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   

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   

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 (18)

Deal Shopper Dad
I feel this is a very good product whick keeps my kids occupied, even during those long car trips.The color screen is a definite plus and a winner. Although the basic games that come with it are the same as the original pixter,color certainly adds to it.And with the adjuster cartridge connector, the kids are able to use even the old pixter cartridges.

I first had the Original Pixter, then got the color pixter for my 7 yr old and now I'm thinking of getting another one for my 3 yr old. The price is a little high and it would be nice if it came down or atleast,if they could add one or 2 cartridges with the starter pack.

But when the kids are sitting quietly playing with the color pixter and when u get the 'much needed quiet time after a long day', I would say its well worth it.

The batteries last a while too.And,there is a undo feature...Where u click for home, under the 'save to,open file' images,there is an undo arrow. Hope this helps.

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.

Keeps them busy
My son is almost 4 and this has been one of his favorite toys of all time.He plays with his Pixter during most of his play time.It also keeps him entertained during those times when he is bored at a restaurant.We have several games but Hot Wheels is his favorite. I don't know why, it looks boring to me but to a 4 year old it must be wonderful. He loves to draw and use the stamps on his Pixter. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Wacky    2. Activity    3. Electronic   

Editorial Review

Rather than worrying about forming an increasingly complex, unbroken line of metallic dust with squeaky knobs for navigation, this sketcher is an easy schoolmate with lights, sounds, and flash cards--all designed as a 15-inch school bus. There are buttons on one side of the bus for drawing, quizzing, problem-solving, and repetition activities. There are also five, two-sided, interactive learning cards, stowed in a side compartment, used as visual aids. Logistically, a large, attached stylus with a magnetic tip allows small hands to draw big letters and words; a sliding eraser makes it easy to start over; and there are only a few loose pieces, so it's a good travel pick. Required: three AA batteries.Diane Beall ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Great Learning Toy!
My son is 4 1/2 and absolutely loves this.It is great for learning letters and numbers.It is very durable.It has even been thrown a few times and still works.I would definitely recommend this toy!

Fun and Educational!
My son is 14-month old, and he lovesthis toy! It is fun doodling on it, and fun to push the buttons, although of course he does not understand what he is pushing, it will come with time...
I had 3-year old and a 7-year old visiting the house, and they both liked playing with it. I noticed that adults like playing with it almost as much as the young ones!!! Great toy! Makes education fun!!! ... Read more

Reviews (3)

it's Fun!
i liked this game VERY much. Only, after a while i got a little tired. The checkers game was fun at first, but to me, it wasn't a challenge. But of course that's my opinon. But over all, it was fun.

super fun
This is totally fun for the whole family.We all like to play the checkers game.There are so many different games to play.This is purely for enjoyment.Not educational.But it's nice to have a variety of games to play.Both for education and for fun.

FUN! FUN! FUN!
I just got this for my 10 year old daughter for Christmas.She thinks its really fun!Her favorite part is the checkers game because its actually a challenge.You can create you own puzzles.She thinks thats cool.She says there is alot to do on this cartridge.Hope this is helpful. ... Read more

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

Editorial Review

Doodle Pro is not as challenging as its predecessor-sketcher, but it's just as intriguing for younger kids, who will ponder the mystery of the sketching surface just the same. Unlike with the trusty Etch-a-Sketch, kids who are just developing spatial and coordination skills don't have to worry about an increasingly complex, unbroken line of metallic dust, and there are no knobs to contend with. That's all too tricky: they just want to draw! To that end, there's a fat, easy-grip stylus with a magnetic tip, and four magnet stampers stored in a pull-out drawer. When the molded forms are pressed on the 10.5 by 7.5-inch doodling surface, shapes are created. And, instead of shaking (again, exertion), there's a sliding eraser for starting over instantly. Because there's no mess, and only a few loose pieces, it's also great for travel. Diane Beall ... Read more

Reviews (9)

Magna doodle is great from day 1!
If your child can hold a fat pen, they can use this toy which is one of the reasons we love it in our household.We purchased our first magna doodle for our 9 month-old, now 5.We would hold her in our laps and she would scribble.She is still scribbling today, drawing pictures alone or with her dad.

