Showing posts with label children s toys. Show all posts
Showing posts with label children s toys. Show all posts
Friday, December 12, 2014
Reviews of 3B Scientific VP760/1 Female Chimpanzee Skull (Pan Troglodytes)
Much more realistic than the laughable bone clones (bondo mystery ape) model that is most commonly available. This one looks more like the real thing.
Sunday, November 9, 2014
LMI Transparent Tambourine with Head Purple 15CM Reviews
List Price: $4.99
Sale Price: $2.99
Today's Bonus: 40% Off
I bought this for my Mom who has Alzheimer's because she is musically enclined at this stage. I have ended up playing it and she dances!
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I ordered these on Sunday night and they were at my door by Tuesday afternoon with standard shipping!These are great tambourines for the price -functional and fun! My campers are going to love them!
Best Deals for LMI Transparent Tambourine with Head Purple 15CM
We got a couple of these for our girls, and even after a year, they still love playing with them and haven't been able to destroy them! The colors are fun, too!Honest reviews on LMI Transparent Tambourine with Head Purple 15CM
These are wonderful for young children. We have a half-dozen now and use them for basic music lessons. The kids love to bang and shake them. We purchased our initial tambourines roughly a year ago and they have held up well after daily usage. The plastic pieces, including the clear head, are all very durable. They are sized perfectly for kid's hands, although I can also play on one of them without much difficulties.I'll definitely buy other instruments from this brand.
Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for LMI Transparent Tambourine with Head Purple 15CM
The Tambourines were great, they fought over who would get one. I only bought 4 at first. The only problem that I had with them was the age group was too young. I have 2 through 4 year olds. The one 4 year old's tiny fingers went right between the metal and the plastic and the metal is so sharp, that getting the tiny fingers out was a bit trying. Bandaids all around. But, the kids learned quickly that the fingers don't go there. One boy put it on the ground and stomped the plastic center out. This is bad, because then the plastic middle now had sharp edges and the tambourines had to be put away until I could pull off the center plastic. (Needle nose plyers) My advise to the company who makes these tambourines would be: just leave off the center plastic all together. There's no need for it. They wanted to make that part a drum. Keep it simple and get rid of the plastic center immediately on arrival. The product is great, makes great sound and kids love them. Just not under 5.
Wednesday, October 22, 2014
Kids Toy Mini Music Violin + Worldwide free shiping Reviews
We ordered this toy violin for our 21-month old daughter and so far, it has been great.
We have a 6-year-old who has a real violin. Our toddler is a big fan of her sister and her big sister's violin. One of our toddler's first words was "violin" (and even before she was talking, she developed a sign for violin by waving her hand in the motion of moving a bow). We don't allow our toddler to play with her big sister's real $350 instrument. However, our toddler has clearly shown us that she is hungry for an opportunity to be a violinist, too. Recently, our toddler has been intent on making mad dashes into her sister's room so she can grab a wooden toy instrument out of the room she positions the fragile wooden toy (shaped somewhat like a violin) under her chin as if it were a violin. We decided it was time for her to have her "own" violin well, at least a toy version.
As we looked for toy violins for our toddler, we wanted something that seemed "realistic" not only in appearance, but also in function. As we searched, we found most of the ones we saw through Amazon were the kind that were battery operated and would play "pre-programmed songs." We wanted something that our daughter could actually use to "create" her own music. This one seemed like the best option.
When this toy violin came in the mail, our toddler imitated what she had seen her sister do countless times she placed the toy violin under her chin and moved the bow across the strings. She played with it for 2 hours straight the first day.
We were pleased to find that the toy looks a lot like a real violin. It is made of plastic that looks like wood. It also has strings and a bow like a real violin. It is as real as it gets without being real.
We have only had it about a week, but it has survived being played quite roughly by our toddler (sometimes she moves the bow across the strings, but sometimes she bangs on the strings with the bow); it has also survived having our toddler use it as a stepping stool to look out the window; our toddler also used the bow to wack various things around the house, apparently testing to to see what noises would result. We can see a couple of places where the plastic has been damaged by our daughter, but overall, I would say that's not bad for what it has been through all ready. I think the price was around $30, so I would say we've just about got $30 worth of good out of it already.
Our older daughter, who actually plays violin, demonstrated to me how the toy can really be played it is just slightly bigger than her real 1/10th size violin. After hearing our 6-year-old violinist play one song on it, her dad (who does Suzuki violin with her) insisted she stick to her real violin for playing songs the strings are not "tuned" like those on a real violin and he did not want using the toy to interfere with her developing her sensitivity for tone, pitch (I am not a musician but hopefully you get what I mean).
