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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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Fiesta Friends DVD Vol. 2 "Que Duermas Bien - Sweet Dreams" Our Rating: 
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Fiesta Friends DVD Vol. 2 |
Company: | Fiesta Friends LLC |
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When it is 'a la cama' (time for bed), children will enjoy watching this DVD and
learning how to speak the bedtime phrases in spanish.
A fun way to learn a new language, Fiesta Friends bring a whimsical approach to learning spanish, which children will adore. By introducing spanish in true to life form, using the normal activities of ones day, Fiesta Friends bring a second language to children in a way that will be meaningful, helpful, and easy to grasp. Fuerte, the funny little chihuhua, is featured in this DVD and is fun to watch. He has a mind of his own, and doesn't always do what is asked of him, but this makes him all the more fun to watch for in the video. Studies have shown that when children of a young age are exposed to a second language, their test scores are higher as they age, and their cognitive abilities are increased. This is a fun video, with the use of real children actors as well as hand puppets. This combination works well in this video, and though there is no real story theme to the video, you find yourself getting caught up in it, because each scene change depicts another fun to watch episode with the characters. Fiesta Friends is the first to approach a second language in this manner and I know they will be successful, as people begin to see how much easier this makes a second language. Rather than mere words in a book, or on an audio tape, children see the words written, hear them spoken, and see them used in context, using characters they will enjoy. This makes for a WIN WIN language lesson. The video has bedtime songs, bedtime phrases, counting, transportation vehicles, etc. The narrator speaks clearly, and has an easy to listen to tone to his voice. The words are spoken slowly enough to easily pick up on them. They are usually repeated as well, and shown on the screen in english and spanish. Check out this new DVD and the series that will be forever growing. Your children will be so thankful for this approach to a new language. If they desire to learn a new language, this is the place to start.  SEE ALSO: Mommy Teach Me Spanish, Vol. 1: Tengo Hambre - I am Hungry!  |
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Funny Fun Farm Friends DVD |
Company: | REH Productions |
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After finishing this review, I am just waiting for the next one in the series to be released, in hopes REH Productions will allow us the pleasure of sharing it with you as well. They plan to have 3 in this series available for Christmas 2005.
This dvd is truly terrific! Kids see so many movies filled with animation and fast paced motion, that one can get dizzy just sharing movie time with our children. Finally a video that slows it down, lays it back, and shows a great glimpse of life on the farm in a fun and entertaining setting and sequence. This dvd runs for app 25 minutes. It is a high quality production and is sure to please any child ages 2-8. You will find yourself laughing along with your child as you watch the hilarious antics of these animals and hear what the children interviewed share. This is an up close and personal look at these animals, closer than one would get to them unless visiting the petting zoo. Children will find farm animals even more lovable than they did before. They will see animals as they truly can be - which can be hilarious at times. Children love animals. They fascinate and captivate a child's mind and this video is no exception. This is one your child will ask to watch again and again and one that you will not mind hearing play again and again. Now your child can visit the animals up close without having to go out to the petting zoo when it is cold and rainy. Now the animals come to you. <<<- (2005) RETURN TO TOP 2005 Great Product Award |
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Jumbo Lacing Beads |
Company: | Holgate Toy |
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Holgate Wooden Toys have proven to be very durable, high quality toys.
These are toys that will last your child for many years of play, and can be passed down from generation to generation. I have had the pleasure of reviewing a small selection of their products, and have been very pleased with them.
