Editorial Review

This Colorforms Dress-Up Activity Set helps teach two crucial things that are often difficult for kids to learn: taking turns and coordination. Each player begins with a shiny cardboard character wearing a swimsuit and in desperate need of fashion assistance. The object of the game is to assemble a fabulous Colorforms outfit for your character. Spin the spinner for type of clothing--shoes, skirt or pants, shirt, purse, glasses, necklace, or hat.Pick out the piece that's just right and place it on your character--it sticks like magic! The first person to complete an ensemble wins the game. No reading is required, so once kids understand the rules they can play independently. --Lisa Whipple ... Read more

Reviews (11)

Good toy for the price.
I tried to find regular colorforms and couldn't.This is a good game for the money, but the clothes don't stick on very well.Although the pieces are colorful, cute and durable.

WE LOVE THIS GAME
I have played this game with all my neices and nephews, from 2 1/2 to 7yrs.All the kids love it and a great game that doesnt really make a mess.Kids sit still and are entertained.I am on my 2nd game now cause I had to give the first one to a niece and bought it for several kids.I Can't say enough good things about this game, although its really getting hard to find in the stores lately.

This is a fun game for little girls
This game was so fun, we bought ittwice.The first one was played for a long time, and when it was finally too far gone, my daughter wanted another one.Very fun!!!!!!!! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Activity    2. Learning    3. Pretend Play    4. Puppets    5. Games    6. Board Games    7. Preschool   

Editorial Review

These cats and kittens are just like all cats and kittens. MomKatrina is finicky about cleanliness, son Branson loves to play,daughter Amelia is a champ at finding secret hiding places (where,we're sure, she sits purring until discovered), and father Sebastian isa patient sort of pussy who works (where else?) at the local dairyfarm. A quartet of posable, petite kitties (Sebastian, the tallest, isjust over 3 inches), the Calico Critters Whiskers Cats are toysdesigned by someone who did some thinking about how real kids play.They're made of durable plastic and covered with a layer of fuzzy, softfur. Their paws can be posed, their heads turned, and they can stand orsit with equal ease. Their clothes are designed with Velcro andelastic, so little people can get them on and off without destroyingthem. And there are scads of well-designed accessories available. Ifyour child's at that age where little tiny things have great bigappeal, the Calico Critters are a terrific place to start. They'll keepyou (and the kids) going for a long time. --Julie Ubben ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Super toy!
My 3 year old loves the Calico Critters, and this is her favorite family! These toys are so cute & very detailed. They have tons of accessories, and really help wtih creative play!

3 YR OLD GRANDDAUGHTER LOVES IT!
I purchased the Whiskers cat family and a Birthday Party Set for my 3 yr. old granddaughter for Christmas.She loves to carry around small items either in purses or bags or just in her hands.My son informed me a few days ago that she really loves this item.She sets them up for "tea parties" and talks to them and seems to have them with her constantly.I was surprised at how tiny the accessories were and don't think they would be wise to have around if there are toddlers or small children who might put them in their mouths.Other than that they are very cute and since my granddaughter received many gifts, this tiny cat family must be pretty special for them to be her "chosen" companions.

Calico Critters - AKA The return of Sylvanian Families in US
The whiskers cat family, simply put are the most adorable little animal dolls you're likely to run across. All Calico Critters families have an average height of about 3.5 inches (adults are larger than children & baby sets) . They are covered in a soft downy flocking, are pose-able, and highly detailed. Each family member comes with a removable outfit, with detail & care sewn in. Bright colors, Velcro fastens, ribbon ties, and tiny buttons & lace all add to the charm of their clothing. Children will have hours of fun with all the houses, furniture, and accessories that can be bought. Sets teach kids hand eye coordination (so many miniatures to interact and use)social interaction, Family structure, and creativity. Older individuals can appreciate these detailed miniatures as well. Calico Critters are actually from an older toy line many might recall from the 80's,called "Sylvanian Families".Epoch (maker of both), has started sales again, under a new name in the states. Same old lovable families, with new names. However, the sylvanians of the 80's have been retired in this line (SF is still sold in JP and UK), and replaced with entirely new animals. Let your collecting start up where it left off in the 80s! They're back!! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Preschool    2. Dolls    3. Pretend Play    4. Animals    5. Cats    6. Play Sets    7. Activity   

Reviews (14)

