Subjects:  1. Wacky    2. Collectible Card Games (CCG)   

Editorial Review

The colorful Hoberman Mini Sphere comes out of the box looking like a futuristic Christmas-tree ornament. It's a cross between a ball and a star, and measures 5.5 inches across. But pick it up by any one of its dozens of plastic points and this amazing little feat of engineering, or imagineering, expands neatly into a lattice-like globe that's 12 inches in diameter. The inventor calls it a trapezoidal icosatetrahedron; you could also call it aBucky Ball, but either way, it's a fascinating exercise in complex simplicity. The structure is rigid enough to roll and throw, yet if touched in the right way, it will suddenly collapse again, curling in on itself like a defensive hedgehog. An enclosed pamphlet describes various tricks you can do--if you're prepared to practice. And it's so aesthetically pleasing that Mom or Dad may swipe it for a desk ornament. --Richard Farr ... Read more

Reviews (18)

Fabulous
Children from 2 to 60 have enjoyed this toy.The 2 year old squeals with delight when she rolls it and it collapses.The older ones try to figure out the pattern while opening and closing the toy.The teenagers want to destroy it so they can rebuild it.It is a great toy for those fascinated in how things work.

Not strong enough for my house
We have 4 kids in our house and every time we saw this in a toy store, they played with it.I gave it to them on a Friday and by Monday night, it wouldn't collapse any more.They did have fun pulling on it and rolling it around, but it is not made to handle the tug of war games my 3 and 4 year olds put it through.It's fairly expensive for a toy that just opens and closes and isn't very durable.I don't see how people can say it's educational except to teach colors.It's like saying a ball or a slinky is educational.I wouldn't recommend this toy to a family with active children.

A generational toy - with improvements
As a kid I had a metal collapsable ball with foldable edges and plastic beads, which could be compressed into an amazing assortment of shapes, also into a ball of about 12" in diameter, or, for that matter, a 12" pancake.It was one of my favorites, and I wanted to find something similar for my children.I missed out on them, but was delighted to find the Hoberman toys for my grandkids.The larger ones (and obviously the most fun) are far beyond my budget, but this mini is perfect for my 11 year old.Thanks, Hoberman, you have saved the day, and given me something to swipe on occasion.
Judy Gilson, Boise, Idaho (overgrown child, or compulsive Peter Pan Complex) ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Activity    2. Balls    3. Wacky    4. Learning    5. Science    6. Outdoor Play   

Editorial Review

The Zometool Creator Kit is an advanced construction system which allows building in 62 directions in space, using the same proportions found in growing cells, crystals, and other natural forms. Inquisitive minds will marvel and discover mathematical connections between space and the natural world. Capturing beauty and mystery, the Zometool Creator Kit encourages exploration of complex mathematical concepts through manipulating 968 pieces (struts and nodes), building relationships in space, and creating beautiful models. The colorful, sturdy plastic struts and nodes easily connect to holes with matching shapes, making it possible to engineer even intricate models with ease. Easy-to-follow, step-by-step, illustrated directions are included. The Zome System is used in schoolsworldwide--elementary through college--and by leading scientists, artists, mathematicians, engineers, and creative kids! Lesson plans for grades 1-12 are also available. The Zometool Creator Kit is a recipient of the Parent's Guide Children's Media Award. --Christine Aiken ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Zome System Creator Kit
My son received this set for his eighth birthday.It was frustrating for him, as well as myself, at first as the rods have to really be pushed hard into the balls in order for your creations to not fall apart easily.Afer hours of working with the set we have found it to be truly contagious.He has made some really amazing "buildings" and never wants to dismantel them so the 900+ piece set is very handy to have.I have a hard time seeing the price value in this product.It appears to be a very inexpensive product to manufacture and it sells for a fairly steep price.

Top's K-Nex by a long shot!! Incredibly easy!!
Just an incredible set. The pieces are well shaped and fit together not only easily but logically, the pieces are color coded so there's no bending or frustration when they don't fit (like K-Nex) and the ball connectors areuniversal so you don't have to change them in order to add more.

