Reviews for Electronics
Most preschoolers (and even some toddlers) are already interested in computers. Here’s a great new affordable kids computer that is designed specifically for 3-6 year-olds! LeapFrog’s ClickStart has alleviated many of the problems that occur when young children try to use computers meant for grownups. The television becomes the computer screen, the keyboard is wireless (no getting twisted up!), the mouse is downsized, and the buttons are colored for easy identification. ClickStart comes with four educational games that teach letters, phonics, counting, and computer skills. And of course, there are several other games that can be purchased separately, featuring preschooler favorites like Thomas & Friends, Dora the Explorer, and many more.
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Eyeclops Bionic Eye is a great educational toy for kids 6-12, or younger, with supervision, who will never look at their everyday surroundings in the same way again. Objects become 200 times their size when viewed through the fun hand-held device, and then projected using LED lights onto a TV screen. An observation dish and clear tube are included to allow kids to view things like liquids and insects more easily. It’s more powerful than a magnifying glass and unlike a microscope, there’s no fuss — it hooks up directly into any television and the imaging is great. Mom and Dad will love joining in the fun, and also appreciate the educational value in this perfect gift.
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What an incredible way to get kids (ages 7-10) to challenge themselves both physically and mentally! We’re not surprised that Wild Planet’s game Hyper Dash has won several awards, including an iParenting “outstanding product” award. Kids set up five different colored targets wherever they want (as far apart as they want), inside or outside. Then they hold an electronic “tagger” that calls out which targets you need to hit, while also playing energizing music to encourage them to go as fast as they can through their “course.” There are four different skill levels, with the first calling out certain colored targets to be tagged, up to level four where they need to solve an addition or subtraction problem in order to know how many targets to hit. There are also other play modes, such as “micro dash,” a memory game, and multi-player mode, promoting teamwork — although the game is equally as fun being played solo or head-to-head. Loads of fast-paced fun!
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Leapster L-Max Learning System-Blue$69.99 at Amazon.com |
LeapFrog makes plenty of great products, but this one has a special place in our hearts. The LeapFrog Leapster L-Max Learning Game System is a portable educational video game system made for boys and girls ages 4-10. During one long drive to visit his grandparents, our 4 year-old son actually learned all of the sounds that the letters make. Leapster provided him with another way to learn the information and it made all the difference in the world. Other game cartridges teach other skills, and more are being made available all the time. This particular system has a nice size for small hands, and is available in either blue or pink. It runs on 2 AA batteries, although you can buy a recharging system that parents will appreciate (sold separately). This gift is a sure winner for children that are starting to learn independently, and it will grow with them for several years. And check out Leapster’s many educational game cartridges while you’re at it. We highly recommend “Letters on the Loose” and “Get Puzzled,” but check the recommended age range noted on each game cartridge to make sure that it’s appropriate for your grandchild (but of course yours is a genius)!
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LeapFrog Learn & Groove Alphabet Drum$14.99 at Amazon.com |
It features 3 learning modes, including Alphabet, Dance Along, and Music Play. The Alphabet Mode introduces babies to letters in both English and Spanish. And Music Play mode lets the child freely explore music and movement. In the Dance Mode, children, of course, dance. But babies and toddlers also roll it around… and chase after it — it truly does engage children through various developmental stages. The Alphabet Drum is built to withstand typical toddler handlAnother great toy by Leapfrog! Your grandchildren (ages 6 to 36 months) will quickly learn cause and effect, as each tap of this drum rewards them with lights, letters and music. ing, and mom and dad will appreciate its volume control feature. To prolong battery life, the drum shuts off if it hasn’t been used for a while. Plus, at approximately 8 inches tall, it helps babies learn to sit up on their own! This toy was a winner of the 2006 iParenting Media Greatest Products Award.