Jumbo Lacing Beads are made of solid wood pieces, so there are no small pieces to pose a choking hazard. They are made with bright, non-toxic colors, that will captivate the attention of your youngster. They are large in size, which helps develop hand and eye coordination, no matter what the age. The 28" cord allows the 9 piece bead set to fit easily on the cord and have ample room left for gripping. Small children love to place beads on string. The average set has such small pieces that it is hard for younger children to easily work with them. This set solves that problem and is a toy children will enjoy for hours again and again. This is a great set to take along in the car, as it is small enough that it can be transported easily in a napsack, diaper bag or toy bag. This toy will help children with coordination and dexterity. It also develops recognition of the colors, shapes and sizes of the pieces. These cognitive development techniques will bring engaging fun that is also educational. Children love to learn and they love to play. When they can do both with one activity, it is a win-win for both child and parent. This toy is made of durable material and will stand up to the roughest play. The pieces are not heavy, but solid. The paint used will not chip or fade. The cord is thick and has multiple colors mingled in for more fun. A well priced and well made toy that your child will enjoy. <<<- (2005) RETURN TO TOP |
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Just Out Of Reach |
Company: | Z Enterprises |
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I found the Just Out Of Reach extension to be a clever and handy device. A simple design, made of materials that will hold up well to the type of use they are meant for. No tools are needed for installation or removal and it is quick and simple to install / remove. One hand and one second is all that is needed for either task. Finally a way for young children to have light when they want it, without the help of their parents. If a child is able to have light as they feel they need or want it, they will be that much more assured all is well. If you do not wish for them to have access to light for sleep time, simply remove the device and return it in the morning. This device has a slipcover for the switch, which you simply place over the light switch in the room you are using it in. It then has a long hard plastic tubular extension that hangs down in reach for little ones. They simply push it up or pull it down to control the light. At the end of the extension there is a beautiful decoration piece in the style you have chosen to match the decor of the room or the likes of the child. (See the list of available styles below) This makes it more decorative as well as easier for little hands to grab on to. Once they are old enough / tall enough to not need it, simply remove it and there will be no sign it was ever there. Handy places for them to be used: child's bedroom, bathroom, toy room, kitchen, family room or living room, hallway. They come in single packs or multiple packs. At the time of this review, this item was new and only available on the web; not available in stores. This is one you will want to check out if you have youngsters. Think of the time and repeated trips it will save you if they can do this simple, yet often needed, task. <<<- (2005) RETURN TO TOP 2005 Hot Product Award |
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Lots To Learn : In My House DVD |
Company: | Lots To Learn |
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This video proved to be entertaining and educational. A virtual walk through of something every child can relate to - your house! On this video, multiple children walk us through their home, sharing the features of their home that they enjoy. One child shows us their home has many clocks in it. Another shares her favorite features of their living room. Yet another shows us her kitchen and what purpose it has in her home... etc. Real life video, that children identify with and enjoy watching.
Mix in with this segments for counting, in both english and spanish. Then we have exercise time, that children will love to join in on, wiggling and jiggling their energetic little bodies to. They also have recital of the alphabet, and some fun little activities, like find the ball, etc. Buster is always popping up where and when you least expect him. Buster is the mascot of the show, and he is such a friendly little dog, that makes the video that much more fun. This is a well done video, with clarity and a lot of action and upbeat music to join in with. Every child toddlers, on up to age 6 or 7 will enjoy this one. Great to entertain them, without having to worry about what is on. This one is safe for all viewing ages and will be enjoyed over and over. This is DVD #2 of a series by Lots To Learn. Check their site for other titles and for accompaniment cd's, for even more fun!  |
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Lots To Learn: Nature DVD |
Company: | Lots To Learn |
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This DVD is so well done and a lot of fun. As an adult I was able to sit through it and enjoy the scenery and views of nature, as the young ones watching also seemed well entertained and captivated, and seemed to care more about what they could answer, than anything. (which is okay! That is what the video is for, to reinforce what a child knows and teach them new things as well!)
