Mary Meyer Daisy Doodle Pink Frog 16"

I got my son a green frog for Christmas so then of course my daughter had to have one but didn't want a boy one. We got on amazon together and found this. It is perfect. Great quality and seems as though it will last a very long time.

Early Years Rocket Baby Activity Set

I bought this for my daughter (11 mo.) because she really enjoys the Melissa & Doug-type fill and spill toys. She's at an age where she LOVES unpacking things (my purse, her diaper bag, my husband's gym bag), so I was hoping to give her another, more age-appropriate alternative. This toy captured her attention right away. The flying saucer and shooting star rattle when shaken, the moon crinkles, the alien is a bean bag, and the puppy barks, so there are lots of things to do and explore. My daughter smiles every time the puppy barks, and she seems particularly fond of the moon and the star.

We have already found lots of ways to play with this toy. She is very interested in learning the names of objects right now, and this toy is great for that. She'll point at one of the pieces, we'll name it ("star"), she'll move on to the next one ("puppy"), and so on. She also likes to practice "sharing" by giving me one of the pieces and waiting for me to to hand it back. And, of course, the pieces are fun for throwing, shaking, and chewing. So far, we've gotten a lot of play out of it.

The only drawback is that it's tough for her little hands to pull some of the pieces out. If you stuff everything into the rocket, she can get the objects at the top without much trouble, but she can't pull them from all the way down in the bottom. The manufacturer's suggested age for this toy is 12+ months, so she may just be a bit young for it. In the mean time, we help her get the toys from the bottom of the rocket, or we put them in a larger container for her. Overall, she enjoys this toy quite a bit.

This is an awesome product. Includes 5 little space-theme toys that all fit inside the rocketship, and there's even a window so the "astronaut" can peek out. Every piece does something (rattle, crinkle, etc.) so it all holds my 1 year old's attention. He loves taking all the things out and putting them back in. Plus there is a decent mirror on the bottom of the rocketship too, plus a ring on top if you wanted to sttach it to a car seat, stroller, etc. Couldn't find anything like this in the toy store but very glad I found it here.

Buy Early Years Rocket Baby Activity Set Now

My one year old nephew received this gift from my husband and I for his first birthday. He loves it! The toys fit perfectly into his little hands and they are made of a very soft velvety material. His favorite is the astronaut dog who barks. This is the perfect crib toy for him to play with in the mornings so his mom can get a little extra sleep.

Read Best Reviews of Early Years Rocket Baby Activity Set Here

I bought this set for my niece on her 1st birthday, and it was an instant hit. Each toy has a different texture so she loves to grab them all. The only downfall is that the toys are a tight squeeze into the rocket... I'd like it better if she could put them in/take them out on her own. Still a great buy, though.

Want Early Years Rocket Baby Activity Set Discount?

My son is 8 months and likes playing with his truck more then this rocket ship.Well he actually shows no interest in it yet. I think I play with it more. I love the dog that barks and it is so soft. Overall I am very happy with it. It is well made.

Save 40% Off

Elegant Baby Lagoon Party Squirties Packed in a Vinyl Carrying Case.

My niece got one as a baby shower gift, and I kept eyeing it the whole time I was visiting them. I came back home ordering a set for my little girl. She loves it!! Such a luxury Lagoon Party!!

I saw these cute bath toys in a maternity store for waaaaaaaay too much, so I decided to order them (for much cheaper!). I like the animals because they aren't the usual fish, shark, whale, etc. combination. To promote a more varied vocabulary for my little one, I chose the Lagoon Party!

Buy Elegant Baby Lagoon Party Squirties Packed in a Vinyl Carrying Case. Now

Sugarbooger Laminated Lunch Sack, Matryoshka Doll

I bought 2 of these lunch packs at $16 a piece. The first day my daughter used it she brought it home and there was a big discoloration on the side of it. It wasn't so noticeable so I figured maybe it came that way and I overlooked it when I bought it. After only 3 days of using this lunch box there were brown stains covering the handle and top part of the bag. No matter what I do the stains won't come out. I looked online and found several reviews stating that this is a common problem with these bags and that the brown stain is mold. I can't believe I paid $16 for a lunch bag my daughter was able to use for 3 days, and what's worse is I bought 2 of them! I was going to give one to my niece. I'm so happy to know I spent $34 on something I'm just going to have to throw out.

