The Sesame Street gang is still a hit with toddlers even after all these years. The Play Library gift guide showcases several Sesame Street toys.
Everyone’s seen Elmo Live, but there are a whole host of other really cool Sesame Street toys out there, here are just a few:
K’Nex has a whole line of Sesame Workshop building sets.   Build Elmo’s World Elmo & His Piano, or dress up Abby Cadabby in her fairy dress.
Each set includes its own storage container, an activity sheet, and additional building ideas.
 

There’s also a simply adorable set of Sesame Street Jingle Ornaments …read more

I bought my kids an Aquadoodle when they were about 2 years old.  I liked the idea that they could draw on it without making a mess.  In the beginning, they would make one or two marks then walk away.  That evolved into them demanding that I draw various shapes for them.  Eventually, they started to draw on it themselves. 
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 …read more

My kids got the Sassy Poppin’ Push Car when they were babies.  Before they could even crawl, I remember pushing that car in front of them as they watched intently.  Soon they would hold it and shake it.  Eventually, they could push it along the floor themselves as they crawled behind.  This car took a lot of abuse and now, over three years later, they still use it.

I got a great email promotion from Little Tikes today.  I’m sure almost everyone who buys children’s toys is familiar with the Little Tikes Cozy Coupe car, but have you seen the Little Tikes Classic Pickup?  For $99.99 it fits one child and comes with a tool kit with tools. 
Currently, Little Tikes is offering a special on the Little Tikes Classic Pickup.  If you buy the pickup, you’ll get a free Electronic Sounds Pumper (a $24.99 value).
The sale is through the Little Tikes website and ends on April 24, 2008 at 11:59:59 p.m. PST or while supplies last.  Looks like …read more

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 …read more

It’s starting to get warmer in my neck of the woods and we are enjoying every minute of it. As soon as it gets a little warm, our kids break out the scooters, bikes and skates and they love to go on walks in our neighborhood.
When my youngest was between 1 and 2, he liked to cry a lot. Why? We are still trying to figure that out. Anyway, my husband used to take him on many, many walks in his little wagon. Those were peaceful moments and a bonding time for them both. If my little guy were to …read more

TheGrandParentZone.com announces its launch of a new website featuring American Made toys.
“This unique website was the brainchild of baby boomers Fred and Betsy Arnow, who wanted to create a website with the best children’s books, wood toys, and equipment they used most when their now grown-up kids were infants, toddlers, and children.”
Many of the items on their website are considered classic toys. They feature wood toys, games and puzzles that are similar to what the baby boomers had when they were children. Fred and Betsy Arnow said that much of what you will see on their website are toys that …read more

I am seriously thinking about buying one of these for my youngest child. It’s the Vtech – Write & Learn Letter Pad. He is at that stage where he’s starting to learn to write his letters. The only problem is, he only does it at school. I thought that maybe if I got him a cool looking toy like this that he would practice his letters, without realizing…he’s practicing his letters.
Here’s a description:
“The Write&Learn Letter Pad makes learning letters fun and easy. Children learn how to form letters step by step on an interactive, erasable letter pad while …read more

Mattel introduced a lot of new toys at the 2008 New York Toy Fair based on their four “toy trends”.
The “toy trends” are toys that connect to the internet; toys that utilize technology to enrich role-playing and inspire imagination; toys that create and provide learning experiences; toys utilizing technology for realistic, life-like features and extreme interactive fun.

Toys you will see in the video include “Elmo Live”, kid-magnets, Dora the Explorer and Diego.
Mattel’s message is “to learn while having fun“. Just don’t tell the kids that okay?

Technorati Tags: 2008 new york toy fair,mattel toys,elmo live,dora the explorer …read more

The New York Toy Fair officially kicked off on February 16th. There were hundreds of retailers there showing their latest ideas and creations. But only a few get the honor of receiving a TOTY award.
The TOTY awards purpose is to recognize the creativity and success of the toy industry. Here are the winners of the 8th annual TOTY Awards:
Toy of the Year – Air Hogs Havoc Heli Laser Battle, Spin Master, Ltd
Most Innovative Toy of the Year – Smart Cycle™ Physical Learning, Fisher-Price
Infant/Preschool Toy of the Year – Moon Sand Adventure Island, Spin Master Ltd.
Electronic Entertainment Toy of the Year …read more