Showing posts with label toy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label toy. Show all posts

Thursday, December 14, 2017

Skullduggery Max Traxxx Tracer Racers Remote Control Infinity Loop Set {Review}

Skullduggery logo
Although there have been a lot of parenting surprises over the years, one that I did not anticipate was the increasing difficulty that comes with buying gifts as my children have gotten older. Back when they were younger they seemed to have more focused interests, but these days? It's like pulling teeth to get them to name anything in particular or come up with something that actually elicits excitement.

Therefore, after spending far too long looking at online suggestions (all of which I did not purchase) and aimlessly wandering the aisles in big box stores (which also left me empty-handed), I was thrilled to be introduced to an award-winning toy that I instantly knew would be a hit for both of my kids this holiday season.

More unique than traditional cars and much more entertaining than other remote control toys that I've seen, I had no doubt that Max Traxxx Tracer Racers from Skullduggery would create a stir as soon as they were out of the box. In all honesty, I couldn't wait to dig into the Max Traxxx Tracer Racers Remote Control Infinity Loop Set myself!

Maxx Traxxx RC Infinity Loop Set

As a leading toy manufacturer for 30 years, Skullduggery's vast product lines appeal to toy-lovers of all ages throughout the world. But while their craft kits and fossil replicas do look interesting, the Max Traxxx Tracer Racer car line has had my attention from the beginning. Who can resist an adjustable, customizable, glow-in-the-dark racing system?

I couldn't wait to see these Tracer Racers and the Infinity Loop Track Set in person!

Max Traxxx Infinity Loop Set

Right out of the box it was clear that Skullduggery had included just about everything needed in order for young (or, ahem, young-at-heart) racing enthusiasts to start putting together the endless racing circuit of their dreams.

Max Traxxx glow in the dark track

Including more than 46 feet of glow-in-the-dark track, two Tracer Racers and remote controls, 26 X-BLOX construction brix, and more, the only thing that this set needs to get started are the batteries.

After opening up each of the remotes and setting the four AA's into place, I simply plugged the cars right into the cord on the top and flipped the switch to 'charge.' I love that the remote controls are the actual chargers instead of needing to keep track of a separate cable or plug (which would immediately get lost into the abyss of my house).

Max Traxxx Tracer Racers charging

While the Tracer Racers charged up, it was time to construct the unique Infinity Loop Track Set. I adore that Max Traxxx parts are able to be mixed and matched and snapped together and constructed in just about an endless number of ways. Talk about a workout for the imagination!

To begin, however, I opted to build the original figure eight shape to check out just why these loops, corners, and straightaways had won multiple awards. Could it really be all that cool?

Max Traxxx Infinity Loop track
Don't let the angle of this photo fool you. This set is BIG!

In a matter of minutes, the full track was together (each piece simply slides/snaps into the next) and it was time to rev up our engines. Hint: there is an on/off switch on the remote control AND on the bottom of the car itself. Make sure you have both turned to on for racing to begin!

Max Traxxx Tracer Racer review

Oh, man!

While Skullduggery had pointed out that the Tracer Racer Cars have a top to-scale speed of 500 miles per hour, I still wasn't prepared for how quickly they truly zip! Each little car can go forwards or backwards depending on the direction that users move the lever on the remote control and boy, oh boy, they can go fast!

In fact, we found there to be a small learning curve when it comes to driving, as putting the pedal to the metal can lead to Tracer Racers flipping off the track as they come shooting around the corners. At the same time, driving too slow doesn't give enough speed to make it up and around the loop, so finding the sweet spot in the variable speed takes a little skill.

But that sure didn't mean that Little Sister B was any less excited to race again and again and again and again!

Max Traxxx Tracer Racer cars

Although my young speedster was already having a blast simply zooming both Max Traxxx Tracer Racers around the track, as soon as I said, Now watch THIS and turned off the lights, her mind was officially blown.

