The Best Toys For Christmas This Year! - Recently Updated Pages

EyeClops BioniCam

christmas-toy-review — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 04:11:42 CST

EyeClops BioniCam, A Portal to The Amazing Micro World!

If they would have had this thing when I was a kid (a few decades back), I would have gone crazy with it. It's the kind of toy that can good and truly make a kid fall in love with science. It turns the world into a puzzle--What would that thing look like if I were the size of an ant? It offers the ability to capture and share images, and compare them with each other.

Click Here to Buy the EyeClops BioniCam for Christmas!

If your child is between 5- and 14-years-old this toy is a portal into amazing and interesting worlds. The EyeClops BioniCam gives a possible introduction to science and nature that could result in a lifelong appreciation of discovery. I’ve found that even as an adult it’s been fun to play with this toy and share the excitement of the micro-world with my daughter.

Contagious Fun for the Whole Family

The hand-held magnification "eye" is fun to hold and makes it easy for your child to explore the microscopic world without complicated scientific instruments. Viewing the magnified images on your computer or TV screen in full, vivid color encourages kids to take learning into their own hands and provides numerous opportunities for parents and children to play fun and educational games together.

Get the EyeClops BioniCam for Christmas!

The excitement of seeing objects in your child's everyday world magnified to up to 400 times is sure to be a hit with whole family. Fortunately, the lightweight, durable plastic unit fits comfortably into both small and large hands. And if you need some help getting started, the easy-to-read instruction booklet offers lots of tips for finding items that hide interesting textures, from pine needles to sponges and insects.

On the lowest setting, the LEDs occasionally prove too bright for viewing lighter-colored objects, and these images may remain unclear on large viewing screens. On the higher magnification settings, however, this did not seem to be a problem, as textures and colors came through flawlessly. And while the battery pack makes it easy to explore indoors and out, the LCD screen can be tough to read in direct sunlight. Overall, these are minor concerns that should do nothing to prevent this fun, educational toy from being big hit with all kinds of kids.

Photos and Video Without Complicated Setup

With no software to upload and minimal set-up, the BioniCam makes sharing discoveries easy. Plug the USB memory stick directly into your computer for quick access to images, then save and edit them or post them to your blog. Alternately, you can use the included video cable to display images on your TV. When you are plugged into the TV, the LCD screen turns off, but you still retain all the functionality of the BioniCam. This makes reviewing huge enlargements in real time a fun group activity.

Buy the EyeClops BioniCam for Christmas Here!

EyeClops Night Vision Stealth Goggles

christmas-toy-review — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 04:06:25 CST

EyeClops Night Vision Stealth Goggles, Real Night Vision!

When I heard that the EyeClops Night Vision stealth goggles use real night vision technology, I thought, "I wish they had that when I was a kid!" I envisioned running around in the darkness, playing tag or Capture the Flag, and being able to see exactly where I was going. While this toy does indeed work as advertised, any kid running with it on is likely to get creamed. I see it more as a "spy in the dark" kind of toy.

Get EyeClops Night Vision Stealth Goggles Here!

I was a little bit sceptical that a Night Vision product this cheap would be any good but this toy is awesome and I have never had so much fun, these goggles work really well. It was a perfect buy for someone like me on a budget because of recent events in our economy. I took them on a camping trip and we had such a blast. I have never had a better hide and go seek game ever and it was so much fun just walking (not running) around seeing everything different.

It comes in two different views and I like it in the black and white over the green night vision setting. It’s not heavy or anything and once you get the sizing right for your head your good to go. The EyeClops has the option to see white or green night vision and a (barely noticeable) brightness control.

The scope is a small square on the right eye, and you get a postage stamp view of the world -- or rather, what the world looks like through a window that small. The detail, within ten to fifteen feet is amazing; any farther than that, and it's -a bit more- difficult to make out what you're seeing. To move through a room, you have to look up and down, back and forth, just to make sure you don't run into anything. Makes it tricky to try and run through, but anyone who can navigate through a dark room without night vision goggles, wont have too much trouble walking at a reasonable pace and navigating with these on (and most of us can).

Get EyeClops Night Vision Stealth Goggles Here!

The left eye cover can open up, allowing you to see both real and night vision simultaneously, but that only helps if you aren't in complete darkness. And what fun is that?

