Play Library » Lei

Last Playdate

Lei — Mon, 30 Apr 2007 10:14:04 +0000

Hi everyone,

Hope you had a wonderful weekend full of play and fun.

This is the last post I’ll be making here at Play Library. It’s also my last day at b5media where I served as writer and editor. I’ve decided to return to the genetics playground where I’ve spent most of my life!

I’ll miss sharing my toys with you (all except the collectible ones…hehe) but I know Kerri has enough fun and games for everyone. Thanks for reading Play Library. It’s been a joy hanging out with you all.

All the best,
Hsien

Post from: Play Library

More Magnetix Magnetic Toys Recalled

Lei — Fri, 20 Apr 2007 17:29:45 +0000

Mega Brands America, Inc. has expanded its recall of the dreaded Magnetix sets. The US Consumer Product Safety Commission has more information. A Mom at Magnets Can Kill has a comprehensive history of Magnetix magnetic toy injuries and recalls.

To date, CPSC and Mega Brands are aware of one death, one aspiration and 27 intestinal injuries. Emergency surgical intervention was needed in all but one case. At least 1,500 incidents of magnets separating from the building pieces have been reported. Although the hazard was initially thought to be a problem primarily for children younger than six, it has since been learned that at least ten injuries involved children between the ages of 6 and 11 years old.

If a child swallows more than one tiny powerful magnet detached from the plastic building pieces or one such magnet and a metallic object, the objects can attract to each other inside the intestines and cause perforations and/or blockage, which can be fatal, if not treated immediately.

If you’ve had a personal encounter with Magnetix magnets coming loose, share your experience with other parents in our previous post about Magnetix.

Post from: Play Library

Sweet Toy Cars by Automoblox

Lei — Sat, 14 Apr 2007 15:27:05 +0000

Do these Automoblox cars come in big people sizes with real engines? Let me know when they do because I’d love to cruise down the street in these beauties.

Inventor Patrick Calello in the Baltimore Sun:

We like to say this is the reinvention of the classic wooden car. What we really wanted to do is bring great styling, craftsmanship and heirloom quality to children. Essentially, what we’re combating is the disposability of the mass toy industry.

The mass-market toy market is all about flash, bells and whistles, noises and distraction. And we’re trying to bring substance and quality and real learning benefits.

Post from: Play Library

Simple Toys are Still Good

Lei — Thu, 12 Apr 2007 16:08:41 +0000

For all the talk about kids being too wired to be able to enjoy simple toys, my son’s favorites are still building sets. This week, we got him his first box of “real” LEGO and he’s been busy building rockets, houses, airplanes, and anything else you can imagine. Not once has he asked for an on switch.

Like many parents, educators, and journalists, Seth Porges at CrunchGear would like to take a whack at the ugly head of modern technology and how it has ruined toys. I’m not sure if I agree since my personal observations tell me that kids might like power toys, but they’re just as happy with paper and pens.

What kinds of toys to your kids prefer? Non-tech or totally wired?

Post from: Play Library

Kid K’nex is Fantastic

Lei — Tue, 10 Apr 2007 15:39:05 +0000

My son’s favorite toy of late is Kid K’nex. In this podcast, he talks about the different things he makes with the building sets. I think I’ve created a podcasting monster!

Subscribe to the official Play Library podcast!

Tags: kid knex, kid k’nex, building sets, toys, children, kids, podcast, parenting, family

Post from: Play Library

Webkinz on the CBS Early Show

Lei — Mon, 09 Apr 2007 15:11:28 +0000

Whenever I write about Webkinz, there’s a flurry of people coming to see what’s up. So to you Webkinz lovers, HI!!! Last Friday on the CBS Early Show, Joie Chen reported on the Webkinz craze. I loved the kids she featured. They were so enthusiastic about the toys but even more so about being on the Internet playing with the toys’ virtual characters. My son was fascinated by the segment and I bet you will be too. Watch the Webkinz video.

What Webkinz animals are in your family?

Thanks to my mom for the video link!