Irecently experimented with this set and found it veryentertaining and addictive, your creativity can just take off and there'sno limit!!

What you get is more than you see.
This construction set has been a staple in my elementary gifted classroom for nearly two years. The students love the creativity and impressive structures they can build. I love the fact that the materials require thatyou put a subtle twist into your thinking in order to succeed. Butfree-style construction is only the beginning! We have investigated themeaning and variations of tetrahedra, explored the shadows of studentconstructions, made bubbles that blow you away, and challenged one anotherto construction competitions. (Please don't tell my kids that they arelearning!) ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Activity    2. Science    3. Construction    4. Building Sets    5. Learning    6. Wacky   

Reviews (2)

Amanda's grumpy bear review
I love my grumpy bear snowglobe!!! Though it's really not ment to be played with, it is a great accent to any care bear collection! Grumpy happens to be my favorite! I love this snowglobe! I would deffinately reccomend this item!!!

great to look at...but...
This is great to look at, but not up close.The detail is some-what lacking.
there are bits of dirt and dust floating around in the globe, and the music box winder has been over-wound one too many times....before I even got it out of the box!
I'm not too pleased with it, but it looks cute up on the shelf. ... Read more

Reviews (9)

They Finally Made it Better
Well it's about time they finally improved this toy.

It is pretty good for occupying the kids for a little while.

Great fun!
I bought this for my 4-year-old twins and it's provided hours of fun--without any assistance from me. I'd recommend it especially for people looking for toys that will help kids to improve fine motor skills. My daughter won't do a lot that requires fine motor skills, but she loves lite brite!

Good price, Ok toy
This set was very hard to balance and put the pegs in place.Also, there were just two extra pegs per color - that does not leave any to be "lost".Furthermore, I am still looking for replacement sheets. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Wacky   

Reviews (17)

Disgusted
I ordered this ant farm for my grandchildren in July.The ants came the middle of August and they were all dead.They replaced the ants and I put them into the farm.The next day my Granddaughter started screaming that something bit her.I looked and there were red ants all over the floor and table.They had gotten out thru the air holes at the bottom.The company replaced the farm and the same thing happened again only this time I had placed the farm on a paper on a table so when they got out they could not get out from under the farm.I cannot get my money back because it is over the 30 day guarantee.I didn't get the first ants until after the 30 days.Do not buy this toy unless you want a huge disappointment and a big mess.

Awesome fun experience
My daughter recv'd this Ant farm on her 5th B-day.We ordered the ants, unfortunately they came when we were away on vacation.Basically all were dead.I called the company and they resent more ants free of charge.We got our new ants within 2 weeks.I absolutely just love watching them (Maybe more than my kids).I also have a 3 year old.It is so interesting and such a learning experience.They are so maitenance free.I definately recommend this ant farm.. It is interesting and fun.The ants are very social creatures.I also purchased the whole kit.It has many interesting things to learn in it.A+

Favorite birthday present!
I ordered this for my son's 6th birthday. I knew from experience that we had to order the ants and wait for a spell of good weather for them to arrive. Here's what worked for me: I opened the box when I got it and sent for the ants right away. (FYI: to order a tube of ants, and nothing else, it's $3.95. That includes shipping. To get the ant farm club kit, which includes ants, food, a magnifying glass, and a bunch of other fun stuff, it costs $10.95. That includes shipping as well. I decided to splurge for the club kit!) The ants arrived about a week after his birthday. He was extremely excited to get them! While the ants waited in the fridge for ten minutes, I put the sand/water combination in the ant farm. I put in a few drops of sugar water and then shook the ants in from the tube. While watching the ants grow accustomed to their new-found space, I decided I'd count. I think there were 29 ants in the tube (plus a few spare body parts---YUCK). I counted about 19 of them living. A few of them died that first day, but now I think we have about 13 live ants. That's plenty for the small little space. I think I've had more fun watching them than the kids. It's awesome to see them grab the sand and move it elsewhere to make a tunnel. They're really fun! I plan to order more ants after these ones die. (The order form was conveniently shipped with the ants.)

