The Best Toys For Holiday Presents

 Check out these fun toys that would make the best holiday gifts for kids

We received a free product/and or compensation to help facilitate this post. All opinions expressed are our own.

 My boys are teens and shopping for Christmas gifts has become a challenge. It seems that all they want for gifts are gift cards, shoes, and electronics. To me, those gifts are either pricey or boring. So I like to buy holiday gifts that get them off the sofa and those electronic devices. I like to buy Christmas presents that stimulate their brain or help them to be active. If I can find a gift that they can enjoy together, it is a holiday present that belongs under the Christmas tree.

 So when I had the opportunity to check out some new toys for my teen boys, I said yes. I knew that these would be toys that my boys would be interested in. When the toys arrived at my house, my boys were excited to check them out. My boys could not wait to open the toy packages and try the toys out. 

We received three different toys. One was a cool robotic toy, another was a football-playing game, and the last toy was the familiar Wubble Bubble Ball. My boys have reviewed many different Wubble Bubble Balls in the past and each time they have always been fun to play with. Back in August, my boys had fun with the Wubble Rumblers.  So they were happy to see more Wubbles in this collection of toys.

Wubble Super Wubble Bubble Ball

The first toy that my boys decided to play with was the Wubble Super Wubble Bubble Ball. The name of this toy is fun to say but don't try to say the name quickly as it is sure a tongue twister. I think this is the biggest Wubble Ball that my boys and I have played with and it has some new features that my boys liked.

 The Super Wubble Ball now can be blown up with your mouth. So we no longer needed those special devices or a special air pump. The Wubble Ball comes with a brand new valve that now makes it super easy to inflate. The self-sealing valve is designed to be blown up with your mouth or you can make things easier and use any kind of air pump.

 My boys decided to inflate the Super Wubble ball with a pump that we use for other balls, as they knew this ball was going to be big. The new Super Wubble bubble ball inflated to a gigantic 30 inches! My boys could not wait to play with this super soft and lightweight ball. This ball was so squishy and sure did have a nice bounce to it. 

We decided to play with the Super Wubble inside as it was a windy day outside. Also, we have rocks instead of grass in our yard. This ball can be played with inside or outdoors. Once my boys got the Wubble ball filled with air, they had fun throwing and bouncing this giant ball. The ball is soft enough to mold around things and it also had a nice bounce to it. So it was fun to see my boys wack each other with the Wubble Bubble. I did not have to worry about anyone getting hurt with this ball.

Highlights of the Wubble Super Wubble Bubble Ball

+ Super soft and lightweight, Super Wubble floats through the air like a bubble!

+ Engineered to be gentle, it molds around whatever it hits – foot or face – then bounces away!

+ Designed to be inflated by mouth. No pump needed!

+ Super Wubble inflates a gigantic 2 ½ feet!

+ Enjoy hours of squishy, squashy bouncy fun!

+ Fun for the whole family!

+ Ages 6+

+ Purchase HERE

SpyBots T.R.I.P Robot

 The SpyBot T.R.I.P Robot was a toy that I could not wait to check out. I thought it was a cool electronic toy. This was going to be a robot that even I could have fun with. I liked that the T.R.I.P Robot could alert me to intruders. I was already plotting how I could use the robot to keep my boys out of the kitchen, especially after I cleaned all the dishes. Those boys are always snacking and having a robot on my side might just keep them out of the fridge.

The SpyBots T.R.I.P Robot has a powerful LED Tripwire Alarm that has an invisible motion-sensor beam. So if someone walks through the laser beam, it sets off a screaming siren and flashing lights. So I wanted to see if that will scare away my boys from opening the fridge.

 My boys had other plans for the SpyBots T.R.I.P Robot and decided to place the red robot in the bathroom. So that way the next person who opened the door would be scared. They were hoping that person would be their dad. 

