Classroom Fun: Oh, The Places You’ll Go and Oceanhouse Media Dr. Seuss Apps

As Read Across America week winds down, I thought I’d share about my fun afternoon with J’s class today.

Untitled

Dr. Seuss reminded us that Life’s a Great Balancing Act (Just never forget to be dexterous and deft).  Which is why I chose to read Oh, The Places You Go! in class today.  In my trajectory as a writer and parent, I want to believe that it was his suggestions and wise words that have pointed me in this direction. (More on this later…)

Even though Oh, The Places You’ll Go! can be verbose for young five year olds, the class very much understood Dr. Seuss’ ideas and emphasis on imagination.
After reading to the class, we continued the conversation about Dr. Seuss with What’s in the Cat’s Hat, a hands-on game game from my friends at Wonder Forge.

This game is a classic guessing game, where the kids can utilize their senses by guessing what’s hidden IN the Cat’s hat.  Each kid took a turn poking and shaking the hat, even reading off prompted questions from the cards.  We heard silly guesses, but once the kids started getting their guesses right based on clues, the momentum of their deductive reasoning started to roll. I can’t say enough good things about Wonder Forge; this fantastic company has won numerous awards for their games and it’s no wonder why. Beyond What’s in the Cat’s Hat, Wonder Forge has various Dr. Seuss puzzles and games, including an app-centric game called Fun Machine.

Dr. Seuss apps from Oceanhouse Media

And speaking of apps, Dr. Seuss has an app—quite a few, actually.  Oceanhouse Media has done a great job with bringing Dr. Seuss titles to iPhones, iPods and iPads.  While I love my technology as much as the next geek, there’s nothing quite like a real book.  Nevertheless, you can’t beat having access to a myriad of Dr. Seuss titles while on the go.  Green Eggs and Ham while in the dentist waiting room? Why not.  Fox in Socks while on a 2-hour road trip? Don’t mind if we do.  The best part of these apps is that they’re interactive where you can record your voice while reading and even share those recordings.  Oceanhouse Media has a number of Dr. Seuss classics in the $3-5 range, as well as a few free apps.

Dr. Seuss Camera

Another app that gets rave reviews from my favorite five year olds: The Dr. Seuss Camera, also from Oceanhouse Media. This app simply utilizes the iphone, ipod touch or ipad camera and frames the subject with several different Dr. Seuss characters and imagery.  Point, shoot, edit and create, this app is endless Dr. Seuss fun and is free.  This app is a great way to continue the Dr. Suess conversation and branch it out to digital media.  In fact, we took pictures of J’s entire class and the kids had a blast picking and choosing which characters they wanted to be.  Sally, by the way, was the class favorite—for boys, too!  Go, Sally!

I loved talking to the kids about my job today.  Since most of the kids aren’t reading quite yet, I didn’t bother telling them about NKT, other than the topics that I focus on.  It was cute getting questions from parents asking me if I work FOR PBS.  No, but I am a proud VIP.

Read More

Navy and Mustard: on-the-go Baby Essentials

On the way to school this morning, my older son looked up at the sunshine and determined that Spring is almost here. It’s true; with just a few weeks of winter to go, Spring is, indeed, right around the corner.

And so, since many of my fashion and beauty writer friends (Vera of Lady and the Blog and Jill of Glamamom come to mind) have been sharing the vibrant trends to come, I was inspired to share just some of the many cool baby finds that have been hibernating in my inbox and bookmarks.

I’ve done styleboards and Polyvore boards before, but I’m finding that this is a great way to encourage fresh content while merging social media and fun graphics. I have to note that this particular board was inspired by the Stokke Xpory Winter Kit (which is still very much a necessity for most areas) and that super chic chevron Patemm Pad (which is exclusive to Pottery Barn this Spring.)

So, by the numbers, here are just a few on-the-go baby essentials inspired by these brisk days leading up to a sunny Spring!

