Toys and Activities to Improve Your Child’s Math

Children are introduced to math concepts before they even enter school. This is a good thing, as math isn’t always easy, yet it’s one of those subjects that’s important all throughout school, college and life! There are a number toys and activities you can use to improve your child’s math skills and comfort level. Here are a few ideas:

Wooden block toys

Blocks have been around for centuries as one of the first toys for a child. This simple toy can now be used to begin the introduction of math to young children. How? Using blocks is great to build the foundation of math, such as adding and subtracting. This has increased your power to improve your child’s math attitude. This is one toy you should definitely buy for your young child.

Flash cards

Your parents may have used math flash cards with you when you were a child, and this activity is still popular today due to its success. The drills with math flash cards take your child through many years of learning the basics of math. This activity encourages your child to continue to build upon his or her math skills to the point that the answers come quickly.

You are the teacher

As a parent you are your child’s first teacher. This begins with learning how to count from 1 to 10, and grows when your child’s writing skills develop. Taking the time to teach your child how to write the numbers clearly is a great basic concept to improve your child’s math understanding, as there will be no guessing on what the numbers are.

Daily activities

Simple activities that you do with your child are more likely to improve your child’s math understanding. Look for examples of math being used on your outings with your child. Some of the popular examples include, purchasing items in stores, learning a new recipe, and understanding of the importance of paying bills on time. You can also make math fun, by letting children pay for items and having them count out the change for you. You’d be surprised how much they can enjoy it!

It’s not always about focusing solely upon math. It’s about knowing that your child has a life too. He or she may be involved with sporting events and student activities, which is part of a child’s development. Math can come into almost all aspect of everyday life, if you look out for the opportunities and make the most of them!

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VTech Go! Go! Smart Wheels Train Station Playset Review

VTech Go! Go! Smart Wheels Train Station Playset Review

VTech has released another in its Go! Go! Smart Wheels lineup, this time delivering a train station playset complete with interactive track. The set includes intelligent sensors which help your child learn anytime the train passes over them, and motor skills are improved as well. This toy works with other Smart Wheels sets and components, and also as a standalone playset. Let us climb on board the Smart Wheels Train Station Playset and take a closer look at exactly how it works and what it has to offer your child.

Key Features of the VTech Go! Go! Smart Wheels Train Station Playset

• Large toy train set teaches learning while delivering a fun pretend playtime
• 32 interchangeable track pieces allow for a full 15 feet of playing area
• 1 motorized SmartPoint train and cargo car included
• 10 unique SmartPoint locations located throughout the track provide phrases, sound effects and music
• Suggested for children 1 to 5 years of age

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What Makes the VTech Go! Go! Smart Wheels Train Station Playset The Perfect Toy For My Child?

The VTech has built the Smart Wheels Train Station Playset with more than 30 pieces of interchangeable track which allows you to build up to 15 feet of playing area in a multitude of designs without any other track, VTech Go! Go! sets or components. One of the great learning features about this medium priced play center revolves around the SmartPoint track locations. As the motorized SmartPoint train and cargo car move about the track and pass these specific locations, your child is rewarded with flashing lights, greetings, sounds and even sing-along songs that deliver important learning skills while your child is playing.

It is nice that the required batteries have been included, and there is a small hill included which you can require your child to hand crank so the train can pass over. This teaches valuable motor skills, but you can also configure it without the hand crank in case your child is too young to operate it correctly. To make set-up by parents easy, the playset even includes a "cheat sheet" for different track layouts.

All pieces are durably constructed, and the train moves along the track without your child having to push. There are several interactive spots on this playset, such as the cargo area where the train stops and tells your child that it is "Time to load the cargo!" Children then place the included ball in the cargo car, and the train takes off once again.

Kids towards the higher end of the recommended age range will improve their imagination by creating their own unique layouts with the easy-snap interchangeable tracks. And the train station has large buttons your child can easily push to change the languages he or she hears.

While batteries are included for immediate play fun out-of-the-box, the train goes through batteries rather quickly. Either get some rechargeable batteries, or be sure to keep plenty of extras on hand, as the entire playset requires five AAs to run. All in all a great price for a train set which offers a wide variety of learning experiences, and is also compatible with other VTech Go! Go! Smart Wheels products.

