Monday 9 March 2009

Folkmanis Mini Field Mouse Finger Puppet


Kids just LOVE them! Nothing makes a bedtime story more interesting than having their stuffed-animal friends participate in them - and give them a goodnight peck in the end.

It is never easy teaching our children the facts of life, cause and effect, decisions and consequences, rights and responsibilities. These finger puppets make it just a tad easier.
Accurate and durable (not for preschoolers though, they might bite off parts), I am sure you will find Mouse Finger Puppet precious too.

I have a set of seven (a field mouse, a raccoon, a fox, a timber wolf, an owl, a black bear and a white bear) and I alternate them to keep things interesting. The owl makes only...rare appearances.

RECOMMENDED!

Product Description
Finger Puppet 4" Tall

Tuesday 16 December 2008

Fisher-Price® Roll-a-Rounds™ Drop & Roar™ Dinosaur


Product Description
Dinosaurs capture the imagination of even the youngest minds. Your little learner will be rewarded with music, sound and lights by sending adorable roll-around creatures down color-coordinated paths. Busy activities like a twirling butterfly, a rattle bird and spinning dinosaur also keep baby's head and hands occupied. Ten songs and five sound effects stimulate your child as she plays. It Includes four roll around balls and it requires 3 "AA" batteries, which are included. It measures 28" x 9.25" x 16".


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Product Details
Amazon Sales Rank: #31323 in Toys & Games
Brand: Fisher-Price
Model: H5924
Dimensions: 27.75" h x 15.90" w x 9.10" l, .2 pounds
Features
Color coordinated ball drops and ramps allow baby to follow the rounds down one of 4 paths accompanied by 3 colored lights and lively tunes
There are busy activities that add to the play, including a twirling butterfly, a rattle bird, and spinning dinosaur
10 songs and 5 sound effects encourage and entertain baby
Each of the 4 pre-historic themed rounds feature little baby creatures, each with a unique action

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Editorial Reviews
Editorial Review
Yes, dinosaurs have been extinct for millions of years. But that probably won’t bother curious babies and toddlers who will delight playing with this friendly green guy. Four balls are included to roll through various openings and watch come out of other openings, teaching cause and effect while delighting curious young minds at the same time. The dinosaur has a bumpy tail and a mouth that can be made to open and shut. Ten different tunes accompany the action along with gently flashing lights and fun sound effects while a wiggly ladybug and a wiggly fish bounce along on top. The design of having the dinosaur lie flat while your little one crawls around investigating will also likely be good for motor skill development. --Charlie Williams

From the Manufacturer
This friendly dinosaur is full of fun, from head to tail! Four Roll-a-Rounds feature adorable baby dinos inside. They’re ready for drop-through play, with surprises waiting down each ramp. Will the ball bounce down the bumpy tail, spinning the butterfly on the way? Maybe it will head through the peek-a-boo door, or past the swinging pendulum and out the front. Or watch it roll down through the dinosaur's mouth for silly sounds. Also features 10 lively tunes and colorful lights. Whatever happens, baby will learn about cause and effect while having a roaring good time! Includes 4 Roll-a-Rounds. Requires 3 "AA" alkaline batteries (not included). Approx. 27" H x 15" W x 15" D.


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Customer Reviews
Has held up thru our 2 and all the neighbors!
My son got this as his big 1st b-day present in 2005 right after they came out, he honestly didn't show a lot of interest in it...he liked it but it wasn't his favorite. But ever other kid that came over under the age of about 8 played with this toy. As my son got older he learned that the dino worked as a great HotWheels track! He still plays with it today it in fact is the only toy that is in our TV room all the time, because no matter what if I put it in the Playroom it just gets drug back out by a kid. My 15 month old has loved this toy since about 6 months when he started sitting up and could hold things, he loves it! He can play with this toy for almost an hour without any problems. My nephew was 4 in August and still goes to this toy first, he is the only kid that I babysit that has been able to get the head off, not sure how, but it isn't a big problem it snaps right back on!
Our's still looks pretty much brand new, I wipe it down with a wet cloth to remove all the stickness, but we haven't lost any parts except the trap door, which my son took off because it slowed the ball down. The toys on top are still in tact and I think we have only had to change the batteries once, in the almost 3 years we have had it.
LOVE THIS TOY! I am in fact looking for one for a decent price for my nephew for Xmas this year....I didn't know they had been discontinued by Fisher-Price and that you couldn't get them at the stores anymore...it is a shame it is agreat toy!

