Technology Toys Kids Will Love

Even though Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa are over, there are still so many occasions that toys will be gifted to children. As a parent, grandparent, and former teacher I’m always searching for toys that teach. We are in an era of technology and many children are delving into STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) projects at school. VTech toys understand that technology is where education is at and has a line-up of toys that meet this criterion.

So this gift guide is for you (parents) to collect ideas for an upcoming occasion or just an “I love you” gift. Check out these toys that teach.

LEAPSTART

“LeapStart is an interactive learning system that gets kids excited about counting, learning to read, problem solving and more through fun, replayable activities. The magic behind LeapStart is a stylus that reads invisible dots on every page, triggering questions, challenges, songs, jokes and more.  The grow-with-me stylus is comfortable for kids of all ages and promotes proper writing grip. The LeapStart library features touch-and-talk games, creative challenges, problem-solving puzzles, math mazes and more for 2-7 year olds with more than 30 activities in every book. Most replayable activities have two levels with more than 50 key skills per level so kids can play and learn at the right level and move up when they’re ready. The LeapStart library of 25+ books (sold separately) covers a variety of preschool through first grade subjects and includes two Learn to Read book sets. A total of 400+ activities help kids build tomorrow’s skills today.”

Ages 2-7 years; MSRP: $39.99

2-in-1 LEAPTOP TOUCH

“Learning fun is a tap away with the 2-in-1 LeapTop Touch. Kids can learn about letters, numbers, music and more on a laptop that's made just for them. Open the laptop to see the screen in keyboard mode, then close the laptop and watch the screen magically swivel into tablet mode. The laptop features an A-Z keyboard and number buttons 1-10, while the tablet features a touch screen. Kids will have fun pretending to email Scout or tapping away in five learning modes – ABCs, numbers, games, music and messages. Plus, the laptop can be customized to help children spell their name. The take-along handle makes it great for learning on the go!”

Ages 2+ years; MSRP: $24.99

KIDIZOOM ACTION CAM 180

“Kids can capture their adventures wherever they are with the Kidizoom Action Cam 180. The 180° rotatable camera lets kids take photos and selfies from all angles, plus shoot videos with fun features like slow and fast-motion. Use the included accessories to mount the camera to a bike, skateboard and more while taking great action shots anytime, anywhere. Add the all-weather, waterproof case for use up to six feet underwater. For even more fun, play one of the three included games. With the included micro USB cable, children can upload photos and videos as well as recharge the battery.”

Ages 4+ years; MSRP: $49.99

KIDIZOOM SMARTWATCH DX2

“The perfect tech for kids, Kidizoom Smartwatch DX2 lets them take pictures, videos, play games, tell time and more! Featuring a new sleek and stylish design, this durable smartwatch includes 55 digital and analog customizable watch faces to help kids learn to tell time. This smartwatch features two cameras that allow children to capture everything from action video to selfies that can be customized in the Silly Yourself app and made into new watch faces. Includes an assortment of new games including Monster Catcher, which uses the camera and augmented reality to help kids find and capture monsters in the real world. Kids can also use the watch's motion sensor for active play challenges or to track steps. Using the included Micro-USB cable, upload photos and videos as well as recharge the battery.”

Ages 4+ years; MSRP: $59.99

These are only a few toys that VTech has to offer. Check their website for more ideas.

Remember that play is learning, so pick out the most educational toys for your kids and make these times teachable moments!

Happy Parenting,

Tania

I want to thank VTech Toys for the opportunity to view their products. I was not paid or coached to write this blog post. The information about the products was provided and these are my own opinions.

Hot Toys for Kids for the 2016 Holiday Season

Are you looking for some entertaining toys for your child? Here are a few from VTech to check out for the 2016 holiday season.

For toys to be awesome hits for kids and parents alike, they must be fun to play with right out of the box, but also having staying power to last as well. It's also important for toys to educate, entertain, and hold a child's attention for a good length of time. Most of this year's toys will also appeal to adults, so join in on the fun and enrich your child's playtime. Here are a few to consider.