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Twilight Turtle Tunes Review

Twilight Turtle Tunes Review

This plush nightlight and soothing music player is also a child companion and toy, and since it runs on batteries rather than a wall socket like a traditional nightlight, your child can take it anywhere. Actual constellations are projected onto your children's ceiling and walls, and you can teach them about 8 actual constellations such as the Big Dipper. This is the classic Twilight Turtles nightlight, but with the addition of soothing sounds and melodies. Let's take a closer look and see what improvements have been made to this popular child's favorite.

Key Features of the Twilight Turtle Tunes

• Plush toy/nightlight/sleep sound system transforms your child's room into a starry night sky full of melodious sounds
• Free musical sounds and comforting melodies
• A star filled night sky is projected on the ceiling and walls
• Melody and star projection can be programmed for up to 24 hours
• Auto shut off feature and Bluetooth connectivity

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What Makes Twilight Turtle Tunes a Good Buy?

The popular Twilight Turtle by Cloud b has been around for years, and has been a huge hit with children all over the world. The company has returned its familiar plush toy turtle form factor, and it has added a great new audio ability. The new Twilight Turtle Tunes nightlight/sound system is capable of downloading free sounds and melodies via Bluetooth technology, and delivers three different settings.

Used in the classic mode, lights from inside the toy project constellations and stars in three different colors to your child's ceiling and walls. The portability of this product is nice, especially for those children who sometimes spend the night away from home. The next mode is Bluetooth audio, delivering soothing melodies and sounds from a free collection you can download online.

If you do not happen to have access to Bluetooth download capabilities, the Twilight Turtle Tunes nightlight and sound system offers a third mode, with a pre-installed collection of ocean sounds that are available for use out-of-the-box. For parents who have purchased or remember the original Twilight Turtle nightlight, this is an outstanding upgrade with a medium level price tag.

There is also a convenient option that allows you to download your own sounds and music, giving you an even wider variety of audio files. The new Twilight Turtle Tunes nightlight and soothing sound sleep system makes a great purchase for parents of children who love cuddling while they sleep with a plush toy, but also insist upon having a nightlight on. The new soothing sounds options upgrade on the Twilight Turtle Tunes simply makes an already great product even better.

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Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Shellraiser Review

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Shellraiser Review

The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Shellraiser is a toy vehicle that looks like a van in camouflage colors. This toy is able to house all the characters of the Ninja Turtles at one time, and will be really popular with kids this year!

There are many moving parts to entertain your child for hours in imaginative play. This toy is a great option for any Mutant Ninja Turtles fan. Let's take a closer look to see what else this toy has to offer your child.

Key Features of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Shellraiser

• Battle hatch on top of the vehicle that opens
• Blasting Bazooka Launcher near the top hatch that moves
• Fold down battle ramps
• Sewer pipe battle grips
• Rough-riding wheels
• Fits all Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles figurines (sold separately)
• Not for children under 3 due to small parts
• Recommended for children ages 4-15

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Is the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Shellraiser Worth Buying?

Is your child a fan of the popular Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles? If yes, your child will be thrilled with this new addition to the line of Ninja Turtles, especially if your child already owns the figurines! Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles are incredibly “hot” right now, and all the big toy retailers are predicting these toys to sell fast.

The great quality of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Shellraiser is set up to be easily put together in a minimal amount of time. This toy is durable with doors and a hatch that opens. Your child's imagination in creating different scenarios is great for brain development.

The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Shellraiser is able to roll and enter the vehicle from any opening on the vehicle. This is a great accessory toy to add to your child's Ninja Turtle toy collection.

One of the downsides of this toy is that the operational side doors are apparently falling off some of the vehicles. One possible solution is for you to take some time and sit with your child to put this toy together so that all parts are in the correct place to prevent disruption.

Overall, this is a fabulous toy with loads of imaginative play. This is a high rating toy that you should not hesitate in buying it for your child. The creative play is endless and will definitely keep your child occupied for many hours.

