Editorial Review

This game is sort of like Twister meets Simon Says. Lay the Hullabaloo pads around on the floor about two 'kid's feet' away from each other. The pads are different shapes and colors and have pictures and words on them. Turn on the game console and the cheerful music begins, a happy voice welcomes you to the game and then gives the simple directions you'll need to play. "Jump on a square shape," "Slide over to a red shape," "Hop to a shape with an animal on it" and so on. Then it might tell you to freeze, or to put a body part on one pad, and then a different body part on another. Then, it'll tell you that if you are on a particular pad at the end of that round, you are the winner. We found it to be fun, and easy to understand--though we did wonder how long it might hold a child's interest. --Megan Sullivan ... Read more

Reviews (50)

Fun for the whole family!
We received this as a family gift for Christmas. My 2 year old and 5 year old both love this game and my husband and I have fun playing it with them too! I highly recommend this because it is very educational and fun at the same time! Plus it helps the kids burn off some energy!

Great game for our family
My son received this game as a gift from my husband's employer.WE LOVE IT!!It's simply a lot of fun.The music is catchy and the kids have to listen (great as skill-building) for the next set of instructions.It's not predictable and it's a game that gets everyone off the couch.We've had a lot of fun.

Be 7 Again!
I recently visited my goddaughter who has three boys 7-10 years old. The broke out the Cranium Hullabaloo and we all had a ball! This game is loads of interactive fun, keeps the kids hopping and focused, and gives their mom some "downtime." I forgot I was 55! It is now on my Christmas and birthday "must buy" gift list. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Games    2. Party Games    3. Grownup    4. Board Games   

Editorial Review

Outfitted in orange and purple, this electronic learning system for preschoolers plugs directly into a television, and at first take looks a lot like a video-game console. Insert any of Vtech's "Smartridges" into the unit for lessons on language, math, phonics, problem-solving, music, and more. Children can choose between two difficulty levels. Included are a large joystick, adjustable to right- and left-handed kids, and an Alphabet Park Adventure cartridge; other cartridges are sold separately. There's also a storage compartment on top that holds up to six cartridges. The system can run on either three C batteries or an AC adaptor; strangely, neither are included. --Andy Boynton ... Read more

Reviews (260)

Don't Buy This
This started out to be a wonderful toy for my 4 year old son.But after a month (and after I'd spent quite a bit of money on the cartridges) the problems started.The power goes on & off at will.When I called the V-tech 1-800 number they walk me through the re-set process which takes 2 minutes & is a pain the he heiney.And within a few days it happens again.What a pain...

vsmile a bit disappointing
I bought the vsmile thinking it looked cute and would be a great way for my child to learn.From the beginning, the controller had a loose part rattling around in it.After about two weeks the "enter" button kept getting stuck.I had to pay shipping to send it back, but it was replaced with a new one.I will be calling tommorrow to have the unit replaced.Often the power button would stay on and now after replacing batteries, the power won't even come on.A bit disappointed at this point because my child rarely got to play with it.

stopped working
I thought that this was a cool toy until it stopped working afer about 2 weeks. ... Read more

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

Editorial Review

A train you can ride on? That moves by itself? It's hard to imagine any child not being excited by this prospect. The Santa Fe Train offers an amusement park experience in your own house. Assembly is a snap, literally. The track pieces click together with no problem, and it's so obvious how to assemble the train, you almost don't need the manual. If you feel prepared to take it on, this train set can make for a spectacular birthday or holiday present. In the interests of instant gratification, however, be sure to charge up the battery the night before. Some other considerations for parents: This toy takes up a lot of space: at a bare minimum, 12 square feet. It may have limited replay value, since you can go around and around a track only so many times, even if you are 4 years old. And it requires a bit of maintenance in that you must keep the battery charged up. --David Stoesz ... Read more

Reviews (20)

Keeps him Safe and Busy
My son received this when he was 18 mos for X-Mas.He is 2 now and still rides it nearly every day.This is one of his favorites and it keeps him busy 10-15 minutes at a time, a few times a day.You have to wipe/dust the tracks off a few times a week.The dust prevents the train from gliding on the tracks smoothly.I have had NO problems with it jumping the track.I have another one on the way and I expect this will be in great condition for him as well.