We purchased two more 'matching' ones when our son was a year old.They have played with them outside, inside, and on vacation.They are excellent car travel and hotel toys:you can't loose the pen and they don't make a mess.Plus! they are quiet.

Even we adults have used them, either to doodle or for more serious pursuits.We have taught science and spelling on them, and presently our daughter is using the board for writing practice.

For the price, what more can you want.

[Note:for kids under 3 years of age, I think the included shapes are a choking hazard, so save them for later.]

Toy for them, blessing for us!
Already saved the price of them in paper (usually my important ones), pens (again mine), walls (ours) and frustration!Kids (3&4) love them, get LOTS of drawing practice & they seem to be very tough (the toys)!

Great Toy for the doodler
Santa brought this last year for Christmas for our 4 year daughter and she still plays with it.We bring it in the car, we bring it out to dinner, it keeps her very occupied.Durable -- It has been stepped on and dropped numerous times and still is great.We also purchased the Dora Doodle, not as durable, and much smaller doodle space.If you have an artist in the house -- get this toy!! ... Read more

Editorial Review

Doodle Pro is not as challenging as its predecessor-sketcher, but it's just as intriguing for younger kids, who will ponder the mystery of the sketching surface just the same. Unlike with the trusty Etch-a-Sketch, kids who are just developing spatial and coordination skills don't have to worry about an increasingly complex, unbroken line of metallic dust, and there are no knobs to contend with. That's all too tricky: they just want to draw! To that end, there's a fat, easy-grip stylus with a magnetic tip, and four magnet stampers stored in a pull-out drawer. When the molded forms are pressed on the 10.5 by 7.5-inch doodling surface, shapes are created. And, instead of shaking (again, exertion), there's a sliding eraser for starting over instantly. Because there's no mess, and only a few loose pieces, it's also great for travel. --Diane Beall ... Read more

Reviews (9)

Great Travel Toy
This has been the best travel toy.I took it to China when I adopted my almsot two year old little girl.It kept her amused and entertained on the LONG LONG plane ride home, the pen was never lost or dropped and the stampers were a big hit.Now that we are home, it is packed in our car bag and has kept her attention during car rides, doctor visits and church.Great fun and very durable.I highly recommend it!

Ehhhhhhh, Okay...
I bought this toy for my neice for Christmas and was disappointed in the quality of it when we took it out of the box.

The magnets didn't really show up on the screen, even when an adult pushed on them pretty hard. There is no way a three year old could push on them hard enough for them to actually show up.

It ended up tossed in the never seen again pile at her house. :o(

great toy
We statred off with one of these 4 years ago and it still works fine.The pen got pulled out but I tied it to the center hold bar.It makes it easier for my lefty son anyway:).We now have another that is used only in my autistic sons therapy time and it is holiding up well.The pieces do seem to get lost but we find most of them again under beds, car seats etc.
Overall great toy and had no problem with any of the functions other reviewers have complained about. ... Read more

Reviews (9)

My 21 month old loves it!
We got this as a gift from a friend with a daughter the same age as ours. I didn't think she would like it but she absolutely LOVE IT! It is the only toy that she plays with everyday. She got it at 18 months and still plays with it daily! She needs help but is getting better and will soon be able to play with it on her own.

Too difficult for a 2 year to use and it has a funny smell
I was really disappointed with this toy.It looked so cute in the package.It is too hard for a two year old to use.I even have some difficulty plugging the pieces into the holes.

It also has an odd smell - almost unbearable.I'm wondering if anybody has had the same experience.