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Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Secret Sewer Lair Play Set Review

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Secret Sewer Lair Play Set Review

This TMNT play set stands nearly 4 feet tall, and offers three levels of access. If your kids have Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles characters, this is advertised as the "ultimate play set" that is available. Not made for small spaces, several children can use this large play set at the same time, no batteries are required, and there are no Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles included with purchase. Let us take a trip down to the Secret Sewer Lair and see just what you get.

Key Features of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Secret Sewer Lair Play Set

• This Ninja Turtles environment is over 42 inches tall
• Includes a zip line and spring-loaded projectile
• Collapsible trap floors and ninja training skills area
• 3 level system includes sewer, street level and building tops
• 20+ ninja features included

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What Makes the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Secret Sewer Lair Play Set a Great Purchase?

This is a large package and included is a very intricate and in-depth three level environment for the popular Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles characters. The three levels are built one on top of the other, with easy access offered from one level to another. This is a much bigger and larger play set than other TMNT sets, and is priced accordingly. Kids can spend hours training their Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles with several ninja interactive areas, including trying out there moves on the Shredder effigy doll which is included.

This set was designed to honestly and truthfully replicate the secret sewer lair that is home to the turtles in their TV show and comic books, and when the company which produces it calls it the "ultimate play set" for Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles fans, it's honestly hard to argue that point. One major downfall is the amount of time it takes to assemble this intricate and huge play set. If given as a gift, it is recommended to pre-assemble so the recipient will be able to use it immediately.

A zip line is included, and can connect from the secret sewer lair to a shelf or table. The assembly of this well-built kit is very important, and one tip is to glue the back clips on for more durable and rugged construction. TMNT released an original sewer play set back in the 1990's, and this kit is definitely bigger, more inclusive and offers much more interaction and playing possibilities. This well-thought-out set includes multiple platforms, gates, ladders, and toy computers, trap doors, hiding spots, booby traps, an elevator, a periscope, training gear, a tire swing, and multiple entries.

Parents will love that the set is so big multiple children can play with it at the same time without arguing. The detail on the parts and pieces is great, and it is recommended that you make sure you do not miss the vertical support under the street section which adds substantial support and durability to the entire set. Instructions are included, and when they are followed closely and patiently, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Secret Sewer Lair Play Set will provide years of game play.

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Nerf N-Strike Elite Rapidstrike CS-18 Blaster Review

Nerf N-Strike Elite Rapidstrike CS-18 Blaster Review

All boys love toy guns, and the latest Nerf addition is the N-Strike Elite Rapidstrike CS-18 Blaster. The hand-held Nerf projectile launcher is styled like a rifle, and unlike other toy guns, holds and fires multiple projectiles. The foam Nerf darts that this toy gun that fires are also compatible with any other N-Strike Elite blasters, and most of the original N-Strike toys as well. Let us load up the newest Nerf blaster and take it out to the firing range for a test run.

Key Features of the Nerf N-Strike Elite Rapidstrike CS-18 Blaster

• The Rapidstrike CS-18 has an incredible 75 foot range
• The acceleration trigger feature allows the motor to provide rapid firing capability
• Up to 18 elite darts can be held at one time
• 3.2 darts per second are fired in rapid strike mode

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Who is the Nerf N-Strike Elite Rapidstrike CS-18 Blaster Made for?

The innovation here is the first time that Nerf has created a rapid-fire motorized delivery system coupled with an 18 dart clip that allows for machine gun firing simply by holding down the trigger. Nerf also made this Rapidstrike CS-18 Blaster compatible with any N-Strike Elite darts, and the toy carries a low-end price tag.

To access the rapid-fire feature, simply hold down the acceleration trigger and you will hear the motor firing up. When it is ready, just pull back the standard trigger and watch the foam darts shoot up to 75 feet, with just over 3 darts leaving the barrel every second. One really neat feature is the adjustable stock which easily fits users of different ages and sizes, and the included dart clip is made with a see-through construction so your child can always see just how many darts he has left to fire.

This blaster has tactical rails which are compatible with other Nerf accessories which allow you to personalize and customize to your specifications. One 18 dart Elite clear clip is included with purchase, as are 18 Elite darts. Parents should also be forewarned, 4 C batteries are needed to power this device, and as batteries run down, the Nerf blaster does not shoot as far, so keep plenty of batteries on hand to keep your kids happy.

