Kid Clsscs Wd N Stckng Snai
Average Customer Review:
Toy

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Editorial Review

Pablo Picasso believed that the first act of creation is destruction. It appears that most babies would agree with the famous Spanish artist--considering how they seem to delight in destroying towers and stacked blocks even more than they enjoy creating them. So babies will adore this stacking snail because it comes with its own built-in destruction device: a dumping lever. Once kids have stacked the five colorful plastic rings on the smiling snail's back, they can pull a lever and watch the tower collapse as rings flip off and tumble to the floor. Not only is this a highly engaging toy for destroyers and creators, it also helps babies identify color and size differences (rings stack from bigger to smaller). This is an exquisitely crafted toy that's primarily made of natural and painted wood. Parents will be proud to have it on display in their child's playroom or nursery. --Gail Hudson ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Disappointing performer
This toy looked great and is fairly durable but it is designed so poorly, the rings fall off at the slightest touch, sometimes without being touched. When you touch the snail's head to throw off the rings they slide off without much effect because they are already at too much of a slant. If they corrected that one defect it would redeem the toy completely because, design aside, it is sturdy and attractive.

Kid Classics Wooden STacking Snail by Learning Curve
I bought this toy in a desparate bid to find things for my mentally challenged nine year old to work with for hand eye co-ordination.Things are usually too small for his nine year old hands. I know the toy is not targetted at children like him but it works perfectly.He has worked through being able to put the rings on they are not too small for his hands.The colours are perfect.The material is not too heavy that he would hurt himself, since he mouths things it is great that it is non-toxic and wood. ... Read more

Asin: B00000JHVG
Subjects:  1. Learning    2. Baby and Infant    3. Toddler   

Leappad
Average Customer Review:
Toy
list price: $49.99 -- our price: $39.99
(price subject to change: see help)
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Editorial Review

This talking book comes with an interactive "magic pen" that works like a hand-held computer mouse pointer. Children can opt to turn the paper pages and listen to the story read with different voices for each character. Or they can interrupt the read-aloud session to play with the magic pen (permanently attached with a wire). They can point the pen tip to any word on a page and hear it pronounced, or touch a picture and hear a sound effect (such as "Strike one!" for the baseball bat). Very similar to the popular Living Books computer games, this 10-by-11-inch book is more portable than a home computer. Stories in this set include Lil's Loose Tooth, Richard Scarry's Best Word Book Ever, and Winnie the Pooh in A Sweet Good Morning. The set also includes a paper piano keyboard and map and human anatomy games.--Gail Hudson ... Read more

Reviews (398)

I would pick this over the writer's Leappad
I have both a LeapPad+Writing and regular LeapPad like this one, and I can honestly say that the extra writing feature is not worth the extra money.Stick with the LeapPad regular and get a lot of LeapPad readers.Make sure that you don't buy this if you have babies that tear things up, though.My son has all the LeapPad books, but half of them are unsalvageable because of my toddler that likes to chew on EVERYTHING.The LeapFrog customer service is awesome, though... they have replaced my books for $10 each so I don't have to go out to buy new ones!

Best Toy I have ever bought
I bought a pink and purple LeapPad for my daughter when she was three for Christmas. She is five now and still plays with it every single day. Everytime a birthday or Christmas rolls around she asks for more LeapPad books. This toy has been a godsend during car and plane trips, hotel and restaurant entertainment, and any other situation when children need to sit still.

She has learned the alphabet, numbers, spelling, and reading from countless hours on this pad. She owns several books and each get used all the time. I think this is honestly the best toy invented in a long time. She has been able to figure it out because it is well thought out for the young user. They can hit the stop button with the pen to stop it, or hit the Go button to continue each story. Each book also has games and other activities, so they are well worth the money.It is impossible for my daughter to get bored with it because each book is countless hours of reading, games, music, and excitement.

I encourage all parents of young children to buy this LeapPad. It is well worth the money. It is a toy that they will not grow out of in a short amount of time because the books range in ages.It is not only educational but very durable. Our LeapPad has been dropped countless times and is still intact.The only complaint I do have is that it tends to consume batteries quickly and you need a screw driver to take off the cover to put new ones in. Other than that, that is the only negative I have to say about the LeapPad.

Toooo sloooowww for my boy
My boy has the attention span of a 4 year old. Why? Because he is 4 years old. He has no patience for the slow pace of age-appropriate leap pad materials. The learning games are too short, too slow, and too repetitive for him. ... Read more

Asin: B00003GPTI
Subjects:  1. Electronic Learning Aids (ELA)    2. Alphabet    3. Phonics    4. Reading    5. Talking    6. Electronic    7. Math    8. Counting    9. Learning   

Radio Dj
Average Customer Review:
Toy

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Editorial Review

Stacks and stacks of red-hot wax, all the platters that reallymatter... it's request-line action on AM 1610, broadcasting live from30 feet away, with four AA batteries (not included) providing 6 volts of pure hit-making power! Yep, the drive-time "Morning Zoo" is about to get a touchwilder at your house with Radio DJ, Wild Planet's mini studio consolethat allows for wireless transmission over any home or car radio.Features include adjustable broadcast microphone and audiocassette deck(both with fade-in volume controls), push-button sound effects(laughter, cheering, a drum, and a buzzer), and even a patch cord toadd favorite CDs to the playlist. With its limited broadcast area of 10yards, it's not exactly a "pirate" station (it's even compliant withPart 15 of the FCC's regulations). With youngsters 6 years and older onthe air, prepare to have yours rocked. --Tony Mason ... Read more

Reviews (30)

What a waste of time and money
This toy never worked.It fell apart after the first day.What a shame......

