Onestop Playshop
Average Customer Review:
Toy
list price: $19.99
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Editorial Review

You're never too old to remember the joys of putting Play-Doh through the shape spinner to seeit come out looking like licorice or spaghetti--or using cookie cutters to mold it into a variety of shapes.The Play-Doh One Stop Playshop is really "a complete imagination station." The kit includes three cans ofPlay-Doh, a 16-by-18-inch play shop base with two texture molds, four cookie cutters, two mix-and-matchface plates, a trimmer knife, and a rolling pin. There's also a Play-Doh swirler/roller that you use to mixcolors into fun patterns, and a removable fun factory with eight molds that you can use to create differentdesigns. The play shop even comes with its own storage compartments for the Play-Doh. --Andrea Linsky ... Read more

Reviews (13)

toy 434
This play doh kit is very fun for kids because you make lots of stuff out of it. It's educational because you can have your kids make stuff and at the end you can ask them how to spell the thing they made,or you can tell them to make the things that they want to make and they can spell the stuffout of the play doh andthey'll try to remember it.Youcan also tell them a problem say 2+2=andthey can make a car and they can make 2 cars and make another like a flower and make two of them and put them together and that makes 4.It's durable because you can play with it for lets say 1 hour and then you have to go to bed. You can play with it the next day and it wouldn't be dried out.Or lets say you leave the cap off for an hour because you have to go,when you come back it will still be useful.But then if you leave it out for the whole day it would probably dry out the next morning.

hours of fun
my daughter got this for a christmas present last year and she still plays with it she's four years old and out of all the toys she has she rather play with this she sits there for hours just making all sorts of things i highly recomend this product to anyone

Hours of fun
My 3 year old asks to play with this toy every day right when he wakes up. Unlike all the other toys he never gets tired of playing with play-doh. There are so many things that you can do with this toy the fun never stops. ... Read more

Asin: B00000IW1X

As surely as all things from the '70s have come back into style,so have these wonderful sand creations of a purely decorative nature.The Cool Sand Art kit includes five plastic bottles of various shapesand sizes with plug stoppers, four six-ounce bags of colored sand, twosand-by-numbers templates, a plastic funnel, a sand spoon, a sand tool,and instructions. The sand comes in four pretty colors: blue, green,yellow, and purple. The sand tool is a wooden stick with a pointy endfor making waves and shapes in the layers of sand. The instructions areeasy to follow, and a child 6 years old could probably do this projectwith only a little adult supervision. The instructions show how to makebeautiful layered landscapes in the differently shaped bottles or how tospoon the sand onto the sand-by-numbers sheets. After a little practicewith the spooning technique, a child could even do some freehand sandpaintings without a template. Make sure the bottles are filled so thatthe sand comes right up to the stopper. If the bottle falls over, thestopper will keep the landscape from sliding into a mess. The sanddoesn't come in resealable bags, so zip-lock bags might come in handyhere. --M. Sullivan ... Read more

Asin: B000056HIY
Subjects:  1. Arts and Crafts    2. Craft Kits    3. Sand Art   

The Home Depot Bird Feeder Kit
Average Customer Review:
Toy

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Editorial Review

Precut wood, a plastic window, screws, nails, and easy-to-follow instructions let you breeze through construction and knock yourself out on décor with this bird feeder kit from Home Depot. All you need is a hammer and a Phillips head screwdriver to get started. The feeder fills from the top and spills food to the ledge as needed. The window allows you a view of the feeder's contents. Paint it, varnish it, sticker it, or do whatever you think says "Eat here!"to the birds of your locale. --Ava Natov ... Read more

Reviews (9)

Good bird feeder
I loved this toy. It worked so well!! I got some wild bird feed and I saw so many types of birds. The only downside of this toy is that the seeds fall and that squirrels get into the top. Other than that this is a lot of fun.

Great parent-child project!
We gave this to our (then 7 year old) nephew.He put it together with parental supervision.And it still is *his* feeder, hanging from their house and feeding the birds in the backyard.It was a great introduction to home improvement.In the case of our nephew, he has grown to be quite a helper for his father's frequent projects and will no doubt become quite handy himself.

PROS
* Simple for an adult, challenging (but not overly so) for a child
* All of the *sturdy* parts included
* Unfinished: can be painted or stained.Let the kids paint it however they want!The birds won't know.

CONS
I ONLY WISH HOME DEPOT PUT OUT MORE OF THESE TYPES OF KITS!There are just two others that I've seen--a small greenhouse/planter kit and a message board.