I'd recommend it!
I bough this for my son for Christmas.He is 22 Months old and if a hugh Elamo fan.He really loves the toy.However, I have to agree with the other review that this toy needs constant supervision.It is tricky for little hands and fingers to actually put the parts in the little holes.So we save this toy toplay with when Mom or Dad can play too! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Construction    2. Building Sets    3. Toddler   

Reviews (1)

Great for the imagination
This toy is great for young children's imaginations and creativity. The story book is short and simple, perhaps by too much, but I guess that leaves more room for imaginary play. The pieces seem to be durable and my five year old has no difficulty putting the pieces together. She really enjoys making new animal creations out of them. The pieces are, however, tough for a just-turned-3 year old to put together. She still enjoys playing with the creations once they have been assembled.
Overall, this toy provides a lot of creative fun for kids. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Construction    2. Building Sets   

Reviews (1)

Hot Wheels was a hit
I read the last review and I had a opposite experience.Save your packaging because this one you may just have to test on your child to see if he/she likes it. We bought a Pixter for my almost 4 year old son for Christmas.I bought the Hot Wheels game after Christmas since he loved all his games so much.After I bought Hot Wheels, he has hardly played with the other 4 games we own.He LOVES this one.There is not much to the game but it keeps him busy for a long time.We have Spongebob and Fairly Oddparents and he usually picks those games last. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Wacky    2. Toddler    3. Activity   

Editorial Review

Doodle Pro is not as challenging as its predecessor-sketcher, but it's just as intriguing for younger kids, who will ponder the mystery of the sketching surface just the same. There's a fat, easy-grip stylus with a magnetic tip, and some magnetic stampers stored in a pull-out drawer. When the molded forms are pressed on the 10.5 by 7.5-inch doodling surface, pretty shapes are created. And, instead of shaking, there's a heart-shaped, sliding eraser for starting over instantly. Because there's no mess, and only a few loose pieces, it's also great for travel. --Diane Beall ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Absolute Junk...
I'm almost upset that I actually bought this toy.I really thought Fisher-Price was making good toys still.I can see this is not the case.What's worse is the fact that I cannot even leave feedback via there website.I really want someone from Fisher-Price to contact me about this.This is horrible.

---------What's wrong with this toy----------

1.It's too hard to move the thing that clears the screen.It's obviously too long so when you try to move it it gets crooked and gets stuck.How is a 2 year old supposed to know what to do when this happens?

2.The tray that the magnetic shapes sits in is hard to push in and pull out.It is also very easily made crooked so that it doesn't go in properly.It is also easy to pinch your fingers in it.

3.The pen is terrible.It doesn't write dark at all.You can barely see what shows up on the screen.When stuff actually does show up, it's tough to see over the light shadows of what you just wrote and cleared off 30 seconds ago.

4.You have to move the slider back and forth at least 5 times to clear the screen and sometimes drawings and stuff are still there.

I am going to contact Fisher-Price about this and see if they will send me a different version.Either newer or older will be fine.I hear the old one used to be great.

We also have a little Magna-Doodle that is about 7 inches wide by 4 inches tall.It works great and I love it.Most importantly my daughter loves it.

-------------What is good about this toy------------

1.It's big.

2.It's colorful.

-David (Ohio, USA)

ALWAYS A FAVORITE IN OUR HOUSE
My 13 year old had a doodleboard when he was a little kid and just loved it.I think we went through a couple of them.Now with a 2 1/2 year old he just got his first doodleboard for Christmas.It's one of his favorite things to sit and draw on the board although he still needs help erasing the board completely.The concept is easy enough: a drawing pen with a magnetic tip draws up the black metal crumbs up to the grey board to draw pictures.When you're finished, just move the eraseslider from side to side to clean the board and your're ready to start again.

A handle is molded into the top of the frame for ease of carrying. Theunit measures a little over a foot tall by about a foot-and-a-half across and is almost two inches thick and weighs less than a pound so it's easily handled by most toddlers.In addition to the drawing pen it also comes with some stampers with different shapes.

The Doodle pro seems to be a more durable version than the competitor magnadoodle.But even so after repeated use i know from experience that they do begin to wear out and will no longer clean the board 100% white like it does when it's brand new.It's available in different colors should you have a preference.Very nice toy!

