Category Archives: Toys & Games

Feb 8 2012

Game Night? Goliath Games for every age!

POP THE PIG
[ABOUT] Everyone takes turns to roll the die to see how many chomps the pig will take. Push down the pig’s head to chomp the burger. With every pump, the pig’s stomach will get bigger, bigger, and bigger. But don’t feed him too much because if he pops, you lose! [Goliath] 4+ YEARS

[REVIEW] This is an entertaining game for young kids. Our young reviewers got a little frustrated at how much effort it took to inflate the pig’s tummy but the kids were always fascinated with the results of the popping belly.

NAME 5 – CAN YOU NAME 5?
[ABOUT] Can you name five things that could make a person sneeze? How about five TV dads? Five video games? Vegetables beginning with the letter a? Name 5 is the outrageous party game from Endless Games that asks the easy questions you know the answers to, but can you get them off the tip of your tongue? Sure you know a couple of Tom Hanks movies and a few Tina Turner songs, but can you name five? [Endless Games] 12+ YEARS

[REVIEW] This game is a blast to play with a group and at family events. Everyone will get involved. We had the most fun playing in teams! You will not be disappointed.

FLIPPIN’ OUT!
[ABOUT] Flippin’ Out! was inspired by the classic game of Categories, Flippin Out! is a wild and fast-thinking party game were a letter or a player is eliminated with each Flip of a Chip. Chips representing the letters A-Z are spread out amongst all players. A category is read (eg: “Produce”), on your turn, you have 10 seconds to say something within the category and flip over the first letter of that word. (Lettuce – L; Apples – A; Pears – P… etc) Each letter may only be used once, and you never know what the next person may say! Say a word and Flip a Chip within the 10-second time limit, and you Stay IN the round. Can you come up with a Rock Band beginning with the letter “P”? How about a board game that starts with “N”? Scroll through your mental rolodex and think fast because you’re either FLIPPIN or you’re OUT! [Endless Games]  8+ YEARS

[REVIEWS] As parents, we were constantly amazed at our kids creative answers playing this game.  There are enough categories that engage all ages in playing. This is another keeper for family nights.

Dec 7 2011

Letz Talk CareMail

[ABOUT] Letz Talk is a new product line that gives kids and teens a creative way to help them to open up and share their thoughts, concerns and dreams with the adults in their lives.  Whether it is their parents, grandparents, aunts, teachers or simply a friend they want to chat with. The CareMail is aimed at boosting self-esteem, growth and building confidence.

Check it out at www.letztalknow.com. Age choices are: 5-8, 9-12, or teen. Category choices are: question cards or combination cards.  Question Cards allow children to open up and share their thoughts. Effective communication increases self-esteem, encourages growth and builds confidence.  Combination Cards allow children the opportunity to feel worthy and proud.  The opportunities are endless. This group includes intriguing questions, motivational messages, and challenges to develop confidence and pride.

[REVIEW] We were not quite sure what we were doing when we first opened these cards but quickly realized they were a wonderful way to create discussions with our kids. I am planning now to use them with a group of teen girls that I meet with on a regular basis. There were even cute little magnets so the kids could personalize their mailbox where we get to exchange cards. I love that there are cards aimed at older kids since conversation can become more challenging in the teen years. It creates a wonderful way to spend time together and get to know each other.

Nov 29 2011

Shake It Up! 3-1 Handshake Game – Grandcamp Adventures

[ABOUT] Great times are in store as you play your way through these handshake games and create your own Grandparent/Grandchild secret handshake.   Turn the cards over and solve the floor puzzle picture from the Here We Go! storybook adventure.  Enjoy these fun games at home, on vacation, or anytime you’ve got a few minutes for GrandCamping.

  • Activity contains 24 Handshake/Puzzle cards
  • Pictures of Handshake gestures on one side
  • Other side of each card is a puzzle piece
  • 3 Levels of difficulty to ensure fun for all ages
  • Puzzle is a picture out of our Here We Go! storybook

Grandcamp Adventures is a company dedicated to delivering toys and activities that help kids have fun and maybe even strengthen their relationship with their family members, especially grandparents! WEBSITE

[REVIEW] This is such a cute idea for parents, siblings and grandparents to do with each other. It is playful and engaging and you get three activities in one. Grandparents will feel very hip and young when they have their special handshake with their grandchild.