Great Toy!
When I got this toy, I loved it. It's really cool making your own radio station. But it broke twice.Still, I reccomend you get this toy.

Good review of radio dj
This is a great toy for kids 10 and under.I got it for my son Joey and he loved it!I would advice other parents to buy this toy for their kids.It can teach them a lot about what it means to be on the air. ... Read more

Asin: B00004THDX
Subjects:  1. Wacky    2. Activity    3. Electronic    4. Pretend Play   

First Act Junior Bongos Assortment
Average Customer Review:
Toy

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Editorial Review

The bongo is an Afro-Cuban instrument consisting of two smallconical drums (one slightly larger than the other) that are joinedhorizontally. In this high-quality junior bongo set that's sizedespecially for children, the pretuned heads measure 4.5 and 5.25 inchesin diameter and are stretched over a wood frame that measures 4.5inches high and 11 inches wide. Children under 7 years of age will haveno problem nestling these bongos between their crossed legs. Comparedwith larger bongos, the sound and tone quality are just as good, so yourlittle one can play right along with older siblings or parents. Becausethese bongos are so well made, you can pass them down through thisgeneration and perhaps even the next. --Tami Horiuchi ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A great introduction to music for Junior :)
I bought this toy of a X-mas gift for my nephew, age 20 months.It's a great introductory gift to the wonderful world of music.I was originally planning on getting a complete toy drumset, but I decided on this due to the "irritating after a while" noise factor.The bongos are fun to play with, but they're not so loud as to drive you to the "through those ... things away" point.He likes to whack things to make noise so this is a keeper if you're toddler likes to do the same :)

As far as durability goes, we shall see. It seems sturdy enough, but you never know with children...

A worthwhile investment, in my humble opinion. ... Read more

Asin: B00002MZ8O
Subjects:  1. Music    2. Musical Instruments    3. Percussion    4. Drums    5. Bongo Drums   

Play Desk
Average Customer Review:
Toy

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Editorial Review

Children feel especially grown up and motivated when they have their own desks to work at. This unique laptop-style desk serves many functions. It has a slate-like desktop for drawing and writing with chalk. (Unlike some so-called chalkboards, this surface is really intended for chalk, so it leaves clean, bright marks.) Children can also use the enclosed magnetic letters to make words on the desktop. It comes with 10 activity cards to help kids learn basic word recognition and spelling. Lift the desktop lid to find the roomy, compartmentalized storage area, which adequately holds the enclosed letters, cards, chalk, and eraser. There's even an extra sliding-door storage compartment on top of the desk, as well as a slotted area for displaying magnetic letters while composing words. Approximately 12 by 10 by 3.5 inches. --Gail Hudson ... Read more

Reviews (8)

It's okay for the right kid
The only thing my 3 year old does with this is dump the letters out.The chalk has been lost since the week after we got it.The cardboard cards bend easily.However, his girl friends play with this toy first when they come over.I guess I was hoping this toy would enable my child to write a novel at age 4.It would be a good buy for someone with a child interested in school play.My son would rather play with dinosaurs.

One of my old favorites
I remember this desk from when I was a child and was very happy to be able to get it for my child.We spend so much time learning to spell with the cut-out cards and have really enjoyed the chalkboard.It is so fun to share a piece of my childhood with my daughter.

This play desk is awesome!
My son just turned three years old.Prior to receiving this Play Desk from us for his birthday, he was able (for the most part) to sing the "Alphabet Song," and he recognized about 65% of the letters when written in upper case.He has enjoyed this desk for the past month, especially using the templates to form three-letter words.He is even attempting to "sound out" the letters when placing them on the magnetic board.I am VERY impressed with the progress he's made just in the past month, and I feel that most of it is due to his play with this desk. ... Read more

Asin: B00000IZS5
Subjects:  1. Preschool    2. Learning    3. Reading    4. Furniture   

Abc Sing Along Buggy
Average Customer Review:
Toy

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Editorial Review

Eeee-ooo!Eeee-ooo!Eeee-ooo! Grownups may call it a buggy, but everytoddler will recognize this red, 21-inch-long, sit-astride-and-push vehicle as a fire truck.The yellow seat is 9 inches off the floor and lifts up to provide storage for 18 colorful,alphanumeric blocks, each 1.5 cubic inches. Up front there's a big white steering wheelthat turns the front wheels. The dashboard has lots of big, colorful buttons. Two gaugestickers and a screwed-down walkie-talkie are there just for looks, but everything elsegives a noisy response. Kids can toy with ABC buttons, 1-2-3 buttons, a Mommy face(Let's sing our ABCs), a Daddy face (Let's count to 10), and a special button forthe entire Alphabet song. The starter key offers a good approximation to a real startingengine. The gear lever makes a sound that suggests some maintenance is needed soon,but a 2-year-old will love it. --Richard Farr ... Read more

Reviews (17)

Durable and longlasting fun
My son received this ABC buggy when he was only 3 months old. It was a little to big for him at first of course, but as soon as he could stand he loved it. Now he is 31/2 and still enjoys it, but now also shares it with his 1 year old sister who enjoys learning to walk behind it. The "ABC" song can get a bit annoying because they love it so much they keep playing it over and over again. It is always a big hit with any little visitors to our house too.

