Summary of Online Toy Reviews

TD Scout Shares Positive Consumer Reviews from Thousands of Websites

By Peter Aoun
January 2010

TDmonthly Magazine’s Review Scout scours the Web weekly for reviews of new and hot products so you don’t have to spend your time searching. Out of thousands of blog, retail and other sites, his research uncovers toys, games and other gifts that are worthy of your attention now.

Check this space for briefs on reviews and ratings from across the nation and even the globe. See recommendations of products consumers love, as well as, for some items, sales reports from retailers who stock them.

Little Capers – Lightning Hero Short Sleeve T-Shirt and Cape by LITTLE CAPERS LLC

This red T-shirt is 100-percent cotton and features a shiny silver lightning bolt plus a detachable cape in shimmery silver. Since Little Capers are not licensed or specific, children are free to imagine their own super hero identity and powers.
— Shannon Komsky, owner of Tough Cookies in Sherman Oaks, reported strong sales of Little Capers in her store in fall 2009, and recommended them as an ideal gift for kids who already have everything. “Technically its clothes,” she told TDmonthly, “but kids get to use their imagination and play with it.”
— Online Reviews: Leighann of Multi-Minding Mom appreciated the gender-neutral shades and the potential for imaginative play, and MomGadget Eliza liked that the superhero outfit is small enough to drop into a purse on the go, so her little girl could become a superhero at any time. On Thingamababy, a reviewer described the apparel as awesome and well made, but noted the capes could perhaps be a bit wider, and the shirt sizes seem to run a tad small. 12/31/2009 (MSRP: $26.99)

Hugg-A-Planet Space Station Earth Moon Mars Set by HUGG-A-PLANET

Hugg-A-Planet is a line of soft, squishable, detailed astronomical bodies. Each Hugg-A-Planet features hundreds of geographic features and destinations illustrated and labeled on the planet’s shell. NASA embraced Hugg-A-Planet as a teaching tool and sent the plush Moon, Mars, and Earth into space aboard the International Space Station. This set celebrates that achievement by including Hugg-A-Planet Earth, Moon, and Mars identical to those currently in orbit.
— Online Reviews: Parents attest to the set’s appeal to children of all ages. The youngest of children are drawn to the set’s bright colors and use the planets as pillows or safe balls. Slightly older children like to find where they live on the Earth. Older kids can use the set for a homework aid as they learn geography and astronomy. The Earth includes a pocket that can be used to store the Moon, and enterprising youngsters have turned this pocket into a storage compartment for their favorite possessions. See Potamus Prefers, Sara Plays House, and Night Owl Mama. 12/31/2009 (MSRP: $49.95)

Swine Flu by GIANTMICROBES

This 5-7" plush doll represents the Influenza A virus H1N1 in an oblong pink shape covered with pink fur and adorned with big red eyes and a pig snout. It is part of a line of educational stuffed "animals" that look like mini microbes. The GIANTmicrobes series turns creepy crawly microscopic organisms into irresistible stuffed toys. Launch date: June 2009.
— Online Reviews: Minnesota Mamas’ Sarah found GiantMicrobes “a fun way to teach your kids about germs and how to stay healthy as well as why they are ill.” The Mom Buzz thought the plush can help kids develop healthy habits, like washing their hands, as well as alleviating fear of medical procedures. 7/1/2009 (MSRP: $8.95)