 The SpyBots T.R.I.P Robot can be placed in many places, like a bedroom or near the front door. That way if someone crosses the motion-sensor beam, one can be alerted. This robot can keep people out of your bedroom or let you know if someone is breaking into your house. The T.R.I.P. is one of four Spybots Cybernetic Security Robots that will help kids keep the trespassers away.

Highlights of the SpyBots T.R.I.P Robot

+ Intruders beware! T.R.I.P.’s invisible motion sensors provide 24/7 room security!

+ Power up T.R.I.P. and he projects his security logo on the wall, warning trespassers that the area is under the protection of Spybots!

+ Trip the invisible beam and trigger a screeching alarm and flashing lights. T.R.I.P. will even chase down the trespasser!

+ T.R.I.P. is one of four Spybots Cybernetic Security Robots. Collect them all!

+ Requires 3 AAA batteries (not included)

+ Ages 6+

+ Purchase HERE

All-Pro Passer Robotic Quarterback

 My younger son could not wait to play with the All-Pro Passer Robotic Quarterback toy. I had to first go to the store to buy batteries for the football passing toy. So my son put the football device toy together and as he was reading the instructions on how to play with the football passer, I could hear him telling his brother that this was a cool toy. 

 The All-Pro Passer Robotic Quarterback is a device that always gives you the perfect football throw. The device is the most accurate quarterback on earth! The passer is programmed with the skill, timing, and accuracy of a pro quarterback. So you can go long or short when it throws the ball. You simply select your play, then press hike, slant, post, short or long. Then watch the All-Pro Passer throw a perfect spiral. You can play one-on-one, three-on-three, or with as many players as you want. You can even practice catching on your own! This was going to be the perfect toy for my son to bring to the park. So he could play football with his friends.

 After I bought the batteries, my son could not wait to play with the All-Pro Passer Robotic Quarterback. My son decided to try the passer out in the house, which I do not recommend. He gave the passer a couple of pumps and pressed the button. It made a loud noise and made me jump. The ball went across the room and it was a good thing that my husband caught the football. The passer made the football go fast and far. My son did not give the passer the full amount of pumps but it still went from the kitchen to the family room. 

 Once my son and I took the All-Pro Passer Robotic Quarterback to the park, we were amazed at how far it shot across the park. This football passer can launch the ball more than 25 yards. This was going to be a great item for my son and his friends. They could have some great football games with the All-Pro Passer.

Highlights of  the All-Pro Passer Robotic Quarterback 

+ The most accurate quarterback on earth!

+ Programmed with the skill, timing, and accuracy of a pro quarterback

+ Throws a perfect spiral every time!

+ 9 different passing zones – lets you practice hundreds of plays!

+ Launches the ball over 25 yards

+ Play one-on-one, three-on-three, or with as many players as you want. You can even practice catching on your own!

+ Requires 4 “C” (1.5V) batteries (not included).

+ Ages 8+

+ Purchase HERE 

My boys had a great time checking out these toys and knew that they would make great Christmas gifts or birthday presents. So make sure to click on the links to the toys and check them out. The toys can be found at most Target stores or at target.com. If you need other ideas for gifts for kids. Check out my holiday gift guides from previous years.

16 Holiday Gift Ideas For Tweens & Teens 

~ https://www.momknowsbest.net/2020/11/11-holiday-gift-ideas-for-tweens-teens.html

13 Super Fun Holiday Gift Ideas For Tweens & Teens ~ https://www.momknowsbest.net/2019/11/10-super-fun-holiday-gift-ideas-for.html

The 14 Best Holiday Gift Ideas For Toddlers And Preschoolers ~ https://www.momknowsbest.net/2019/11/the-8-best-holiday-gift-ideas-for.html 

PonyCycle Is The Toy You Wished For As A Kid

I wish they made an adult version of this cute pony

  I received a PonyCycle in exchange for this post.

