|
|
|
| Back | Next | Menu | Home |
|
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 |
|
Our Rating: 
|
|
| Product: |
Big Shapes Puzzle Tote |
Company: | Lauri Toys |
|
A perfect size puzzle for small hands, and for developing fine motor skills. The Big Shapes Puzzle Tote, by Lauri Toys, is a great combination of lightweight, easy grip material [crepe rubber], and bright, eye catching colors that will delight any toddler.
This puzzle is terrific for the little guy learning shapes and colors. Now he will have a puzzle that is easy for him to use, while learning at the same time. This combination of play and learning, makes the learning process work so much better and faster. Hands on learning is GREAT! Every child loves puzzles. It is something even adults usually enjoy, at a more discerning level. It is always a challenge however, to find a toy perfect for this age range (2-5), that teaches more than where to put a piece. This puzzle offers every feature that is needed to make this a fun and learning experience. 8 Shapes are featured in this puzzle. The two sides of the puzzle are different colors, which helps to create a challenge for the older and more developed ones in the age range designated. These are just two more fine features of a great product by Lauri Toys. Be sure to check out their other products when you visit their site. They offer many great skill building toys that children will enjoy. 
|
|
Our Rating:
|
|
| Product: |
Classical Confidence CD |
Company: | Joyful Genius |
|
In the negative world we live in, where it seems everyone focuses on what people have done incorrectly, not correctly, it is so nice to get a taste of refreshing positive affirmation for our children. The nice part of it is, once we begin listening, we will pick up on it and see how good this feels and we will become more positive with our children as well.
The classical music that plays as a backdrop to this cd makes it very easy to listen to. Children and adults will enjoy listening as positive affirmations are proclaimed. Children will then begin reciting these throughout their day, as will you. We need to be more positive with our children. They need to know how special, loved, and awesome they are! Sometimes, in the midst of a busy and stressful day at work, and the chaos that homelife can bring when we return home, we forget to remind them of how special and terrific they are. Well, now we have a reminder! This will build relationships that are solid and based on true love and it will create a self image that is positive within our children. They say that children view themself through our eyes - as they see the view reflected from us... what are we reflecting to our children? Do we think to remind them that they are #1 as often as we should? I strongly encourage this cd being purchased for every home. It becomes catchy when you begin listening and will lead to a more positive environment that your children will thrive on and become all that they can be. 
|
|
Our Rating:
|
|
| Product: |
Follow Me To Leah's Music Class CD |
Company: | Leah's Music Class |
|
This one can leave you out of breath ... WOW!
Follow Me To Leah's Music Class is a great new CD that is not only fun but motivating! This cd will motivate your child, and the child in you, to get on your feet and move! This CD has many categories of song/chant titles. From Hello Songs, to Finger Play Songs, Toe Wiggle Songs, Bouncy Songs, Small Motor Movement Songs, Large Motor Movement Songs, Clean Up Songs, Lullabyes, and Goodbye Songs. The little booklet that is included with the CD, gives some fun ways for you to interact with your infant or child. Children love interaction from those they love. When you bounce your child on your knee and recite rhymes or songs, they instantly smile and love to join in and mimic what they see and hear. This is a great time of loving, living and learning. This CD offers many funny songs and chants, that they will enjoy all of the time. Use your imagination, and make up ways to interact together, while enjoying this one. This is a great way to ensure your child is getting a lot of physical activity, as they will not be able to sit still when Leah is singing. They will want to "jump" right in. Prepare for many moments of laughter and giggles as you turn on Follow Me To Leah's Music Class and enjoy it with your children. It is a great choice for babies, toddlers, preschoolers and those in elementary school. Turn it on in the car for more treasured moments together, as you laugh your way down the road, while the children have fun instead of being bored. HAPPY NOISE is so much better than "Are we there yet?" Check out Leah's website for this, and other great offerings as well. 
|
|
Our Rating:
|
|
| Product: |
Hide 'n Seek Buddy |
Company: | Buddy Blankies |
|
Hide 'n Seek Buddy is a new toy developed by Buddy Blankies.
This toy is soft and lightweight, making it great for playtime in the car, at home, or
in bed for winding down. A toy that child and parent may play with together, as you
have your own hide 'n seek adventure, finding the hidden treasures buried beneath the flannel, viewable through plastic windows set within the frame of the cloth toy.