The songs are great, and all have upbeat catchy tunes that will have children and adults alike singing along in no time. The photography is well done and the entire production is seamless, professional and enjoyable to watch. This production will remind you of something you might see on the Nature Channel, with a little bit of added fun mixed in for good measure, with Sesame Street style and flair. This is a 30 minute production, geared toward children 2 to 5 years old. Created by parents, their work will benefit your child again and again as they ask to watch this one many times. It is nice to know that it is soothing to the ears, so mom and dad won't mind it playing as often as the children will probably request it. Here is a glimpse of what will be found on this DVD. NATURE: This wonderful production begins with a song called "Nature is the things you find everywhere." As the song plays, the video brings shots of various views of nature. This is a wonderful introduction to what you are about to experience; it sets a nice, warm tone. NATURE IS THE BEACH: In this segment, children share their point of view on why they like to go to the beach. Some like to find shells or hermit crabs, others like to make sand castles, while other like to swim or look at the pretty umbrellas lining the beach. All from a child's viewpoint as you watch adults and children enjoying a day on the sunny beach. HOW MANY SHELLS? Counting game This game shows different types of shells (from razor clams to scallops, etc.) and then has you count them as they appear on the screen. SHAPES COLORS AND SOUNDS The shapes segment shows the many normal shapes a child can identify and shares how to identify them, by looking for things like 4 identical sides (square), 2 long sides, 2 short sides (rectangle) etc. The colors segment shows many different colors and then has you match the color to the items shown in the picture. The sounds segment shows various pictures and then has you match the picture with the sound it makes. Which one makes a buzzing sound? Could it be a bird? Maybe a bee? Yes! A bee makes that buzzing sound I hear. COUNTING CATEPILLARS As this segment begins you hear a small child giggling as a catepillar dances across the screen - truly precious. Then she counts along with the narrator, the catepillars shown. So cute! CLOUDS This portion of the video shows clouds forming and the rain begin, as a young boy explains how clouds form and rain is made. Starting with a blue sky, you work your way to a rain storm. FISH, fish, fish, fish This segment shows beautiful clips of ocean fish, while a fun little song plays in the background. Once this portion is complete, a game is played. "Count The Fish" has you identify how many fish are shown on the screen. WATERFALLS Children share why they like waterfalls and how they are formed. Beautiful shots of various waterfalls are shown as this is happening. These shots were some of my favorite, as I love to experience the beauty of waterfalls. MEMORY GAME Items are shown on the screen - A butterfly, fish, shell and flower. Then boxes encase them and you have to recall where they were. A young narrator walks you through this fun exercise. THE ALPHABET Children sing the alphabet song, as the letters appear on the screen. Once the song is complete, a little girls say the alphabet once again as each letter appears boldly as she calls their name, adding to the learning fun. The segment then comes to close once they sing the alphabet song one more time. WHERE'S THE FRUIT? Like the previous memory game we spoke of, this game shows 4 pieces of fruit and then encases them each in a box. Children then must recall which box contains which piece of fruit. STRETCH LIKE A TREE - NATURE'S EXERCISE Children on a playground join in to exercise with the song that plays. They jump like raindrops bouncing off of puddles, wave like the sea, buzz like a bee, spin around like clouds, clap like the thunder and many more exercises paying tribute to the wonders of nature. A great little addition to get children on their feet and moving while watching the video. SUNSETS This segment shows beautiful clips of sunsets and a child then shares what they like best about sunsets and what one is like, told only as a child would tell it. I LOVE NATURE A short little song that plays while photos come to life on the screen depicting the views of nature that the song is speaking of. Then a young boy recaps what has been covered in the video and a song begins saying it is time to go. Then the Lots To Learn Song begins again as the dvd is phasing out. This is one you cannot go wrong with. You and your children will enjoy this one for many years to come. Lots To Learn has other titles also available, so you may add to your collection at any time. They also offer money savings if you purchase them together. Check their site for all of the current information.  |
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My 5 Senses DVD |
Company: | Brain Candy |
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Babies, Toddlers, and young children through preschool age will enjoy
this fun video filled with children actors as well as puppets.
By engaging in fun activities that young ones will enjoy watching,
the characters in the movie bring the 5 senses to children in a way
they will catch on to quickly and easily. Soon they will know all of
their 5 senses and what they are used for.
