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Recent Reviews:
 Name: KeyChain Misting Fan
Company: IELLO
Age: 6 and up
Price: $3.99
Category: Water Activities
What is it?
The Key Chain Misting Fan allows one to carry their keys and have a handy spray mist on those hot days. Conveniently fitting into the palm of the hand, it’s like a mini spray bottle with a key ring attachment. Just pour water in the small tank and seal with the rubber stopper, which is included. Insert a AA battery and turn on the fan, and then spray the water manually.
What We Thought
The misting fan works well, and is made of a flexible but sturdy foam rubber material. When spraying while the fan is in operation, sometimes fingers get in the way of the fan. The spray button has to be pressed repeatedly for the water mist, and the fan can work independently of the water spray. It’s a great little item that fits into a beach bag and even a purse, so that a fine cool mist is always handy.
Why They’ll Want It
A great product for the hot summers, this item will work well at the beach, sporting events, picnics or any outdoor recreational event.
O2-Cool´s Directory Listing
--Susan Maddela, 5/3/05
Learn more about KeyChain Misting FanBack to top
 Name: Squeeze Breeze Water Misting Fan
Company: IELLO
Age: 6 and up
Price: $5.99
Category: Electronics
What is it?
The Squeeze Breeze is a spray bottle with a battery-operated fan attached to the nozzle. Fill the bottle with water. Insert two AA batteries into the nozzle head. Just flip the switch and the fan spins while you manually spray the water.
What We Thought
The spray bottle alone is made of durable plastic that sprays a nice even mist. The handy carrying strap makes for easy transport to the beach, or other hot places where a fine, cool mist is welcome. The propellers of the fan are made of a soft, flexible foam rubber material that better distributes the mist and aids in keeping a person cool. The propellers, however, do sometimes get caught on the spray nozzle, and need to be bent out of the way so that the fan can properly work.
Why They’ll Want It
It’s a nice way to keep cool in the summer, and for a relatively low price. It’s a great impulse buy and would display well near a cash register and/or in a section of a store that sells outdoor products such as beach chairs and coolers.
--Susan Maddela, 5/3/05
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 Name: Bratz Sportz, Slammin' Soccer Yasmin
Company: MGA ENTERTAINMENT
Age: 6 and up
Price: $9.99
Category: Dolls
What is it?
The Sportz line is the latest from MGA’s group of girls we love. In line with the dolls’ theme of confidence, swagger and attitude, these sporty girls will tear up the field, golf course, bowling alley or sidelines and look good doing it! Yasmin has long braided hair, cleats, long socks, a stylish soccer skort and midriff top. Also included are her very own soccer ball, gym bag, collectible sticker and star-shaped hair brush. The Sportz line also includes Rockin’ Cheerleader, Groovin’ Golf and Bangin’ Bowlin,’ all of whom boast, “It’s not just a game…it’s how good you look winning it!”
What We Thought
The Bratz never disappoint! Yasmin can kick a goal without her makeup getting smudged. Her eyes are perfectly shadowed and her lips a red hue. Her hair is coiffed just right for the soccer match, and she’s ready to take on the fiercest opponent. Yasmin stands about nine inches tall, and she’s easy to move and position at the arms, head, and legs.
Why They’ll Want It
With more girls embracing sports, and more opportunities for girls to play sports, the Sportz line will is right in step with today’s young athletes. The Bratz prove that fashion and good looks don’t have to be sacrificed just because a girl is good at sports. There truly is an outfit for every occasion. And girls will not only want to buy Yasmin, but they’ll also want to buy Yasmin’s friends!
--Susan Maddela, 5/3/05
Learn more about Bratz Sportz, Slammin' Soccer YasminBack to top
 Name: Bibble
Company: MATTEL INC.
Age: 3 and up
Price: $14.99
Category: Plush
What is it?
Part of the Barbie Fairytopia line, Bibble is the winged pet of fairy Elina. Bibble joins Elina on her adventures in the Magic Meadow of Fairytopia, where Elina lives with her other friends, Dahlia and Dandelion. A plush toy with turquoise and lavender fur, Bibble makes a whistling, chirping sound when he gets a squeeze. Bibble requires three AA batteries.