Great Fun
When we were given this as a toy I was doubtful it would have a big place in our house. I really aim for toys that encourage creative play, exploration of the world, that are not loud. This train, I was expecting would not do this. Was I wrong?!

This is a fun toy and very exciting. We have had it for several years now and my children still play on it. They can use it without the track which only makes it that much more fun.

It is fairly easy to steer and has not broken down yet. It is sturdy and has lasted through three children playing with it. It really does lend to creative play- my children have pretended they are delivering mail, visiting family, and so on.

Much fun. Throw in a few fun books such as Mailing May and this would be an excellent toy to encourage creativity, find and large motor control, and many more skills.

Enjoy. Well worth the money.

Great fun but a little tippy
We bought this train for our son Christmas 2003 when he was 1 1/2. He loved it and still does but I agree with others that the extra car tends to derail alot. Also, if he leans over on it then it will all come off the track. It doesn't hurt or scare him. We have begun to teach him how to put it on the track by himself. Overall, he gets alot of enjoyment from this train. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Vehicles    2. Ride-Ons    3. Motorized    4. Trains    5. Preschool    6. Games   

Reviews (4)

Great!
Another of my 3 year old's collection - he loves it and has mastered it well.Very well done.

Finding Nemo
My son loves this game. He likes to read with it. I think it is a nice addition to the collection.

Great game !
My 4YO son loves this cartridge. The children have a choice of reading the Nemo story or playing one of four games. My son does not really like the story, but it is cute. Admittedly it is difficult for an electronic toy to beat mom's reading!

The games are great. They all have multiple skill levels and are fun and challenging. I often have to force my son to let his Leapster "rest awhile". His favorite game is trying to find the fish in the deep dark ocean. On level 2 words are displayed and you have to find the fish by listening for where the word sound is the loudest. Unfortunately, there are a limited number of fish, but my kid hasn't noticed, he is happy every time he finds one. And, instead of sounding out the A like they do with the other letters, they say "Ay".

The Nemo cartridge also has a hide-n-seek game which teaches comprehension skills. Various Nemo characters and props appear in bubbles and the Leapster asks a question such as "Who helped Nemo escape from the tank?" and the child would need to select the "Gill" bubble. I haven't seen logic games like that on the other cartridge we have.

Overall, the characters are cute, the games are educational and my kid loves it. I'd give this more stars if that were possible! ... Read more

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

Editorial Review

Sally, Stevie, Stanley, Sophie, Stewie, and Sid are six colorful, lightweight bowling pins--each with their own personality--that talk to kids while they bowl. Taunts such as "C'mon!Roll the ball already!" get kids started, and phrases such as "Whew!That was close," keep them aiming for the pins. Bells, whistles, and cheers are heard if a spare or strike is bowled. The tan plastic base has six colored circles to hold the pins in place, but it is not required that colors match up for a game to begin. Silly 6 Pins only keeps score one frame (two balls) at a time, so keep a pad of paper nearby if you're playing as a family. Three AA batteries are required, but not included. --Pam Lauer ... Read more

Reviews (81)

Fun for the whole family!
My little boy got to open this on Christmas Eve, his grandparents got it for him.My little boy was so shocked and excited when he saw the game!He had wanted this game for several months but I was'nt sure he'd like it as much as he wanted it but it was one of those games that I was wrong about- He loves it!I have to admit it is really a fun game.Thebowling pens shake and talk to you as you play and they say funny, cute phrases.My little boy who is almost 4 can set the game up him self and play it without anyone else or if he wants we can play with him.I like games that he can understand and be able to play without having a second player all the time.It makes this game even more a good purchase because being an only child there is'nt many games that are like this.He loves this game and still plays it a lot even 3 1/2 months later.I would reccommend it!

FUN FOR ALL AGES
I was reluctant to purchase this toy for my son's third birthday simply because he has never been bowling or knew anything about it.However, based on your reviews I decided to try it out.My son is not easy to keep busy and this was the trick!This toy is a blast!He loves to set the pins up just as much as he loves to knock them down.He plays it with his 12 year old sister and it seems to be the only time that they don't bug eachother.They have a ball!we all do, the voices are cute, but I wish it was louder.Easy to clean up, and just plain fun!I think we will get lots of milage out of this game.