Children love discovery. Children love mystery. This toy invokes those passions, by allowing them the ability to hunt for 50 different objects hidden within, amongst the random filling. Objects are easily viewed, when they come into the window area. The challenge is getting them there. This is where a child will find their thrill, as they move their Hide 'n Seek Buddy around and around, shaking back and forth, to find what they are looking for. This is a great toy for quiet time, as it is not one to induce high energy, but rather concentration. If you need a toy that stimulates learning, yet doesn't stimulate the other senses, this is a great one to try. Children will find this as soothing as flipping through the pages of a picture book. Hide 'n Seek Buddy is hand made and approximately 6" in size. Offered in twelve different colors and prints of fabric. It is a perfect size to throw in our trip bag, our library book bag, or even slip into my purse if I am grabbing it the last second, before running out the door. I have enjoyed taking it with us many places, because it keeps my child busy and quiet, while enjoying every minute of play. This is just one great toy offered by Buddy Blankies. Check their website for other items they offer. <<<- (2005) RETURN TO TOP |
|
Our Rating:
|
|
| Product: |
Motorized Madness Video |
Company: | Baby Bumblebee |
|
Motorized Madness DVD is amongst the favorites in our house.
This DVD will be enjoyed by boys and girls alike, but as nature would have it, I find my little guy loves it best.
Motorized Madness shows all of the following motorized vehicles in operation: Backhoe Loader, Helicopter, Boat, Dump Truck, Bulldozer, Plane, Bus, Bucket Truck, Fire Engine, Motorcycle. What little guy can resist that? In this simple to follow and understand, detailed and fun video, children will learn the basics of these vehicles, as well as their parts; and see them up close and in action. The sounds, the true to life exciting shots, and the experiences shared within the video will be enough to make this a video they wish to see again and again. There is no better time, to instill a love for learning about the world around them, than now. This brings vehicles used in their community to their tv set. Now they can see not only them working, but how they work. What a thrill it adds to the drive in town, when you hear your child speak of the vehicles they are seeing around them. Now they will have many more questions, as they begin to see what the world around them is made up of and want to learn more. Available on DVD or VHS from BABY BUMBLEBEE. 
|
|
Our Rating:
|
|
| Product: |
Pajama Party Doll |
Company: | Terri Lee |
|
Terri Lee Dolls are just as sweet as they come. With her darling pink pj's, her bunny slippers, her stuffed bunny to sleep with, along with her overnight accessories, she is ready for her PJ Party.
It is so nice to see toys from the past, make a comeback. This is a case of just that. Beginning in 1946, these dolls hit the market. Now in 2005, they are back to make memories with our little girls. Every little girl will adore her Terri Lee Doll. There are so many styles to choose from, it is like potato chips, you can't have just one! They are too adorable for that! This doll comes with strawberry blonde hair that is long and fun to brush and style. It brushes out easily and nicely, if it becomes messy from play. The clothes are removable, so you are able to dress her in different styles for all occasions. Should the clothing become soiled, simply wash them by hand and hang to dry and they should come out like new. This doll has her own pillow. The cover is satin and is monogrammed with her initial. This gives you an idea of the care and detail that has gone in to producing this fine line. Every girl needs a dolly to love, and I can think of none finer. Whether your little girl is starting her collection, or has many dolls - this is one you will be glad you added. Your little girl will enjoy this for a long time to come, and if she decides to collect them, this is one that will last well into her own children's lifetime, so she can pass it down to her own little girl. Have a peek at the Terri Lee Site and find the doll perfect for your little girl this year. What a treasure to place under the Christmas tree, or to give as a birthday gift. <<<- (2005) RETURN TO TOP | 2005 Great Product Award |
|
Our Rating:
|
|
| Product: |
PottieStickers |
Company: | Aaron Barrada, Inc. |
|
Sometimes mom just needs a hand getting her little guy to do what he needs to do
and what she wishes for him to do. This is usually the case when it comes to
potty training. While little guys are eager to please and love to get praised,
the never ending daunting task of remembering to run to the bathroom when that
urge comes upon them, can seem boring when there are so many toys to play with and
so much to do...