OK GAME
This is an ok kids handheld game.I agree w/everyone else that it definately needs an off switch.My daughter keeps hers in my car so instead of sounding off in the middle of the night it sounds off with every turn I make!Also sometimes my daughter is trying to push the buttons to select the answer and they do not work.She is continuously yelling "I did push it!" as if the game can understand her:)Overall it is a good idea though and has different levels for beginers.You can just chose different body parts to make a silly potato or it will flash an already made potato and then you have to choose the correct parts,very good memory game(plus some more games that I have not personally tested).It is a little loud and of course being a potato head ithas an annoying voice but has been well played with by my 4 year old.

my son never laughed so hard
My son recently received this as a second hand gift from his 7 year old cosin. The toy lasted 3 solid years in her hands and only 4 days in my son's. Only due to the fact that he hit the screen with a toy hammer. This toy captured my son's attention. He actually sat in one spot motionless for almost an hour. I have never heard my son laugh so hard as to when Mr. Potato head sneezes and says,"oops, I've lost all my parts". As for the "off" switch, it turns itself off there fore saving the batteries, and it only turns itself back on unprovoked when the batteries are dying.

A busy Mom
My daughter is five and loves this toy. I was actually shocked to see so many poor reviews. The automatic shut off isnt that bad, it's actually a blessing if you ask me, It prompts the child to play (pay attention) about 4 times and then shuts itself off.

My daughter loves the different activities it offers, and she just totally gets a kick out of making Mr. Potato head dress silly. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Games    2. Electronic    3. Handheld    4. Wacky    5. Learning   

Subjects:  1. Learning    2. Time    3. Toddler    4. Activity    5. Shape Sorting    6. Push and Pull Toys   

Reviews (7)

USELESS
I purchased this item for my Godchild who was going to be in the hospital so she could play with something from the hospital bed.The board shipped quickly, but she was unable to use the chalkboard because the chalk just took the paint off the board and left little to no chalk on the board.It is completely useless to her because she is too young to be trusted with the dry erase markers.I would suggest buying a different chalkboard if that is what you are going for.The dry erase board works fine as does the magnetic portion.Unfortunately the chalkboard can't be used.

DO NOT BUY THIS PRODUCT!!
I purchased this product for my two year old God Daugther because she was going through surgery and would be immobilized in a body cast for five weeks.I wanted something she could play with while she was unable to move around.As soon as she received it, her mother called me to tell me not to purchase it for another child because the black paint on the chalkboard side comes off on the chalk.Therefore the chalk does not write on the board.She was only allowed to use the chalk side because they didn't want her to get dry erase marker all over the furniture.It is a complete waste of money and worthless for her at this point.What a dissapointment.Save your money!!

Good for preschoolers - but has limitations!
Looks like an ideal gift for preschoolers, but after purchasing this for my niece, I realize it has significant limitations.

First - the good:It's a chalkboard, a whiteboard, and has magnetic alphabet letters - what more would you want for your 3 or 4 year old?Plenty here to keep your child occupied doing all kinds of different, creative things.

Now, the bad:First, there isn't a place to put the marker and the chalk when not in use.Not too bad if your kiddo is sitting on the kitchen floor, but can be a disaster if he or she is sitting on the carpet.The natural inclination of children is to set everything down (even if the marker top is off - which it usually is).This also becomes a problem if your artist has just drawn a wonderful picture on the whiteboard side and flips it over to draw with chalk on the other side (whiteboard side face down on carpet - you get the picture).Yikes!

Second, the age range mentioned above is for 3 - 6 year olds - which I think is stretching it by a few years.Most 5 and 6 year olds are already in school and aren't satisfied with just playing with the magnetic letters. They are much more interested in making words to show mom and dad, and find it frustrating when they only have one of each letter.The letters also disappear all over the house, showing up on many magnetic surfaces - significantly reducing the ability to make any words at all.

Another note of caution - don't expect to use this in the car.Seems like a great idea, but it is a little large for that, and as there isn't a storage space for the accesssories - they all end up going between the car seats - argh!