FUNNY game
My girls were given this game a couple years ago. . .ages 2 and 3.They crack up over the voices and play it still.I like it also b/c it's so darn cute! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Activity    2. Games    3. Preschool    4. Party Games    5. Wacky    6. Tabletop Games   

Editorial Review

The Pixter is like a personal digital assistant (PDA) for kids. But instead of storing boring appointments and phone numbers, they get to draw, do puzzles, and learn a little, too. The Pixter is about the size of a small book, and has a pretty solid weight to it. It's made out of brightly colored and durable plastic. The main action of this toy is drawing with an attached stylus. The Color Pixter offers much better graphics then the black and white version, which comes in handy with activities like Paint-by-Numbers and Connect-the-Dots. You can draw a picture free form, or you can use one of the starter backgrounds. There are tool buttons, like on a PDA, that give you access to fun stamps, special effects, and the eraser button. You can also save your creation in the Pixter's memory. There are some boppy tunes playing along with all this creative activity, but luckily for parents, there's also a jack for headphones and a volume adjuster. An expansion slot on top of the Pixter accepts ROM-based expansion cards that contain additional software and games. Requires 4 "AA" batteries. (Not included.) --Megan Sullivan ... Read more

Reviews (30)

Don't buy Pixter...Go for a Leapster
My 3-year-old loves her Leapster and plays with it in the car on long trips as well as in the house when I have to do things that leave her on her own. That's why, when I saw what looked like really fun and educational games for the Pixter, I put it on her wish list for her birthday. It'll be twice as much fun when there are more games from which to choose, I thought. But it's turned out to be a major disappointment. The screen is grainy, the interface is not intuitive, and one really has to press hard to get the screen to recognize the stylus. It's not easy even for an adult! The drawings skip and you can't drag items once they're placed: You never know where they're going to be centered before you place them. The games are not as educational as those on the Leapster, either. We bought Global Passport, Creative Genius, Barbie Fashion Show, Pet Shop, and Symphony Painter (that one is the worst!). She's using the Pet Shop a little, but that's it. Don't waste your money. Go for the Leapster...It's elegant and fun with a clear picture and sound. Now I wish I'd taken to heart the previous reviewer who bought the Leapster instead because I'm stuck with all this expensive useless nonsense. I had also bought the math, Barbie writing and Clifford cartridges, but I'm going to return those because they were bought in a brick and mortar store and haven'tyet been opened.

Great fun!
How cool is this?! A color computer for little hands. It is a great set.The game cartridges that go along make it just as exciting as any gaming system.The basics to it are drawing and other artistic works such as stickers, shapes and fill-in colors.My son got one at the age of 4 and loved it.He broke the first one by falling on the screen, but we bought a new one because of the use of the first one. Now, nearly 2 years later, he is expanding his artistic talents by drawing with different styled lines, creating his own coloring themes and the like. Works great, day or night, as the screen is lit.We often take ours in the car because of the headphone option and volume control.

Get a Leapster instead
I was very disapointed in the Pixter. We returned ours and got a Leapster. The graphics and controls are so much better on the Leapster and the games are much more fun and educational. Also the Leapster is much more intuitive, a child can pick up a Leapster and figure everything out - there is even a "hint" button if the child gets stuck. A child that gets stuck with the Pixter can only look at the grainy screen and wonder where they went wrong. This toy is not worth the money. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Wacky    2. Activity    3. Electronic    4. Games    5. Handheld    6. Learning   

Reviews (7)

Not so great for every youngster!
I bought this game for my boys after they already learned their letter sounds from the Letter Factory DVD (like everyone else, I HIGHLY recommend the DVD!)
I've been disappointed because:
1) Professor Quigley talks too much, and if several people are playing, it takes forever to get through everyone's turn!There's no way to skip Quigley's whole monologue with every letter.One active 5-yr. old boy thought it was "boring".His 3-yr. old brother played for a while, but also lost interest.
2.) The harder level of play asks for matching letters to letter sounds (which my kids can do) and also asks "What letter comes before B?" (which my kids totally don't understand.)The easier level of play asks kids to get a certain color of card, and then move forward a certain number of spaces.Too easy for the 5-yr old, but it works well for my 2-yr. old if I help move the marker.
3.) I lost a letter card from my set, and was thrilled when I called customer service and they offered to send a whole replacement set of cards!Several weeks later, I called back... found out the cards aren't in stock and they'll send them when available... I've been waiting THREE MONTHS now for a replacement set (although I'd be happy just to have the one missing card!)