1. Clek Foonf

You know how Natalie Portman says in The Garden State that the Shins song will change your life? Well, that’s what I’m getting from the Clek Foonf. Except it’s a car seat. Yeah. So, from what I’ve read and seen, the Foonf is a game changer in the car seat realm. As it should, car seat safety is constantly evolving, and from the reviews I’m seeing, the Foonf is being described as revolutionary. And when it comes to kid safety, who doesn’t want the best?
The seat pictured is called Dragonfly, and it’s one of the many color options of the Foonf. I felt this one had a modern, minimalist feel with its white base and mossy colored seating. Expect to pay top dollar for this sleek car seat that boasts the highest safety standards and features REACT Technology.

2. Thermos Tripoli Foogo Vacuum Insulated Soft Spout Sippy Cup

Sippy cups from Thermos are typically as sleek in function as they are in aesthetic. Foogo was always one of my favorites with my older son, so I’m glad this mainstay in the stainless steel sector has designs beyond licensed characters. Besides the sustainability, I always found that Thermos sippys are just as durable.

3. Skip Hop Treetop Friends Wise Owl Stroller Toy

I’ve been a longtime fan of Skip Hop because of their modern yet playful designs. I know the owl craze has been fading, but I love the colors and textures of this simple stroller toy.

4. Aden+Anais Brilliant Blue Swaddle

Parents know, especially in the infancy stage, a great blanket and/or burp cloth are diaper bag staples. Based on conversations I’ve had on Twitter and simply by walking around the city, Aden+Anais Swaddles have reached a cult-like status among parents because of the versatility of these muslin swaddles. Before Beyonce introduced Blue Ivy to the world with an A+A swaddle in the backdrop, many of us were using these lightweight blankets to wipe up barf, use as a nursing cover, stroller shade and, yes, even as a swaddle. Just as glamorous as Bey, right?

5. Stokke Xplory and Winter Kit

As a devoted Stokke fan, naturally, I adore just about anything this Norwegian company conjures up. Truly. We invested in the Sleepi crib for our oldest and haven’t looked back since. The Xplory, however, sets the bar higher for strollers—quite literally. It boasts a higher seat, giving baby a better view of their new world and more opportunity to interact with their caregivers. The Xplory is noted for its comfort and maneuverability, which is particularly important for families who consider their strollers their main mode of transportation.
For those of us who are still wearing heavy coats and snowboots, the Stokke Winter Kit is, perhaps, an essential for your stroller arsenal. From the sheepskin edged rim to the warm muffs, the Winter Kit is both functional and stylish for baby and parent.

6. Itzy Ritzy Snack Bag in Social Circle Blue

Reusable snack bags are just a few of my favorite items that make sense for families on the go. Whether they’re Annie’s Bunnies or baby puffs, reusable snack bags like these from Itzy Ritzy help diminish waste and add a little flair to the diaper bag.

7. Navy Chevron Patemm Changing Pad Pottery Barn Kids

If there was ever a diaper-changing essential, the Patemm Pad is it. A round changing pad that actually accommodates your growing child AND all of the accoutrements? Say no more. Patemm Pads not only have stylish prints, but they’re also mom-invented. This chevron print is exclusive to Pottery Barn Kids this Spring, so be sure to grab one while you can.

8. timi & leslie diaper bag Sophia – Lemon Yellow & Shadow White

Beyond the color scheme on this board, style and function are the other overlapping themes. Timi & Leslie diaper bags are synonymous with style while remaining functional. Like many other moms on the go, I don’t have time to switch from diaper bag to work or evening bag. Seriously. One of the greatest compliments is when a non-mom friend compliments my diaper bags, thinking they’re “regular” bags.
The Sophia bag in Lemon Yellow and White, which is part of the Convertible Collection, is a roomy bag with a variety of pockets, yet maintains a sleek satchel silhouette on the exterior. I like that this bag looks like leather, but is a vegan-friendly material. And going back to functional, I’m absolutely loving the clutch that’s included. It’s all about the details!