Go! Go! Smart Wheels Blast–Off Space Station – Little astronauts will love helping the rocket lift off from the launch pad for an outer space adventure. They can maneuver down the space ramp, spin the galaxy or even pretend to tumble through a black hole. Zooming past five SmartPoint locations will enable the kids to hear fun phrases, music, and more, including learning about the letter “R” and hearing sing-a-long songs. This playset helps to strengthen a child’s motor skills and teach cause-and-effect. This toy is geared for ages 1-5 and sells at retail for $34.99.

Bizzy the Mix & Move Bot – Children can get creative as they build their own robot with this toy. It has 10 different accessories that enable the kiddos to make and role-play with a different robot every time they play. Along with the various robot experiences Bizzy has 10 melodies and sound effects to share. This toy is age-appropriate for kids from 2-5 and retails for $24.99.

Care for Me Learning Carrier – This interactive pet carrier lets young children take their plush pet anywhere. As you put the furry puppy inside the carrier, the child will hear playful phrases when opening and closing the door. Then, press the light-up buttons to learn about colors, shapes, pet care, and more. This set also includes four pet care accessories so toddlers can groom, feed, and play with the cuddly puppy. This toy is perfect for children ages 9-36 months and retails for $24.99.

Go! Go! Smart Friends Secret Blossom Cottage – Who’s ready for a tea party inside this cute cottage? As your child explores the cottage, Sunny the Garden Fairy reveals her personality with motion and lights. The cottage also features a twirling fountain, spinning gears, and has a carrying handle for fun on the go. For ages 1-5 retailing at $24.99.

Remember all the Go! Go! sets have extra characters that you can interchange with all the other playsets by VTech. You can purchase these characters separately too.

You can find a large variety of VTech toys online here.

Purchase toys on Amazon or at your local toy stores.

What a fun year for the toy industry and for the entertainment of your children. Take time to enjoy your children's company and play with them. You'll be directing their development and absorb the thrill and amusement in their playtime activities.

Happy Parenting and Enjoy Your Holidays,

Tania  :)

Note: These toys were provided by the manufacturer for review, however I was not paid for this blog post. These are my own opinions.

Photos by Tania Cowling, all rights reserved 

Gift Guide: The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Are Still a Hit With the Kids

The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (TMNT) are still a hit this season thanks to Nickelodeon’s TV show and the comeback of these characters in their recent movie, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows.  Why not invite your children to engage in pretend play with these toys offered by Playmates Toys?

Action Figures and Vehicles

The collection of action figures (see picture) inspired by the film includes Basic Action Figures, 6-inch Battle Sounds Figures and 11-inch Action Figures. In addition to being highly detailed, fully poseable and uniquely sculpted to capture the personalities and distinctive appearance of the Turtles, allies and villains in the movie, each figure comes equipped with its own unique accessories.

The 5-inch Basic Action Figures include the four Ninja Turtles--Leonardo, Raphael, Donatello and Michelangelo--as well as Stealth Leonardo, Pirate Michelangelo, Wingsuit Raphael, April O’Neil, Bebop, Rocksteady, Casey Jones, Foot Soldier, Kraang, Splinter and Shredder. Other action figure assortments include the 11-inch Action Figures and the 6-inch Battle Sounds Figures, which feature a button on the figure’s backpack that triggers up to ten sounds and phrases from the movie. Both assortments include the four Ninja Turtles, as well as Bebop and Rocksteady.

As seen in the movie, the “Turtle Tactical Truck” is full of awesome foot fighting gear including giant nunchucks that can be deployed as the vehicle rolls, a capture net and ninja stars that can be launched to give the Turtles an edge during battle. The truck also features a working forklift and is designed to hold all four Ninja Turtles.

Playsets

New this season is the Half-Shell Headquarters Playset. It’s specifically designed for preschoolers with four levels of Ninja Turtle fun.

The transforming playset unfolds to reveal new play areas, including street level trap doors that lead to different areas of the Ninja Turtles' lair, a slide in each hand including one that's a manhole-popping secret entrance, and the playset's foot turns into a jail cell!

With this many transformations, twists and turns, kids can either guide the Turtles to safety or send Shredder and his gang right to jail! This set includes Raphael and Bebop 2.5" action figures (compatible with most Half Shell Heroes action figures). This toy is recommended for ages 3 and up. 

