2005 Holiday Gift Review - Late Additions

the Review Source

Crafts

Oriental Trading  www.oriental.com

• Favorite Features -

  • three sheets with words you can use on crafts or add to cards for a special touch

   

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• Favorite Features -

  • easy to make

  • includes one dozen kits

  • complete craft kit includes all the parts you need to make your house

  • easy enough for preschoolers to assemble with a little help

  • encourages imagination as you allow children to decorate as they like

  • great for a child to make and give as a gift

• Favorite Features -

  • easy to make

  • includes everything you need to make one dozen candles

  • easy, enjoyable craft for children and adults

  • make and give as gifts!

   

      You can absolutely depend on Oriental Trading to provide you with a wealth of quality and fun craft resources for any time of the year! Consider selecting a few kits for your children to make as gifts to give the people on their lists as this allows them to show their own sense of creativity as they make their gifts for grandparents, teachers, etc. Tremendously well done, Oriental Trading!

Electronics

• Favorite Features -

  • compact size with built in speakers and music storage

  • 5/2 MB of memory for 120 MP3 tracks on 240 WMA files - downloadable with USB connection

  • 10 preset FM stations

  • alarm clock function

  • includes headphones and rechargeable battery and travel case

   

      I really like the small, compact design, of the GoGear! Philips clearly has given considerable attention to design, function and quality. I appreciate how easy it is to find room for it at work and home! Tremendously well done, Philips!

Games

• Favorite Features -

  • no, or very little violence - Myst IV contains some wrestling, hunting and violent intent

  • puzzle-solving format requires player to take clues from places throughout the game to move ahead.

  • new, developing storyline - the story is new/original to the games, not based on a book or movie. it has a good plot which continues in each game.

  • incredible graphics with beautiful scenes - the environments are very much a part of the game and have a realistic look to them

  • encourages patience, problem solving, memory and imagination

   

      Tremendously well done! It is obvious much creativity, imagination and thought went into the development of these games! Our reviewer especially liked the creative/story based theme as opposed to an action based theme. The characters and settings and engaging and the game is challenging! Excellent video game choice!

   

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Movies

Disney -

• Favorite Features -

  • Includes JoJo's Circus, Higglytown Heroes and Shanna's Show

  • each story provides opportunities for parents to talk with children about what really matters at Christmas

  • reinforces value of family

  • excellent animation and color

  • fun characters

  • bonus features add to the fun

   

      Tremendously well done, Disney!  I like the combination of favorite characters with sound lessons children will understand and remember!

• Favorite Features -

  • Includes Lizzy McGuire, That's So Raven, Even Stevens, Suite Life of Zack and Cody and Kim Possible

  • reinforces important lessons about family, and caring about others

  • extra features includes an extra story

   

      Extremely well done, Disney! I like seeing the characters from Disney Channel programming reinforcing the true value and importance of Christmas.

• Favorite Features -

  • three disc sets provides 27 episodes from the cartoon series

  • brings back favorite Duckburg Pals as well as the Rescue Ranger team

  • colorful animation

   

      My children enjoyed these shows when they originally released on TV. The DVDs make it easy for a new generation to enjoy these stories that encourage making the right choices, family and helping others.  Extremely well done, Disney!

• Favorite Features -

  • 13 episodes

  • stories encourage family, friends, character, loyalty and making the right choices

  • compelling, enjoyable stories and characters

   

      I loved the series when it ran on TV and am happy to see it on DVD for another generation to enjoy! Tremendously well done, Disney!

• Favorite Features -

  • Rated G

  • Powerful, classic stories of love and loyalty

  • moving, sure to be a favorite for another generation

  • includes animated short and more special features

   

      Old Yeller is such a classic movie, I'm glad to see Disney bringing it from their vaults to release on DVD. The story is very intense for children, but provides a wealth of opportunities for families to talk about important topics, obeying, family, loyalty and more! Extremely well done, Disney!

• Favorite Features -

  • Rated PG for action violence and mild language

  • story has lots of action for children to enjoy as the classic, good vs evil unfolds in this story

  • children will really like the "good guys"

  • bloopers and extra special features add to the fun

    Provides opportunities for families to talk about important topics like humility, being loyal to your friends, doing your best, family, choices and more! Extremely well done, Disney!

 

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Sony Pictures

• Favorite Features -

  • Rated PG for brief language and suggestive content

  • fun and funny, sure to become a holiday favorite

  • gives families a lot to talk about - telling the truth, treating others well and helping those who may not have treated you well.

   

      Truly enjoyable, this movie will have you laughing - invite friends over and enjoy this one together! Tim Allen is great in his portrayal of Mr. Krank! Tremendously well done, Sony!

Stocking Stuffers

Oriental Trading  www.oriental.com

• Favorite Features -

  • 1 dozen items to a package

  • tasty and fun

   

      Fun, unique, shaped holiday candies are sure to bring delight to the eyes of a child on Christmas Morning! Tremendously well done, Oriental Trading!

• Favorite Features -

  • Three designs

  • fun snowmen with bell "bodies"

  • 1 dozen items to a package

Fun, add on, stocking stuffer and small gift exchange item! Extremely well done, Oriental Trading!

 Toys

Boy's toys, RCs, etc.

Kid Galaxy  

DRV - SUV & Plane Ages 8+

• Favorite Features -

  • full function RV/SUV

  • durable EPP Foam Plane

  • Plane charges in 10 seconds

  • easy push button remote launches plane

  • left/right steering

  • same remote controls both the SUV and the plane

  • encourages hand/eye coordination, fine motor skills and imagination

    Great RC for middle-age kids! Clearly designed with creativity, imagination and fun in mind! Tremendously well done, Kid Galaxy!

• Favorite Features -

  • RC ready to fly

  • twin engine propellers

  • 300' Flight Range

  • left/right control

  • charges in four minutes

  • available in two color combinations

  • encourages hand/eye coordination and imagination

    I'm so happy to see RC options for children in the 8+ age group that are cool and allow them to experience the fun of RCing!  Tremendously well done, Kid Galaxy!

Preschool toys

• Favorite Features -

  • Available in design/color combinations

  • each car includes blocks, wheels, connectors, roof and passengers

  • encourages creative thinking, hand/eye coordination, fine motor skills, imagination and interactive play

  • open-ended building allows child to create

  • durable - these toys will last and make great items to save and pass on to future generations

    Automoblox has creatively and successfully combined blocks, cars, shape sorters and puzzles to encourage creativity, imagination and true enjoyment in young children!  I am tremendously impressed with these unique toys children will absolutely have a blast playing with while encouraging them to develop their own sense of creativity, imagination and style!  Tremendously well done, Automoblox!

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