Tag-Archive for » toys «

The Circus Toys Kids Love

I was looking for a toy at Amazon.com when I spotted the Playmobil Circus Ring. I thought my four-year old daughter would love to have this toy set so I ordered it. I can afford the toy so I immediately purchased it.

My daughter is extremely shy and doesn’t talk much. She wouldn’t say a word if I let her play with other children. She would play by herself most of the time. I was hoping that the Playmobil Circus Ring would encourage her to speak with other children since there were many figures that needed more than one person to play.

I handed the Playmobil circus box to my daughter the day it arrived in our hosue. She opened the box and was thrilled to see the different figures. The big rind really looked like if it’s a real circus ring. My daughter and I set it up and displayed the ringmaster, the trapeze artists, the crowd and other figures. After everything was set, we played together. She had lots of fun playing the circus.

I had no idea this circus set would make a child very happy. My daughter got excited when she played with the different figures. She was more excited when the lights around the circus flashed. The circus set appeared to be like a real circus for her. In her closet, she has lots of small animal figures. She took them and included in her circus set as she continued playing. I could see how happy she was playing the circus set. She had smiles throughout the day.

The Playmobil circus toy set encouraged her to talk more often. I noticed that she would act from one person to another. She would pretend as if she’s the ringmaster then later the audience. I was happy to see her making conversation like that even if she’s playing alone. Then, I decided to play with her to help her enhance her speaking ability. She did a great job.

The next day, I invited some of my neighbors with their children to come along the house. The purpose of inviting them was to give my daughter a chance to play with their children. There were three children who came. One of them was three years old and the other two were six years old. I told them to play with my daughter. At first, my daughter was hesitant but after a few minutes she invited them to play with her. All of them began enjoying playing together as my neighbors and I talked on the corner.

What my neighbors knew was that I invited them for just a little talk. I told them that my daughter needed other children so she could overcome her shyness especially that I’ve decided to enroll her in a kindergarten school for next year. I thought of this idea as a starting point for my daughter to face the world outside out home.

I could see my daughter uttering more words as she played with her new friends. Happiness and relief were the things I felt that day.

She was sad to see the children go home when they’re about to leave. She asked them if they would come back the next morning. The children nodded with the assurance from their parents. I was glad to see my daughter playing with other children. I didn’t’ have worries since then.

D-Rex, The Robotic Dinosaur

We still do not have a grandbaby from any of our children but we have a nephew who has a son though. He is 8 years old and is already on his second grade in school. He is very precious to our family because of his sweetness and love toward us. The matter of the fact is that he’s closer to us than his real grandparents. He likes to play games. Every time we go to their house, we see him playing toys. He collects lots of different toys. His favorite toy is a dinosaur. We always see him play with his dinosaurs. He collects different kinds of dinosaurs. We found out that he’s wanting to have a big dinosaur like this. This gave me the idea that I must look for a big dinosaur as a Christmas gift.

My wife and I asked our son to browse the internet and look for a big dinosaur. He saw this D-REX interactive Dinosaur. My son told us what makes this dinosaur unique. This robotic D-Rex dinosaur can move, roar and can even respond to any child’s voice and touch. The D-Rex is like a real dinosaur. The D-Rex package has a bone-shaped controller that lets prompt five kinds of behaviors. Our nephew’s son would be amazed to use the bone-shaped controller.

This robotic dinosaur has a reptile-alike skin that appears to be real, but it’s made of a soft texture that’s comfortable to touch. The dinosaur looks frightening with its sharp teeth and big yellow eyes. But this robotic dinosaur can be a child’s best friend. Surely our nephew’s son will love this robotic dinosaur. So my wife and I agreed to order one for him as a gift for Christmas. This will be a perfect pet friend for him.

When this robotic dinosaur was delivered, we wrapped and gave it to our grandson. He quickly opened its box with a big smile on his face. He was amazed to see the dinosaur because it’s very big. When he touched this robotic dinosaur on its head, it responds with a big roar. This made our grandson laughed out loud.