There is absolutely no assembly required except for adding the batteries, and you will need a small Phillips head screwdriver for that task. Also, there are five tactical rails which help your grip, and three attachment points so you can add a sling. There are also front and rear sights, and as with other foam dart projectile toys, older darts may jam infrequently. If they do, the port located beneath the top rail on this blaster allows you to clear the jam quickly.

A lot of nice upgrades, including the machine gun feature and 75 foot reach, make the Nerf N-Strike Elite Rapidstrike CS-18 Blaster a must for Nerf blaster aficionados, and the purchase of extra darts and clips is highly recommended.

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Monster High 13 Wishes Haunt the Casbah Clawdeen Wolf Doll Review

Monster High 13 Wishes Haunt the Casbah Clawdeen Wolf Doll Review

 The Clawdeen Wolf Doll is just one of the many popular and collectible dolls that have been released based on the Monster High 13 Wishes DVD. This doll is intricately styled and clothed, and even has gold highlighting and detailing in her hair. Clawdeen is haunting the Casbah in a detailed and striking purple outfit, complete with a purple lantern accessory. Let's take a closer look.

Key Features of the Monster High 13 Wishes Haunt the Casbah Clawdeen Wolf Doll

• Moroccan style purple theme and outfit
• Intricate outfit is spectacularly accessorized with jewelry and gold detailing
• Doll includes a lantern accessory
• Based on Monster High 13 Wishes DVD movie

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What Makes the Monster High 13 Wishes Haunt the Casbah Clawdeen Wolf Doll a Good Buy?

Fans of the Monster High television show and DVDs will definitely want to pick up the Clawdeen Wolf Doll modeled after the new 13 Wishes movie. Monster High dolls generally deliver incredible detail, and that is definitely the case here. Clawdeen Wolf doll is wearing a black mini-dress which has been accented with a gold and purple print. Over this is a long open skirt with multiple layers of black and purple, including moon designs.

Strap heels, a golden belt and a sleek matching headband are also present, and Clawdeen Wolf is ready to "rock the Casbah" in her Moroccan themed fashions complete with a lantern accessory. The details are excellent, as you can even see eyeshadow and lipstick. Purple has been added to the gold streaks in her hair to effectively match her fashion statement, and this is a great gift idea for young girls ages 6 and up.

Young doll lovers who are also fans of Monster High can enjoy re-creating scenes from the new Monster High 13 Wishes movie, or using their imagination to create entirely new adventures. Frankie Stein and Draculaura are two other dolls in this line which are sold separately, and the pricing here makes multiple doll purchases a real possibility.

In addition to the Clawdeen Wolf doll and lantern accessory, a brush and doll stand are also included, and this doll is all dressed up for a dance party. Genie-inspired fashions are used for all the dolls in this line, as they were featured in the Monster High 13 Wishes movie.

The skin tone, hair, costume and makeup are really the highlights of this piece which keep it from being simply another doll. You can see that extra care has been taken in Clawdeen's creation. The detail is so precise that you can recognize and appreciate a gold crescent moon print with metallic gold mesh on her mini-dress, as well as the gold zipper and sheer purple construction of her overdress. This would make a great gift for Monster High fans, as well as fans of the 13 Wishes DVD.

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Hot Wheels Triple Track Twister Track Set Review

Hot Wheels Triple Track Twister Track Set Review

The popular Hot Wheels product lineup by Mattel has a new addition. The Hot Wheels Triple Track Twister Track Set, aside from being a tongue twister, is a multicar Hot Wheels play set that a child can use on his own or with his friends. Recommended for children age 5 and up, the three track set includes two booster controls and the ability to integrate with your Apple i-device for enhanced play. Let us take an in-depth look and see exactly what the young car enthusiast gets with this latest in the Hot Wheels toy car product line.

Key Features of the Hot Wheels Triple Track Twister Track Set

• Special diverter sends cars on a collision course
• Blue tunnel pass-through sends cars to a new track
• Comes with a built-in iPad stand and Hot Wheels Power Port App
• Iconic Hot Wheels brand is popular with boys of all ages
• Boosting ability significantly speeds up the cars

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What Makes the Hot Wheels Triple Track Twister Track Set a Worthwhile Purchase?

