Comments on: Review: Toys for bigger kids

By: amykrisb

amykrisb — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 05:28:03 +0000

We love those games that come in the little lunchboxes. When Martina was 3, she started playing the Cookies game and it’s still a favorite. We also have the storytelling one, but that one probably won’t be used until she’s at least 5.

By: espirer

espirer — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 03:05:57 +0000

RQ, In my next life I’d like to come back as a child in your home. You really should write a book about parenting – you have so much to share!

By: jmsmommy98

jmsmommy98 — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 02:17:45 +0000

We have the Didg as well as the LMax. The LMax is probably going to be given to our soon to be 3 year old. The almost 7 year old has the Didg and is enjoying the Star Wars game (Math). We’ve not done anything with the spelling words, and there are some things you need to plug it into the computer for. As of now, he’s using it like the Leapster.

On the Mr. Potato Head, at Disney they have a LOT of extra pieces for Mr. Potato Head. :) We have a huge tub full of pieces, all Disney themed. Lots of Princess stuff, pirate stuff, tourist theme park stuff, and the basics like the ear rings and such. 1 box is something like $15 stuffed as full as you can.

We love Blokus Trigon as a family – age 5+ is true and so far, after over a year we are still enjoying it as adults…unlike Candyland.

Another good toy/educational thing, is the Snap Circuits electronic set. Both of my boys love it, and it was a great introduction to electricity and circuits.

By: Katri

Katri — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 23:18:59 +0000

I spend a good part of a day every 6 months going through my girls rooms. They have so many things given to them by grandparents, aunts and from birthdays, Christmas, etc that they soon have an unmanageable amount of stuff. Today was that day. We have a mountain on the front porch that is “good stuff”, but if they can’t see it to play with it it is worthless. They don’t need much to have intellectual and creative stimulation. Organizational skills are a must. That may be subject for another post, RQ?

By: RumorQueen

RumorQueen — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 20:46:00 +0000

The vast majority of what I pointed to are not technology based, I try to introduce enough tech stuff so my kids know how to use it, but not so much that they aren’t playing with standard three dimensional old fashioned toys.

GG was actually terrified of almost every toy there was for a while. She was happy with the stacking cups and rings-on-a-stick but terrified of dolls and stuffed animals and anything that made noise or music or anything that had lights on it.

She’s come a really long ways. She just does that panic’d screaming thing for bugs and spiders now.

By: waitingforyears

waitingforyears — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 20:37:36 +0000

I buy newborn nappies on sale for our Baby Alive for real babies!

It is interesting you point to the magic games RQ. My daughter faced trauma through the SWI experience and numerous foster homes/carers and would literally freak out if you try to do something unknown with her, even if wanted to show her how. She is now much older so perhaps worth another try.

Many of the toys you listed are technology based, and again these are things she would not touch. Supposedly a lot has to do with their personalities.

From another country it is interesting to see your choice of toys – thanks very much.

By: Waiting2BAmom

Waiting2BAmom — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 20:11:30 +0000

As far as other games for the toddler/pre-k, our DD loves all kinds of jigsaw puzzles (10-30 pieces) and I Spy/Where’s Waldo books. She also loves her Fisher Price Snap-n-Style dolls (http://www.fisher-price.com/fp.aspx?st=700&e=snsLanding). The outfits can get expensive, but buying a Lot of dolls/clothes on ebay is the best bang for your buck. Her Radio Flyer tricycle (http://www.amazon.com/Little-Miss-Flyer-Fold-Trike/dp/B000OW6RJC/ref=pd_sxp_grid_i_0_1) is another favorite. Of course, she’s stay outside for hours with just a bucket and shovel, too!

By: Waiting2BAmom

Waiting2BAmom — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 20:07:51 +0000

If you do a separate post on software, our almost 3 year old LOVES her Leap Frog Clickstart computer. A lot of folks complain about the graphics, but DD doesn’t seemed to notice. We have found most of the cartridges on clearance throughout the year, so we have most of them – plus a new Ni Hao Kai-Lan game just came out for it. The games ALL change and adapt based on how well the child does with each level or time they play the individual games. She has transitioned to our laptop and can use the touchpad just as easily as a mouse.

By: RumorQueen

RumorQueen — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 18:56:17 +0000

The Little People dollhouse I pointed to the other day has gotten (and still gets) a lot of use.

I bought one of the smaller Barbie dollhouses for GG several years ago, and we still have it, but it only gets played with a few times a year.

By: waitingforcelia

waitingforcelia — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 18:31:43 +0000

I’m curious about people’s experiences with dollhouses. I’ve been thinking about getting one for DD’s third birthday since she’s so into pretend play right now, but I’d hate to spend the money and then have her lose interest quickly.