Pinterest President’s Day Activities

Like many grade-schoolers, my Trans-Kindergartner has off today for Presidents’ Day. Today was one of the few days off that didn’t get taken away because of snow/Sandy make up days. With that said, we plan to do a few activities in honor of our Presidents.

Even though he’s come home telling me stories about our presidents every day for the past few weeks, I have to really wonder if my 5-year-old is actually absorbing the lessons he’s being taught. And because I’m big on enrichment activities at home to continue the conversations started at school, I love referring to PInterest. Like so many others, Pinterest is an invaluable resource for non-teacher parents. So, while many of you are pinning recipes and fabulous crafts, (I do that too), I’m usually pinning grade-appropriate lessons for my kids.

So here are just a few President’s Day activities that I have bookmarked for our day today.

This is a link to a collection of President’s Day activities.  I like that it includes past presidents like Washington and Lincoln, but it also includes an activity featuring our current presidents.  I haven’t seen too many of those, which, to me, makes it worth the $5.00 fee. Source: Teacher’s Notebook

Source: teachersnotebook.com via Jen on Pinterest

This is a fun-looking sight reading book, but this features Washington, making it timely for today’s holiday.  The word, “he” looks like the main word, so it’s perfect for early readers.  This activity book is $.90.  Source:  Teachers Pay Teachers via Maria Manore.

Source: teacherspayteachers.com via Jen on Pinterest

This will be the main activity for us while the baby naps later today.  Biggie is all about these mini books because he gets to color, cut and construct.  Best part? It’s free, well other than the ink and supplies.  Thank you, Ready, Set Read for this wonderful, free resource!

Are we following each other on Pinterest? Find me at jenrab on Pinterest!

Dinosaur Train Submarine Adventure Debuts on PBS

Buddy and the Dinosaur Train gang are heading out on yet another educational adventure. This time, the dinosaurs will head out to sea on a new vessel, the Dinosaur Train Submarine, where they’ll learn about sea creatures from the Dinosaur Age. In their travels, the dinosaurs will see things they’ve never seen such as, Otto Ophthalmosaurus to Archelon turtles.

On February 18, PBS Kids will showcase The Jim Henson Company’s Dinosaur Train Submarine Adventure, which is an hour-long feature. To coincide with the hour-long adventure, Dinosaur Train will also feature new content online and on mobile devices. The special will also be available on DVD starting February 19 for $9.99.

As water lovers, we loved learning about the amazing sea creatures from the Dinosaur Age. Being under the sea with the Dinosaur Gang was a fun change of pace and, not surprisingly, educational and eye-opening. Since it’s debuting today on PBS, if you’re home with the kids for President’s Day, make sure you tune in for this fun feature.  Thank you to our friends at PBS Kids for sending along a screener and coloring pages!

Full disclosure:  As a PBS Kids VIP, it’s an honor to share news about the various PBS Kids properties.  I am not compensated as a VIP, and as always, opinions on NKT are my own.

Toy Fair 2013: Day 1

It’s that time of year again! While it may be snowy, icy and all around dismal here in NYC, toy makers’ latest wares are sizzling under spotlights here at the Javits Center.

These next few days on the west side of Manhattan are all about the next big thing or…the next kid thing, if you will.

For my first day at the fair, I had a long day of scheduled meetings with mostly closed booths. Even though the fair is closed to the public, many bigger companies have closed booths to control traffic, among other reasons.

Untitled
For day 1, I met with Playmobil, VTech, Moose Toys, Jazwares, Tomy, Educational Insights, Learning Resources, and then PR companies, Freeman and Southard. I’ll have much more photos on Flickr and more details in upcoming posts, but here are som initial thoughts from my day.

