droolicious : toys for kids

Beep And Build In The Bath

Lisa Estall — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 15:39:00 GMT

I am looking for bathtub toys and came upon The Beep and Build. I know my son would love this. This toy is a 3-D car puzzle and comes with an oil can that squirts water.

I think this can provide hours of bath time fun in our home and will encourage my kid to take his bath! The Beep and Build is recommended for kids age 2 years and up.

You can find it at Fao Schwarz for $14.

Make A Pretend Market Stand

Lisa Estall — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 21:42:00 GMT

Does your child only want to eat french fries and mac and cheese? How about teaching them the source of those foods with these Food Group Crates?

Playing with these colorful pieces may stimulate imagination and healthy eating. Well, I can be hopeful as a mom!

There are 21 wooden pieces in this Food Groups Set. Each crate...

measures 4.25"l x 6"w x 2.5"h. Recommended for kids age 3 and up. It's priced at $20.99

Buy it at Back To Basic Toys.

Celebrate With A Wooden Birthday Cake

Lisa Estall — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 12:10:00 GMT

It’s your child’s birthday and they want to cut the cake. Why not get them a unique wooden birthday cake so they can get involved too!

This toy includes 6 slices, a serving plate, 19 toppings...

7 candles, a wooden spatula and a storage box.

There's no mess involved and everyone is happy.

For ages 3 and up. Sold for $19.99 at Monkey Bean Toys.

Scooby-Doo 3D Board Game Fun for You and Your Meddling Kids

Aaron Burgess — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 20:32:00 GMT

Hard to believe it's been 38 years since Scooby-Doo! debuted, especially considering the number of Scooby-related gizmos that seem to find their way into stores every year. Capturing all the spooky-fun kitsch of the classic series, the Scooby-Doo! Haunted House 3D Board Game from Pressman ($17.99 at Amazon.com) is one of the more creatively designed Scooby toys of late, as well as a great way to get your kids in the Halloween spirit while satisfying their (and, if you're like me, your) Scooby jones.

A breeze to assemble, the game is equally simple to play: Flick the spinner, move your character, and try to avoid the booby traps as you work your way through the haunted house and reveal the mystery villain who awaits you at the top. Given the simplicity, older kids may not see the replay value, but their little siblings (especially those frustrated by board games that require reading) will have a blast, and you'll enjoy repeatedly telling them you would've won "if it weren't for you meddling kids!"

These Go to 11: Power Tour Electric Guitar & Amp

Aaron Burgess — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 14:49:00 GMT

From the gamer-oriented Guitar Hero to the more learning-centric I Can Play Guitar, there's no shortage of pretend six-strings out there; but for the most part, these gadgets' push-button fretboards and exaggerated shapes don't capture the true feel of an axe. Leave it to the folks at Gibson to design an ultra-realistic toy aimed at budding shredders. Shaped like a scaled-down SG -- the guitar made famous by Angus Young (or Ian MacKaye, for those of you with hipper CD collections) -- Tiger Electronics' Power Tour Electric Guitar ($69.99) replicates Gibson's trademark chunky sound and offers a variety of modes (from learning to MP3 play-along) that'll keep kids rocking for hours. What's more, the fretboard and "strings" (actually a sensor that responds to your strumming hand) are so responsive and accurate that you actually feel as through you're playing a real guitar. While the Power Tour Electric Guitar features a built-in speaker, you can plug it into the Power Tour Amp ($44.99) for full-on stereo sound. And while the Spinal Tap reference will likely be lost on the toys' target audience, both guitar and amp go to 11.

Build Your Playhouse with Guidecraft

chrisjordan — Fri, 07 Sep 2007 13:01:00 GMT

Smooth solid wood playhouse by Guidecraft fits together like a puzzle. Sturdy design won't collapse if your child leans against it.

At 40" x 40" the footprint is large enough for multi-person play or for putting on a puppet show. Best of all, after play you can take it apart and store it flat. Perfect for those who have limited floor space or don't want to have a huge playhouse sitting in their living room.

