My position on toys is...
WHEN A TOY DOES LESS, A CHILD CAN DO MORE
If you are interested in having me review your product on my blog please email me at thetoysnob(at)gmail(dot)com!
Showing posts with label 5 and up. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 5 and up. Show all posts

Friday, October 15, 2010

Hedbanz Review

Hedbanz Game was a very fun game to review. My 5 year old loved it! We played one night after the toddler went to bed for the night and Marshall was able to enjoy some individual attention from mom and dad.

Hedbanz is easy to play and great for little kids, it says 6 and up, but with help I think an advanced 4 year old could probably play. It took Marshall a couple rounds to begin asking the right questions, but once he understood, the game flowed smoothly.

Each player puts on a headband and draws a card. Without looking, you place the card in your headband and the game begins. As the timer is started, the first player begins asking yes or no questions to help them guess what is on their card. They have until the timer runs out to guess. We laughed a lot and had a really fun time playing Hedbanz together as a family.

I've said it before, but games are great for kids! Turn taking and losing gracefully are only two great benefits. Hedbanz also teaches critical thinking and memory as you think about what you already know based on the other players' answers.

Hedbanz has definitely been requested several times since we received it! Thanks, Spin Master!

Disclaimer: Spin Master provided us with one Hedbanz game for our review. No other compensation was given.

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

An ICY time of year

Tonight I came across these two Ice Trays at Lavish. How fun are they?! Princess Ice Tray ($9.00)

Monday, December 8, 2008

ZinkoTek!

This is the greatest building set a kid could ever ask for! ZinkoTek is an amazing open-ended building system that lets you design just about anything, your imagination is the limit. We were sent a set to review and my husband and son instantly set to work building a castle! The pieces are made out of heavy duty, multi-layer foam. They feel indestructible and can be used indoors or outdoors. They would make a perfect addition to your play room, or any room! I also highly recommend ZinkoTek for preschools and daycare centers! Even if you build the house, it can be so much more...like a castle, school, puppet theater, store, the possibilities are endless! It's just open-ended all the way around. It would make the perfect "BIG" gift for your kids this Christmas! Check out more information here on the ZinkoTek website. They have a photo gallery and building instructions for things like robots, airplanes, and more.



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I just love the bright, fun colors! My son and the little girl I tend have had so much fun playing in it! Thanks, ZinkoTek!

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

A Thing for Robots


I have had a thing for robots lately! I also love Vilac! So what do you get when you put the two together? This Vilac Magnetic Robots game from Kangaroo Boo ($35.99).

Thursday, November 13, 2008

Kitchens

There are so many new kitchens on the market right now. The new line from Nathan grabbed my attention with their bright colors and sleek design. I love the cabinet sorter. It has space for children to sort plates, cups, and flatware. They are available through Oompa and start at $214. Children love to imitate what they see adults do. Play kitchens are great for socio-dramatic play by encouraging cooperative play between children. This is one reason that nearly every preschool setting has a kitchen or house play area. In fact, Nathan's pieces are sold to preschools in Europe and are built to be used by preschoolers so you know they'll last for years and years.

Kitchen Accessories

There are also a lot of accessories for kitchens out there. I came across these tonight and fell in love with the colors. I love the Le Toy Van line and these are no exception. Below are the Baking Set and Breakfast Set sold on Landbridge Toys for $80 a set.

Saturday, October 11, 2008

More Dinosaurs

Since posting about the Cheekeyes Dinosaurs I've had a lot of people comment on how much they love the Holztiger dinosaurs as well. These sell for about $12.99 each and are available on several different websites including these from Petit Baby. The Holztiger Dinosaurs are slightly larger in size and have a totally different style to them than the Cheekeyes. The bright colors make this a fun set that is aesthetically pleasing as well.

Left:
Spinosaurus

Right: Pachycephalosaurus

Monday, October 6, 2008

Automoblox

I've had my eye on these for about a year now. I love them! Basically, they are blocks you build cars with, they disassemble and then kids can put them back together. The cars are sold individually (except some minis are available as a set) but are interchangeable, so kids can create their own unique models! Great for creative thinking, hand-eye coordination, and motor skills, these Automoblox are bound to be a hit! They would be perfect for the kid who likes to take things apart and put them back together again.














From the original line, the S9 Sedan and the T9 Pickup from Urban Kids Play, each $36














These 2 are Limited Editions, the X9-X Sport Utility and the S9-R Sport Sedan for $44, also at Urban Kids Play


Here is the Mini Automoblox Combo Pack 1 from Fat Brain Toys for $26.50

Monday, September 29, 2008

Lions, and Tigers, and Bears, Oh My!

GREAT DEAL: If you order over $50 at Bright October, for a limited time, you can select one FREE Anamalz!!!

I'm in love with Anamalz by Hape toys! They are designed in Australia, made from all-natural materials, and are even poseable! Anamalz are sold individually (usually around $5.95) or in sets.




Lion, Tiger, and Bear at Bright October ($5.95-$6.95 each)














Two more I just love, the Gorilla and Panda.

These sweet Anamalz would be great as stand-alone play figures or with a setting like a barn or zoo scene. Give a few to your kids and watch their imaginations take flight as they create scenarios with these cute little creatures!

Thursday, August 21, 2008

Wooden Dinosaurs - Just what I've been looking for!


I check to see what's new at Oompa just about every day and today I was pleasantly surprised to find a wooden dinosaur set! For about a year now I've been on the lookout for wooden dinosaurs. This is the Wooden Dinosaur Animal Set from Cheekeyes ($29.99). I am so excited about them, they're adorable! Check out all the accessories from Cheekeyes like their Prehistoric Tree Set or the Dino Volcano. They make a perfect setting for these wooden dinos!

To make this even better, Oompa is having Double Points Days until Sunday at midnight!!!

Saturday, August 9, 2008

Back(pack) to School Time

Can you believe summer is almost over and our kids will be starting school soon, if not already? Where did the time go? Hopefully you had as great a summer as I did, lounging by the pool, playing with friends, and having fun with family! I get so excited around this time. I loved buying new school supplies each year in August. I read once that children who get new school supplies each year actually do better in school. It gets them excited to learn and be back in class. Who doesn't love opening a new pack of crayons with sharp tips? Or labeling and organizing all the supplies? So, this post is in celebration for back-to-school! Who needs a new backpack?!

Each backpack is a different size! Make sure to check the site's dimensions on it to ensure a good fit for your kid. Some are better suited to preschoolers while others are for younger or older elementary. For example, the preschool backpacks may not be able to accomodate a standard 8 1/2 x 11 piece of paper or folder. Happy shopping!











Fleurville Kid's Pack Lunch Bag
Silver/Pink and Silver Navy from Oompa ($31.99)



Fleurville Green with Pink Ogo from Oompa ($65.99)
several styles available



Dante Beatrix Little Monkey Backpack at Neiman Marcus ($36)
several styles available, see Oompa too
We got ours today and I couldn't be more happy with it!!!






GlyphGuy Blue Backpack at Oompa ($29.99)
other colors available, this is also a great boy bag



Cath Kidston ABC Kids Rucksack
made from easily cleaned oilcloth
more styles on website

Several colors available, a good boy backpack
also in girly polka dots



Gap Printed Junior Backpack ($16.50)
different sizes and styles are available

Gap Sporty Backpack ($19.50)
different sizes and styles are available

Gap also has matching lunch sacks


Hanna Andersson Be Right Backpack ($29.50)
Several styles available, in boys too


Garnet Hill Backpack, Purple Zinnias ($32.00)
Several prints available, make sure to check out the Blue Rockets