Thursday, June 11, 2009

Webkinz Ganz Large Fantail Goldfish August 2008

Product Description
Meet the Webkinz, lovable plush pets with a secret code that lets you enter Webkinz World. With it, you enter Webkinz World where you care for your virtual pet, answer trivia, earn KinzCash, and play the best kids games on the net! Learning and loving awaits a new Webkinz or Lil' Kinz owner. These velvety-soft plush pets are made for hugs!

The New Yorker Cartoon Caption Game

Product Features
If a picture speaks a thousand words, surely you can come up with a few of your own in this hilarious game of which player wrote which caption
Based on the new yorker magazine's popular cartoon caption contest
A game of immeasurable creativity, unmatched wit, and uproarious humor…and you are responsible for most of it
Don't worry about not being funny; in a game like this, even the bad captions are part of the fun
For 3 to 6 players (best with 4 or more)

Product Description
From the ManufacturerThe New Yorker Cartoon Caption Board Game is based on The New Yorker's popular Cartoon Caption Contest. This New Yorker board game is one of immeasurable creativity, unmatched wit, and uproarious humor and you are responsible for, well, most of it. If a picture speaks a thousand words, surely you can come up with a few of your own in this hilarious caption board game. The object is to guess which player wrote which caption for a given cartoon. And don’t worry about not being funny - in a board game like this, even the 'bad' captions are part of the fun. Product DescriptionThe New Yorker Cartoon Caption Board Game is based on The New Yorker's popular Cartoon Caption Contest. This New Yorker board game is one of immeasurable creativity, unmatched wit and uproarious humor... and you are responsible for, well, most of it! If a picture speaks a thousand words, surely you can come up with a few of your own in this hilarious caption board game. The object is to guess which player wrote which caption for a given cartoon. And don't worry about not being funny -- in a board game like this, even the 'bad' captions are part of the fun!

Thursday, May 28, 2009

80" x 27" Jump-o-Lene


Product Description
Featuring an 82-inch jumping surface, the Jump-O-Lene can accommodate two little jumpers. The attached three-ring, 1.75-foot safety retainer wall has drain holes to prevent water from accumulating when used outside. The bouncing mattress is constructed of two separate heavy-duty vinyl cushions for extra bounce. The vinyl is UV-damage resistant, and a repair kit is included. Supports a maximum of 120 pounds. Inflates with any air pump, or a 120-volt AC electric pump, sold separately. The Jump-O-Lene inflates to 82 inches deep and weighs 21 pounds.
Product Description
FOR INDOOR/OUTDOOR BOUNCING FUN! A soft, safe trampoline for children ages 3-6 or add balls to convert to a ball pit. Inflates to 82diameter x 28.5”H. Built in ledge for sitting and extra play value. Inflates with regular beach toy inflating pumps. Stores compactly. Repair kit included. Two kids maximum. 120 lb. weight capacity.

Cranium Hullabaloo


Hullabaloo will get the whole family moving. As kids ages four and up bounce, spin, and jump between the colorful pads, they'll learn new shapes, colors, and words. They'll also hone their listening skills --especially when they "freeze" and wait to see if they're a winner at the end. Though it's geared towards kids ages four and up, even two-year olds will want to play along. Though younger kids might not "get" everything, they'll still have a great time -- especially dancing to the "funky" music at the beginning and end of each quick-moving round. Though kids can play Hullaballoo among themselves, parents will enjoy the silliness and the exercise!
Easy to Learn; Fun to Play
The Hullaballo console is made of sturdy plastic with brightly-colored buttons that are easy for little fingers to find. Batteries aren't included and parents will need to put those in with the help of a screwdriver before play can start. The easy-to-read, illustrated instructions tell you how to play the game, which is a snap to learn. The console also clearly announces the rules of the game each time you turn it on. (It also plays a bouncy song at the beginning of each round that will stick in your head long after the game is over.)
Do a Funky Dance!
The talking musical console adds an element of excitement and unpredicability to the game. You never know what it will tell you to do next! The catchy music and the instructions to "do a funky dance!" at the end of the rounds especially appeal to kids. (Later, when you're not even playing the game, you can say, "Do a funky dance!" and they'll start dancing excitedly all over again.) The pleasing pallette of colors in Hullabaloo are appealing to the eye, from the purple, green, and red console to the multicolored play pads with their slightly retro images. These brightly-colored, sizeable play pads are hard to lose.Yet they are also easy to put away when the game is over.

