Dora the Explorer Games and Toys
June 8, 2009 by Mary Price
Filed under Movie and TV Toys
Dora the Explorer is a brave and curious character who crosses age and gender-specific play lines with her show, toys and games. These are no errant Scooby Doo adventures either, as the characters explore their world by helping others and learning about new perspectives along the way.
The Twilight Board Game – An Honest Review
June 1, 2009 by Mary Price
Filed under Board Games
The Twilight series by Stephenie Meyer has infected vampire-lovers of all ages. The young adult trilogy about a high school girl making some tough decisions has become a movie with plenty of fans, managing to reach even more people when it hit the big screen. With more fans comes more fun and games for those who love this story. My favorite of these games is the Twilight Board Game which, in essence, is a trivia game.
Recently Recalled Toys – How to Stay in the Know
May 27, 2009 by Mary Price
Filed under Toy Recalls and Safety
Build-a-Bear Beach Chairs have recently recalled over 250,000 folding chairs due to a laceration danger.
This is just one recall of many this year: how can you keep up? In this article I explore easy ways for concerned parents to stay on top of the news in regards to toy recalls.
The good news is that many companies are stepping up to be compliant with the CPSC toy safety regulations for 2010. The safety enforcement was set to begin in 2009, but the delay has been set to allow companies (especially smaller ones) and the CPSC to find ways to budget the necessary costs of the new required tests.
LeapFrog Fridge Phonics Teaches with Ease
May 14, 2009 by Mary Price
Filed under Learning Toys
The LeapFrog Fridge Phonics Magnetic Alphabet Set is a toy that manages to withstand lots of repeat play and keeps the kids occupied for a long time. As most parents know, these are both wonderful things.
The Fisher Price Rock and Roll Trike Reinvented
May 12, 2009 by Mary Price
Filed under Kids Bikes & Ride Ons
Fisher-Price is always coming out with some new item that seems like it’s been on the market for ages. The Rock & Roll and Ride Deluxe Trike is definitely in this category.
Wild Planet Hyper Dash Toy Review
May 11, 2009 by Mary Price
Filed under Learning Toys
Wild Planet comes up with some wonderful toys from spy gear to science kits, and this toy is no exception. Hyper Dash is a game that incorporates four different possibilities for play into one simple game. Speed, skill, memory, coordination and teamwork are challenged with the different skill level/play options available.
My Review of the VTech Preschool Learning Laptop
May 4, 2009 by Mary Price
Filed under Gaming & Electronic Toys, Learning Toys
My kid’s first response when she saw the VTech Preschool Learning Tote ‘N Go Laptop was, “Whoa, I want one of those!” It’s a portable laptop for kids that looks like a grown-ups version complete with a handle for carrying, a keyboard, mouse, and teaching activities on screen. The computer takes 3 AA batteries and the recommended age range is 3-7 years, which could potentially keep the kids off the real laptop for a number of years.
Review of Baby’s First Blocks by Fisher Price
April 13, 2009 by Mary Price
Filed under Baby Toys
Baby’s First Blocks from Fisher-Price is a new twist on an old favorite.
Remember that shape sorter?
I sure do. I remember playing with it for hours with my younger brother and, more recently, have spent countless hours doing the same thing with my daughter.
Live Butterfly Garden & The Value of Science Toys
March 13, 2009 by Mary Price
Filed under Science & Discovery Toys
This kit by Insect Lore is for ages 4-14
At some point we begin to ask “Why?”
And when the answer isn’t readily available in the brain of some adult, kids need another hands-on way to find out.
Wooden Toys Stimulate Local Economies
March 6, 2009 by Mary Price
Filed under Wooden Toys
Classic wood abacus by Melissa and Doug
Wooden toys have always been a favorite of mine. There is something about the solid, lasting, made-of-the-earth quality of wood that satisfies a need I have as a toy-searching parent.