  When you were a kid did you wish for a pony? I know there was many Christmas's that I asked Santa for a pony but I was always disappointed when I never received my pony. Now you can be that awesome parent and give your kid the next best thing to a pony. The best part is this ride-on pony needs no food and never makes a mess. Kids will jump for joy when they discover the PonyCycle under the Christmas tree this year.

Grandma got Abby a pony!

 This grandma decided to get a PonyCycle for her first grandchild, even though she does not move yet, as this simulation animal toy is so adorable. The cute pony will look so darn cute in her bedroom. The pony arrived when my daughter and baby were visiting last week. My daughter was so excited about the PonyCycle, that she had to post about it on the family photo page. The baby was happy to look at the cute pony and she thought it was so soft.

The best toddler Christmas gift!

 My granddaughter will be seeing this pretty pony under the Christmas tree. Isn't great that she won't remember this photo that grandma took? It is so fun to shop for baby's first Christmas. You can take them with you to the store and not have to hide the presents in the cart.

My boys were super jealous!

 My older boys were super jealous that they did not get a pony. They are 10 and 11 so I know they would rather have dart blasters for a Holiday present instead of a ride-on-toy. My boys just had to try the soft plush ride-on horse and that was ok as this pony is very durable. The small horse that we received can support up to 55 pounds and the larger PonyCycle can support kids up to 88 pounds. Since my one son is short for his age and weighs only 50 pounds, I enlisted his help to show you how fun this toy is.

No batteries needed!

The PonyCycle runs on kid power and needs no batteries. Kids just use their legs to make the pony go. This ride-on has wheels that move when kids place their feet on the peddles. It gives children great exercise as well as sparking their imagination. Kids will have some great adventures as they ride the PonyCycle. This toy that will be on every kid's list also exercises their balance and coordination skills.

Don't worry if there is snow on the ground on Christmas

 Do you remember as a child, receiving a bike for a Christmas present and not being able to ride it as there was snow on the ground? The PonyCycle can be used both indoors and outside. Think of all that great exercise the kids will get in the cold winter. This is truly a toy that will get plenty of use. I like that it is not heavy and I can pack it up it the car to bring to the park.

PonyCycle has been flying under the radar since 1995 when the director invented a mechanical horse for his grandson, and they have been rapidly growing their US presence since 2008. All products are environmentally friendly and made with high-grade fabric and sewing finish, making the toys soft and comfortable to ride on or play with. They can be found in 89 countries.

PonyCycle toy is an adorable, child-sized ride-on toy pony that relies on child power to move. 
 The ride-on toy comes in two sizes and is made for kids ages 3-9. Your little one will feel like riding a real pony, as a natural riding motion is required to get Pony moving. So let this be the year that your child gets the pony he/she wished for. Watch my video below to see it in action and then head over to PonyCycle to see their awesome video.

The Best Toys For Tween Boys Gift Guide

These toys are great for tween boys!

Now that my boys are tweens, buying them toys for gifts is getting more difficult and I am being more selective on what I buy as they already have too many toys. So I look for toys that will keep them busy for more than a day. I made a list of some of the toys that my boys have been enjoying. I hope my list helps you with your Christmas holiday gift shopping. I can see most of these toys being hot holiday toys of the season and being on many kid's Christmas wish list. So if you are trying to help Santa this year, then take a look at some toys that my boys and I checked out. My boys loved being Santa's little helpers.

Plug & Play Video Games

     My boys are one of the few kids who do not have a video game system. They do play video games on the computer though so this mom decided to get them some classic video games that their dad would have a blast playing along with them. These pug & play products are affordable and just require a TV. They are simple to install and kids will learn the joys of playing games like Pac-Man with the included controller. Since this sample arrived so close to Christmas, my boys did not get a chance to check it out and will find the game under the tree. Look for a review after the holidays on my Youtube channel.

 AtGames has announced the “Blast!” family of products. These “plug & play” products include an HDMI dongle and wireless controller bundles and feature eight to 20 classic video game titles per model. These new hardware products are now available at major U.S. and Canadian retailers and retail for between $19.99 and $39.99.