With that said, remember that this is a TOY violin, and is not intended to substitute for a real one. As far as toys go, it is a great toy!
If you, like us have an active toddler who wants to be a violinist like big sister or brother, this is a great TOY that can help him/her feel special! Note, the description of the violin indicates that it would be a great gift for a child aged 5 or older. I am a little surprised by that as it is commonly recommended for children to start learning how to play violin around the ages of 3 to 5. Our oldest daughter started taking violin lessons and playing a real violin shortly after she turned 4. If you are serious about having your child play violin and are looking to buy this TOY as a cheap alternative to a "real instrument," we don't recommend going that route! Once our toddler is responsible enough to handle a real instrument/ grasp the concepts required for starting to learn to play violin, we will put this toy away (assuming it survives that long) and give her a real instrument.
This toy shipped from China free of charge. It said it could take up to a month or so, but came in a couple of weeks.
Update: I increased my review to three stars because of the prompt help of the people who sell this violin to resolve the situation. I'm still not impressed with it but if you get an undamaged one you may be satisfied.
We have a 6-year-old who has a real violin. Our toddler is a big fan of her sister and her big sister's violin. One of our toddler's first words was "violin" (and even before she was talking, she developed a sign for violin by waving her hand in the motion of moving a bow). We don't allow our toddler to play with her big sister's real $350 instrument. However, our toddler has clearly shown us that she is hungry for an opportunity to be a violinist, too. Recently, our toddler has been intent on making mad dashes into her sister's room so she can grab a wooden toy instrument out of the room she positions the fragile wooden toy (shaped somewhat like a violin) under her chin as if it were a violin. We decided it was time for her to have her "own" violin well, at least a toy version.
As we looked for toy violins for our toddler, we wanted something that seemed "realistic" not only in appearance, but also in function. As we searched, we found most of the ones we saw through Amazon were the kind that were battery operated and would play "pre-programmed songs." We wanted something that our daughter could actually use to "create" her own music. This one seemed like the best option.
When this toy violin came in the mail, our toddler imitated what she had seen her sister do countless times she placed the toy violin under her chin and moved the bow across the strings. She played with it for 2 hours straight the first day.
We were pleased to find that the toy looks a lot like a real violin. It is made of plastic that looks like wood. It also has strings and a bow like a real violin. It is as real as it gets without being real.
We have only had it about a week, but it has survived being played quite roughly by our toddler (sometimes she moves the bow across the strings, but sometimes she bangs on the strings with the bow); it has also survived having our toddler use it as a stepping stool to look out the window; our toddler also used the bow to wack various things around the house, apparently testing to to see what noises would result. We can see a couple of places where the plastic has been damaged by our daughter, but overall, I would say that's not bad for what it has been through all ready. I think the price was around $30, so I would say we've just about got $30 worth of good out of it already.
Our older daughter, who actually plays violin, demonstrated to me how the toy can really be played it is just slightly bigger than her real 1/10th size violin. After hearing our 6-year-old violinist play one song on it, her dad (who does Suzuki violin with her) insisted she stick to her real violin for playing songs the strings are not "tuned" like those on a real violin and he did not want using the toy to interfere with her developing her sensitivity for tone, pitch (I am not a musician but hopefully you get what I mean).
With that said, remember that this is a TOY violin, and is not intended to substitute for a real one. As far as toys go, it is a great toy!
If you, like us have an active toddler who wants to be a violinist like big sister or brother, this is a great TOY that can help him/her feel special! Note, the description of the violin indicates that it would be a great gift for a child aged 5 or older. I am a little surprised by that as it is commonly recommended for children to start learning how to play violin around the ages of 3 to 5. Our oldest daughter started taking violin lessons and playing a real violin shortly after she turned 4. If you are serious about having your child play violin and are looking to buy this TOY as a cheap alternative to a "real instrument," we don't recommend going that route! Once our toddler is responsible enough to handle a real instrument/ grasp the concepts required for starting to learn to play violin, we will put this toy away (assuming it survives that long) and give her a real instrument.
This toy shipped from China free of charge. It said it could take up to a month or so, but came in a couple of weeks.