What We Thought
The exterior of the toy is soft over a plastic interior. Its durability will last many hours of playtime and cuddling.
Why They’ll Want It
Fairytopia is the latest line of Barbie dolls, and little girls will love the whimsical feel of this new line.
--Susan Maddela, 4/15/05
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 Name: American Idol Barbie - Tori
Company: MATTEL INC.
Age: 5 and up
Price: $19.99
Category: Dolls
What is it?
Based on the popular TV reality show, American Idol Barbie is one of the latest in the Barbie line, and comes in three different characters – Tori, Simone and Barbie. Tori has cascading red hair with braids and comes with two edgy, trendy outfits, along with matching accessories. All three American Idol girls have “Ever-Flex” bodies, making movement and positioning easy. Also included are three miniature CDs and her very own working karaoke machine. Just press the button and she’ll sing “What I Like About You.” The karaoke machine requires three AAA batteries.
What We Thought
The “Ever-Flex” makeup of the dolls allows for freer movement, more so then the traditional Barbie doll. The colors of her hair and makeup and unique, cool and match the “rocker” image of Tori. The karaoke machine only plays one line of the song, as opposed to the whole song, then fades to silence.
Why They’ll Want It.
With the popular TV show still in full swing, young girls will love this new Barbie line that plays off the show. Retailers will love this doll because it appeals to fans of both Barbie dolls and American Idol.
--Susan Maddela, 4/15/05
Learn more about American Idol Barbie - ToriBack to top
 Name: My Vacation: A Picture, Play & Tote Book
Company: PICTURE ME PRESS
Age: 3-7
Price: $6.99
Category: Books
What is It?
My Vacation is a 10-page cardboard book with a handle for little hands and 6 built-in frames in which children can insert vacation pictures. The book is colorful and includes a poem that tells a story about the accompanying pictures. Each insert contains a suggestion about what kind of picture to include so as to create viable narrative flow.
What We Thought
This product is simple yet creative and practical. It allows children to document family vacations in a unique and colorful way, which will help children (and parents, for that matter) preserve priceless vacation snapshots.
Why They’ll Want It
Kids love pictures – they love taking them, being in them, looking at them, and looking at them again. This book is small, lightweight, cute and manageable. It makes the perfect novelty or impulse buy and is a cherished keepsake for youngsters.
--Andrew Robinton, 4/15/05
Learn more about My Vacation: A Picture, Play & Tote BookBack to top
 Name: Forest Bright, Forest Night
Company: DAWN PUBLICATIONS
Age: 3-8
Price: $8.95
Category: Books
What is It?
In this title from acclaimed children’s author Jennifer Ward and illustrator Jamichael Henterly, the world of the forest comes alive. Someone is always awake in the forest – and someone else is always asleep! Some animals are alert in daytime and sleep at night. Others are alert at night, and are sleepyheads during the day. You can flip this book to flip from day to night – and back again! And when you do, be sure to count the animals you see.
What We Thought
Besides the obvious – that the book is beautifully illustrated and simply told – what is marvelous and unique about this work is its recognition of two different forestall existences and its manifestation of these differences through illustration. There is no correct way to look at the book – upside down is right-side up – as readers perusing the book’s ‘By day’ section must flip the book to view the ‘At night’ section
Why They’ll Want It
The forest world springs to life with Henterly’s vivid illustrations and Ward’s playful language. The perfect after-school snack (figuratively, at least), post-dinner dessert or pre-bed read, ‘Forest Bright, Forest Night’ is, in a single word, alive – and that’s why kid’s will love it.
The only item that would make this book even more pleasurable would be an accompanying soundtrack of animal sounds. But until Dawn Publications throws that into the mix, use your imagination as you read this beauty.
--Andrew Robinton, 4/15/05
Learn more about Forest Bright, Forest NightBack to top
 Name: Bag of Bonz
Company: BAG OF BONZ
Age: 4 and up
Price: $20.00
Category: General Games
What is It?