Website: https://www.atgames.net/

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Max Flex 300 RC Flexible Track Glow In The Dark Race Set

My boys really loved this RC race car track set. It was easy to build and had over 300 flexible track pieces that can build side-by-side race tracks which can grow up to 25 feet in length. My boys loved that they could build the track in many different ways. We made a video of the RC track also. Check out my full review of this flexible Track Set

https://www.momknowsbest.net/2018/09/max-flex-300-rc-flexible-track-glow-in.html 

Website: Skullduggery.com

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Razor A5 Lux Scooter 

 The A5 Lux Scooter supports up to 220 pounds and has a height adjustable handle as well as a bigger foot platform, making this a perfect scooter for older kids. Even dad can ride on this study scooter. I can see the A5 Lux Scooter lasting well beyond the teenage years. This scooter even folds up to fit in a backpack.

                                              Website: https://www.razor.com/

                                           Razor Spark Ultra Kick Scooter

Remember when you rode your bike as a kid and you slammed on the breaks to make skid marks on the road? Well, that is the kind of fun that you get with the Spark Ultra and it leaves no marks on the road, just a flash of light. This scooter needs no batteries as the sparks are made by a foot activated Spark Bar! The Spark Ultra has a height adjustable handle and holds kids up to 143 pounds.

Website: https://www.razor.com

See my full review of these awesome scooters as well as videos.

https://www.momknowsbest.net/2018/09/get-kids-moving-with-this-amazing.html

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Adventure Force Thermal Tracker

The Adventure Force Thermal Tracker by Buzz Bee Toys provides unbeatable target protection. Its heat-seeking scope detects a heat source up to 60 feet away, and its crosshairs will turn red when on target! Coupled with blasting power of up to 100 feet, your opponent's escape is near impossible. The rail adapter allows for complete customization - offering the ability to add or interchange parts with other brand's accessories or place this scope on other brand's blasters. Includes blaster, 10 long distance darts, 10 count dart clip, heat-seeking scope, and rail adapter. Available at Wal-Mart.

Website: https://www.walmart.com

Head on over here to see my full review enter to win an Adventure Force Thermal Tracker

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Sticky the Plunger With Sticky Poo

Poop toys are the latest craze with kids and it leaves me shaking my head why. Parents may not get it but kids love the idea of throwing poop at the wall. Thankfully the Sticky the Plunger With Sticky Poop is a plastic sticky toy set that comes with two plungers and a customizable target. My boys loved throwing the poo and seeing it stick to the wall. The plungers and poop are super sticky and do not leave any marks on the wall. Just pull it off and toss it again. For even more fun, you can place a photo of a person in the toilet target and take out those frustrations by throwing poop at them. Great make-believe gross-out fun for kids. My boys had a blast throwing the sticky piece of poop at the wall, even mom joined in on the fun.

Website: http://www.hogwildtoys.com/

Flying Sushi Kitchen

Do you have what it takes to be a Flying Sushi chef? Challenge your friends and family to this fast-paced concentration game to find out. The Flying Sushi Kitchen had my boys plucking the flying sushi balls out of the air with chopsticks in a fast-paced game that had them racing to see who could fill their sushi tray up first before the time ran out. This game can be played solo or up to four players. My boys had a fun time trying to catch the sushi pieces that were flying in the air. Make sure to check out a video on the below website.

Website: https://flyingsushikitchen.com/

Smooshy Mushy 

These squishy Smooshy Mushy toys were so much fun to squeeze. My boys said that these are the craze with kids. These squishy toys slowly rise back up after you squeeze them. Some of them even had a sweet scent. We received a toy from the Bento line but there are many more of the soft toys to collect. I can see these soft toys being great for helping my boys concentrate on their schoolwork.