I know this review seemed mostly negative which wasn't what I really intended - but I felt parents should be aware of some of the negatives, as well as the positives, before purchasing! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Learning    2. Reading    3. Arts and Crafts    4. Alphabet    5. Activity    6. Easels   

Subjects:  1. Learning    2. Electronic Learning Aids (ELA)    3. Electronic    4. Alphabet   

Subjects:  1. Learning    2. Alphabet    3. Blocks    4. Arts and Crafts    5. Craft Kits    6. Wood    7. Activity   

Reviews (2)

Calico Critters - aka Sylvanian Families (remember them?)
These rabbits are SO CUTE! All Calico Critters families have an average height of about 3.5 inches (adults are larger than children & baby sets) . They are covered in a soft downy flocking, are pose-able, and highly detailed. Each family member comes with a removable outfit, with detail & care sewn in. Bright colors, Velcro fastens, ribbon ties, and tiny buttons & lace all add to the charm of their clothing. Children will have hours of fun with all the houses, furniture, and accessories that can be bought. Sets teach kids hand eye coordination (so many miniatures to interact and use) social interaction, Family structure, and creativity. Older individuals can appreciate these detailed miniatures as well. Calico Critters are actually from an older toy line many might recall from the 80's, called "Sylvanian Families". Epoch (maker of both), has started sales again, under a new name in the states. Same old lovable families, with new names. However, the sylvanians of the 80's have been retired in this line (SF is still sold in JP and UK), and replaced with entirely new animals.

Their only downside is the fuzz/flocking. With gentle - normal play, they'll hold up for years and years. However anyone with a child going through a "rough and tumble" destructive phase, may find out that the fur can rub off if heavily scrubbed &scratched. Consider these an indoor toy, and not really intended for rough, outdoor play, or extended bathtub play.

Calico Critters
Calico critters are really really cute! They are soft and fuzzy and come in many little animals-chipmunks, squirrels, cats, dogs, and lots more. I don't own a house, but I just think that having the critters is enough. I have a whole box of them that I collect.
These are great toys. I encourage you to buy them-for gifts, for you, for whatever! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Preschool    2. Dolls    3. Pretend Play    4. Animals    5. Activity    6. Play Sets   

Subjects:  1. Learning    2. Talking    3. Electronic Learning Aids (ELA)    4. Electronic    5. Math    6. Alphabet    7. Preschool   

Reviews (2)

Are you kidding me?
I purchased this for my 3 year old daughter for Christmas. She loves puzzles, and I thought this would be a good way to start introducing math concepts to her. However, I didn't make it past opening the box. Although the picture of the box shown here appears fine,the example that is shown on the other side of the box is 7 + 2= 5 ! Yikes, that's not exactly what I had in mind to teach her.

Great first toy for child to learn addition!
I think this toy is very fun, educational, durable and a great value for the money.The pieces are made of thick cardboard and have great pictures on them! I really like the fact that the pieces fit together and a child can really begin to understand the concepts of addition and subtraction by counting the cute pictures that they put on the pieces.Another great feature is that you fit 2 pieces together for addition and when you flip it over it has subraction on the other side.For instance, you have "2 + 2 =4" and then when you flip the "2 + 2" piece over it will have "5 - 1"and then the answer is still 4.It shows how different addition and subtraction equations have the same answer.

Definitely a great value and a fun first toy to introduce addition & subtraction!It isn't frustrating and since it is a puzzle, kids think that it is fun too!I was very happy to see pictures on the pieces like ladybugs, cookies, ice cream cones, etc.... It made it more fun for my son to look at and count the objects!Even if a child doesn't know the answer, he can match up the pictures on the answer piece w/ the pictures on the equation piece and get the right answer.It sets them up to succeed each time so it makes it fun to learn!!!! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Learning    2. Math    3. Games    4. Board Games    5. Preschool   

Subjects:  1. Learning    2. Electronic Learning Aids (ELA)    3. Electronic    4. Alphabet    5. Preschool   

Editorial Review

LeapPad's multisensory, experiential interface makes kids--even those who aren't old enough for school--want to read with a vengeance. With Leap's Friends from A to Z, kids see, hear, say, and touch throughout the story, enhancing oral, vocabulary, and phonics lessons given throughout the book. At the same time, the sprightly Leap helps his friends correctly identify and sound out alphabet letters.

It's simple to use (just insert the cartridge and book into a LeapPad, and use the attached stylus to hear information), but this system is an innovative technology that provides entertaining, effective learning, designed by a Stanford-trained reading expert. The system has also been credited with the TMA's Educational Toy of the Year and People's Choice awards.