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we bought this item for our 2 year old boy. This is great and attends all the expectations. As our kid is 2 years old, and he's crazy by music, we wanted something that really could make some violin like sound, and di'n't cost hundred dollars like those tuition expensive violins. We really liked it!Best Deals for Kids Toy Mini Music Violin + Worldwide free shiping
I don't get where the great reviews are coming from. I bought this for my three year old daughter's birthday and it showed up from China packed in nothing but thin bubble wrap. The box was flattened! And of course it was damaged, but beyond that, it doesn't appear that you can adjust the pegs to tighten the strings (they are too loose as is). The feel is VERY cheap. I had a super cheap one in the 70s that had adjustable pegs. Overall, I'd give it two, maybe three stars if it arrived safely and well packed but as is I would love to give it zero stars accounting for the absurdly poor packing job. So disappointing.Update: I increased my review to three stars because of the prompt help of the people who sell this violin to resolve the situation. I'm still not impressed with it but if you get an undamaged one you may be satisfied.
Honest reviews on Kids Toy Mini Music Violin + Worldwide free shiping
I purchased this violin for my grand daughter's birthday and she loved it!! It was so real looking and the perfect size for a 4 year old. The toy arrived much earlier than expected. The shipping information noted about 4 weeks so I was very glad it did not take that long as I was a little late in ordering for my little one's birthday.Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for Kids Toy Mini Music Violin + Worldwide free shiping
Like others, I found the packaging very substandard. It came in a bag! From China! Are you kidding me? It was completely trashed. It's a wonder the violin made it in one piece. This toy is almost impossible for a small child to get any sound out of it at all. Must position bow "just so," and little hands can't do it. Day two, my grandson dropped it on tile and it broke it. Now it is duct taped. Only reason it gets three stars - the little guy loves carrying it around the house and pretending with it. And that's what it's all about.Monday, October 20, 2014
Buy 30 Key Fancy Baby Grand Piano White
My mom bought this for my daughter's 3rd birthday. I love the color and seat height. I would highly recommend this piano for those that are taking lessons.
Friday, October 10, 2014
Pocket Chart Door Hangers Review
First let me say something about the review questions. This toy is not fun nor is it a toy but I think the quality and the product are great so I gave all questions 5 stars.
Now to the review. The hooks are perfect to hang my daughter's calendar on our laundry room door. They stay in place even when the door is in regular constant use. They are very durable metal usually is and easy to "connect". I would order again if I were in need of hanging something like a school calendar again.
Now to the review. The hooks are perfect to hang my daughter's calendar on our laundry room door. They stay in place even when the door is in regular constant use. They are very durable metal usually is and easy to "connect". I would order again if I were in need of hanging something like a school calendar again.
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These are wonderful. It'll save you from making your walls full of holes for calenders or other lite hang-a-bles. Renters rejoice!!!Best Deals for Pocket Chart Door Hangers
The Pocket Chart Door Hanger should not be identified as a toy. It is a valuable tool. As mentioned earlier, fun and educational qualities of the product do not apply. In my office, when an employee moves, EVERYTHING goes with him/her. That's not the way it's supposed to work. I purchased my own white board for the door of my office. In the last move, holes were drilled into the door. Mounting was no problem. This time, I needed an alternative way of displaying the board--no new holes may be drilled. This product looked like it would work. I am happy to say that it's better than I expected. You can adjust the height of the hooks; the design is such that the board does not bounce when the door is opened or closed. The stabilizing hooks come with rubber tips that prevent marring the door. These hangers were thoughtfully designed. I highly recommend this product.Honest reviews on Pocket Chart Door Hangers
The door hanger doesn't actually fit properly over the door it's too loose, and as a result, it has chewed up the door and door frame. I had to add a few shims (which look terrible) to get a solid fit. I would not waste the money again.Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for Pocket Chart Door Hangers
This product works well for what it's designed for which is to hang pocket folders. I'm not sure why it's designated as a "toy" under amazon. It's a little big for the door I have it hanging on but it works well.Sunday, October 5, 2014
Reviews of The Twilight Saga - Set of 4 - Book Cover Art Bookmarks
These bookmarks are great!! They came on time and I was very excited when they came. The only thing to know is that the bookmarks are made or cardboard like material and it is very hard to find a protective cover to fit the size of the bookmarks. Overall these bookmarks are great and I love mine!!!!
