I have a sense kids are going to love this new Razor, that has a sparking mechanism when you ride. We look forward to trying it out. The only concern–it may not be that fun to change the flints that make it spark.
We’re eager to test this new mini projector from Jakks Pacific that you can use with your DVDs, your MP3 player and Video Games. We like the idea of being able to create your own outdoor movie theater. With a suggested retail of $99– it promises to project up to 70″ and fit in the palm of your hand. If it works, it will be a hit with our tween testers.
For a new generation, the Rubik Cube will be electronic this holiday season. Rather than turning the cube, you’ll touch the grid to change the colors. Do you think this will make it easier? I doubt it–but you probably will think twice before you throw this one across the room in frustration! The maker, Techno Source, plans on retailing the updated version for under $149.
If you’ve spent any time with a two year old, you know they love to do the same thing over and over again. It’s through that repeititive play, that they develop their self confidence and sense of their own abilities. The other thing you know about toddlers is that finding toys for them can be really challenging. They’ve outgrown their baby toys–and they’re not really ready for most preschool toys with all of those pesky small parts that pose a safety risk. They’re often more interested in seeing if they can climb on a toy at this stage rather than play with it. My son Adam did this with his first garage!
So just in case you’re looking for the perfect birthday present, I periodically like to recommend Edushape’s Rollipop ($24.95). We’re adding it to our list of Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Blue Chip Award winners – indicating that this great toy has been in the market place for more than five years and should not be missed just because it wasn’t invented yesterday! The balls are big enough to be safe and they move through the toy slowly enough so that they can be tracked. You can talk about colors as you play, but really just making something happen again and again is the biggest reward. We prefer this one to some of the other ball runs that have lots of noise–you really don’t need it! Your child will add their own sound effects–promise!
This 8″ soft fabric ball makes that lovely chime sound when it’s rolled back and forth. Just right for encouraging babies to crawl–and fun for back and forth games on the floor with older babies and toddlers. It also comes in pink and part of a larger line that also includes a very cuddly Sweet Chocolate Pillow Bear that opens up to become a flat pillow. When you connect the Velcro underneath the Bear, it looks like a regular stuffed bear. The ball retails for $19 and the bear is $49. 
The big news this year is that Barbie is turning 50! What were your favorite Barbies? Do you think your sense of yourself as a girl was influenced by Barbie? Do your kids play with Barbie?
Take a look at Jean Marzollo’s website. Jean is probably best known as the author of the award winning I Spy series. She has written so many wonderful children’s books and now also illustrates many of her own works. What’s fun about her website is that several of her titles are posted and have interactive features (games, read along, karaoke). Great for a cold winter day like today!! My favorite – the sing alongs and games for I’m a Little Teapot. New things are posted all the time–unlike so many websites targeted to kids, this one is truly about celebrating a love reading.
For the first time in five years, the public schools (and private) are closed in New York City. Lots of kids are home. Looking for something to do? Here are a few low tech projects:
1. Make a fort (armed with a few sheets and flashlights) this is just the type of day for this type of cozy fun.
2. Scavenger Hunt- no matter what the age, this can be a great game that will take up some time!
3. Set the table- with arts and crafts projects that will make for a special snow day dinner setting. Kids can make name cards, a centerpiece (you can make a city with Matchbox cars and blocks).
4. Pick a color- Have your kids pick a color for the day. Put on all their clothes in that color. For younger kids, they can make a book of their favorite “yellow” things.
5. Snow- when you go outside have the kids fill up a jar with snow. Then let everyone guess how long it will take for the snow to turn to water. A little science experiment on the kitchen counter–my favorite kind!