life Of The Party offers many fun and unique kits like this - check out their site to see what all they have to offer. This one I know, was a true favorite in our house. 3 - 3.5oz tubs of soap dough 4 - Dough presses in various shapes 1 - Large extruder with 5 designs 2 - Dough cutters 1 - Flat roller 1 - Pattern roller 1 - Duck sponge Soap dough playmat <<<- (2005) RETURN TO TOP |
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Soft Squirts Sprinkler | Company: | Miracles 4 Fun |
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The Soft Squirts Sprinkler is a great alternative to hooking up the regular sprinkler for kids to play in. These are made of soft fabric, so kids love to hug them in between yard fun. Hooking this up is a cinch - you just attach it to the hose, with no other assembly required and you are set for hours of fun outdoors.
Many characters are available. We checked out the Alligator and the Octopus. Both were equally adorable and offer great detail in design, so even the pickiest child will think these are great! The top of the Soft Squirts Sprinkler kicks in to action as soon as the water is turned on. Whipping around, spraying everyone and everything in sight, kids will loves the thrills this great toy offers. Back and forth, whipping action, getting every child in range soaked from head to toe, but this is what they crave and love! Now summer fun just got more fun! Because the fabric is water resistant there is no fear of mold, or other such concerns ruining this toy. It will stand up to normal kid use and will do so well. When you are done playing, simply store it away as you would other toys, and it will be ready for action next time the sun is out. Always remember to protect your child, by using sunscreen of 30+ strength. After playing in water, always reapply. <<<- (2005) RETURN TO TOP |
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Soft Squirts Water Gun Rider | Company: | Miracles 4 Fun |
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I reviewed the Shark model of the Soft Squirts Water Gun Riders.
He is not a mean looking shark, he instead, looks like a lot of fun.
His head is plush, and water resistant, so kids will enjoy giving him a hug, even when water is flying. They will also enjoy riding on him. This toy doubles as a stick rider, as well as a water gun, so he is twice as much fun! He squirts water up to 15', and his water tank (stick portion) is easy to refill and it is see through so you can see when he needs more water.
A fun idea, that all kids will enjoy. Miracles 4 Fun offers packages for fund raisers, promotions, retailers, etc. View their website for this product and many more. <<<- (2006) RETURN TO TOP |
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Storieszzz: The Adventures of Faye and Fred | Company: | Pre Records |
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By combining the 'Go To Sleep' lullabye, soft storytelling voices, and bedtime topics, this cd subtly suggests sleep to its listeners, and usually works. Many parents have reported finding the ones listening fast asleep, after one or more stories have been played. The lullabye plays at the end of each bedtime story, as the narrator's voice fades off. There are 4 original short stories in all, along with the final playing of the lullabye at the end. Approximately 30 minutes of listening pleasure. This is great for bedtime, quiet time, and road trips.
BACKGROUND: Studies show that reading to your child early and often is a key component to their cognitive development. Harkening back to the days when families gathered together to tell stories, Storieszzz: The Adventures of Faye & Fred™ provides parents with the materials for a consistent and happy bedtime ritual. Storieszzz: The Adventures of Faye & Fred™ are 4 original, short stories that will relax your child and help them fall asleep. Siblings Faye and Fred take your child on wonderful journeys-each concluding with Faye and Fred falling asleep! Storieszzz will: * Relax your child through creative storytelling. * Encourage your child to use their imagination. * At the end of each story the Go To Sleep Lullaby is played as the narration becomes softer and slower to reinforce a sleepy state. WHAT IS IT? A cd of short stories, each about -4 - 6- minutes in length. These stories are meant to help young children fall to sleep easier, by engaging their imagination and calming their minds, while relaxing their bodies for slumber. WHAT IS IT USED FOR? Helping young children fall asleep faster, and easier. Also great to help children unwind at quiet time. WHO WILL LIKE IT? Parents will love how it works, making their bedtime rituals less dramatic. Children will enjoy the stories, and being able to fall asleep enjoying what they hear will be a bonus, when they wake up refreshed in the morning. SIDE NOTE: Available in cd format, and for immediate download. FOOTNOTE:  |
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The Early Years - Complete 1st Season Our Rating:
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Thomas & Friends Collector's Edition The Early Years - Complete 1st Season | Company: | Anchor Bay Entertainment Company |
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Thomas ... a well loved, almost household name for so many families, for now over 50 years.
Now, Thomas and Friends can brighten the eyes of your child, for over 2 hours worth of enjoyment, with creative entertainment that is well suited for all ages.
This DVD boxed set includes all 26 episodes of the first season of Thomas. Never before has such a collection been made available, and now, Anchor Bay has done it! If you have loved Thomas and Friends since your childhood, now you can thrill your children in the same way you remember, by bringing this great set into your home, and the lives of your children. We sat down and absorbed all of the episodes in one evening. Popcorn, koolaid and Thomas! It was a lot of fun for the children to experience him for the first time, and it was great for my husband and I to reflect back to our childhood and remember why we too loved Thomas so much. A true collector's edition, this one is! Save it for your children to pass down to their own children. Ringo Starr is the narrator of the set. There are 13 episodes on disk 1, 13 on disk 2 and disk 3 is filled with games, and other fun learning activities for all to enjoy. This is sure to be a great hit in your home. You may find your children ask for this every time it is movie time at home! Now we can remember why being a child is so much fun! Remembering Thomas from childhood helps us to view him through the eyes of our own children, and once again feel the thrill that watching him and his friends in action, brings to every beholder. <<<- (2006) RETURN TO TOP |
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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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