Bag of Bonz is something you’d find in the Games aisle of your local toy store, not next to the rawhide in the neighborhood pet store. Made of a durable, resin material, these 28 bone-shaped dominoes are the perfect treat for the domino aficionado. In addition to the resin set, the bones also come in a camouflage resin set, a ceramic set, and a bronze set
What We Thought
Why play dominoes with those traditional (and might I say boring) dominoes of yesteryear when you can shift gear and use Bag of Bonz bone-shaped dominoes set? The dominoes are a must have for both long-time domino fans and children looking to learn the game. Stored in a black velveteen bag, the dominoes can be packed up easily and transported with you wherever you go, which makes life so easy. What’s more, the dominoes come with rules for two games: the Bonz “Train” Game and the Bonz Dominoes Game. Personally numbered with a serial code, these bones are a collector’s treat!
Why They’ll Want It
As parents yearn for simple diversions for their children – and children yearn simply for fun – Bag of Bonz is the perfect fit.
--Andrew Robinton, 4/15/05
Learn more about Bag of BonzBack to top
 Name: Elina Doll
Company: MATTEL INC.
Age: 3 and up
Price: $15.99
Category: Dolls
What is It?
Fairytopia is a new line of Barbie dolls who live in the Magic Meadow of Fairytopia. Elina is a whimsical new doll with brightly-colored, magical wings that light up, a dress made of faux flowers, a pink butterfly necklace and matching shoes. Elina flies through the Magic Meadow with her friends, Dahlia and Dandelion. Elina is about the same size and height as Barbie, and her soft golden hair with faux flowers falls to her waist.
What We Thought
Elina’s moveable joints at the shoulders, neck, waist and knees allow for fun pretend play by any little girl. Her beautiful colorful markings on her arms and hands are done with non-toxic paint that will stay put.
Why They’ll Want It
Mattel comes through once again with a Barbie line that little girls will love and want to collect. Included with Elina are her little Bibble and three replaceable AG13 button cell batteries, making it convenient to give as a gift and easy to operate once the package is opened.
--Susan Maddela, 4/15/05
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 Name: The Ooshes
Company: LAVINIA'S WORLD (AURORA LIBRIS CORP.)
Age: 3 and up
Price: $18.99
Category: Plush
What is It?
The Ooshes are a new line of plush toys by Lavinia’s World (ToyShow) that come included with a new series of modern fairy tales by the same name. The dolls come in five appealing candy colors – orange, green, pink, yellow and purple – and each has its own special personality and biography. What We Thought
The velboa exterior, squeezable polyester fill and plastic pellets give The Ooshes a level of softness and warmth rarely seen in plush dolls. The correspondence of color to personality gives each doll a unique image and identity that children can relate to, and the included storybook is a great way to encourage literacy.
Why They’ll Want It
Lavinia’s World has created a product that combines an important ecological and educational message in a soft, lovable and high quality toy at a below average retail price.
- Andrew Robinton 4/4/05
Learn more about The OoshesBack to top
 Name: Farm Friends
Company: BARRON'S EDUCATIONAL SERIES
Age: 1 and up
Price: $9.95
Category: Books
What is It? Barron’s Farm Friends is a colorful cloth book for babies to touch and feel, and enjoy. Each book features eight animal faces: A cow, dog, rooster, rabbit, mouse, duck, lamb, and horse. There is also a Jungle Friends cloth book. What We Thought This is one of those first toys that one’s baby will appreciate. The fabric on the animals is cuddly soft. Additionally, the mouse’s nose squeaks when it is squeezed. The book is lightweight, colorful, and of high quality. Why They’ll Want It Because even if they don’t yet understand just what it is that they’re playing with, babies will come to love the colors, sounds and feel of this toy’s fabric. Back to top
 Name: America Votes
Company: KIDS CAN PRESS
Age: 5 and up
Price: $9.95
Category: Books
What Is It? An illustrated book discussing the processes by which the American President is elected. The book also explains what the job of American President entails as well as the various political parties, the “language of campaigning,” and much more. What We Thought This book is as entertaining as it is informative. The illustrations are vivid and the content is explained in an easy to understand and engaging manner. An excellent choice! Why They’ll Want It Because the complexity of the subject matter is offset with wonderful illustrations and entertaining trivia. Educational children’s books are rarely this fun to read. Back to top
Name: Print-On Magnet
Company: SEIBUN INTERNATIONAL