Two notes: Make sure the LeapPad book you get is appropriate for the child's educational level, and know that some LeapBooks (like this one) work on both LeapPad and LeapPad Pro, but some only work with one system. --Diane Beall ... Read more

Reviews (9)

4 year old not interested - too basic
My son is 49 months - he has already started pre-k and knows his basic letters - so this book was really booring for him and each page only had 2 activities -find the letter ....(only 2 letters per page) which were not very challenging. This book is bettered geared for infants who are just learning the letters as in the nursery - I think he would have been more interested then. I bought the Leap goes Shopping - which is delightfully interesting and challenging for him,it is multi-task, multi senosry and includes identifying in games - letters, shapes, colours, lots of sounds and noises. etc. We also got the Toy Story II which is a smashing hit with him - and it has challenges for him now until age 6 or so - per tuff stuff - but there are levels to choose.
Therefore, I would recommend Leaps friends A-Z for infant beginners like 2 - 3 year olds but not for a 4 year old - too boring.

Leap's Friends A to Zis GREAT!
My grandson is 5 and getting ready for kindergarten.He has thoroughly enjoyed finding the hidden letters on each page and playing with the letter words.I was quite surprised when I saw that this had only three stars.It definitely rates higher than that for me.

Great learning book for 3-4 yr olds
After reading many reviews from others who rated this book, I was skeptical about getting it for my 3 1/2 yr old son.I am sure glad I did!My son already knew how to say the alphabet, but was still learning the letters and recognition that would help him one day to read.This book is great because it has a letter on every page and a game that goes with it.Everytime you press it, it says what letter it is.This helps a younger child learn by seeing that letter what letter it is.I would recommend this book for 3-4 yr olds who do not yet know their alphabet by sight.This book would probably be boring to a child who already does, however since all that is covered it the alphabet. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Learning    2. Electronic Learning Aids (ELA)    3. Phonics    4. Electronic    5. Alphabet   

Subjects:  1. Activity    2. Musical    3. Book Characters    4. Wacky    5. Toddler    6. Learning    7. Electronic Learning Aids (ELA)    8. Electronic    9. Music    10. Musical Instruments   

Subjects:  1. Learning    2. Baby and Infant    3. Hand-Eye Coordination    4. Stuffed Toys    5. Activity    6. Stuffed Animals   

Editorial Review

It's Mom's birthday! Leap, Lil, and Tad want to get Mom somethingspecial, but they can't decide what she'd like. Grandpa has an idea! Off they goto the Alphabet Pond, a silly place filled with letters, rhymes, songs, and somuch more. As children read the story they will learn to recognize letter namesand sounds, create funny rhymes, identify initial consonants, follow directionsand develop listening skills, and have fun while learning all about thealphabet. This book is a Level LeapStart book for children up to age 5 or gradespreschool to kindergarten. It stresses reading readiness and simpleactivities--play 17 different activities and sing along with songs. Works withall LeapPad learning systems except My First LeapPad. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Finally The BEST * Leap Start * around + better than Phonics
I have tried leap pad books in the past and this is by far the absolute best in educational, fun, and replay value.

If your looking for a good leap pad book that will keep the kids occupied and learning constantly, this is it. We have bought leap start books in the past and have been dissapointed until now, this one is flawless !!Great layout, colorful pictures, and many pages more than one game on them. This also has an added "music" button at the bottom to stop and start background music and the larger 'GO' buttons help alot. This book also contains a 2 page layout of the letters of the alphabet which is colerful and complete with pictures and sounds for each letter "T is for turtle. t-t-turtle" or "T, Turtle" (also makes little cartoony sounds of a turlte walkling)The phonics book had a dull typed out version cramed into 1 page, nothing for a kid to get excited about.

If you have a child that will is learning letters sounds or how to read, this book is an absolute MUST HAVE (avoid the Phonics one)I hope all the leap pad books get as good as this in the future and this WILL NOT confuse the kids like the others do..

About me : My 3 year recieved it for her birthday and loves it and plays with it again and again because there are so many places you can tap to find something new. My 1 and a half year old son is learining the letter from it all by himself, he even tries to sing along with the alphabet song.
Other Leap Pad books purchased : Richard Scarry Vocabulary and Phonics Leaps Friends A to Z. (also the sample book that comes with the leap pad - which I thought want good but not great) ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Learning    2. Electronic Learning Aids (ELA)    3. Reading    4. Electronic    5. Alphabet   

Features

• Barbie interactive activity center
• Insert interactive game cards
• Learn numbers, shapes, colors, vocabulary and more
• Cool pink-and-lavender laptop-like case
• For preschool/kindergarten levels