Absolutely loved the design and the size was perfect for securely bringing a day's bottles for our little one to day care. The day care ladies love that they know exactly where to put the bottles when they're empty instead of using plastic bags BUT after only a couple months of use the interior plastic ripped (not over stretched) and this week the top flap came completely apart guess the Velcro held a little too well and the top stitching came apart. Cute design love the product line, especially for my little Russian doll just disappointed it didn't last longer than a couple months' daily (gentle) use.

Buy Sugarbooger Laminated Lunch Sack, Matryoshka Doll Now

The product is what I expected and just too darn cute. I'm a grown woman, but enjoy the cute things in life.

Read Best Reviews of Sugarbooger Laminated Lunch Sack, Matryoshka Doll Here

My daughter LOVES this lunch bag! It's cute and also very easy to wipe clean because of interior surface. I wasn't sure I'd like the sack-formation, but it actually fits a lot of food (some in containers), her water bottle and the little ice pack I send with her.

Want Sugarbooger Laminated Lunch Sack, Matryoshka Doll Discount?

Love this lunch box! It's really well made and easy to clean. Plenty of space. I was very impressed. Good deal!

Save 15% Off

TY Beanie Baby - SARGE the German Shephard Dog

my son is only a few months from being a sarge had to get this for him.

I purchased this, along with Courage for my grandson. The other was chewed up by their dog. He usually takes good care of his special bed toys but didn't think the dog would chew it so he left it on a pillow. I thought Sarge was a great addition. He sleeps with both and instead of leaving them on pillows when he is at school, he places them in a storage box with a tight fitting lid.

Buy TY Beanie Baby - SARGE the German Shephard Dog Now

Okay I ordered and when I got it , Its fur was amazing and soft I don't regret getting this at first I thought it was gonna be crap since it was a low price but wow! It was really worth what I spent and its in such lovely condition and it has a very long body I thought it was gonna be short and scruffy fur but it was actually very well done (All I can say is I LOVE IT) and that is all.

Read Best Reviews of TY Beanie Baby - SARGE the German Shephard Dog Here

Gift to TY beanie baby collector of over 300. Owns german shephard live dog, too.Had never seen this beanie. Forget details of discussion about this TAGGED beanie, as to if original company or made overseas when company name sold, and tag design was changed. For a novice like me, looks quality-wise, as any other tagged beanie baby. Hey----one could endlessly buy more beanies at many different prices. I'd say, don't ever try to make a profit reselling them......just collect for your own display-----so don't spend a lot for just one particular one....buy lots and lots of cheaper ones, for fun. TY is a great product....stick to that name.

Want TY Beanie Baby - SARGE the German Shephard Dog Discount?

I found a beanie like this one in a thrift store and bought it because it reminded me of my Sharky that passed when she was 16yrs. She was the best dog! My granddaughter who is 3 1/2yrs loves this beanie and always wants me to bring it when I see her. I bought her this one and will surprise her with it for Christmas! She is dying for me to find her one :)

Fisher Price: Roll-Along Pals Snail

My 15-month old enjoys playing with this. She mainly wants to hear the alphabet song and doesn't press the individual letter/color buttons very often. It's small enough for my child to carry easily, and the wheels roll well even on carpet. I wish it had more letters than A-D, but as my child gets older we will find other ways to encorporate learning the alphabet. Also, if you press the same button multiple times, it says something different. I.e. if you press the yellow button once, it will say the letter, but the second time you press it it will say 'yellow.'

My kid doesn't really like to push it around she just liked the buttons and would bop around to the alphabet song. I don't find it annoying at all. When she could walk I tied a ribbon around it to make it a pull along toy and now she likes that it has wheels. This isn't a toy she plays with EVERY day but she likes it well enough that I'm glad we bought it for her. I know there is a similar toy that is a turtle and I thought it was cuter but the reviews said the song was obnoxious and would last forever. I picked this one from the reviews and I'm glad I did. I think it's cuter that the picture shows and I like the song on it.