Age: All Ages
Price: $14.00
Category: Arts & Crafts
What Is It? Three sheets of magnetic paper that can be run through an ink-jet printer to produce images that can then be cut into magnets. What We Thought This is a great way to customize magnets, slogans, make calendars, stick important documents on one’s refrigerator, make magnetic arts and crafts etc. There is almost no limit to the amount of creativity and fun that this product inspires. Why They’ll Want It For all of the magnets one can make with this kit, they would spend a lot more money actually buying magnets from a store. Moreover, even if money is no issue, stores cannot possibly offer all of the wonderful magnet ideas that, with a bit of creativity, can be generated through one’s computer. Back to top
Name: Farm Friends
Company: BARRON'S EDUCATIONAL SERIES
Age: 1 and up
Price: $10.00
Category: Infant & Toddler
What is It? Barron’s Farm Friends is a colorful cloth book for babies to touch and feel, and enjoy. Each book features eight animal faces: A cow, dog, rooster, rabbit, mouse, duck, lamb, and horse. There is also a Jungle Friends cloth book. What We Thought This is one of those first toys that one’s baby will appreciate. The fabric on the animals is cuddly soft. Additionally, the mouse’s nose squeaks when it is squeezed. The book is lightweight, colorful, and of high quality. Why They’ll Want It Because even if they don’t yet understand just what it is that they’re playing with, babies will come to love the colors, sounds and feel of this toy’s fabric. Back to top
Name: SEE-THROUGH PIRATES
Company: RUNNING PRESS BOOK PUBLISHERS
Age: All Ages
Price: $15.95
Category: Books
What is It?
SEE-THROUGH PIRATES is a large, comprehensive and highly illustrated book about pirates. The book is rich in historical facts and includes special, partially transparent pages with vivid pictures of pirates and their ships, equipment, etc.
What We Thought This is quite possibly the best children’s pirate book ever written. The pictures are highly vivid and captivating. Within them, readers will quickly learn what the hull of a pirate ship looks like, what weapons pirates used, how they entertained themselves while at sea, punished prisoners, and much more! It comes as little surprise that the Parent’s Choice Foundation has recommended this book for children.
Why They’ll Want It
Because those dreaded sea predators, pirates, have never ceased to appeal to kids, and this book provides remarkable, vivid images and interesting and highly-detailed facts.Back to top
 Name: Dinosaur Habitat
Company: FAITH KIDZ
Age: 4-7
Price: $15.99
Category: Educational
What is It?
The Dinosaur Habitat is a set of four dinosaurs: Stegosaurus; Triceratops; Tyrannosaurus Rex; Brachiosaurus. The set includes two plastic boulders, two plastic plants, a natural environment playmate, and a backdrop so kids can set up a dinosaur environment anywhere. What We Thought
Playing with dinosaurs never goes out of style. The Dinosaur Habitat is timeless fun that will even bring back good times for adults. As children set up the habitat, they learn about the natural environment and history of the preshistoric age. Why They´ll Want It
What little kid hasn´t played with dinosaurs? Although it´s educational, the Dinosaur Habitat encourages an imaginative play-style that is fun for all. The detailed dinosaur figures can take the child back to a world of raw adventure and survival of the fittest beasts. Back to top
 Name: Formula Fuelers
Company: MATTEL INC.
Age: 6 and up
Price: $19.99
Category: Vehicles - Small Toy
What is It? Formula Fuelers are plastic toy cars that run on whatever there is for kids to drink in the refrigerator. They can also add the included Nitrox2™ liquid, tablets and powders. The goal is for kids to experiment with various combinations of kid-safe household substances in order to find the fastest fuels. Mattel maintains that there is one optimal combination and that it is up to the kids to discover what that is. What We Thought This is one of those toys that’s made for children but gets adults riled up as well. The concept of challenging people to come up with the best liquid concoction invokes a level of curiosity that is simply irresistible. Kids and even adults will find themselves pondering things like-what’s faster, Orange Kool-Aid or root beer and a Nitrox2 tablet? Once fueled and the release button is pushed, the car boasts an impressive engine-rev sound and then screeches away, sometimes remarkably fast. Why They’ll Want It Kids will want to become expert authorities on what the best fuels are---and they’ll want to have car races with their friends to prove the worth of their liquids. Back to top
 Name: Harry & Hannah---The American Adventure Book & Teddy Bear Set
Company: HERRINGTON TEDDY BEAR COMPANY
Age: 3 and up
Price: $22.00
Category: Books
What is It?