Fun...but how are the kids supposed to open the seat?
My daughter got this when she was 15 months old.She truly enjoys ride on toys so she really likes it.She enjoys hitting the button to repeatedly hear the ABC song.The only problem with it is the yellow cover on the seat.It should open and close easily to use the blocks inside.However, due to the orientation of the seat and the way the cover opens, it is difficult to do.It also does not open all of the way and it has to be held open.Imagine a 15 month old lifting the cover with one hand and holding it open while she bends over to pick up a block with the other hand.Not a pretty sight.

Great for toddlers
We purchased this car for our son for his 1st birhtday.He used it for a walker until he was able to walk on his own and then he raced around the yard or house with it.He loves all the buttons and knobs and nosies.He would push the ABC song button over and over and over and dance along the side of the car.He is now 2 1/2 and he still loves it.Rides around on it all the time and loves to put all his cars and things into the seat compartment.The blocks were great too.We would definately buy this one again. ... Read more

Asin: B00004R990
Subjects:  1. Ride-Ons    2. Preschool    3. Learning    4. Alphabet    5. Blocks    6. Talking    7. Numbers    8. Baby and Infant    9. Toddler    10. Activity    11. Electronic Learning Aids (ELA)    12. Electronic    13. Music    14. Musical   

The Magnetix Superset is a fantastic 200-piece collection of brightly colored, magnetic letters, numbers, shapes, and more. This set includes 48 uppercase letters, 48 lowercase letters, 48 numbers, 49 design shapes, six magnetized pattern cards, and a dry-erase marker. All the pieces are contained in a handy carrying case with a pop-out board--one side of the board is magnetized, the other is a white dry-erase board. A great way for kids to start learning numbers and letters and beginning spelling and math. This is also an excellent toy simply for fun creative play and expression. The Magnetix Superset is a fine portable toy in its own right, but it also makes a good set of magnets for the refrigerator door! --Chris Livesay ... Read more

Asin: B00000J04G
Subjects:  1. Learning    2. Magnets    3. Alphabet    4. Numbers    5. Activity    6. Pretend Play    7. Play Sets   

Butterfly Garden
Average Customer Review:
Toy
list price: $24.99 -- our price: $24.99
(price subject to change: see help)
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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 wonderfulactivity for families with kids of any age, but younger children will need help assembling the observationchamber 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 ... Read more

Features

• See butterfly metamorphosis up close.Reusable, collapsible habitat.
• Includes feeder.Complete instructions included.
• Includes mail-in voucher for five butterfly larvae and special food.
• Witness one of nature's most spectacular transformations up close.
• Just mail in the included coupon for larvae and food.

Reviews (67)

Don't order this if you live in Alaska or Hawaii
After ordering this product for a birthday present, I was very disappointed to find out that the larvae cannot be shipped outside the Continental United States.This information should be clearly stated in the product description.

SUCH A WONDERFUL EXPERIENCE!!!
I am in LOVE with our new catipillers!!We recieved 5 live catipillers in about a week.They are thriving and growing so fast!! We can't wait for them to make their crystlist!! My 5yr old son says this is his favorite present and that says a lot seeing as he also recieved a bike and big water guns!!!He loves seeing how much they have grown every morning when he wakes up and will sit for a long time just watching them eat and move around.Best gift ever!I don't know who enjoys them more me or him.We will definitly be ordering more when we set our butterflies free!

DEAD BUGS
I purchased this for my 7 year old daughter for christmas. I was guarenteed 3 live larve.They are all dead and I can not get ahold of the company. I would rate this a big Zero ... Read more

Asin: B00000ISC5
Subjects:  1. Activity    2. Learning    3. Science    4. Bugs    5. Butterflies   

Lite Brite
Average Customer Review:
Toy
list price: $14.99
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Editorial Review

Remember plugging translucent colored pegs into a black paper-covered board to create illuminated masterpieces for hours on end? This magical toy is still around, and now it's time your kids had one of their own. They can make a clown, a dragon, a castle, a flower, or anything else they fancy, or choose one of the 16 color-coded picture sheets included with the toy. (The old favorite does have a new twist: pictures can now be designed vertically or horizontally.) The set comes with 400 plastic pegs in eight rainbow colors, and refill packs of 240 pegs are available separately (Lite Brite Refill Pegs), so creations can be as intricate--and as vivid--as the imagination can make them. Additional color picture refills (Peanuts, Mr. Potato Head, Classic Star Wars) ensure that the fun never dims. A 25-watt light bulb is required, but not included. --Rachel Radway ... Read more

Reviews (42)

Disappointed in New York
As a child I enjoyed the Lite Brite for hours and was excited for my daughters when they received it for Christmas when they were four.How disapointing it was when I found connected pegs and paper that is thick and hard for my children to get the connected pegs through.On top of that, the connected pegs can only go in at a certain angle making it frustrating for the children.This great use to be toy has really gone down-hill!!Now that we have it something that the children do love is using the Lite Brite as a night light.It adds a personal touch to the room and the pictures can be changed on a regular basis.

lite brite
My four year old grandson enjoyed it so much that I bought one for his house and one for our house.