Buy Fisher Price: Roll-Along Pals Snail Now

I chose this toy for it's educational value, seemed durable and buttons are easy to push. It sings the ABC song, states a few primary colors and the first A-D of the alphabet. Our 9 month old granddaughter loves toys that produces music. At 9 months old, I feel she will still choose this toy when a toddler. Highly recommend!

Read Best Reviews of Fisher Price: Roll-Along Pals Snail Here

My daughter played with this toy for 10 minutes when she first got it at 6 months old. Never gave it the time of day after that. I would however attribute that to her huge collection of light up toy that sing. This one is just the most boring out of the bunch. I believe that if she had half the amount of toys she may have wanted to play with it. Now 8.5 months old she looks at it, grabs it, puts it in her mouth, then drops it and turns the other way. I thought it was $10 gift when I received it. I can't believe they want more than double that retail. Not worth it and did not get my daughters attention.

Want Fisher Price: Roll-Along Pals Snail Discount?

My daughter received both this and the turtle exactly like this as gifts at approx 14 months of age. She likes to push cars so we thought she would love these. Initially she liked these but now they are boring to her. The buttons don't really do much and the same song plays over and over again. She has toys that do a lot more/play a wider variety of melodies, (which are actually less expensive) that have kept her attention. Both the turtle and the snail have been dropped and thrown and are still in great condition so I feel they are pretty durable.

Moulin Roty Les Zazou Plush Doll, Koala

We love the moulin roty products. My daughter has this and another animal from them that she adores and sleeps with every night. They are soft and easy to hug and carry. The are unique and cute. The perfect gift.

I bought this lovely doll for my daughter (5m old). The doll is very soft and cuddly, naïve in a good way, and has good proportions. It has long soft hands and legs so it's easy to grasp and hold, and it has different textures, so my daughter explores it with interest, while making sounds of joy... Its colors are nice and calm, and in my opinion, it's a very aesthetic doll. I didn't try to wash it yet, but I love the fact it is machine washable.

Buy Moulin Roty Les Zazou Plush Doll, Koala Now

Fez Hat

Although the fez is definitely cheaply made, it's good quality for the price and served me well this past Halloween. I simply cut off the yellow stringy bit and stuck it on my head with a flourish whilst waving around my sonic screwdriver and shouting "RUN!".

fez hats = rulz... I needed them gfr my merc group and they are some satisfactory hats, big time. I would purchase from this seller again, especially because when i opened amazon.com's page it was recommended that i purchase them and i usually am gullable enough to purchase items off the first page. Anyways, very good fez for only 7$ a piece, very pleased.

Buy Fez Hat Now

Great hat for our aladin costume

Very strong hat

Even though it was big for kid we were able to make it work

Read Best Reviews of Fez Hat Here

The hat is good quality and beautiful but I didnt't like the size of it. It is small for an nornal adult.

Want Fez Hat Discount?

My son wanted to dress up as a toy monkey with cymbals and this fez hat completed his look perfectly! He loves the hat and all the kids love having a turn. The felt is not that thick so with pressure it can get crushed or dented so it is better for older children. It also is a little on the larger size, fits an older child well. Great buy for the price!

Erin, Britannia, Glory, and Maple Ty Beanie Babies Bear

I chose a 5 rating because I love all teady bears and trut me, I'm DEFENITLY going to order a whole bunch more... by the way, its me, Ajunae who is typing these messages and my mom is letting me order these bears and im only 10 so...=)

Safety 1st Temp Guard, Frog

This adorable frog is my daughters favorite bath toy. But it doesn't help with getting the water temperature right, the part that is supposed to change color is always the same. I still test her bathwater with my arm, but I don't mind and she loves to chew on this guys eyes!

Our son loves to chew on this frog while in the tub. Not too sure about the accuracy of the temperature. We tried it in very hot water as soon as you take the frog out of the water the HOT letters disappear so it is better I think to keep the frog submerged, flip it to expose the under side close to the surface to check the letters that way you can be sure it hasn't cooled down yet.