This triple track set is compatible with all Hot Wheels 1:64 scale cars made since Mattel launched the toys in 1968, although older cars may not work perfectly. In 2013 Hot Wheels released an additional 250 cars, and they will all work effectively on this track set. This set requires 4 D batteries, which are not included, comes with one random vehicle, and it does require some assembly. Parents may have to help younger children assemble the course, but older preteens and teens will have no problem.

Hot Wheels makes additional cars specifically designed for the Triple Track Twister Track Set, and the two special power booster controllers speed up the cars considerably. The entire three track set has trapdoors, loops and tight turns, and all loops merge onto the crash zone.

This is a must-have for Mattel Hot Wheels collectors, and if your boys have access to an iPad, they can race their cars through five different virtual worlds - Team Hot Wheels, Shark Park, Farm, Dinosaur, and Robot Battle. A free downloadable Hot Wheels Powerport app is available for iPad owners, and there is a special attachment provided with this three track set where you can attach an iPad for game play.

Stunting, smashing and crashing are always popular with young boys, and the Hot Wheels Triple Track Twister Track Set provides extra interactive capabilities with its iPad compatibility. When adding the batteries you will need a Phillips head screwdriver, and the motorized track set up takes anywhere from 10 to 20 minutes to build.

Parents will enjoy that there is minimal assembly and that the 4D batteries last seemingly forever, but should be prepared that this is a loud toy. The boosting capabilities make the cars go much faster than typical motorized Hot Wheels sets, and this is a big draw for young boys. The Hot Wheels Triple Track Twister Track Set is a definite must for Hot Wheels aficionados, and with iPad access and the boosting features, will definitely be a hit with your young car lovers.

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The Benefits of Robotic Pet Toys for Kids

Most often than not, there comes a time when your child may plead with you for a pet. Before you think that you may have to disappoint your child, due to expenses and responsibilities, look into purchasing a robotic pet.

At first, a robotic pet may seem like just a toy that won’t be able to give your child the same benefits as a real pet. True, it’s never going to be exactly the same! But with the advancements in technology, and the reality of robotic pets, you may be pleasantly surprised by the positive outcome and response from your child.

And this is good news for you, since these toys are so hot right now! Every child is asking for them.

Companionship

A robotic pet has the same capability of offering your child a realistic feeling of companionship. This is the type of companionship that is sought by young children, that only a pet can deliver with unconditional love.

No matter where your child goes, such as playing at the park, playing in the back yard, or taking an afternoon nap, he or she will always have the companionship of his or her robotic pet. Your child’s robotic pet will always be there when your child needs the comforting feeling that can only be received from a pet, thanks to their vivid imagination.

No cleaning

A great benefit for both you and your child, is not having to clean accidental messes from a pet. A robotic pet, of course, never needs to be potty trained. Your child will never need to wake in the middle of the night to let the pet out to do its “business”, when in reality it may be you making those late night calls.

You will be happy with not having to worry about stains on your carpet or cleaning and disinfecting your bare floors. No matter how much your child would say that he or she would be responsible for a real pet, as a parent you know that is highly unlikely.

Perfect demeanor

Robotic pets are safe for your child. As real pets may have unpredictable demeanors, robotic pets are consistent. All its moves are completely controlled by your child. You won’t have to worry about bites or scratches to your child, which pets can sometimes deliver out of excitement when playing.

Your child’s robotic pet will not chew on his or her favorite toys, or your furniture! It will just be there for your child to cuddle with effortlessly. A robotic pet toy is a great choice, without any added stress. All you need is to have replacement batteries always available!

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Hexbug Nano v2 Black Hole Large Play Set Review

Hexbug Nano v2 Black Hole Large Play Set Review

Recommended for ages 3 and up, the new breed of Nano V2 robotic bug-like creatures can actually defy gravity by climbing vertically. Seemingly perpetually in motion, the little insect-like robots can also climb around corners and horizontally through loops and tubes that make up their world, and you can customize the included Black Hole play set to your own special designs and configurations. Let us crawl inside the robotic insect world of the Nano V2 Hexbugs and see just what has made this toy one of The ToyInsider Hot 20 Award Winners.