ABSOLUTELY THE BEST!!!
My son, who just turned 3 LOVES,LOVES,LOVES this game! He can play by himself or with us and he runs around the house singing his phonics sounds! We got him the LeapFrog Fridge Phonics last year to help him learn his letters, but once we got him the Letter Factory DVD, he really caught on and can play this at Level 2 providing he pays attention.Fully interactive, he can repeat the question with a push of a button and has several tries to answer correctly. Also, the game keeps track of each player and seems to advance everyone so they stay fairly close together. I also like that it continues past the first "winner" and lets the other players finish and win.This game is absolutely the bast of all the other we got him!

EXCELLENT EDCUCATIONAL FUN INDEPENDANT PLAY
GREAT FOR THE KIDS AGES 4 AND UP. INDEPENDANT PLAY NO PROBLEM, (AFTER YOU SHOW THEM HOW TO SET IT UP JUST ONCE) MY 3 AND 4 YEAR OLD LOVE THIS GAME. GREAT EDUCATIONAL VALUE 2 LEVELS OF PLAY FOR BEGINNING ALPHABET TO SOUNDING OUT WORDS. EXCELLENT, THANK YOU LEAP FROG. WORTH EVERY PENNY !! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Games    2. Learning    3. Talking    4. Electronic Learning Aids (ELA)    5. Electronic    6. Math    7. Alphabet    8. Music   

Reviews (5)

Great Puzzle for Little Ones
My 28 month old son got this puzzle for Christmas and loves it.He put it together the first time out of the box himself. It is the first thing he does every morning and then several times a day.My almost 5 year old likes it too. It is not as sturdy as the Melissa & Doug floor puzzles, but it still really sturdy.

Nice picture making for an easier puzzle
My 2 year old daughter has this puzzle and thinks its wonderful.

Unlike many puzzles, with just one character on it, the picture is brilliant having lots of different trains, etc on it.It is easy to fit togehter, with parts of a different character or scene on every piece.She can easily put Thomas, the sheds, Harold, etc together thus eventually making the whole puzzle.

This is by far her favourite puzzle.For one, it's Thomas!And for 2, it's well-made and 'easy' to work out how to put together.

Most Beloved Toy
My son who just turned 4 years old in December received this for Christmas.I'm amazed at the beauty and durability of the pieces.He put it together about three times (with help) the first time we opened it!I never seen him so excited about a toy and to my greater surprise--a puzzle!Each time he placed a new piece in (sometimes with my assistance and sometimes not), he'd ask me to turn around and then ask me to look.When I looked I praised him for his accomplishment and he squealed with excitement.He literally jumped up and down almost after each piece was placed!He told me this was his favorite gift for Christmas and believe me he had quite a few more that were more expensive.I'll be buying more Thomas puzzles from this company in the near future as I'm very impressed. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Preschool    2. Puzzles    3. Floor Puzzles    4. Jigsaw Puzzles    5. Easy Puzzles    6. Toddler    7. Activity   

Reviews (21)

2 players= 2 joysticks
I read one of the earlier reviews that suggested not to get the second joystick, but I ended up buying it anyway. I am so glad I did for several reasons:
1. you cannot select 2 players w/o having a second controller
plugged in.
2. not having to pull one child off the system to allow the other child to have a turn.
We have almost every game for this system, and now both children can enjoy it:)