But! If they know they can add a sticker to their beautiful picture project ONLY by going on the big potty ... well now, THAT'S another story! Let's Go! (pardon the pun) This is a terrific reward system that little guys and gals just love! A nice picture background is provided, along with a sheet of stickers to add to the background which creates a nice picture, made by little hands. Each time your child uses the potty, they can then add another sticker to the picture project. This allows them to not only see their picture coming to life, but to see their progress in potty training *which mom will probably be more interested in than they will at the moment*. A cd is included with tips on how to potty train in a positive manner that will actually leave you with hair on top of your head! Proven, effective advise on what works! The set includes 3 backgrounds and sticker sets, plus the cd. At their site you will also find separate backgrounds and sticker sets sold separately. I encourage you to purchase three at first though, so you have one with your child at all times ... One at home, one at daycare or grandmas and one on the road for errands. The price point for this product is very manageable and the set is worth every penny and more! PottieStickers donates a portion of each purchase the cancer research in memory of the creator's husband. <<<- (2006) RETURN TO TOP |
|
Our Rating:
|
|
| Product: |
Potty Topper |
Company: | Neat Solutions |
|
Neat Solutions offers POTTY TOPPERS, to solve the dilemma of potty training in public places. I am sure you have had your child in a public place, only to hear "Mommy ... I have to go potty!" We then scramble to get them to the restroom, only to find no seat covers. Or, there are seat covers but once you get them situated on the seat and set the child on them, they are now half on, and half off, and you wonder why you bothered. Another pet peeve of mine, is when you place a seat cover on, only to find wetness comes through that was left on the seat.
I have even went so far as to hold my child up off of a public toilet, to let them go potty and not touch the seat. One just never knows what germs they will pick up in such places and it is just not safe - I do not sit on a public toilet seat, and I sure do not want my child to. POTTY TOPPERS, by Neat Solutions, come in packages of 10. Throw them in your purse, diaper bag, or the back seat of the car - anywhere to have them handy when needed. Then, when nature calls, place one on the toilet seat and relax. Your child is safe from germs! and well guarded. Potty Toppers offer an oversized cover, so there is no fear of your child coming in to contact with germs. They also offer an adhesive strip, that hold them securely in place, so they will not get out of position when the child gets up on the seat. They have a plastic liner, which keeps any wetness left on the seat from coming through to your child. Least important, but still a nice feature, the quilted top gives your child's tushie a comfortable resting place for the 'process of elimination'. These are terrific for any child who is being potty trained, and great to continue using while they are young and need to go to the restroom in public quite often. The added protection they offer, make them much more than a potty training tool. A child never outgrows safety and protection. Pick a pack (of 10 or 40) up at a store near you. Be sure to visit tabletoppers.com, to find more simple solutions for your infant and child. They offer a lot of great picks! available at Target and many other fine stores. 
|
|
Our Rating:
|
|
| Product: |
Rody Horse |
Company: | Toymarketing International, Inc. |
|
Rody Horse has been the inspiration for the review team to decide on adding a new
category to our review center. Soon we will be adding a category for
those with handicaps and physical &/or mental challenges.
Why did Rody inspire this? Because Rody is often used in therapy for children with handicaps because of the help Rody brings in teaching children balance and coordination and strengthening the muscles used for these. We want to make this type of helpful product easily available for parents who have a child who struggles and so greatly need the help this product and others can bring to them. Rody inflates to a maximum height of 12". You can choose the proper inflation for your child. Easily inflated by hand or foot pump (with an insider note: it can also be blown up by mouth, as this was tried by my son, and worked - though it would not allow for the maximum filling capacity this way). Children use Rody as a hopping, bouncing, rocking, good buddy! They will bounce / hop across the floor, rock him vigorously back and forth in position, and all the while they will be enhancing and increasing their dexterity, balance, coordination, and muscle tone! Rody is a great activity for indoors or out - this is a toy that is both versatile and extremely durable. Rody can hold much more weight than any child of the recommended age range will weight him down with. The non latex vinyl used for Rody's construction is very tough and will handle all of the rigorous and boisterous play your child is sure to throw at him. Once they catch on how to get him going, they LOVE Rody! My daughter was bouncing like crazy within about 20 minutes. It took her this long at age 2, to realize exactly what Rody was capable of. Prior to this she sat there rocking back and forth with a smile ... Then, daddy sat her into motion bouncing by holding on to her and Rody and that got her going! There was no stopping her! Rody has been around since the 80's, pleasing children ages 18 months to four years. I know he will be around for many, many more because of the quality structure and the high quality use factor of this product. Rody is available in 12 Color choices! * They also offer a rocking base for this to be a rocking horse. Children can make Rody rock to some degree as it is alone, (my daughter did) but with the help of the base add-on this will be much easier and more effective. GREATLY IMPRESSED = HIGHLY RECOMMEND! 
|
|
Our Rating:
|
 Winner 2008 
|
| Product: |
Take-Out-Time-Out |
Company: | TOTO Products |
|
All parents struggle to find a perfect balance of love and correction.