I was excited to start my day off at Playmobil, one of my all time favorites. This company, well known for their intricate kid-powered playsets, doesn’t disappoint with their latest upcoming additions. A few sets from their new and upcoming lineup that caught my eye include: the dinosaur set, Playmobil 123 take barn and firestation take along sets, deep sea submarine (which has an underwater motor!) and the pretty sweet pony ranch.
Untitled
What I’m most looking forward to seeing are the hotel, Pop Star and their piece d’resistance, the Western sets (for which their booth paid a nod!) I particularly loved the rock star vibe of Pop Star, and how it features music playback and complementing lights. Even better, this set is a U.S. exlusive for this global line.
Untitled

Untitled

VTech
Vtech which gets a lot of love in our home, undboutedly has a lot of new toys that both of my kids (1 and 5) love.
For babes, Go Go Smart Wheels is an intuitive track and vehicle system for the toddler set. I enjoyed watching the chubby colorful cars go over the smart points, which would relay interesting info about surrounding areas when crossed over.
Untitled

Innotab 2 Baby caught my eye because I have a baby in this age range and I love/write about tech, too. While I appreciate and know that babies love gadgets as much as most kids and parents, I’m sort of unsure if there’s really a specific need for this. I guess there is, since VTech made it, but I’m such a fan of print, that it’s hard for me to get behind a tablet for babies. It’s geared to 12months and up, but I truly will have to learn more about it first hand to give a thorough review/thoughts.

Untitled

On the upside, VTech’s Switch and Go Dinos is expanding this awesome line. I’m truly surprised this toy didn’t win accolades for the boy category. (I can confirm this later) The Mega T-Rex/Construction Vehicle can obey commands. Like a robot! Will have a video to update soon!

UntitledUntitled

I have more, but I need to hit the ground running! Will be back with more!

TimetoPlayMag.com Debuts Price Comparison Tool; Doc McStuffins is the IT Toy

Ok, so, we haven’t even had a chance to cook our Thanksgiving dinners yet, much less digest this holiday, but ready or not, the holiday shopping season is underway.  I have my lists penciled in, but nothing firm quite yet, not to mention, we’re still finalizing our Holiday Gift Guide with quite a few last minute submissions.

With that said, shopping, no doubt, takes a bit of planning.  Just in time for the holiday shopping season, my friends at TimetoPlayMag.com have just debuted their new price comparison tool which provides users with live pricing details of the hottest toys and games.  For bargain hunters, online shoppers and even those braving the Black Friday/Gray Thursday sales, this tool is geared to make shopping for the best deal seamless and more efficient. This tool tracks product inventory and prices at five major retailers, updating information in real-time.

At a recent lunch I hosted, toy industry expert and TimetoPlayMag.com Editor-in-Chief, Jim Silver, reminded us that their web resource offers thorough reviews and information on toys and playthings and not selling toys, underscoring the difference between their site’s price comparison tool and online shopping outlet tools.

When asked which toy will be the hard-to-find toy this year, Jim mentioned that Just Play’s Doc McStuffins Time for Your Checkup Doll will be the one. Not all retailers ordered this doll as of a few months ago, so expect there to be a shortage, making her hard to find.  The show is wildly popular—my five-year-old boy loves this show.  Jim made the parallel that Doc McStuffins is like Pixar’s Toy Story, but for preschoolers. This show that focuses on a little girl who is a “toy doctor” to all of her toys is both catchy and cute. Knowing this info I had to take a screenshot of this doll and the price comparison tool.  And sure enough, the doll (which I adore btw) is not currently available at Target and out of stock at two other retailers. As of right now, Doc McStuffins is at Toys R Us and WalMart in-store.  I clicked on both stores and it appeared that neither retailer offered the doll online.  So, I can only assume Doc McStuffins is available at the store.

My friends have been searching for this doll since they came out.  Word of the wise, if you see her on the shelf and know a DocMcStuffins fan, grab her!

I’ve yet to decide whether or not I’ll hit the sales tomorrow or Friday, but on the hunt for a few deals on toys for my nephews, I’m totally loving the locator on TimetoPlayMag.com’s price comparison tool. The less driving for the best deals makes for a happy, albeit exhausted shopper.  I think this feature is a brilliant complement to an already comprehensive site for all things toys.  A small business supporter, I hope to see the small toy stores included in the future.