JOYSTICK DILEMA
I BOUGHT THE V.SMILE SYSTEM FOR MY 3 YEAR OLD FOR CHRISTMAS THE GAMES ARE EDUCATIONAL AND SHE ENJOYS THE SYSTEM BUT IM DISSAPPOINTED THAT THE JOYSTICK HAS MALFUNCTIONED SO QUICKLY MY DAUGHTER GETS FRUSTRATED BECAUSE SHE CAN'T MOVE LEFT,RIGHT,UP OR DOWN. I E-MAILED VTECH WITH THE PROBLEM AND STILL HAVE NOT GOT A RESPONSE FROM THEM ITS GOING TO COST ME $14 PLUS SHIPPING TO PURCHASE ANOTHER JOYSTICK WITH THE HOPES THAT IT WILL WORK AND NOT MALFUNCTION LIKE THE FIRST ONE

Good Joystick
This joystick is well-designed and great for little kids.The colored buttons flash when you're supposed to use them, the main button is big enough so that even very yound kids can be successful using it, and the cord is really long so you can sit anywhere.Even though my three kids are all right-handed I think it's cool that the stick can be reversed for left-handed kids.

One reviewer mentioned the second joystick isn't necessary for two player games.I agree that it shouldn't be necessary but it actually is necessary in the games we've played.Instead of two players playing at the same time, they take turns (this is how 2-player games work in The Lion King and Alphabet Park Adventure).The fact is that the players can't simply pass the same joystick back and forth.The second joystick is required.

I would have liked it if the V.Smile system and the joystick were designed like other gaming systems, whereby if you yank on the controller it will easily detach from the system before the console falls off of, say, a shelf or a tv.That would have been a good feature for a game designed for young kids. ... Read more

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

Editorial Review

This enchanting activity game will keep younger kids happily distracted, whether it's played indoors or out. A cute, blue elephant blows 30 feathery, vinyl butterflies from its 4-foot trunk into the air. The trunk, made of flexible plastic, stands straight up when the small, quiet motor in the elephant's bottom is turned on. Kids use mesh nets (four included) to capture the most butterflies, same-color butterflies, or just catch 'em period. Requires four C batteries, not included. --Diane Beall ... Read more

Reviews (234)

THIS WAS A WASTE
THIS GAME WAS A WASTE OF TIME BUYING. IT BLOWS NO BUTTERFLYS MOTOR SUCKS AND WHEN IT DID IT WAS LIKE 3 EVERY 60 SEC. WE TOOK THIS GAME BACK. THIS GAME IS THUMBS DOWN.THE KIDS WERE SO SO SAD AT THIS GAME.

No good
I bought this toy for my daughter who stated it was the only thing she wanted for her birthday.It was fun the two times that we played, but on the third time, the motor wouldn't start.I payed almost 20.00 for the game and 7.00 for new batteries for it.It was definately the shortest amount of fun I have ever paid 27.00 for, and my daughter was sorely disappointed.This toy is junk.

Not so much fun
My daughter got this for Christmas when she was 3, she became easily irritated that it was over so quickly, the butterflys shoot out in 3 seconds and it takes 2 minutes to get the game ready.She played it once.Since then it's sat in our closet.She says we can get rid of it now. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Games    2. Board Games    3. Preschool   

Reviews (8)

GREAT STUFF
I purchased this for my 3 yr old, and she LOVES it--she just had a preschool screening and they said that she is doing Kindergarten level skills--It is all due to the Leapster--

She loves the games, The princess songs and games are great!

fun game
My daughter really loved this game!!All of leapster's games are always fun and educational.

Not so great
I just bought this for my 3 year old and I have to say that compared to the other games, this one is not great at all. My daughter finds it too difficult and I think the games are boring. The Dora and Nemo games are far superior to this one and my daughter has played with those two games on and off for over a month. I'm glad I got this on sale because it didn't hold my daughters attention for even 5 minutes- I'm hoping that it will be more fun when she gets a little more coordinated but I don't think so. ... Read more

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

Reviews (38)

Great entertainment for toddlers!
My son got the Video Now Jr. for Christmas and it has been a big hit.

Some of the nice features of the Jr. include:
*Bigger Buttons for smaller fingers. (Play, Stop, FF, Rev)
*Double slide latches to open cover.This makes it more difficult for little ones to open the unit and mess with disk or damage the lens.
*Looks and feels durable.Ours has been dropped plenty of times and keeps working.

It does use batteries faster than other toys, but it hasn't been an issue since we keep recharables around.

