Reviews for $100-250
Fly Pentop Computer, Charger & Supplies$79.99 at Amazon.com |
It may take you a while to understand exactly what this gift does — it did for us. But once we got a “grasp” on it, we realized this pen does wonders! Brought to you by LeapFrog, the company that makes LeapPads and Leapsters for younger children, the Fly Fusion Pentop Computer is an electronic pen with a brain (built-in computer) that’s targeted to kids ages 8-12. The Fly is a fat pen with a tiny optical scanner near the point. As you draw words, numbers, or pictures, the pen responds. For example, you can draw a calculator and tap the numbers to help figure out math homework. You can also play games, learn geography, translate words from another language, and make music (by drawing keyboards or drums). It’s just like a computer, but the mechanisms are a pen and paper, instead of a keyboard and screen. To hear a menu of options, kids draw an “M” with a circle around it on the special dot-matrix FLYpaper. They then tap their drawing with the Fly Pen, and wait for the voice to recite menu options, including scheduler, calculator, time, notepad, settings, and games. To select an option, they print a check mark to the right of the “M,” and the computer announces their selection and options. Wow! You can also purchase the Fly Through Math (multiplication and division for grades 4-6), Spelling and Algebra software cartridges separately — programs that literally coach kids through homework. And you can also purchase really fun games, like Totally Stumped, a trivia game that won the 2006 Parents’ Choice Gold Award. This introductory kit comes with the FLY Pentop Computer, earbuds (tiny headset), carrying case, FLY Launch Pad Guide, charging dock, rechargeable battery, AC adapter, 17 games, 35 FLYpaper pages, 3 interactive FLY-FX cards, interactive map, 1 silver face plate, and 1 AAA battery. Additional paper, accessories, and interactive learning and game cartridges (already mentioned) are sold separately. Winner of many awards from both toy and technology experts. This pen is sure to impress kids and adults alike!
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If you’re looking for a hot new electronic gift for older kids — this Flip Video Camcorder is it! Its most appealing feature is probably its size, easily fitting into your grandchild’s jacket pocket or purse. It’s also simple to use, with one-touch recording and digital zoom. This model holds 60 minutes of TV quality video on 1 GB of built-in memory — meaning tapes and memory cards are not required. Your grandchildren can watch their videos instantly on TV (connection cable is included), or email and share them online (similar to the way one would share digital photos on Snapfish or Kodak Gallery). The Flip does have a USB that plugs directly into a computer, but the configuration may not work with every computer setup. So you can also puchase a USB extension cable for less than $10, and ensure that when they receive this gift, they will be ready to open, aim and shout, “action!”
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We know lots of kids who want to learn to play guitar, but until now, have not had access to an age-appropiate instrument. The “I Can Play Guitar” is a wonderful new product that’s Read more ª
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Once boys and girls begin their imaginary play stage (some as early as two), mini kids kitchens like this one are invaluable. They’re always the highlight of a playroom, especially when other kids are visiting. Pairs and groups of kids play restaurant — or one child is happy to quietly prepare a meal for mom and dad. Basically, anything that allows small children to emulate grown-up activities is always a hit. This classic wooden kids kitchen set is of a quality that can be passed on through the generations, and features two stove tops, turning knobs, spice storage, kitchenware hanger, food storage or refrigerator and a see-through acrylic window oven. What we like most about this set is that all of the wooden accessories you see in the photo are included with the set — extremely hard to find! This attractive set with all of the essentials is a great value.
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This gift is for the kid who’s already mastered all of the basics of Lego. There’s a good chance that she or he is also interested in computers and robots, in which case, Lego Mindstorms robot kit is without a doubt, a perfect gift. This is a real robot kit (Lego’s most advanced ever) featuring the new NXT Intelligent Brick — the robot’s brain. Once programmed by its new owner (where the fun begins!), the brick and the robot can do a lot of things many of us will never understand, but can appreciate, nonetheless. The kit comes with a quick-start guide, easy-to-use software (which works on both PC’s and the Mac) and step-by-step building instructions. In the past year, Lego Mindstorms NXT has already been purchased, tested, and wholeheartedly approved by PLENTY of “big boys,” including many dads, who’ve dreamed of building and programming a robot since the days of Lost in Space and The Jetsons. If you know a kid who you suspect has similar dreams, here’s a way to take him “by storm,” and fulfill those dreams with this incredible gift.
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Radio Flyer Ultimate Family Wagon$149.63 at Amazon.com |
Little red wagons sure have come a long way! This Radio Flyer Ultimate Family Wagon has all the bells and whistles — except an insurance policy! A perfect gift for on-the-go kids (and parents!). You can haul all kinds of gear, and kids can ride in style, with “5-way flip and fold seats,” safety belts, tray table, cup holders for kids (and parents), and a removable canopy for shade. Easy steering and front axle for no tip turning. Seats fold down entirely to make a traditional flatbed wagon. Flip one or both seats over and they turn into a covered storage area. A great way to get around town — or around the neighborhood!
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My Twinn dolls are beautifully hand-crafted by artisans to resemble your grandchild (boy or girl) even down to the freckles! You just need to upload a photo, choose skin tone, hair and eye color, and allow 3-4 weeks for delivery. My Twinn personalized dolls can sit, stand or even hold your grandchild’s hand. They’re all the rage, and you can order all sorts of accessories, of course. They also make adorable little toddler dolls, too! If your grandchild is into dolls, this is a match made in heaven!
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Revolving Royal Bookshelf - Boy$149.95 at Amazon.com |
We’ve already mentioned the creative attributes of Levels of Discovery furniture in our review of their Musical Rocker. The Royal Revolving Bookshelf will not disappoint! It’s a wonderful way for children to store their favorite books. It comes in the deep royal purple and midnight blue (with gold accents) castle design for boys, show here, as well as a pink princess design for girls (see our review). It also has two 4 x 6 photo frame bookends where you can include the likeness of your little prince. The bookshelf revolves for easy access, and measures 37″ H x 13″ W x 13″ D. Levels of Discovery also makes a Firefighter design for boys — just click on our “Click Here” link and search under “Levels of Discovery Revolving Bookshelf” to see all of their designs.
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Revolving Royal Bookshelf - Girl$129.72 at Amazon.com |
We’ve mentioned the creative attributes of Levels of Discovery furniture in our review of their Musical Rocker. This Royal Revolving Bookshelf will not disappoint. It’s the perfect place for your grandkids to store all of their books. It comes in the pink princess design for girls, shown here, as well as a deep royal purple and midnight blue prince design for boys (see our review). It has a castle motif painted in pink, purple and cream with gold accents. “The Royal Library” is painted on it, with two 4 x 6 photo frame bookends titled, “Always a Princes” and “Almost Always a Princess.” The bookshelf revolves for easy access, and measures 37″ H x 13″ W x 13″ D.
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Wenger's Escort Watch for Women$146.25 at Amazon.com |
I still have the watch my grandmother gave me when I turned 13 — now a special keepsake. Watches have always been a popular gift for grandchildren, often presented on landmark occasions. Because they’re so special, it’s important to find one that’s going to hold up through the years — look no further than Switzerland! This Escort women’s Swiss watch by Wenger is a great gift for a teenage girl. It’s especially nice because it’s classic and durable, so it should survive most fashion trends, as well as a teen’s active lifestyle. And it’s always helpful when something can be either dressed up or down (much like a teenager’s moods!). Water resistant to 50 meters, the Escort is rectangular, featuring a black dial, mineral crystal, durable stainless steel band and case. It’s just the watch to say, “you’re really growing up.” Many other styles and brands are also available.
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