Get Your Goof On
We especially enjoyed doing the funky dance at the end. We would even do a funky dance at the beginning of each round too-- the music is so catchy you just can't help it! At times, we wished the maximum volume of the console was higher. We also would have appreciated being able to put the batteries in without using a screwdriver. But overall, we found this game to be fun and energizing, with just the right amount of goofiness thrown in. It proceeds at a good pace -- slow enough so that kids have time to process the console's spoken directions, but fast enough to keep things exciting. The rounds are short so you don't get bored. And there are thousands of combinations of moves so you'll probably never play the same round again, not matter how many times you play!
What's in the Box
Talking musical console that directs play, 16 play pads, instructions. Product
Description
Cranium Hullabaloo is the surprise-filled, high-energy game that turns bouncing off the walls into bouncing across the room! Players move from one colorful shape to another and use their bodies to perform the many Hullabaloo moves -- touch your nose to a circle, spin to a red, put your elbow on a musical instrument. When Hullabaloo says, "Freeze!" the player on the lucky pad wins! Every few minutes there's a new winner who gets to take a bow, make a victory jump, or do a funky monkey dance. Faster than a scavenger hunt, more creative than Simon Says, and able to make imaginative leaps past musical chairs, Hullabaloo provides hours of fun for any occasion -- birthday parties, play dates, even a rainy day. Ready to play? High-energy game loved by kids of all ages Jump, dance, wiggle, and giggle! Encourages listening and problem solving Thousands of variations for endless fun Easy to play -- just turn it on and go. Includes: A Hullabaloo talking audio console and 16 colorful play pads.

Choosing Unique Toys for Kids


Whether you are searching for the perfect birthday gift, Christmas present, or just for every day imaginative play, choosing unique toys that every kids doesn't have is a challenge. Having toys that are fun and educational are a necessity to the modern home. This guide will help you choose toys that you child will love. You will love the price tag and the functionality as well.


1. Leap Frog Tag Reading System

This toy is great because your preschooler can read on his own. He simply runs a special computerized pen across a special book and it reads the words for him. Of course, this does not replace one on one time reading with your child, but can allow him to get some reading done and learn new words when you are unavailable. Easy to store in the garage or on a covered porch. Price: $35

2. Razor Pro Scooter

A scooter is a great way to get your child motivated to play outside. You can get them for girls or boys and they are great fun to play with! You can invited neighbor kids over for a scooter play date too. This is a great way to get inactive kids to get off the couch and outside to play. Price $25+


3. Play Food

Anything imaginative is great for a toddler or child. Kids love to play with things that grown ups use. This is why play food is a great gift or toy for your little girl or boy. She will love to bake a cake, make cookies, shakes, eggs, pancakes and more with this fun and imaginative toy. Price $5+


4. Dress Up Clothes

Many children love to pretend and dress up in costumes. They may like to pretend that they are a princess or a pirate. What little girl doesn't love Cinderella dress up clothes? Crowns and wands are also very popular. What little boy doesn't love to pretend to be a knight who saves Princess Rapunzel, or damsel in distress? Make sure you get costumes that are machine washable. Price: $20+


5. Games

Games are great family activities. Whether you have a set night of the week you spend time together, or just get together with friends and family to play games, for older kids Settlers of Catan is a really fun game that will keep them captivated and learning for hours on end. Price $25+


Whether you are on a budget, or the sky is the limit, this guide will help you on your quest to finding the perfect toy for the perfect child. Not only will they learn lessons and valuable skills with these toys, but if you teach them, they will learn how to love and respect their belongings.

by: Shelby Strong

Monday, May 25, 2009

Blongo Family Fun BlongoBall Set


Product Features
Great Family Game
BlongoBall Goes Anywhere You Go
Fun For All Ages
BlongoBall Sets up in Minutes
Includes: 2 BlonGoals (Racks), and 2 Sets of BlongoBalls, Yellow and Orange. This is enough for 2 players or 2 Teams.