The American Adventure Book & Teddy Bear Set is a remarkable book about brother /sister twin teddy bears that embark on an educational journey. The set includes 4.5 inch plush versions of both teddy bears.
What We Thought
Not only does the book present a fun adventure through Harry and Hannah Herrington’s journey across the United States, it also teaches kids about historical landmarks. The story is engaging and the images are superb. There’s even a nicely drawn map of the United States which makes the book highly educational. The teddy bears are high quality and cute.
Why They’ll Want It
Because in one box, kids will get a fun, colorful book, two teddy bears, and a fabulous lesson in geography.
Learn more about Harry & Hannah---The American Adventure Book & Teddy Bear SetBack to top
 Name: My Family Interview Album
Company: MRS GROSSMANS PAPER CO
Age: 8 and up
Price: $12.95
Category: Arts & Crafts
What Is It?
My Family Interview Album by Mrs. Grossman´s (ToyShow) is a 3-ring album designed to illustrate stories, history and even bring families closer together. Layout consists of pages lined for text, and blank pages for photographs. The album includes stickers in a zip-lock pouch to decorate pages and photographs.
What We Thought
This is a fantastic way to interview and get to know family members like grandparents, parents, or even celebrities! More significantly, the Interview Album teaches the importance of documenting family history and events that are often too easily forgotten over time.
Why They’ll Want It
Adults will appreciate the stories told through the eyes and minds of younger ones. Stickers, including the alphabet make story telling an educational and creative activity. My Family Interview Album is an all in one scrapbook that instills the values of journaling, art and history for everyone to enjoy.
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 Name: Frightful Finger Puppets and Door Knob Cover
Company: AURORA WORLD INC.
Age: All Ages
Price: $2.50
Category: Halloween Merchandise
What Is It?
More cute than spooky, these little finger puppets from Aurora are Glow in the Dark laughs. Frightful Finger Puppets fit snuggly over a person´s finger and each have their own haunting costume. The skeleton´s bones glow, as does the pumpkin headed costume. The Jackolantern Door Knob Cover subtly illuminates in the dark and chuckles "Happy Halloween" when squeezed.
What We Thought
Just looking at these guys helps everyone get into the spirit of Halloween. They are soft and cuddly plush, with finger puppet flair.
Why They’ll Want It
Halloween knows no age limit and Frightful Finger Puppets easily amuse children of all ages. No one can deny the lighthearted laughter of finger puppets.Back to top
 Name: 10 Days In Africa
Company: OUT OF THE BOX PUBLISHING
Age: 10 and up
Price: $19.99
Category: General Games
What Is It?
10 Days in Africa by Out of the Box Games is a strategy game where players plot their journey across the continent of Africa. Each player gets two trays of card-holders with spaces numbered for days 1-10. Then cards are shuffled and laid next to the board. Players draw cards and eliminate or replace them in the holders. Transportation cards and country cards facilitate connections from one country to another and the player able to successfully travel all 10 days throughout Africa wins! 10 Days in Africa is also the 2004 winner of the "Best Smart Play" award from Dr. Toy.
What We Thought
This game is intriguing to anyone who enjoys traveling and planning adventures. A definite amount of strategy and planning goes into placing each card, and plotting one´s trip. Geographical facts, like population and square footage are detailed on each card, for those who enjoy a bit of trivia.
Why They’ll Want It
With a full colored map of Africa, this game is an absolute geography lesson. It challenges even the most experienced traveler. Navigation is the key to the game and anyone who has ever found themselves inspired by Indian Jones will want to investigate this geographical game of distant lands.
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 Name: Bean Bag Desk Fan
Company: IELLO
Age: All Ages
Price: $4.99
Category: Novelties
What is It?