Full disclosure:  I am a TTP Parent Panelist and I contribute a monthly blog post to TimetoPlayMag.com.  I hosted a lunch with several of my blogging friends recently as part of my TTPPP duties.  As always, all opinions on NKT are my own.

Trick or Treating with Trash Pack and Blingles

As everyone has turkey and stuffing on the brain, we’re just now getting Halloween off of ours. Thanks to Superstorm Sandy, a Nor’easter and the debilitating effects these weather systems left in their wrath, unfortunately, Halloween came and went for many kids here in the Northeast.  And quite honestly, that was ok.

As more homes got their power back, families started picking up the pieces and normalcy started to settle in, it was the kids who reminded us the importance of resiliency. And for our community, even though Halloween was postponed twice, we got together and held our own Trunk or Treat.

IMG_9920

Little monsters, goblins, Power Rangers and yes, even my Aqua Bats, paraded up and down the parking lot, from car to car, collecting treats galore.  If I say so myself, I’ve always, had a blast picking out the “best” candy for my block, especially since we don’t get that many kids. I usually do the whole candy bars, which I always find on sale at Costco, but this year, next to my Snickers and Milky Ways, we had even MORE awesome treats: the non-edible variety.
IMG_9910-54

Moose Toys, the makers of beloved Trash Pack and Blingles, among other fun toys, sent me a box full of Series 2 Trash Pack blind packs and Blingles to give out to my Trick or Treaters.  Quite frankly, it was tough prying the Trash Packs away from my 5 year old, but after much convincing, Biggie ended up loving handing out the Trash Packs and Blingles packs to his fellow T or Ters.  And because it was a smaller group at our Trunk or Treat, we had plenty of candy and treats to go around.  As one of the little girls who came back for seconds, nay, fifths and sixths, said: “our trunk was the best stop of all.”  Hey, we aim to please around here.

-55IMG_9941
There’s much to be said about handing out fun collectibles that the kids already love.  Trash Pack has been quite the sensation for school aged kids that I know; so, it was fun watching the kids’ eyes light up when they saw our stash to give away.  As with most collectibles, these funny and quirky guys are conversation-starters with boys and girls alike.  In this digital age, it takes something special to get these kids looking up and AT you, away from their digital devices.

IMG_9936
-56
In our house, the Trash Pack resides next to super heroes and My Little Pony characters. Biggie loves this Series 2 line of characters, and has already asked the Guy in Red for Series 3. As for the Blingles, in a house full of boys, I can’t get enough sparkle.  I can’t wait to bling out whatever I can get my hands on; better yet, I can’t wait to share Blingles with my nieces who appreciate a good sparkle.

IMG_9913
Many thanks to Moose Toys for giving the kids in my community a little more reason to smile after Sandy washed away our Halloween.

Shopping tip

I’ve seen the Trash Pack toy accessories and the DS game from Activision in my NKT research and shopping travels.  At $14.99, the Trash Pack Mega Pack is poised to be featured as one of  Toys ‘R’ Us Black Friday Specials per BFads.net.

Full disclosure:  I was not compensated, but was sent product samples to share and give out.  As always, all opinions on NKT are my own.

How to help families affected by Hurricane Sandy

It’s been a LONG while since I’ve updated, but since I’m connected with most of you on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, then you already know by now that like so many others in the Northeast, my family has been without power for about a week. Though our inconvenience is nothing compared to many others in our area, it has, nonetheless, been a struggle to find warmth, food and other everyday staples. Thankful to still have our home, health and family, we will continue to hang and help as much as we can.