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The Twilight Saga bookmarks are a clever way to mark each book in the series. They are well made and just a fun addition to the collectables for the series. I recommend them as a gift for an avid reader who can always use another bookmark!Best Deals for The Twilight Saga - Set of 4 - Book Cover Art Bookmarks
if you are a twihard like most of us these are a must have for the books. very durable and look great on there own as well. just wished i could have found one for all five of the books.Honest reviews on The Twilight Saga - Set of 4 - Book Cover Art Bookmarks
These book marks are really small. Much smaller than what you would get in a book store. Really loved the idea, of having a book mark for each of the books, but they are just too small. Really not worth the price.Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for The Twilight Saga - Set of 4 - Book Cover Art Bookmarks
Amazing! Fantastic Quality, and great size. Nothing worse than a massive bookmark. The style is brilliant and I love showing them off! A great addition to my Twilight Saga collection. They are not tacky as som movie/book merchandise can be. They are going a bit nuts with some items, but these bookmarks and the movie one, by this maker, are 5 star quality!Saturday, October 4, 2014
Review of Pecoware / Create Your Own Secret Diary Set, Princess Rose Slippers
This is a very attractive trinket box that looks expensive but is very affordable. I purchased it for a seven-year-old girl's birthday and I think it's perfect for this age group. The box itself is very pretty and there are two little side boxes that are attached to the inside and can be lifted out (though still attached to the main box). The box has enough space in it to keep little treasures.
Then there are the accessories. There is a diary which I thought was the perfect size for little hands, stickers, a pen that has four colors, beads, sequins, jewels and glitter glue that can be used to decorate the diary. My daughter has a similar Pecoware trinket box containing a diary and loves it it has been two years since I got it for her and she still plays with it, so I think it is fairly sturdy too. A beautiful, affordable trinket box for little girl's treasures.
Good buy for christmas i was satisfied.
It is a very good girl kid gift with a reasonable price.
Do not expect it to last much but the joy and fun it makes worth the price and the idea.
Then there are the accessories. There is a diary which I thought was the perfect size for little hands, stickers, a pen that has four colors, beads, sequins, jewels and glitter glue that can be used to decorate the diary. My daughter has a similar Pecoware trinket box containing a diary and loves it it has been two years since I got it for her and she still plays with it, so I think it is fairly sturdy too. A beautiful, affordable trinket box for little girl's treasures.
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i purchased two of these for my nieces and they both loved it. It is decent for the price. It like a jewelry box and a diary so they loved it. Messy glitter warning and make sure they don't use the glitter glue as chapstick haha.....Good buy for christmas i was satisfied.
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My little girl liked the toy much.It is a very good girl kid gift with a reasonable price.
Do not expect it to last much but the joy and fun it makes worth the price and the idea.
Honest reviews on Pecoware / Create Your Own Secret Diary Set, Princess Rose Slippers
Very pink and sparkly product. Nicely presented with 2 drawers that open up to reveal diary underneath. Box can be used for treasures after. My daughter wouldn't even look at her other Christmas presents that she hadn't opened yet. She just wanted to explore and ooh, and ah at this.Wednesday, September 17, 2014
Discount Ein-O Science Elastic Science
List Price: $12.99
Sale Price: $12.58
Today's Bonus: 3% Off
My 12 year old son and soon to be 15 year old daughter, enjoyed this elastic science kit but instead of the car as pictured, it came with a dark brown realistic looking gun, very disappointed in having the car replaced for a gun. I was going to send the gun back to Amazon as a sort of protest but decided to destroy it. I'm not against guns but it's dangerous for a 12 year old to have a dark brown gun to point at friends or unsuspecting people.
Saturday, August 23, 2014
Discount Famemaster 4D-Vision Human Stomach Anatomy Model
Its excellent toy for education, is important to show ours child how is the human body and all organs for see how we funcion and care.really cool havent used it to study yet but its hecka nice and looks perfectomodo for my med school studying material
Thursday, August 21, 2014
Cheap CLASSIC CHRISTMAS ALVIN & the CHIPMUNKS SINGING ALVIN!
I got this for my almost two year old grandson. After he opened Alvin he wasn't interested in the rest of his gifts. He loves it.My greatgrandson loved it. The rest of the family really could have done without the chipmunks song but that really didn't matter. He loved it.
Cheap Suction Cup Coaster by Anatex
A few people mentioned in reviews that they were shipped the incorrect toy. What we received is exactly as pictured. I ordered it when my son was 10 months old, & it holds his attention for a little while (about 15-20 minutes). That's great for me because that's enough time to start supper or heat up something for myself and my son.
My son likes the colors and moves the beads with ease. I have not had any issues with paint chipping as mentioned in another review. I was pleasantly surprised that it sticks wonderfully to the tray of our First Years feeding seat. Our son (thus far @ 11 months old) has not been able to remove it from the tray. The first time I removed it from his tray it took a little effort on my part! It also sticks to the formica top on our kitchen table as well as a wooden tv tray. Have not tried it at a restaurant yet. I'm happy I purchased this toy and was very excited it was made in the USA!!!