Enjoy this product but never paid as much as amazon wants.
My son loved this toy. We bought it for him for christmas when he was 6 months old and he always played with it. He enjoyed watching the balls come out of the holes, we even bought more balls for it. We did have the problem with balls sticking but that never stopped my son from playing with it. We never paid as much as what amazon wants for it though. I bought it from Wal-mart for about $40. My son is now 3 years old and we have it set up still (now for his little sister who loves it too) and to this day he still plays with it.

Happy Roar for this Dinosaur
My son recieved this toy when he was 5 months old. Now, my son is 2 years old and he still loves to play with it from time to time. He has loads of fun jamming the balls in the holes and gets a kick out of the music and sound effects (he even mimics the Dino's "roar" which is cute).

It is a pretty pricey toy, though. But, we have gotten our money's worth because he still plays with it and he'll be playing with it for some time to come. There are a handful of toys my son asks me to get for him to play with, this is one of them. He, truly, loves it.

I have not had any problems with this toy as far as durabiliy goes. In fact, I haven't even changed the batteries yet.

I do recommend this toy.

Playskool Busy Poppin' Pals


Product Description
This hands-on, pop-up activity toy introduces your child to different shapes, animals and cause-and-effect play, and rewards discovery with colorful critters! A lever, beeper, key and switches are easy for little hands to activate. As your child presses, turns and twists, she'll be building fine motor skills and having fun as the colorful animals pop up to the corresponding action. There's even a built-in carry handle for on-the-go play.


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Product Details
Amazon Sales Rank: #2051 in Toys & Games
Brand: Hasbro
Model: 6205
Released on: 2006-09-06
Dimensions: 14.25" h x 8.06" w x 5.37" l, 2.45 pounds
Features
Easy-to-activate lever, beeper, key & switches!
Press, turn and twist - a great way to build fine motor skills!
Easy-Grab handle! Colorful ctritters pop up.
Great for portable play.
For ages: over 9 months.

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Customer Reviews
Poorly made, hard to operate
This is the type of "cause and effect" toy often recommended for babies around 6 mos. The problem is that the buttons, knobs, etc. require FAR more strength than a baby this age can manage which is extremely frustrating for the baby. In addition, one of the levers on my daughter's toy does not "catch" and the door will not close unless you fiddle with it. Since her only enjoyment is closing the doors (once I've opened them) having one door NOT close after repeated tries is also confusing and discouraging. I'm sorry I bought this.

I wouldn't buy it if I could do it over
This was a disappointing purchase. It really isn't all that interesting after the first couple of minutes. My child didn't seem very interested after our initial play session with it. If I had it to do over, I would pass on this.

opens with a bang!
I think my daughter was able to move most of the levers when I first showed it to her, around 4 months, but the loud snap as the animals popped up made her wince each time, so it didn't really encourage her to play and we actually put it away for a long stretch. Now she's 8 months and the colors draw her, but again she finds it too loud, even turning half away in anticipation when she sees me about to demonstrate one of the gizmos. She enjoys pushing all of the heads back down (even loudly with banging), but I fear she may have already learned to avoid really working this toy...

Monday 8 December 2008

Hasbro Playskool T.J. Bearytales Animated Plush Bear


Product Description
Welcome to the amazing world of T.J. Bearytales, where it's always time for a story. T.J. Bearytales is a storytelling friend with an animated mouth, ears, eyes, nose and arms. In T.J.'s imaginative world, a story is more than just something to read - it's a place to imagine possibilities and make great discoveries. This cuddly bear doesn't just tell a story - he asks questions and weaves engaging songs and activities right into the tale. T.J. also goes beyond teaching basic ABCs and 123s -- he teaches life skills that prepare your child for school. Silly songs and deep belly laughs add to the fun.

