Play Library » Toddler Toys

Sesame Street Still a Hit With Toddlers

Linette Gerlach — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 04:17:09 +0000

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 you can add to your Christmas tree. The ornaments feature Big Bird, Elmo, Cookie Monster and Ernie. Your toddler will be delighted to see their favorite Sesame Street character on the tree.

My favorite is the The Sesame Street 2.5 Gallon Fish Tank, it’s soooo cute! The tank does have some small parts, so it’s not recommended for children under age three. The set includes a 2.5 Gallon Sesame Street plastic Tank, Sesame Street plastic cover with feeding door, Overhead light bulb and blue night light, patent lock system cover, & filter! The goldfish my son won at the fair is now happily swimming with Ernie in our tank. The tank’s available at Target.

This Elmo ride on is also adorable, it’s recommended for toddlers 1 year and up. It’s perfect for children who are just learning to walk. Let Elmo be your child’s co-pilot down the sidewalk, or on the playground. The plane features propellers with ratcheting sounds, under seat storage, control-panel style steering with lights and sounds, and for parents, there is even an adjustable volume control (that’s the best part).

To see more Sesame Street toys, and other toys for infants and toddlers, check out the Play Library’s Infant and Toddler Gift Guide.

Images via Sesame Workshop

Technorati Tags: Sesame Street toddler toys,Elmo live,Elmo ride on plane,Sesame street ornaments,Sesame street building sets,Sesame street fish aquarium

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I Love the Aquadoodle

Susan Gunelius — Mon, 12 May 2008 21:59:25 +0000

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 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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Sassy Poppin’ Push Car – A Toy That Lasts for Years

Susan Gunelius — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 03:37:14 +0000

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.

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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Little Tikes Pickup Truck with Free Gas Pump Special

Susan Gunelius — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 01:08:46 +0000

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 a perfect summer outdoor toy!

Image source: LittleTikes.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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Radio Flyer Classic Walker Wagon

Julie Bonner — Sat, 15 Mar 2008 01:57:42 +0000

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 pick between me or his dad taking him on a walk, he would pick his dad hands down. I’ll stick to doing puzzles and reading books I guess.

I saw this Radio Flyer Classic Walker Wagon and it just made me smile. I love wagons. Every kid should have a wagon, don’t you agree?

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TheGrandParentZone.com – American Made Toys

Julie Bonner — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 15:03:39 +0000

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 they owned when they were new parents. These are toys that they drug all over America so that they could keep them to hand over to their grandchildren.

TheGrandParentZone definitely has one unique feature that sets it apart from a lot of the other websites out there.

“One of the unique features of the website is a free “concierge” service that assists potential customers in trying to find a specific item that may not be available on the website. In addition, the website offers a free Resource Center, where visitors will find a number of practical parent resource tools available from the experts who created the materials. When visitors click on a specific title, they are taken directly to a linked site where they can browse a description of the item they’ve chosen to view.”

If you are looking for high quality, safe and educational toys for your kids or grandkids, TheGrandParentZone.com is a reliable source for your needs.

The toy pictured above is one of the pedal toys that are featured on their site. They have a wide variety of these pedal toys and they are just fun to look at. Every kid should have a classic pedal toy. My littlest son has one and he rides it every single day.

I definitely know I’ll be visiting TheGrandParentZone for some awesome toys. My sister just had a baby so I have a brand new nephew to look forward to buying for!

via prweb

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Vtech – Write and Learn Letter Pad

Julie Bonner — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 20:49:52 +0000

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 they get positive coaching from the encouraging Write&Learn “Spokespencil.” With the Write&Learn Letter Pad, you don’t have to wait for the ink to dry for your child to be writing letters! Includes three different activities.”

The reviews are so-so though. For the most part, people have said they love it and that their kids love it and would play with it on their own. I also read that it only includes capital letters. I know that’s where kids start, but I think if they added lower case letters and numbers I would buy this in a heartbeat.

For now, I think I’ll hold off and see if I can find anything I like a little better.

What about you? Do you have this toy? If so, give me your 2 cents.

Technorati Tags: vtech toys,learning to write letters,electronic toys for kids,electronic toys for toddlers,toddler learning toys

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2008 New York Toy Fair Mattel Products

Julie Bonner — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 19:53:46 +0000

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?

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Technorati Tags: 2008 new york toy fair,mattel toys,elmo live,dora the explorer toys,diego toys,toddler toys

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Winners of the 8th Annual TOTY Awards

Julie Bonner — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 02:49:48 +0000

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 – Power Tour Electric Guitar, Tiger Electronics

Educational Toy of the Year – Smart Cycle™ Physical Learning, Fisher-Price

Activity Toy of the Year – LEGO City, LEGO Systems, Inc.
Game of the Year – Rubik’s Revolution, Techno Source

Specialty Toy of the Year – Snap Circuits, Elenco

Outdoor Toy of the Year – RipStik® Caster Board, RipStik USA

Girl Toy of the Year – Littlest Pet Shop: Display & Play Round & Round Pet Town Playset, Hasbro, Inc. and Troop Groovy Girls, Manhattan Toy

Boy Toy of the Year – Transformers Movie Deluxe Figures, Hasbro, Inc.

Property of the Year – Hannah Montana, Disney Consumer Products

I’ll do my best to find out everything I can about the toys listed here and let you know. Congratulations to all of the winners!

[Source]

Technorati Tags: 8th annual toty award winners,new york toy fair winners,new york toy fair,2008 new york toy fair

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