the Review Source
k'Nex
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Racers Ages 5+ |
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Favorite Features -
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411 pieces to build more than 20 models
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works with other building sets for added value and versatility
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illustrated step by step instructions
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encourages imagination, fine motor skills, paying attention to instructions and details
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Dinosaurs Ages 5+ |
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Favorite Features -
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334 pieces to build more than 20 models
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add batteries for "roaring" sounds
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works with other building sets for added value and versatility
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illustrated step by step instructions
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encourages imagination, fine motor skills, paying attention to instructions and details
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Loopin' Lightening Coaster Ages 9+ |
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Favorite Features -
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622 pieces - enough to build two coasters
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finished coaster is 3.6 feet tall
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motorized coaster - really moves!
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encourages imagination, fine motor skills, paying attention to instructions and details and beginning engineering skills
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additional building plans on line
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completely illustrated step by step instructions
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Lava Launch Coaster Ages 9+ |
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Favorite Features -
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1303 pieces - enough to build two coasters
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finished coaster is 4 feet tall
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motorized launcher - really moves!
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encourages imagination, fine motor skills, paying attention to instructions and details and beginning engineering skills
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additional building plans on line
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completely illustrated step by step instructions
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Any child, particularly a boy who loves to think and build, will love these k'nex building sets! Excellent items to give as a family gift to a family with children about the same age so they can all build together! Each building set builds on the skills learned in previous levels and allows children/families to have great fun together as they learn how things go together and work! A classic toy for an excellent reason! Tremendously well done!
Mattel
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Tyco RC Stunt Psyco Ages 8+ |
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Favorite Features -
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turbo power and flips add to the fun
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rc does wheelies and spins
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multi-terrain ability - grass, sand, pavement - wherever!
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"eyes" light up
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uses 6 AA batteries or 9.6V battery charger
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Boys will love learning all the stunts this rc is capable of! The red and black color and big wheels add to the overall look - very cool! Extremely well done!
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Polly
Pocket Ages 4+ |
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Favorite Features -
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movable roller coaster takes Polly through the resort
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includes 25 pieces including Polly
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encourages imagination, interactive play and role playing
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play on the coaster or at the disco, bedroom, spa, pool, buffet . . . many places to play!
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Fans of Polly will love this new roller coaster resort! Extremely well done!
Mega Brands
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Streetz City Pursuits Ages - 6+ |
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Favorite Features -
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221 piece set includes a motorized LED R/C pursuit chopper with working
search light, a light-up motorized mobile command unit, two stunt vehicles a speed
booster and cool stunt ramps -
encourages hand/eye coordination, creativity, imagination and construction skills
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Streetz combines building set and mini vehicles for fun elementary age
boys will enjoy! Kids build and
customize their own city, then bring it to life with cool tech micro
scale vehicles. In Streetz, the vehicles are the heroes, hitting the
ramps, blasting through barriers, and tearing around loops. The Streetz
world contains a huge assortment of collectible vehicles like exotic
sports cars, SUV’s and trucks. Each set is compatible with all others
so kids can collect, and build the entire world of Streetz and
customize their city! Tremendously well done!
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Battle Strikers Turbo Tops Tournament Set Ages 6+ |
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Favorite Features -
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includes two launchers, two strikers, two controllers and arena
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encourages strategy, coordination and fun!
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Battle Strikers rev up through their Turbo Launchers and then release
to do battle. Kids have control of the Strikers at their fingertips
and can battle on any surface, anywhere! With an innovative
magnetic finger controller, featuring MagNext™ technology, they drive
their Strikers into battle and knock opponents out of the
game using the force of magnetism! Extremely well done!
Curious Chef
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6 Piece Cookie Kit |
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Favorite Features -
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includes a whisk, large silicone mixing spoon, non-stick rolling pin, nylon cookie turner, butterfly and bear cookie cutters, recipe, shopping list and stickers
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ergonomic handles sized for small hands
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heat safe to 420 degrees F
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items made from food safe plastic and stainless steel
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dishwasher safe
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encourages learning a new skill, confidence, following directions, math skills, reading skills, interacting and creativity
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I love this kit - great gift idea for children and even to give as a family gift! Add your favorite cookie recipes, some ingredients such as sprinkles and even a cookie jar for a gift the entire family will enjoy over and over again! Tremendously well done!
Jakks Pacific
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Discovery
Kids Ages 6+ |
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Favorite Features -
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includes binocular eyepiece, shoulder strap and collapsible tripod
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land and sky viewing
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lightweight and portable
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encourages discovery and learning
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This telescope will open the world to children by allowing them to get close up views of nature! Tremendously well done!
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Style Six Airbrush Ages 8+ |
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Favorite Features -
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includes airbrush devise with pen handle, one of each yellow, purple, black and red Blopens markers, three stencil sheets, step by step illustrated instructions
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encourages creativity and imagination
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The creative girl on your list will love this Airbrush and the opportunity it gives her to design and create her own "look"! Tremendously well done!
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Sing Scene Pop Ages 8+ |
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Favorite Features -
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includes mic and cord to plug into your tv
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plays music and words for 20 songs
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scrolling lyrics and vocal meter allow kids to "compete"
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Unique and fun this is a video game the budding singer on your list is sure to love! Extremely well done!
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Girl Gourmet Cake Bakery Ages 8+ |
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Favorite Features -
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all food ingredients are made in the USA
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includes cake bakery base, two cake mixes, four fondant mixes, sprinkles, gel, decorator, decorator wheel, microwave baker and lid, mixing bowl, cake mold, measuring spoon, tray, spatula, fondant cutters, utensil holder, mat, rolling pin, gel cartridges, cartridge cleaning brush, four recipes and instructions
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cakes bake in the microwave in 30 seconds
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includes a flyer from Duff, the Ace of Cakes
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encourages imagination, creativity, following a recipe, math skills and cooking skills
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For the girl on your list who loves to cook, or who has shown an interest in doing so, this set is a great gift! Extremely well done!
ToyQuest
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NFL Pro-Bots Ages - 4+ |
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Favorite Features -
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available for nine pro teams - quarterbacks - we reviewed Eli Manning from the New York Giants
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Push button head flips between robot and player
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robo grip - magnetic hand carries a football
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fully posable with 25 points of articulation
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authentic NFL licensed item
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This action figure is one boys who love football are sure to enjoy! It would be cool if they were really robots, but they are a great action figure! Great for gift exchanges - even for adults who are really into their favorite football team! Extremely well done!
Hasbro
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Strawberry Shortcake Berry Cafe Ages 4+ |
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Favorite Features -
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includes Strawberry Shortcake, berry cafe, furniture, treats, clothes and ride-on spinning bird
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encourages interactive, imaginative play
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folds up for storage and the pieces fit inside
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This playset has everything a little girl could want for hours of fun! Extremely well done!
The Learning Journey International
| Techno Gears Marble Mania | ||
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Genius Mega Ages 8+ |
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Favorite Features -
- Genius set has over 500 pieces
- Mega set has more than 430 pieces
- both sets have motorized gear with power lifters which automatically return marbles to the top
- both sets have sound chamber and rotating gears as well as instructions
- Genius set has five independent marble tracks with loops
- Mega set has dual marble tracks with marble twister
- encourages scientific learning with basic mechanics concepts, tactile/motor skills, thinking/learning skills with problem solving and self-confidence
These sets are amazing! Children - and their parents, too - will have extreme fun as they build sets to run the marbles through! If you have a family with older elementary age children consider one of these sets as a family gift, add some popcorn for a unique gift they will not only enjoy greatly, but will also learn from! Tremendously well done!