T.J. comes with one pre-programmed story, and his attached backpack holds up to four story cartridges (additional cartridges sold separately). Simply pop the storybook cartridge into T.J.'s backpack and help your child read along with the included 24-page illustrated storybook. You'll even find additional activities in the storybook for you and your child. T.J. measures 13.5" tall. Requires 4 "D" batteries (not included).


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Product Details
Amazon Sales Rank: #4073 in Toys & Games
Brand: Hasbro
Model: 51396
Released on: 2006-09-06
Dimensions: 14.00" h x 12.00" w x 9.50" l, 4.46 pounds
Features
Fully animated electronic plush bear tells stories and leads activities
Together with T.J., your child enters a big world of imagination where silly songs and belly laughs lead the way to a lifetime adventure in learning
Bear comes with illustrated 24-page storybook and one story recording
Goes beyond ABC's and 123's to include life skills like following directions and helping others - skills that help get your child ready for school
Other story cartridges available (purchase separately)

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Editorial Reviews
Editorial Review
You know how preschoolers just can’t get enough of story time? How there’s always a request for one more, and just one more after that? If you’re like most parents, you’d love to oblige your curious child as his mind expands and grows…but there are those dishes to be washed and errands to be run. Here’s your chance to let someone else step in for a moment! T.J. Bearytales is your man. Or bear. This plush-on-hard-plastic teddy is not necessarily the most cuddly guy around, but he does have the corner on the entertainment market for the under-six crowd. Just slip a cartridge into T.J.’s backpack and press play. The bear comes to life with animated facial features and gesturing arms as he tells stories, asks questions, sings, laughs, and leads activities. Kids can follow along with the storybook as they learn school-readiness skills like listening, following directions, cooperation, and friendship. But of course all they’ll care about is the chance to hear one more story…as often as they can insert cartridges! Includes bear, storybook, and instructions, as well as a recording of "My Big Birthday Surprise" story. Other story cartridges can be purchased separately. Requires four "D" batteries (not included). --Emilie Coulter

From the Manufacturer
Welcome to the amazing world of T.J. Bearytales, where it's always time for a story! In T.J.'s imaginative and captivating world, a story is more than just something to read. It's a place to imagine possibilities and make great discoveries. T.J. doesn't just tell the story; he asks questions and weaves engaging songs and activities right into the tale! This goes beyond just ABC's and 123's to include life skills like following directions and helping others. These skills help get your child ready for school and ready to learn. Together with T.J., your child enters a big world of imagination where silly songs and belly laughs lead the way to a lifetime adventure in learning. T.J. BEARYTALES is a storytelling friend with fully animated mouth, ears, eyes and nose! His arms even gesture as he tells the story! His first story, My Big Birthday Surprise, is already programmed inside. Each additional 24-page illustrated storybook includes a cartridge (sold separately). Simply play the cartridge in T.J.'s backpack, and read along! You'll also find additional activities in the storybook for you and your child to enjoy together!


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Customer Reviews
Wonderful gift!!
My 4 year old got this for her birthday from her grandparents and absolutely loves it. We love listening to her sing and read along. It is adorable and well worth the money.

One of the best toys on the market!
I am a grandmother of 8 grandchildren who range in age from 3 months to 8 years old and they all love this toy. My oldest grandaughters are twins. One is autistic and one is not. This toy is not only great for children of various ages, but also perfect for children with various abilities. I have 4 children and I had to make sure that each household had this bear. Tj Bearytales is one of the best toys to come along in a long time. It is a toy they will play with over and over again. This toy will not be tossed to the side after a few hours of play like most of the newer toys. Your children or grandchildren will play with this bear over and over again. I would highly recommend this toy to anyone. The only negative is that Hasbro needs to make more books.

