Spirograph Deluxe Design Set

Our Nostalgia Spirograph Deluxe Design Set

Spirograph Deluxe Design Set

I remember when the first generations of gel pens for use on black paper came out, gosh about 2 decades ago, I very quickly thought of Spirograph. I bought a Spirograph Deluxe Design Set and we tried many gel pens but the first generation of gel pens was not very good. It went from dozens of companies making gel pens and black paper to only a handful. This generation of gel pens has made a great comeback and we see a lot of companies getting back in to the business of making gel pens and black paper.

Spirograph Deluxe Design Set has all the original wheels and rings plus really nice pens...not only that, the pieces have bigger holes so that they work with any pen or kids marker you have at home. The best part though is that they now include "spiro-putty" for holding the pieces down instead of having to poke holes in the paper....great idea! I love that the storage case has a built-in work surface too....our kids aren't allowed to use pens on our table because it will leave marks; the work surface protects the table and makes it easy to grab all the pieces from the storage tray.

The nostalgia factor is high with this toy. I wasn't disappointed; although the box looks a little different this is exactly the set up I remember, and Spirograph Deluxe Design Set works just as well as it did in the old days too. And now there is a little tacky clay to hold down the hoops instead of pins, so no more holes in your artwork. We love Spirograph Set and I'm so glad I got it. I feel always young at heart.

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Fisher Price Laugh and Learn Smart Stages Chair

How to Assemble Fisher Price Laugh and Learn Smart Stages Chair

Fisher Price Laugh and Learn Smart Stages Chair

This is an interesting set-up, part of Fisher-Price's new "stages" line that has different activities for different ages. This Fisher Price Laugh and Learn Smart Stages Chair comes in four pieces: back, seat, back legs, and the front right and left legs. The Fisher-Price Laugh and Learn chair requires some assembly out of the box. Before assembly you'll want to insert the batteries (remove the cover) then use the seven included screws to screw in the front legs (2), back leg piece (2) and back (3). The directions tell you to assemble the chair first before putting the batteries in. Once assembled, the chair is sturdy and offers three levels of activities for your growing child.

As for the toys play factor. Our experience was with a little one somewhat below the recommended age range of 12 month+, but who was already walking, and it seemed pretty developmentally on par for them. There's a flip-up seat with a small area that little ones can put things in. That was a big hit as toddlers, in my experience, love to open and close things. There's also a built in "book" on one arm that plays music and the pages can be turned, and a remote control-like object with buttons on the other that they can push and Fisher Price Laugh and Learn Smart Stages Chair will also play various sounds, songs and phrases.

I would love to give the chair 5 stars, but placing the battery compartment underneath the rear legs of the chair was a dumb design choice. All in all, Fisher Price Laugh and Learn Smart Stages Chair is fairly large toy, especially if your kids have a small play space, that didn't seem to hold their attention for all that long. Both did have interest and play with it, a bit, but soon moved on to other things, making me think it probably doesn't deserve the playroom floor space it takes up.

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Activities for Toddlers

Simple and Inexpensive Activities for Toddlers

Executive Summary by Susie Cortright

Activities for Toddlers

Toddlers have an amazing ability to sink into the simple things of life and create worlds from their own imagination. At this magical age, virtually everything is brand new, and we can relax and know that our interaction with our young children, especially through simple, repetitive activities for toddlers, is enhancing their development and love of learning. The key is to keep it simple and spend lots of time allowing them to explore at their own pace.

Here are some simple and inexpensive activities you can enjoy with your toddler:

1. Outdoor Activities for Toddlers

# Blow bubbles.

Toddlers love to chase and blow bubbles. Toddlers love it when you blow bubbles, too. Try counting the bubbles or challenging your child to see how many she can catch.

# Draw with sidewalk chalk.

These thick chunks of chalk are perfect for little hands, and they are well suited to a toddler's fine motor skills, too. Allow your child to create designs of his own creation.

# Take a walk in the wide, wide world.

A simple walk in the neighborhood will give your toddler an opportunity to become familiar with the world outside her home.

# Play Fresbie.

If you have a small backyard, you might need to go to the park to do this. However, if your yard is big enough this is a simple activity you can do at home.

# Pool Time. 

If it's a nice enough day, you can either fill up the kiddie pool in the backyard, or head to the local public pool. Either way it's sure to please the kids!

2. Indoor Activities for Toddlers

# Read.

Reading opens a toddler's imagination and fosters a love for books, which can propel him to success far into his school years. Read to your toddler whenever you get the chance.

# Sing.

Anytime a toddler can sing, concepts are likely to stick. Sing simple songs such as the alphabet song, or silly songs you make up about the life you live. Kids love having their own special songs, too.

Don't be afraid to do the same thing twice of activities for toddlers. The key to educational games at this age is in repetition. Children's brains develop connections by doing, seeing, and hearing something over and over again. That's why children want to watch the same video, listen to the same song in the car, and go through the same bedtime routine each night.

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