Max Traxxx Remote Control Tracer Racers

Even better, not only does the glow-in-the-dark track light up (which is cool), but the Tracer Racers themselves utilize Light Trail Technology and blaze streaks of light as they go (which is REALLY cool)! Each car has two small lights on the bottom that, when combined with the glowing track, leave a glowing path that slowly fades long after the Racer has passed.

These really couldn't be much more amazing to see racing, twisting, and turning in a dimly lit room!

Max Traxxx review
Even a crash or wipe out looks incredible when all lit up in the dark!

From the first day that we opened the Max Traxxx box, Little Sister B and I have spent endless afternoons cheering on our Tracer Racers as we send them flying around the track. There have been more times than one that we've only stopped playing because the cars begin to slow and the lights on the bottom don't shine, meaning it's time to let them stop and recharge. Fortunately, it's just so easy to plug them right into the remote controls and set them down until next time!

Plus, while Little Sister B is happy to keep the Infinity Loop as is, but I have no doubt that in the future we will construct and reconstruct the various parts into our own creative layouts. By using the existing X-BLOX construction brix (and including our own compatible bricks of another brand), the sky is the limit on forming a track that goes up, down, and around in any number of ways!

kids love Max Traxxx

Whether you have a beginning or advanced race fan in your life, Max Traxxx Tracer Racers can provide hours of entertainment for all ages. This set is recommended for ages 6+ and I agree — it is easy enough to slide the pieces together and use the remote that younger children can do it on their own, yet the fantastic wow factor will keep older kids coming back for more.

I dare you to spend less than a minute watching this video and not want to start playing with these yourself!


The complete Max Traxxx Tracer Racers Remote Control Infinity Loop Set retails for $119.97 and can be purchased directly from Skullduggery.com (with free shipping!) or on Amazon.com (where one of their sellers, 4% Change for Children, not only offers a $20 off coupon on certain days but also does amazing work donating to non-profit organizations that help children and families).

There is still time to order this incredibly unique remote control track set in time for the holidays, so be sure to visit Skullduggery's website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest pages to find out more about this and all of their creative and fun products.

Other than the Max Traxxx Tracer Racers Remote Control Infinity Loop Set that I was provided by Skullduggery in order to facilitate my review, I was not compensated or enticed to do this post in any way. This post is solely my honest opinion about this product.

Tuesday, May 9, 2017

BigBoxPlay Life Sized Cardboard Fort Play System - On Kickstarter Now!

BigBoxPlay logo
If there is an age that children reach when they stop being overly amazed and thrilled by cardboard boxes, my girls haven't gotten there yet. I, for one, don't see a box and feel the extreme desire to examine it, push it around, color it, climb inside and hide, and then attempt to come up with new ways to play with it. But maybe that's just me?

As for my kids, cardboard is fantastic. It's wonderful! It's the best thing ever! Forget whatever toy that came inside, they just want to play with the box.

Inevitably though, the excitement is always fairly short-lived. The flimsy cardboard rips or the bottom falls out or the girls realize that, in fact, they can put their creativity towards something that isn't just a box... that is, if they happen to put down their tech devices for a minute and actually use their creativity.

But... what if a cardboard box could be taken to the next level? What happens when a company that is frustrated with all the digital toys dominating the market decides to turn cardboard into something captivating, durable, dependable, and amazingly fun? The result is a life-sized cardboard fort (strong enough for your children to stand on!) that is big enough for kids to create their own endless adventures inside (and atop). It's BigBoxPlay!

BigBoxPlay outdoors

Developed by founder and chairman Pete Moffett, BigBoxPlay started as a special way to connect with his grandson by taking fort-building to the next level.

Unlike any other product on the market, this innovative play system takes children's iconic love for cardboard structures and building forts​ and offers a durable yet modular system that is anything but ordinary. With personalized play systems​ featuring different themes, activity kits, and Adventure Guides, ​BigBoxPlay has the ability to empower a child to build anything they can imagine​ time and time again!

Even better, this play and learning system not only sparks imagination and creativity, it is also designed to teach kids important skills such as communication, storytelling, collaboration, problem-solving, and empathy. Who wouldn't want their kids gaining those abilities all while building anything that they can imagine in the coolest fortress of fun around?