Kids with patience who enjoy building will love it.
My 4 1/2-yr old boy/girl twins got a Lite Brite for their 4th birthday.At 4, they didn't have the patience, so it sat in the closet for 6 months.I just recently had to buy a 2nd one (and a second light bulb) because they're so proud of what they've built and couldn't stand to have their sibling tear it apart.Since both my kids have the patience to sit down with a toy for an extended period of time, they love it.I would not recommend it to an extremely active kid that can't sit still for more than 5 minutes.It's also helping them learn the beginning letter of the colors. ... Read more

Asin: B00000IW1I
Subjects:  1. Arts and Crafts   

Play-Doh Dr. Drill and Fill
Average Customer Review:
Toy

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Editorial Review

Parents may remember this silly drill and fill Play-Doh set from their childhood. The idea is tomold white teeth out of Play-Doh, press them into the gums of the "patient," and then play dentist. Teeth can be drilled with the plastic pretend drill and then filled with the silver Play-Doh compound, orteeth can be extracted with the dental pliers. In addition to the play factor, children can work out their dentist anxieties by reversingroles--they're the ones holding the equipment and working on the patients. It's also very entertaining, especially when children make the Play-Doh tongue squeeze out of the mouth. Set includes three dental tools and three cans of Play-Doh in colors to represent teeth, silver filling, and a person's tongue. --Hannah Reynolds ... Read more

Reviews (18)

Great toy for little doh :)
This toy is great fun. My son is 3 and was so excited to play dentist. We are able to discuss why it is important to brush all the way back and not just the front teeth. It would be a good toy for 2 children, one can make the teeth and the other can drill and fill.

Great for kids of all ages
All three kids ages 5-9 play with this. It is best to store in 2 one gallon plastic freezer bags.

You should get this toy!
My daughter said that it was really fun to play with this toy.She said that she enjoyed pretending that she was a dentist.All day, she would have a great time pulling out the teeth or making fillings in the teeth.She wanted to tell you if you get this toy, you and your friends will have fun all day! ... Read more

Asin: B00004TQ3N
Subjects:  1. Arts and Crafts    2. Dough   

Sea Monkeys Ocean of Light
Average Customer Review:
Toy
-- our price: $14.99
(price subject to change: see help)
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Editorial Review

You are about to begin a new amazing hobby that is sofantastic it staggers the imagination! You will create instant life!Single-handedly, you will give rise to the world's only living,breathing, instant pets--live sea monkeys! The instruction book for theSea Monkeys Ocean Zoo is an entertaining read, packed with enthusiasticrevelations about those ubiquitous brine shrimp from yourcomic-book-reading days. They're fascinating creatures, able to live up to a yearor more, reproduce ("dozens of adorable babies!"), even "performtricks" in their 5.75-inch magnifier-studded "Micro Vue" aquarium. Thekit comes with shrimp eggs, food, plasma, a water purifier, and ahandbook. Just add pure water. A great set of pets for a smallishdomicile, they'd also make a scintillating science project. Plus,they're just plain fun! --Julie Ubben ... Read more

Reviews (62)

great item
Sea Monkeys are the best! They are so easy to raise! It only takes about a day to prepare the tank! Speaking of tank, the tank is so cool! It has a flip light, and lots and lots of magnifiers.



Sea monkeys are great for kids who are allergic to fur. Be careful to not spill the tank! And remember to feed your fine little friends!

Entertaining and Fun
Before I begin, please note that this is from an eleven year old's point of view.
Sea Monkeys are really great! They are perfect for kids who aren't allowed to have furry animals.
Sea Monkeys Ocean of Light comes with exactly the following-no more, no less:

-aquarium with flip light
-instructions in a variety of languages
-water purifier pouch
-instant egg pouch
-growth food pouch
-plasma III pouch
-food and egg spoon

The kit is great for starters who don't wan't to get too fancy-just using what you need. The tank is really great, with the light and built in magnifiers, but beware that the lid is EXTREMELY loose. For those who don't know, Plasam III is some powder that will make your sea-monkey babies grow faster.
The instruction booklet has its ups and downs. It's packed with advice and science facts are crammed in, making it fun. However, the box clearly states that it has a 32 page booklet, in full color, but I did not find any.
I took one star away because the kit was simply not enough for a serious beginner trainer. For instance, an Aqua-Leash will let you transport your critters from one place to another, and the Million Bubble Air Pump is a handy device in which it pumps air. I was slightly dissapointed when I did not find either in the kit. But, I went onto the official sea-monkey website, www.sea-monkeys.com, where they sell the leash and the pump, plus other great stuff. Go on there to buy and to get valuable customer care information.
All in all, the Ocean of Light is really a pretty good kit, and sea-monkeys are the BEST and easiest to raise!

"IDidn't really get it but i had some thing like it"


It was really cool waching the sea monkey's swiming in the water it wasn't much of a problem feeding them either it was a fun thing to look at and past the time.I think my parent's will buy this for me again.I think this gift would be a scientific experiece for any child.Tip:keep younger kids away if they arent smart they'll think its a glass of water and drink it.
... Read more

Asin: B00000ISKD
Subjects:  1. Activity    2. Learning    3. Science    4. Animals   

Rock Tumbler
Average Customer Review:
Toy
-- our price: $34.99
(price subject to change: see help)
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Editorial Review

It may be a grind to wait nearly 30 days to create polished rockjewelry with the Rolling Stones Rock Tumbler. But, as the makerswrite, "you are grinding in days what it takes nature thousands of yearsto do in a stream, river, or ocean." So, find a clean, remote area with aproperly wired outlet where the constant tumblingwon't disturb others (and where curious little hands won't wreak havoc), and start rolling. The first step involves assembling and lubricating thetumbler itself. Once the two-cup, plastic barrel rolls easily atop its10-inch-long and 6-inch-high plastic base, it's time to open the smallbag of gritty stones that comes with the kit. Constant maintenance and much patiencewill reward the owner with shiny stones in about one month. A smallsampling of jewelry settings and findings is provided, along with orderforms for gold-tinted accessories. --Liane Thomas ... Read more

Reviews (33)

HORRIBLE ITEM!
Me and my brother got this toy for Christmas and our dad said he would help set it up.The day FINALLY came and he helped us.We followed all the directions and it wouldn't work.So we kept trying and trying and trying but finally we gave up.It is now sitting in our basment.PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE do NOT spend your money on this.It does not work!

