Showing posts with label imagination. Show all posts
Showing posts with label imagination. Show all posts

Monday, December 10, 2012

LEGO Duplo Basic Bricks Review

LEGO Duplo Basic Bricks
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We had a really difficult time finding a decent starter set of Duplo bricks. They just don't sell the simple sets in the stores anymore, which makes no sense because they are the BEST sets. So we ordered this set from Lego. For about half what they're asking here. I've noticed a trend of Lego having the fairest prices of all the stores selling their products. Odd. Anyway, for anything Lego, I would definitely do some comparison shopping using the company website first.
With this set, I was concerned beforehand that there might not be a wide enough variety of pieces, despite the generous number (80 pieces total). This was due in great part to the fact that I couldn't seem to find any photos of the side of the box where they give the detailed information and really this is the only information you're wanting before making a rather sizable Lego purchase, right? Since no one else has mentioned this, I'll show what a total geek I am by publishing these details.
Here's the breakdown of the pieces by size:
56 2x2 peg square pieces
20 2x4 peg rectangular pieces
2 2x4 peg pieces (1/2 thickness of regular pieces)
1 2x6 peg long rectangular piece
1 2x8 peg ex-long rectangular piece
And by color!
14 red
13 each of green and yellow
12 blue
8 each of light green and orange
5 each of black and white
2 transparent blue 2x2 peg pieces
The transparent pieces were an immediate source of tension between my two daughters; they both love them. The entire set is fantastic. It's just the right amount of pieces, and I didn't feel like Lego was as stingy with the rectangles as in the previous 'My First Lego Set' we'd bought. Or maybe it's just that we now finally have enough Legos to really build something! I do wish there had been a couple more large rectangles, and maybe a couple more transparent pieces, but that's not really a gripe.
I think if you're starting out with Duplos, there isn't a better set out there with the right amount of creative, open-ended pieces and affordability. We would have started with this one had it been sold in stores. Another point in its favor, at least as far as I'm concerned, is that it was not made in China or Mexico, but rather in Denmark, Hungary and the Czech Republic.


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The fun never stops with these colorful LEGO Duplo bricks! Duplo bricks are sturdy and safe for a toddler's hands and imagination. Includes 80 basic bricks in different sizes and bright colors.

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Tuesday, August 28, 2012

K'Nex Education Kid Group Set - 131 Pieces Review

K'Nex Education Kid Group Set - 131 Pieces
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I have a 5 year old and a 3 year old and both love this toy. My 5 year says that it is "awesome". They have played with the Kid K'nex for at least an hour every day for the last month with no signs of stopping.
The pieces are large (unlike the tiny K'nex for older children) and easily manipulated with small hands. This makes them great for fine motor skills practice.
I love that my children are using their imagination to create a variety of objects, both real and invented. My husband even joins in the play and makes his own designs. The set does come with illustrations of suggested creations, but my kids didn't look at them and I think that this allowed them to be more creative.
Although this set is marketed for educational settings (I learned about them at my son's preschool), I highly recommend buying one for home. At first glance it may appear expensive but it is a great value because kids play with it alot. This is not the $10 toy that is already gathering dust a week later.
Enjoy this toy and the imagination that it brings out in your children!

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K'Nex kits inspire young minds and satisfy kids' curiosity on how to build simple creations. Each innovative kit keeps young builders busy and intrigued for hours on end.
This Kid K'Nex Kit builds eight different models and allows kids to work in teams of three to five. Big, soft, chunky pieces can be used by children with varying manipulative skills. Includes 1:1 correspondence cards. Everything comes in large storage tub with snap-on lid. Box measures approximately 7.13" x 11" x 16".

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Friday, July 13, 2012

B. Pop-Arty Beads Review

B. Pop-Arty Beads
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Pop bead are wonderful for fine motor skills and these pop beads are artfully crafted in luscious shades. I especially love the beads that look like raspberries and sea urchin shells. Since they are pop-beads, they can be used over and over again to make numerous creations. There is a slight plastic odor (obviously from off-gassing), so I recommend leaving them in an open container until they air out.

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Don't think these are like your mother's old pop-beads! Beautiful fashion colors and unique shapes and designs make this snap-together jewelry fun to make and wear. Great for play date and party fun!

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Saturday, February 11, 2012

Fisher-Price Imaginext Dragon World Fortress Review

Fisher-Price Imaginext Dragon World Fortress
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My husband picked this out for my son's 4th birthday and he absolutely loves it! The lights flash and the dragon comes down when you pull a lever and will actually pick up a man in his mouth. The front door to the castle resembles a garage door and my son really likes that! It took us a few days to figure out that the boulders actually swirl down the slide which is also part of the dragon's tale. Also, there is a little button like thing at the top of the slide that makes a noise and sends the boulder down the slide. This thing is just so nice. I only wish that the rooms were a little deaper...they are a bit shallow, but the men are pretty small, so it's no big deal. Almost all of the Imaginext toys are built so well, so I really recommend them to anyone with younger children. They even have some for girls now=) They aren't called Imaginext, but they are the exact same type of people and they are also Fisher Price Brand. We own the large Pirate Ship, another Castle, Coast Guard Boat, Space Ship, Space Station, Bat Cave, FireStation, Ambulance, and many other little Imaginext items and we can't wait until they come out with even more...

