People Domino Rally Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)We bought this little set of people dominos at a yard sale, and felt quite fortunate for it seeing the price here. I don't know that I would have paid that much. However, they are very nicely made, and a great deal of fun to play with, both as dominos, and as open-ended playthings which can be used for role-playing as well as incorporated into building with traditional wooden blocks.
The set comes in a canvas carrying case with lots and lots of people - just shy of 100 in our set - in all the colors of the rainbow, including light/dark blues and light/dark greens. The people are two shapes, male and female. The male figures can be stacked into a human pyramid, while the females with their slanted shoulders cannot.
The extra pieces include two 3-step unfinished wooden stairs, 7 unfinished cylindrical blocks that can be made into a stair-like formation during domino play, a battering ram, orange windmill, and a bell that can be rung as the little people topple into it. The latter three pieces are great fun for independent building as well.
All the pieces are smooth, solid wood, with what appears to be a stain rather than traditional paint, which is nice because it does away with the mess and danger of chipping pieces of paint.
Both our girls have a great time with this set, and play with it every few days, as we keep it in an open basket in our playroom beside their other building sets.
I think if I were going to pay full price I'd purchase the similar Haba set instead of this one, though I'll confess I find the pieces in this one to be more aesthetically pleasing. I believe this set is made in China, while the similar Haba set is made in Germany, and would rank a bit higher on safety in my mind. However, for what this set is and what we got it for, I think it's tops. If you don't mind products manufactured in China, I'd recommend this one. I'd say, in terms of appearance and functionality, this set is very high quality - and it's a lot of fun!

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Melissa & Doug Wooden Shape Sorting Clock Review

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(More customer reviews)I recently bought this toy for grandchildren, ages 3 and younger, for when they are at my house.
Previous reviews complained that the shapes of numbers 5 and 6 might be confusing, and so I avoided this purchase for a while. BUT, the one I bought is NEW and the 5 is the pentagon shape and the 6 is the hexagon shape, so that is no longer a concern. Look at the picture of the product above - today the picture I am looking at on this page shows the correct shapes for 5 and 6, so it appears that Melissa and Doug have corrected this problem! If you were to purchase an older or used version of this clock be aware that it may have the wrong shapes - but the newest ones I would presume are correct. Mine is.
I rate this toy 5-star. It is certainly not a bells and whistles toy, no noises, no lights. Thank goodness. But I think there is a lot of value in this toy.
This is a concrete hands-on way for children to begin learning about not only clocks, but also shapes, order of numbers, and more, depending on the age and stage of the child. It is a toy that can grow with a child, one to be taken out and used for a while, then as interest wanes, put it away for a while, and then bring it out later for a child to explore at a different stage.
Please keep in mind that children will probably get more value out of any toy, where a parent, grandparent, teacher, sibling, babysitter, etc. first sits down and talks with the child about the toy and maybe models how the child might use the toy. Then expect them to try using it for different things - like stacking, or pretending that one piece or another is food for a doll, or whatever - and that is OK too - keep in mind kids learn in different ways than we might expect. (Of course keep an eye on younger children to make sure they are not putting pieces in their own mouths, pretending it is their own food!)
There is obvious shape-matching value for younger children.
A child might take the shapes outside of the "puzzle" and line them up - in numeric order, or just to compare shapes, colors or whatever.
With an older child, you might introduce time-telling vocabulary, in relationship to where the clock hands are.

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It's time to "block" around the clock! Two toys in one, this colorful clock combines shape sorting and learning to tell time. Place the numbered and shaped pieces in their proper place on the face of the clock, then move the hour and minute hands to make telling time fun! Measures 9" x 5".

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Thomas & Friends Wooden Railway - Sir Handel Review

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(More customer reviews)Sir Handel is one of my 3 years old son's favorite character of Thomas Friend. After I got Peter Sam and then he always ask "where is Sir Handel?" My son needs Sir Handel because they often work together and help each other.My son needs both Sir Handel and Peter Sam when playing for specific scene. And it is based on a story of Thomas Friend. I finally ordered it because my son and Peter sam need great friend, Sir Handel!