The colors are vivid, the production is professional, and the message is clear. Combined, these enhance the educational value of the video and children will enjoy watching it again and again. The music is great, a mixture of jazz, blues, raggae, classical, etc. This makes it nice for not only the children, but for the parents who will hear this playing again and again. This video is geared to children ages 6 months to 4 years and I can tell you my infant was enjoying watching it as much as the 3 year old. The baby likes the children in the video, where the 3 year old prefers the puppets.... I guess it is a matter of perspective. Whichever your child prefers, they will enjoy the full combination of this video. Now they can be entertained while they are learning useful information at the same time.  |
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Noah's Ark Stool |
Company: | Holgate Toy |
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Holgate Wooden Toys have proven to be very durable, high quality toys.
These are toys that will last your child for many years of play, and can be passed down from generation to generation. I have had the pleasure of reviewing a small selection of their products, and have been very pleased with them.
The Noah's Ark Stool is constructed carefully and made to last. I have found Noah's Ark themed items to be very hard to find, and was very pleased when I found Holgate to have that perfect item to make a child's room complete. This little stool is a multi purpose must have item. Great for potty training time, to help little one get up on the seat. Also great to help them reach the bathroom sink, for brushing their teeth or getting a drink. It will also work as a time out seat. You name it, a stool comes in handy in day to day life with a wee one. Children seem to find a million uses for stools, as they help to make their life easier and their reach more extensive. The stool is constructed with a wide base, which helps prevent tipping. With younger children this is especially important, to avoid falls. The legs are also attached to the top with screws instead of the glue you normally find in cheaper models. This assures you that it will last and stand up to a lot of use. The seat is made of solid maple and the legs are hardwood. The stool stands 7" high and is 10" across. One of the nice features of this stool is Holgate offers to personalize it for your child. Up to 10 letters may be featured, offering your child their own little heirloom quality stool, to keep for years of precious memories. A beautiful addition to your child's furniture. This is one you will be so glad you purchased. <<<- (2005) RETURN TO TOP | 2005 Hot Product Award |
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Pocket Snails Letter Adventure DVD & CD |
Company: | Soaring Star Productions |
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This video is a slow paced journey through the world of the alphabet - both upper and lower case letters are covered, in two separate segments. Soaring Star Productions, makers of this video, suggest watching the first segment of the video until a child has the upper case letters down, and then watching the lower case segment, to build on what they already know.
The video concerns a little boy, Jake and his pocket snail pets - Gordon, Dale & Buttons. Buttons is the baby and is so cute. His buddies and him, take a journey through the wilderness, with help of their map, to find the letters of the alphabet. Sometimes they feel lost, sometimes they run into letters they hadn't noticed, and when they find a letter, Buttons is climbing all over it. A fun video, children ages 2-5 are sure to enjoy. The music is great, perfect for the suggested age level of the video. And, to make a great set, they offer a CD with the songs and music your child can listen to at any time, even when they cannot watch the video. The video uses a lot of letter repetition and review, which instills the lessons learned. It moves slow enough to really teach, but fast enough to hold their attention. The colors are vivid and the characters are delightful. 
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Rocky Color Cone |
Company: | Holgate Toy |
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Holgate Wooden Toys have proven to be very durable, high quality toys.
These are toys that will last your child for many years of play, and can be passed down from generation to generation. I have had the pleasure of reviewing a small selection of their toys, and have been very pleased with them. Simple construction, yet made with quality and fun in mind. After all, simple fun is the most fun!