This review is for the CPS Suction Cup Coaster received in error.
The suction cups work rather well on the tray of our Fisher Price high chair, as well as the tray on our Prince Lionheart BebePod Plus. The wooden beads feature different shapes and colors, which our 10-month-old baby enjoyed fingering and spinning. The two tracks were not too difficult for him to move beads across, so that's another plus.
I would've kept it, but I noticed that the CPS model arrived in the mail with some damage already: paint chipping off the corners and little chunks of wood splintering off.
If you decide to order this model, make sure you get the correct one as advertised. I wouldn't want my kid to be swallowing wood splinters or paint.
P.S. Although I returned the item and Amazon gave me a refund immediately, I still wanted to give Cute Gift Store another chance. I contacted Cute Gift Store through the Amazon website almost 10 days ago, yet I have gotten no response from them. Too bad, because I had hoped to make a second order, this time for the correct toy. I may have to buy a different bead maze, from another vendor instead. Not ideal.
My son likes the colors and moves the beads with ease. I have not had any issues with paint chipping as mentioned in another review. I was pleasantly surprised that it sticks wonderfully to the tray of our First Years feeding seat. Our son (thus far @ 11 months old) has not been able to remove it from the tray. The first time I removed it from his tray it took a little effort on my part! It also sticks to the formica top on our kitchen table as well as a wooden tv tray. Have not tried it at a restaurant yet. I'm happy I purchased this toy and was very excited it was made in the USA!!!
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This toy is fabulous! I use suction cup toys to keep my son entertained when we go out to eat, when I need to have him in his high chair so that I can cook, etc.Best Deals for Suction Cup Coaster by Anatex
We bought this as a high chair toy. My daughter (9-months) wasn't interested. We set it aside and forgot about it. Last month, she came across it and rediscovered this toy. She likes to hold it up and move the beads by tilting it one way, then another. If we hold it, she'll play with the beads. As soon as it's affixed to a surface, she loses interest.Honest reviews on Suction Cup Coaster by Anatex
I received the wrong item, just as Bobbi (another reviewer) had. The Amazon vendor, Cute Gift Store, pictures and lists the product as "Suction Cup Coaster by Anatex" (SKU: SC4003), but the unit I received in error was CPS Suction Cup Coaster (SKU: CPSSP3001). If you go onto the Anatex website, you can see the different models and SKU numbers to confirm.This review is for the CPS Suction Cup Coaster received in error.
The suction cups work rather well on the tray of our Fisher Price high chair, as well as the tray on our Prince Lionheart BebePod Plus. The wooden beads feature different shapes and colors, which our 10-month-old baby enjoyed fingering and spinning. The two tracks were not too difficult for him to move beads across, so that's another plus.
I would've kept it, but I noticed that the CPS model arrived in the mail with some damage already: paint chipping off the corners and little chunks of wood splintering off.
If you decide to order this model, make sure you get the correct one as advertised. I wouldn't want my kid to be swallowing wood splinters or paint.
P.S. Although I returned the item and Amazon gave me a refund immediately, I still wanted to give Cute Gift Store another chance. I contacted Cute Gift Store through the Amazon website almost 10 days ago, yet I have gotten no response from them. Too bad, because I had hoped to make a second order, this time for the correct toy. I may have to buy a different bead maze, from another vendor instead. Not ideal.
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Ordered this toy to go on a high chair for our 7mo old, but what we got is not as pictured. Its a 1/2 " thick square board w/ square edges/corners thats painted red w/ a black and white checkered pattern around the edges, box says 2 yrs +. Cant really let the baby have it w/o supervision as it doesnt seem to want to stay put. The suction cups are small and held on by screws, not real sure how long those will stay on w/ her pulling on it. It doesnt seem to want to stick on anything but plastic, even then it doesnt last long even after wetting the cups. So far its not as impressive as the Mellissa and Doug one we got in the same order. Its too bad cause this one is actually easier for the baby to manipulate w/ the arc on it, not really disappointed w/ it just expected something else, but the baby still likes it. It was shipped w/ the rest of our order so the packing was the usual good Amazon job.Monday, August 4, 2014
Buy Eeboo Lacing Cards - Hardware Store
I have a 2 year old boy, who obviously is not ready for the intricacies of completing a lacing card. What he does like is putting the laces in and out of the holes and undoing laces that I have done for him.
