Aside from them chewing on the pens when they were younger, I have only had positive experiences with the Aquadoodle.  I have to fill the pens with water for my kids and shake them up a bit to get the water flowing and the pens working, but that’s the only set-up required.  I love toys that require little set-up and even less clean up.

There are many accessories you can buy for the Aquadoodle, but we just have the basic Aquadoodle and my kids really enjoy it.  At just $19.99, it’s one of those toys you can’t go wrong with!

Do your kids have an Aquadoodle?  Have you bought any additional accessories?  Which do your kids really like? 

Image: Toysrus.com

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Of course, these days it’s included in the various traffic jams, crashes and other activities 3-year olds put their toy cars through on a daily basis.  Many of the cars the kids have received over the years have already been put out to pasture due to lost wheels, missing parts and other unfortunate fates.  The Sassy Poppin’ Push Car keeps holding up and shows no signs of breaking down anytime soon.

I’m not surprised this toy won the Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Seal Award and the National Parenting Publications Honors Award.  I love the Sassy toy line, and the Sassy Poppin’ Push Car has been a huge success in my house.

Do you have any baby toys in your house that your kids used for years?

Image source: Sassybaby.com

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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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What are Planet Heroes and who is Earth “Ace”?

With the powerful, sinister Black Hole, “Professor Darkness” intent on destroying the solar system, a day seldom passes without the discovery of some new danger or disaster about to strike at the inhabitants of the peaceful planets. But the misguided archenemies of the galaxy have no understanding of an intelligent life form until they encounter Each “Ace.” He’s an ordinary earth boy by day, but secretly he’s Planet Heroes brave boy genius! Using the power of his supercomputer on his versatile SuperBoard, he stays one step ahead of the galactic goons. Good guys surrounded? Hey, if anyone can find a way out of the place, it’s Earth “Ace”!

You can also get a Planet Heroes Good Guys Gift Set which includes Earth”Ace”, Jupiter “Gustus” and a BONUS DVD. If you are looking for an action figure for your toddler, then Planet Heroes might be just the right thing. There are many other Planet Heroes like Mars “Digger”, Mercury “Zip” and Saturn “Rings”. Looks like fun!

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I must admit, I was much more careful about not having toys around with little parts and pieces that can be swallowed when my oldest was a toddler than am I now that my youngest is a toddler. And, of course, I know that’s completely backwards! Not that I shouldn’t be equally diligent with all of my children when it comes to their safety, but I know that I had much more time and attention to pay to my oldest at this age than I do now that there are three kids running around!

Anyway, my point here (were you wondering if I had one?) was that this is a great toy for that 2-3 year old range. Now that my baby is a little boy running around with the big kids and trying to be so grown-up and helpful, a lot of the baby toys and ones that would be deemed “safe” just seem a little too babyish for him. The cars included in this toy set (and others I’ve seen made by Playskool) are more similar in size to Hot Wheels or Matchbox cars, but don’t contain the little pieces that could be dangerous to him. They have a fun rubbery feeling texture that help him to keep a good grasp on the toys, and are small enough that he can hold them and vroom them around the table while he makes all his car noises.

They are also the perfect size for stashing into a purse should a restaurant’s crayons and placemat/menu no longer hold your toddler’s attention while out for a meal!

What are your favorite gifts for a 2 year old?

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Anway, we decided that, with winter almost here, we’d bring it in the house for the next few months. That way, he doesn’t constantly beg us to play with it out in the cold. Not the best sandbox or toddler pool weather!

The kids have found so many fun uses for it in the house. Hiding in it, storing things in it, sleeping in it, fighting over it…..all of the great childhood pasttimes. So far, a very versatile toy! And, apparently, a very comfy bed.

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Anyway, I thought I’d seen the last of it until one of my very dearest friends (or so I thought) bought my oldest one for her first birthday. Thanks.

My youngest is now perfecting the art of driving mommy insane with his constant pop-pop-popping around the house. It is quite nostalgic, though, to remember my baby sister using it and now seeing her niece and nephews enjoy the same toy. And quite a durable toy, as well.

As for that friend? Well, let’s just say her dear children haven’t had a birthday celebrated without some fun, loud toy of their own. It became almost a tradition of “let’s see who can make the other lose their mind first.” I think she won.

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