Play Library » Playskool

Honeybee Hop – So Much Fun

Susan Gunelius — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 00:32:55 +0000

I love the Honeybee Hop by Playskool. Well, I suppose the music gets a bit annoying, but aside from that, I think this toy is great.

First, it’s easy to set up. Even my 3-year old triplets can pull it out at any time, press the button on top and get it started. I love toys that they can use all by themselves!

Second, they can practice their coordination with this toy without hurting themselves. I got this toy as a gift for my daughter for Christmas, and she immediately loved it. She tries so hard to jump over the motorized arm. She can’t do it yet, but she keeps trying!

Third, it’s an indoor toy that promotes activity which is nice on very hot (or cold) days.

I think it’s a bit pricey for what you get at $24.95, but I still love what the toy does, so I give it a thumbs up.

Has your child used the Honeybee Hop? What do you think about it?

Image source: Amazon.com

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The Sit n Spin Disappointment

Susan Gunelius — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 02:20:29 +0000

When I was a kid I wanted a sit ‘n spin so badly. I never got one, but my best friend had one. I remember spinning on her porch on that Sit ‘n Spin with ease, going so fast for so long that I felt ill. Those were the days.

With that fond memory in mind, I bought a Sit ‘n Spin for my triplets this past summer. In fact, I bought the Playskool Simon Says Sit ‘n Spin from my local Target (it’s the one in the picture). I just wanted a plain old-fashioned Sit ‘n Spin with no bells or whistles, but alas, I couldn’t find one. The Playskool Simon Says Sit ‘n Spin was as plain as I could find.

I brought the Sit ‘n Spin home, and my husband assembled it during the triplets’ afternoon nap. We were so excited to give it to them when they woke up. Their eyes lit up when they saw it, and we had to referee the ensuing fight to see who would get to take the first turn on the new toy.

Finally, my daughter won the battle and hopped on the Sit ‘n Spin. She tugged on the wheel and nothing happened. I tugged on the wheel and nothing happened. It was nearly impossible to turn the wheel while a person was sitting on the Sit ‘n Spin. So much for my memories of spinning. The modern-day Sit ‘n Spin went back to the store the next day. It was a sad day.

Have you noticed this problem with the Sit ‘n Spin? Is it just me?

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Playskool, Infants, and the MP3

Kerri Aldrich — Fri, 12 Jan 2007 04:47:53 +0000

Playskool recently announced the development of a line of infant toys that will enable the use of MP3 players to enhance the products. The Made for Me line of infant toys is due to be out fall of this year. From the press release:

PLAYSKOOL developed the MADE FOR ME collection with today’s parents in mind. All products allow mom and dad to customize activities and features to suit their child’s developmental needs, preferences and personality. Parents can choose from a library of 50 songs already loaded onto the MP3 player, transfer their own music from personal CD’s or download tracks from Internet music providers. The MP3 unit that is sold with the Digital Music Player is removable for use in all MADE FOR ME toys and gear. Each toy offers a modern, customizable approach to a variety of activities for baby.

You can check out their whole press release here. I’m thinking this is a bit over the top. I mean, yes, some of the music that comes with infant toys is a little annoying, but some of it is really good. And it sounds like the MP3 player that you just dished out good Christmas money for is not going to work with these toys. From what I’m reading in that release, it will require an MP3 player specific to these toys (though the same one will work with all of the toys in this line). Anyone else reading that differently?

I guess I’m waiting to see why having this option on toys marketed as products for infants would be so much more superior to just listening to the same music on your home stereo while the baby is playing nearby. Someone at Hasbro/Playskool want to convince me?

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Parenting Magazine’s Toys of the Year

Kerri Aldrich — Wed, 25 Oct 2006 05:19:53 +0000

I’ve tried to cut down on the accumulation of magazines in our house, but I can’t resist grabbing a copy of Parenting Magazine when I’m at the pediatrician’s office. Its style seems to match my own laid-back personality.

Anyway, Parenting has come out with it’s 2006 Toys of the Year. Here’s a sample of some of their choices:

They divide the categories into 5 different age groups, so you can quickly get to the suggestions for the ages of the kids in your life. Check out all of their picks here.

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Nostalgia Toy #3: Weebles

Kerri Aldrich — Thu, 14 Sep 2006 20:44:10 +0000

A post written by Sandra Pedicini in the Orlando Sentinel Blog reminded me of another of my favorite toys growing up. Weebles!! I always remember calling them “Weeble Wobbles.” Was I mistaken? And do we all remember the tagline, “Weebles wobble but they don’t fall down?” And was I the only one who tried to prove them wrong? Maybe.

Once again I’ll sound like an old fogie and say, “My, how these toys have changed since we were little!” My sibs and I had the Winnie-the-Pooh Weebles and a yellow and orange house, and they more resembled an egg than the Weebles that are out now. It’s the first thing I remember being moved into our new house when we came back to the States. As long as you have your favorite toy make the trip with you, what else do you need?

But why does every toy now have to have a DVD about it and books that feature them as well? Why isn’t just having the toy to play with good enough?

And, my one final fogie moment for the post: I was reading one post about these toys and they said, “These aren’t your mother’s Weebles.” And I went, “Oh my gosh, that’s me now!” Yikes.

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