Nov 23 2011

Banangrams Games

[ABOUT] Bananagrams is the first in the bunch, the game that started it all. Great portable word games for kids of all ages.

  • Bananagrams: The Anagram game that will drive you bananas. The award-winning word game that needs no pencil, paper, or board. Fast and fun. Players race against each other to build crossword grids and use all their letter tiles first. Great for travel. [players ages 7-97]
  • Pairsinpears: Fresh Fun comes in pears. Race to make pairs of connecting words in matching patterns. A great way for children to develop memory and cognitive skills while learning the alphabet, pattern recognition, vowels, vocabulary, rhyming, and more. Advanced players can use semi-palindromes and palindromes to win extra points. The pear-shaped pouch contains four full alphabet sets in four distinct patterns. [players ages six and up]
  • Appleletters: An Apple a day for us all to play. Create a continuous word snake by adding your word to the head or tail. Orginally designed with younger players in mind, APPLETTERS features three levels of play to amuse children and challenge adults. The free-standing tiles are easy to handle and can be used to play three different games. [players ages six and up]
  • Zip-It: The Twenty-second word race you can play anyplace. Take 12 cubes and race against your opponent to build a word grid. One hand can be played in as little as 20 seconds and everything you need is in the bag. An exhilarating, high-speed, two-player game with 24 letter cubes in a unique cloth pouch with colored scoring zippers.The ability to play on an airplane or train makes Zip-It the ultimate travel game. Each pouch includes a WEORDS dictonary of weird words that help win word games. [players ages seven and up]
  • Fruitominoes: Connect Fruit, instead of dots. Take turns matching six attractive fruit patterns. A fresh, fruity and colorful twist to the classic game of dominoes. Twenty-eight beautifully crafted dominoes in a compact pouch make this a great game for young and old. [players ages five and up]
  • WEBSITE

[REVIEWS] We LOVE these games. We bought our first set a year ago when we were traveling and they were a hit with the whole family and kids ranging from 6-13 years. It is faster and simpler than scrabble and it is completely engaging. It is easy to take with you and quick to set up so we keep one in the car.

Nov 23 2011

Freaky Pets

[ABOUT] Cute ‘n’ cuddly one second, flips to cranky the next.  Freaky Pets are guaranteed to make life interesting no matter what planet you live on! Freaky Pets is a new interactive product from Abandon Interactive Entertainment that combines a unique line of transformable plush creatures with a browser-based 3D virtual world for kids (and adults) of all ages. Give it a try for FREE just by clicking on the new account button at www.freakypets.com. The first one is free, but to unlock any of the other Freaky Pets you will need to purchase a Freaky Pet reversible toy. Each pet comes with a secret code that brings it to life online. Freaky Pets are available at Hallmark stores and other fine retailers.  Freaky Pets are plush animals (monsters?) that are two pets in one. One pet is soft, sweet and cuddly. The other pet is mean and ugly.

[REVIEW] Our 6-11 year old reviewers gave Freaky Pets a thumbs up. They thought the stuffed animal was funny to switch back and forth. We told them The animals come to life with the online game and really kept the kids interest. This is a fun toy to put in the stockings this year.

We have one for a GIVEAWAY so enter our ParentClick.com Contest! Go to your community and click on the CHATTER page to find out the latest way to enter the contest.