Website: http://smooshymushy.us/

Helix Power Swing

My boys had a blast with this football-shaped toy that flies through the air. You simply pull the string of the Helix Power Swing and launch the ball into the air. As this light-weight ball flies it lets out a howl. This E-Z Grip ball uses Unique Sin Technology to travel up to 350 feet. It is a great to for the park or beach. This ball can be tossed up in the air for solo play or you can play catch with it. Watch a video of it in action.

Website: http://playhelix.com/

Cut The Wire

       Cut The Wire is a fun game of luck! You are challenged to defuse the device as quickly as possible by testing each of the wires. The aim of the game is to figure out which wire is the special defuse wire! Take turns to review the clues that flash up on the device and then have a go at cutting the wire. The game includes special wire clippers that help players cut the wires. Players listen for clues and try to diffuse the device quickly before it explodes. This one took a while to figure out how to play but once dad helped my boys understand how to play the game, my boys had fun taking turns cutting the wires. Make sure to watch the video on the game's website.

Website: http://www.yulutoys.com

Pace Maker Extreme

   Pace Maker Extreme is a fast-paced multiplayer game, where players try to outwit their opponents by thinking quick and keeping the pace. The game starts slowly, but quickly speeds up and requires concentration. Watch out, it can be a little shocking! This game will test your coordination and rhythm! This game can be played with 2-8 players and is recommended for kids 14+ as it emits an electrical shock. My boys loved this game and thought it was such fun to get shocked. My older son kept asking me to play the game but I do not understand the thrill of feeling pain. My son said," it does not hurt mom" but he sure did jump every time he received a shock from the game. Make sure to watch the video on the game's website.

Website: http://www.yulutoys.com/

Hackathon

Your identity has been stolen by a group of villains and is saved inside a super-advanced console. You are in possession of the console and your Hackathon Spy Code squad has instructions to hack and retrieve the secret information. However, only one person can see and work on the console at a time. You can only hear each other. Work together, keep talking and start decoding the console. There are eight modules. You have limited time and there is no room for mistakes. This is a fun game for kids who love decoding and spy toys. The game can be played with 2-9 players. This game made some interesting sounds. The game will take you us parents back in time as the game starts with the sound that dial-up internet made every time you connected to the internet. My boys had fun trying to hack the codes and when they did they felt such joy of accomplishment. Make sure to watch the video on the game's website.

Website: http://www.yulutoys.com/

Stikbot Monsters and Dinos 

    These Stikbot poseable creatures are great for making videos. You simply move their arms and legs so you can take still motion videos. The creatures also have suction cups on their hands and legs so they can be stuck on things like windows and fridges. Then kids can make movies with their phone. We did not get the studio maker so my boys did not get to make any movies but this picture kind of explains the toy. My boys did have fun playing with the bendable figures and sticking them onto the windows. There are many creatures to collect so movie making can be a blast.

Website: https://stikbot.toys/

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 Stone Garden Transfer Art 

Turn rocks and stones into pieces of art! This kit is your guide to transferring and painting images onto stones of all shapes, sizes, textures, and colors. My boys and I had fun painting the rocks. These rocks will look nice in my garden. Includes the following materials: 

• 8 rub-on transfers in various shapes, including a butterfly, heart, a bird, and more
• 4 small river stones
• 2 paint brushes
• 1 foam brush
• an acrylic set of paints in 6 vibrant colors
• clear coat to seal your finished work of art
• 48-page instruction booklet.

                                                       Website: https://www.quartoknows.com/

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                     Adventure Force Commandfire

This Motorized Full-Auto Dart Hopper holds 80 darts and is a fast action shooting dart blaster. Check out the stats on the awesome Adventure Force Commandfire:

Includes 80 high-performance darts that fly up to 80 feet

• High-tech dart hopper loading system

• Loads 40 darts in seconds

• Holds up to 80 darts – 40 in dart hopper, 40 in the storage compartment

• Darts compatible with All Adventure Force blasters and most standard Nerf blasters.

• Requires 6 AA batteries (not included).