BigBoxPlay fort

BigBoxPlay systems come in two options, a 3 Box Set (great for smaller rooms) and a 5 Box Set. Both are extremely strong and feature child-friendly assembly, durable double-wall cardboard, quick set up and disassembly for easy storage, and are available in different themes such as castles, spaceships or cubes.

There's just no way that kids wouldn't have fun with these!

BigBoxPlay Kickstarter

Ready to find out more and exactly why your kids will love it? Well, you're in luck! Today, May 9th, marks the kickoff of their Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign that will run for the next 31 days where supporters and fans can take advantage of exclusive pre-order pricing of $75-$135 with free shipping!

Once the Kickstarter campaign comes to an end, BigBoxPlay will be available nationwide at BigBoxPlay.com.

BigBoxPlay truly is playtime reimagined, so head over and check them out today!

This post is in partnership with BigBoxPlay but all thoughts and opinions are honest and my own.

Wednesday, November 23, 2016

Girls Design and Create a New World Every Time They Play with Build & Imagine! {Review}

Build & Imagine logo
I often tell my girls that they can grow up to be anything that they want to be.

Whether that is more realistic (Big Sister E's continued desire to be a teacher) or slightly less likely to happen (Little Sister B's ever-changing ideas about being a rock star), I will stand behind them and support their dreams 100%. Athletes, doctors, race car drivers, engineers, mechanics — I'm going to encourage them no matter if their chosen path is stereotypical for a male or female.

But as much as we all want our little girls to grow up believing in themselves in this manner, why is it that the toys they play with are not encouraging the next generation of females to continue on in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) as much as those for boys? When will the day come that blocks and construction toys don't feel as though they were designed with males in mind?

Fortunately, there are companies that realize the importance of encouraging and inspiring the future of female innovators and engineers and are working to keep girls from losing interest in STEM subjects. Instead of simply sitting back and hoping that girls will decide to play with traditionally "boy" toys on their own, it's time to continue to revolutionize the way that we motivate girls to look at the world with Build & Imagine.

Build & Imagine toys

Founded by a female award-winning toy designer, Build & Imagine was formed when Laurie Peterson wanted to close the gap in the girls' section of most toy stores and include more experiences involving building, creativity and experimentation.

The result is an award-winning line of whimsically illustrated magnetic building sets (which include leading female characters, of course) filled with rich colors and endless details that ensure users are always discovering something new. What girl wouldn't be amazed by the combination of the fun of a dollhouse and the enrichment of a construction toy?

Even better, while each set contains a variety of the illustrated panels, the fact that there is no wrong way to join them together is an instant inspiration for the creativity of young builders.

Instead, girls create scenes both big and small and are then able to bring them to life with the enclosed dress-up dolls, costume pieces, animals, objects, foods, and more. In essence, Build & Imagine puts girls into the role of architect, engineer, builder, designer, storyteller and more!

Build & Imagine review

Unsurprisingly, my girls couldn't wait to get to work imagining, creating, and building as soon as they saw three sets from Build & Imagine arrive. It was time to reinvent the classic dollhouse with Malia's House!

Malia's Beach House review

From the moment we started removing the pieces from the box, it was already easy to see how this one toy could help encourage my girls' STEM skills. These parts are just asking to be assembled, disassembled, built, and rebuilt time and again!

From the swimming pool to the kitchen to the outfits, accessories, pets, moving door, two characters, and more, Malia's House includes a total of 58 pieces that provide endless creativity in the numerous ways and possibilities that they can be constructed, mixed, and matched. Who themselves hasn't thought about how amazing it would be to design their dream house?

Build & Imagine Malia's House

I'm telling you, the details on these dual-sided building panels, wooden dolls, and magnetic accessories are just so eye-catching and fun!

Malia's House review

Considering that my two young architect storytellers had such a great time constructing all sorts of home variations with Malia's House, there was no doubt that they wanted to delve further into the world of Build & Imagine.