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Brought up under instruction from Duke, Sir Handel is one of the oldest engines on the Narrow Gauge Railway. He generally is of the opinion that he knows it all and should be the boss. This occasionally leads him to have a tantrum or bad attitude. Still, he always gets the job done.

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Melissa & Doug Car Carrier Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)We recently gave this to a friend's little boy for his 2nd birthday - he and all the other boys at the party played with it constantly! It says ages 3+ on the package, but the only small parts are the wheels, which seem well-attached. My 3 year old son liked the toy too, but the 2 year old boys spent far more time playing with it. The top rack slides down so the cars can all drive off the car carrier. I was impressed at how well-made the toy is and I came on today to buy another one to put away as a Christmas gift for my 1.5 year old.

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Melissa & Doug Toys - Wooden Car Carrier. This fantastic truck is ready to spark the economy by picking up and delivering four colorful cars. Its easy-load and lower ramps provide two levels for the new vehicles. Your little trucker will love hitting the road with this wooden six-wheeler! Share hours of fun with your child! Order the Melissa & Doug Toys - Wooden Car Carrier today, from Brookstone. Dimensions: 5.75" x 12" x 3" Assembled

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Automoblox C9R Sportscar Red/Black by Automoblox Review

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(More customer reviews)This is one in a series of cars that are built by this company and all of them are fantastic. I use them in my work with children who give them a major workout. They are fun, well built, educational, and of interest to many age groups.
I love them.

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This performance version of the C9 sportscar is a must have for Automoblox enthusiasts. A special deep red color with two color emblems and fully branded center caps speak to its serious performance capabilities. The C9R rides lower to the ground on larger, more aggressive wheels with ultra low-profile tires. Front and rear blocks, unique to the C9R, have been reworked to accept a front splitter and rear diffuser.

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Ryan's Room Play around Playground Set Review

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(More customer reviews)I love the playground! I put real sand in the sand box and the kids love it! It's not often that you find playground equipment for a dollhouse.

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A playground set to get in the swing of things. Eight-piece set includes: swing set with slide/swing/climbing bars, see-saw, tricycle, sandbox, shovel, and bucket.

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Plan Toys Preschool Series Pull-Along Caterpillar Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I bought this cute caterpillar for my daughter when she was about 13 months old. She loves pulling this little caterpillar all over the place. It has the cutest little wobble and is just so darn stinking cute! It's a good weight because of it's high quality materials. Which is good because it keeps the toy from flipping over when my daughter decides to run and pull it. Smooth round corners with very durable paint. It has a kind of rubber on it's feet/wheels so it can grip/crawl on the smoothest of surfaces. My only slight complaint is that I wish the string was a bit longer. But that is because my daughter is really tall. It would also be nice to see it come in other colors. Those two things though have no impact on me recommending this toy over and over again to any parent. My daughter plays REALLY rough with toys! This little caterpillar still looks new after all my daughter has put it though. Because of it's great quality, I've decided to buy all my daughter's toy foods for her kitchen from this company as well. Great product, you won't be disappointed!

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When children pull the caterpillar, it moves forward wiggly.
Playtime Ideas:


Children are familiar with the Caterpillar and the cute character will help stimulate children to walk and move around.
Parents can use the Pull-Along Caterpillar as a leading character in telling wonderful stories to their children such as movement of the caterpillar which will also help develop language, vocabulary and also help develop good relation in the family.
Parents can teach about color and direction such as left, right, backward and forward.

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Haba Pyramid Review

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(More customer reviews)My sons are into building things - legos, standard unit blocks and anything they can get their hands on. They do like this set and didn't even need to look at the instructions to build the outside. Because of the odd dimensions of these Haba blocks, they cannot be integrated into other structures and thus put a limit of creativity. If the dimensions are consistent with standard unit blocks, they will get taken out more often to play. Also, this set has just enough blocks to make the pyramid in the picture, so there is no way to close the pyramid's "door". Could be better, but this is the only pyramid blocks we have found...