Product Description
Product DescriptionWant your camping trips, family reunions, RV trips or picnics to be a huge success? Then all you need is BlongoBall! BlongoBall can be played outdoors or indoors and is fun for families, physical education classes, team building games or any activity where you want to add a little spark of physical activity. BlongoBall is easy to learn and fun to play for any age from 5 to 105.

Playskool Busy Ball-Tivity Center


Product Features
Treat baby to some poppin’, droppin’ funtime with this air-powered activity set.
Cute jungle animals and a ladybug entice little fingers to grasp and explore
As the air starts to flow, lively music plays and animal sounds seem to bring this activity set to “life”
It’s a jungle out there – and that’s what your baby will love so much about this air-powered play center
Activity set comes with monkey and palm tree snap-in piece, 3 balls, 3 stacking pieces and instructions

Hours of Interactive Fun
The Ball-Tivity features cute jungle animals and a ladybug that entice little fingers to grasp and explore. Mom or baby can press down on the ladybug to start the action and keep things moving. As the air starts to flow, lively music plays and animal sounds seem to bring this activity set to life. Parts appear to magically move, making this exotic adventure pure delight for a curious child.

Stimulates the Senses and Encourages Healthy Development
The Ball-Tivity engages all of baby's senses, and encourages hand-eye coordination while introducing your child to the relationship between cause and effect. Colored balls swirl around the pool, inviting little hands to reach in and pull them out, then drop them back in to watch them swirl around and around again. You or baby can also place a ball on top of the volcano and see it hover. Stackable palm tree, elephant and alligator pieces all spin, twirl and chomp when placed on their separate ports, or they can be stacked for a different perspective.

The Ball-Tivity Center requires four "D" batteries (not included), and comes with monkey and palm tree snap-in pieces, three balls, three stacking pieces, and instructions. For your child's safety, all plastic fasteners should be removed and discarded before play.

What's in the BoxBall-Tivity Center, monkey and palm tree snap-in pieces, three balls, three stacking pieces, and instructions. Product DescriptionSo much to do in this musical "air-tivity" activity center! Tots will have a ball stacking and learning how to "put and take." The center includes three jungle stackers that stack on the table or on each other. Kids will be delighted as they watch each stacker magically come to life when powered by air. The center also houses a swirling ball pool and live "ball-cano" to encourage put-and-take play. A peek-a-boo monkey hiding in the palm tree adds to the jungle surprises and fun. Great for hands-on exploration and discovery. Requires four "D" batteries, not included. Measures 14"L x 18"W x 6.75"H.

Sunday, May 24, 2009

Banzai H2O Color Ball Blaster - Colors May Vary


Product Features
Features Color Infusion Technology
Powerful blaster shoots color-filled water balls at your friends
Non-toxic, machine washable color formula
UV Resistant Material extends life of product
Durable construction

Product Description
From the ManufacturerLaunch colorful water balls up to 15ft with this crank-action blaster. Fill the tank with water, choose your color, load a Color Jet Cartridge and infuse the water with vivid color with a state of art Color Infusion Technology. With or without color, this unique blaster will soak your opponents. The color formula is non-toxic and stain resistant. Bring color to battle.