It took all of zero convincing to get them excited about the Draw & Build Dollhouse and Career Dolls!

Build & Imagine accessories

As if simply having the ability to full create your own dollhouse with movable walls and pieces wasn't enough, Build & Imagine took things to a whole new level with the Draw & Build Dollhouse.

Using the four included markers, builders can draw their own decorations and scenes right on the walls (as well as hair and clothes on the doll) to truly make them unique. Want outer space themed wallpaper? Polka dots? Zigzags on the roof?

Whatever your heart and imagination desires, draw it on and then combine the panels to make a house, store, building, and more! Plus, if you own other Build & Imagine sets, the Draw & Build Dollhouse pieces are easily worked right in — in our case, they have made Malia's House even more innovative and special!

Build & Imagine Draw & Build Dollhouse

As much as I have loved seeing my kids' imaginations working overtime illustrating and creating their Build & Imagine modular pieces, the Career Dolls instantly made me swoon with all of their possibilities.

The 75 colorfully illustrated magnetic clothes, props, and two wooden dolls (as well as the dual-sided background scene) are the perfect extension of me telling my girls that they can grow up and follow whatever career path they choose. These magnetic outfits pop on and off so easily and can be put together in full — a complete police detective, chemist or fire fighter, for example — or can be mixed and matched for all sorts of interesting combinations!

Build & Imagine Career Dolls

Although it can be argued that just about any toy has benefits and encourages kids to practice a variety of skills (e.g. small motor, creativity, reading, etc), there is a smaller number that truly manage to inspire... and Build & Imagine is one of them! Each of their sets are just right to inspire the next generation of innovators and help girls think beyond only the toys that are princess and pink.

My kids not only love these sets and accessories on their own, but immediately realized that all of the pieces from each of the individual sets can easily be combined and used for just about any sort of other creation. Girls simply have to use their imagination and the sky is the limit in building and constructing!

Even better, I adore the way that Build & Imagine has not only inspired Big Sister E and Little Sister B individually, but that they will often sit down together to collaborate on their next construction — discussing various building ideas and trying out one option after another. I love when a toy is not only educational and entertaining but one that encourages my kids to happily work together!

Build & Imagine reviews

Malia's House (MSRP $59.99), Draw & Build Dollhouse (MSRP $22.99), and Career Dolls (MSRP $14.99) are designed for ages 4+ and can be purchased in select retail locations (look for them making a recent splash on the shelves of your nearest Target!), directly from Build & Imagine, on Amazon, and more.

You're also going to want to head over to BuildandImagine.com (and connect with them on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube) to find out more and see the full line of imaginative play possibilities that Build & Imagine has to offer. Remember that all of the sets work together for all sorts of delightful, crazy, mixed-up stories that kids can invent when combining them!

This holiday season and beyond, Build & Imagine is the perfect way to encourage all kids to see their world in a different way as they collect, build, interchange, design, cooperate, and come up with endless storytelling possibilities to go along with them.

Other than the three sets that I was provided by Build & Imagine in order to facilitate my review, I was not compensated or enticed to do this post in any way. This review is solely my honest opinion about this product.

Monday, November 21, 2016

K'NEX Revolution Ferris Wheel Building Set {Review & Giveaway}

knex-logo
There are certain brands of toys that you mention the name and people just nod knowingly, fully understanding how much fun kids have with them without you having to explain. These are the items that inspire creativity, boost a child's imagination and lead to an all-around fun time whenever they are brought out... which is time and time again.

And parents everywhere can agree that one name that is universally-loved by both boys and girls of all ages is the always-inventive and original K'NEX. Is there a child around that doesn't love building and imagining with these unique small connectors? Or a parent that doesn't appreciate the way that K'NEX provide the strong educational aspects of building, balance and critical thinking in with the fun and entertainment? I think not.

Needless to say, we were excited to take K'NEX to a whole new (motorized) level with the arrival of the Revolution Ferris Wheel Building Set.