Buy Safety 1st Temp Guard, Frog Now

I purchased this frog temp guard for an easy way to make sure the water isn't too hot in our 4 month old daughters tubby. I always think the water is too hot and my husband always thinks it's too cold so this is an easy way to know. It is nice and cheap but is simple and works. We just throw this into her tub while filling up the water and getting her ready. We pull it out for a second and look at the bottom. If it says "HOT" then we know it's too hot. If it doesn't then we know it's good. We still test with our elbow too, but this makes it a lot more fool proof. It is also a little toy for her to look at and play with. Glad we bought it.

Read Best Reviews of Safety 1st Temp Guard, Frog Here

This is so cute and so very useful. It really helps make bath time so much easier and really less stressful because you don't have to worry if the temperature of the water is to hot or to cold.

Want Safety 1st Temp Guard, Frog Discount?

I bought this because I had read in a book that it was great for bath time but when I went to use it, the temperature indicator always looked the same. It looks as though it always says "hot" even when it's not in water. So I've resorted to using it as an expensive bath toy.

Alex Jr. Patty Cake

Gave this to my niece, it is super cute and offers lots of different aspects to play. Lots of crinkle sounds and textures to keep baby interested.

You can barely make out that it's a cupcake. Looks so cute on computer but not in person. I felt totally ripped off!!!!

Buy Alex Jr. Patty Cake Now

Purchased for a baby shower for a baby whose nursery is cupcake theme. Just as a token to go with the real gift. Didn't look exactly like a cupcake but cute enough. I feel that $12 is even a bit too much for it though

Read Best Reviews of Alex Jr. Patty Cake Here

I love it and so does my baby. I washed it in the washing machine in a garment bag. Held up just fine even though it said only surface wash. I wash everything made of fabric in the washing machine. If I can't then I don't buy it or keep it.

Want Alex Jr. Patty Cake Discount?

My daughter received this as a gift and its her favorite toy. She was about 4 months old at the time. She 7 months old now and still loves it. Each layer makes a different sound including crinkling and rattling...her favorite sounds. She could actually play with the bottom layer (the cupcake wrapper) by itself for quite a long time. I'm so glad we have this cute toy. I'm certain she would give it 5 stars.

Save 41% Off

Velveteenie Pink Circus Monkey Baby Cozies by North American Bear

Both of my children have these "flatsos" and they are fantastic! They wash up really well and stay soft and together. My son is 3 and has loved his well (every nap/night)! Definitely a nice gift for a new baby!

Between both of my kids they have about a dozen of these. The first one I bought 4 years ago when my son was 3 months old. I love them, the kids love them. I put them in the washer and dryer on a weekly basis and the first one I bought (which my son still sleeps with every night) is still in good condition. These are AWESOME!!

Buy Velveteenie Pink Circus Monkey Baby Cozies by North American Bear Now

These are not machine washable (or handwashable for that matter). They say spot wash only. Who makes a baby toy that can't be washed? They're cute, and if they were washable, they'd be a decent product.

Read Best Reviews of Velveteenie Pink Circus Monkey Baby Cozies by North American Bear Here

Russ Yomiko Yellow Lab Mom and Baby, 13"

What can I say? It's adorable and cuddly! It is also very well made. I bought it for my "puppy" who will soon be having her own!

We own a flooring store and wanted something fun for the front of the store.

We purchased a number of golden retriever/golden lab stuffed animals to put

in a basket in front of the store with a sign that indicates the animals are

as soft as the carpets inside.

Children and adults have enjoyed looking at the animals. One 80 year old

woman was so taken with this animal and its baby that I gave it to her.

Buy Russ Yomiko Yellow Lab Mom and Baby, 13" Now

Bunnies by the Bay Wee Plush, Petal

I recently bought Wee Emmie for my daughter for her 1 birthday

becasue she loves ducks. The Bunny by the bay website says it is great for any age.

Well, I found that she was able to pull the small felt foot off. Upon

closer inspection of the other attached foot, it appears to be hand

sewn to the body of the duck with only a few stitches. The size of

this foot is perfect for a small child to choke on. I will no longer

be letting my children play with this stuffed animal.

