When you're in the UK and looking for the perfect educational toy to gift your child, or your favorite nephew, you don't have to look hard because most of the educational toys that are manufactured by the likes of LeapFrog, Hasbro, Jakks Pacific and Disney are being distributed worldwide. Access to educational toys is so open that anyone, even people from the outskirts of the UK are able to buy it if they have the resources.
Buying the right kind of toy for a child is probably as difficult as solving a major Math equation. Do you get something that he or she would appreciate for the longer term until he or she grows a little older, or do you gift something that is the "in" thing now? Given the busy times nowadays, most people would tell you to just go for the easy way and get an educational toy.
This way, you don't have to worry if the toy you're giving has sufficient value because you're sure the child will learn a lot of things from it.
First, find out if the educational toy you're thinking of buying is actually appropriate for the child you are giving it to. That is, if it's learning level coincides with the child's age range. All educational toy boxes carry this information outside, to guide you in your purchase.
Second, when in doubt, ask. Most toy stores have little information kiosks where the educational toys being sold are made accessible to the public for testing and trials. These kiosks also almost always have a representative from the toy store who will gladly explain and demonstrate what each toy can do and for what ages they are best suited.
Third, don't get carried away. While it may be tempting to buy the largest and hippest educational toy in the bunch, it would be best to, instead, buy something that will bring the greatest value to the child.
When buying educational toys in the UK, there really is no secret formula. Just get the toy that is appropriate to the child's age and base your choice on what you think would best interest him or her. If the child is into experiments, you can get him or her a science and discovery toy. If the child shows some adeptness at communication, you can get him or her a story reader or a speller.
There are many toy stores in the UK that carry brands that make educational toys. Finding the right gift shouldn't be too difficult.
Low Jeremy maintains http://educational-toys.articlesforreprint.com This content is provided by Low Jeremy. It may be used only in its entirety with all links included.
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Friday, May 22, 2009
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Bandai Ben 10 Omnitrix F/X
Bandai Ben 10 Omnitrix F/X
From Bandai
Product Description
F/X version of Ben's watch! Dial up 10 aliens and hear cool BEN 10 TV show sound effects. Batteries included. 4 Years +
Product Details
- Amazon Sales Rank: #26 in Toys & Games
- Brand: Bandai
- Model: 27286
- Dimensions: 2.76" h x 11.02" w x 7.68" l, .58 pounds
Features
- Deluxe OMNITRIX is true to scale for realistic role play
- Fashing red and green lights, transformation sound effects taken directly from the TV series
- Fans of Ben 10 will surely recognize the unmistakable sounds depicting the transformation from Ben to Alien
- Like Ben's watch, our OMNITRIX will signal activation and de-activation with cool sound effects and red and green lights.
- Each of the 10 Aliens' silhouettes can be seen on the face of the watch and will be backlit for an easier view
Editorial Reviews
Manufacturer's Description
Ben Tennyson is an average 10 year-old who discovers a strange alien watch in a crashed meteorite. He soon discovers that, by using the watch, he can transform into endless alien superheroes, each with their own unique powers, while keeping his 10 year-old personality. With flashing red and green lights, and transformation sound effects taken directly from the TV series, the Omnitrix F/X provides the ultimate role play experience. With this toy you can be Ben! Like Ben's real alien watch, the Omnitrix F/X will signal activation and deactivation with cool lights and sound effects, taking you right into the action. Choose between 10 aliens, including: Fourarms, Heatblast and Stinkfly. Each aliens' silhouette can be seen on the face of the watch and is backlit for an easier view. The watch is accurately scaled to real size, keeping true to the detail of the show. Turn the dial and select an alien, and begin your quest against evil. A great stimulus for the imagination, the possible adventures that this watch could lead you on are truly endless.
Customer Reviews
Better than the deluxe for younger children.
My four year old Ben10 fan borrowed this FX Omnitrix from a friend earlier this year and loved it. It doesn't really do anything but light up and make the Ben10 noises but the sounds are very authentic and the watch seems to very satisfying to hit before you "transform". I was nervous he was going to break his friends watch before we had a chance to give it back as he is very tough on his toys and we ended up having it for about a month, in which is was played with pretty much every day. Dropped on the floor alot, bashed on the wall alot etc, but it was in the exact same condition when he gave it back so must be pretty tough.