A proper review of this item
This is a great little tumbler to polish rocks.If you have no idea about rocks or how this machine works you need to do a little research.This is not the type of item to just buy and expect to polish rocks in a weekends time without even having to read the directions.The tumbler is also recommended for children ten years or older.

To polish rocks properly it will take a solid month of tumbling and is a three step process.This means the tumbler will be running for the entire month.The first step takes about a week, the second about two weeks, with the final step about one week.Between the steps all you have to do is clean out the barrel and the rocks and put back in with new water and the next level of grit/polish.Besides occasionally making sure the tumbler was sealed properly and is in no danger of walking itself off the table it requires no other attention.The tumbler does make some noise tumbling but not a ridicules amount.You obviously can't place it in your bedroom or living room and expect it not to be heard.Placement in a basement or garage is ideal.The power draw is minimal as it only uses .15 amps and 10 watts. Therefore, if you pay 10 cents a kWh, then the amount it will run up your electric bill for a month of constant running is 73 cents.

The instructions that come with the tumbler are also pretty good, but they do need followed.The tumbler is durable but you need to lube two points as indicated in the manual or you will put excess stress on the motor and you will burn it out.The drum seals quite well and easily if you follow the instructions on sealing which requires you to make sure the "O" ring is properly seated and you put a light coating of oil on the rim of the barrel to complete the seal.

Refills for the tumbler are extremely easy to find.Starting with the order form including with the kit where you can order parts, grit, rocks, etc.You can also purchase refill kits at Walmart, Target, and Kmart.There are also dozens of places you can also order refill stuff off the internet.

Overall, this is a great little item but it is not for everyone.If you or your children can't delay immediate gratification, or don't believe in reading/following instructions then this item is not likely for you.If you can't believe the noise it makes because you insisted on setting it up next to your bed, or can't believe that it costs less then a dollar a month to run then this is also not likely for you.

Educational but SLOW and NOISY
My daughter got this for Christmas. We had no idea it takes nearly a month from start to finish to get polished stones, but I suppose it's a good lesson in patience for a 10 year old. It does not say anything on the box about the wait period, or the fact that the noisy tumbler must be running constantly for the entire time. Fortunately, we have a basement where the tumbler is humming away while not disturbing anyone.I recommend placing the tumbler in the box top it comes in, to avoid "traveling" while the motor runs.

All in all, the toy is certainly educational, but it takes a LOOOONG time to get results, and is not for folks who live in close quarters. ... Read more

Asin: B00000ISUU
Subjects:  1. Arts and Crafts    2. Fashion    3. Jewelry    4. Activity    5. Learning   

Double Easel W/ Blackboard
Average Customer Review:
Baby Product

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Editorial Review

Fan the aspirations of budding artists with this versatile two-sided easel. Onone side is a white board (just like Mom and Dad use at work) while the other side sportsa chalkboard adorned with numbers and letters. There's a tray, which can easily transferfrom one side of the easel to the other to store chalk or dry-erase markers. The easelassembles easily, requiring only minimal adjustments. --John Moe ... Read more

Reviews (18)

thumbs up for double easel blackboard
first of all i must say that my child enjoys the double easel blackboard and in my opinion toys r us shouldnt have discontinue this particular product because this is something that kids love..

I am disappointed.
My son got this as a gift and we were both excited about it.It was easy to assemble and I couldn't wait to do lessons with him on it.The dry erase board worked well and cleaned well with the wipe off markers.What disappointed me was that the chalk board would not accept the chalk.I used 3 different types of chalk.Then in 2 days the screws that held the paper feeder bar were popping out.I did contact PJ KIDS customer service and they are looking into my problem with this item.It could be that I got the defected one out of the bunch.But I can sure tell you it wasn't fun!

ok but we made it better
We bought this easel for our son instead of the little tikes mission style easel which is [alot] more.It is ok but we made it better.The dry erase board is not a very good surface, when my son writes on it and then tries to erase, it won't erase.The only way the marker will come off is to use the spray, and I am not real eager to give my 4 year old something to spray himself in the eye with.Also it would be nice if it had another tray for the other side. I bought it anyway and had my brother-in-law make an additional tray and had him cut a new piece of dry erase board and glued it on top of the one that doesn't erase well.Now, it is perfect, and the supplies for the repairs/modifications, only [a few dollars], which is still way under what we would have paid for the little tikes mission stlye easel.You do need someone who can do small carpentry jobs, if not I would think twice about this easel. ... Read more

Asin: B000056JKI

Crayons To Go (100 pack)
Average Customer Review:
Toy

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Editorial Review

Crayons to Go is a satisfyingly chunky home for 100 chunkycrayons. It is essentially four pyramid-shaped crayon cases that rollup neatly into a single fat 5-inch cube. The outer pack is green-hemmedblue nylon (with a yellow nylon carrying handle). Inside, the fourpyramids are yellow-hemmed transparent showcases, each with its ownblue end zipper. Once rolled together, they all close with a Velcrofastener--or you can use a small loop to hang the case from a hook.--Richard Farr ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Sanity-saver for busy family
We have had a set like this since my 6 year old was 2. We take it everywhere: restaurants, in the car, waiting in line, whatever. Look at the picture of how small it is when it folds up. It is about the size of a small girl's purse. My two girls fight over who gets to carry it. No, the crayons are not as "good" as Crayola, but I don't use this as my main crayon source. These are our movable crayons. We've used it and refilled it. Great gift!