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The Fisher Price Dragon World Fortress will transport your child to a fantasy realm of magic, knights, and dragons. Designed for ages 3 and up, this play set features flashing lights, sound effects, and accessories that can provide hours of imaginative role-playing. Standout features include a moving guard dragon, a cannon that shoots projectiles, and a secret lever that will make the castle "come to life."

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Thursday, January 19, 2012

Plan Toy 50-Unit Blocks Set Review

Plan Toy 50-Unit Blocks Set
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I bought these blocks for my two preschool children 3 years ago. Unit blocks are a wonderful way to explore early math concepts because they are related in size. Therefore they stack and balance very well. This particular set has a long thin piece that is excellent for creating bases and roofs. This piece doesn't exist in other sets I have looked at. The only comment I have is that they are made of rubber wood so they get little dents in them. They do not splinter or cause a safety issue. Enjoy!!

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In the hands of your imaginative child, Plan Toys 50 wooden blocks, are quickly transformed into skyscrapers and bridges, cathedrals and barns. This set of Wooden Blocks contains 36 natural and 14 multicolored blocks. All constructed of wood. Great block set for the value.

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Monday, January 16, 2012

KidKraft Fun Explorers Castle Play Set Review

KidKraft Fun Explorers Castle Play Set
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Castle and figures are very well made.My grandson enjoys playing with this toy ,even if it didn't come with all the figures decribed in the descripion of the product. I have added dragans,jousting knights and horses and plan on adding more accessories to this castle set. Overall it is a great product for imaginative play,highly recommended.

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Wednesday, December 28, 2011

International Playthings Playdate Central Puppet Show Review

International Playthings Playdate Central Puppet Show
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My son received this for Easter from his great grandmother, and he loves it. The doorway theater is quick and easy to put together(parents put it together), and the puppets all have velco interchangeable parts. Children can use to models to build the puppets or create their own from imagination. My son especailly loves the dragon puppet. So many skits they can come up with, and you won't be disappointed in the show you receive. :) Clean up is a snap,just roll up the theater and puppets will all fit in a little bagy. So far everything seems durable. A very preschooler friendly product. I like it so much, I am considering buying a kit for my classroom, as elementary kids would love this too and you can create your own puppets for extensions to lessons or when it comes to teaching children about conflict resolution, disabilities, or any theme an educator might want. I have washed the theater to see how it would hold up. Did great. I did air dry it.

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Everything you need to put on a fabulous puppet show all in one box! Make your own puppets with 6 puppet bodies and over 30 stick on-pull off pieces to create Boy, Girl, Prince, Princess, Lion, Dragon, Puppy and Elephant puppets. Or mix and match to create crazy characters-the possibilities for creative play are endless. Then open up the curtains and put on a show with the adjustable height puppet theater that easily hangs from any doorway. Put on a play, act out a favorite fairy tale, or host an "improv" comedy show-with puppets, of course! When it's time for everyone to go home, everything stores neatly in the sturdy reusable box, ready for your next amazing play date.

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Monday, November 28, 2011

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Playhut Crawl N Play Review

Playhut Crawl N Play
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My 2 year old son likes this, he is in his "tent" phase
right now and this fits the bill. He also likes crawling through the tunnels. This works well indoors and outdoors on a LEVEL surface only. You can't really stake it down outside so it does need to be level. It's VERY easy to set up and easy to take down. Takes up about the space of a 8x10 notebook pad of paper when folded. Great for trips to the park or beach. I like this toy much better than the inflatable ball pits as it can't leak. You could easily fill the center part of this with balls. Just as a side note, when we leave this up overnight our cat also loves to use it to sleep in (he prefers the yellow tunnels!).

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Crawl in, crawl out, or you can even stand up in the middle of this Crawl 'N Play Tunnel. Three separate structures are combined in various configurations with a total of 6' of crawl space and open top for pop-up fun. Connects to other Playhut Connect 'N Collect structures, sold separately. Measurements: one cube 32"L x 32"W x 32"H and two tunnels each measure 18" diameter x 20"L.

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Monday, October 10, 2011

Quercetti Filo Lacing Set Review

Quercetti Filo Lacing Set
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My kids both LOVE this product, and it is a wonderful way for them to while away some time at home or in the car. The lacing is easy, not true sewing at all. My little one just pops the string around the board making abstract art. My older one can make the pre-set designs and loves to create new ones! It is very engaging, and gives children immediate results. If they get frustrated easily, this might be a good toy for them, as it is so easy to 'do' it and get results. There is counting involved (if you use the pre-set sheets) and lots of imagination. I got extras because they lost the little poker pens, but mostly that's my 3yo, the older one is find keeping it all together in the box. Also, you could use an empty ball-point casing, just as easily. I bought this for a 5yo, my son is 3 and my daughter is 9 - so it fits a very wide range of ages nicely. :D Thanks Quercetti for a fabulous gift my kids and I all love!