I saw both the FX and the deluxe version on sale online recently but only the deluxe was in stock so I bought this for my son thinking that if anything it would be a bit better. For a slightly older child who can read, maybe 6 and up, it probably is better. The strap is better for a start, just a thick band of velcro so relatively easy to put on and secure once on. The watch has a black and white display. To start with you choose from normal mode, battle mode, status mode and options. Normal mode is what I put it on for my son as he can turn the dial , see the silhouettes of each different monster as he turns the dial, when he has selected which alien he wants to be he hits the watch which makes all the right noises and then different pics of that particular alien come up on the screen. After a certain amount of time, the "returningt to Ben" noise sounds and back to the original screen.
Battle mode gives an animation of ben walking which runs for a little while when a doomy noise plays and you know that a villain is approaching. You get a pic of the villain and text along the bottom saying which alien you need to turn into it, it then times you as you turn the dial to try and find the right alien and records your score which you can then look at in status mode. If you are quick enough then I think you win against the villain but I haven;t managed to yet as have only been allowed on it for about a minute.
Battle mode is lost on my not yet reading son and unfortunately he can hit the wrong buttons on the watch as he plays and ends up turning the sound off or putting it into the wrong mode and has to bring it to me to sort out. I think he would have been happier with the fx watch really despite the worse strap. Great watch for slightly older kids tho and I have had no complaints at all from my son as yet to be fair. He thinks it's the best thing ever.
Just like the real thing
Had this toy for close to a year now and it's stood the test of time in the hands of a 4 year old boy. Don't know what kind of battery it has but it seems to be going strong and the watch is very sturdy taking loads of whacks.
It makes the noise when Ben morphs into a monster and has a spinny dial to choose the monsters.
FANTASTIC!!!
I just got this for my Ben 10 collection and it was brilliant and is just like the one in the TV programme. Only one complaint...it's really loose on second from tightest strap, because when you strap it on the tightest it seems to refuse that and it takes about 5 mins to actually put it on a 10 year old...
Friday, February 20, 2009
VTech Disney Cars Lightning McQueen Learning Laptop - Toys from Amazon UK
VTech Disney Cars Lightning McQueen Learning Laptop
From VTech
Product Description
Product Details
- Amazon Sales Rank: #203 in Toys & Games
- Brand: VTech
- Dimensions: 2.65 pounds
Editorial Reviews
Manufacturer's Description
Speed into learning with the VTech Cars Lightning McQueen Learning Laptop. 15 turbo-charged activities reinforce the learning of letter order, vowels, typing skills, numbers, maths and logic. This fun laptop has a super cool McQueen-shaped design with QWERTY keyboard and pullout wheel-shaped cursor mouse, all of which encourages real keyboard skills, manual dexterity and independent play.
Moulded Doc, Mater and Luigi character buttons access 3 unique mini-games. Exciting LCD animations, jolly melodies and revved-up sound effects enhance the play experience.
Customer Reviews
Leading The Way!
I bought this for my son who's nearly 3 and one for a present for his friend. My son loves it and it's a brilliant, educational 1st laptop with so many excellent learning games along with a "QWERTY" keyboard (that sold it to me!) to get them use to a normal computer/keyboard. Fantastic styling and sound effects and very robust. Amazing value! Very pleased!
VTECH Cars Laptop
This has proved to be an excellent toy both for my 3 yr old who we got it for and his 9 yr old brother who passes over his DS and Playstation to get hold of it!!! Guess part of the draw is because it's "not his" but there is such a good range of games and activities that neither child gets bored - also stands up to the less than gentle "fights" over whose turn it is so expect this to be a much loved long term favourite which makes it excellent value for money too. Very impressed.
Monday, January 19, 2009
Toys UK - Peppa Pig My First Ready Bed Product Review
Peppa Pig My First Ready Bed
From Worlds Apart
Product Description
A gorgeous, fully portable inflatable bed with soft, cosy cover - ideal for toddlers who like to take their own bed wherever they go. Comes complete with protective side bolsters and built-in headboard for added comfort and safety. An ideal ready to use bed that can is also portable, practical, and comfortable and most importantly FUN. The ready bed is an ideal transition from travel cot to bed. It is a fully portable inflatable bed which has a soft cover on the top of it. Its ideal for those nights at nannies or at a friends house and is especially good for the holidays as it packs away into its own travel bag. The bed also comes with its own pump so it only takes a moment to inflate it and youre ready for bed. The bed comes with soft integral bed head and side bolsters for extra comfort and safety. Features H135cm, W71cm, D32cm Comes with a pump and carry bag Cover is machine washable at 40 degrees Suitable from 2 yrs
Product Details
- Amazon Sales Rank: #3 in Toys & Games
- Brand: Worlds Apart
- Dimensions: 2.20 pounds
Review more at site : Amazon UK Toys
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Scrabble 60th Anniversary Edition - Games & Puzzles Review
Scrabble 60th Anniversary Edition
From Mattel
Editorial Reviews
Manufacturer's Description
For 60 years Scrabble has been challenging the world with its fun, demanding and sometimes maddening word play game. This special 60th Anniversary edition is ideal for collectors and fans of the game. It comes with a translucent board along with opaque green tiles with silver lettering. The iconic tile racks have also been given a radical makeover, and the box has metallic lettering and window packaging, making it a lovely gift for Scrabble fans, or those new to the game.