Everyone seems to be helping in their own ways, but in case you’d like to help out those severely affected by Sandy’s wrath, here are some ways:

New York

Staten Island
via my friend Melissa Chapman of Staten Island Family

This is an Amazon registry created to help Staten Isand families affected by Sandy:

http://www.amazon.com/registry/wedding/32TAA123PJR42

http://www.amazon.com/registry/wishlist/3GZB70FY2UBTR/ref=cm_sw_r_fa_ws_DdALqb1E6AYJX

Hurricane Sandy Relief Supplies
c/o Assemblyman Matthew Titone
853 Forest Avenue
Staten Island, NY
10310

Breezy Point, NY
Per the Breezy Point Hurricane Sandy Information Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/BreezyPointHurricaneSandyInformation
They’ve asked for giftcard donations to help those affected by the storm.
(Amazon.com and the selection at convenience/drug stores like Duane Reade and CVS are easy).
Checks payable to: Breezy Point Cooperative Disaster Relief Fund

Send them to: Lee & Kane
2175 Flatbush Avenue
Brooklyn NY, 11234

and/or

send monetary donations to:
Point Breeze Fire Department ?1 Fireman’s Plaza ?Breezy Point, NY 11697

Needed supplies for East Rockaway, NY

Baby Food, Diapers, Coats, Socks, Blankets, Toilet Paper, Sweaters, Garbage Bags, Peanut Butter, Jelly, Bread, Non Perishable Foods, Sweat Pants, Baby Clothes, Personal Care Items, Hats, Gloves, T-Shirts, Underwear, Flash Lights (They still do not have power or Water access) Batteries, Towels, etc.

Ship to: Main Street Fire House, 5 Main St , East Rockaway NY 11518

Beach is covered with toys as well.

New Jersey

Bergen County
Bergen County needs the following:
new clothing, nonperishable food and cleaning products
Ship to:
The Lodi Armory, at 178 Essex Street, the Midland Park Senior Center, at 46 Center Street, and St. Margaret of Cortona Parish, at 31 Chamberlain Avenue in Little Ferry

Stafford County
Stafford Township Storm Relief Center is in need of the following:
Batteries
Flashlights
Baby food
Paper products
Cleaning Supplies
Plastic Cutlery
Hand tools
Pots/Pans
Brushes/Combs
Rubber Bands
Work Gloves
First aid supplies
Non perishable food
Extension Cords
Candles
Dish towels
Dish soap
Small Size Hand Sanitizer

Hand and boot warmers – many people are staying in their flooded
homes without any heat.

Please no used clothing donations.

Many of these locations are in desperate need, but as donations continue to roll in, expect the needs/wants to change. I will update these lists as often as I can. And, please, if you have any additional info, feel free to email me so that I can add and share to my networks.

To donate directly to the Red Cross
https://www.redcross.org/donate/index.jsp?donateStep=2&itemId=prod10002
or
Text REDCROSS to 90999

AppHappy Tots: High Tech Toys

Just the other day, as I was cooking dinner, I happened to look out the window and I saw the neighbor’s four year old little girl toting a brightly colored doll of some sort. But after taking a double take, it wasn’t a doll; in fact, it was a cuddly toy that encased an iPad. Yup. A little girl was walking down the street toting an iPad.

This scenario reminded me of that baby from YouTube who went viral after she got upset that a magazine didn’t swipe like an iPad. As a former print journalist, it was unsettling seeing a young baby was already familiar with a touchscreen, yet didn’t know what a magazine was. It’s the sign of the times…or is it?

In some homes, electronic devices are replacing classic toys, so much so, the landscape of the toy aisle is changing to include new sections geared to these app-centric toys. Electronic toys, app-enabled products and interactive games/toys continue to be in demand as smart phones and tablets win over kids (and their parents.) Educational or purely pleasure, whatever the devices’ intention, toys are shifting paradigms and toy manufacturers are targeting even the littlest toy fans, babies.

As this generation of parents is decidedly a tech-happy set, it’s no wonder even babies are ihappy.

I wrote a little commentary about this very topic over on the Time to Play Parent Panel, but I thought I’d compile just a few notable toys for tech happy tots.

