LeapFrog Imagination Desk Learning System Review

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(More customer reviews)Imagination Desk by LeapFrog
I purchased this portable coloring desk for my three year old daughter last Christmas who said "oooh, neat" then promptly set it aside as she became entranced with other trendier, flashier toys. A year later the majority of those flashy toys now reside in the bottom of her toy box while this desk gets trotted out almost daily. I have purchased several additional coloring pages along with the "On The Farm" cartridge because she loves it so much.
I like the fact that while she's coloring the cute and educational pages the toy "speaks" to her and teaches her important things like letters and numbers or, if she's in the mood, she can flick the switch and play a game (my six year old son prefers this button) or even have a song that matches the coloring sheet sung to her in a cute little voice. It's also very portable with a nifty little slot for the coloring pages and a holder for her crayons though I do wish it had a spot for extra cartridges (I solved this problem by buying her a companion tote for everything). And, after one year of constant use I still haven't had to replace batteries!
My only beef with this toy is that the plastic holder that you lift up to put in your coloring sheet often comes right off! The crayon holder cover also has this same problem. It is also difficult for little hands (and my slightly older ones!) to get the paper holder into the correct little grooves so the product will speak. My daughter cannot do this most times and even I sometimes have to try 3-4 times before I get it in correctly.
This toy is a great investment if you have a child who enjoys coloring. It may not get you that initial "wow!" when it's first opened (it's not Barbie or Pokemon, after all) but I can almost guarantee that it won't become another unused and lonely toy added to the collection sitting in the bottom of child's toy box. ~ Laurie Shallah

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With this LeapFrog Imagination Desk Learning System your child learns while coloring and playing. Color the 26 alphabet pages to bring them to life and learn letter names and sounds, fun facts, numbers and counting. Includes 3 engaging teach modes that use characters, games and music to turn learning into play. Includes interactive learning desk, coloring book, crayons, volume control, storage for templates and supplies, and a carrying handle. Uses four AA batteries (not included).

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GeoTrax Rail & Road System - Rocky Falls Tunnel Review

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(More customer reviews)The entire line of GeoTrax Road 'n' Rail toys is great for kids ages 2 1/2 and up. They promote imaginative play and creative design, they're attractive and solidly-constructed, etc. However, while some of the add-ons are better conceived than others, the Rocky Falls Tunnel is among the best.
The set consists of a hard plastic arched junction and two flexible fabric lengths of tunnel. These tunnel pieces are detachable so that they can be used separately or as part of this set. However, when they're not attached to the main base, it looks unfinished, i.e. you can definitely tell that pieces have been removed. Also, when using the fabric tunnel pieces in any capacity, they're very picky about curves - the train will oftentimes get stuck in the tunnel if it's not used on a straight section of track. So, it's best use is with a T-intersection in the middle and straight tracks coming out of all sides. The set unfortunately includes no track pieces.
The set's operation is controlled by the train passing through, but not in the traditional GeoMotion way. When the train passes through, it trips a light sensor under the archway which triggers the water wheel as well as some cool sound effects. The sounds include both train and nature effects; the set randomly selects which sounds to play with each pass-through. The set also occasionally throws out a random nature sound even when the train isn't coming through, which adds fun atmosphere to the overall landscape. The sounds are well-recorded and volume is just right.
When completely assembled, the set is on the large side (just shy of the roundhouse or Mile High Mountain base for comparison), so plan on your GeoTrax layout growing when you add the Falls. Overall, this add-on is a lot of fun and the versatility that it offers makes it a great addition to anyone's GeoTrax collection.
PROS
* Motion-sensor trigger for sounds and actions works very well
* Sound effects are fun and pleasant
* The detachable fabric tunnel pieces also fit into each other for use elsewhereCONS
* Flexible fabric tunnels are picky when used with curved tracks
* When the fabric tunnels are removed, the main piece looks unfinished - why not include hard plastic caps that look like the rocks?

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Now kids can add a flexible tunnel to their GeoTrax Railway, along with a working water wheel! Add an RC train to Rocky Falls Tunnel, and through the magic of GeoMotion, the water wheel turns and sound effects (nature sounds, train sounds and water sounds) happen! (You can also activate the water wheel by hand.)The tunnel is made of expandable fabric, so you can set it up different ways. It can cover 6" straight track, 6" curved track and 9" curved track. Includes mountain tunnel with working water wheel, two expandable fabric tunnels (expand up to 28") and two railroad crossing gates (RC train sold separately). Requires 3 "AA" (LR6) batteries (not included).

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LEGO DUPLO Thomas & Friends - Harold the Helicopter Review

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(More customer reviews)My son just turned three and he got this as a birthday present. Harold makes a great addition to the Lego Thomas sets or he would be great on his own. The pieces are the perfect size for preschoolers' hands and they snap together easily. My son enjoys putting Harold together and loading cargo with the pully.
A fan of all things Thomas AND of anything with propellers, my son plays with Harold for hours. This toy encourages imaginative play and works well with other Duplo blocks. It's sturdy and fun. Highly recommended!

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The mail is bound to be on time in the Island of Sodor, thanks to Harold the Helicopter. He steers clear of all the traffic as he flies through the air, carrying mail to all of his friends. Will he have mail for you today' Set includes mail crate with one piece of mail. Harold's propeller actually spins and his pulley moves up and down. Contains 7 pieces.

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LeapFrog My First LeapPad Alphabet School Bus Learning System Review

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(More customer reviews)My daughter likes her My First Leappad, but after several months use, the pen has wires showing! I called Leapfrog and after a series of frustrating phone calls, I find out that they don't make the replacement pen for the My First Leappad anymore! At first the customer service agent told me they have the pen and I paid for it. The package I recieved in the mail had an old leappad system that doesn't work and 2 pens that don't fit my leappad. When I called back, it was a 2 hour ordeal. Finally, I spoke with a supervisor who told me that despite the fact that it was their mistake, I had to pay to ship everything back to them, then they would refund my money! Not only am I upset by this treatment, but I can't believe they don't make the pens anymore. I have invested in a lot of books for this leappad and now it is useless. What a waste of money! I cannot in good conscience buy from LeapFrog again!

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Melissa & Doug Deluxe 10-Piece Alphabet Nesting and Stacking Blocks Review

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(More customer reviews)My daughter has enjoyed this cardboard block set. She enjoys the blocks because they stack tall, unlike her smaller plastic building blocks, which do not stand well on the carpeting. She often builds up the blocks, knocks them over, and starts over again.
She does not care about the pictures on the blocks, but she recognizes the letters, which are all written uppercase. Some of the blocks are difficult for a toddler to associate the picture with the letter (e.g. a rabbit with a rose for the letter "R," but most toddlers would see a bunny with a flower).
I have used the blocks for other games, such as "Memory" by hiding smaller objects (such a sock or paper) under the blocks and asking her to remember which object is under which block.
I would recommend this product for children aged two-years and older. The cardboard blocks could easily be damaged by a younger child, rendering the blocks unstackable.

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This set of ten sturdy cardboard blocks will keep your little one engaged for hours. Each colorful, bold block has beautifully illustrated letters and images on every side. Stack them high to build a soaring tower, or link them together on the ground. Nesting block measures 5.8"H x 5.8"W x 5.8"D.

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