K'NEX revolution ferris wheel building set

While we have played with a wide variety of amazing K'NEX products in the past, I wasn't familiar with their Thrill Rides line of products. But as soon as I saw that these innovative sets provide the ability to have a working amusement park right in your own home, I knew that my theme-park-loving daughters would be excited.

It was time to see the Revolution Ferris Wheel Building Set in person so that they could start building their own miniature carnival!

K'NEX ferris wheel pieces

Upon opening the box, I began to feel apprehensive about the 344 K'NEX parts and pieces included in this set until I remembered two things. First, my kid love K'NEX. So the more pieces, the better!

Second, K'NEX always includes large, clear, colorful step-by-step instructions that show exactly where every last piece is to go for their creations. No worries!

K'NEX instructions

Together, Big Sister E, Little Sister B, and I took our time snapping these small, colorful, uniquely-shaped pieces into place and, before we knew it, began to see a ferris wheel take shape right before our eyes.

K'NEX ferris wheel

As we snapped the last rod and connector into place and sat back, all three of us were a bit in awe that there was a 2-foot tall ferris wheel right in our living room!

K'NEX Revolution Ferris Wheel Building Set

All that was left to do was move the switch on the motor (hint: insert the two AA batteries, not included, before the construction process. We were a little too excited to get started building and then found it a little tricky to access and open the motor to put in the batteries after the fact) to start the ferris wheel turning.

My kids were amazed that this motorized, rail-driven rotating ferris wheel can spin both clockwise and counterclockwise at two different speeds at the flip of a switch. Just take a look at this set in motion!


As we have found in our past experiences with K'NEX, the details included in this set really come together perfectly! I'm sure that the Revolution Ferris Wheel Building Set could have been a bit less complex and more simple to construct, but that that would have been so much less fun!

My girls love that there are little seats throughout (that are just the right size for the people from other building sets to fit on) and that the intricate design truly looks like a real ferris wheel. They have continued to have a great time playing theme park each time they sit down with this set and I have no doubt that this ferris wheel will be taken apart and rebuilt time and again in the future.

K'NEX Revolution Ferris Wheel review

Recommended for builders ages 7+, the Revolution Ferris Wheel Building Set has a suggested retail price of $34.99 and can be found at your favorite retailer, directly from K'NEX, on Amazon, and more. You can also find out more about this and the full line of amazing K'NEX products by visiting KNEX.com and connecting with them on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, and YouTube.

Thanks to the generosity of K'NEX, one person will also get to enjoy seeing their child imagine, build, and create their own carnival as well, because...

One lucky person will win a Revolution Ferris Wheel Building Set
from K'NEX!

K'NEX ferris wheel giveaway


A big thank you to K'NEX for providing a Revolution Ferris Wheel Building Set for me to review as well as for one lucky giveaway winner. The opinions shared are my own and honest if you really need to see more, click here to see how I roll.

Tuesday, September 20, 2016

Bouncing, Throwing, Smooshing, Sitting, Endless Fun with the Super Wubble Bubble Ball {Review}

Wubble logo
There are some toys that have been around for generations; for instance wooden blocks, baby dolls, small cars, rubber balls, and more.

And, while there is of course a reason why these are beloved classics, that isn't to say that making a few changes or updates can't take them to the next level. Adding movable limbs to a doll or new, colorful designs to a set of cars, for example.

But what if you could take a well-loved toy and give it enough of a makeover that it takes it to an entirely new level? Providing not only entertainment, but active movement, tons of laughter, lots of creativity, and basically endless joy?

Then you must have taken a regular ball and updated it to a Super Wubble Bubble Ball!

Super Wubble

A soft, lightweight ball that can be inflated to gigantic proportions, the Super Wubble is super smashable and super squashable. Bounce it, throw it, kick it, smoosh it, smash it, sit on it — there isn't much you can't do!

As Super Wubble is made with a new super stretchy material called Xpandium, it is up to four times stronger and more tear-resistant than the original Wubble Bubble Ball. The result? Even more hours of stretchy, squishy, bouncy fun!