Nov 5 2011

Hess Toy Truck & Race Car

[ABOUT] This truck goes on sale NOVEMBER 11th! Following a long tradition of craftsmanship and innovation, this year’s truck has four-wheel spring suspension and a pull-out ramp that automatically activates a hydraulic sound. The truck cab features three more sound effects and flashing lights. The truck’s flatbed trailer carries a race car modeled after an American stock car that sports a pull-back racing motor and Hess Express logo. A push of the race car’s gas cap activates flashing lights and the sound of the car’s engine. The toy set’s full lineup of fun features includes:

Truck:

  • Pull-out ramp with automatic hydraulic sound
  • 3 additional sound effects activated by cab buttons (ignition, horn and back-up alert sounds)
  • 34 lights with all-on and flashing modes
  • Flashing light mode activated by cab button, chassis switch and ramp
  • Four-wheel spring suspension
  • Chrome-look detailing

Race Car:

  • Engine sound effect activated by gas cap button
  • 10 lights (all-on and flashing modes)
  • Flashing light mode activated by gas cap button
  • Pull-back racing motor

[REVIEW] This was an immediate hit with our kid testers! A fun truck and car that will keep kids entertained for hours with design elements that emphasize quality and encourage imaginative play.

Oct 29 2011

TRIKKE T5 Jogo 3 Wheeled Scooter for Kids

[ABOUT] Awarded both the Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Award and The National Parenting Center Seal of Approval, the T5 Jogo helps kids enjoy a really fun, physical activity while building confidence in agility, balance and coordination. The three wheeled design allows kids to feel secure, whether they are kicking around the neighborhood scooter-style, or propelling via the fluid, Trikke carving motion. The fun, new fairing adds a full vehicle look to this classic. Performance and fun guaranteed.

Buy it online at www.trikke.com.

  • Durable molded foot platforms, molded and decorated fairing
  • Soft foam, colored hand grips
  • Adjustable handlebar height
  • 5″ Polyurethane Wheels
  • Dual hand brakes with dual rear wheel braking system
  • Three points of contact for a balanced and stable riding platform
  • Durable Steel frame construction
  • For kids 4-7 years of age
  • Suggested weight Limit: 80lbs
  • Suggested Height: up to 4′

[REVIEW] Kids can get ready for the ski season this winter with the T5 Jogo by TRIKKE that encourages them to use their whole body to carve out their turns and propel them forward. We found this new scooter in the hot pink and bright blue to be a fun activity for kids where they get exercise and a chance to burn off some of that extra energy. The scooter is sturdy and kids can either use it as a kick scooter or be self propelled by carving and leaning into the turn.

We have one for a GIVEAWAY so enter our ParentClick.com Contest! Go to your community and click on the CHATTER page to find out the latest way to enter the contest.

Oct 29 2011

Kidizoom Camera

[ABOUT] The Kidizoom Camera by VTech lets your child become the family photographer by allowing him to take photos, edit photos, make movies and play games. Store up to 1,000 photos (128 MB internal memory) and connect to computer (PC & MAC) to download. Real 1.3 megapixel camera with 4x digital zoom.  Best for ages 3 to 8 years.

[REVIEW] Finally an affordable way to protect our expensive camera. Our kids were instantly taken with this fun bright colored camera. It met all their needs especially since they could instantly view their pictures on the back of the camera. The quality of the photos is not great but I find that my kids are not really interested in long term. They like the independence of being able to take their own pictures and video and show them to their friends. They are event able to edit the photos with fun borders. This is a great holiday gift!

We have one for a GIVEAWAY so enter our ParentClick.com Contest! Go to your community and click on the CHATTER page to find out the latest way to enter the contest.

Oct 29 2011

Boom Boom! Cards

[ABOUT] Change the world in four easy steps with these intentional act of kindness kits. With the 26 cards in each, you’ll find yourself picking up someone else’s tab at a restaurant, writing a letter to someone who inspired you, picking up the trash on your street, giving genuine compliments and so much more! The coolest thing about Boom Boom! cards is that you can create a chain reaction of covert kindness that could theoretically travel around the world!

Become a Card Carrying Member of the Revolution

  • Original: Set of 26 cards that encourage you, your friends and passersby to act on good intentions.
  • Family: Designed with children and families in mind, the Family Deck includes an interactive “Command Central” activity board with stickers to keep track of your Family’s progress, discussion cards to inspire meaningful family conversation and do-it-yourself cards so kids can make their own.
  • Teen: Playful prompts written for high-energy teenagers make motivating and inspiring goodwill a fun, everyday activity. Use it in a group setting >

HOW TO PLAY

  1. Do the revolutionary act of kindness on the card.
  2. Go to boomboomrevolution.com and tell your story and upload pictures and video.
  3. Pass the card on to anyone (a friend, a stranger, your mom).
  4. Follow your card on the website’s map as it moves across the globe!