Buy with confidence! This is a GREAT gift. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Learning    2. Science    3. Bugs    4. Wacky    5. Activity   

Features

• Pieces attach to board with magnets
• 134-piece set
• Wooden pieces

Reviews (11)

Great Motivator!!!!!!!
This product was just what I needed for a five year old that was still acting like a 2 to 3 year old.With this product as a visual motivator and a bag of cheap toys as rewards, my grandaughter has went from a screaming and defiant child to a child that is eager to please and is beginning to control her actions on her own, and the changes are becoming good habits.
We had tried stickers but interest was not there.When I opened this magnetic board and put it up, she could touch it, arrange it herself, use what she wanted for the sticker and could see her results.I love this Chart.You can even tailor it to your needs anything from school, nice action, to chours that you want your child to do.And it can grow with your child.Very positive! Good training for delayed gratification.

Multiple Children...
presents a slight challenge.You have to be creative, but it can be done.For example, we take turns setting and clearing the table.Difficult to distinguish which child is responsible when.That being said, my 4 and 6 year olds consult the chart daily- to see who has to do what.Although Santa left it for the two of them, It was really a gift for us parents!!!

Excellent Learning Tool For All....
I have two disabled children with autistic spectrum disorders.The more structure we can provide for them the better.Daily routines are a must.My children need to know what to expect and what is expected of them.That is where the Magnetic Responibility Chart has worked wonders.It is visually eye catching, easy to use and to understand.My children love using the magnets as a reward. It also helps inform caregivers who come into our home of our daily routines.Any tool that can provide a little bit of structure and act as a learning device is always welcome.I have no regrets here. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Reading    2. Alphabet    3. Wacky    4. Activity    5. Arts and Crafts    6. Easels    7. Learning    8. Pretend Play    9. Preschool   

Subjects:  1. Wacky   

Features

• Glow-in-the-dark tank
• Filter
• 15-piece set

Reviews (16)

Great fun...until they lose interest
My daughter, 9, a real nature lover, was thrilled to get this and put it together. It takes patience to finally see the results. But the tiny shrimp were very cute once we saw them (a little longer than when manufacturer stated). The shrimp grew rapidly and were easy to care for. The ship however looked pretty gnarly a couple of weeks with stagnant water. We also ran out of food and had a hard time finding food. This would make a nice gift for a science crazy kid AND if you live where you can find supplies. My own daughter was amused for awhile. Get it on sale and its worth the price.

This is great if you like pets!!!
About five years ago I hade sea monkeys for the first time. I absolutly loved them! I had the Ghostly Ship, it is fun to have in your room, but DO NOT but by your bed because when my dad came to cover me up he tipped it over and the top came off and all my sea monkeys died. I would recomend this toy to kids and adults of all ages.

bloody cool sea monkeys
These sea monkeys are bloody cool!I had the sea monkeys for two whole years!The sea monkeys are very easy to keep.All you realy got to do is follow simple dierections.It tells you step by step instructions to sucess.One of my favorite feature is the flash lite at the top of the tank.Another cool feature is that there is a hand book that tells you tricks you can teach your sea monkeys.Also the ship in the tank glows!I recomend this kit to you over allother sea monkey kits. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Activity    2. Science    3. Water Life    4. Learning    5. Animals    6. Wacky   

Editorial Review

A scavenger hunt in a can, Scaventure Kids provides everything needed to plan and execute achallenging hunt. Included in the cardboard container are 150 cards, instructions, and team stickers. Thecards each have four items for a team to find or do. Cards ask players to do things like "Find two bags withdifferent store names" or "Have your team act out a scene from your favorite movie." Each team takes outcards and has 30 minutes to carry out the tasks. At the rendezvous, the teams share their finds and winnersare chosen. For rainy days, vacations, or parties, Scaventure Kids is a simple and creative activity thatfosters teamwork and creative problem-solving.--Lee Strucker ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Hours of fun!
Kids really love this game! What a wonderful diversion to T.V. ,video games, and bad weather. They played for several hours, completely focused on their tasks...they actually had to think (about something besides homework!) We were not discouraged because they could find almost everything on the cards. A great way to spend an afternoon.