I contacted the company and let them know what happened, and they never responded...

Very cute little bunny. I bought this for a new grandbaby that will be born a month before Easter. It's very soft and cuddly.

Buy Bunnies by the Bay Wee Plush, Petal Now

I bought this as a bunny plush collector, but it's clear that this plush is best suited for babies and nurseries. Not just as a decoration, it's appears to be a very good safe plush with no parts to fall off or get pulled out, etc. Eyes and nose are sewn in, nothing can break off. Very soft good squishy bunny plush that is a joy to pet like a real bunny (and it can't bite you or make a mess like a real pet rabbit, which I have one as wellmine is scary but somehow sweet too).

I got the Petal bunny which is naturally adorable in every way. It has a strange overwhelming charm (being a bunny with pink fur) and is handmade, adds to the love all around.

This very soft plush happens to be very small in size, but very portable for those on the go. I appreciate the smallness of Petal bunny as my bed is overrun by stuffed animals from Hello Kitty/Charmmy Kitty, Build-a-Bear Workshop plushes, bunnies and more bunnies of all sorts.

So, I'm thankful for the smallness, but could be a problem for others because of the high price. Though the smallness is more the right size for a baby to hug and hold instead of a larger plush that could do possible harm. No worries here on this soft small bunny. I love this super cute thing :)

Read Best Reviews of Bunnies by the Bay Wee Plush, Petal Here

The Bunny by the Bay Wee is smaller than I expected but it looks very cute on my desk. I have no complaints.

Want Bunnies by the Bay Wee Plush, Petal Discount?

The bunny is darling and perfect for a small child. I am saving it for a special gift for a little girl.

Save 14% Off

Playskool Explore and Grow Chase Me Critter

I bought this toy for my granddaughter for Christmas. She is 9 months old and was learning to crawl and stand. This toy seemed to tempt her and with all the activity she would try to keep up with it. Now that she has mastered the crawl and is attempting to walk she is more interested in trying to get the balls and play with them. Good toy!

my 1 yr old son likes the music I think it's Very Loud!

The balls pop out everywhere which is fun for 3 seconds then I have to run al over the room to collect the balls and return them to the toy to pop out all over again. the toy is more fun than chasing the balls according to my son

Buy Playskool Explore and Grow Chase Me Critter Now

This toy occupies my 9 month old for a long time which is great! He loves the sounds and music, the little balls rotating in the "shell". It is a great incitement to crawling also. The only thing is that it does not quiet travels in the circle so you have to be mobile, together with your child to keep it going. But it is a small price to pay for the amount of fun!

Read Best Reviews of Playskool Explore and Grow Chase Me Critter Here

My daughter learned to crawl with this Christmas present from grandma! Her first crawling movements were to get this toy as it cruised by her. Great toy and she still loves it at 10 months old.

Want Playskool Explore and Grow Chase Me Critter Discount?

My son is 7 months old and kept scooting around, but never actually crawling. I was looking for something that would encourage him to crawl, and this toy did the trick! The balls pop out and roll around. He loves going after the balls. It has taken him about a week, but he is slowing starting to crawl instead of scoot. He was scared of the movement of the toy first so I recommend putting it in the stationary position to begin with and letting your child discover the sound on his own by accidentally pressing down on the toy's head. Also, there is a lip on the toy to hold the balls in, which could be dangerous. So I would recommend that your child be able to sit well and get down to the floor slowly without just flopping down, otherwise he could hurt his head on the lip. Other than that, I think this is a fabulous toy, that encourages crawling and keeps my son entertained for quite a while.