The cards are very thick and the box they come in is sturdy enough to be sat/stood upon by a 29 lb kid without visible problem yet (only for moments, but that's enough). He's also tossed them and walked on the cards too. So far so good!
When we first got these cards, we were thrilled with the illustration quality. Our son is tool-obsessed. In fact, for days he tried to get the more interesting looking screwdriver off of the card (he likes the middle one), and seemed to be confused that it was a picture and not real. It was really cute. Its hard to find lacing toys that aren't remotely girly (my husband was willing to raise a girl with boy stuff, but apparently not so the other way around!). We also have Alex's shoe "lacing" plastic cards. So far both have held up equally well and I do not believe that the size of the laces (larger on the Alex) has really effected the use either way.
If you love these cards, Eeboo makes alphabet cards with the same illustrator for decorating rooms. We got ours at Land of Nod. These are not as thick and are not good for toddler handling, alas. We did get a kick out of A is for Adjustable Wrench.
The cards are very thick and the box they come in is sturdy enough to be sat/stood upon by a 29 lb kid without visible problem yet (only for moments, but that's enough). He's also tossed them and walked on the cards too. So far so good!
When we first got these cards, we were thrilled with the illustration quality. Our son is tool-obsessed. In fact, for days he tried to get the more interesting looking screwdriver off of the card (he likes the middle one), and seemed to be confused that it was a picture and not real. It was really cute. Its hard to find lacing toys that aren't remotely girly (my husband was willing to raise a girl with boy stuff, but apparently not so the other way around!). We also have Alex's shoe "lacing" plastic cards. So far both have held up equally well and I do not believe that the size of the laces (larger on the Alex) has really effected the use either way.
If you love these cards, Eeboo makes alphabet cards with the same illustrator for decorating rooms. We got ours at Land of Nod. These are not as thick and are not good for toddler handling, alas. We did get a kick out of A is for Adjustable Wrench.
Friday, August 1, 2014
Educational Insights Nancy B's Science Club Microscope and Activity Reviews
Customer review from the Amazon Vine Program After playing with this microscope for a couple of hours, I concluded that the company spent more effort on designing the eye-catching box and graphics than in designing a usable microscope. There are several problems that make this toy too frustrating to really be useful. The first is that all the microscope "movement" pieces are plastic, and so the focus mechanism is extremely poor . . . so poor it makes the toy almost unusable.
To test the device, I got a cucumber leaf from the garden that has spider mites. I found at 30 power it was extremely frustrating trying to get a view of one of the many mites on the leaf. The focus mechanism is very crude, and has many "stick and jump" spots, making smooth focus impossible. Even worse, when you try and adjust the focus, it causes the platen to move laterally, causing you to "lose" the item you were trying to focus on.
If you are familiar with microscopy, you will know that it can be a challenge to get the item you are interested in into the field of view. If touching the focus knob causes the field of view to "jump" over a millimeter or so, getting a point of interest in the field of view and in focus becomes almost impossible. With some work, I was able to get a spider mite and spider mite egg into view and in focus at 30X magnification. At 30X the image clarity was marginally acceptable. The microscope needs a brighter light, as even at 30X the image is fairly dim and low contrast.
I found it virtually impossible to use at 100X. It was simply too frustrating trying to get the mite into the field of view and in focus. Also, the image at this magnification was quiet dim.
I am all for educational toys, and especially for getting girls interested in STEM. However, I fear that this toy is so cheaply made it would have the opposite effect.
Perhaps it is just not possible to build a marginally functional microscope at this price range. In any event, I would suggest spending a little more and getting a unit that has some degree of precision in the focus.
In addition, I would suggest that there are some excellent digital microscopes for not too much more money than this. A digital microscope plugged into a computer opens a wide range of interesting, fun, and educational possibilities.
I wanted to like this toy, but unfortunately, I can not recommend it.
For the price, this microscope is a good deal, and works well enough to get kids interested in science and microbiology.
Likes:
Bottom and top lighting. You can switch between modes.
LED lighting. Fairly bright, and batteries last a long time.
Kid friendly controls. My 5 year old can load a slide and focus it. The nice big focusing knob helps.
Included dropper, sample vials, tweezers, slides w/ covers and labels.
Comes with example slides.
Dislikes:
No carrying case for slides. Everything just comes in sealed plastic bags in a box.
Optics are pretty bad compared to a real microscope. Contrast is barely usable at 400x.
