Monday, January 28, 2008

Zingo Review


I bought this game for my children several years ago on the advice of the owner of my favorite toy store. I love board games, and my children were 3 and 5 then, and just starting to enjoy them as well. Well, we couldn't get the kids to stop playing Zingo. They played quietly for more than 2 hours. Since you can play with up to 8 players, we have had lots of neighborhood kids playing the game out on the front steps. Since then, I have bought at least 10 Zingo games -- I have given them to all my children's friends and I always keep a few around to give out for birthday gifts. Everyone loves this game.



Price:
$10.29


LEGO Star Wars Rebel Scout Speeder Review


This set is essentially a made up, really chunky vehicle that's just something to go with these TO DIE FOR minifigs. The main set, the speeder, can carry 3 rebel troops, 4 guns, (2 pistols 2 rifles) and a Heavy blaster turret. The 4th minifig is suppose to walk or run alongside the speeder with his pistol or rifle. The turret slides off the back and is probably meant to secure a certain area before being picked up later on. The rebel minifigs can go on the speeder in various ways. First one trooper can drive it, one can act as a co-pilot, one can man the turret, but one has to just jog alongside. The minifigs themselves are the first of they're kind. LEGO has never made rebel helmets so snatch this set up while you still can.



Price:
$9.99


SET Game Reviews


This game is the best invention since chess, if you want to improve your child's thinking ability! When I taught gifted students in grades 2-8, they would beg to play it. Kids would say over and over, "It''s hard, but it's fun". I read that it is an activity where the right brain and the left brain work together. The best thing about it is that it is not dependent on age or reading ability. There are 6 year olds who could beat me, and there are adults I can beat. A group of all ages can play together competitively, and no one has to hold back. Also, it is very light and portable for travel, or for just having handy if people are bored.. I take the cards out of the case, put a rubber band around them, and put them in my bag.

Price: $9.99

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Monday, January 21, 2008

Melissa and Doug Cutting Food Box


This was a gift from Grandma for our 18 month old. Our daughter figured out how to cut a few months later. It's perfect for age two and up. She loves to cut up all the fruits, veggies, and bread. It comes with two cutting boards and two knives so a friend can play along too. It keeps her entertained for a long time and, as others have mentioned, teaches her the names of a few fruits and veggies along the way. Everything comes in a nice wooden box with a slide-on lid, which is great for storing all the pieces and for the fun of "in and out" of the box. My only complaint is that the velcro stickers which hold the pieces together are not compeletly durable. I've reglued a few of them, which has been no big deal to do. Overall a great toy, well priced, and nicely made.



Price:
$17.55


Transformers Movie Leader Optimus Prime


Received the movie verison of Optimus Prime from my father as a father's day gift, quite apropos as he spent a good chunk on the orignal transformers for me 20 years ago. This is an excellent transformer, both as a robot and as a truck. As a truck, I much appreciated the rubber tires and very sturdy constuction. The robot mode is very detailed, with many articulation points. Battery-powered lights and sounds are a nice touch. The only con is the complexity of the transformation. Maybe I am getting old, but the first time, it took over an hour to get the transformation right. Hasbro using picture-only instuctions did not make this any easier.



Price:
$61.95


Left Center Right Dice Game Review


When a friend of ours pulled out this game at our Christmas gathering I thought it sounded boring but was willing to give it a try. We ended up having so much fun with this!!! Everyone was able to play from my 5yr old up to my husband's elderly grandfather! We all had a lot of laughs (like who couldn't remember left from right!) and passed a few hours in a blink of an eye. We paid $3 for 3 poker chips and the winner took the pot. The money added an extra twist, but honestly I think it would have been just as much fun without the money. We are used to playing cards after dinner so it was natural to add that element to this game. Basically a good time was had by all, time went quickly, and it was extremely easy to learn. The game comes in a small tube that can be thrown in the glovebox or purse to pull out and play anywhere at any time. Buy it and you won't be disappointed.



Price:
$6.95


Mattel Barbie As The Island Princess Princess Rosella Doll


This Barbie Island Princess Rosella doll comes to life as she sings songs from the upcoming musical DVD release. Ideal for ages 3 to 8, Barbie Island Princess Rosella comes with a red panda friend that sings when held in her arms.
In the upcoming Barbie as the Island Princess DVD release, Barbie doll plays a special roll as Princess Rosella. Girls can re-create the magic with this enchanting doll. Listen to her sing solo or duets with her red panda friend. The red panda sings only when held in Barbie's arms. Peacock feathers fan out from the back of her dress turning it into a breathtaking ball gown. Every little girl loves to brush Barbie's long, blonde hair and place the pink tiara on her head. The doll measures 12-1/2 inches tall and the red panda is 2-1/2 inches tall. Three AG13 batteries are included to bring Barbie to life.



Price:
$14.98