Then he pressed the remote control on the “attack” button and then this robotic dinosaur launched forward with roaring sound. When he pressed the button “prank”, the robotic dinosaur farted. He even answered “yes” or “no” to his question with a headshake when he pressed the “question” mode. Our grandson had amazing time playing his robotic dinosaur.

Since he had this D-Rex, he plays every day. It has become his ultimate best playmate. The D-Rex is his new most favorite dinosaur. He had not own a big dinosaur like the one we gave him. Our grandson was glad to see a robotic dinosaur.He has a playmate, a pet and a friend at the same time. We’re both happy to give him this robotic dinosaur last Christmas. He thanked us for giving him another dinosaur that added to his collection.

Toys and the ELC

The Early Leaning Centre is a British retail store chain, with shops spread across the world.

Born as a Swindon mail order venture back in the 1970’s, the shops are a haven for kid’s toys – all of you must remember games with wood railway tracks in the stores when we were young.

The timeline of the firm includes a number of owners, at the moment the shop network makes up a section of Mothercare. Since the acquisition of the Early Learning Centre brand in late ‘07, Mothercare have included the ELC name into their Mothercare shops – you may find the ELC brand next to Mothercare toys.

Historically known for their wood toys, in recent times the Early Learning Centre store has expanded into other variations, likely both to increase the range of toys on sale, but also to stay well priced and maintain margins.

Reputation is of course important to any company selling to the newborn and toddler market – and this powerful brand recognition is a massive part of the power of the ELC. Few mums and dads would be able to avoid the range, as it is a very popular choice for presents to babies, first birthday presents and other occasions. The safety of the ranges sold by Early Learning Centre are not only a given but imperative for relatives sending presents.

The Early Learning Centre chain seems remarkably immune to the decline some popular stores have endured with the ecommerce shoppers explosion and more currently the recession – maybe the requirement to pick up and examine toys for children provides much more protection.

On occasion, it is possible to get discounts on purchases from the ELC, via voucher voucher sites like these discount codes so that you can benefit from cheap shipping, or perhaps a reduction to give 10% discount.

If you are struggling for ideas, why not have a browse around the ELC website and enter our competition to win £100 in Early Learning Centre vouchers?

Enter the competition

A Good Playmate for Your Kids is Spike the Dinosaur

We have a neighbor whose 6-year old son likes to play outside almost throughout the day. Other children of the same age play with him sometimes. There are some times he would play alone. His mother is a little bit sad seeing him playing alone by himself at the playground.

While I was browsing the net one day, she asked me to look for a toy she can give to her son which he can play both inside and outside the house. I nodded and started to look for one. I saw Spike, who is a dinosaur that is controlled by a wireless remote.

Spike can walk forward and can also turn to both left and right side. It can even blink his eyes, open his mouth, stand up on his hind legs and even throw a boulder. I knew it will be a great and perfect playmate for her son.  For sure he will love this robotic dinosaur which has a textured skin, yellow-colored underbelly, sharp teeth and has plenty of spikes. It can even swing his neck around or rotate it.

I told my neighbor about Spike, the dinosaur. When I told her about what Spike the dinosaur can do, she was really surprised. She tried to look it for herself. She was tremendously amazed. She immediately ordered Spike for her 6-year old son. She assumed that her son will not be sad and lonely anymore because he will have Spike as a playmate.

As soon as Spike was delivered to their home, her son was very happy seeing Spike. He was thrilled to see this robotic dinosaur. He repeatedly exclaimed “Dinosaur!” in a very loud voice. Her son was a little scared when he saw the big Spike but when the dinosaur stood up and lighten up its back, he smiled.

Spike can also walk to and fro anywhere. It turns around and rotates its neck. Our neighbor’s son started to laugh out loud when he saw Spike did these things. He hugged Spike very tightly. Spike is really the best friend our neighbor was looking for to entertain her son. She was happy too that Spike could be his playmate anytime anywhere.

Without a doubt, Spike is a charm robotic toy that brings good luck to its owner.

Whenever I passed their house, I can see our neighbor’s son playing with Spike. I can hear his laugh and I can see that he is really happy to own such a beautiful and entertainer – robotic dinosaur.  I can also see that a lot of kids started to play with him. The little boy was amazed and mesmerized by Spike.