Three fun projects:
1. Pond water. Try looking at pond or puddle water. Ideally, from somewhere with organic nutrients. Water from a puddle in our back yard with a bunch of leaves in it was the best. Take the included dropper and sample vial. Place a drop on a slide. Start at 30 x, you should see a bunch of protozoans and other critters swimming around. So cool!
2. Onion cells. Peel the edge of a layer of an onion so it ends as thin as possible. Place on slide an you should be able to see the individual cells very clearly.
3. Human hair. Cells from a inside cheek scraping. etc..
Overall a very affordable and accessible introduction to microscopes, which are such a fun and educational toy.
I literally spent hours looking at the puddle water and trying to identify microorganisms.
Opening the package and peering into this microscope with my 5 year-old daughter rekindled that same excitement; what a treat. The optics work surprisingly well for a toy microscope (up to 400 X). I trained on professional microscopes in my medical career, and the truth is this microscope doesn't lag too far behind up to that magnification. Of course this microscope doesn't have any oil immersion capabilities which is what is needed to truly visualize specimens at the cellular level; but that is to be expected given its modest price.
The set only comes with 4 prepared slides (my old toy microscope set came with at least 30; including vials of formaldehyde prepared specimens to dissect, good old days before toy regulations!); so you will need to make some with the included blank slides and purchase additional prepared ones (I ordered the Amscope 50 slide set). If you do purchase the prepared specimens, please be advised that this microscope will not provide adequate visualization of the cellular details that you will need for things like microbes and blood cells.
The styling is geared towards girls (EI does make a more generic looking toy microscope at a slightly higher price point).
Overall, a great toy microscope that is great for what it does.
To test the device, I got a cucumber leaf from the garden that has spider mites. I found at 30 power it was extremely frustrating trying to get a view of one of the many mites on the leaf. The focus mechanism is very crude, and has many "stick and jump" spots, making smooth focus impossible. Even worse, when you try and adjust the focus, it causes the platen to move laterally, causing you to "lose" the item you were trying to focus on.
If you are familiar with microscopy, you will know that it can be a challenge to get the item you are interested in into the field of view. If touching the focus knob causes the field of view to "jump" over a millimeter or so, getting a point of interest in the field of view and in focus becomes almost impossible. With some work, I was able to get a spider mite and spider mite egg into view and in focus at 30X magnification. At 30X the image clarity was marginally acceptable. The microscope needs a brighter light, as even at 30X the image is fairly dim and low contrast.
I found it virtually impossible to use at 100X. It was simply too frustrating trying to get the mite into the field of view and in focus. Also, the image at this magnification was quiet dim.
I am all for educational toys, and especially for getting girls interested in STEM. However, I fear that this toy is so cheaply made it would have the opposite effect.
Perhaps it is just not possible to build a marginally functional microscope at this price range. In any event, I would suggest spending a little more and getting a unit that has some degree of precision in the focus.
In addition, I would suggest that there are some excellent digital microscopes for not too much more money than this. A digital microscope plugged into a computer opens a wide range of interesting, fun, and educational possibilities.
I wanted to like this toy, but unfortunately, I can not recommend it.
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Customer review from the Amazon Vine Program Growing up, one of my favorite toys was a microscope that someone bought me. The one I grew up with was much nicer than this plastic one, but also probably more expensive.For the price, this microscope is a good deal, and works well enough to get kids interested in science and microbiology.
Likes:
Bottom and top lighting. You can switch between modes.
LED lighting. Fairly bright, and batteries last a long time.
Kid friendly controls. My 5 year old can load a slide and focus it. The nice big focusing knob helps.
Included dropper, sample vials, tweezers, slides w/ covers and labels.
Comes with example slides.
Dislikes:
No carrying case for slides. Everything just comes in sealed plastic bags in a box.
Optics are pretty bad compared to a real microscope. Contrast is barely usable at 400x.
Three fun projects:
1. Pond water. Try looking at pond or puddle water. Ideally, from somewhere with organic nutrients. Water from a puddle in our back yard with a bunch of leaves in it was the best. Take the included dropper and sample vial. Place a drop on a slide. Start at 30 x, you should see a bunch of protozoans and other critters swimming around. So cool!
2. Onion cells. Peel the edge of a layer of an onion so it ends as thin as possible. Place on slide an you should be able to see the individual cells very clearly.
3. Human hair. Cells from a inside cheek scraping. etc..
Overall a very affordable and accessible introduction to microscopes, which are such a fun and educational toy.
I literally spent hours looking at the puddle water and trying to identify microorganisms.
