The WHAM-O Pro Classic Original Frisbee Disc is made with U-Flex, so it can bend.  That makes it easier to grip, throw and catch then other frisbees on the market.  This is a great family frisbee for a day at the park or beach.  I’ve always loved frisbees (except those days during high school gym class when we were forced to play Ultimate Frisbee, but that’s another story entirely). 

The age range given for the WHAM-O Pro Classic Original Frisbee Disc is 5 and up, but my 3-year old triplets like to try to throw it and roll it.  They also love to pretend it’s a plate and roll their cars around in it like it’s a racetrack.  Three year olds have such great imaginations!

At only about $7.00, you just can’t go wrong with the WHAM-O Pro Classic Original Frisbee Disc.  One more thing, these frisbees last a long, long time!

Follow the links to read more WHAM-O reviews:

• WHAM-O Original Hula Hoop Review
• WHAM-O Slip ‘N Slide Wave Rider Splash Factor Review
• WHAM-O Original SuperBall Review

Image: WHAM-O.com

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International Playthings

Let me start by saying I had reservations about the iPlay Air Hockey Game before I received it.  My kids love to go to the arcades at Walt Disney World, which is less than a half hour from our house.  Recently, they have become obsessed with the air hockey tables at the Walt Disney World resorts, but they’re still too small to use them correctly and really enjoy them. 

When I saw the iPlay Air Hockey Game, I had high hopes but low expectations.  My husband and I had a small air hockey table before our kids were born that was probably about 3 or 4 feet long (not a tabletop game like the iPlay Air Hockey Game).  It worked adequately, but it was nothing to rave about.  Luckily, my expectations were far exceeded when we got the chance to test the iPlay Air Hockey Game.

In short, the iPlay Air Hockey Game works really well!  I didn’t think a little tabletop air hockey toy could work so well, but the puck actually floats over the table top with two D-batteries.  The iPlay Air Hockey Game comes with four paddles (2 smaller and 2 larger) and three pucks in various shapes (circle, triangle, square) to add some interest to the game.  A manual scoring dial is also included on the toy. 

The iPlay Air Hockey Game is rated for ages 3 and up, and I have to agree with that age range.  My kids don’t completely understand the rules of the game, but it doesn’t matter.  They love hitting the puck around the table and trying to make a goal.  I suspect they’ll continue to grow into it and enjoy it even more.  Suffice it to say, this toy is super fun!

Now for the best part of the iPlay Air Hockey Game.  It comes assembled!  All you have to do is put the stickers on the three pucks and affix the center divider then put in the batteries (not included) and you’re ready to go.  It takes less than 2 minutes ,and you’re ready to play.  Any parent who knows the pain and frustration of removing toys from their packaging (which often requires a whole host of tools and several adults) let alone assembling the actual toy, can appreciate a toy that comes ready to use (or very close to it).

To top it off, the iPlay Air Hockey Game only costs $19.99.  You’ve got to love a toy that actually works for under $20.

With that said, I give the iPlay Air Hockey Game two thumbs up.

Images: International Playthings

Post from: Play Library

First, I should mention that earlier this month, I reviewed some Calico Critters toys that International Playthings asked my daughter to test.  While I gave the Calico Critters toys two thumbs up, I’m going to give the Mighty World Alligator Hunt set that my sons tested only one thumb up.  The reason is because I think the age range provided for the toy we tested is too young.

My son tested the Might World Alligator Hunt set.  When I saw the Mighty World toys on the International Playthings website, I was very excited for my son to test one of them.  Both of my boys are starting to enjoy imaginary play, and I thought it would be great for them to have a more “boyish” toy set to play with rather than their sister’s My Little Pony toys.

The Mighty World Alligator Hunt set includes a boat, two figures (a man and a woman in safari clothing), oars, a fishing pole, an alligator, a map, a gun, and more small pieces.  It’s a cool looking toy that could boost imaginary play, particularly for boys.  There is a wide range of Mighty World toys that kids could use to create complete themed worlds from safari themes to construction themes and more.

While I think the concept of the Mighty World toys is great, I was disappointed in the size of the pieces.  The pieces are very small – too small for a 3-year old to manipulate.  I even had trouble trying to get the oars into the person’s hands without the hands falling off.  That leads me to my other complaint about the Mighty World toys.  The pieces are hard to put together yet they come apart too easily.  Inserting the oars into the figure’s hands is one example.  Another is the male figure’s hat that will not stay on his head.  I had to keep putting it on his head over and over because my son insisted it had to be on his head, but he couldn’t put it on himself because it was too small.  Let’s just say I eventually hid the hat to eliminate that problem, and luckily, it was forgotten without too much of a fight.

That leads me back to the age issue.  This Mighty World toy is rated for children ages 3 and up.  I think if the age range was lifted to 5 or 6 and up, this toy would have gotten a better review from me.  There are many toys in the Mighty World line that are rated for older children, and I think if this one were added to that group, it would be more appropriate. 

Again, I love the idea of the Mighty World toys, and I love the idea of promoting imaginary play for boys as early as 3-years old.  This set is just a bit too difficult for them to use due to the small pieces.  That’s why I’m giving the Mighty World Alligator Hunt one thumb up.  It’s a great idea and a great toy just a bit too “old” for a 3-year old.  However, if you have older children, I would definitely give one of the Mighty World toys a try.

If you have older children who have tried the Mighty World toys, leave a comment and let PlayLibrary readers know what you thought.

Post from: Play Library

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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