PURCHASING RECOMMENDATION
In my opinion, kids just don't get enough building experiences with creating something like this that truly is useful.We buy things ready-made, or we call a contractor to do it for us.THIS IS A GREAT PARENT-CHILD PROJECT.HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.And let's don't forget the girls--they can do this, too.

We love our "squirrel feeder"
We bought this for our then, 4 yr. old.He and his daddy had a wonderful time building this together and painting it.Everything you need is included.We did attract some birds, but the squirrels wouldn't let them anywhere near the feeder.It was hilarious watching them hanging upside down and swinging on it.They figured out quickly how to open and empty it.Oh well, it was well worth it because the time and enjoyment building it. That is what really makes this item great. ... Read more

Asin: B00004Y75H
Subjects:  1. Arts and Crafts    2. Craft Kits    3. Wood   

Groovy Jewelry
Average Customer Review:
Toy

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Reviews (2)

Daughter did not "dig" the Groove.
My 11 year old daughter went on-line for days searching for the right purchase to make with her gift certificate.Thinking she had found it in this item - it was not until she had it in her hands that she knew she was wrong.She felt that it was made from rather cheap plastic material and was misleading in the description.

My Groovey Frame Review
I purchased this with my neice in mind as a project to do together, she is bonkers over all this "hippy" looking stuff, plain and simple. At first I thought the frame was metal from the pictures, but all the items in it are just a dusky silver plastic, but still nice. Bravo on the nice made frame, (easy to put pictures in and no glass to worry over it has a plastic cover to keep the pic nice), the company who made this thought ahead and on items like the mirror and frame it has a clear film to peel off after so that no paint gets on them! The amount of paint they give is more than pleanty for the projects, and the colors definetly have little girls in mind; Lots of vibrant pinks and purples. It was easy for her to do,(the "swirling of the paint" is very forgiving and the design idea instructions crystal clear and easy to follow!)Clean up was not a problem, the paint even comes off of skin fast and easy, fabric is another thing! Get the smocks out and lots of newspaper down. My one and only concern for anyone who might have an impatient child, the paint does dry a bit slow. Definetly let is set 24 hours flat and undisturbed! Its a great item for a pre teen to do, hey even as an adult I enjoyed it too. ... Read more

Asin: B00004TD77
Sales Rank: 24847
Subjects:  1. Arts and Crafts    2. Craft Kits    3. Painting    4. Painting Kits   

50pc Chalk Bucket
Average Customer Review:
Toy

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Editorial Review

There's a whole world of creativity inside this green plastic bucket, with 504-inch sticks of chalk that will interest both preschoolers and kids in elementary school.The thick sticks of chalk come in white and pastel shades of pink, green, peach, blue,lavender, and tan. The nontoxic chalk is designed to be used outside on concrete orasphalt surfaces such as driveways or sidewalks, and it can be hosed off with plain water. The chalk set could be used for a fun art project at school on the playground, or send thekids outside on the sidewalk with this open-ended art supply and see what sort of creativesurprises await. --Marcie Bovetz ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Lots of summer for fun for not a lot of cash
Kids love sidewalk chalk. The only trouble is that it doesn't last long. It gets left in the driveway and run over, or stomped on. But with this big bucket, my kids have had enough chalk to play for weeks. This was a birthday present for my 9 year old, and she totally loved it. Great for summer fun. ... Read more

Asin: B00004YO1H

On the outside, it's a rounded 15-by-9.5-inch, red plasticattaché case with snap closures and a solid carrying handle. Onthe inside, it's all art: two big plastic trays that hold 24 crayons, 24felt-tipped pens with washable ink, 12 colored pencils, eight watercolorpaints, a paintbrush, and an alphanumeric plastic stencil. The trays aredesigned to hold all the items, so that (on the whole) they don't fallout when you open the case. An even smarter feature is a series of smallholes that enables you to stand numerous crayons, pencils, orfelt-tipped pens upright. It's great to have this much color variety at hand.(Say, shouldn't those cows be scarlet, rather than apricot?)--Richard Farr ... Read more

Asin: B00004UE53

Travel Etch A Sketch
Average Customer Review:
Toy

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Editorial Review

Travel light with a small Etch-A-Sketch. This one measures 6.25 by 5.38 inches but looks and works just like the original, down to the white knobs. Its TV-screen drawing area is made as it has always been. The glass is covered with a protective plastic film inside the sturdy red case. Images are made with nontoxic aluminum powder. But who cares about Etch-A-Sketch technology when there are so many possibilities, once you've advanced beyond pure architectural representations? It takes fine finger control and concentration to operate but draws in people of all ages. --Lynne Sampson ... Read more

Reviews (2)

great toy for long car trips
My boys both have one of these, because we take long trips home to see the grandparents.They love them.They both with them for quite a while before wanting to move on to something else.Good bang for the buck!