Snap Circuits Jr. SC-100


Product Features
Awards: The National Parenting Center-Seal of Approval, Dr. Toy 100 Best Children's Products, Dr Toy Best Educational Products
Contains more than 30 Snap-Together parts
Build more than 100 exciting projects
Clear and concise illustrated manual included and available online
Exciting projects include burglar alarm, doorbell and more

Product Description
From the ManufacturerElenco's Snap Circuits makes learning electronics easy and fun! Just follow the colorful pictures in your manual and build exciting projects such as AM radios, burglar alarms, doorbells and much more! You can even play electronic games with your friends. All parts are mounted on plastic modules and snap together with ease. Enjoy hours of educational fun while learning about electronics. No tools required. Uses "AA" batteries. Not included. Product DescriptionCurious young minds can learn the basics of electronics as they build more than 100 exciting projects with this kit. Work on projects that make sound effects, engineer different types of alarms, build touch circuits and play games. Contains over 30 parts in all. No soldering is required -- pieces snap together. Requires 2 "AA" batteries, not included. Box measures 10" x 15" x 2".

Hasbro Playskool Busy Ball Popper


Product Features
It's poppin', droppin', air-powered fun!
Drop one of the colorful balls onto the track and the balls pop out of the top, roll down the track, then pop out all over again!
Silly sound effects and 8 lively songs add to the fun!
The sounds, sights, and nonstop action of the Playskool Busy Ball Popper encourage repetitive play and stimulate motor development skills
Actual colors may vary from those pictured

Product Description
From the ManufacturerGet silly with poppin', droppin' colored balls! Pump the plunger and drop the balls onto the spiral track. When they reach the bottom, look out - the balls pop out the top! Giggles are guaranteed with wacky sound effects and 8 lively songs to help keep the fun rolling along. The Playskool Busy Ball Popper has won numerous toy awards, including American Baby's Best Toy, Child Magazine's Best Toy, and the NAPPA Gold Award. Requires 4 "D" Batteries (not included). Product DescriptionGet ready for some poppin', droppin', air-powered fun. Drop the five colorful balls onto the track. Watch them pop out of the top, roll down, then pop out all over again. Sometimes the balls spill over for even more interactive, put-and-take play. Silly sound effects and eight upbeat tunes accompany the animated action. This toy provides one "air-mazing" experience for your little one. Measures 18" x 7" x 13". Requires 4 "D" batteries (not included).

Mattel Mindflex Game


Product Features
Mindflex, the new mental acuity game from Mattel, makes that dream a reality.
Mindflex combines advanced technology with the power of thought
Create an interactive experience unlike any other
A game where players compete in the ultimate mental marathon
The various obstacles can be repositioned into many different configurations
Product Description
Move objects with the power of your mind! Combines physical and mental coordination! The 'game' of the future!Have you ever dreamed of moving an object with the power of your mind? Mindflex, the mental acuity game, makes that dream a reality! A lightweight headset containing sensors for the forehead and earlobes measures your brainwave activity. When you focus your concentration, a small foam ball will rise on a gentle stream of air. Relax your thoughts and the ball will descend. By using a combination of physical and mental coordination, you must then guide the ball through a customizable obstacle course-the various obstacles can be repositioned into many different configurations. Mindflex combines advanced technology with the power of thought to create an interactive experience unlike any other- a game where players compete in the ultimate mental marathon! For ages 8 and up. Requires 4x 'C' and 2x 'AAA' batteries (not included).