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Super fun to draw brightly colored designs with laces, undo them quickly, and draw something new! - Special board holds the laces firmly in place with the push of the lace into the exclusive self-locking slots - Develops manual dexterity, hand eye coordination and encourages creative thinking - Includes 4 brightly colored laces, 4 special "lacing pens", 16 page design manual and 18 full-size examples. Ages 4+

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Thursday, October 6, 2011

Center Stage Puppet Theater Review

Center Stage Puppet Theater
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I gave my 3 year old daughter the puppet theatre for her birthday and she was thrilled. I bought it for her because she loves puppets. She plays with it daily. I've come to realize it's a great toy in so many levels - creatively, socially, psychologically.

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Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Geo-Lastic Art by Anatex Review

Geo-Lastic Art by Anatex
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I purchased this for my daughter for her 4th B-day. This looked like the best option available. The first board I received had multiple broken ball-legs which are needed to stand correctly. I sent that one back, ordered another one and this one had 2 broken legs, as well. I super-glued the legs back on and hope they stay. My daughter loves the geo board, i would just caution buyers on the quality.

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3 years & up. Children safely explore basic geometry, letters, and numbers with these soft and safe elastic bands and plastic pegs. Pattern books are included. Board measures 12" x 12" x 2".

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Monday, August 15, 2011

Fisher-Price Elmo's Restaurant Review

Fisher-Price Elmo's Restaurant
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This was given as a gift for my little girls' two year birthday. She absolutely loves Sesame Street but is not at all interested in this set up. It is not very large, the sounds are limited and loop quickly, the Grouch door falls off easily, and it is overwhelmingly tacky. The Speaker on the cash register does not work and the storage space is very limited. I suppose it is as good as any other kitchen set, although for the price, I'm sure you could find better. I do not mean to be negative about this product, just informative.

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Look what's cookin' in Elmo's Restaurant -- an entire world of pretend-play possibilities! This two-sided restaurant comes with a working microphone, cash register and play money. Little chefs can turn the chunky Bert and Ernie knobs to hear fun phrases that will make them giggle. Place the pot on the burner to hear realistic bubbling sounds and hear sizzling sounds with the pan. Press on the cutting board to hear chopping sounds, and press the bell for a delightful "ding!" Elmo talks when you take the spatula out of this hand. When the cooking is complete, turn to the kitchen's Grover side for dining fun. Take the menu out of Grover's hand to hear him speak, and open/close the refrigerator door for Oscar phrases. All play pieces fit neatly inside the unit's built-in storage spaces. Requires three "AA" batteries, included. Kitchen measures 22"L x 26.3"W x 38"H.

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Monday, July 25, 2011

Fisher-Price Imaginext Sea Dragon Island Review

Fisher-Price Imaginext Sea Dragon Island
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My kids have some Imaginext that they don't really use, but this one has a bit more staying power. The functions are more engaging than some of the other sets- after all, who doesn't love a monster that spits gold coins at you?

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The Imaginext Serpent Playset is a playset that features a world of accessories and activation points. The playset comes with a small boat, 3 gold coins, a clam, two figures and helmets that can activate all of the feature points. Just twist the figures to reveal an action! Turn the disk on the bottom to open the front gate or turn the disk on top to rotate the serpents head and launch the gold coins out of its mouth! Place both figures on the feature point, pull the lever and watch the sword fight! If theres an intruder trying to get inside the playset, just use the serpents tail to shoo them away!* Includes exciting accessories and activation points* Playset comes with a small boat, three gold coins, a clam, two figures and helmets* Figures twist to reveal action packed movements* Pull the lever and watch the sword fight or turn the disk to rotate the serpents head* Use the serpents tail to keep intruders out of the playset

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Thursday, June 30, 2011

Kid K'nex Playground Pals- 80 pcs Review

Kid K'nex Playground Pals- 80 pcs
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My 2.5 year old daughter plays well with these Kid Knex kits, my 6 year old son loves them and my 8 year old son will also join the other two when they have these pieces out. Even an adult with free time would enjoy this creative activity that comes with a suggestions poster. The best thing about these PALS sets over similar ones, is that they have interesting eyes, hands, and feet pieces to build creatures that are more fun for my kids than building cars or buildings. Manipulating these pieces to fit together would probably be too difficult for a child under 2.5

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Get ready for lots of kid playground building fun. This set has more parts than ever before and includes build on the go vehicle buddies and swinging, spinning models. The handy storage tub with handle for portability and easy clean up. 83 pieces.

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