Great for Car Travel
This is a timeless toy - this size is great for traveling, it keeps little hands busy and is QUIET! It's also sturdy and doesn't have little parts to drop and roll under the seat. ... Read more

Asin: B00000J0KD
Subjects:  1. Arts and Crafts   

Double Easel
Average Customer Review:
Toy
-- our price: $49.99
(price subject to change: see help)
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Editorial Review

Just like any great artist, your little one should be preparedfor that moment when creative inspiration arrives. Featuring a largechalkboard on one side and a blank pad of paper on the other, thisDouble Easel will ensure that your pintsize Van Gogh can capture amoment of inspiration before it passes. The Double Easel is made ofdurable plastic and comes with wide trays on both sides for storing artsupplies (not included), as well as a large piece of chalk and aneraser (included). A large plastic clamp on one side of the easel holdsdown a 50-sheet pad of paper (included), and the two storage trays areremovable for easy cleanup. Designed for use by one or two children ata time, the Double Easel folds together for compact storage. Measures43.5 inches tall. --Chris Burns ... Read more

Reviews (41)

Great for your little artist!
We just got this easel for our 20 month old daughter and she LOVES it!!! It comes with a piece of chalk and a large writing tablet and didn't take too long to put together. I would definitly recommend this easel to any one with a child who loves to color.

grandkids activites
I took my grandkids to a play group and they had this item they had so much fun that I went to buy one.they keep busy with all the online pictures you can copy keeps them


I loved it!!!

Entertaining Easel
My 2 year old son recently received this easel as a birthday present.I put it together, and he has been using it ever since.Even at 2, he takes his artwork very serious and thoroughly enjoys it.He has fun using the chalkboard side; drawing and then erasing.On the paper side, he has fun with his Crayola crayons, washable, of course.He picks out a crayon, tells me what color it is, then hands it to me and I write the first letter of the name of the color so that he can start associating colors and letters.A great educational and fun item. ... Read more

Asin: B00000IRTI
Subjects:  1. Arts and Crafts    2. Art Supplies    3. Easels    4. Toddler    5. Activity   

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   

Studio Design Art Desk
Average Customer Review:
Baby Product

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Editorial Review

By providing a wonderful play and work surface for the buddingartist in your family, the Studio Design Art Desk is a great way toencourage and foster your child's imagination and creativity. Featuringa modern look and bright fashion colors, the Art Desk is made ofdurable plastic with smooth edges and rounded corners to preventinjuries. Along with a sturdy plastic chair, the desk comes completewith two side storage bins, a detachable drawing board, and a spaciouscompartment under the flip-up desktop for storing additional artsupplies (not included). The drawing board and storage bins can bedetached and assembled into a portable caddy, making it easy to takeart supplies on field trips or outdoor adventures. Powered by two C batteries (not included), the desk's overhead light has a flexible neckfor easy positioning. Adult assembly required. Maximum weight on chairis 70 pounds. --Chris Burns ... Read more

Reviews (10)

Such a great toy, we had to buy two!
This is one of the best toys we ever bought for our kids. We bought one last year for our four year old and bought one this Christmas for our three year old. They are delighted to have them and use them daily. Assembly is a snap - I put them together myself in just a few moments. Durabilty is excellent. We have never had any problems whatsoever. The bins for markers, scissors and stuff are removeable so they provide great mobile storage for your kids drawing tools. An excellent toy, highly recommended!!

Not Well Designed
A agree with all the other reviewers about the poorly designed lamp and stool. I have one additional problem-the side trays keep falling off with little cause. Since these trays hold my sons markers, most times withthe cap off, this is a very frustrating flaw. I would not recommend this product.

Assembly is impossible
My two-year old is extremely excited to use this new art desk. However, my father and husband, both of whom are engineers, had trouble assembling the bench. It is one piece of plastic that must be folded and held in place while being hammered. Their tip: you need two people and a small enough piece of wood to fit in the indentation. And then it snapped apart the first time he sat on it. Also, the flip-top lid is unstable when open, that is if you can get the lid to remain up. As a two-year-olds love opening and closing doors, I am worried that this might cause frustration. So far, we are disappointed with the desk. ... Read more

Asin: B00000IRXM
Subjects:  1. Arts and Crafts    2. Furniture    3. Toddler    4. Activity    5. Preschool