Available at Comfort First for $299

Some Bunny Loves You

Karen — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 20:02:00 GMT

Avoid the poop and stinkcomstance of a real bunny with this precious Furry Friends Hoppy Bunny. Complete with his own hatch, brush and bottle, this little guy is sure to be cared for a lot better than a real bunny. Unless you're the kind of parent that doesn't mind taking over for a pet bought on a whim, in which case, shame on you.

A new arrival at Grand River Toy Company, this item will run you $29.99. Avoiding bunny poop? Priceless.

Launch Your Paper Airplanes Up To 50 km/h

Karen — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 17:02:00 GMT

My 8 year old was watching me as I found and blogged this Paper Airplane Launcher that includes a book of fun facts and all the things he would need to inflict bodily harm on the toddler with his Paper Airplanes Of Death. Considering my credit card was thrust into my hand by my offspring, I can only assume this would be a hit with your budding Aviator too.

$14.99 Canadian at my fave online toy store: The Grand River Toy Company.

Droolworthy: Mega Fort With Mega Easy Clean Up

Karen — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 13:03:00 GMT

I adore the Cranium Company. I dig the family games, the toys, the free activities they post online. When I saw this, I had to order it. Cleverly designed so little ones can build it themselves, the Mega Fort can be configured over couches and under tables in 100 ways, and is compatible with all Cranium Super Forts. The best part? Clean up is throwing it all into one big bag.

$59.99 on Cranium's Website.

Go Fishin' Just For the Halibut

Karen — Tue, 14 Aug 2007 22:03:00 GMT

I'm smitten with this My First Tacklebox Playset, that features all the crinkly goodness of a textured bait pail, and a squeaky fish. All the fun of fishing without the ooey gooey goodness of hooking your own worm, which I still refuse to do. My grandfather did it when I was a young girl and this past week at the cottage, I squirmed as my 8 year old did it for me. Yes, I think I'd much rather fish with this set. Only $21.99 at The Corner Stork.

To The Moon, Kiddos!

Karen — Thu, 09 Aug 2007 13:02:00 GMT

Take your rugrats on a tour of your childhood without groans of boredom when you pre-order the flashback-inducing Oobi-Baby Space Hopper ($37.50 at Cute-ture). Loads better than the Blam! Kapow! crap-ass Batman cartoons we used to watch. The bonus? Mom and Dad can use it too!

Hat-tip to Cool Mom Picks.

Who Is Sitting On My Head?

chrisjordan — Wed, 08 Aug 2007 14:55:00 GMT

A soft version of the ever popular stacking toy for babies. Perfect for those as young as 6 months old, who still have a tendency to smack themselves in the face with their toys.

Colorful soft rings have differing textures to enhance the tactile experience. Encourage the development of eye hand co-ordination through stacking the rings on the fabric pole.

Available at Hearthsong for $16.95

Mia Hansen Wall Dolls

Karen — Tue, 07 Aug 2007 22:02:00 GMT

I want to love this Vancouver designer's work, but quite honestly, I think they are overpriced, especially since they aren't all that unique, and they are filled with polyester. I can think of other things I'd rather spend $30 on, like the admission price to the fair, where I could win something equal in quality by shooting a clown's face with water.

$30 at Mia Hansen.

Fly Me to the Moon with this Moon Rocket

chrisjordan — Sun, 05 Aug 2007 22:02:00 GMT

At 60" high and 33" wide, this white heavy duty cardboard rocket will have your child and his friends blasting off into space in no time. The white cardboard means intrepid astronauts can decorate their spaceship exactly how they see fit.

Available at Genius Jones for $65

Sigikid Velcro Clutch Toy For Baby

chrisjordan — Fri, 03 Aug 2007 14:02:00 GMT

This soft colorful dragon has parts that attach together with velcro. The tail has a wooden ring for dragging around. Practice those fine motor skills. Pull them apart, stick them together, chew on them. Sigikid toys are made in Germany and blessedly lead free.

Available at Estella for $30

Rock the Retro: Gumby and Friends

chrisjordan — Thu, 02 Aug 2007 20:00:00 GMT

Toys that I had as a child hold a special place in my cold withered heart. When I came across this set, I involuntarily squealed, "Gumby!"

