Review: Ultimate FX LightSaber by Hasbro
Written on Oct 18, 2011 by RuthJS and filed under Brands, Featured, Hasbro, News
“An elegant weapon for a more civilized age,” is how Ben Kenobi describes a lightsaber in “A New Hope.” The Ultimate FX Lightsaber, new from Hasbro, is hands down closer to that description than any other toy lightsaber we’ve played with. And, agreed with us, our testers did. Overview Hasbro’s Ultimate FX Lightsaber is well-designed [...]
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.
LeapFrog Introducing New Device
Written on May 15, 2010 by RuthJS and filed under LeapFrog, News
Leapfrog is poised to announce it’s new Leapster Explorer in early June. Retailing at $69.99, the Linux-based touchscreen computer is an e-book reader and a gaming console. Kids will be able to connect to LeapWorld, download apps, create animations and play games, among other things. Parents can monitor children’s activity using Leapfrog’s Learning Path software. [...]
Mattel Announces “Loopz” Memory Game
Written on Apr 21, 2010 by RuthJS and filed under Mattel, News
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. Loopz™ challenges players to remember a pattern of lights and sounds or follow the leader by putting their hands through four semi-circular rings, or “loopz.” Players can [...]
PeeWee PC Announces Shipment of PeeWee Kit
Written on Apr 13, 2010 by RuthJS and filed under News, PeeWee, PeeWee PC
Rather than spending money on a “computer-like” toy for your preschool or elementary school student that the child will just outgrow, PeeWee has created software that transforms any computer into an age-appropriate device for children. Parent-Focused Designed specifically for low-cost notebook computers, the PeeWee Kit software saves parents the time spent downloading child-specific programs, setting [...]
Fisher-Price Announces New Pre-K iPod Games
Written on Mar 29, 2010 by RuthJS and filed under News
Fisher-Price™ has announced three new iPhone apps, the first of their kind, geared toward, yes, you guessed it, preschoolers. Let’s face it, cell phones are the new car keys, and many parents allow their 2-5 year olds to play with their phones while waiting at the doctor’s office or while grocery shopping. Knowing this, Fisher-Price™ [...]
Fisher-Price Announces Photo Sharing on Facebook
Written on Mar 26, 2010 by RuthJS and filed under Fisher Price, News
Fisher-Price has announced “Moments to Share,” a new Facebook tool that allows parents to create a dynamic timeline capturing milestones in the lives of their children and families. Parents can upload photos and videos to “Moments to Share” much like they already to do Facebook. Then, they can add dates, locations, captions and stories about [...]
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. But, this [...]
Toy Fair 2010: Off the Beaten Path, Technology-wise
Written on Mar 2, 2010 by RuthJS and filed under News
One of the really cool things about Toy Fair is that along side the big toy manufacturing conglomerates like Mattel, Fisher Price, Hasbro, VTech, and Lego, you also get to see small mom and pop shops, toys that are waiting to be picked up for manufacturing, and items sold overseas looking for a market share in the US. Here’s where I found some of the coolest items.
Toy Fair 2010: Hot Tech Toy Trends
Written on Feb 19, 2010 by RuthJS and filed under News
Toy fair is every kid’s dream: acres of every kind of toy imaginable surrounded by product specialists anxious for you to stop at their booth and try their offerings. Oh yeah, and did I mention that almost every booth had free candy? Too bad for the little guys that you have to be over 18 to even enter the show. Fortunately, I met the age requirement and got to play with a whole host of new toys and new takes on old toys. Here are some highlights of what I saw.
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.