Kushies Zolo Mobilo

I think this is just the best mobile I've ever seen. The little characters come off so you can use them on the car seat or whatnot and they are just velcro on. You can even take some off to be less stimulating. The mirrors on the bottom are nice since babies like to look at themselves. It would have even been better if it actually moved but then maybe that would just be over stimulating even for me. For the price I think its a great deal since I've seen other boring and very flimsy mobiles for the same price. This mobile is worth it.

updateWhen my baby turned 6 weeks she absolutely loved it. We put it above the changing table and she is always smiling and kicking (maybe not so great when changing a diaper)but she's having a good time when she sees the mirrors and characters. She also loves to bat at those little characters. I think this was one of the best items I got for our baby.

my little guy just stares up the the colorful toys, gliding in the air above him...very nice detail & quality. Doesn't play music, but that's Fine...This one is for above the changing table & I bought The Tiny Love Mobile for his crib (which plays music for 20 minutes str8). Back to the Zolo very attractive to the eye, & colors are perfect for newborn visual stimulation! If you have the money to splurge..the get two mobiles...one that spins & plays music & this one because of how captivating it is.

Buy Kushies Zolo Mobilo Now

I love this mobile! I know some were disappointed that it doesn't spin, but you can buy a new arm and music box to attach it to so that it spins. I did this and just wrapped the new mobile arm in black and white ribbonit turned out really cute. I use the arm that came with this mobile for my son's changing table. I bought one of the bigger zolo toys and hung it from the arm and it works out perfectly.

Read Best Reviews of Kushies Zolo Mobilo Here

Love the mobile but more importantly our daughter loves it. The little mirrors on the bottom keep her entertained. I love that the plush animals on the carousel can be removed and attached elsewhere or repositioned. It's a really cute mobile and perfect for what we wanted. I wanted to avoid plastics, music, and mechanical functions. We have a ceiling fan in her room so the mobile is continuously in movement.

Want Kushies Zolo Mobilo Discount?

After a long search through dozens and dozens of plastic, cheap-looking mobiles we finally discovered this one.

Vibrant colors, fund little animals, and the bracket components are solidly constructed of wood! We bought this after our little one turned four months, which is a little late, because then she started grabbing the pieces, which means it's time for the mobile to be taken down. Anyway if you're looking for a well built mobile, no plastic, no music, just a nice solid toy for your little one, I'd highly recommend this one.

Save 15% Off

Discovery Kids Teach 'n' Talk Exploration Laptop

We tested 20 different "laptop" toys this Christmas, including several of the Discovery Kids laptops. They all have slightly different games, but they are all essentially the same. In fact, most of them get their LCD screens & game chips from the same manufacturers, so just the packaging is different.

But, we discovered something that surprised us even: Many of these games are recycled from 30 years ago! We have what's called a "V-Tech Smart Start Advantage" (1980, bought it at a garage sale for 25¢), and it has some of the exact same games!

So, two things every consumer needs to know about these laptop toys:

#1) Despite the packaging (whether the toy looks like a laptop, an iPhone, etc), these LCD screen toys are old technologies that don't change, but are being repackaged to look more modern. I predict they will soon repackage the same thing to look like a Kindle, e-book reader, iPad, etc. But it's the same toy from the 1980's.

Which leads to #2: This product is recommended for 6 years+. HOWEVER, if your child has ever seen a REAL laptop, Wii, iPhone, etc., they will get bored with this in 30 seconds. In other words, by the time they're old enough to use the educational games, they will have outgrown the technology. Let me be perfectly clear: If your 4, 5, or 6 year old is tech savvy, they WILL get bored with this. My 5-year-old nephew spent exactly FIVE SECONDS with this, then went back to his train set.

I actually recommend this product for 9-36 months (and give it 3½ stars for that age range). Here's why:

I've already said our 30-year-old V-tech does essentially the same thing. But we were drawn to the Discovery laptop anyway because it looks like a realistic laptop. We have a 12-month-old, and when mommy & daddy are working on laptops, she wants one too!

So please FORGET about this toy for the intended audience (6+), and I will continue with the review assuming it's for a toddler:

========

PROS:

The Discovery laptop has a real keyboard, with the tactile "stroke" of hitting real keys, which most other toys (including our 1980's V-Tech) do not have. And it has a fake mouse, a fake touchpad, etc., which make it look and feel like a real laptop. Perfect for our 12-month old.

Also, we like the black/white LCD screen (instead of a real computer screen) because there's no radiation, and full color computer screens mess with brain chemistry levels in children. So it's a healthier/safer option for kids. And they can run on very low energy (just 2 AA batteries).