Crayons
Crayola Crayons are not worth a penny. I paid 100 dollars for a bulk set of crayons of ONE color, and they didnt even send it! I ordered this about 2 weeks ago, and they didnt even have crayons in it. What a rip-off. My child was disappointed with this product.

"Chunky Crayons" aren't chunky...
Although not in the item description, the Editorial review states: "Crayons to Go is a satisfyingly chunky home for 100 chunky crayons."

Be aware that these crayons ARE NOT chunky crayons, just the regular kind.My daughter breaks them immediately because they are thin.For an older child expecting regular crayons, this is a great pack.For a younger child wanting chunky crayons, look elsewhere. ... Read more

Asin: B00004U3EX
Subjects:  1. Activity    2. Arts and Crafts    3. Art Supplies   

Deluxe Magna Doodle
Average Customer Review:
Toy

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Editorial Review

The Magna Doodle Deluxe is destined to become a classic, just like the originalMagna Doodle, and it comes with a carry handle to go everywhere. This set includeseight magnetic animal and shape stampers, five easy-to-use stencils, an attached fine-linepen, and the Spiral Artist, for making special patterns and designs. As with all Magna Doodles,kids can draw to their heart's delight, and when they're all done, they just slide the magic eraserbar to clear the canvas. All the parts and pieces snap into the frame to form apersonal doodling briefcase. --Margaret Quinn ... Read more

Reviews (20)

We LOVE our Magnadoodle
My very active 2 year old son has had this MagnaDoodle (and the travel size clip version) for several months. He does everything from throwing it, stepping on it, and wetting it, to actually drawing on it. It helps him develop his motor skills and encourages creativity. I recently started to draw familiar items on it and tell him about the item. He then tries to draw it himself, and tells me what he has learned about the whatever I drew. It keeps him entertained at Dr's offices and even trips to the grocery store. When he watches TV (especially Blues Clues) he draws what he sees, then rushes over to show me.WE LOVE OUR MAGNADOODLE!

Life-saver
My kids love this toy.It has saved me many times, especially in the car.We got our first magna doodle when my oldest daughter was 3 and she played with it more than any other toy for the longest time.Her little sister began playing with it when she was one.That made me love it even more because it was so easy for her to "draw", even easier than crayons at that time.So their Grandma bought them travel magna doodles.And now 3 1/2 years later those 3 are toast (more on that)but they both have this deluxe model and it's been a lot of fun.Granted the markers are all gone (which is not such a bad thing in my sight) but we've got all the other parts and they still play with it alot.In fact, we could never get by with just one.

I do think the larger magna doodles are durable.My kids just wore them out and trust me they have lots of other toys to play with.This time around my youngest pressed too hard and put a permanant dent in hers.She just did it that once and I had to teach her that she had to be gentle.It still works fine.

The travel ones didn't really last as long.The pen came apart on one of them.I do miss the little size though.

The one thing I don't like is that I can't seem to get the plastic stencils to store under the red thingy.So they are sitting by themselves on a shelf and don't get used that much.

Overall, this is a great product and I highly recommend it!

This toy is a must !!!
This is a fabulous toy.My son received it for his 3rd birthday(he is now 6) and within a few days could write his name, mommy, daddy and his sister's name, he drew pictures on it and played with it non-stop.It was just amazing how he loved such a simple toy.I also have a 3year old daughter and 2year old neice that fight and scream over sharing this, so we now have 2 magna doodles and they are played with almost everyday for hours.I think it brings out alot of creativity in children and I would rate it one of the top toys.The kids are so excited about how many differt things they can do on this magnetic board my daughter is drawing with the stencils and making different faces, she gets so excited that she runs to show me the different pictures she creates.She also will ask us to draw different things and we erase them and she can draw them back.This is such an amazing toy, I cannot say enough good stuff about it, but if you have or know of 3 year old without this toy they are really missing out on the best.It is not that expensive for the fun they will have, go buy it!!!! ... Read more

Asin: B00000J06A

LeapFrog Read and Sing Little Leap
Average Customer Review:
Toy
list price: $29.99
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Editorial Review

Ribbit! This huggable froggie is one great learningtool--teaching toddlers and preschoolers the alphabet, phonics, numbers,colors, and vocabulary. When kids press the letters on his tummy orother buttons on his webbed fingers, he'll say the selection aloud.Little ones can also follow along in his 26-page alphabet storybook.Read and Sing Little Leap engages kids with tunes like the ABC's and aninteractive phonics song, as well as four learning activities. Althoughthis little guy is never too taxing on the eardrums, the volume controland auto shutoff are wonderful features that allow kids to take theirsmart friend with them into dreamland (and ensures longer batterylife). The frog requires three batteries, which areincluded. --Melissa Wilson ... Read more

Features

• Teaches the alphabet, phonics, vocabulary, and colors
• Two cheerful songs and three fun learning gam
• 26-page alphabet story book

Reviews (48)

both my boys
I have a two year old and a five year old.Both know their alphabet already but I really liked read and sing little leap.Both my boys love leap.They both know how to use him to work on things they like to do.They love hearing stories with things they know and people they love.i defiantly recommend to all parents to buy this leap frog.

needs to be more clear
This toy is cute and will entertain any child who likes baby tad.As for educational purposes, it is too difficult to discern between the "c" "b" "v" "d" and etc.This is always hard to find in toys but v-tech smart board is the best (the "write n' learn smart board" also will show the letter on a screen, say it clearly, and encourage child to write it)My son loves both toys which both go for $30.But for parents who buy the toy to teach get the v-tech.

