Archive for the ‘Educational Toys’ Category

Magna-Tiles Review

Monday, December 19th, 2011

Recommended for children 3 and older, Magna-Tiles has turned out to be the surprise best selling toy of the 2011 holiday season. An interactive building toy, Magna-Tiles consists of magnetized tiles that can be put together in many combinations. This toy set is fantastic for small children in that it helps them to develop their logic and problem-solving skills. Math and creativity are also developed. Spatial development is the most exciting skill offered by this toy, as children will learn to create, then break down and re-create objects that are 2d and 3d.

The tiles included come in a plethora of sizes of triangles and squares, to allow for true logical learning and creativity. Each piece is unbreakable, so the set is safe for smaller children.

The set is available in clear or solid colors, to allow for the mixing of the two types to create buildings with clear windows. For smaller children, just one set should be fine. For older children, the addition of different sets would allow for expanded creativity and development.

Our testers noted that the tiles can be used to create building and playhouses for many other types of toys, such as dolls, action figures, even car sets. Some parents were ecstatic that their children were able to learn about geometric patterns and shapes so early in their childhood. From squares and triangles to trapezoids, the toy can be used to introduce children to math and geometry. Cubes, pyramids, buildings, homes, towers, these are just some of the possible items that children can build.

While the toys can be expensive, they are worth the expense, as most parents say Magna-Tiles are the toy that children will play with every day, as the possibilities for building and re-building are endless, as are the educational advantages.

Verdict — This is the toy of the year, a  highly educational toy that kids don’t know or care is educational. A worthwhile investment for any child’s development and future.

Click here for more reviews and compare prices of Magna-Tiles

Mattel Mindflex Review

Friday, November 12th, 2010


I am absolutely dreading the upcoming holiday season because I already know what I am in store for. I have a couple of kids who already have a wish list made that is about a mile long. If they believe for a second I’m going to purchase them the same mindless electronics I have in the past they are absolutely mistaken. I have come across a game that I feel will help to expand their mind, while at the same time having fun. I came across the Mattel Mindflex Game, which I had my doubts about, but I was able to look into it in order to see would it be suitable for my children. Here is what I was able to discover.

The Mattel Mindflex Game requires my children to think.

The last thing I needed was another game that would enable my kids to be mindless. I wanted something they could enjoy, but at the same time would be able to use to expand their mind. This particular game enables them to think. This game combines advanced technology with the power of thought. It is able to use a very powerful assortment of physical and mental coordination in order to help the user guide a ball through a customizable obstacle course.

The Mattel Mindflex Game would enhance my children’s minds as well.

Not only would my children be able to use a combination of physical and mental coordination in order to move a ball through a customizable obstacle course, but they would also be able to measure their brainwave activity. This is a good thing, because this way they will be able to see and I will be able to see just how strongly they are able to concentrate. Seeing as how the object of this game is to navigate a ball through a mind challenging obstacle course as fast as possible, this skill will grow over time. And I am almost certain this ability to think and concentrate will spill over into other components of their life.

I honestly feel like any parent who feels their child could use a little bit of mind exercise or any parent who is tired of the same mindless technology that is dumbing down our children should definitely look into the Mattel Mindflex Game. Here is a game that has come along which will enable them to actually use their mind, and grow their ability to concentrate and focus. It is definitely something I won’t mind them spending a lot of time on. My only fear is that the game has the ability to become addictive, but I prefer my children be addicted to a game like this rather than some online game or playing on the cell phone all day.

Click here to find out more about it!

Leap Frog Leapster 2 Review

Sunday, September 5th, 2010

The Leap Frog Leapster 2 is a learning game system from LeapFrog. It’s like an introduction to computing and the Internet for pre-school age children. The system includes 30 different learning games, including games for the basic education skills like math, science, reading and language. The system allows kids to go online to connect to the LeapFrog Learning Path, which offers extra activities and rewards for the child, while also allowing the parent to connect and keep track of the child’s progress, including what games they are playing and their skill levels. This could be very helpful for parents to see exactly how helpful the system is for their child’s learning ability. There’s lots of cute animated characters,, including some that will be familiar to your child, like the Backyardigans, Dora, Thomas and others, that direct your child through the games.

The unit itself is made of plastic and from our experience, could be a bit more durable. If a child drops it a few times, that could be it for the unit. We recommend you buy the Leap Frog Leapster 2 from a reputable store that offers a strong return policy, just in case. The system fits easily in children’s hands and the buttons are easy to use. The system requires 4AA batteries, which are not included in the box. There is also an SD slot which can be used to take advantage of more online games. Recommended for children ages 4 to 8 years old, this is a “toy” that offers much more than just activities, it’s truly an introduction to interactive learning. We recommend the Leap Frog Leapster 2 for kids who are curious and creative, and want to learn, or have short attention spans. This may be just the thing to keep kids occupied on long drives to Grandma’s house.