1. HappiTaps is a collaboration between Infantino and TipiTap, and is a plush hybrid appcessory that brings a hand held stuffed animal to life. Babies and kids, 18 months and up, can nurture, listen and sing along to HappiTaps, which comes in either a bear, puppy, kitty or lion character. HappiTaps combines a plush toy and free downloadable app to merge classic play with interactive screen time. In the 19.99 pricerange, HappiTaps is compatible with iPhone 4S, 4 and 3GS and iPod Touch.

2. Woogie 2 from Griffin is another plush toy that encloses an iphone or ipod touch.  The original Woogie caught my eye awhile back, but this one features a new app that brings Woogie to life with 10 fun faces. It’s activated by a variety of actions, such as laughter when the Woogie is tickled, dizziness when the Woogie is shaken, the ability to repeat words and phrases spoken to it, and the tendency to fall asleep when left alone. I’m cracking up that there’s even a Quiet Game when the talk-back feature is disabled. This character, geared to tots 3 and up, retails for $19.99 and the app is free.

3. TeeGee landed on my radar as I was researching this roundup.  These characters are interactive plush animals, but unlike the other toys, the iphone or ipod are hooked up and hidden in the back.  Geared to toddlers and up, TeeGee can play games, tell stories, sing and teach developmentally appropriate educational concepts in conjunction with their age-graded apps. Dubbed the smartest stuffed animal in the Universe, TeeGee was unveiled earlier this year at Toy Fair, but isn’t on shelves yet.  TeeGee LLC creates the next generation of toys and was started with a grant from the Darden Business Incubator by a team of UVA engineers and business school students.  From what I’m reading, TeeGee just might have the grounds to be the next big thing if everything aligns just right. Color me curious on this one. There’s no concrete information on price and release, but will dig more to find out about TeeGee.

4.  Fisher Price’s Laugh and Learn Apptivity Monkey is another plush toy that interacts with baby via a corresponding free app.  The case on the monkey’s belly encloses an iPhone or iTouch, as opposed to its face/head.  This toy, which is geared to babies as young as 6 months old, is prompted by squeezing the hands and feet. I briefly saw this fun guy at the Time to Play Holiday Showcase.  Though I’m apprehensive about too much screen time for babies, the Apptivity Monkey certainly sounds like an innovative toy for the apphappy tots. The Apptivity Monkey is in the $25-30 price range

TimetoPlayMag.com Unveils Holiday 2012 Most Wanted

Last week, my friends at TimetoPlayMag.com unveiled their ‘Most Wanted’ list, and I was onhand to gawk—in the first row, no less! As usual, their list is filled with a wide variety of new and innovative toys, many of which they warn just may be gone by the time Thanksgiving rolls around. As Jim Silver and Chris Byrne suggest, quite a few retailers have aggressive layaway programs, so don’t be surprised if hot toys are already hard to find.

IMG_8800
I loved their list and am excited to get my hands on quite a few of these. With Biggie’s birthday so close to the holidays, it usually coincides with the release of these lists. So, it’s fun to shop for said hot toys and put the others aside for Christmas.

Without further ado, here’s TimetoPlayMag.com’s Most Wanted Holiday 2012 list with my own notes below the toys:
IMG_8952
Thomas & Friends Steam n Speed R/C Thomas
(FISHER-PRICE/Ages 2 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $45)
-I actually just saw this commercial and told Biggie that I’d love this toy even more if it cleaned my floors with that steam. Nevertheless, I expect Thomas fans to swoop this one up in a hurry.

LeapPad 2 Explorer
(LEAPFROG/Ages 3 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $99.99)
-I never did find the LeapPad in last year’s frenzy. I’ve seen this guy twice so far and may try to scour Toys R Us this weekend. It’s awesome, but I’m wondering if I should just buy myself a new iPad and give Biggie the old one?

DOC MCSTUFFINS TIME FOR YOUR CHECKUP DOLL
(JUST PLAY/Ages 3 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $39.99)
-There’s already been chatter about Doc among my friends, and where to find her in stores. We absolutely love this show, and were super excited to see this doll in person at the Disney Holiday preview over the summer. No surprise this newcomer is a big hit already in the toy aisle.

