The Toy Review

Here we have another one for the Christmas list. You think I am kidding, don’t you? One of the best things about writing the toy blog is that I get to take the time to look at and choose the toys and games I want through the year. When it is time to do my Christmas shopping, I can type “Christmas” over there in the search field, and it will generate a list of the posts I mentioned Christmas in. And I make it a point to do that when I am talking about something I plan to buy. Please don’t tell my kids that I am making my shopping list right here in public, ok? So, on to Othello. I’ve played this game a few times and really enjoyed it. I’ve even played in on the computer a few times, but I have never owned it. That should change, don’t you think? Incredibly simple and yet very complex, it will be great mental exercise for all of us!

Following up on Boggle, which can help your beginning reader, how about IlluStory Make Your Own Story Kit to encourage your burgeoning writer? The cost of the kit includes having the story professionally printed and hard-bound and you can even order extra books for gifts. Do be aware that each book is limited to 12 pages and each page can have 20 words. This isn’t the kit to get to record your life story, but it would be great fun for a young child.

This is an old favorite, isn’t it? I remember playing this back in the day, and I was pretty good at it! I’m betting that at least a couple of my kids would enjoy playing this with their old mama. The game is rated for 8 and above, but I am thinking younger children could play if you changed the rules just a bit, to give them more credit for shorter words. As a bonus, your beginning readers will get more practice without feeling like they are in school. It’s fun and it builds brain power. That means we can call Boggle a win/win/win game.

Let me say that if you have not played Dutch Blitz, you are missing out, and you should order it today! I ordered a set years ago, and we really enjoyed it. Everything I said about UNO applies to this game, too. Only louder and faster. We lost some of our cards in a move, and I was so excited to see them on Amazon the other day. These are so going on my Christmas list!

Who doesn’t love this? We like UNO because out of nine people, seven of us can play it at one time. It appeals to all ages, and it’s fun for everyone. Except Drama and DaBaby who only get to watch. A word of warning: the more people you have playing, the harder it is to go out and the more likely you are to have to play through the deck several times. That’s why you come here, to find out how toys and games play out in a crowd, right?

Here is another toy I have always wanted and never allowed myself to purchase! Twister has always looked like so much fun, and yet… I have never played. Why not? No good reason, that’s why not. If my kids start reading this blog, I am going to be in trouble, because I am apparently making the Christmas shopping list right on it. Everybody ok with that?

Do you remember the pony on a stick? Is there a kid alive who hasn’t had one of these? Who hasn’t galloped off to amazing adventures with an imaginary posse? Well, except me. I only had a broomstick, but I always wanted one of these. What an awesome way to fire the imagination! You could go anywhere, do anything. Be a superhero with your very own transportation!

I only have one complaint about this toy: I wish it came smaller. One of my children has had a fixation with horses since she was 2, and in fact could perfectly mimic a horse’s whinny at that age. She asked for the movie Black Beauty daily by making that noise. Unfortunately for her, I am short and so are my kiddos: by the time she was tall enough to effectively control a 36 inch tall stick pony, she was past the age where it would be fun for her. I’d really like to see a version suitable for the 3 foot tall crowd.

Recommended for ages 6 and up. Also for those in second childhood.