Our neighbow was happy that I was able to help her through internet surfing wherein I found Spike. Spike became her son’s best friend since the day it arrived. Although a robotic toy, her son is very happy to have a playmate like Spike, the remote controlled dinosaur. Also, he would bring Spike every time they go to the grocery store or to the market. Spike is a great toy which gives smile to all children around the world.

Classic Toys from James May’s Toy Stories

Will our children reflect on the toys and computer games that they have today with the same enthusiasm that James May exhibits for Plasticene, Meccano and Scalextric?

In the new TV series ‘James May’s Toy Stories’ we se Mr May blowing big chunks of the BBC’s budget building huge structures using toys from yesteryear. In the series Mr May builds a full size house from Lego, a huge bridge from Meccano and a massive 3 mile racing circuit from Scalextric.

Mr May clearly likes toys that involve building something. These toiys come from a time when toys inspired youngsters to develop interests in engineering and construction rather than blowing people away.

His TV series comes at a time when many of us are thinking about buying more computer games and consoles for our children’s Christmas presents. For some years now these have been dominated by the latest games consoles and computer games. Last year it was the Wii fit and Guitar Hero. This year they want Santa to bring them DJ Hero.

I’ve been discussing which form of toy is actually the most beneficial for child development? Computer games consoles or creative construction toys like Meccano, Lego and Scalextric.

I come from the same generation as Mr May. I grew up with Airfix model kits, footballs and bicycles. It baffles me why computer games have grown to become as popular as they are today. Personally, I would get a lot more enjoyment and satisfaction from building a model railway circuit than I would from pretending to be a disk jockey or pretending to play guitar. But I suppose that by building a model railway I’d be pretending to be a railway construction engineer and train driver. Choo choo!

****************************

Win a Scalextric Street Car Race Set by answering just one simple question in this free-to-enter competition. Competition ends 29th Nov.

The Killer Toys (2)

Water Wiggle

This continues the list of the most dangerous toys that have ever come into existence. The toys on this half of the list were all released to the public and then taken back once people started to injure themselves. It may not be a good idea to look at getting one of these for Christmas toys.


Lawn Darts

Since the release of this toy in the late 70s it has caused over 6000 injuries which makes it one of the most dangerous toys ever made. The major reason for this? Well the ovbious reason is actually the right reason here as throwing darts at eachother really did never kick off. Although the kids were not actually supposed to be aiming at each other they were playing from opposite ends and firing in the general direction. All it takes was one miss throw to blind or even kill a child.

Mini Hammocks

These things are so silly as they were made for babies. Anyone heard of a baby that keeps still all of the time? These inventions actually proved to be more of a Venus fly trap than anything else and they were recalled after 12 fatalities caused by asphyxiation.

Water Wiggle

Although this actually looks pretty good and also looks like it is going to work the plastic part at the top is actually made of very hard plastic making it very dangerous indeed. Two children actually died because they used this toy however it was found that they took the toy off and drowned because they put the hose in their mouth.

Of course most of the damage was caused by the plastic hitting kids in the head. However compared to some of the boring water toys nowadays it actually looks like it could be worth a go.

So there you have it, some of the most dangerous toys known to man!

The Killer Toys (1)

Child's Play 2

Here is a list of just some of the most dangerous toys that have ever been released to the market, okay one of them wasn’t technically released but it has to be the most dangerous toy ever!

Good Guy Doll

This is the only fictional toy in the entire list and simply has to be here because one of the good guy dolls was transformed into Chucky the killer doll. 1988 saw the start of these films when a murderer names Charles Lee Ray (Chucky) is shot down by a cio. Just before he dies he takes cover in a toy store and transfers his soul into the doll. Of course there are now around five Chucky films, let us hope they never end. He always dies at the end but always find a way back at the start of every new film.

Lego

Of course Lego isnt deadly but that doesnt mean it cannot be a pain. So many people hurt themselves every single year by treading on the little bricks which is why they have to be on the list. It seems mad but it is true. Lego has also been choked upon by many younger children who do not realise what it is.