Best Deals for Educational Insights Nancy B's Science Club Microscope and Activity
Customer review from the Amazon Vine Program After all these years, I still remember my first toy microscope set. Receiving it for Christmas was the pivotal moment that launched my interest in Science and led me down the road to becoming a physician.Opening the package and peering into this microscope with my 5 year-old daughter rekindled that same excitement; what a treat. The optics work surprisingly well for a toy microscope (up to 400 X). I trained on professional microscopes in my medical career, and the truth is this microscope doesn't lag too far behind up to that magnification. Of course this microscope doesn't have any oil immersion capabilities which is what is needed to truly visualize specimens at the cellular level; but that is to be expected given its modest price.
The set only comes with 4 prepared slides (my old toy microscope set came with at least 30; including vials of formaldehyde prepared specimens to dissect, good old days before toy regulations!); so you will need to make some with the included blank slides and purchase additional prepared ones (I ordered the Amscope 50 slide set). If you do purchase the prepared specimens, please be advised that this microscope will not provide adequate visualization of the cellular details that you will need for things like microbes and blood cells.
The styling is geared towards girls (EI does make a more generic looking toy microscope at a slightly higher price point).
Overall, a great toy microscope that is great for what it does.
Honest reviews on Educational Insights Nancy B's Science Club Microscope and Activity
The Nancy B's microscope is very child friendly. I like that there aren't too many knobs etc. It comes with some prepared slides that are nice to start out with. It also comes with the supplies needed to make your own slides which I think will be fun for the children. Overall it seems like a good product.Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for Educational Insights Nancy B's Science Club Microscope and Activity
Customer review from the Amazon Vine Program First off, let me begin by saying that this is a TOY, not a high powered, professional grade microscope. It's made to introduce kids to the fascinating world of science, and it does that nicely. The price is right, it's sturdy enough, no better or worse actually than the one I had as a child. If I recall, the clarity is actually finer than the one I had, so I can't complain, and neither did my children. They are having a ball pretending to be scientists...discovering new and exciting everyday items around the home and yard. A mom certainly can't complain about that!Saturday, July 26, 2014
Big Thinkers Kindergarten Reviews
List Price: $29.95
Sale Price: $14.98
Today's Bonus: 50% Off
I used to play this game when I was younger (around 6 or 7 I'm now 15) and I always thought it was weird but fun...I would recommend this for people looking for a good game for there kindergarden kids to play. Also If you have a 1st grader I recommend the version for 1st graders.
Friday, July 18, 2014
LeapFrog Explorer Transformers Rescue Bots Race to The Rescue Review
My 5 year old son loves this game. He has been playing with his LeapPad at least 2-3 times a week since he got it for Christmas in 2011, but since getting this game he has played it everyday. It is a great mix of education and action. The education piece isn't reading/math focused as many of the other games are, this one is focused on logic, map skills, and natural disaster knowledge. The natural disaster piece is taught subtly by Cody and the team giving little facts or tips during game play. My son randomly told a cashier at the store the other day about how earthquakes happen when tectonic plates slide against each other ;) The game is simple to learn, but still challenging enough to keep him engaged with it for a long time. He doesn't win every round on the first try, but it is fun enough that he wants to keep trying. I would recommend this game for older preschoolers 1st or 2nd grade if they are still interested in Rescue Bots.
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I purchased two of these for my son and nephew. Hand down their favorite new Game! I highly recommend this game!Best Deals for LeapFrog Explorer Transformers Rescue Bots Race to The Rescue
I bought this from target today! and my 5 year old son LOVES it a lot! I was worried cause the picture cover looks cheesy but the game is actually cute!Honest reviews on LeapFrog Explorer Transformers Rescue Bots Race to The Rescue
This is my son's favorite game on the leappad. Most of the games are puzzles and do not have a lot of action. He loves this game because you get to shoot at robots and put out fires. It is similar to a Nintendo game format but easy enough for a preschooler. He is so excited about it that he even dreams about it at night. I wish leappad would put out more games like this!Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for LeapFrog Explorer Transformers Rescue Bots Race to The Rescue
I bought this for my son at target, so it came with an additional Rescue Bots video (the squilsh episode), which he loves. But the game itself is NOT educational! It is a basic video game. You turn the leappad on it's side and use the d-pad and A/B buttons to jump and shoot (water) to kill aliens dropping bombs, and run in a video game. It is like Super Mario Brothers with Transformers. I gave it 3 stars because my son enjoys it, but I was disappointed at the complete lack of educational value
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