Age two might be a little young for this toy.My son like to use the buttons like a video game (making elmo say the same 2 words over and over and over) . . . he also likes to tap it to make it skip.But these things are more annoying than harmful to the Video Now Jr.

Overall this is a great toy.My son loves it and takes it everywhere we go.The disks available are great (Wiggles, Sesame Stree, Dora, Blues Clues.)It also play regular Video Now Color disks.It is one of the most used toys in our house!

Great toy!
This is so handy for short trips and Drs. appts. My 5 year old loves it. It doesn't suck the life out of batteries like I thought it would and it is so durable. It has been dropped plenty of times and still works perfectly. The volume controls make it so that you don't feel the need to throw it out the window. It really is a great item that will last!

The fun doesn't last long
The life of the batteries in this toy is about 4 to 5 hours of playing time.Once the kids watch a few videos the batteries need to be replaced immediately.Make sure you stock up on batteries because this device requires several at a time and you will be replacing them several times a week.

Also after two months of using it... the screen completely went out on this device...it now only plays the sound with no video. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Electronic   

Reviews (21)

Perfect for Toddlers
My brother bought my daughter an Elmo VideoNow disk for Christmas thinking it was a regular DVD. We waited until now to get her the player as she was just barely 2 in December (6 months can make a lot of difference at this age). We just got her the player and she loves it. She figured out how it works in no time flat. She knows colors and shapes so the colored, shaped buttons sort of reinforce what she already knows. It seems very durable but I suggest getting the carrying case to help protect against spills, etc. It also has a handle and a place to store a few extra disks. One reviewer was disappointed that it did not come with a disk but ours did. It came with some previews of Nick Jr shows and a full length episode of Dora. As for the batteries, it does drain them but like another reviewer said, get rechargables. I think this is a nice alternative to a DVD player for a child so small. Even though it's a bit expensive (I only paid $50 for ours at Walmart) it is still cheaper than a portable DVD and more durable too.

Great toy! But... make sure you buy the videos
My daughter has the video now, so my son 3, wanted one too!My parents bought it for him for potty training, but they did not know that it didn't come with any video's.He opened it, we put batteries in it and he could not use it.It didn't even come with a preview disc.He was very disappointed.
The toy is great, however it is quite expensive not to come with a disc for the kids to try.

This thing is great!
My 2 yr old daughter thinks this is the greatest thing since cheerios! Very durable, easy for little ones to use, and safe to operate. All of her favorite shows from spongebob and the wiggles to Elmo. This item is great for road trips too. A little expensive, but worth the price when you see your childs face light up. Grab the disks when you can, they are very popular and hard to find! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Electronic   

Editorial Review

The Pixter is like a personal digital assistant (PDA) for kids. But instead of storing boring appointments and phone numbers, they get to draw, do puzzles, and learn a little, too. The Pixter is about the size of a small book, and has a pretty solid weight to it. It's made out of brightly colored and durable plastic. The main action of this toy is drawing with an attached stylus. The Color Pixter offers much better graphics then the black and white version, which comes in handy with activities like Paint-by-Numbers and Connect-the-Dots. You can draw a picture free form, or you can use one of the starter backgrounds. There are tool buttons, like on a PDA, that give you access to fun stamps, special effects, and the eraser button. You can also save your creation in the Pixter's memory. There are some boppy tunes playing along with all this creative activity, but luckily for parents, there's also a jack for headphones and a volume adjuster. An expansion slot on top of the Pixter accepts ROM-based expansion cards that contain additional software and games. Requires 4 "AA" batteries. (Not included.) --Megan Sullivan ... Read more

Reviews (24)

worth it's money
My 9 yr daughter got this for her birthday.She loves it.I love it.The cartridges are easy to remove and install.The unit itself is easy to handle.And the variety of software available makes it a fun, and educational game.The best of both worlds.Now that my daughter has one, my 3 yr old son wants one.I'm afraid his birthday will be a repeat of her's, gift wise, anyway.