LITTLE TIKES iTIKES CANVAS
(MGA ENTERTAINMENT/Ages 3 years & up/Approx. Retail Price $39.99)
-This thing looks cool, and perfect for the preschool set. It’s a perfect combo of tech and good ol’ fashioned creativity.
IMG_8958

WINX CLUB EVERYDAY CONCERT COLLECTIONS and BELIEVIX DOLLS
(JAKKS PACIFIC/Ages 4 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $12.99 – $13.99)
-Winx looks like such a fun, girly show. Who doesn’t love fairies!?

LEAPSTER GS
(LEAPFROG/Ages 4 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $69.99)
-I love how the Leapster looks like a gaming system, but it’s educational. For the littler guys who think they’re old enough for a DS, but really aren’t the Leapster seems like a perfect alternative.

TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES BASIC FIGURES and DELUXE POWER SOUNDS FX FIGURES
(PLAYMATES TOYS/Ages 4 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $7.99 – $12.99)
-TMNT were huge in our house when we were kids, so I’m actually excited about this line, merely out of nostalgia. My guy loves ninjas, so we’ll see if he’ll appreciate TMNT as well.

LALALOOPSY SOFT DOLLS
(MGA Entertainment/Ages 4 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $14.99)
-I love that Lalaloopsy is still on the list. You can never go wrong with colorful soft dolls.

MY LITTLE PONY PONY PRINCESS WEDDING CASTLE PLAYSET
(HASBRO/Ages 3 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $34.99)
-I have to say, we’re such huge fans of The Hub that we watch My Little Pony all the time. I love the spendor of this castle set. And the price point for that giant thing? What a steal.

IMG_8953

MONSTER HIGH GHOULS RULE DOLLS and MONSTER HIGH HIGH SCHOOL
(MATTEL/Ages 6 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $29.99 – $94.99)
-I’m always intrigued by Monster High…but I get it. This line keeps those almost tweens playing with toys, and most importantly, keeps them young.

MEGA BLOKS SKYLANDERS CONSTRUCTION SETS
(MEGA Brands/Ages 5 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $11.99 – $29.99)
-I can’t type enough exclamation points about just HOW EXCITED I am about these toys!!! On Biggie’s Christmas List for sure! Tiny sheep? Need I say more?

LEGO FRIENDS
(LEGO/Ages 6 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $19.99 – $49.99)
-I’m still torn about LEGO Friends. But since I’m such a fun of LEGO, I still love that they’re included on the Most Wanted list.

IMG_8951
WWE BRAWLIN’ BUDDIES
(MATTEL/Ages 3 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $29.99)
-Boys will be boys, and these buddies are perfect for preschoolers and wrestling fans in general.

BARBIE PHOTO FASHION DOLL
(MATTEL/Ages 6 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $49.99)
-When Barbie merges with tech, you get this. Camera-loving set will get a kick out of her.

APPFINITY APPDRIVE
(SPIN MASTER/Ages 7 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $19.99)
-Toys that have a tech/app component are my absolute favorite. I think these sort of toys are the next big thing, but I definitely need to try it out to see if they’d keep my car and app-loving kid engaged.

FURBY
(HASBRO/Ages 6 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $59.99)
-I am still amazed that Furby is back…just not sure if there will be the same frenzy as the first time around. Nevertheless, this new generation is pretty impressive.

AIR HOGS R/C HELI REPLAY
(SPIN MASTER/Ages 12 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $44.99)
-Helicopters are always getting caught up on my roof and IN my hair, but I do love the Air Hogs line. Innovative toys that simply work well.

NERF N-STRIKE ELITE HAIL-FIRE BLASTER
(HASBRO/Ages 8 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $39.99)
-These look intense, and fun enough for my adult friends to enjoy. The sheer amount of ammo that can be used is enough to buy it for myself.