• Ages 8+

                                 Website: https://dartzoneblasters.com/

                                       Adventure Force Quantum 

 This blaster has an auto-blasting feature that holds up to 100 rounds and looks very powerful.  These orange balls sure do fly fast and far.

• Includes 75 Tactical Strike Rounds
• High capacity hopper holds up to 100 rounds
• Full-Auto Blasting
• Up to 100 FPS Motorized flywheels
• Anti-jam auto release button
• 6 team color markers quick-snap on each side of the blaster (2 Red, 2 Blue, 2 Green)
• Requires 6 D batteries (not included) or compatible with Nerf Rival Rechargeable Battery Pack. Battery Pack sold separately.
• Tactical Strike rounds are compatible with all Tactical Strike ball blasters & most standard Nerf Rival Blasters.

• Ages 14+

                                   Website: https://dartzoneblasters.com/

See my full review and a video of the Adventure Force Commandfire and  Adventure Force Quantum here:

 https://www.momknowsbest.net/2018/10/adventure-force-commandfire-is-best-toy.html

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               Glow-in-the-Dark SLIMYGLOOP Mix-Em’s

Skip the mess and get straight to the fun with SLIMYGLOOP MIX'EMS! Simply remove the ready-made Glow-in-the-Dark SLIMYGLOOP from the reusable storage container and start mixing. Fold in shining silver moons, glow-in-the-dark pony beads, and glow-in-the-dark wiggly eyes. Turn out the lights and watch it glow! Squeeze it, stretch it, twist it, squish it -- SLIMYGLOOP MIX'EMS is an easy and fun sensory experience that kids will love. Recommended for ages 3 years and up!

Kit Includes 50 Glow-in-the-Dark Wiggly Eyes, 1g Silver Moon Spangles, 50 Glow-in-the-Dark Pony Beads, 2.5 oz Pre-Made Glow-in-the-Dark SLIMYGLOOP™

Availability: Target

                                              OOZ-O'S

Create squishy, slimy spheres with OOZ-O’S™! Simply combine the included ingredients to form oozing slimy spheres that are ready for popping, squeezing and squishing to reveal sparkling colorful goo inside! Each kit includes an OOZ-O’S™ Maker, 3 colors of paint, and embellishments or toys to go inside. Creating OOZ-O’S™ is a fun, hands-on way to introduce kids to chemistry and express creativity. Adult supervision required. Recommended for ages 6 and up.

Availability: Target

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                                                                 Spinnobi 

  Regarded as the modern day Hacky Sack, Spinnobi can be bounced off your foot, knee, hand or head while it spins continuously. Launch it at targets or into a bucket. The tricks and challenges on our site will keep kids entertained - and active! - for hours. My boys like to spin this toy and love how it bounces on the tile floor. The other tricks like bouncing off their legs are challenging for them. The toy is keeping them occupied though as they want to learn the tricks. Make sure to watch the videos on the website.

Website: https://spinnobi.com/

Watch this video to see how the toy works.

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 Countdown the days to Christmas with hockey

  It’s time to face off on the ice! The NHL® Advent Calendar is a great way for older kids to countdown the days to Christmas. This Road to the Cup contains twenty-four surprise items for kids to discover each day. The items are all related to hockey and create a cool scene on an ice skating rink. My boys are excited to discover the unique items like NHL flags, the Stanley Cup, pucks, and more.

Website: https://www.playmobil.us/

 This is just one of the many Advent calendars that Playmobil sells. We also received Christmas Post Office and will be donating that one to a toy drive that my church is hosting.

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Dart blasters with built-in walkie talkies

 The perfect present for kids and kids-at-heart is the Buzz Bee Toys Air Warrior Covert Squad dart blaster! This pair of blasters allows you to team up and embark on a covert mission. Each blaster has a built-in Walkie Talkie with earbud communication that works up to 300 feet so your opponents won’t hear you coming. With blasting power up to 100 feet, you will be unbeatable! My boys loved how far the darts flew from the blasters and the walkie-talkies would be fun for a team game at the park with their friends.