Typical fans are plastic and metal, big and bulky. O2-Cool´s (ToyDirectory) Bean Bag Desk Fan is a nice compact fan that can fit in your space-constricting cubicle for a little air circulation. The blades are made of soft foam so you don´t have to worry about hurting yourself, and the base is made of a bean bag pouch, which makes the fan easy to set on any angle surface.
What We Thought
This fan is convenient to use and lets off a decent amount of heat-relief for its size and use of only two AA batteries. The fan also comes in fun colors that are still office savvy.
Why They´ll Want It
This compact, colorful fan is a great addition to any desk top.
--Nancy Tan
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 Name: Warm Whiskers: Dog
Company: DREAMTIME INC
Age: 3 and up
Price: $18.00
Category: Plush
What is It?
Warm Whiskers are wonderful eye masks used to reduce facial tension and ease headaches. This plush dog is filled with a material that absorbs the heat from your microwave and the cold from your refrigerator, making it the cutest way to gently relieve stress. Warm Whiskers contain lavender and chamomile to further soothe and relax your senses and aid a good night´s sleep.
What We Thought
This neat little dog stays warm for a long time and is a joy to use after hours of eye strain.
Why They´ll Want It
This is a great toy to have whether you are young or old because it gives off a nice warmth, sweet scent, and soft feel. For younger children, Warm Whiskers also manufactures larger plush animals that are wonderful for a good night of cuddling.
--Nancy Tan
Learn more about Warm Whiskers: DogBack to top
 Name: Babar Goes to School
Company: ABRAMS BOOKS
Age: 4 and up
Price: $9.95
Category: Books
0
What is It?
Remember elementary school? Trying to impress your classmates? Those difficult science experiments? Well, apparently Babar forgot how hard it is to be a kid when he berates his children for being too loud and dismisses their woes of youth. Being a good father, though, Babar decides to go to school with his children and attempt to remember what it is like . After a disaster of a day where he breaks his pencils and sits in gum, Babar ultimately decides that being a grown-up is a much easier job than student life.
What We Thought
This a fun story that young and old can enjoy. Children will be delighted to have a sympathizer on their side.
Why They´ll Want It
Babar is a classic figure in children´s literature that has appealed to youngsters for many generations. Children will enjoy Babar´s ineptitude in the classroom and wonder how such a silly elephant got to wear that crown.
--Nancy Tan
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 Name: Mynci
Company: THINKWAY
Age: 3 and up
Price: $14.99
Category: Novelties
What is It?
It´s not quite clear what Mynci is, but the closest description could probably be akin to an emotionally-charged monkey. This voice activated creature, when on "play" mode, reacts to the tones of your voice. It can be content (nodding its head and flapping its ears), happy (flashes its cheeks twice along with nodding and flapping), or sad (flashes its cheeks three times). Mynci also plays over 30 sounds, making its chatter and moods slightly more discernible.
What We Thought
Mynci is incredibly happy to talk to you, but if you speak to it too much, it will get tired and become irritable. If you don´t keep it entertained, though, it will get bored and go to sleep. This little moody monkey is a fun novelty to have around. Best of all, you can always reset it to make it "content" again.
Why They´ll Want It
Taking care of a pet is a big responsibility--one that many children are not ready for quite yet. A neopet is a fun and less messy alternative to the real thing.
--Nancy Tan
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Name: The Adventures of Harry & Hannah: The American Adventure Book & Teddy Bear Set
Company: HERRINGTON TEDDY BEAR COMPANY
Age: 3 and up
Price: $22.00
Category: Books
What is It?
Harry and Hannah are visiting their grandparents in the country when they find a map of the U.S. with a clue for a treasure hunt. Grandpa tells the cubs that they have the ability to magically transport themselves to different places just by closing their eyes, which the cubs do to follow the different clues and by doing so, travel to important landmarks around the country. Along the way, they encounter many creatures, including Trusty Tortoise, Monarch Fish, and Manny, the pigeon who is afraid of heights. This fun, 66-page storybook also comes with two miniature plush versions of Harry and Hannah for kids to reenact the cubs´ adventures.