Tags: webkinz, plush toys, stuffed animals, toys, children, kids, parenting, family, fun

Post from: Play Library

Toy Talk: Manimama on Playing with Newborn Babies

Lei — Sat, 07 Apr 2007 07:37:03 +0000

Kerri and I are a few years out from the newborn stage with our children. *sniff* Manicmama, on the other hand, is expecting her third child and has some great tips for how to play with a newborn baby. In addition to her tips, I’d like to add my own.

Read to your baby. They appreciate it sooner than you think.
Hold your baby in your arms as much as you can. They’re only small for so long and holding them gives them a different perspective and helps them learn how to balance their bobbleheads.
Sing to your baby even if you’re no American Idol star. They love your voice no matter what. If you’re shy, put on your favorite CD and siiiing!
Take them on walks in the great outdoors. Even babies can appreciate fresh air, sunshine, and changing scenery.
Have guests come over to hold and talk to your baby. I felt very protective of my son when he was born but I’m grateful that he had others who adored him and showed him that the world is a loving place.

What other tips to you have for how to play with a newborn baby?

NB: The toy shown above is the Boppy Tummy Time Play Pad available for $24.99 from Amazon.

Tags: newborns, babies, family, parenting, play, games, fun, children, kids

Post from: Play Library

Spider-Man’s iDog – The Spi-Dog

Lei — Fri, 06 Apr 2007 08:48:35 +0000

We just put new batteries in our iDog who was so happy to have raucous company over today that he sang his techno song for us several times (find out how to get your iDog to sing in my instructions). And as luck would have it, I just found this Hasbro Spi-Dog in red and black. So adorable!

What looks like a spider but rocks like a dog? Meet SPI-DOG – the little dog with BIG sound! When it’s not fighting crime, this heroic webbed wonder digs your music – rock, punk, rap, hip-hop, dance, techno, and more. Its mood and personality change, depending on your music and how often you play with it!

Tags: spi-dog, spider man, idog, toys, children, kids, family, fun, gadgets

Post from: Play Library

Easter Baskets Packed Full of Toys

Lei — Thu, 05 Apr 2007 19:39:45 +0000

Easter has become a HUGE holiday. Almost as big as Christmas it seems for some parents. JD Mullane of the phillyBurbs.com talked to some parents who said:

Unfortunately, Easter is getting to be like Christmas. Toys ‘R’ Us just put out a huge Easter catalog filled with “spring” toys. I feel like I have to get toys for Easter.
I’m guilty of giving toys on Easter. I just bought my son a toy he wanted, and I will give it to him on Easter. I guess everything is bigger these days — houses, SUVs, birthdays.

If you’re looking for Easter basket additions, the Hasbro Toy Shop has 53 items that range from the Play-Doh Make ‘n Display Stage Show to the Mr. Potato Head Spring Easter Bunny Set.

What kind of baskets are you doing for Easter?

Tags: easter, easter baskets, toys, children, kids, parenting, family, shopping

Post from: Play Library

Toy Talk: Bratz Dolls at So Sioux Me

Lei — Wed, 04 Apr 2007 20:06:37 +0000

Naming a preschool soccer team “The Bratz”?! You must be joking. Tracee Sioux wasn’t putting up with any of that. When she learned that her daughter’s soccer team was to be named The Bratz, she objected and stood her ground even when other parents belittled and dismissed her concerns.

“Look,” I said. “I’m very uncomfortable with this name because I don’t think we should be yelling Go Brats Go, Be the best little brat you can be. Brats Rule. I try all week long to NOT encourage my daughter to be a brat. I don’t want her to act like those dolls and I don’t let her dress like those dolls and I don’t even let her play with the dolls. I’m just very uncomfortable with the name.”

I was so grateful that I avoided saying they looked like whores who grew out of their clothes, which is what I usually say about those attrocious little beasts. And I didn’t get into the symbolism of why their heads are so freakishly large – to fit their self-absorbed massive egos inside.

What would you do if Bratz dolls were held up as role models for your children?

You can also see what others think by voting in our ongoing poll about the Bratz dolls and their stepsister Barbie.

{democracy:8}

Tags: barbie, bratz, dolls, children, kids, toys, soccer, preschoolers, family, parenting

Post from: Play Library