Archive

Posts Tagged ‘Imaginative Play’

LeapFrog Learning Friendsand 8482 Phonics Bus Vehicle

January 13th, 2010

LeapFrog Learning Friendsand 8482 Phonics Bus Vehicle




Beep! Beep! When little ones hop aboard the Phonics Bus with their Learning Friends, they discover the entire alphabet through easy-press letters, 26 learning songs, and fun removable characters that encourage open-ended, imaginative play! Each easy-press letter says it’s name and sound, and plays a fun learning song. With three modes of play, the Learning Friends Phonics Bus from LeapFrog introduces toddlers to letter names, letter sounds, letter songs that combine letter names with sounds, and the ABC Song. They’re also treated to three versions of the song “The Wheels on the Bus.” With letters, characters and fun learning songs, the Leap Frog Learning Friends Phonics Bus will delight toddlers while encouraging development of key skills and behaviors, such as language development, creativity, curiosity and problem solving. For ages 12 mos. and up. Requires 3 “AA” alkaline batteries.

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars After 6 months, still lots of fun
My son received this bus last Christmas. Ever since he simply MUST have it in his bed for the night and at nap time. This morning I heard him once again ’sing’ along and repeat quite a few letters. It is educational and fun… and up to now very durable (he often sits on it despite what Mommy says and the bus still looks as good as it did the first day). I definitely recommend this toy!

2 Stars Fun, educational but HAZARDOUS!!!
I got this toy for my son because I thought it has many educational features. After a week, the paint is chipped on one of the frogs. Grant it my son was probably chewing on the frog because he is teething. But that is what makers of kid toys should expect and prepare for. Since the paint on the frogs is not durable, I have to confiscate all the frogs and just allow my son to play with the bus. He still enjoys it but this is not the full potential for this toy. I am thinking of returning it because there is no toy educational enough that I should put my child’s health in danger. Paint chips are just NOT acceptable in children’s toys. Leapfrogs should know better and invest a little more in ensuring this toy is of health and safety standard. I am very disappointed.

5 Stars Sounds very clear
This is our first LeapFrog product. Grandma got it for our 1 year old and he has really enjoyed pushing the buttons. He is not old enough to us it fully but will be soon. We were really impressed with how clear the voice is. It makes the hard c sound, and so on, and you can really hear it. We were sad to see the stickers were peeling off after only a day (and he didn’t even suck on it) but a little glue seems to have done the trick. The bus roof is perfect for a little guy to carry it around with too.

1 Star Keep an eye on the paint
Our one year old received this as a Christmas gift and seemed to really like it-especially the three frogs whom she gnawed on (as one a teething toddler can). About two weeks after Christmas we discovered that the paint was chipping & peeling off of the frogs. After taking the toy away, we emailed Leapfrog & after no reply we phoned. We’ve had a rather protracted experience during which not one person has asked if our daughter is fine (she is according the lead test) and where there seems to be a rather blase attitude about this issue. Be very alert with regard to the paint on this toy.

5 Stars Very cute,educational tory
Like a few other reviewers I bought this for my just now turned 2 year old whom isn’t talking as much as I would hope. I was thrilled to get this…it was so cute! I couldn’t wait to get it out of the box to give it to her. She loves moves the bus across the floor and playing the ABC song. I think this is a great toy! I like that is says the letters and also makes the sounds of the letters. I would recommend this toy to anyone with a small child.

Buy/More Info

Kid Toys [Learning & Education] , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Naturally Playful Sand Table

December 1st, 2009

Naturally Playful Sand Table




This Step2 kid-favorite is an elevated sand table that keeps the sand at convenient level for toddlers. The Naturally Playful Sand Table comes with an accessory set that includes two shovels and a cup, and a protective lid with elastic ties helps keep sand clean and dry. It also features molded-in roadways on the lid for even more imaginative play. The Sand Table’s smooth, wood textures blend in with traditional residential landscapes. It can holds up to 80 pounds of sand, which is not included.

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars Perfect!
Easy to put together. Tight cover so no animals or bugs can get in. Overall keeps the rain out. We did leave it out all winter (with snow burying it) and when we opened it in the spring the sand was wet and the table filled with water but i have never had this problem in the summer spring or fall. I bought this as a gift for someone else since i liked it so much!

5 Stars great fun
My kids and I love to play with this. Doesn’t kill all the grass since it is up off of the ground. The lid is fabulous in keeping the stray cats from “doing their business in it” It doesn’t have to hold just sand. We have put uncooked rice and uncooked noodles in it over the winter inside out house.

5 Stars Fun for 2 yr old
We bought this for our two year old because she loves playing in the sand and this allowed her to do so without having to sit in it. Also love that it has a cover.

5 Stars It’s a water table too!
I was looking for a water table for my boys, not a sand table, but thought I would try this one, even though it didn’t say anything about water. The water tables were expensive and/or didn’t come with a lid. This was $45, came with a lid and is the perfect size. It’s probably 2′x3′ or something like that. It’s about 4 inches deep which is fine. There are no holes for the water to leak out. Even with the lid some debris gets in there, but not a great amount. My kids love it!

5 Stars Great sand box!
I wanted a covered sand table for my daughter…nothing more. This table is exactly what I wanted. Very durable. The easy to place lid keeps the sand clean. Great table.