[REVIEW] We are going to start using these with our family. It is a simple way to remind us all to pay it forward. We also are involved in a volunteer teen group and the Teen Edition is perfect to use as conversation starters that the kids can then go out and act on…  Teen Card 13: Stop a rumor. Teen Card 9: Hold the door open for someone. It is amazing how good you can feel after doing something for someone else. The website is wonderful because it allows you to track your cards and see how others have made a difference.

I was curious what others thought of them and loved this quote I read from someone who was the recipient of a card... “Someone paid for my coffee the other week and handed me one of the cards. At first I was grateful for the coffee and confused about the card. I threw it into my purse unread and when I stumbled upon it a few days later I took the time to see what it was about and I was intrigued. I decided, since the price is so reasonable, to purchase a set and find out first hand what it is really about. I got them a few days ago and I LOVE THEM! I have already done three cards and posted on the website.  Thank you to the random person that offered me the random act of kindness that changed my day and the card that has led me to make the same difference in someone else’s day! “ 


We have one for a GIVEAWAY so enter our ParentClick.com Contest! Go to your community and click on the CHATTER page to find out the latest way to enter the contest.

Oct 29 2011

Coloud: Marvel Comics Headphones

[ABOUT] Marvel characters are printed in 3D rubber patches giving headphones a unique feel. Adjustable headband provides a perfect fit. Features 3.5mm jack for maximum compatibility including iPod. Marvel characters include: Hulk, Iron Man, Punisher, Wolverine, & X-Men. Website

[REVIEW] Our junior reviewer was sold on these from the minute he saw the packaging. They are fun and have good sound quality. The headband is padded, adjustable and really comfortable for any head size. This would be a great gift for the holidays.

Oct 29 2011

Woogie by Griffin

[ABOUT]  Woogie is 50% stuffed animal (for your kids), 50% protective case (for your iPhone or iPod touch), and 100% fun! A protective pocket velcroes shut to hold your iPhone or iPod touch, while a touch-through screen protector lets you choose movies, apps or music for your child. Built-in speaker is powered by 2 (included) AAA batteries, or you can plug directly into headphones. Six fuzzy arms tuck under to prop up for viewing or to sit comfortably in your child’s lap. Woogie even has its own App, available for free from the iTunes App Store to preview Sesame Street digital books and more from Iceberg Kids.

[REVIEW] My only complaint is why wasn’t this around when my kids were little! This is a fabulous gadget and stuffed animal all-in-one. I have seen so many damaged iPhones when I am with other parents because most of us are happy to give our iPhones to our kids to use if it means 5 more minutes to finish a conversation, get through the grocery store or keep them quiet in the backseat. The problem is that iPods and iPhones are small and easy to drop. The Woogie is fun, cuddly, easy to use and even has built in speakers.  I would recommend keeping one of these in the car and one at home so you are always prepared and you will save hundreds on not having to replace a cracked screen on your phone.

We have one for a GIVEAWAY so enter our ParentClick.com Contest! Go to your community and click on the CHATTER page to find out the latest way to enter the contest.

Oct 29 2011

Brainstring Advanced by Recent Toys

[ABOUT] The object of this game is to form a solid color on each side and remove the knot. This puzzle will tie your brain in knots! Pull the rubber tips and slide the colored strings through the open slots of the sphere. Creating a solid color on each side is a small task – the real challenge is untangling the knot in the middle. Make the puzzle easier or harder based on how much you tangle it up. Stretch your imagination to find the solution! For ages 8 and up.

[REVIEW] When I first too this out of the box, I was a bit confused as to what to do with it especially since I am not really drawn to puzzles. However, I left it on the coffee table and have found different members of our family and friends playing with it. It definitely grabs the attention of both kids and adults and it is fun toy to have out.