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Explore the pyramids of Egypt and search for the gold sacrophagus of an exalted Pharaoh. Build and wander through numerous chambers and passageways you create. The construction techniques that the Egyptians used on the pyramids are truly a mystery. Assemble block formations and solve the mystery. 67 pieces in 18 shapes.

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Melissa & Doug Deluxe 50-piece Wooden ABC/123 Blocks Set Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Although the recommended age is 2 years, I confirmed with the manufacturer that this age recommendation is for the child's interest/educational sake and not safety related. My ten month old loved the blocks and immediately bagan examining each one, as well as tasting them as everything goes in her month at this age. Within minutes, I noticed she had something in her mouth that she was chewing on. The blocks are made from such soft wood that with a little saliva she was able to scrape wood (and ink) off with her teeth! The ink on the side of the block was already smearing with a little saliva, and as I said she was able to scrape off the wood-- enough to chew on! Needless to say, the toy was taken away from her (much to her dismay). I was very disappointed with the quality of this classic styled old fashioned toy.

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Our durable blocks allow children to experience constructive play at its best!

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Melissa & Doug Deluxe Magnetic Calendar Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)We love the Melissa and Doug puzzles, so when my 4 year old daughter received the calendar for X-Mas, we were thrilled. We do "Calendar" every day. We bought this one for another little 4 year old as well. My only suggestion, put the calendar in a place that your child cannot reach it without help. There are ALOT of pieces that you don't want to lose.

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Teach kids about holidays and the months of the year with this colorful magnetic activities calendar. With a combination of magnets and wood, 140 pieces depict most holidays and childhood activities. Includes a dry erase board. Measures 16" x 12" when closed; 16" x 24" when open.

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Melissa & Doug Cutting Food Box Review

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(More customer reviews)This was a gift from Grandma for our 18 month old. Our daughter figured out how to cut a few months later. It's perfect for age two and up. She loves to cut up all the fruits, veggies, and bread. It comes with two cutting boards and two knives so a friend can play along too. It keeps her entertained for a long time and, as others have mentioned, teaches her the names of a few fruits and veggies along the way. Everything comes in a nice wooden box with a slide-on lid, which is great for storing all the pieces and for the fun of "in and out" of the box. My only complaint is that the velcro stickers which hold the pieces together are not compeletly durable. I've reglued a few of them, which has been no big deal to do. Overall a great toy, well priced, and nicely made.

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Melissa & Doug Toys - Cutting Food Box. Melissa & Doug Toys - Cutting Food Box This set contains eight pieces of wooden food, a cutting board and a wooden knife. Food makes a fun CRUNCH sound when sliced. With 31 pieces, its also a great way to introduce the concepts of part, whole and fractions! Share hours of fun with your child! Order the Melissa & Doug Toys - Cutting Food Box today, from Brookstone. Dimensions: 2.8" x 12" x 11" Packaged

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Automoblox C9-S Sportscar Berlinetta by Automoblox Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This was our first purchase of Automoblox. We questioned whether they would hold the interest of our grandchildren and if the quality would justify the cost. The Automoblox did all of these things and more. The both our grand daughter and grand sons played with them the day of the birthday party and the next morning they were one of the first things they got out. They are simple, well made, and educational. Parts from the same size of cars interchange with any of the others that same size. We like that if a part gets lost you can order another rather than just having a broken toy. I am sure that the collection will grow with our grandchildren! The minis were the perfect size to fit in the hand of our grandson that was turning 3.

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Design is in the details. With its simulated polished aluminum wheels, metallic roof, pearl-textured connectors, and seating for four, the C9-S Berlinetta adds a strong dose of sophistication to your existing Automoblox collection. Made from solid beech wood, it is fully interchangeable with other Automoblox models.