These toys do not require batteries. They do not require winding them up, or putting them together. They do not require extensive participation from a parent to be enjoyed. Hand a wooden toy to your child and they will instinctively know what to do with it. Many of these toys are styles we have seen for years, yet children still love to play with them. One of the nice features I appreciated with the Rocky Color Cone is the smooth edges it offers. You do not have to worry about your child poking their eye, scraping themself, or getting a splinter. Top quality craftsmanship found with Holgate means no worries for parents who wish to give their child wholesome play that will last for hours. Six primary colors, in varying sizes, make this toy bright and fun for every child. The steadfast paint and varnish used on this toy is such that there are no worries on a child getting paint chips from it, or of it fading from normal use. The Rocky Color Cone is not heavy, so it can be picked up and transported from room to room by even a small child. The rocking base will tilt, spin and topple, encouraging interactivity as the rings fall from it again and again. If you are looking for simple and enduring fun - this is it! Well priced, high quality - these come hand in hand with the name HOLGATE. Highly acclaimed and highly recommended, wooden toys. <<<- (2005) RETURN TO TOP |
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 Winner 2008 
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Toddler's Tango Video Package |
Company: | Toddler's Tango |
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Parents are always looking for things to entertain their children,
and also to give them something creative to do when the weather outside
is not quite as nice as one would like ... We are also always concerned
that they are getting enough physical activity.
Toddler's Tango takes a child's creative flair, mixes it with their love for music and dance, and sets them into motion in a creative and fun way with this great package. Included in this set are the DVD (or VHS), the CD, shiny maraca, shaky egg, colorful streamer, scarf, rhythm sticks, and is all set to go in the tote bag included. Now children have everything they need to set into motion and enjoy some hearty, healthy fun! The video will keep them moving to the beat, keeping time with the music, while playing one of the instruments, and dancing to the music swinging their scarf or streamer... This will be a sure win with any young child, and is both creative and healthy fun! This set helps inspire a love for music and movement. It also helps to develop stronger motor skills. A terrific set for youngsters, be it a boy or girl. All children love music and seem to be raring to set into dance from the moment they can sit up ... Now they will have the tools to creatively develop this into beneficial play. After going through this video a couple of times, trying her different rhythm makers and dance attire, my daughter decided she wanted to perform her new found art for her parents. We sat and watched with big smiles, as she did her little dance performance. It was a precious moment and one that we will remember. This showed me the making of a great review, as I saw my own child show her love for what she was experiencing. <<<- (2006) RETURN TO TOP |
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Toy Chest On Wheels |
Company: | Beka, Inc. |
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The Toy Chest on Wheels is perfect for toddlers to store their toys in. Made of durable hardwood, this product offers the convenience of rollers, so the child is able to push it around themselves, bringing it from the bedroom to the living room for playtime and then returning it to their bedroom when they are finished with play.
13-1/2"W x 23-3/4"L x 19"H are the dimensions of this great piece. This allows ample room for storage, without being overpowering or cumbersome. The Toy Chest on Wheels offers a handy design with a removable front piece, making it easy to convert to a toy chest. We found this piece to be simple to put together with clear instructions on how to do so. Rather than impose on you a style, color, or design; the makers of this product have made it easy for you to choose the exact look you wish to have by leaving it in a bare wood tone. You can then leave it as it is, varnish it, place stickers on it to match your decor or paint it. However you wish to decorate it - It is your choice. It is a beautiful piece as it comes, but is open to your suggestions. The Toy Chest On Wheels is made of solid construction and quality wood products. This will hold up through multiple children without fear of breakage. I was impressed with the quality and the design and know you will be too. This is a piece of furniture, rather than a plastic container. This will bring style and flair to any room's decor. This piece is adaptable to changes in your home and lifestyle. When children are young, use it for their favorite toys. When they progress in years, they may wish to use it for sports equipment. When the nest empties, you can use it to hold household tools. Simply change the decor of it by repainting and you can use it for any imaginable purpose in any room. Toddlers love to push it around like a cart. It is a perfect size for them to maneuver and one they will be able to easily place their toys into and remove all on their own. Older children will find it a handy piece as well, as they have a place to store their toys that they can use for years to come. Beka offers many quality wood products for your children's room. Your child will have a complete line of products you will know you can trust. Made of solid wood Easy assembly Unfinished, so you can decorate as desired Sturdy & long lasting <<<- (2005) 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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