Review: VTech’s New V.Reader
Written on Jul 6, 2010 by RuthJS and filed under Featured, VTech
VTech® describes it’s new V.Reader™ as an “animated e-book system.” In my opinion, it’s like a kiddie Kindle and has taken e-readers for kids to a new level. Designed for children 3-7, it’s both easy to use and fun. Add to that the fact that it was a hit with our reviewers, and I think [...]
Review: Sing-a-ma-jigs
Written on Sep 1, 2010 by RuthJS and filed under Mattel, Reviews
La, la, la! Here they are, the Sing-a-ma-jigs, announced by Mattel at Toy Fair 2010. These plush creatures sing when you press their bellies and even harmonize when you have more than one. Intended for children age three and up and retailing for $12.99, these toys are truly adorable.
Overview
The Sing-a-ma-jigs are a quirky, off-beat toy [...]
Review: MobiGo by VTech
Written on Aug 9, 2010 by RuthJS and filed under Reviews, VTech
So, your 4-year-old wants to play games on your smart phone, but you don’t want your phone broken, sticky or your kid’s brain to rot. What’s a busy parent to do? Reach for MobiGo . . . at least VTech hopes so. It’s a slick new gaming system, but there are some notable drawbacks.
Overview
MobiGo was [...]
Review: Loopz
Written on Jul 20, 2010 by RuthJS and filed under Mattel, Reviews
Loopz™ is Mattel’s new take on electronic memory games. Remember Simon? Now, imagine Simon from the future, flipped on his side, and capable of playing seven different games. I found it to be a fun reinvention of a classic game, and my testers agreed wholeheartedly.
Overview
Loopz™ challenges players to remember a pattern of lights [...]
Review: Thomas with Annie & Clarabel
Written on May 19, 2010 by RuthJS and filed under Bachmann, Reviews
Bachmann, a name synonymous with model train heaven, has caught the attention of many small enthusiasts with their Deluxe Thomas with Annie & Clarabel. Part of their Big Haulers line, we reviewed the large scale Thomas with Annie & Clarabel. After several hours of use, we recommend this train as a fun collectible for a more mature model railroader, but not as a toy for small children, no matter how much you may be tempted.
Review: OLLO Construction Kits
Written on Mar 15, 2010 by RuthJS and filed under Reviews, Robotis
Some of the coolest toys I found at Toy Fair were the OLLO construction kits. They resemble a cross between an Erector® set and K’nex® with some LEGO® mixed in for good measure. Currently, there are just three sets available in the USA at three levels of sophistication and at three price points. [...]
Ekomini Interactive Piggy Bank Review
Written on Feb 7, 2010 by Brian and filed under Reviews
We’ve seen innovation in many places, some expected, some not. The new Ekomini interactive piggy bank isn’t one we were expecting to see. The principle is simple, engage kids with a piggy bank that connects to the computer and opens an online universe that teaches saving and basic personal economics.
Review: Jazwares MP3 Player (Ben 10 Echo Echo)
Written on Jan 27, 2010 by Brian and filed under Jazwares, Reviews
Jazwares has created an great-looking MP3 player around the Ben 10 Echo Echo character. The 1GB player features a lot of great things like an LCD display and speaker to give kids a relatively robust portable music experience.
Review: LEGO Stop Animation Video Camera
Written on Jan 14, 2010 by RuthJS and filed under Lego, Reviews
LEGO has lent its formidable brand and style to Digital Blue, a leader in photo and video equipment for kids. The result: one cool video camera! The LEGO Stop Animation Video Camera records videos, takes still shots, and (coolest of all) makes stop animation movies. I love it, my testers love it, but it’s not without its quirks. Still, it would be hard to find a cuter video camera with a wider appeal.
Review: Freaky Creatures
Written on Jan 3, 2010 by Brian and filed under Reviews
Freaky Creatures offers a world of online competitive battle play that’s combined with social networking and offline action figures. Designed for kids 8 and older, the Freaky Creatures universe lets players customize their creature with attributes and special powers before heading off to battle. There’s even a mobile interface, expanding the world beyond just the PC.
Review: Ultimate Buzz Lightyear Robot
Written on Dec 18, 2009 by Brian and filed under Disney, Reviews, Thinkway
Ultimate Buzz Lightyear was a summer announcement for Disney and followed in the steps of the Ultimate Wall-E from the year prior. Ultimate Buzz features 7 motors, multiple sensors and over 100 sayings in Tim Allen’s Buzz voice. The sometimes-delusional Buzz can also walk, play games and otherwise be directed by kids via 15-button remote.