The Toy Review

Othello

admin — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 01:40:07 +0000

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!

Fisher-Price Musical Tea Set

admin — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 01:08:44 +0000

Oh, look! Another item for my Christmas list. This Fisher-Price Musical Tea Set has 17 pretty pastel pieces, and the teapot plays “I’m a Little Teapot” when you press the lid. I have at least one little girl who NEEDS this tea set, and three more plus me who would like to have pretend tea with her. Please pass the plastic cookies, it’s time for a party!

Munchkin Mozart Magic Cube

admin — Sat, 09 Aug 2008 00:09:51 +0000

Babies love it! And a happy baby makes for a happy mom, right? The toy uses 3 AA batteries to keep little ones amused for hours, with it’s almost-realistic musical sounds. The Munchkin Mozart Magic Cube features the harp, French horn, piano, flute, and violin playing some of Mozart’s most familiar pieces.

The Farmer Says

admin — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 00:02:58 +0000

Now, who doesn’t remember The Farmer Says? Like most kids, I had a couple of these growing up, only mine worked with pull strings. We’ve entered a whole new world, and today’s Farmer Says works with a lever, and it is also smaller than the one I grew up with, but with more animals, because of the flipping board. It’s still enough fun to make a toddler’s eyes light up as she kicks her feet and giggles. And they still learn how to make cool animal sounds while they play with it. We have this one, and another one, and we love ‘em.

IlluStory Make Your Own Story Kit

admin — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 23:54:35 +0000

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.

Boggle

admin — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 23:39:53 +0000

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.

Little Tikes Beach Ball Sprinkler

admin — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 23:28:44 +0000

Is it hot enough for you? I declare, we are cooking here, just as surely as if this were a giant crockpot. And according to Al Gore, it is, LOL! But the Little Tikes Beach Ball Sprinkler looks like a fun way to cool off, doesn’t it? I bet it wouldn’t take long for the whole neighborhood to show up if you had one of these in the front yard! Rated for 18 months and up, this looks like fun for the whole family to me.

Ticket to Ride

admin — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 16:43:22 +0000

Ooooh, this game looks like lots of fun! Ticket to Ride is a cross country train adventure that’s for the whole family, provided that the family members are all eight and above. The players own choices dictate how the game plays out, so the game will be new each time it’s played. Played by 2-5 players, games will last 30-60 minutes, and once you are ready for a new experience, there are other editions to try.

Melissa and Doug Learn-To-Play Piano

admin — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 16:38:18 +0000

Oh, I told you I loved Melissa and Doug, didn’t I? Yes, I did. I plan to feature several of their products over the next few weeks, because they are just so darn good! I have never been disappointed in one of their products. Seriously. This Learn-To-Play Piano is designed for ages four and up, but I think a three year old could play it just fine. There are 25 keys, and the bright colors make it appealing. At least to me. I like bright and colorful

USAopoly The Beatles Monopoly Game

admin — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 01:14:21 +0000

If you are *coughcough* just a little bit older than me, and you like Monopoly, then this Beatles Monopoly Game will probably appeal to you. Like most -opoly’s, it plays like regular Monopoly, but the tokens and houses and hotels are different. The one has takens based on 6 of the most popular Beatles songs, and the house and hotels are called listening parties and concerts. The properties are the Beatles albums! Pretty nifty, huh?