I had no doubt that my kids were going to absolutely love the Super Wubble and we all couldn't wait to get it out of the box and ready for play!

Super Wubble ball

Right away I appreciated how easy the Super Wubble is to inflate, as the included battery-operated pump is simple and intuitive (deflating is just as easy — perfect for not having to find a place to stash a full blown Super Wubble around the house).

Wubble ball inflation

In a matter of minutes, it was time to Wubble and my girls couldn't have cared less that it had just rained. They pulled on their boots and were out the door ready to see what they could do with their own smooshy bubble ball!

Wubble ball play

Talk about fun!

Super Wubble review

While my kids initially treated the Super Wubble with the utmost care and caution, they soon realized that just because it is extra soft doesn't mean that it is extra fragile.

Instead, they took to bouncing, throwing, smashing, sitting, rolling, volleying, and much more and marveled at the strength of the Super Wubble throughout all of their play. Aside from coming into contact with sharp objects like tacks, broken glass, sharp fingernails, branches or concrete, I don't see this magic ball popping anytime soon.

In the meantime, the current favorite Super Wubble activity is making all sorts of "interesting" faces by crushing oneself into the ball. The fun never stops!

Super Wubble fun

Still skeptical on this ball's strength? See for yourself how Super Wubble holds up on their YouTube channel where everything from a pineapple to a bowling ball to a shopping cart to a cinder block are dropped onto this giant ball!

When it comes to adding a unique, one-of-a-kind toy to your household (or to give as a great birthday present or gift for the upcoming holidays), the Super Wubble is one that won't disappoint. Kids of all ages (as well as adults) are going to be clamoring for another turn and the laughter and smiles can't be beat!

To make a purchase or find out more about the Super Wubble Bubble Ball, visit WubbleBall.com and connect with all things Wubble on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram.

This review is part of a sponsored campaign for Wubble Ball but all thoughts and opinions shared are honest and my own.

Wednesday, December 16, 2015

The Educational, Active Video Game System for Kids: LeapFrog LeapTV {Review}

LeapFrog logo
As a mom, I feel constantly torn between all of the choices that I make for my children that contrast what they want. I want them to eat healthy, they want foods that are as sweet as possible. I want them to get plenty of sleep at night to be well-rested and they want to stay up as late as they can to not miss out on any fun.

When it comes to video games, they would surely love to have all of the latest and greatest gaming systems so that they could play game after game all day long, but we all know that just sitting and staring at a screen isn't the most beneficial activity ever.

Fortunately, we have been introduced to a way to incorporate education, movement, and action into gaming all in one unique, child-friendly way thanks to the LeapTV by LeapFrog.

LeapFrog LeapTV system

LeapFrog is known as a leader in education innovation throughout the world. Their award-winning learning toys, interactive book and map experiences, reading systems, educational gaming handhelds, and learning tablets are age-appropriate, trusted by parents, valued by teachers, and loved by children.

Which is why I wasn't surprised to hear that LeapFrog figured out how to make gaming smarter with their interactive LeapTV. This innovative system provides three ways to play — body motion, pointer play, and classic control — to keep kids ages 3 to 8 entertained, involved and having a blast!

Knowing that just about any kid would have a great time pointing, jumping, wiggling, dancing, twisting, and more (while also practicing their reading, math, science, problem solving, etc.), it was time to spend some time being entertained in an educational way!

LeapTV and games

Right off the bat, setting up the LeapTV proved to be just as easy and convenient as I had hoped. After simply plugging in all of the included cables and cords, it only took a few minutes of connecting the LeapTV to our internet connection and completing the registration process.

Then it was time to play!

LeapTV set up

Just as I suspected, we had a blast!

The kids were immediately curious about the transforming, easy-to-hold controller and the instant the colorful home screen appeared, there was no stopping them from getting started.

As opposed to traditional gaming systems where I have had to spend time explaining every last detail about the gameplay to my children, the LeapTV has a simple and intuitive user interface (and clear audio prompts) that kids are able to understand and control effortlessly. I barely had to say a word or give an instruction the entire time both kids took turns playing again and again.