Fun/educational for the short time it works
We purchased this Little Leap 2 years ago and used it very little until now.It would be a great educational toy if it worked properly.After only a few uses, the buttons around the edges of the "keypad" stopped working and some of the other buttons said the wrong letter when pushed.How confusing for someone trying to learn their letters or phonics!I called the company and they suggested changing the batteries (I already had) and cleaning the battery connections with alcohol (I did and no improvement).They said if I would send it and $20 to them, they would replace it.They called this their 50% guarantee.If you have looked at Amazon's price, it is $29.99.I asked how $20 equalled 50% off.They said 1/2 of $30 is $15 plus $5 shipping and handling!(This is on top of my cost to ship it to them!)

I have read in reviews of other Little Leap products that the company does not stand behind their products.Now I know that is true!My sons have enjoyed all their products that we have purchased, but I will never purchase or request another one now that I know they DO NOT STAND BEHIND THEIR PRODUCTS!!!

Do not buy this product! ... Read more

Asin: B00004TBFB
Subjects:  1. Preschool    2. Learning    3. Reading    4. Baby and Infant    5. Toddler    6. Activity    7. Electronic Learning Aids (ELA)    8. Electronic    9. Math    10. Alphabet    11. Music    12. Stuffed Toys    13. Musical    14. Electronic Learning Aids    15. Writing    16. Phonics    17. Counting   

Magnetic Calendar
Average Customer Review:
Toy
-- our price: $19.99
(price subject to change: see help)
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Editorial Review

This magnetic calendar is undated, so it can be reusedmonth after month, year after year. Use the month magnets to identify themonth, and then stick the magnetic numbers on the appropriate days ofthe week. Hinged panels fold out for hanging--the top half is acalendar, the bottom half is a blank white magnetic surface for storingmonth and year magnets and the colorfully illustrated "reminder"pieces. There's one for every occasion you can think of, so you'llnever miss an important date or activity--Test Day, Mother's Day,Canada Day, Kwanzaa, Go To Dentist, and so on. Consisting of 139pieces, the calendar measures 15.5 by 23 inches unfolded. --AlisonGolder ... Read more

Reviews (13)

Love this company!
I purchased this calendar for both of my girls (7 and 4).Like others, they both love this calendar and we update them together each month.The comment that I wanted to add was that soon after purchasing calendar #2, our dog chewed up several of the numbers.I attempted to repair the mangled numbers without luck.I resigned myself to the fact that daughter #2 would just have to do without numbers 28 and 14.When hanging the calendar up the other day, I noticed a toll-free number on the back for the company.When I called I found out that you can receive an complete set of all the magnets (numbers, months and holidays) for $5 an they'd ship them for free.They also included the most updated years through 2010!What a great company.

Excellent Product (A+)
I purchased this calendar for my 3 year old and both he and his sister (2 yrs. old) totally love it.Both my kids truly enjoy learning the days, months, seasons and various events (every Sunday we get together and "plan" our following week).My son loves it sooo much that now I am buying it as a birthday present for all of my son's friends and cousins (cannot beat the price !!).<br /> My only two suggestions to the manufacturer will be to make the daily squares a bit bigger and to make additional magnetic buttons available as a separate kit.<br /> This product definately gets an A+ from me !!

What A Great Idea!
I love anything with magnets and I have found the little ones in my life do as well.To have a calendar that uses magnets is wonderful.This calendar is colorful and useful.Teaches months and days and allows children to understand the time process.It is durable and the magnets stay put.That is a plus.Great idea....good product. ... Read more

Asin: B00004KHAD
Subjects:  1. Alphabet    2. Numbers    3. Activity    4. Arts and Crafts    5. Easels    6. Learning    7. Magnets    8. Time    9. Wood    10. Preschool    11. Reading    12. Math   

Nesting Action Vehicles
Average Customer Review:
Toy
list price: $12.99 -- our price: $9.99
(price subject to change: see help)
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Editorial Review

This colorful car collection develops motor skills and hand-eye coordination while your child makes important discoveries about sorting and strategy. There are four vehicles, numbered 1 through 4, of graduatedsizes: a rattling green sports car, a blue police car with a revolving roof light, a yellow school bus with an opening sunroof, and a red fire truck with an adjustable clicking ladder. The vehicles can be rolledacross the floor, and then stacked--ever so carefully--atop each other, and finally all nested inside the fire truck. Vehicles only nest or stack completely when arranged in proper order of size and number. Made of sturdy plastic, these toys can be dipped in warm sudsy water for easy cleaning. --Kathryn Gustafson ... Read more

Reviews (138)

Great Trucks!
We bought these trucks for our 15 mo. old daughter and 4 mo. old son- We love them!They are nesting which is fun for our daughter to look underneath the trucks to find the next one or they can stack one on top of the other to make a tower.Perfect first trucks!And they aren't too big- a perfect size!