The kids who will love the EyeClops will be those who love the idea of seeing in the dark, who like to squirm around on their bellies like commandos, and who like to pretend that they have super powers. Super active kids, the type who can't stop running around -might be a little- disappointed. This is more of a stationary or walking only toy. But it's still really, really cool.

The straps adjust to a variety of head sizes, from kid to adult. Easy to use easy to operate and seemingly durable.
Kids will like the cool, sci-fi look. And believe me, they will love slipping the goggles on when Mom and Dad turn out the lights.

Buy EyeClops Night Vision Stealth Goggles Here!

Parents should also consider whether their child has a dominant right eye or vision problems in the right eye, since that's the only side with night vision. The goggles do slip over glasses, but any vision problems in the right eye will make the EyeClops a waste of money. 2 stars for field of vision; 5 stars for the night vision itself.

The unit takes five AA batteries (not included). The batteries really are the biggest drawback because it takes so many, but I think it is well worth it. The only real drawback batteries, you have to ensure you use fresh fully charged batteries or they won't work, otherwise great night vision fun.

Invest in rechargeable batteries! Nice sets with batteries, spacers and a charger can be had for $20 to $40. You will be glad you did.

Pros and Cons At a Glance:

PROS:
+ The performance in the dark is surprisingly good!
+ The price for this type of item is very reasonable ($80 for REAL nightvision)
+ Nice adjustable power lets you see farther at night [2 brightness modes (see near and far)]
+ Works well in both *green* or *black and white* modes, B&W or green modes on monitor
+ Fairly lightweight Nice portable unit that can be taken on camping or hiking trips
+ Easy installation (though a bit time consuming!)
+ Very good fit makes them relatively comfortable once you size them [easily adjustable]
+ Allows you to wear glasses under the goggles
+ Left eye flips open so you can see a little before you turn them on
+ Included safety list is well thought out and should be read and followed

Buy EyeClops Night Vision Stealth For Christmas Here!

CONS:
- The camera is centered and displayed to user's right eye there can be a slight disorientation at first;
- Camera field of view is narrow and only shows the image in the right eye. This means MONOCULAR vision and a loss of depth perception – it also means no peripheral vision which can make navigation tricky for some people (I wouldn’t recommend running with these on.)
- Plastic body and rubber straps feel a little less durable so handle with care
- Somewhat large lens and sensor on the top makes this top heavy
- lens fogs up
- Takes 5 AA batteries and uses up juice fast!

All in all, the EyeClops Night Vision stealth goggles are a great buy. Make sure you have a screwdriver and a few AA batteries if you want to get it setup right out of the box. It’s a lot of fun for people who like high tech toys but are on a budget in this down economy. While depth perception is off and distance is limited, it is a lot of fun to play with and use. I recommend this to anybody who likes to have fun in the dark.

Buy EyeClops Night Vision Stealth For Christmas Here!

Scene It? Seinfeld Edition

christmas-toy-review — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 03:57:50 CST

Scene It? Seinfeld Edition, Loads of Fun For Every Fan!

I was so excited to see Scene It? Seinfeld Edition finally come out. If you have the Seinfeld DVD's some of that useless knowledge will be very valuable now. Seinfeld fans will do great and those who aren't hard core fans will still be able to play the game. Highly addictive!

Get Scene It? Seinfeld Edition Here!

If you are a Seinfeld fan like me, then this game is definitely for you. It has a ton of trivia questions that you wouldn't expect someone to ask, but that is what makes this game even more fun. It challenges you to think hard before you answer.

The hardest part of the game (for me at least) is on the trivia cards. There are questions that ask about Seinfeld and the real world, like, for example, the real name of one of Jerry's girlfriends and what other shows they are on or from. I know every single Seinfeld episode word for word, but when it comes to people's real names or what movie such and such starred in, thats what gets me.

Overall, this game is just a blast to play with friends, plus it has a cool party mode that you can play during parties or at a get together with friends who like Seinfeld. It will be just like a fun Q&A for Seinfeld. I would definitely recommend this game to anyone who likes Seinfeld.

Click Here to Buy Scene It? Seinfeld Edition for Christmas!

