gadgets – Page 22 – The Next Kid Thing

MobiGo Review and Giveaway: VTech Introduces New Handheld Learning System

June 4, 2010June 4, 2010 by Jen Rabulan-Bertram

VTech has introduced a new handheld learning system to its lineup of electronic learning toys. I had the chance to get a glimpse of the MobiGo at Toy Fair, but got an even closer look at the unit this week before it officially hits the shelves.

The MobiGo is packed with features, including touch screen technology, sliding screen and is web-enabled via USB.

The MobiGo retails for $59.99, which is comparable to other handheld systems in this category. In addition to the touch screen technology that mimics that of mom and dad’s iPhones and smartphones, what sets the MobiGo apart is its flip-up screen. That feature made quite a few heads turn when we were toting the MobiGo around this week.

The MobiGo has a variety of game cartridges (19.99) and a carrying case (14.99). The system is available in the blue/yellow or a pink/purple option.

Pack This: Laptop Lunches

May 25, 2010 by Jen Rabulan-Bertram

Always a fan of promoting healthier eating choices, I spotted Laptop Lunches, these fun lunch containers over on today’s Eco Baby Buys.

I was recently asked to review the toys from the latest happy meal, and as much as my kid is obsessed with the show that said toys are promoting, I had to decline the review opportunity. I appreciate convenience as much as the next person, especially when we’re traveling, but as we all know, fast food isn’t always the best choice. With the unlimited selection and creative possibilities of packing fun and healthy meals, I think Bento Boxes are the new happy meal.

Can You Guess LeapFrog’s New Mobile Learning Device?

May 20, 2010June 7, 2010 by Jen Rabulan-Bertram

LeapFrog, always at the forefront of kid-friendly technology, is about to launch a new mobile learning device. Like many of you, we’re huge fans of LeapFrog. In addition to offering great products that I love as much as my kid, LeapFrog was one of the first big brands to reach out to me right after I launched this site. In fact, I did my first (and only, so far) Vlog about Scout and the Text and Learn right after they launched last year.

Just as their microsite for this new mystery product went live, LeapFrog has once again enlisted us to get the buzz going about their new product. And they want NKT readers’ help, too.

Can you guess the device? What do you want it to be? LeapFrog wants NKT readers to guess what it is, or suggest what you think it does! And we’re looking for creative guesses, so think about it and comment below. And as an FYI, I have NO IDEA what this thing is either.

Giveaway

Each creative guess is entered into the giveaway for this mystery device. Said NKT winner will be guaranteed front-door delivery of this new device the morning of July 15, which will be the very first day it’s available on shelf. If that’s not the Next Kid Thing, then I don’t know what is.

So, check out their teaser and guess away and guess as many times as you like!

Comments below count as one guess, but if you decide to head over to the NKT fan page and add a comment to the entry associated w/ this post, I’ll count it as extra credit–3 entries!

Want even more entries?

Tweet about this giveaway for an extra entry. Be sure to include @jenrab in your tweet.

Share about this entry on any social networking site for another entry.

“Share this” on facebook for another entry.

Get a friend to join the NKT fan page and get 5 extra entries.

Be creative and good luck!

Giveaway ends 6/6. Winners will be notified via email and on the NKT FB fan page!

Tips on Avoiding Pesticides in Fruits and Veggies

May 19, 2010May 19, 2010 by Jen Rabulan-Bertram

On Monday, CNN via Health.com reported that a new study revealed what many of us already speculated about pesticides being linked to ADHD in children.

479222383_bd71636018_b — photo credit: maistora

The article said :

Children exposed to higher levels of a type of pesticide found in trace amounts on commercially grown fruit and vegetables are more likely to have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder than children with less exposure, a nationwide study suggests.

Read More

The Hebrew National Better-Than-A-Picnic Picnic

May 18, 2010May 22, 2010 by Jen Rabulan-Bertram

This Saturday, I’m so honored to be a co-hosting a fun, family friendly event at Randall’s Island in NYC.

As the big, official kick-off to the 2010 Hebrew National Better-Than-A-Picnic Picnics, together with a fabulous group of NYC/NJ and PA bloggers, we will be picnicking, enjoying giant puzzles, mechanical bull rides, activities for kids and family, music and checking out the Hebrew National AirStream bus where hot dogs, fruit and drinks will be served up.

