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The Independent Guide to Children's Media

Brio Pinball Game

Brio Pinball Game

(Brio $48.99) There are no lights or bells nor batteries for this quiet and handsome pinball game. We don’t want you to be disappointed...this is not your typical pinball. In fact you and your kids have to add up your score at the end of each player’s round by adding the number od balls in each of the slots below. So, there’s a bit of math needed as well as patience and a willingness to try, try again. Getting the balls to jump into the high scoring slots is not easy. The gre

Manhattan Toy Musical Lili Llama

Manhattan Toy Musical Lili Llama

(Manhattan Toy $39.99) A perfect first birthday gift! It’s a musical llama, an activity center with a small but sweet sounding five bar xylophone on top, clappers that sound like castanets on either side, and spinners that twirl around on sides and front. There are two small mallets to play the xylophone and the ratchet sounding ridges on top. And that’s not all. It’s a gaily painted toy with a tail that lifts off and doubles as a maraca. 12 month and up Ages: Young Toddlers

Hape Dante Push and Go

Hape Dante Push and Go

(Hape $28.10) For a first birthday, here’s a rolling toy that on the go tots will love. Dante, the cat simply rolls OR push down lightly on his back and he scoots ahead, but not too fast or too far. This is just about right for kids who are still crawling or just beginning to walk. No strings to pull, kid powered fun that empowers the child. Dante has a jaunty look, a whimsical smile, a waggy tail, and some cause and effect learning. His rubber-rimmed wheels help make him eas

Toy Story 4 Mr. Potato Heads

Toy Story 4 Mr. Potato Heads

(Playskool/Hasbro $14.99 and up) If you love Mr. Potato Head and Toys Story 4, there are several ways to bring him home. There’s an individual, “Spud Lightyear”, ($17.99) a standard size Mr. Potato Head with10 pieces. Or you can buy the cast of the movie, Buzz, Woody, Ducky and Bunny in Mini-pack 4 size ($14.99). This set has fifteen pieces. These mini Potato heads have just three to four parts; their eyes, mouths, and noses are not removable since they would be too small for

Hasbro Yellies

Hasbro Yellies

(Hasbro $7.50) Take your pick of these funny looking little critters, hot pink Lizabelle, green Sal E. Mander, and Echo Grecko. This one is Toofy Spooder, one of many voice activated spiders. Speak softly and they do nothing…raise your voice and watch them jump into action. As the ad says, “The louder you yell, the faster they go.” We found they didn’t need much shouting to move. You never know if they will move forward, backwards, spin or jump. Yes, it’s a novelty toy for wh

Fisher-Price Clean-up and Dust Set

Fisher-Price Clean-up and Dust Set

(Fisher Price $14.99) Cleaning up just got updated. Forget the old broom and mop. Now toddlers, who love sweeping up, have an imitation swifter-style mop and duster wand. The kit also includes a spider web and dust bunny that will stick to the cleaning tools. Pretend play often starts with realistic playthings for role playing. Don't count on the interest in sweeping and dusting lasting. It's a passing thing. Ages: Toddlers, Preschoolers Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Award

Hasbro Tiny Pong

Hasbro Tiny Pong

(Hasbro $19.99) Our testers couldn’t stop playing with this solo table tennis game. It’s like an electronic version of your old paddle ball on an elastic string—remember that? Here the ball is not attached, so it’s a little trickier, but once they get it going they will be working hard to beat their own score. In fact the board lights up has sound effects and counts their score as they play. It takes 3 AAA batteries and you need a screwdriver to open the handle and load it up

Hape Stay Put Rattle Set

Hape Stay Put Rattle Set

(Hape $12.99) Three suction cup rattles that move with a slight swipe of a little hand and each produces a different but quiet and pleasing sound. There’s an octopus, whale and a smiley green turtle. For the sitting up baby this is a beginning toy for making something happen. Ages: Infants Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Award 2019 Click here to purchase the product from Amazon.com

Creativity for Kids Beautiful Butterflies

Creativity for Kids Beautiful Butterflies

(Faber Castell $18.00) Who doesn’t love butterflies? Here’s a kit with three sheer butterflies made of tulle. One is blue and 11” wide and the other two are pink and lavender and almost 7” wide. Since the basic butterflies are so nice, ids are likely to be pleased after they add the sparkle paint and glitter gel from the tubes and add the self-adhesive rhinestones. There are clear instructions and a paintbrush in addition to the paint tubes. Once they’re decorated, use the ha

Manhattan Toy Wimmer-Ferguson Crinkle Zebra Baby Sensory Toy

Manhattan Toy Wimmer-Ferguson Crinkle Zebra Baby Sensory Toy

(Manhattan Toy $9.99) An interesting crinkle fabric toy in high contrast black and white for visual stimulation in the early weeks. It’s a flat unstuffed toy that’s light enough for baby to grasp and examine. The back is green with a pattern of tiny dots and the striped zebra also has three little ribbons for its mane. Designed to stimulate baby’s sensory learning with things to see, hear, and touch. A good lap toy for early interactions. Ages: Infants Oppenheim Toy Portfolio

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