MOMMY loves this toy.
I saw these on sale at a discount store and couldn't pass up the price. I bought them for my 8 month old daughter. She plays with them frequently. I like them because we can play peek-a-boo by putting items underneath them. Because they are built open underneath, she can grab them easy. She likes the activities on each little car. They also pack very easily for taking some toys out of the house because they nest. I know that she is going to really play with these for years. When we take them places, other kids are very attracted to them. One little boy, age 2, played with them for 30 minutes in the church nursery, stacking them and rolling them. Another boy was 5 years old and he was really into stacking them and identifying the numbers on them. My only concern is that the wheels are held on by a plastic pins and I'm hoping that they don't break. However, you can usually count on FP to make toys that last. My husband is happy because he didn't want me to get one more thing that takes batteries and makes noise!

Maybe the perfect toy
This toy is terrific.It stacks, rolls, and the cars fit inside each other neatly.The three largest cars have a simple moving part on top; the smalles car rattles.No noises, no batteries.Just simple activities a young child can do his or herself.It's marvelously elegant. ... Read more

Asin: B00000IZQI
Subjects:  1. Activity    2. Nesting    3. Stacking    4. Vehicles    5. Cars    6. Baby and Infant    7. Learning    8. Toddler   

Soft Sorter
Average Customer Review:
Toy

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Editorial Review

The Lamaze Soft Sorter gives baby a surprise with every squeeze! Each side of the fabric cube has a different design and a differently shaped opening that matches one of the four shapes. And each fabric shape has a special sound to keep your little one laughing. Baby can reach through the flap on top or an X-shaped opening on the bottom to find his treasures all over again. Baby learns hand-eye coordination in a soft, colorful world full of funny sounds. Everything packs up nice and tidy to take along in a diaper bag or suitcase. The Soft Sorter has earned awards from Dr. Toy, Best Children's Vacation Products, Parents Magazine Top Toys, and Parenting Magazine Toys of the Year. Hand or machine washable and safety tested. Includes infant development guide and lifetime warranty. --Margaret Quinn ... Read more

Reviews (25)

Not that great
The real problem?It's soft and any of the shapes can be put through any of the holes.Not teaching a whole lot when that happens. I think I'll go by the old inexpensive, hard plastic version instead.

Too soft...
My daughter received this as a gift, and as an infant, she played with the shapes and box independently of one another.Now as a toddler, she "sorts" the shapes, but because the box is soft, she can force the square through the triangle, the triangle through the oval, etc., etc.She's not learning the shapes with this at all.I bought a wood "puzzle" sorter instead, and we've been much more successful with that.

B-o-r-i-n-g
Looks great, but it seems as if it makes parents happier than kids... our little girl had it around from 3mon to date (15mon), and still shows absolutely no interest. ... Read more

Asin: B00000J0AO
Subjects:  1. Baby and Infant    2. Learning    3. Toddler    4. Activity    5. Hand-Eye Coordination    6. Stuffed Toys    7. Shape Sorting   

Pirate Ship
Average Customer Review:
Toy

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Editorial Review

Splice the main brace! This is a plastic pirate ship for toddlers that's durable enough to survivethe toddler years, and interesting enough to be a vehicle for fantasy play for years after. At 2-feet long andalmost as high at its twin masts, this ship rides the waves (or rugs) on three concealed wheels. Carrying anornery-looking crew of bearded and eye-patched ne'er-do-wells, it also has an oversized cannon that popsout of the hold and fires plastic balls the size of a golf ball. There's a small dinghy with its ownspring-loaded harpoon, and the back of the quarterdeck opens for access to the captain's cabin. --RichardFarr ... Read more

Reviews (34)

Ahoy Matey's!
This toy has been a fantastic addition to our son's imagination. He received this for Christmas 2001, and plays with it almost every day. I have not been able to find any "new" additional pieces for this, but have managed to find a few "used" pieces. One is a raft with a shark on it, and has a barrel launching apparatus at the back. The other is a whale / raft that looks like the whale from Pinocchio. Both these items I remember from a long time ago (my brothers and sisters had these toys way back when), and I was pleasantly surprised to find these at a 2nd hand toy store. If you are interested in pieces to go with the pirate ship, check out some of the used toy stores in your area.

The one thing that I find a bit frustrating is that the side rigging fastened to the mast always pops out. I have been tempted to glue it on so that it stays. The pivoting door on the transom (where the captain's quarters are) can come off easily too. But, I think these things bother me more than our son. He will stop his play to pop them all back together, then carry on to find the treasure or just sail the seven seas!

Great boat...just doesn't float
Our 3 1/2 year old Peter Pan-obsessed son had been asking for a pirate ship for months.After lots of research, I selected this pirate ship.He loves this ship!It is durable, and the pieces are sturdy enough to survive his rough play.The firing cannon and harpoon are particular delights.However, he was initially very disappointed that neither the boat or the rowboat actually float.(They capsize immediately upon contact with the bath.)So although he loves his land ship, he does periodically say that he wishes it could float in the tub.So just be aware of this if you purchase this toy.

Ahoy, this toy is IT!
My four-year old son received the pirate ship as a Christmas gift.It is now 7 months later and he has literally played with this toy every day we've been home since receiving it.It is well-built & durable and both of our boys (4 & 2 1/2) have immensely enjoyed it.It has allowed them to use their imagination and pretend with all of the little pieces accompanying it.It is the toy played with most often when other kids come over to our house and all of the parents want to know where I bought it.Clever parts including a canon, gangplank, sails, crow's nest, nets, sails and little dinghy with a harpoon attached.My boys love to manipulate the parts, strip it down and put it all back together.Good value for your money.I wish, as others have stated, that it had accompanying items to purchase ... Read more

Asin: B00004YMZG
Subjects:  1. Preschool    2. Pretend Play    3. Play Sets