Standing over 40-inches tall, the “City Sewer Lair Playset” is packed with Turtle action, including an oven-styled pizza disc launcher, water slide entrance that is seen in the movie and more.  With over 15 features and multi-levels to play, kids can recreate the entire Turtles’ best battles from the movie in play areas including Splinter’s mediation area and Raphael’s gym.

Another New Toy

Another new toy for the younger set is Talk-to-Me Mikey. The children can have hours of fun conversing, singing and playing games with Michelangelo, the most fun-loving and energetic of all the Turtles.  As one of the most intelligent Turtle toys ever, Talk-to-Me Mikey recognizes when a child asks any of a list of 10 questions and responds in over 100 unique ways. The highly interactive Turtle features movement and position sensors to react hilariously based on how a child moves Mikey (shake or spin him!).

These are just a few of the variety of TMNT items that Playmates Toys has to offer for your child’s entertainment this season. Search your local toy stores for these toys or online at:

Check out their website  

Amazon

Until my next post,

Happy Parenting,

Tania  :)

Note: – Information and samples are from the manufacturer. I was not compensated for this review.

Holiday Gift Guide 2016: Crafting With Kids and More

Indoor craft projects are never more welcome than during the winter – those times when it gets too dark for outdoor play, or too cold to even be outdoors. Making crafts together is a wonderful bonding experience and today there are craft kits that make creative time fun and easy. Everything you need is inside a packaged kit.

For the holidays, I suggest getting your children art and craft sets to foster their inner creative abilities. Here are a few ideas from Alex Brands. This company makes really exciting and engaging kits for kids of all ages. And, I love that most of their products are under $25 – so helpful for parents during the holidays.

Who remembers Shrinky Dinks? You know how you colored plastic pieces and then baked them in the oven to shrink and get hard. Well, Alex Brands has brought this concept back in an array of art kits.

Shrinky Dinks 3D Flower Jewelry – Color and shrink your flowers to make bracelets, necklaces, and earrings. This kit includes 38 precut and preprinted Shrinky Dinks, the chains, seed beads, elastic thread, beading needles, earring studs, colored pencils, and easy instructions.  This kit is recommended for kids ages 8 and up. Retails at $22.50.

Shrinky Dinks 3D Butterfly Lights – Here you color and bake the Shrinky Dinks and then thread them onto a battery-operated strand of lights. This kit contains 12 precut and printed Skrinky Dinks, a 10 LED light string, 8 colored pencils, and instructions. Also recommended for kids ages 8 and up. Retails for $24.00.

Shrinky Dinks Statement Jewelry – Here you color, bake and shrink plastic jewels to create your own unique jewelry. Make a necklace and matching earrings along with a ring. This kit includes 12 preprinted and cut Shrinky Dinks, 6 colored pencils, earring hooks, jump rings, chain bracelets and lots of gems. Instructions are included for this kit costing $10.50. Age appropriate for 6 and up.

Along with the Shrinky Dink kits, the children can engage in beauty with colorful fingernail kits.

The Alex Toys Fab Foil Nail Roller allows the girls to put sparkly color on their nails without a brush. Roll on the color; add pretty stickers and then brush on a clear topcoat. For $20.00 you will receive 30 foil strips, two sheets of stickers and a bottle of clear nail polish. This beauty kit is recommended for ages 8 and up.

Alex Toys Color Shift Ombre Nails allows your nail polish to change color as your body temperature changes. How cool is that? This kit includes four bottles of nail polish, 50 mini stickers and easy instructions for an awesome manicure. Also, for kids ages 8 and up and retails for $10.00 a kit.

Other than glamour, Alex Brands has other craft kits. Why not color and create your own umbrella? How about making small toys come to life wearing 3D glasses? Kids will also love to play with Air Warriors darts and blasters. Some that even launch and can be seen in the dark.

And, let’s not forget about the Original Slinky – a toy made in America 70 years ago.  I remember playing with a Slinky, letting it slither down my house steps. What fun for $5.50. Any child aged 5 and up will love to play with this classic toy.  

So check out toys from Alex Brands next time you visit your local toy store or shop online:

Alex Brands

Amazon

Until my next review.
Happy Parenting,
Tania :)

Note: – Information and samples are from the manufacturer. I was not compensated for this review.