It has 64 games, which is nice, even though our daughter will outgrow it before she will understand most of the games. One of the games is musical instruments, so each key represents a different instrument bagpipes, steel drum, french horn, oboe, etc.

The screen pivots, which is a neat feature but I can already tell the hinge will wear out fast. And the speakers/sound level is great impressive, actually.

CONS:

No AC adapter (2 AA batteries).

Does not turn off automatically when closed. It does, however, time-out after 5 minutes.

The LCD screen is temperature sensitive you cannot see it in cold weather. The screen is dim to start with, and if the batteries are low it will fade quickly. And it's small (2" x 4.25"). Please be aware of this, as some of the product photos are a bit misleading 2x4" is just barely larger than a credit card.

BOTTOM LINE:

We ended up buying the Discovery Kids Laptop at Bed Bath & Beyond on clearance ($9.99 + $5.00 off coupon + $5.00 gift card = our final cost of 4¢). The price was right for us! I realize that the current price point on Amazon for these kids laptops (regardless of brand) is $30-$60, but I personally believe the price point should be $10-$20.

It's chinsy, but our 12-month-old is happy with it.

Update! Over a year later (11/11/2012) and this laptop still works just fine! I've only replaced the batteries once or twice (occasional use, not daily). I think my son will still enjoy this a year from now. :)

It seems my son's goal in life is to destroy my laptop at any means possible lol, so I purchased this laptop (used) in the hopes it would distract him from mine. It does exactly what I purchased it for, distract him, and now my laptop can sit here without fear of being crushed, thrown, hit, all those great things that rowdy little boys love to do. I'm not sure how it would work for older kids who want to actually play the games on it. My son is 19 months old. I was thinking of attaching shiny mirrors and/or stickers to the area without a screen so it would look even more like a laptop, but I haven't had the need to. The keyboard is just like a real one. The mouse can be unplugged and is great for swinging around lol. There is a music button that plays a song over and over, and you can change the songs by pressing it again. It turns itself off after a few minutes of not being used. Only slight downfall when using it this way is that it's hard for a baby to open. You have to pull down on a button on top to open it. I put brand new batteries in the day I got it and it hasn't died or slowed down at all. I'm very happy with this and I would recommend it to anyone wanting to give their toddlers a real looking laptop to play on.

Buy Discovery Kids Teach 'n' Talk Exploration Laptop Now

We tested 20 different "laptop" toys this Christmas, including several of the Discovery Kids laptops. They all have slightly different games, but they are all essentially the same. In fact, most of them get their LCD screens & game chips from the same manufacturers, so just the packaging is different.

But, we discovered something that surprised us even: Many of these games are recycled from 30 years ago! We have what's called a "V-Tech Smart Start Advantage" (1980, bought it at a garage sale for 25¢), and it has some of the exact same games.

So, two things every consumer needs to know about these laptop toys:

#1) Despite the packaging (whether the toy looks like a laptop, an iPhone, etc), these LCD screen toys are old technologies that don't change, but are being repackaged to look more modern. I predict they will soon repackage the same thing to look like a Kindle, e-book reader, iPad, etc. But it's the same toy from the 1980's.

Which leads to #2: This product is recommended for 6 years+. HOWEVER, if your child has ever seen a REAL laptop, Wii, iPhone, etc., they will get bored with this in 30 seconds. In other words, by the time they're old enough to use the educational games, they will have outgrown the technology. Let me be perfectly clear: If your 4, 5, or 6 year old is tech savvy, they WILL get bored with this. My 5-year-old nephew spent exactly FIVE SECONDS with this, then went back to his train set.

I actually recommend this product for 9-36 months (and give it 3½ stars for that age range). Here's why:

I've already said our 30-year-old V-tech does essentially the same thing. But we were drawn to the Discovery laptop anyway because it looks like a realistic laptop. We have a 12-month-old, and when mommy & daddy are working on laptops, she wants one too!