Website: https://www.target.com

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A game that has you guessing the smell

  As the holidays approach, hosts everywhere are preparing menus and decorations. Now, how do you entertain the guests after their bellies are filled?

  That's where What's That Smell? ™ comes in: an Amazon Top 100 game challenging those brave enough to guess scents ranging from roses to rotting garbage and everything in between. Hosts won't have to worry about pleasing older or younger guests because everyone can play at once without the awkward moment's other games may cause. My boys thought that playing a game with smells was awesome! They really loved it when mom got the awful smells like diaper blowout. This game came with scented cards that you had to smell and then try to guess the scent. Some of the scents were pleasant like apple pie but others were downright nasty.

Website: https://whatsthatsmell.wowwee.com/


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                   A book filled with tons of facts

  What were the most memorable milestones of 2018? How did the #MeToo movement launch a global conversation on sexual misconduct? How did the British royal wedding break with tradition?  While 2018 may be coming to a close, its events will live on in The World Almanac and Book of Facts 2019, available December 4. The latest edition of America’s best-selling reference book rounds up the events that made the year 2018 unique and will become your go-to source for the year ahead.


The World Almanac takes a look back at 2018 while providing all the information you’ll need in 2019. This book will keep my boys entertained for hours as they read up on facts. This book is so loaded with information that kids will never be able to read it all. Thank goodness for the index that helps them find out what section to read like sports, news, entertainment and more.


Website: http://www.worldalmanac.com/

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Which holiday toy is your favorite?

Extend The Learning Outside The Classroom With VTech and LeapFrog

Summer is over & it’s time to start thinking about school!

       I received some toys from VTech and LeapFrog to check out for my new granddaughter.

  My boys are all back in school. The youngest two are now in 5th and 6th grade and the older two are in college. So now it is time to shift the focus from all day fun to learning along with fun. I believe that kids learn best when there is some fun involved. My children have always been good students as I developed the love for learning at an early age. When my kids were young they enjoyed using interactive learning toys when they were not in school. These toys along with mom interaction helped my children learn things like ABCs, Math, reading, and so much more. Then when they started school the interactive toys helped them increase the things that their teacher taught them. The fun toys that played music and had bright lights along with buttons to press were also great for long car trips. My boys had fun and learned at the same time.

Check out these tips for helping your child succeed in school 

  Now that my boys are older, they prefer learning games on the computer instead of the handheld interactive learning toys. My daughter just had a baby so as a first-time grandma, I am now looking at some fun learning toys that VTech and LeapFrog have that introduce important skills. My grandbaby is still too young for these type of toys as all those flashing lights and sounds are too stimulating for her growing brain. I believe that these types of toys are great ages 2 and up. I also believe that electronic toys should not replace interaction between a parent and a child. Parents should still read and sing to their children. I am one that uses the trip to the store with my child as quality time and I will use this opportunity for learning by having my kids help me look for items in the store. It cringes me when I see young kids in a shopping cart watching a movie on a device and a parent talking on the phone. I once even saw a young child watching a movie on a phone while walking behind their parents in a store. We parents need to slow down and spend time with our kids even if it means talking to them while at the grocery store.

Interactive toys can enhance learning

  Notice that I said these toys can enhance one on one learning that kids get from parents or teachers and should not be a substitute for learning. These type of toys can help the parent teach their child as the sounds and bright lights stimulate senses and encourage fine learning. They can also help build important skills. My boys would play with these toys and I would have fun with them. I just loved singing the ABCs with my boys. I love the learning toys that have a digital writing pen as it saves paper as they are learning to write.

Check out my favorites for my new grandbaby!