Subjects:  1. Learning    2. Electronic Learning Aids (ELA)    3. Electronic    4. Math    5. Alphabet    6. Preschool   

Editorial Review

Made just for preschoolers and early elementary students, Leap 1 Bookspack lots of lessons into one engaging, interactive story. Here, Tigger helpsenhance reading and pronunciation skills; identify characters, themes, andsettings; and develop memory retention. He also makes reading lessintimidating--and more fun--as he bounces himself into one new discovery afteranother. Just stick the included book cartridge into a LeapPad, put the book inplace, and, with a parent's guidance, the LeapPad takes care of the rest. Flipthe book over and Tigger invites your child to play learning activities withhim. Note: This book works with all LeapPads except the My First LeapPad Book.--Diane Beall ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Pooh Fan Loves This
My 2 1/2 year old loves the original Winnie The Pooh movie.This book is an abridged section of this movie.My little boy can sit through each page, listen to the stories, and touch everything to make sure he does not miss any sounds.He loves every page in the book.He is not a fan of any of the books with Leap, except the story in the book that came with the Leap Pad.If your child likes Pooh or the Pooh movie, then this book is a must.

Can pass on this unless your child is a winnie the pooh fan
This one has a rather sad story where tigger gets into trouble with bouncing, ending up stuck in a tree with baby roo. The story ends with rabbit gloating over him and wanting him to stop bouncing for ever after tigger is rescued.So, my 2 year old never wants to finish reading this story, its just too too sad! He likes the pooh bear story much better! Not too mqny activities and games either on each page

Not a great addition to our Leap Library
Although my four-year-old daughter loves Leap's Birthday Hunt, she rarely uses this book.The story isn't as engaging as the Leap stories and the games aren't as interactive and fun.From now on, we're sticking to the Leap series. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Learning    2. Electronic Learning Aids (ELA)    3. Reading    4. Preschool    5. Electronic    6. Alphabet   

Subjects:  1. Pretend Play    2. Puppets    3. Activity   

Editorial Review

Kids can mind the store with the Pretend & Play Talking Scanner.The 5-inch red and blue plastic tool rests comfortably in its blueplastic base until it's time for checkout. Then young checkers can scanany of the included 32 price stickers to hear a price and see itdisplayed on the LCD screen. The front button is pressed to receive arandom price quote, or hit the side button to mute the voice. Additionalprice stickers are available from the manufacturer if kids want to gowholesale. --Rob Lightner ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Be sure to read instructions!
My 5 year old has had the cash register that coordinates with this scanner for 3 years and it's WONDERFUL, but when she was old enough to notice the other registers with scanners on the shelf, she was disappointed, so I was elated to find this scanner. I almost didn't buy it after reading the reviews for durability, but I think I now know what went wrong...there is a RESET "button" on the underside of the scanner.It's actually a teeny-tiny hole- I had to unfold a paper clip to slip inside and trigger it.This is explained in the directions for the toy, but we thought it was broken- reading incorrect numbers, displaying jibberish, etc.It works great as long as we reset when needed, and my daughter absolutely loves it.She doesn't use the barcode stickers- it will "scan" anytime you push the button, giving a new price.The only reason I gave it a lower score for educational value is that obviously it can't know the real value of an item, so when she scanned the family dog, the price was something like $ and when she scanned a lollipop, it was $.A little misleading, but that's what us parents are for.This toy is fun and I highly recommend the matching cash register- it's the best I've seen anywhere and will grow with them for years.We even use it during yard sales since it holds real-size money.

Piece of [trash]
I bought this toy for my 8-year old for Christmas.A piece of the scanner was missing (the piece that holds the batteries in).Luckily I opened it up and checked it before wrapping it or he would have been very disappointed.So it is being sent back.Also, I'm not asking to have it replaced because when I put batteries and "scanned" the bar codes I noticed that it does not read the price that is actually on the bar codes.This may do for a 3 or 4 year old child.But my 8-year old would have noticed this right away and that would have been a big dissapointment.

The best toy in the world!!!!!
I bought this toy back in September, and it was the best toy I ever got. I play with it with my register all the time. I really enjoy it so you should get it for your kids because they will love it!!! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Learning    2. Math    3. Activity    4. Pretend Play    5. Electronic Learning Aids (ELA)    6. Electronic    7. Counting   

Subjects:  1. Learning    2. Science    3. Bugs