Key Features of The Hexbug Nano v2 Black Hole Large Play Set

• Three-level expansive set is customizable
• Gravity defying Hexbug robots mimic the movements and actions of real-life bugs
• Spiral tube accessory included for the Nano V2 bugs
• Special black hole and crows nest features
• 2 hex cell bases, fixed pegs, rotating flags and tubes allow you to control the flow of traffic

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What Makes the Hexbug Nano v2 Black Hole Large Play Set a Good Buy?

This robotic toy play set is comprised of 58 pieces made of durable plastic and metal, and is perfect for advanced young minds of any age. Younger children should definitely be supervised when playing with this yet, and even adults will appreciate the intelligent little robotic bugs which crawl up, down and sideways throughout this tube-driven environment. The set comes with two different Nano V2 bugs which are powered by included AG13 (LR44) button cell batteries.

Parents are recommended to help their children build this customizable set, which includes one spiral tube, one crow's nest and one Black Hole funnel. You can control exactly where your Hexbug Nano v2 robotic insects go by creating different tube designs, and set up the free-fall mode to plummet the 2 included nano bugs into the awaiting funnel. Your intelligent little V2 bugs will crawl out of one of three exits, and resume to discover their environment.

If your child owns any other Nano V2 habitat set, this play set is entirely compatible. With more than 20 connectors, 9 curved tubes, 2 straight tubes and 2 HEX cell bases with removable walls & gates, you and your child can create multiple environments. A great toy or play piece for young intelligent minds to learn more about science and robotics, the Hexbug Nano v2 Black Hole Large Play Set is an interactive and award-winning teaching toy.

This multifunctional robotic bug play set and customizable environment also receives The Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) seal of approval as complying with children's product safety rules, and makes a great present for inquisitive young minds.

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Draw Something Party Board Game Review

Draw Something Party Board Game Review

This drawing game version has at its centerpiece an illuminated drawing board which is based on the popular mobile app of the same name. Made by Hasbro, this lightweight, big-screened tablet comes equipped with a convenient card holder for your word card, a one-button screen erase system, a handy timer and is great for kids and adults alike. Perfect for an animated game night with friends or family, let's take a little closer look.

Key Features of the Draw Something Party Board Game

• Tablet version of the popular Draw Something game
• Based on the PC mobile App
• Capacitive touchscreen supports the included stylus or your fingers for drawing
• Earn coins by guessing correctly and drawing clues, first to 15 coins wins
• Includes Draw Something drawing tablet, stylus, 100 card deck, card box and game guide

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What Makes the Draw Something Party Board Game a Good Buy?

Based on the mobile drawing game from Zynga, Hasbro has created a portable home game version. The unit has a really large screen that is easy for all players to see. You pick a card which tells you what to draw a picture of, and as your draw, the see-through display is viewable by the players in front of you, and both your teammates and opponents try to be the first to correctly guess the word you are drawing.

It is nice that the screen supports the included stylus and also finger-touch, as some prefer to draw with their hands. Another good feature is the timer which makes the display flash when time is running down. With just a single push of the menu button, the screen is erased, you pass the unit to another player, and play resumes.

The Draw Something Party Board Game is recommended for kids ages 8 and up, but adults will also enjoy playing. The game comes with batteries already installed, but these are the demo batteries placed in most games that do not last very long. It is highly recommended to buy 3 extra AAA batteries if you want to begin playing immediately out of the box and continue playing.

Just like in the PC app version, more difficult words reward correct guesses with more coins, and after you make it through the 100 provided word cards, simply make your own. This also is better than the paper word guessing games because there is no cleanup, and you do not need to keep paper and pencils handy.

For those that are familiar with the mobile app version, the Hasbro Draw Something Party Board Game will be enjoyably familiar. Great for kids and adults, this tablet-based word guessing game is fun whether you draw well or not, and will provide hours of "shout out loud" fun and excitement.

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The Benefits of Playing with Barbie Dolls

Dolls, in general, have been part of a long history of entertaining toys for children, as well as a collector’s item for some adults. Barbies have become some of the most popular toys of recent years, but how good are they for our children?

The Barbie doll has received much criticism from adults, past and present. Why? Parents are focused solely upon the dolls shape. They don’t want their young daughters to be influenced by a false sense of body image. This is a very fair criticism, and it’s right to question the influence a toy can have on a child’s image. However, most children do not pay attention to this and receive positive benefits of playing with Barbie dolls. Here are some examples.