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Melissa & Doug Wooden Bear Family Dress-Up Puzzle Review

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(More customer reviews)I love this puzzle. My daughter who just turned two in october is having speech problems and works with a speech teacher once a week for an hour. she just started this in august and has developed alot within few months. One of their main toys they play with is puzzles. so this one i saw was great for her to work with the clothing and love the interchangable faces showing that one is grumpy,sad,happy,etc.
Plus my four year old likes to join along to play too!


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This wooden set contains 45 mix-and-match pieces to assemble Mama, Papa and Baby Bear. It's fun to change their expressions and their clothing to express their every mood. The wooden box has compartments for easy storage and the box lid conveniently serves as a puzzle board. Great for story telling fun!

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Haba Come with Us - Prepositions Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I really like the idea of this book. However, it could be improved on. The text should be a little simpler with the text clearly emphasizing the preposition. Also, sometimes when you put the magnet on the page, it will stick to the correct place, but if you move the monkey a little it will also stick to an incorrect place. Overall, Not something I would recommend.

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HABA's children's books are fun and educational!
Where is the hidden treasure? The children search for the treasure with the help of Pirate Joe and the magnetic monkey, Jack. When Jack sticks to the page, the children know they have found the spot described by Pirate Joe.

Children learn prepositions such as between, next to, behind, and more. A task is to be completed on every page. Place the magnetic wooden figure on the correct picture. The figure will stick only to the correct spot on the page. Ages 2.5 years and up.

Contents:
1 Cardboard book with 1 wooden game piece

Dimensions:
Book is 5" x 5"
Wooden game piece is approximately 2"

Book made in China, wooden game piece made in Germany.

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Beleduc Your Body - Boy 5-Layer Puzzle Review

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(More customer reviews)This puzzle is fantastic! I had to show my 3.5 year old how to put the puzzle together the first time he used it but after that he was a pro at putting it together and taking it apart. He take it apart/put it together over and over again for awhile. He finds it fascinating and loves to talk about all the different body parts. I will explain to him what each body part does and he loves it - it's a very educational puzzle! This puzzle is made of solid well made wood - would last forever. Totally totally recommend!!!

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Shape 'N Color Coaster by Anatex Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This toy is great! I am an early childhood special educator that works with birth to three aged children and I have used it (supervised) with my kiddos of typical development, special needs, and children with autism that had the fine motor skills to put the shapes on the post. It has several shapes and colors that when matched on the appropriately colored posts aid in sorting and matching skills and are fun to watch as they go down the different shaped posts. It is a great way to work on pre-language skills and signs by holding a bunch and giving then a couple at a time encouraging the word or sign for 'more.' Great toy! The only downfall is that the holes are small and it is definitely geared toward the other 2's to 3's, but a great way to communicate, use circles of communication, interact, engage, play, and learn!

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This panel is based on the award winning Pathfinder. It?s great for homes, doctors? offices, and waiting rooms. The Pathfinder Panel is great for visual tracking, fine and gross motor dexterity, hand-eye coordination, and developing sensorimotor skills. Hardware included. Measures 24" x 24" x 2". Recommended for ages 3 years and up.

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Plan Toy Solid Wood Drum Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)We finally bought this for our son after he played with it at friends' houses for over a year. I am not a fan of noisy toys, but this drum makes a couple of different soft tones when hit with the mallet. From what I have observed of my son and his friends, this toy is very sturdy, and is great as soon as they can sit up, but still remains a popular choice now they they are two.

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This tympani-like drum with drumstick will develop children's spatial perception, fine motor skills and auditory nerves. The drumstick has a rubber head to soften the sound.
Playtime Ideas:


Solid Drum is a fun way for children to explore rhythm and make music.
This musical instrument is a great way to introduce children to the enjoyment of making music.
Hitting different areas of the surface will create different sounds.
Playing with Solid Drum will help develop fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, auditory skills, recognition skills & concentration. It also relieves stress.

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