Scaveture Kids Is A Hit
What a great rainy day or cottage game.We took it on holiday with us and every kid in the campground was playing.What a hit! They became more and more creative with each game they played. Thanks for such a great game....maybe I'll get the adult version, who knows we may have even more fun than the kids!

The kids had a blast. They were really creative!
Wow!Scaventure Kids was a great find.The kids wanted to play on and on.We were amazed at how resourceful they were and how well they played in teams.They just loved it and can't wait to play again. It's a greatway to keep the kids busy and entertained. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Games    2. Party Games    3. Wacky   

Subjects:  1. Learning    2. Science    3. Outdoor Play    4. Activity    5. Wacky   

Subjects:  1. Wacky   

Editorial Review

The Magic Castle Aquarium is small enough to hold in your hand, but large enough to provideshelter for a village of sea-monkeys. It all starts with a packet of dehydrated sea-monkey eggs. Once ahome has been prepared, stir in the eggs and watch them hatch right before your eyes. Their home isactually an underwater castle at the base of a clear container to which you add pure bottled or boiled water.Air holes at the rim of the container keep the water oxygenated. The set also comes with a water purifier,sea-monkey food, Amazing Plasma III (no one knows quite what that is), a measuring spoon, a largedroplet for agitating the water, a magnifying lid, and more. These sea-monkeys are guaranteed to live atleast two years, if properly cared for. The set is supplemented with a detailed instruction pamphlet and anorder form for the 32-page Official Sea-Monkey Handbook on the box. For children under 8 yearsof age, this kit will likely require parental assistance to set up. --Diane Beall ... Read more

Reviews (45)

oh fates! why have you forsaken my monkey!?!?!?!
There is nothing majestic about the Sea Monkey Magic castle.It is a dark tower of sea monkey doom.Let me explain.Too many times have I summoned the monkey apocalypse ravaging death by toppling over the traditional ill-balanced monkey worlds.I purchased the magic castle because the round base of the castle appeared to be a solid and stable foundation, one in which the monkey Peter could build a church to ward off the careless gyrations of their insane deity.To this end, the magic castle served its purpose faithfully. However the fatal flaw of the castle lies in its miniscule dome-like opening which confines the monkeys' exposure to oxygen slowly and callously depriving them of life.As I am a benevolent god, the cruelty of this "magical" world was denied to my monkeys as they were lacking enough air for Genesis -- stillborn into their primordial ooze.Desponded and despaired, I await the evaporation of The Flood so that I may resurrect the corpses of my fallen children in some sort of necromancer zombie-monkey darkness.Sitting in my throne, snorting lines from the mysterious packet of powdery Amazing Plasma III to invoke visions of The Second Coming, I puzzle at what evil denied the inclusion of the thousand-bubble aerator to the Amazing Live Sea-Monkeys Magic Castle.There are dark things at work beyond the light visions of the Creator.

READ THISABOUTMY SWEET LITTLE BABIES!
I never knew I could love shrimp so much. They are adorable! I read other reviews saying they were ugly, and I don't know what they mean, but mine are growing up differently! They look like tiny little shrimp, not those cute things with legs sticking out of the sides. Mine must be more fairy shrimp than brine shrimp, because their tails are curled like the shrimp you eat. I think they are a sucess! I don't care what they look like,though. They're my babies. Anyway, it's the most increadible thing I've ever seen. Tiny life-less specks turned into teeny, tiny white cones with stubby legs. Yes, they look like icecream cones,and boy are they attracted to in-direct sunlight! If you love teeny,precous,cute,sweet,active,amazing seamonkeys, buy this! I'm a tough critic and I already give it a billion stars.
YOU CANNOT LIVE WITH OUT TINY SALTY,WATER FRIENDS!! BBUUYY!!!!!