Creative influence

When a child is playing with a Barbie doll, the encouragement of creative playtime emerges. There are so many outfits, shoes, accessories, and play sets encouraging endless creative play. This is a great benefit in the development of children as they learn there is no limit in this world, and they are only limited by their own minds.

Playing with Barbie dolls has the ability to influence your child. She can create many different looks for Barbie and different scenarios to encourage creativity and activate that part of your child’s brain.

Introduction to careers

Who would have thought that the Barbie doll could provide your child with successful career choices? Barbie comes with a variety of options to encourage your daughter that she is not limited in her future career choices.

There are many Barbie clothes that are designed to resemble actual careers. This immediately exposes your child to endless possibilities, not only with the clothing, but also with the large variety of play sets for Barbie. Barbie encourages your daughter that she can be anything she sets her mind to.

Encourage role-playing

The varieties of Barbie play sets are also a great option to encourage role-playing. Role-playing benefits your child in understanding certain aspects about the real world outside of his or her controlled environment.

The different scenarios and complementing roles that the Barbie doll offers, is a critical areas of child development. This is where your child learns about responsibility and independence. Her imagination is highly activated, and your child sees a different part of life, other than just playing “mommy” with baby dolls.

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Disney Planes Wing Control Dusty Crophopper Radio Control Plane Review

Disney Planes Wing Control Dusty Crophopper Radio Control Plane Review

With preprogrammed moves and phrases, the Disney Planes Wing Control Dusty Crophopper Radio Control Plane mimics the moves your child makes. Recommended for children aged 10 and up, this remote control "plane" does not really fly, and probably would be okay for younger children as well. Dusty rolls across any flat surface, copying any movements that your child makes with the two included left and right wing-responsive remote controls. Definitely a must for any fans of the Disney movie Planes, let us take this remote control rolling plane for a spin.

Key Features of the Disney Planes Wing Control Dusty Crophopper Radio Control Plane

• Based on characters from the Disney Pixar animated film "Planes"
• Kids can recreate action scenes from the movie
• Role-play remote control means the plane moves how and when they do
• 40+ sounds and phrases from the movie
• Includes Dusty Crophopper RC plane, left wing and right wing controllers

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Is The Disney Planes Wing Control Dusty Crophopper Radio Control Plane a Good Choice For My Child?

Four AA and two AAA batteries are required to power Dusty, and the small controls which fit over your child's hands control the toy's actions. What is really neat is Dusty becomes more of a playmate than a toy, since it moves however your child does. And unlike some other movie based toys, Dusty's voice is very clear, and accurately portrays the character in the film. This is also a toy your child can sit down and play with when not using remote control operation.

The toy measures roughly 11" x 6" x 11", and weighs about 2 pounds. On hardwood, linoleum and other flat floor surfaces, Dusty rolls perfectly, and even on low shag carpet. A flat concrete or patio surface is fine, but grass and heavy shag carpeting will probably not get the experience your child is looking for. The rolling plane's propeller starts spinning whenever he moves forward, and there are three preprogrammed moves your child can perform at the touch of a button.

Dusty can even call out flying commands like "Bank Left!" for your child and the toy to perform together, and what parents of forgetful children will love is the battery-saving automatic shut off which powers the plane off if your child forgets to.

The spinning propeller does not go fast enough to hurt or alarm your child if it is grabbed, and the bigger, more open area you have for your child to play in, the better. The Disney Planes Wing Control Dusty Crophopper Radio Control Plane is a great medium priced toy that will be a big hit for any children who love the Disney Cars and Planes movies, and is great for keeping your child active since his or her actions control the performance of the rolling plane.

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Disney Infinity Starter Pack Review

Disney Infinity Starter Pack Review

This interactive Disney video game experience expands imagination by allowing children to create their own story lines and play experiences across 3 popular Disney movies and toy lineups. When physical play figures like Mr. Incredible, Jack Sparrow and Sulley are placed on the Infinity playing surface, their characters appear on your TV display via your video game platform. Extra characters from Monsters University, Pirates of the Caribbean, and the Incredibles can be purchased and added, and other Disney movies and characters are supported. Let us take an in-depth look and see what exactly makes the Disney Infinity Starter Pack such an innovative experience.