Get a Leapster instead
I was very disapointed in the Pixter. We returned ours and got a Leapster. The graphics are so much better on the Leapster and the games are much more fun and educational. Also the Leapster is much more intuitive, a child can pick up a Leapster and figure everything out - there is even a "hint" button if the child gets stuck. A child that gets stuck with the Pixter can only look at the grainy screen and wonder where they went wrong. This toy is not worth the money.

fun creative gift
Entertaining for many hours for our 5 year old.I am disappointed that so many of the stores and online sites are out of stock of the travel case and many of the games.Finally today, KBToys said the case was available, I ordered it, hope it shows up. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Wacky    2. Activity    3. Electronic    4. Games    5. Handheld    6. Learning   

Reviews (14)

I bought VSmile for my 4 yr. old
I bought this game for my son.He is so smart and loves to learn.It helps to show him what I have already tought him myself.

great for 4-6 year olds
My four year old and six year old love this game.It's probably their favorite.Yes, it requires spelling, but it's not difficult.Scooby's little roller coaster jumps up and collects the letters to spell out the word.But it's not like any points are docked for collecting a wrong letter.It's lots of fun.

So much fun.
I got this game for my daughter who just turned four in spite of all the other reviews.She absolutely loves Scooby Doo and loves this game.There are a few parts that have taken her a little while to master, but not to the point that she gets frustrated.I do not think that it is too hard at all for a four year old. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Games    2. Learning    3. Electronic Learning Aids (ELA)    4. Electronic    5. Math    6. Alphabet    7. Preschool    8. Music   

Editorial Review

The classic carnival game of Whac-a-mole comes right into your house in this energetic and highly silly home version. The inherent cruelty of this game is tempered considerably by how much fun the moles appear to be having while receiving repeated blows to the head with big plastic mallets. It must help that each mole gets to wear a helmet, each a different color. One to four players can join in by whacking the critter in front of them during the "sign in" period at the beginning of the game. The object of the game, naturally, is to whack the moles as they pop up and players can choose to have them light up or not. Parents should be aware of course that they are giving big plastic mallets to very young children and the result will almost certainly be that one kid whacks another before too long. It’s just bound to happen. But if those energies can be re-directed toward the moles, this is a fun and silly way to play inside. --Charlie Williams ... Read more

Reviews (20)

Stopped Working X2
We purchased this game for my son's birthday.Wish I would have read the reviews on here first.We all had quite a bit of fun with the game, but it stopped working after about 1/2 hour of play.I called the manufacturer the next day and they offered to send out a replacement.The person I spoke to on the phone said that I was the first one to call in with this problem.The second one arrived today... Well, my 4 year old was playing with it at the kitchen table while I was cooking supper.It stopped working!UNBELIEVABLE!!Well, my son is now very upset, asking if I still love him, etc.He thinks he broke this thing twice.He was hitting it with the mallet... but isn't that the whole idea?It did not get dropped, thrown or anything like that.I guess we will be returning it and getting a different toy.Too bad, it was pretty fun while it lasted.

Definitelya winner!
My daughter received this for her 3rd birthday and it has been her favorite toy since then.She loves to imitate the sounds and whac the moles.The solo or easy game is just right for her age.I'd definitely recommend it.

Didn't want to get it...but...
I was not excited about getting this toy, but after an hour of begging and pleading (from my HUSBAND), I was finally talked into it.We got it, took it out of the box, and OH MY GOD, it's a blast!My 4 year old has no problem concentrating on it and whacking the moles when they light up.He loves the sounds they make and even my 1 year old tries to play!She grabs the mallet and starts whacking...not necessarily the moles either LOL.The game is a blast!If you want a game everyone can play and enjoy, this is it! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Games    2. Board Games   

Reviews (1)

Barbie color pixter fashion show cartridge
My little girl who is 4 loves her color pixter and has alot of fun with this cartridge.She is able to figure everything out for herself as far as how to play the different things the cartridge has to offer.She plays with this Barbie one EVERYDAY and with those of us with 4 year olds know that's a big deal ... Read more

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

Reviews (5)

A must-have for every preschooler
My son received this video for his 4th birthday from his aunt. After watching it over and over for 2 days straight, not only did our son know the sound of every letter, but had also learned to create words. I only wish there was another video to continue after this one, however, it taught my son to start creating words on his own, and within a few short months, he was reading on a 1st grade level. He is not yet 5 and is reading 2nd grade books with little to no help. Definitely worth the price.