Did you know Scrabble was invented in 1931 by an unemployed architect named Alfred Butts? It was quietly played by just the inventor and his friends until 1948 when it began to be manufactured and sold. Scrabble is the world's bestselling word game and once people start playing this famous word game they are usually captivated for life. Each player must make the best use of 7 letter tiles drawn at random, taking turns to form words crossword-style across the playing board. Scores are given for letter values and are boosted by premium squares on the grid. The highest score at the end wins. This is a great opportunity to update and treat yourself to a brand new Scrabble.
Customer Reviews
Poor version may look good but not functional
I bought this based on the previous positive reviews and ignored the bad one - this was a mistake. Yes Scrabble is a good game but this is a review for the 60th Anniversary edition. The board IS dark and once the pieces are down it's hard to spot the double/triple letter markers (and we have good eyesight). More annoying are the overly stylised tile holders they are unstable, fiddly and don't hold the tiles very well! The board doesn't swivel and you don't get scoring pads or timer but then this isn't a deluxe version. Overall I wish I'd bought a different version.
Brilliant Value for money
Just bought this game for my 10 year old. The board actually clips in place and does not move about as another review suggests. The pieces stay in place in the grooves. It's a lovely board game and great value for money. Would definitely recommend this purchase to everyone.
As good as the original - and better!
I've played with the original many times although this is the first set that I've owned. I like it. It's good quality and although the colour and the overall design may not appeal to traditionalists and/or people with poor eyesight, it is more functional (pieces are locked-in place by the raised edges of the grid) than the original and well worth it at the same (low) price.
 |  |  |
| Scrabble 60th Anniversary Edition £13.74 | Original Rubik's Cube £9.99 | Twister £5.66 |
 |  |  |
| 20Q Version 2 £11.95 | Articulate £25.44 | Jigsaw Roll £9.74 |
 |  |  |
| Winning Moves - Pass the Pigs £7.81 | Top Trumps - Top Gear £3.91 | Tomy Rummikub Game £14.67 |
Review more detail at site : Amazon UK Toys
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Model Toys Review
Micro Scalextric James Bond 007 Set
From Scalextric
Product Description
Can you keep the famous Aston Martin of James Bond from being caught by the bad guys? A huge 5 metre track offers twists and turns, a roundabout loop and cross-roads to try and out wit the chasing car.
Product Details
- Amazon Sales Rank: #2798 in Toys & Games
- Brand: Scalextric
- Dimensions: .0" h x .0" w x .0" l, 3.97 pounds
Scalextric Start! Set
From Scalextric
Product Description
Easy to set up and ready for action, the C1203 Start Set is your perfect introduction to the world of Scalextric.
This set includes two impact resistant Audi TT cars ensuring hours of fun, with a track layout of 105cm x 108cm and an overall track lengt
Product Details
- Amazon Sales Rank: #1289 in Toys & Games
- Brand: Scalextric
- Model: C1203
- Dimensions: 1.57" h x 23.62" w x 42.13" l, 5.51 pounds
Features
- Scalextric C1203 Scalextric Start!
Customer Reviews
pants performance!
Bought for sons 8th birthday.quick and easy to assemble.unfortunately x2 laps of the track later it stopped working.hence one v. disappointed son.found out later the power adaptor had failed only because i managed to secure one from a friend.couldn't be bothered to return as it seemed too much of a pullavor but definitely will think twice before buying electrical item from amazon.
Scalextric Starter Kit
This is about the cheapest scalextric kit that you can buy and there is a good reason for it. It is because you cannot really do anything with it. It gives you a good feel for the dimensions of the cars and track and initiates the mouth-watering potential of the fun that can be had from racing scalextric's slot cars, but nothing else. I would recommend it as a starter kit if you intend to buy extra pieces of track and cars to expand the set, like I do, but if you want an out-of-the-box race system then I would suggest that you take a look at some of the other kits.
Review more at site : Amazon UK Toys
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