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Star Wars Voice Activated R2-D2 $174.90 at Amazon.com |
This is certainly a crowd pleasing toy — for the grandchildren who’ve recently discovered the magnetism of the Star Wars films, to their parents (and grandparents!) who first fell in love with R2-D2, the little droid, and his hero pals back in ‘77. Similar to a real robot, this sophisticated 15″ voice activated mini R2-D2 droid robot toy will be like a companion to your grandchild. R2 responds to 40 voice commands such as “turn around,” and navigates rooms and hallways well. Ask him if he remembers Darth Vader and he’ll cower in fear. His sensor helps him follow behind you, or it can be set to detect motion. His lights, swiveling dome and happy and sad noises look and sound exactly like the real R2-D2. If he slips into his occasional “bad mood,” your grandchild will say a simple command of “R2, behave yourself,” and he will snap right out of it. And the little droid toy can replay sounds and dialogue from the Star Wars movies, answer yes or no questions, and dance as he did in the films. He does require some assembly, but comes with detailed instructions and a bonus poster.
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LeapFrog Learn & Groove Musical Table$31.99 at Amazon.com |
This was one of our son’s favorite toys — and ours. The central “book” flips into one of two positions to put the toy into one of two modes (at one of two parent-selectable volume settings). Children can then press keys, move sliders, and enjoy their musical creations. The Leapfrog Learn & Groove musical table & activity center for baby motivated our son to pull himself up to the side of the table, helping him to learn to stand and cruise as he’d move from one side of the table to the next — to get to another activity and sound. The music the table makes is geared towards children’s ears, but unlike many musical toys, is pleasant enough for adults. The legs detach, and the top of the table can rest on the floor, so that infants can play with it (and this feature also makes the toy more portable). This toy is a winner on all counts and your grandchild will be sure to receive a standing ovation.
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Bedtime behavior is so touch-and-go during baby’s first and second year — and sometimes comforting “aids” can really help everyone get some much needed sleep. We received an earlier version of this Ocean Wonders Aquarium by Fisher-Price when our son was 6 months old and he (as well as his baby sister) ADORED it! We always knew when our kids were awake, from that, oh-so-familiar, yet not so annoying music. We’ve heard many similar reviews from other parents, so this Fisher Price aquarium HAD to make the Gift Guide. It attaches to the crib, and parents, or baby, or toddler can choose whatever setting is preferred or necessary — including different varieties of soothing lullaby music, bubble sounds, soft-glowing lights, or moving fish. There is a volume button (thank goodness), and three settings, depending on what kind of stimulation is needed: music only; music plus soft glowing lights; and music plus lights, bubbles, and moving fish. Little explorers’ hands can also press or turn to make some of the marine friends open, spin, etc.
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If your older grandchild has been asking for this hot new Nintendo DS Lite portable game system model, you should know there are, indeed, improvements from the original Nintendo DS hand-held model. First, it’s lighter and more compact. It’s also more interactive — in one game called Nintendogs, kids can say commands to their virtual puppies, and in another, they blow into the unit to create onscreen bubbles! Like the DS, the DS Lite features dual screens, wireless features, a touch screen, stylus, and microphone. And you’ll breathe a hugh sigh of relief over the fact that your grandchild will be able to use the old Nintendo DS model’s game cartridges on this newer model. The Nintendo DS Lite comes in Coral Pink, Polar White, and Onyx Black (shown here). Simply click on our “Click Here” link to find just the right color for your gamer. We also recommend the Nintendo Game Boy Advance SP — a great value for kids still new to gaming, and the Leapfrog Leapster L-Max for little kids (ages 4-7). Use the search box to find our reviews.
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Remote Control Moon in My Room$29.95 at Amazon.com |
Whenever we drive at night, our kids will always try to spot the moon. With this authentic, remote control Moon in My Room bedtime moonscape, your grandchildren (ages 5 or 6 and older), can now study the moon up-close and personal! It features a built-in sensor that illuminates an astoundingly true-to-life moon when it gets dark. The moon rotates through 12 lunar phases, and turns itself off when the sun comes up. The kit includes detailed instructions, a moon phase chart calendar, and a guided “moon and beyond” tour CD that is well paced and kid-friendly.
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