works miracles
My son has been in speach therapy for 1 1/2 years.He did not start talking till he was 2 1/2.Now a 4 year old, he is as stubborn as I am and wouldn't sing the alphabet song with me, nothing I did could encourage him to learn his letters or his numbers.I stumbled onto this at our base exchange and he loved it.I would let him play with the sample one when we came into the store.I brought my husband to show him how interested he was in the system.So we made the investment.I am amazed.He got this system from Santa for Christmas with the letter factory cartridge and by the beginning of February, he knew all his letters of the alphabet and what sounds they make!He learned the proper way to make the L sound (hard for him)and when I correct him he starts singing the leapster song.He loves this game.I have since (March) purchased the Word factory and he is trying to READ!!He loves the "sticky letters" concept.I can't believe how well these games are made as to hold the attention of a very busy 4 year old! Who is no longer in speach therapy :)

FANTASTIC!!!
My 3 year old is starting to sound out words and spell them - all thanks to this cartridge.I take the lessons he's learned and use them in every day life - this is amazing, I believe my son will be an early reader, and this is giving him an amazing boost. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Learning    2. Reading    3. Games    4. Talking    5. Electronic Learning Aids (ELA)    6. Electronic    7. Alphabet    8. Preschool    9. Handheld   

Features

• It's Bingo with a zing
• Pictures instead of numbers
• Teaches image/word recognition, matching, verbalization, concentration, memory and motor skills
• Includes Zingo tile dispenser, 72 picture tiles, and 8 double-sided cards
• Imported

Reviews (7)

Great Game!!
My daughter got this game for her 3rd birthday.She and her 4-year-old sister love to play this game daily!!Now I am buying more to give as birthday gifts to friends/family.

A Great Gift that Kids Love
I bought this game for my children several years ago on the advice of the owner of my favorite toy store.I love board games, and my children were 3 and 5 then, and just starting to enjoy them as well.Well, we couldn't get the kids to stop playing Zingo.They played quietly for more than 2 hours.Since you can play with up to 8 players, we have had lots of neighborhood kids playing the game out on the front steps.Since then, I have bought at least 10 Zingo games -- I have given them to all my children's friends and I always keep a few around to give out for birthday gifts.Everyone loves this game.

great design, great fun
This preschooler variation of the old favorite Bingo is a real winner.

Zingo cards have a 3 by 3 grid that shows pictures and words.Cards have a yellow side (easier, for younger kids) and a red side for the odler ones.The plastic game piece dispenser is well-designed and fun to use.Players shout out to claim a piece, which is then placed over the appropriate square on the player's card.There are several play variations.

Excellent game for the younger set, and fun for older children and adults as well. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Preschool    2. Games    3. Learning    4. Reading    5. Board Games    6. Brain Games    7. Wacky    8. Strategy Games    9. Activity    10. Family Favorites   

Reviews (6)

Nice Strudy Bowling Set
My 2 year old likes this a lot. The pins are fun since they contain small colored balls that roll around inside. The bowling ball is light weight and my son loves knocking the pins down with or without it. It's very durable as well. One of the best features is that this set doesn't require batteries! No music or funny voices, just plain bowling. Hallelujah.

it shuold outlast any kids' desire to playing with it
this is a very durable set and quite attractive design, my little one loves playing with it,

the pins are hard and kids can step on it without doing any damage, the bowl is also hard and is very close to the real thing too

overall I was surprised how well built this set is, superior to anything of sort

Endless fun !!!
One word really describes this toy, "WOW"!!!I think I have a future pro bowler on my hands.I had a general idea that my four year old would like it but he loves it!

The great thing about this set is that it's not just a bowling set, the bowling pins can also be turned into "musical toys", counting devices, or you could set them up as "cones" and have your child weave in and out of them with their bike or skip around them to improve their motor skills.

I wish I would have bought this sooner but being a stay at home mom we have to pick and choose our toys.This was a great value and many thanks to Amazon for having speedy shipping!It came a day earlier than expected which was a delightful surprise.We will order more things from this site.They keep you updated on your order and so far I've had the best online shopping experience with them verses other online shopping sites.

If you are trying to decide between this toy and another, I'd pick this one hands down.I hope this has helped any future buyers. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Games    2. Tabletop Games