Great fun toy
I bought this for our daughter who is 2 yrs old.It was a way to get her to practice drawling lines, and circles with the precision of a pencil like pen.This way she can practice all she wants and no worries of her using a real pen.This is a big hit.What also sold me was that it's portable.Great to take on a car ride, no need for assistance with this one!!!This is going to be on my list of presents to give!

... Read more

Reviews (1)

The storybook comes to life
We just bought this toy for our 2.5 year old son because he is started to use his imagination more and more.It's a very cute idea to help kids be creative and use their imagination.You can build the characters in the book or make up your own.And the more sets you buy, the more creatures you can make.It also comes with it's own storage case that resembles a big book, so you just put it on the shelf when you are done.Except my son never wants me to put it away because he enjoys playing with the animals so much.Great idea from FP. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Construction    2. Building Sets   

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

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

Subjects:  1. Wacky    2. Activity   

Reviews (1)

Awesome toy
When I saw this toy in the store I thought "how Cute!" This is by far the best toy my son has right now.It makes him happy no matter where he is.My son loves Blue's Clues. And this toy is great for a Blue's Clues fan. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Wacky    2. Toddler    3. Activity   

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

Editorial Review

Doodle Pro is not as challenging as its predecessor-sketcher, but it's just as intriguing for younger kids, who will ponder the mystery of the sketching surface just the same. Unlike with the trusty Etch-a-Sketch, kids who are just developing spatial and coordination skills don't have to worry about an increasingly complex, unbroken line of metallic dust, and there are no knobs to contend with. That's all too tricky: they just want to draw! To that end, there's a fat, easy-grip stylus with a magnetic tip, and four magnet stampers stored in a pull-out drawer. When the molded forms are pressed on the 10.5 by 7.5-inch doodling surface, shapes are created. And, instead of shaking (again, exertion), there's a sliding eraser for starting over instantly. Because there's no mess, and only a few loose pieces, it's also great for travel. Diane Beall ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Great toy!
I got this for my son when he was 18 months old.He is now 2 1/2 and loves it more everyday.It is great for developing fine motor skills and a fantastic way for them to be creative without any mess or wasted paper.It is also a great tool for teaching shapes, letters, numbers and even basic vocabulary.I can't recommend it enough.

Stephanie K

GREAT toy for hours of entertainment!
Our family loves this toy!My husband & I have spent hours playing with this toy with our daughter.We bought it for her when she was 3 1/2 & she has gone from simple doodles to detailed landscapes within the past year.

We made up a fun game to play with this toy together.We call it "The Guessing Game".One person thinks of something to draw & the other person has to guess what has been drawn.It has really inspired our daughter to enjoy art.

My only complaint about this toy & the other mini magnadoodle we have purchased is that the pen tip gets rough after some time & when you draw with it, it feels like fingernails on a chalkboard without the sound.Both of our magnadoodles got that way within a few months of use.But overall, it is well worth the money spent & we will buy another one soon for our younger son.

A great first writing/drawing tool!
We gave this toy to our twin boys (3 1/2) for Christmas and they absolutely love it.It is a toy they wake up and draw on and throughout the day they will pull it out and play.Before bedtime, they get tucked in and sit up to draw and finish out their day.The one drawback for me is that we've misplaced some of the shapes now and then -- but always find them in very strange places.I wish there was a way to keep them attached in the drawer so this wouldn't happen.This Doodle Pad is great for little ones to identify letters and shapes that can be easily wiped clean without the mess of chalk or an eraseable board.There is a travel size as well that works great for car rides.This way we don't leave home without it!

We also gave this toy to several children for their birthdays, prior to Christmas.My boys had a hard time realizing that this wasn't something they could take back home with them.I was anxious for Christmas to arrive so that they would FINALLY have their own.Their faces lit up with HUGE smiles when they opened them up on Christmas morning!A definite must in any household with little ones. ... Read more

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