So please FORGET about this toy for the intended audience (6+), and I will continue with the review assuming it's for a toddler:

========

PROS:

The Discovery laptop has a real keyboard, with the tactile "stroke" of hitting real keys, which most other toys (including our 1980's V-Tech) do not have. And it has a fake mouse, a fake touchpad, etc., which make it look and feel like a real laptop. Perfect for our 12-month old.

Also, we like the black/white LCD screen (instead of a real computer screen) because there's no radiation, and full color computer screens mess with brain chemistry levels in children. So it's a healthier/safer option for kids. And they can run on very low energy (just 2 AA batteries).

It has 64 games, which is nice, even though our daughter will outgrow it before she will understand most of the games. One of the games is musical instruments, so each key represents a different instrument bagpipes, steel drum, french horn, oboe, etc.

The screen pivots, which is a neat feature but I can already tell the hinge will wear out fast. And the speakers/sound level is great impressive, actually.

CONS:

No AC adapter (2 AA batteries).

Does not turn off automatically when closed. It does, however, time-out after 5 minutes.

The LCD screen is temperature sensitive you cannot see it in cold weather. The screen is dim to start with, and if the batteries are low it will fade quickly. And it's small (2" x 4.25"). Please be aware of this, as some of the product photos are a bit misleading 2x4" is just barely larger than a credit card.

BOTTOM LINE:

We ended up buying the Discovery Kids Laptop at Bed Bath & Beyond on clearance ($9.99 + $5.00 off coupon + $5.00 gift card = our final cost of 4¢). The price was right for us! I realize that the current price point on Amazon for these kids laptops (regardless of brand) is $30-$60, but I personally believe the price point should be $10-$20.

It's chinsy, but our 12-month-old is happy with it.

Read Best Reviews of Discovery Kids Teach 'n' Talk Exploration Laptop Here

This thing and all Discovery Kids stuff is so cheaply made, it will break quickly, even with proper non-abusive use. And, if you don't buy directly from their store, they will not honor the warranty.

Save you money and look for something better quality to buy your kid.

Want Discovery Kids Teach 'n' Talk Exploration Laptop Discount?

My mother was so excited to buy this for my "soon to be" 5 year old. My daughter really wanted a computer for her birthday. When I gave it to her, she thought it looked cool and could not wait to get started. TOTALLY LAME! The games were so boring and the monotone voice just drove us crazy. Your child has to be able to read to operate the games, my daughter is about to turn 5 and is not a great reader, so that was a huge wall. Personally, I think it would not keep an older child's attention for more then a couple of minutes. My mom was heart broken and so was my little one. Don't waste your money.

Save 1% Off

Ty Beanie Babies Peekaboo the Turtle

It's a Beanie Baby. How much can you really say about it?

I do like toys like this that stimulate a child's imagination and creativity -vsvideo games or staring at a television.

This little turle is so cute. We were pleasantly surprised that it arrived in time for Christmas because we placed our order only a few days before the holiday rush.

Buy Ty Beanie Babies Peekaboo the Turtle Now

Cabbage Patch Kids Bedtime Bunnybee Baby - Brown Skin, Curly Black Hair, Brown Eyes

I just got this wonderful CPK Bedtime Bunnybee Baby today! I feel this is a very nice CPK Baby! This one is as described and I feel is so very cute! I have already started to make other clothing! I find the details to be good! And the packaging has no wear on the colorful box! My children just think that this CPK Baby is amazing as all ten of my grandchildren take turns carrying this new CPK Baby!

Save 4% Off

Manhattan Toy Carousel Activity Toy

I purchased this toy base on the 'hide-n-seek' factor. My daughter loves the tethered toys which are just small enough for her little fingers to grasp. It has a noisy/crinkle backing so she also plays with the 'petals' as well. As she loves to pull down her bumper pads to peek out, she was less able to do so with this toy attached to the side of the crib (it is quite large). This is quite an unexpected function which works for me.

Our 6-month-old daughter seems to really enjoy this adorable sun activity toy. It looks very cute attached to the handle of her baby carrier. She will often play with the little hanging toys while traveling in the car. We purchased the item directly from One Step Ahead for 60% less than the Amazon advertised price, which made the purchase a much better value.

Buy Manhattan Toy Carousel Activity Toy Now