LeapTV controller

Even better, as the LeapTV features today's most popular kids' characters, who is going to want to say no to playing (and learning) with buddies like Elsa, Anna, and Olaf?

LeapTV game cartridges

The LeapTV has a library of 100+ LeapFrog educator-approved game cartridges, game downloads, and videos, so the likelihood of running out of fun is pretty small!

LeapTV Frozen
In Disney Frozen: Arendelle's Winter Festival (ages 4-7), users can play solo or with a friend as they proceed and interact with five magical, fun-filled Arendelle adventures.

Sculpt ice; create jewelry from snowflakes; join in a festival by using counting, addition, subtraction, place value, shape recognition, and number sequencing; and much more!

I find it hard to believe that any Frozen fans wouldn't have a blast trying to make Olaf fall into the dunk tank or creating an ice skating path for Elsa and Anna. This game is the perfect mix of enchantment and wonder with great math skills!

LeapTV Blaze
For slightly younger children who are into a little more action, Blaze and the Monster Machines (ages 3-5) focuses on the STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) skills all while helping Blaze and his friends build an awesome stunt track.

Featuring everything from number recognition to physical science and problem solving, this game is part monster truck and part educational adventure!

LeapTV Letter Factory
Or, when ramps, loops, and straightaways aren't cutting it, LeapTV Letter Factory Adventures (also ages 3-5) brings children through a variety of adventure games as they take a train ride through the alphabet from A to Z.

At each train stop, players learn the name, shape and sound of the letter, build words, customize an alphabet book, and more.

Even though this game is a little too young for my girls, they have had a great time bending and twisting themselves into letter shapes, popping bubbles to find letters and complete words, and racing the clock to show off their alphabet knowledge. Overall, this game is a fun and active way to play solo or with a friend to ride the rails to learning fun!

LeapTV Mr. Pencil Presents DoodleCraft
Finally, for the ultimate in constructing your own custom island, Mr. Pencil Presents DoodleCraft involves a little bit of everything: creativity, building, sorting, memory, observation, matching, and much more.

Players earn blueprints to construct buildings; unlock art tools to add paint, patterns, doors, windows, glitter, stickers, and more; and go on quests to unlock and explore five different neighborhoods to find hidden objects and locations.

I love that, along with educational skills, this game also promotes important everyday skills, as players recycle, clear away obstacles, tidy up messes, scrub buildings clean, and more to keep their residents happy. Whether played alone or as a team (or two players can make their own separate islands and go visit each other!), Mr. Pencil Presents DoodleCraft is open-ended and challenging enough to encourage kids to return to it time and again.

LeapFrog LeapTV review

Since the arrival of the LeapTV and these games, I have been nothing but impressed with LeapFrog for inventing such an active video gaming system. I love the way that kids of all ages (we have had players between the ages of 5 and 9) have had no problem using the controller, transforming it from a classic controller into a pointer, or moving easily between options and games.

My girls and their friends have gotten a kick out of seeing themselves right in the action ("I'm on TV!") and the way that LeapFrog designed the games to automatically adjust the levels depending on the age of the player ensures that they are challenged without being frustrated. They truly have made gaming smarter, more educational, perfectly appropriate, and kid-friendly!

LeapFrog LeapTV reviews

While we have long loved LeapFrog and the way that their unique toys and learning solutions provide entertainment as well as educational advancement, the addition of the LeapTV fits right in. Kids are able to express their creativity and have active, happy fun all while learning and practicing a wide variety of educational skills. What more could I ask for?

This innovative video game system is available now from LeapFrog, on Amazon and in stores near you with an MSRP of $59.99 (a crazy good deal for the holidays, considering its debut price was $149.99!) with game cartridges sold separately for $19.99.

Find out more about LeapTV and all of the available games and accessories available for it by visiting LeapFrog.com and connecting with them on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

As a LeapFrog Mom Ambassador, I receive products, promotional items and educational material to use and share as I see fit. However, any opinions expressed by me are honest and reflect my actual experience.