Yet, so many parents show enough love, but are afraid to discipline, because
we often times do not understand what it is suppose to entail and how to go
about it in a way that is beneficial and not harmful. We have all heard the horror
stories of child abuse, and we never want to be referred to as someone who has
done this, so we would rather be over permissive, than overbearing.
Now you can rest your fears. The Take Out Time Out Mat is a perfect solution. Using this mat will provide a consistent method that will change only with age, as you add one more minute on the mat, for each year of age. The Take Out Time Out Mat can be taken anywhere. Will fit in most purses, diaper bags, or travel bags. Now you can have it with you when you go places, so your child can have instant gratification when they choose to take a time out on it. They will not have to "wait until they get home", which loses its effectiveness, especially if mom or dad forget, once they get home. The Take Out Time Out Mat has won numerous awards. When checking the quality of the mat, I can see why! Not only does it fold up simply, to transport anywhere you go, it is also washable, which will keep it ready to use for many moons to come. This is a high quality, low cost solution to effective parenting skills. I applaud parents who (correctly) discipline their children even in public. I cringe when I see a parent who is letting their children run wild in stores, restaurants, and other public places, and it is all I can do to keep from asking them to take that child home, if they are not going to parent them in my presence. I restrain myself from speaking my mind, but it is annoying to be somewhere, trying to either accomplish the mundane task of shopping (which I despise as it is) or trying to enjoy a nice meal with friends or family, and here is a child that clearly is asking their parents "where are you going to draw the line?" but the answer never comes. Now all parents can take charge of the situations, as they arise, and not have their child be one of the ones people like me shake their heads at. If you have watched Super Nanny, she strongly suggests this method of discipline. By placing a two year old on the mat for two minutes, a three year old on it for three, and so on, your child soon discovers that there are boundaries, and there are consequences for crossing them. No yelling, no hype, no confusion, no anger - simply requesting they take a time out is all that is needed. Soon you will find your child heading there, before you even tell them, as they know they have crossed the line, and you will be sending them there... If we, as parents, are not consistent, our children will be confused. Children need boundaries. They provide a sense of security and well being. If a child crosses that line, and never has discipline because of it, they will be confused, and wonder why they get corrected at times, and not others. They will then continue crossing the line to try and discover when they will be disciplined and when they won't be, so they can choose the latter. Discipline does not have to be mean, it does not have to be a lot of work. All it has to be is consistent and it will work. It also has to be consistent between both parents. If one says yes, and one says no, they will use this against you. Be a team! Go over your rules together and reach an agreement where you can, and a compromise where you cannot agree and then let your child only see a united front. If you disagree with how your partner has handled something, wait until you are alone, before you discuss it. If children see a wedge of disagreement, they will try to make it bigger. The Take Out Time Out Mat is great to have your sitter use when you are not around as well. This establishes a balanced disciplinary system that does not change when others are around. Soon you will have children that know the boundaries and stay within them (most of the time). Then, when they do cross that line at times, they will not fight discipline but will learn by it and learn self control. As with any form of discipline, once the discipline is complete, go to your child's level, talk to them, love on them, and let them know you are on their team and hope they do not have to spend anymore time on the Take Out Time Out Mat...but that if they choose to, you will oblige. If you have been looking for a solution to your discipline dilemma, don't give up! Check this one out and try it with your child. If you are consistent, I KNOW it will work! 
|
|
Our Rating:
|
|
| Product: |
Toddler's Edge Program |
Company: | Toddler's Edge |
|
The Toddler's Edge is a program that can be used for any age child from birth to age 5. If you miss the prime starting age of infancy, do not despair, you can start at any age in between and still see great results for your young one.