So You Think You Know Seinfeld...? Well The Get Started Fast:

Before getting started players will benefit from using either the included quick start guide or the on-screen tutorial for a run-through of how the game is played. To set up the game put the included DVD into your player and choose one player as the DVD Master who will operate the remote control throughout the game.

Next, decide whether you'd like to play a shorter or longer version of the game and fold the included Flextime game board accordingly. Each player then chooses a metal token and places it on the start space. Each turn a player rolls both the numbered die and the eight-sided category die. The numbered die indicates how many spaces forward the player may move upon successfully completing the challenge associated with the category indicated on the category die.

Challenges associated with the various categories range from answering questions following a scene played on the DVD to answering questions indicated on the included trivia Cards. Once a player has made their way to the end of the game path, they have the opportunity to win the game by either successfully beating all players in a final All Play To Win challenge or by successfully completing the Final Cut challenge.

Alternatively, if a board game is not your style or if you'd simply like to entertain party guests throughout the evening, you may choose the Party Play function on the Main Menu of the DVD. In this mode the DVD shuffles among a variety of scenes and challenges automatically so that you and your guests can enjoy one great clip or puzzler after the other all night long.

Buy Scene It? Seinfeld Edition for Christmas Right Now!

Wild Planet Hyper Dash

christmas-toy-review — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 03:52:14 CST

Wild Planet Hyper Dash Great Fun for the Whole Family!

I didn't know that Wild Planet Hyper Dash won so many awards before I purchased it for my kids. I gave this toy to my 8 year old last Christmas. We had 4 parents and 5 kids (5,8,10,10&11) playing it. It was a perfect antidote to too much Christmas food (parents) and too much computer time (kids).
We set it up outside in the grass. Make sure everyone has suitable shoes, if it is slippery and your shoes aren't grabbing the surface, you could have some wipe outs. It was cold and clear (in between turns you needed a jacket but once you start your turn- jackets off!).

Buy Wild Planet Hyper Dash Here!

My dad opted to watch but he had lots of fun cheering everyone else on.
Anyone who tends to be competitive can really get into this game. We spent almost 2 hours playing the various levels and games (4 games- 2 of them team competitions and 4 levels for each).
We switched teams around a lot, part of the fun and to keep it all balanced and even. Very funny to see the 5 year old niece with her Auntie zooming around as a team.
We finally stopped because everyone was so tired, not that we were bored with the game! Our American society needs more of this type of game and less computer/ game console games!! Let's get movin!

Hyper Dash is actually several different games in one, with a nice mix of physical versus mental challenges. Using the bell-shaped main tagger and the small plastic targets, players are challenged to do things such as tag the identified colors as quickly as possible, remember and repeat a series of colors, and more. Each game has several different levels, making the game appropriate for school-aged children to adults--perfect for parents playing along with kids! Plus, the tagger and targets are small and lightweight, making this game portable and thus great for travel. Highly recommended for kids and families!

Get Wild Planet Hyper Dash Here!

We loved it!! Oh, is it educational? Oh please, games are about taking turns, playing fair, and being a good sport- if kids get that, they are set for life. If your kids can't play games well, no matter how much calculus they know, they are going to have a hard time in life. Ok, so off my soap box, there is a few addition problems in level 4, which our 5 year old seemed to handle fine. The adults probably took longer to add than the kids, which added to the fun.
I am buying more of these as gifts!!

Fisher Price Elmo Live

christmas-toy-review — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 03:46:57 CST

Fisher Price Elmo Live Cute, Adorable and Very Entertaining!

I'll start out by saying Elmo is absolutely adorable and he is very entertaining... It is amazing how he moves and you do feel like he's talking and interacting with you.

Click Here to Get Fisher-Price Elmo Live for Christmas!

Sesame Street's favorite red, furry pre-schooler is now more alive than ever. I have never seen such an animated and sophisticated toy made for kids 18 months and older - or any kid who loves Sesame Street. Elmo is about 18 inches tall and full of more animation and vocals than any mechanical doll/toy I have seen.

Set Elmo on a flat surface with his little blue chair and your kids will be amused for hours with a seemingly endless array of wild movements and funny comments. Elmo has four pressure points which activate dozens of narratives, including comments on how much Elmo loves you, asks for a kiss or scratch his back.