GREAT bear! Better than Ruxpin!
I got this for my Grandaughter. I just HAD to get him out of the box and check him out! Based on the Teddy Ruxpin that I got my daughter so many years ago, I just could not believe the difference in TJ compaired to Teddy Ruxpin! Me and my mother both just went "Wow." We just sorta sit there and looked at all the stuff TJ did! I really cant comment on his durability yet as this is a XMas present, so I just hit the middle with that and left 3 stars, he feels about as durable as the TR bear and he still works after 20 years and MANY hours of reading and rough handling. TJ is on the heavy side, but no heavier than TR, actually, I would say they weigh about the same. I truly think my Grandaughter will LOVE TJ! I would not hesitate at the present to recommend this bear at ALL!

Sunday 5 October 2008

Who knew how much fun they'd have?

Who knew how much fun they'd have?
By G. McCarthy (Chicago)

I must admit that when my mom gave this toy to my 12 month old, I didn't think it would be a hit - boy was I wrong! Both the baby and my 3 1/2 year old think the ball fountain is neat.

With this toy you push the plunger, the music starts and the balls begin popping out of the top, rolling down the shoot and popping out the top again. Sometimes the balls just keep going through the circuit and sometimes they fly out of the toy and roll across the floor. My daughters enjoy it all!

From a parent point, the negatives are that the music is a little annoying and the five balls roll all over and need to be picked up again and again. The positive is that it keeps my little ones engrossed. The 3 1/2 year old can operate it all by herself and the 1 year old can play with it with only a little assistance from me (helping her corral loose balls and pushing the plunger).

We haven't had any trouble with the sturdiness of the balls, but the yellow funnel does get knocked off occasionally. It goes back on easily enough, but disrupts the play temporarily.

Bottom line is that we really like this toy and are happy to have it in our toy collection

WOW! What a GREAT toy

WOW! What a GREAT toy!,
By One Strong Opinion (Austin, TX USA)

I first encountered this toy in a doctor's office and was amazed by its popularity. My 18 month-old son loved it as did ALL of the other kids in the office -- from about 9 mos to 5 years. The kids could not get enough of this toy. I got it for our own home, and its popularity remains high. I have given it as a birthday gift, and it has been a winner in those homes as well. The kids really do play with it endlessly. On that note, though, please know that this toy makes some NOISE, so if you are a person who can't stand noisy toys, this is NOT the toy for your house.

What colorful, musical fun

What colorful, musical fun!
By frisky2000 "frisky2000" (smallville)

Durability:5.0 out of 5 stars Fun:5.0 out of 5 stars Educational:5.0 out of 5 stars
Our 20 month old played with this at a friend's house and didn't want to put it away, which is not like her since she bores easily with most toys. We purchased one for her and the moment she sets it down to play, her face lights up, she squeals with delight when she presses the big red ball to start the action, and then once the balls start popping in the air, she is overjoyed.

The colorful balls are placed in the chute on top of the unit, then as they slide down the ramp, the air popper forces them up through the top hole and they pop around like popcorn! We watch our daughter laugh and have a blast with this toy all the time, but she is learning so much from it as well. First she learned cause and effect when pushing the red lever to start the machine. She learned that the music will not start until the balls begin moving. Next she learned where to place the balls, and how to catch them if they scooted away, and finally she learned words like BALL, STOP, OUT, PLAY, DANCE just from the repetition of the activities. The fun music reminds me of a circus parade and several songs randomly play while the popper is activated.

Storage is a snap since it's heavy enough to stay upright while playing, and light enough to grab and go when it's time to clean up. There are three main pieces that an adult has to screw together, and though a child might be able to pry off the top piece, it easily snaps back into place. Just don't lift it from the top piece and you shouldn't have a problem.

I recommend this toy for babies who are able to sit up unassisted so that an adult can help them play with the balls, but highly recommend it for walking toddlers since they will love chasing after the balls.
A+ from this parent on this one!