Adorable Little Shrimp! I love them so much!
I finally bought these little shrimp! At first I didn't see anything when I put in the eggs, but when I put it in the sun, THEY WERE THERE! I was
so excited! I fell in love with them because they're tiny. Right now I'm looking at them, so tiny and adorable! The only downside is I'm afraid my cat will knock them over, but he doesn't even care about them. He walked right past them 34 times. Any way, I love them so increadibly much.GET THEM! THEY'RE GREAT!I HAVE HUNDREDS ALLREADY! SO TOTALLY SATISFYING!!!!!:) ... Read more

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

Subjects:  1. Wacky   

Editorial Review

Popular wisdom holds that humans require eight glasses of water a day in order to be healthy. This miniature water dispenser is designed to hold exactly that amount. It would be inaccurate, though, to call this a "water cooler," since there is no refrigeration at work here; the dispenser simply holds the water. If you want cold water, well, put cold water in the dispenser. Of course, it functions equally well if you want to build a make-believe office in which dolls and action figures have somehow been consigned to accounting jobs. In such a scenario, it's the perfect place for Barbie and G.I. Joe to stand around and complain about their new boss, Darth Vader. --John Moe ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Meh...
This water thingy is very cool. It does hold a lot of water. The only thing im concerned about is the taste of it. IT IS TERRIBLE. Im going to try washing the thing in the ummmm washing machine. If you can find a good way to wash it throughly, it is the best! THANKS

Going mini with water
this waterdispenser is very useful specially in my room , because every morning when i wake up i'm thirsty,and since i have a 2 floor house it takes me a while to get water so this has worked out really good.And it looks real cool!!!.

P.S. u have 2 buy your own cups.

well... your better off saving your money for better
this toy is awful. they break easily and... well... they are messy because water gets out of areas that it's not supposed to. they leak and should not be sold to innocent kids! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Wacky   

Editorial Review

Running out of ugly bugs? This Creepy Crawlers Plasti-Goop Refill Pack can turn out a new generation of disgustingly realistic insects. The pack holds three 1.5-ounce bottles of assorted nontoxic goop (actual colors may vary), and is only recommended for use with the official Creepy Crawlers bug oven. --Marianne Painter ... Read more

Reviews (13)

creepy crawler bug molds
My nephew has alot of fun with this, but he is getting bored with the molds that he has and I can not find any new ones anywhere [...].I know that this toy is old but I think there should at least be a website that replacement or new parts can be purchesed.

Creepy Crawler Plasti-Goop Refill
I remember the fun I had as a child (goop was always available in local stores). I bought the creepy crawler machine for my grandsons thinking it would be a fun "learning to work together" gift.Unfortunately, once the goop was gone, they were disappointed, I'm feeling frustrated and you are setting your toy up for failure due to lack of refills.Theresa Olsen

why is this so hard to get!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Plasti goop
I have been looking all over for plasti goop compound why is it so difficult to get you make the machine and then its hard to get the product to use it! Please help...
Jen Justice ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Activity    2. Wacky    3. Gross   

Subjects:  1. Wacky    2. Sports   

Reviews (26)

tamagotchi review
I love my tamagotchi! It is so much fun. I recommand this toy for ages 8-12. It is so cool how you can connect with other tamagotchies. It is very cool how you get presents when you connect with other tamagotchies. It is cool how the tamagotchi really acts like a kid. My tamagotchi is the best.

GREAT TOY!!!!!!!
This toy is great because it teaches you how to take care of a something.

P.S. IT'S FUN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Tamagotchi's are cool!
Tamagotchi's are the coolest! My friend and me have 9 in total and I'am planning to get two more. So overall they are cool. Go buy them now!!! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Wacky    2. Electronic    3. Interactive    4. Walking    5. Talking    6. Noise-Making   

Subjects:  1. Wacky    2. Sports