Learning to use a pair of scissors to cut along a line is not an instantaneous skill. Doing so, just got easier with these cleverly designed plastic scissors that can be used by both righties and lefties. No little fingers have to slip into place, you grip them with the whole hand and snip away. You can buy the scissors separately or in a kit with cut out creatures that kids cut, assemble and glue into place. The sturdy patterned paper has guide lines for beginners and the kit everything (glue stick, wiggly eyes, animal print paper, frames, and scissors) they need for making a menagerie of ten animals. There are no sharp points and the scissors cut through thick paper without a problem. There are simple directions as well as yarn to hang their finished creature creations. Be forewarned: these marvelous safety scissors are capable of cutting hair, so be on the look-out for small barbers in training. They say 4 & up...we'd say 5's are likely to have more success.
         The company has signed a verification form complying with our safety requirements. We did not independently test this toy in a lab.

The design of these scissors will make cutting a lot easier for children who would have difficulty with the finger holds in classic scissors. Don't get caught up with cutting on the lines for beginners. Just the act of cutting a line or a curve is a big deal. The scissors are sold without the kit and are a good craft item to introduce--without the structure of the kit. Use them for cutting scrap paper and making colorful collages.

Age: Preschool, Early School Years. Award Year: 2010. Click here to purchase the product on Amazon.com.