He actually responds to each of these remarks when your child touches him. If Elmo falls over, he asks for your help in setting him up! Elmo has a "freeze dance" which is hilarious as well as his version of, "Simon Says" called, "Elmo Says". Elmo's phrases change constantly.

Click Here to Get Fisher-Price Elmo Live for Christmas!

Elmo also has two silly songs, many silly sneezes, endless hug requests, two engaging stories and endless random jokes. Your child will never tire of Elmo and his gestures, dances, mouth actions, arm swinging and more are amazing to watch.

Of course, any child will walk away from a toy for a minute or more, so Elmo will yawn and go to sleep to preserve battery life. Once he is picked up or pressed on his foot, belly, back or nose, he springs back to life. Your child will love you for getting them Elmo and Elmo will love them.

Interactive Fun for Kids of Many Ages

We particularly enjoyed that, unlike some other "talking" toys, Elmo Live! doesn't just spout programmed phrases. Instead, he asks for interaction, and he responds as if your child is responding to him. For example, when he will ask for a hug and then say "thank you" as if he's received one, or he'll say he's ticklish and then will "respond" as if your child is tickling him.

Click Here to Get Fisher-Price Elmo Live for Christmas!

This makes an almost magical experience for your child, as if her toy is really coming to life. The wide variety of things that Elmo Live! can do makes him a great toy to grow with your child. Younger children can engage in cause-and-effect play by simply pressing Elmo's buttons to see what he does.

Our two-year-old niece was especially delighted with the silly sounds Elmo makes when his nose is squeezed. Understandably, her attention meandered during the somewhat lengthy stories. However, an older child, like my 5 year old daughter, has the attention span and comprehension skills to appreciate them, as well as the silly jokes that Elmo tells.

Tips on Playing with Elmo! Live

Elmo makes lots of fun movements and gestures -- the only slight drawback is that his movements generate a somewhat loud, mechanical sound that sometimes interferes with being able to understand what Elmo is saying. He also has to be on a hard, flat surface -- otherwise he has a tendency to fall over. This in itself has a fun effect, however. When he falls over, Elmo asks you to help him back up again, and when he's put back upright, he'll say "thank you."

Click Here to Get the Fisher-Price Elmo Live for Christmas!

The Best Toys For Christmas This Year! Home

christmas-toy-review — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 00:07:43 CST

Come check out what I think are some of the best toys and games for Christmas this Year!

Wild Planet Hyper Dash Great Fun for the Whole Family!

Hyper Dash is an award-winning fast-paced race course game from Wild Planet that encourages kids to be active and think on their feet. Designed to improve listening, coordination and math skills, this exciting game is easy to set up and is an ideal way to help kids aged six and above to practice addition and subtraction while exercising and having fun.

Scene It? Seinfeld Edition, Loads of Fun For Every Fan!

Prove your TV trivia prowess to friends and family with the Scene It? Seinfeld Deluxe Edition DVD board game for adults. This entertaining trivia game will have you racing around the game board as you try to tackle brainteasers and answer questions as you relive some of your favorite scenes from all nine seasons of one of America's most popular television shows.

Fisher Price Elmo Live : Cute, Adorable and Very Entertaining!

Is it live or is it Elmo Live? For the first time ever, in this truly life-like creation, Elmo really appears to be speaking as his mouth opens and closes just like a muppet. His mannerisms are right on target and his head bobbles back and forth as he speaks. Elmo waves his arms, sits and stands, and even crosses his legs while telling stories and jokes, singing songs and playing games.

EyeClops Night Vision Stealth Goggles,Real Night Vision!

I was a little bit sceptical that a Night Vision product this cheap would be any good but this toy is awesome and I have never had so much fun, these goggles work really well. It was a perfect buy for someone like me on a budget because of recent events in our economy. I took them on a camping trip and we had such a blast. I have never had a better hide and go seek game ever and it was so much fun just walking (not running) around seeing everything different.

EyeClops BioniCam, A Portal to The Amazing Micro World!

The EyeClops BioniCam Video Microscope from JAKKS Pacific opens up a world of microscopic fun for kids to explore. This bionic eye makes it easy to take digital pictures and capture video that documents new discoveries.