Category Archives: App Reviews

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.

Oct 29 2011

Griffin iMarker & ColorStudio HD App

[ABOUT] A new way to color, draw and discover in the digital age, keeping kids entertained for hours with custom colors, animation, sound, and hundreds of pictures and activities iMarker interacts safely with iPad’s Multi Touch display, enabling Crayola’s Color Studio HD App to differentiate between the child’s input (finger taps, swipes, etc) and the input from the iMarker automatically. For the first time, allows users to manipulate both the creative space and color without toggling between App modes. ColorStudio’s extensive library of backgrounds, music and sound effects allows kids to design their own colors and coloring pages, which can later be printed.

[REVIEW] A really clean way to color without all the mess and much easier when you are on the go than stuffing your purse with crayons and paper to keep your child entertained. They get a jumbo marker to use on the iPad that works as a crayon, colored pencil and paint brush.

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 24 2010

MOBILE PHONE APPS – Family Friendly

Today’s Smartphones allow us to stay connected to each other, connected to our jobs and connected to entertainment and games. iPhone, Blackberry and Android all offer apps that can be downloaded to our handheld devices, some of these apps are free while others can get quite costly. We have taken a look at some of the latest apps that are designed to make life easier for busy parents. Many apps that cost money also have a “lite” version that is free so you can test the application first.

Below are a few that we found worthwhile for moms and dads…

GROCERY LISTS, RECIPES & CRAFTS

  1. ZipList – is a free shopping list management tool that allows you to create and share grocery lists with family members. With ZipList, you can access your shopping list anytime, anywhere from your cell phone. More than a shopping list, ZipList offers access to an extensive recipe database of more than 500,000 recipes, including ready-to-make meals from MarthaStewart.com and Everyday Food. With ZipList, you can even build your own online recipes. Cost: Free
  2. Grocery Gadget -Grocery Gadgets allow you to easily organize grocery lists, coupons, recipes on web portal and on your mobile device. Cost: $4.99
  3. Craft Finder – This Disney/Family Fun app allows you to sort your choices by age, time allotted, and occasion, and you will wind a plethora of different crafts to occupy your family.  Cost: Free

TRAVELING

  1. Baby Pack & Go - is an extensive packing and travel checklist tailored specifically for parents and caregivers. Cost: $.99  Pack & Go Deluxe – for the whole family. Make custom lists for every family member, including your family pets and more. Cost: $2.99
  2. Packing Pro – Create multiple packing lists for your family when you travel. Cost: $2.99
  3. Family Matters –The Family Matters application is designed to help you engage all your family members of any age. Some of the questions and activities are simple, while others are deeper and probing. You can choose from hundreds of location-driven activities. Cost: $1.99

BABY & TODDLER

  1. Babyphone — is a Babymonitor that will call you on your own house phone or any other phone to be alerted upon the child awakening, without having to be camped out, next to the door to the baby’s room. Cost: $2.99
  2. iBear Baby - allows you to keep records on your baby’s milestones. Have it, and you’ll never lose precious information about your baby’s favorite toys, baby’s first events. Besides, you will have alerts about medicines that you need to apply, keep the medical record, record the baby’s eating habits and much more. Cost: $9.99
  3. My Potty Chart — is a potty training aid that makes it fun to chart your child’s progress. $.99
  4. SitOrSquat Bathroom Finder — lets you know which bathrooms are nearby, notes which ones have changing stations and even has reviews from other users so you know what to expect. Cost: Free

ALLOWANCE & CHORES

  1. Chore Bank — is the best way to keep track of your child’s allowance, completion of chores, and spending money. It is your own personal ‘Bank of Dad’…or Mom. This application allows you to create a ‘virtual bank account’ for each of your kids. You set up a chore list and assign a monetary value to each chore. When a child completes a chore you simply check off the chore and the value of the chore is added to that child’s account.  Cost: $1.99

MOMS & DADS

  1. Sleeping with the Laundry — Short, easy-to-read narratives provide a refreshing look at life on the mommy track. From surviving potty training to keeping romance in the marriage, each chapter serves up an issue of modern parenting and puts it in perspective. Cost $.99
  2. Dad Labs – is the edgy, hilarious and informative video network for dads. Humorous tips and advice from veteran dads on parenting, fatherhood, children, and coping with wives and mothers. Tune in as the dads tackle the issues of today: from breast feeding in public to head lice to poop in the tub. Cost $2.99