Melissa and Doug Deluxe Standing Easel Review

Monday, August 23rd, 2010
The Melissa and Doug Deluxe Standing Easel is a creative toy for children ages 3 and higher. The set includes everything a child could need in order to get started creating their own artwork. Set includes an easel, which we noted was of good quality and surprisingly durable. Also includes a dry erase board, chalk board, paper holder, paper cutter (child-safe), a set of clips plus a tray to hold art supplies. Note that art supplies do not come with this set, but there is a companion set of art supplies made specifically for this set available.
Bottom line, if you are interested in fostering your child’s creativity, and simple crayons and coloring books aren’t enough, this is a fantastic buy.
This easel will bring out the artist in any child and, at the very least, will be wonderful for keeping any child occupied. The set can stand in a corner of your child’s room permanently or can fold easily for storage under a bed or in a closet. It’s also easy to clean, just wipe with a damp sponge.
The Melissa and Doug Deluxe Standing Easel is very adjustable for different heights, so this set can grow with your child. Since it is sturdy, made of solid wood, unlike other cheap or plastic easels, it will last and be a good investment in the creativity and imagination of your child. Don’t forget to get plenty of the companion paper rolls that are available as well. Don’t be too surprised when your refrigerator fills up with the artwork they give you!

Step 2 Waterwheel Activity Play Table Review

Sunday, July 18th, 2010

The Step 2 WaterWheel Activity Play Table is a water based action toy that helps to encourage exploration and is visually and texturally stimulating. For children ages 1 – 4 years, this toy can help with imagination and learning.

The parent gets the toy ready by adding water into the funnel and activating the water wheel. Then the water spills over into the different sections of the harbor, canals and lakes. The toy is elevated so the child stays off the ground or the floor, which also helps with any cleanup. Basically, unless the child dumps it over, there should be little cleanup, if any. Keeping the toy off the ground also eliminates the formation of mud, whether on the ground or on your child’s feet. Up to 3 children can play at the same time. There are two drains in the toy to make it simple and easy to empty the water after it’s been used. The set includes 4 pieces in total, a cup, 2 sailboats and the water wheel tower, as well as the actual table itself. The toy can hold up to 4 gallons of water.

The toy is excellent for children who aren’t known for taking to a single activity for more than a short period of time. The water element as well as the ease of set up and use, makes this toy ideal for children with shorter attention spans who need lots of mental stimulation and activity for their hands, especially those “terrible twos”. Children ages 1 – 3 will especially enjoy this toy. Children older than 3 may not find it as stimulating. (more…)

Bananagrams Review

Thursday, July 8th, 2010

For kids ages 7 and higher, Bananagrams is an unusual word game for kids, in that you don’t need anything to write with or write on. Instead, you just need a table to set the game on. Since nothing else is required, it doesn’t take up much room on a table and all the pieces fit conveniently into a soft zippered bag, Bananagrams makes for a great game that can be played while traveling, or at slumber parties, camp-outs, sleepovers, in RV’s or campers or just about anywhere else. The game can also be played quickly, with some games being just a few minutes long. The fact that the game is portable and great for traveling and plays quickly isn’t the selling point though. The real selling point is that Bananagrams, at it’s core, is an educational game, where kids are essentially playing a crossword puzzle. Somewhat like Scrabble, but without all the special point tiles that can make Scrabble frustrating and an exercise in patience. Bananagrams makes the kids be flexible and quick with their word creation and integration of words into their crossword.

Another wonderful aspect of Bananagrams is that adults, of any age, can play with kids and can have just as much fun. Grandma can play, parents can play and all the kids and teens too. Bananagrams is also very flexible on the number of people who can play it, so if it’s just two that’s ok, but add a few or a bunch more people and increase the fun even more. Sometimes when playing other word games, like Scrabble, some people tend to take a long time for their turn. Not so with Bananagrams, as speed is very important. No one will be holding up the game looking up words in a dictionary.

If you’re looking for a fun, addictive, portable and secretly educational game, Bananagrams will fit the bill perfectly.

Insect Lore Live Butterfly Garden

Saturday, June 12th, 2010

The insect lore live butterfly garden is a fantastic gift for all of the family. It is recommended for children from the age of four to fourteen years, but adults will love this too. It never ceases to amaze me the amount of toys that are designed for children that can appeal to the older generation at the same time. With this butterfly garden both you and your children will be able to witness the miracle of caterpillars turning into beautiful butterflies right into front of your eyes.

This product comes with a reusable habitat that collapses down when not in use. The habitat which is also describes as an observation chamber comes complete with a transparent netting which keep the larvae safe and will allow (more…)

Leapfrog Learn and Groove Musical Table

Monday, June 7th, 2010

Leapfrog Musical TableThe Leapfrog learn and groove activity table will provide hours of educational fun for your little ones. This toy is suitable for kids from the age of 6 months up to 3 years, although if your little one has older siblings they will love it too. This toy is packed full with both musical and learning activities that are aimed to not only entertain but will give motor skill development and auditory and visual stimulation.

This activity table is designed to grow alongside your child so they will not get bored of it in a hurry, and it will be while until they grow too big for it. It’s sturdy plastic legs which hold the bright colorful table top from the floor are adjustable, so as your little one grows, your table can too. (more…)