What We Thought
The Adventures of Harry & Hannah is a great way to infuse imaginary storytelling with geography. Additionally, upcoming stories in the series include travels to Australia, Britain, Japan, Africa, and South America, which will allow children to become acquainted with different cultures and learn a global geography.
Why They´ll Want It
Adventures can occur without leaving the confines of a comfortable chair, and a book is typically the way to do it. Children will enjoy the experience of vicariously living the fantastic voyage Harry and Hannah take across the U.S.
--Nancy Tan
Learn more about The Adventures of Harry & Hannah: The American Adventure Book & Teddy Bear SetBack to top
 Name: Feed Me Pumbaa
Company: HASBRO INC.
Age: 3 and up
Price: $19.99
Category: Plush
What is It?
"Uh oh! You might not want to stand downwind!" says Feed Me Pumbaa, which is based on the smelly warthog from Disney´s animated classic, The Lion King. This grotesque yet loveable creature speaks whenever you feed him one of the three plush bugs included in the set. To add to his fun little quips and silly sounds, Pumbaa will let out an enormous, giggle-inducing gas bomb whenever you pull his tail.
What We Thought
The hygienically-impaired character that audiences enjoyed watching on the big screen has a special place in all our hearts, which makes this soft plush a fun toy to have for play or simply for its novelty.
Why They´ll Want It
Children love interacting with their stuffed animals, and who makes a better companion than someone that is smellier and sillier than yourself! Pumbaa will delight children and the silly at heart and make them laugh whenever they hear his "rootin´" and "tootin´."
--Nancy Tan
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 Name: Puppettos: A Day at the Zoo
Company: MANHATTAN TOY
Age: 3 and up
Price: $19.95
Category: Infant & Toddler
What is It?
Puppettos: A Day at the Zoo is a set of finger puppets that contains a tiger, giraffe, panda bear and zoo keeper.
What We Thought
This is a great toy because it is versatile: adults can use it to have a quality, interactive bedtime story with their kids;children can play with it on their own, giving them the opportunity to create zoologically-themed plotlines.
Why They´ll Want It
These fun, portable puppets are fuzzy, cute delights that little ones will adore.
--Nancy Tan
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 Name: Flavas
Company: MATTEL INC.
Age: 6 and up
Price: $29.99
Category: Dolls
What Is It?
Flavas is Mattel´s latest line of dolls that give girls a fun, hip alternative to your typical blonde, blue-eyed fashion doll. With a little bit of edge and a dash of character, Mattel creates its newest addition to the Flavas family: Bike Date—a set that includes Kiyoni and Tre dolls complete with matching outfits, motorcycle bike and helmets.
What We Thought
This is a great toy that allows girls to play with dolls that they can identify with. Their matching outfits give them some street cred, but mothers may be upset by Kiyoni´s mid-drift shirt.
Why They´ll Want It
This toy gives girls another option in their imaginary storylines that reflects their desires rather than their fantasies. Bike Date appeals to the older group of girls that dream about a fun night on the town rather than princes on white horses.
--Nancy Tan
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Name: Tricero Dino Glo Bonz
Company: CURIOUS TOYS
Age: 5 and up
Price: $10.00
Category: Construction
What Is It?
Tricero Dino Glo Bonz from Curious Toys is a 13-piece set of glow in the dark components that connect to create an imaginative prehistoric creature. The parts are made from well crafted, durable plastic.
What We Thought
What stood out the most about this toy was the quality of its components and its attractive glow in the dark quality. However, the way the toy is marketed on the container, it seems as though a five year old child can successfully design several creative prehistoric creatures. While this may be the case if one purchases additional sets, we were not convinced that, on its own, the Dino Glo Bonz offers many constructible options.
Why They’ll Want It
The Tricero Dino Glo Bonz is easy and fun to construct. Once assembled, the creature makes a terrifying yet cute addition to any child’s toy collection. It glows like a glaring chunk of kryptonite and is a great nighttime decorative for a child’s bedroom. The Tricero Dino Glo Bonz components can also be used interchangeably with other Bonz sets such as the T-Rex, Pterodac and Deluxe Dino sets which can amount to many creative and enjoyable building options.
Learn more about Tricero Dino Glo BonzBack to top
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