Who can forget Mr. Bill from Saturday Night Live. It ranks up there with Cheeseburger, cheeseburger in my memories.

Available at Oliebollen for $15.95. Sharing the joy of dropping things on Mr. Bill and saying, "Ooooooooh noooooo, Mr. Bill" -- priceless.

Green Baby: Organic Stuffed Animals

crazedparent — Wed, 01 Aug 2007 23:01:00 GMT

I would never think of buying a baby a stuffed donkey, but look at this cuteness? Those striped arms and legs plus that sweet little smile...just waiting for some cuddles and baby kisses. The fact that it's made of 100% organic cotton and pure wool is just icing on the cake.

The Lana Organic Donkey sells for $46.95 at Pure Home Products. They also sell an organic stuffed goose and dinosaur.

Hand Made: Little Blue Donkey

Karen — Wed, 01 Aug 2007 22:01:00 GMT

Made from a reconstructed wool suit coat, this little donkey braaaaags about his wool mane and tail and vintage buttons. Not made for kids under 3, though I see a nice baby keepsake or shower gift.

At Etsy for $30.00.

Crazy-Lookin' Hedgehog

Kelly Mills — Wed, 01 Aug 2007 18:03:00 GMT

Deglingos Piko the Hedgehog has some crazy-lookin' spikes. He reminds me of the kid who panhandles near my house. Nobody could accuse him of trying to blend in with all the other hedgehogs. Just don't ask him to conform, man, and you'll get along fine, because look, he wants to hug you. He's available at Estrella, for $45. And unlike the panhandling kid, he's machine washable.

Indian Summer Magnetic Mosaic Set from Haba

chrisjordan — Sun, 29 Jul 2007 18:04:00 GMT

This magnetic set by Haba contains 88 mosaic wood pieces, perfect for arranging over and over. Browse through the included 10 sample images - or just let the imagination run free!

Wood pieces with magnetic backing can stick to any metal surface, like your refrigerator. Store them in the wooden frame when playing is done.

Winner of Creative Child Magazine 2005 Toy of The Year

Available at Planet Happy Toys for $34.95

Turn Your Wall Into a Lego Duplo Playwall

Mir — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 22:04:00 GMT

Those in tight quarters or just tired of slicing open their feet on scattered blocks will want to check out the Lego Duplo Playwall (available at Little Smarties for $159.99). It's a giant Duplo plate, wall-mounted with a handy storage trough underneath.

And I'm probably the only one who thinks it looks like a giant technicolor urinal, too. (Insert your own joking about pissing away $160 here.)

Big Deal: Deep Sea Playset

chrisjordan — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 12:02:00 GMT

The set contains a mermaid, her dolphin friend with a clamshell sleigh, an underwater throne, and a starfish swing. Carry them around in their very own sparkling underwater cave.

Available at KooKooBear Kids for $28.99, marked down from the original $40.

Buddha Board Makes the Planet Happy

chrisjordan — Wed, 25 Jul 2007 15:09:00 GMT

Paint on the surface on the Buddha board with water. I love water. So not messy.

The design appears in bold dark strokes. No need to be afraid of making mistakes! As it dries the design will fade, leaving a blank slate on which paintings can be created all over again.

Set comes with a 12" x 9.5" board, a bamboo brush, and a Japanese style water holder and stand. Available at Planet Happy for $30.95.

Ladybug, Ladybug, Fly Away Home

Karen — Sat, 21 Jul 2007 12:01:00 GMT

Well this one beats an ant farm as far as damage control in the event of a containment breach. At least ladybugs are cute, though I would still insist on my sons' ladies living on the back deck.

Nuture your budding scientist for $16.99 at Sillyasstoys.com.

House of Cards Does Not Star Paris Hilton

Karen — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 20:04:00 GMT

When Charles and Ray Eames designed this 32 card deck ideal for building or playing with, they chose familiar, bold images and made the cards interlocking for little hands to create with. Fun for your budding architect and easier to manage than House of Wax.

$35 at Modern Seed.