VTECH® Touch & Discover Sensory Turtle™ 
           Ages 3+ months

   I like this cute turtle as it can be enjoyed without the electronic part, making it a perfect toy for younger kids. My grandbaby can get some great fine motor skills and sensory play as she touches the different textures on the turtle. I love that this cute colorful turtle is also soft so little ones will not be hurt when they drop it. The turtle also has a mirror as babies love looking at themselves. When my granddaughter gets older, her mom can turn the turtle on so the baby can press the buttons to learn her colors. This cute plush will be great for long car ride entertainment.

 When the Touch & Discover Sensory Turtle™ comes out of his shell, he's sure to entertain your little one! This cuddly plush turtle features a variety of textures, colors, and patterns to stimulate your baby's senses and encourage fine motor skills. Play peek-a-boo with the cute and cuddly turtle by tucking in his head and legs to change him into a soft, wobbly ball for 2-in-1 play. The chunky button on the top of the shell is easy for little ones to press and lights up in a variety of colors as it responds with sounds, music, and cute phrases. The shell includes a baby-safe mirror, rattle, and ring. There's plenty to see, touch and explore with this textured tortoise!

LEAPFROG® Go-with-Me ABC Backpack™     Age 3+ years

 When my daughter starts teaching the baby her ABCs, this Backpack will help my granddaughter recognize the letters and help her to write the letters. I like that everything stores inside the case so nothing gets lost. I can see little ones having fun carrying the interactive toy on their back and pretending to go to school. The toy will help my daughter to help the baby associate the letters with sounds and words as they place the letters into the spaces. I remember the fun that my boys use to have pressing buttons on their ABC toy and the repeating the letter and the word that the toy would say. This would be a perfect toy to take along for doctor appointments to help pass the time while waiting for the doctor in the boring examination room. I never understood why all the fun toys were in the waiting room and there was never anything to play with once we got back to the exam room, except for a couple books that we read through quickly. This mom could only do so much singing or I Spy while waiting forever for the doctor.

Embark on a learning adventure with Mr. Pencil and the Go-with-Me ABC Backpack™. This one of a kind toy lets toddlers interact with the alphabet in awesome ways. Using the write and erase board, kids can practice letter writing and draw with Mr. Pencil. The screen shows how to write each letter step-by-step and then shows how to turn each letter into animals. Inserting the 26 letter pieces into the letter spaces teaches the letter name, letter sound, an animal that begins with that letter and more. Little learners can play seven different activities and when they’re done, the plastic backpack holds all the pieces inside. Clip the backpack closed and wear like a real backpack for learning on the go. Draw, learn and get going!

LEAPFROG® Storytime Buddy™
      Age 2+ years

 This cute puppy will be great for long car trips and helping my grandbaby fall asleep. I always read a story to my boys at bedtime but there were some nights that they had trouble falling asleep after the story and they wanted to stay up all night. So I would turn on some music or play a book on a tape to help them fall asleep. This cute puppy is soft so it can stay in bed with them and maybe when the baby wakes up she will play with the toy for a bit so mom can get that much-needed sleep. This toy can encourage a love for reading in young kids while helping them learn numbers, shapes, and other items. It is never to early to start reading to babies, my daughter who is also a teacher even brought a children's book to the hospital when the baby was born. I am not sure if she got a chance to read to the baby as the baby was having trouble learning to eat. My grandbaby is going to be smart as I know that my daughter will read to her plenty as my daughter read to her younger brothers. I remember the first time I brought one of the youngest boys, who was 18 months at the time, to the library and how he got so excited about seeing all the books.

Encourage a love of reading with the plush Storytime Buddy™! Choose from five books about Buddy and his friends Bella, Cooper, Mona, and Pepper and Buddy will read each one. Beginner readers can read along while learning about emotions, shapes, numbers, colors, and opposites. Kids can also interact with Buddy by answering reading comprehension questions and singing along to happy learning songs. When it's time for bed, they can snuggle up and drift off to sleep as Buddy quietly reads bedtime stories or plays Brahms' Lullaby while his tag becomes a color-changing nightlight.

Which LeapFrog or VTech toy is your favorite?