Updated:
I just got word that Cheryl Hines will be our celebrity co-host! Cheryl plays Cheryl David on HBO’s Curb Your Enthusiasm, but if your little one is a fan of Jack’s Big Music Show, they might know her as Sudsy Bubblestein. Together with Hines, we’ll be working together on a service project. Our service project is in support of the Magic Summer Lunch Box and The Food Bank For New York City.

Hot dogs, mechanical bulls, a celebrity, service projects and family fun—what more could you want?

Won’t you join us?

Crayola Touts Creative Outdoor Play with New Sets

May 18, 2010May 26, 2010 by Jen Rabulan-Bertram

Crayola, always a favorite here on NKT, was one of the many fabulous exhibitors at the recent Time to Play Spring and Summer Showcase.

Crafts and the outdoors should go hand in hand, what with the fairly easy clean up and the expansive canvas. And as always, Crayola is at the forefront of the outdoor artistry when it comes to kids.

At the showcase, Crayola’s table had a variety of colorful goodies, including the latest additions to their product line: the Sidewalk Chalk Maker, Spira-Chalk Blaster and the 3D Disney Fairies and 3D Disney Toy Story Activity Sets.

WEDGiTS: Multi-Dimensional Building Blocks

May 13, 2010 by Jen Rabulan-Bertram

Our family is in the midst of moving out of our city apartment and heading to the suburbs, all while trying to orchestrate a cast of contractors as we get ready to do some renovations. All of this has me thinking of not just moving and the whole transition, but also about construction. So, why not talk cool construction toys?

Besides the obvious favorites, I’ve come across some equally awesome building sets. One that comes to mind is Wedgits. I’m not talking the blog kind of widgits, but instead, the building toy variety.

Wedgits are colorful multi-dimensional building sets that can be nested, stacked, linked and wedged. They come in various sizes and sets, including Wee Wedgits for 1-3 years; Wedgits for 2-10 years and mini-Wedgits for 5 and up.

What’s unique about Wedgits is that they’re squishy but still firm, sort of in a stress ball sort of way. Building toys are such a great toy for both boys and girls, and keep cater to all age ranges. They’d be perfect for daycare, schools and of course, the playroom. Wedgits, which have won a long list of awards, are non-toxic, phthalate free poly-vinyl material.

Wedgits have been around for several years now, but at Toy Fair, I was able to get a glimpse of a few new additions to their great product line, including the Mini FunHundred. This set, which comes in its own handy carry case, is comprised of 100 different mini Wedgit blocks and can be used with other mini Wedgit products.

May the Fourth Be With You!

May 4, 2010 by Jen Rabulan-Bertram

Happy Star Wars day, everyone! May the 4th be with you!

As a nudge to the iconic phrase from Star Wars, “May the force be with you,” May 4th is dubbed Star Wars Day. While many hardcore fans are celebrating with Princess Leia cupcakes and Hot Dog Lightsabers, I thought I’d share just a few of the latest Star Wars goodies, starting with some of Hasbro’s upcoming toy launches.

Time to Play to Showcase Spring and Summer Toys

April 27, 2010April 26, 2010 by Jen Rabulan-Bertram

It might be raining and dreary here in NYC today, but I’ll be headed to Time to Play’s Spring and Summer Showcase, where Chris Byrne and Jim Silver, two of the biggest industry gurus, will be spotlighting this season’s hot toys. If you can remember way back to last fall, I attended the fall showcase, where we learned about their holiday picks.

Must Have toys from the 2009 Holiday Season

Even though I just did Toy Fair a little over two months ago (and am still reeling from all of that information), I am a big fan of the Time to Play showcase. It’s an intimate event where media representatives and bloggers can meet with publicists and company executives to discuss—what else—toys.

Makedo Makes for Crafty Construction

April 23, 2010April 23, 2010 by Jen Rabulan-Bertram

Earth Day has come and gone, but hopefully, the important lessons from the day continue to linger in your home, as I hope it will in ours, too.

There are so many fun and fabulous green toys on the market, especially now that the eco-friendly segment continues to grow as parents become increasingly more aware. But one concept of green toys I hope to see more of, are upcycled toys such as Makedo.

Makedo robot

Makedo, a concept that I learned about at Toy Fair, is a connector system that enables materials including cardboard, plastic and fabric to easily join together to form new objects or structures.