LeapFrog® Tag Reading System


A unique touch and talk device that brings stories to life, the Tag Reading System works with a library of books and games from LeapFrog. Funny voice-overs and cool sound effects add to the fun of discovery, helping ensure that children four to eight love the way this interactive, educational system boosts their confidence and their reading level.
Let's Play Tag! With a wide grip that's perfect for little hands, the Tag reader adds a unique element to story time. The included book, Ozzie and Mack, features the rhyming adventures of Ozzie Otter and his playful animal friends. Text for this book is preloaded onto the Tag reader, so as soon as you load two AAA batteries (not included) into the reader, the story can begin.
A little camera in the tip of the reader identifies words and symbols on the specially printed pages, giving kids lots of options. They can pick between starting a story at the beginning and having it read all the way through, playing a page at a time, or reading themselves and using the Tag reader to hear single, tricky words spoken aloud. This last option inspires kids to try reading books they might otherwise avoid, since the Tag reader is always there to help them out.
Young readers are sure to enjoy the way character voices add drama to their favorite stories, the way touching certain pictures inspires quirky sound effects, and the leveled activities included in LeapFrog books.
Explore the World of ReadingLeapFrog presents a library of books that are compatible with the Tag reader. Classics like The Little Engine That Could come to life, and kids' favorite characters, such as SpongeBob SquarePants and Kung Fu Panda, help them connect with new stories. LeapFrog has even teamed with National Geographic Kids to present activity cards featuring different animals that the Tag reader brings to life.
To use additional books and games, you'll need to install the LeapFrog connect application on your computer. Once this is done, it becomes easy to download audio for the books you have and put them on your Tag reader. Use the included USB cable to connect the reader to your computer, and drag-and-drop up to five stories onto it.
Watch Children Fall in Love With Books Young readers may be too busy following the escapades of their new friends to realize they are building phonics skills, expanding their vocabulary, and improving their reading comprehension. The Learning Path can help you keep up with their progress. This parent-centered section of the LeapFrog connect computer application allows you to download education information from the reader to your computer and track your child's progress. Use it to help customize your child's unique learning journey and celebrate educational milestones.
Overall, this innovative touch system makes reading an enjoyable experience, and there's plenty of room for the system to grow with your child's skills. Watching as children learn new skills and thinking up new ways to be involved in the learning process keeps adults on their toes. While the reader seemed quite durable, the imaginative world of stories that it opens up is a gift that will long outlast the reader itself.
Although headphones are not included, the Tag reader is compatible with most headphones, so kids can concentrate on reading without being distracted or disrupting others.
What's in the BoxTag Reader, USB cable, LeapFrog Connect software CD, and the book Ozzie and Mack. Product DescriptionIntroducing Tag Reading System, the revolutionary touch reading system that brings reading to life like never before. Tag engages children to make reading a rich, fulfilling experience. Children simply touch the Tag Reader (which looks like an electronic pen) to the book's pages, and words talk, characters sing and stories fly off the pages.
With a huge library of hardcover books and games including favorite TV, movie and classic tales, each Tag Book allows children to learn at their own pace, building their skills and their confidence. Plus, by connecting the Tag Reader to the online LeapFrog Learning Path, parents can see what their child is learning -- and even receive recommendations on what books their child could read next! Includes Tag Reader, plus the "Ozzie and Mack" Book; additional Tag Books sold separately. Tag Reader requires two "AAA" batteries, not included.

Saturday, May 23, 2009

Live Butterfly Garden




Editorial Review
Did you know that painted ladies (the butterflies, that is) taste with their feet and have 10,000 eyes? You and your kids will be fascinated by all you learn about these beautiful creatures with the Butterfly Garden from Insect Lore. The kit comes with a relatively easy-to-assemble observation chamber; supplies for feeding the butterflies (you provide only sugar and water); an informative booklet of clear instructions and butterfly facts; and a certificate for three to five free painted lady caterpillars. The metamorphosis from larva to butterfly takes about three weeks from when you receive the caterpillar larvae (which arrive in a small container with all the nutrients they need). Your children can watch the larvae increase dramatically in size, form chrysalides, and finally emerge into full-fledged painted ladies (it's suggested that they release the butterflies after a few days of observation). This would make a wonderful activity for families with kids of any age, but younger children will need help assembling the observation chamber and reading the instruction booklet. (Note: The manufacturer recommends that butterflies should not be set free in temperatures lower than 55 degrees Fahrenheit.) --Rachel Radway


From the Manufacturer
Raise 3 to 5 Painted Lady butterflies while learning all about metamorphosis with this Oppenheim Best Toy Award-winning butterfly raising kit! See each caterpillar’s transition as it matures, changes into a chrysalid, and finally emerges as a Painted Lady butterfly! After observing your butterflies, experience the joy of releasing them into your backyard! Available only in the Continental U.S. and Alaska. Please be advised that there is an additional $3.00 required when redeeming your coupon for shipping and handling.