Because children absorb and learn so much and so quickly at this young age, the program is very effective, because it takes their love and desire of learning, fueled by their large capacity for doing so, and combines these with the tools to help them learn the basics very quickly, which will stick with them and help them to advance at older ages. 'The Toddler's Edge' gives them the "cutting edge" of education. The program consists of 1 DVD, 1 Parent Manual, 12 Workbooks, and 1 Reading (ABC) Book. The quality of the books and video is high, the ease of use is unmatched, and the quality of the learning material supplied is supreme. I have found my child has grown very fond of the lessons, enjoys the videos, as well as working in the workbooks. I personally enjoy the ease in which learning can happen at this young age, using this great set. I was not aware a child would pick up on these types of things so quickly, but he has taken the reigns of his learning and has advanced through this system very well and has enjoyed the process. Using this system allows a child the opportunity to explore the basics and master them, in a fun and no-pressure manner. This will allow the child to have the basics covered, as they enter school on a higher level than I thought possible. Workbooks cover small steps of the journey. The numbers are divided up, as well as the letters and phonics, to give them bitesize pieces to the overall picture. This makes the system easily manageable and monitored by child and parent. The system encompasses the entire alphabet, phonics, and numbers 1-50. One thing nice about the system is that it is sold together or as individual pieces. This makes it nice when using with more than one child. You then only have to purchase the workbooks for child #2 and beyond, because the Parent Manual, DVD and Reading Book can be used again and again. This is a set I feel every young child will enjoy and do well with. This lets the young ones "do school" as they always want to do, from a young age. Embrace that desire for learning, while it is there, and you will find your child will have an added advantage when learning is expected from them in school. Now they can enter preschool with many of the fundamental basics already mastered and can then move on to more challenging skills as they go. The author encourages parents to begin reading the book to their child from birth on. This allows the child to begin absorbing what they hear being read, and storing in their ever growing brain, to utilize later when they move on to begin working on the materials. Should you miss using this system when a child is in the infant stages, you may start at any age prior to age 5 and still see great results. This is a progressive program that will be used up through the age of 5, no matter what age you have started the program. From workbook 5 on, you will want to work closely with your child, because the work becomes a bit more complex, as it covers much new ground, with so many new sounds and combinations to learn. A child will learn much more comfortably with your guiding hand. This gives you a chance to have a special bond with your child, as you work with them and enjoy the looks of joy when they master a new subject. Your child will enjoy this set, YOU will enjoy this set. It gives you the sense of parental fulfillment, as you watch your child learning with ease and with smiles. It is a fun set that they will enjoy now and appreciate later. <<<- (2005) RETURN TO TOP |
|
Our Rating:
|
|
| Product: |
Twenty Trucks DVD |
Company: | Twenty Trucks |
|
The Twenty Trucks DVD is both entertaining and educational.
Not only does it teach the names of twenty trucks, but also teaches their role
in our communities. It also inspires little guys to learn to count in correct sequence,
as they count the twenty trucks shown in the DVD.
Repetition is the key to learning, so as they watch the DVD numerous times,
counting the trucks each time, you will find soon they are counting on their own.
While watching with my child, I found I even learned along with him. Some of the trucks that were shown in action, I had not seen before. This was not only surprising at my age, it was interesting to see what I had missed in life. I also learned the names of some I had seen, but had no idea of the name, until now. If you sit and think about it ... can you list the name of 20 trucks off the top of your head? Try it ... It is not as easy as it sounds. Animation is part of childhood and children enjoy it. However, when they see things on the screen that they can truly identify and relate to from their everyday life, they become even more fascinated. This is not an animated DVD, but true-life action. The quality is professional, and the narration is clear and enjoyable. Mr. Narrator explains what you are seeing and facts about the trucks you are seeing and their role. This DVD shows short clips of each truck in action. These trucks are on the job, so children not only see the truck but also what workers in their community really do. From Cement Mixers, Truck Cranes, Car Carriers, to Vacuum Trucks - this DVD is a true pleasure to watch. BigFoot, the Monster Truck that everyone loves, is one star of the show. Performing stunts one would only see if paying to go to a Monster Truck show, now children can enjoy seeing him again, and again. My son loved this segment and asked for me to put it back to that part numerous times, so he could watch his stunts again. After we watched the DVD a couple of times throughout the day it arrived, I found myself playing a game with my son, when we drove around to do errands. He began naming the trucks he was seeing on our way, and I began joining in. It then became a competition to see who could spot and name the most. This DVD received resounding praise from our family. I know you will enjoy it as well. Be sure to pick up a copy today and enjoy this movie along with your child. They will be sure to ask to see it time after time. 
|
|
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 |
Download Our Customized Toolbar [ IE only ] |
classifieds| newsletter| articles| subscribe| reviews| awards| review request| press releases| advertising| links| add url| contact