Key Features of the Disney Infinity Starter Pack

• Video game and Infinity base are included
• Base piece allows access for up to three Infinity characters
• Monsters University, Pirates of the Caribbean, and The Incredibles play sets included
• Mr. Incredible, Jack Sparrow, and Sulley Infinity characters included
• 1 Infinity power disc included

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What Makes The Disney Infinity Starter Pack Worth Buying?

With popular and identifiable Mr. Incredible, Jack Sparrow, and Sulley characters from the Disney movies of Monsters University, Pirates of the Caribbean, and The Incredibles, this is a truly unique video game offering compatible with all major gaming platforms. The Disney Infinity base piece included allows you to unlock the 3 Play Sets which are included. Also included are unique web codes to unlock content online and on a mobile device.

Game play is offered in either Play Set or Toy Box interactive modes. Play Set delivers preset missions, while Toy Box unlocks your child's creativity and imagination, allowing for customized play. More play sets and individual characters from Disney movies are available and compatible with this system, and if you or your child is familiar with the Activision Skylanders interactive system, this is Disney's more than capable version of the same technology.

The Toy Box is great because it allows your child to create their own virtual world, combining characters from different Disney movies, and enjoy limitless play. And if your child is home alone, they can still play with their friends in the Disney Toy Box through online access.

For parents that are not as gaming capable as their kids, the system works very simply. Just place a character and Play Sets piece on the Infinity base, and the set will launch on your display. To access the Toy Box, remove the Play Set piece. And your child will love enhancing the characters with the power disc, giving them superhero-like abilities.

For fans of Disney as well as kids and young adults, the Disney Infinity Starter Pack offers literally endless possibilities of game play and imaginative enjoyment. The system is priced extremely well when compared to other video game modules with nowhere near the interactivity. Nintendo Wii, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Nintendo Wii U and Nintendo 3DS gaming systems all supported.

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Blingles Glimmer Studio Review

Blingles Glimmer Studio Review

Recommended for children ages 5 to 15, this customizable sticker set definitely appeals to girls more than boys. Blingles makes a full line of "bling oriented" fashion oriented accessories and toys for young girls, and the Glimmer Studio is the latest addition. This glittering sticker set brings out the unique style and personal touch of young girls looking to express themselves in fashion statements and accessories. The inexpensive kit delivers a lot of expressive personalization at a low cost, so let's open it up and see exactly what's inside.

Key Features of the Blingles Glimmer Studio

• Creates up to eight different iridescent and sparkly designs
• Makes up to 60 stickers
• Not for children 3 years of age and younger
• Stickers adhere to any surface
• Great for personalizing clothing, shoes, purses, backpacks, cell phones and more

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What Makes the Blingles Glimmer Studio a Good Purchase?

Parents know that young girls love to express themselves through fashion. Blingles has created this glittering sticker maker to allow the tween, preteen and young teen girls in your life to express their personal style using the included glimmer pen, glimmer brush and assorted glitters to create up to 60 stickers they can put anywhere and everywhere.

The kit also includes a glitter collection tray, 4 separate glitter tubs, 16 large "gems", a glitter glam styler, eight sticker sheets and one instruction booklet. A fashionable pink tray keeps everything in one place, and helps make for easy, no-fuss portability. By adding your own glitter, the possibilities increase greatly, and let your fashionista express herself even further. Parents should probably make sure they have a discussion with their child before using, as the glitter can be messy if not handled properly.

Creation and customization of the stickers is simple. After choosing a particular sticker style, peel back only that section where you want to apply glitter. Dip the included roller in the glitter of your choice, and roll onto your sticker. Brush away any excess glitter, then peel away the next section you want to add glitter to, and repeat the process. Blingles also makes a full line of compatible sticker accessories, and there are refills and extra stickers which can be purchased when this kit runs out.

This means a virtually limitless amount of style possibilities for young girls to express themselves, and the Blingles Glimmer Studio also makes a great buy for those parents who notice and want to encourage artistic creativity in their children, and at a low cost as well.

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