Product Description

Witness one of nature's most spectacular transformations up close with this reusable, collapsible habitat. Fine, transparent mesh lets you see butterfly metamorphosis up close. Product includes easy-to-use feeder and complete instructions for habitat. Butterfly larvae with food shipped directly to your home. The habitat collapses for storage when not in use. You can adopt and raise a handful of caterpillars, watch them transform into painted lady butterflies, then lift the garden cover to release your beautiful specimens into the wild. This exciting habitat makes a fabulous introduction to the miracles of nature. The larvae and food available round the year.

The Settlers of Catan


The Settlers of Catan from Mayfair Games is an award-winning strategy game where players collect resources and use them to build roads, settlements and cities on their way to victory. The board itself is variable, making each game a little different from the next. Each round of The Settlers of Catan is intended to keep three or four players ages 10 and above engaged for up to 90 minutes.

On the Road to Settlement
The game rules and almanac booklet sets out four pages of guidelines for getting started. Don't worry, the rules are straightforward and the four pages include plenty of illustrations. There's a starting map that shows a well-balanced set-up for beginners to follow and directions that allow more advanced players to lay out the map of the island at random. You'll have to pop the die-cut components of the game out of their cardboard holders before you play your first game.
The almanac portion of the booklet is laid out alphabetically, so while playing you can find answers to specific questions quickly. Useful entries remind you exactly what role pieces like the robber play, how actions like maritime trade work, and how to set up the board or finish the game.

Exploring and Developing Catan
The board consists of 19 terrain hexes surrounded by the ocean. Each type of terrain produces a different type of resource: brick, wool, ore, grain or lumber. There's also a desert hex that produces no resources. As the game progresses, players use resources to build roads along the edges of these hexes and settlements or cities on the intersections where three hexes meet. Each player begins the game with two settlements and two roads.
Each player's roll of the dice causes certain hexes to produce resources, which you collect if you have a settlement on one of them. On your turn, you'll use various combinations of the resources you've acquired to build new roads and settlements, upgrade settlements to cities, or purchase development cards. The ability to trade resources with other players adds a new level of strategy and ensures that the game includes lots of interaction between players. You can also trade without worrying about other players using an unfavorable maritime trade rate. Elements including a robber piece that lets you steal from other players and a variety of development cards add intrigue to the game.

The objective of The Settlers of Catan is to be the first one who collects 10 victory points. Each settlement is worth one victory point and each city is worth two victory points. You can also earn victory points by holding the "Longest Road" card, the "Largest Army" card, or special victory point development cards.

Best-Selling Game of the YearIt's easy to see why The Settlers of Catan has been recognized as a best-selling Game of the Year in both Germany and the U. S. We found this game to be fun and engaging for both children and adults, and the variable nature of the playing field really made us want to play again and again. When we started pausing to contemplate our opponents' strategy and factoring the probability of different dice rolls into our moves, the game sometimes took longer than expected, but we were so engrossed we didn't even notice until it was all over.
Due to the widespread popularity of the original game, several expansion sets (sold separately) are available that allow you to explore new aspects of the game or add more players. The only downside to this game is that you need to have either three or four players to play, so it's great that expansion sets are available that will allow you to add players.

What's in the Box
Six sea frame pieces, 19 terrain hexes, nine harbor pieces, 18 circular number tokens, 126 game cards, 16 cities, 20 settlements, 60 roads, two dice, a robber and a rules and almanac booklet. Product DescriptionOne of the most successful games of all time, Settlers of Catan is a trading and building game set in the mythical world of Catan. Players roll dice to determine which resources are generated each round and then must strategically trade those resources with other players to get what they need to build their settlements, cities, and roads. With multiple ways to gain victory points and a board that changes in every play, Settlers of Catan is a game that can be played hundreds of different ways. The base of a hugely successful franchise, with multiple engaging expansions, Settlers is the core game of many collections, and is a wonderful way to spend time with family and friends. For 3 to 4 players.

book