Buy/More Info

Kid Toys Games , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Thomas and Friends Wooden Railway Toby The Tram Engine

October 31st, 2009

Thomas and Friends Wooden Railway Toby The Tram Engine




You can tell from Toby’s serious expression that he means to get the job done–well. He is a small freight engine but also pulls local commuter cars. He is dark brown, with a gray bumper and skirt. Based on the award-winning television series Shining Time Station by the Reverend W. Awdry, the Thomas the Tank train system fulfills all of a child’s choo-choo dreams. Each vehicle has a different name, character, and face. It is wooden and 2 inches high with black plastic wheels. The magnetic bumpers at both ends of each vehicle make linkup easy. Children will become friends with each one, developing not only imaginative play but social skills and new motor and cognitive skill as they mature. –Sandy Hirsch

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars Tempermental Toby
My son has had Toby for several years, and it still looks as good as the day we got it! (Despite hours and hours of playing and jostling against other trains in a drawer, mind you!)

Toby looks different from all the other engines on the Island of Sodor because he is a boxy tram engine. Although Toby is always happy to work, he can sometimes be very tempermental!

My son enjoys playing with Toby, and this train is a unique part of the Thomas and Friends collection.

5 Stars Thomas Toby Train
My son loves Thomas. Toby is one of his favorite. I would have to rate all Thomas trains 5 stars because of the smile they put on my son’s face.

5 Stars Nice & Durable Train
This is a great little train to add to my son’s set. He has the wooden trains & the diecast, Toby was a fun addition!

5 Stars Love it!
What is not to love about Toby?!!? Thomas products are always top quality to me. My son absolutely loves Toby.

5 Stars Great quality
Very well made and durable, as has been the case with all the wooden Thomas characters we’ve bought. We have a 2 year old boy who can be quite rough on them and they hold up well.

Buy/More Info

Kid Toys Dolls , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Melissa and Doug Deluxe 24 Piece Princess Elise Magnetic Dress Up

October 20th, 2009

Melissa and Doug Deluxe 24 Piece Princess Elise Magnetic Dress Up




An innovative combination of magnets and wood, this dress-up set is sure to provide hours of imaginative play. Magnetic dress-up doll includes stand and loads of colorful, magnetic outfits and accessories for pretend play. 24 pieces. Measures 8.5″ x 11.5″ x 1.5″.

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars My daughter loves this!
My 4 year old daughter loves to play dress-up and this set is, by far, the sturdiest I’ve found. She has lots of fun with this.

5 Stars Good for 4 years and up.
Bought for my 2 1/2 yr granddaughter. Her mother and I were more interested in it than she was. Mandy loves to change clothes on herself and her teddy bear but I’m thinking she’s too young for this concept. The items are just adorable, lots of accessories with each outfit and all very sturdy. The box is cute, too, but needs a permanent lid. I’ll save it for next visit or play with it myself! I got the princess and the ballerina and they’re both great quality toys.

5 Stars Wonderfull
I got this for my two year old. She loves it. I do too. It’s durable, compact, and a great toy teaching matching and helping with dexterity.

3 Stars magnetic dress up toy
I thought the girls (8.6 and 4) would like playing with these. They didn’t. Good durable toy, but got bored with it quickly.

4 Stars princess dress up doll
This is a sturdy and well made toy. My daughter is 3 tho, and she doesn’t seem very interested in it yet. maybe she is too young yet, but it’s a very well made toy and has lots of outfits for the princess. I’m keeping it for a while and when she is a little older, hopefully she’ll play with it more.

Buy/More Info

Kid Toys Dolls , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Melissa and Doug Deluxe 27 Piece Nina Ballerina Magnetic Dress Up

October 13th, 2009

Melissa and Doug Deluxe 27 Piece Nina Ballerina Magnetic Dress Up




An innovative combination of magnets and wood, this dress-up set is sure to provide hours of imaginative play. Magnetic dress-up doll includes stand and loads of colorful, magnetic outfits and accessories for pretend play. 27 pieces. Measures 8.5″ x 11.5″ x 1.5″.

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars Great for a Four-Year-Old
My niece loved this paper doll. It’s durable and sturdy. It’s just what I wanted for her. She loves it.

4 Stars Fun Ballerina
My 2 1/2 year old daughter really likes this. She got it for Christmas and has fun dressing up the Ballerina. Wish it had a lid…but other than that it’s a cute simple toy.

5 Stars Very fun to play dress up
With two girls ages 4 and 2, this is perfect. Very durable and easy for them to handle. They love learning how to match an outfit, or even make crazy combinations. We had previously received a doll from grandma, so another doll was necessary to keep peace!

4 Stars Granddaughter loves it…
I purchased this for my granddaughter and she likes to dress it up. It is much easier than most dolls and as often as she likes to change what she is wearing, this ballerina can change just as quick as my granddaughter.

4 Stars My 3 year old daughter loves this toy!
My 3 year old absolutely loves dressing up this wooden ballerina with magnetic dress-up pieces! She’ll sit quietly and dress her up in one outfit after another. I just wish it came with a lid for storage. But other than that a great, durable toy!

Buy/More Info

Kid Toys Dolls , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,