Important Advisory:

The Asterisk on the Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Lead-Free* Platinum Award list indicates that samples from only one particular batch of these toys tested lead free.  Other production runs or samples of the same products may contain lead.

We have not had the other toys on our website independently tested for lead content. For the future, we are requiring companies to provide us with documentation that their products have been tested by an independent lab and found to be free of surface and embedded lead, as well as phthalates.  

Sleepovers are parent intensive events-so, if you are having a heavy work week- better to say we'll do it another time. If you are having it- you need to have a game plan. Kids come to these events with lots of energy. Part of your plan needs to involve using some of that energy.

Sports Theme

Set up an obstacle course outside for kids to work their way through. For a change of pace you might do rounds of a sports-themed Monopoly game that features your favorite major league team. (USAopoly $34.95 each). Pick from Yankees, Cardinal, Mets, Red Sox, and Dodgers variations. (888) 656-7306.

Having a film to settle kids down with is always a good idea. For a sports minded crowd a sure-fire winner is Remember the Titans-(Walt Disney Home Video $22.98 VHS/$29.99 DVD). A great movie that says some important things about the civil rights movement and the struggles of a newly integrated football team in a small town and how kids put aside their differences and became a team. It's also about kids who become leaders-not just followers. An outstanding family film starring Denzel Washington.

Scavenger Hunt

Here's a classic active game that will appeal to both boys and girls. You can make up your own- but we really love the ideas in Scaventure Kids Game (Scaventure $20) that involves kids in doing more than simply finding stuff. Each card has four tasks. There are things to find and do-tasks that involve drawing, role playing, and fun-doable actions. The winning team is the one that does the most tasks. This would be fun for a family party with mixed ages, too. 6-12 (905) 709-0676.

Spa Theme

Spas are very big with many girls- 7s & up. Testers loved mixing, measuring and using the not too scented cosmetics from these Creativity for Kids' Kits: Make Your Own Smackers Lip Balm ($14) and Body Lotion Kits ($14) Each boxed set comes with enough jars and jells for three. To save some money add one small jar and divide the lotions or balm four ways. These also come in a combo package, a large Smackers 3-in-1 Can ($30) that looks like it will handle a crowd. But they only have six jars /two for each craft- so you'd need to add a lot more jars and divide the cosmetics. Our testers also enjoyed making Spa-la-la Flower Shower Soap (Creativity for Kids $16) that comes with enough glycerin to make four bars. The kit comes with fake flowers that are embedded in the soap. Because the microwave is needed and the glycerin does get very hot, this is a parent intensive project. We also liked the fact that you can skip adding the fragrance. Many of the cosmetic kits designed for kids are inescapably smelly! (800) 311-8684.

Hawaiian Luau Sleep-Over

Our testers loved playing at being Hawaiian Princesses with this Let's Luau Kit (Learning Curve $19.99) that comes with enough felt flowers to make either head dresses or four leis. The kit also includes four plastic grass skirts that hook on with Velcro. (800) 704-8697. www.learningcurve.com.

We were testing the Luau kit when this wonderful "Be a Hula Girl" Video arrived from Hawaii. Our testers followed every motion and learned how to dance and move to the traditional music. You can buy the video alone ($14.95) or they also sell their video with a raffia skirt and beads ($24.95) Their skirt ($9.99) is lush and more of a costume, while the Luau kit involves crafts. Combined with the video it makes for a good party. For snacks we suggest pineapple chunks and strawberries on skewers (808) 573-2731.