I am not sure there are many people out there that are really after a chucky doll for one of those Christmas toys. However Lego is actually a really good toy to get for somebody as a gift for Christmas so do not worry about that one. Whatever you are after this year make sure the toys you are getting are safe.

Of course you could always get your child a brand new good guys doll:

Ade due damballa. Give me the power I beg of you.

What Makes a Toy Child-Safe?

Ensuring children have safe toys is a concern that many parents have. They are right to be concerned as dangerous toys can and have caused serious harm to lots of children, although thankfully with improving toy regulations, instances are on the decrease. However, parents still need to be careful and below we highlight some of the important things to look out for to ensure toys are safe.

Sharp edges. Even soft toys and wooden toys can have potentially dangerous sharp edges. As children frequently run with their toys and play with them in a rough manner, picking up a cut or a jab from a sharp-edged toy is very easy.

Small parts. This is probably the most well known hazard of children’s toys. Due to the fact a child will stick anything in their mouth without knowing what it is, pretty much all small parts are potential choking hazards. Sometimes toys don’t have small parts on first inspection, but break up easily due to weak materials and these are equally, if not more dangerous.

Chemicals. Whether it is dangerous chemicals in plastics, harmful fluids in toys, or simply toxins in the paint that they are decorated with, kids can be seriously harmed by inconsiderate materials. All toys should be tested for such things, but unfortunately some dangerous toys slip through the net.

Mechanical Hazards. Some toys might not seem dangerous at first glance but their pure functioning poses a risk to children. Toys that work using elastic or springs can sometimes harm kids eyes if they are poor quality and break for example. Another example is toys that have hinges where kids can trap their fingers or toes.

All toys and Christmas gifts should comply with the health and safety regulations of their respective countries, so next time you’re buying gifts for her or him look out for the endorsement logos on the toy’s label first.

Sexist Toys? (Part 2)

So continuing the discussion on whether children’s toys are twisting their minds into vile sexist pigs is the big debate on whether it is okay for a boy to play with Barbie and a girl to play with an Action Man.

Well it would seem that people are far more accepting to see a little girl destroying her toys with a toy tank than they are to come into a room and see a boy playing dress up with a princess. Why on earth is this?

The main problem here is actually the parents, if a father walked in on their son playing with a Barbie Doll they would be shocked but a girl playing with a tank would be cool. Many fathers are so scared of their son turning into a homosexual that they feel playing with a Barbie doll has something to do with it which is nonsense.

All of these sexist arguments are based around the girls not being able to play with the boys toys but it is just as unacceptable if not more so for boys not to play with the girls toys. it is almost certain that this time it is the people we should be putting the blame onto and not the big corporate companies.

There is no such thing as a sexist toy or a racist toy or anything like that. The toy is released and the reaction that it gets is from the public. If they choose to believe it is sexist or racist then that is their choice but personally I do not feel that when a company is designing one of those Christmas toys that they actually set out to make it sexist in any way at all. It is you the consumer that must really decide this one.

Wooden Toys Are Not As Old As You Think

Although you do not see them in mainstream toy shops like you used to, these wooden toys are still there and just as good as they used to be.

There is a shop that I always remember going into that had a brilliant wooden train set that I used to play with every time that I went in there and had to be forced out by my parents, they also had one of those wooden bikes that I took great pleasure out of riding around the store crashing into many people. What really happened to the old fashioned toys that everybody loved?

Well although they still exist there are not that many places in which you can find these toys anymore. This is often because plastic is seen as a cheaper way of making toys. Is this simply taking away all of the enjoyment that children have when playing with wooden toys?

The thing is people just do not want to go out and take a bit of extra time to look for these toys which is one of the problems. Wooden toys not only seem to be better to play with they are also great learning toys as the majority of wooden toys made to seem to be made to help the mind grow as the child does.

There are also so many different toys out there that you can get from wooden play sets and wooden food sets too. Plastic is something that children like putting in their mouths because it doesnt taste of anything but wood will taste awful to a child.

So instead of looking for the newest brand toy for your young child this year why do you not look into buying them a nice wooden play set for Christmas? Toys like this are a wonderful gift for any child.