LEGO Mindstorms NXT - Hot Christmas Toys

LEGO Mindstorms NXT - Hot Christmas Toys
From LEGO

Customer Reviews

Lego Robotic Tournaments for kids
I am buying an NXT for my 11 year old son who has been begging for one for awhile. He is a member of the Robotics team at his elementary school (his 3rd year) and so he interacts with these every day, but wants one of his own to play around with at home.

For those of you whose children are or may be interested in science/engineering/robotics, etc. or are just looking for something creative to do, there is a worldwide program out there that they can join to help develop these skills and have fun at the same time! Lego created this program about 15 years ago and it is now worldwide. Go to [...] to learn all about it. The FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Program is absolutely wonderful. They start out at age 6, with the Junior FIRST Lego League (JFLL); 9-14 yr olds. [or about 3-8th graders] compete in the FIRST Lego League (FLL), using the NXT or RCX (older model) robots; and when they hit high school, they begin building real, actual working robots to compete with.

If your school does not have a team, look into starting one (anyone can: schools, churches, boy/girl scout troops, community organizations, whatever). The fees are not much after the initial kit cost (around $600, which includes the robot and all tournament supplies) and often you can find sponsors to cover some, if not all, of the fees. The kids do not just play with robots, they also work very hard on a research project which they present to a panel of judges at each tournament (there is usually a tourney for city, region, state, national, and then international if your team qualifies for each next tournament), and there are awards for many things: robot competitions, teamwork, research, robot design, team spirit, overall score, etc. If you are looking for a great extracurricular for your gifted or creative child, this is it!

Great Physics and Computer Science Tool for Children
This is a great way to teach children physics, robotics, and computer science. Even if children don't want to make a robot, they can be very creative with the components just as with many lego products.

THIS IS COOL!!!
Mindstorm can do almost anything! I got it for Christmas.
I was so excited. I am only 8 but I love bulding. THIS PRODUCT IS GREAT!

Features

• Intelligent brick with 32-bit microprocessor; more memory and flash
• Three interactive servo motors features built-in rotation sensors that aligns speed for precise control and new sound patterns and tones
• 577 specially selected LEGO TECHNIC elements for sturdy and durable building and improved functionality and movement
• Icon-based drag-and-drop program building environment
• 6 AA batteries required which is not included

Giddyup N' Go Pony - Hot Christmas Toys

Giddyup N' Go Pony- Hot Christmas Toys
From Little Tikes - Dropship

Customer Reviews

A MUST for your little buckaroos!
I purchased this for a special little boy on my Christmas list who LOVES horses. Shipping was lightening quick! I'm certain my little buckaroo will be thrilled to find this pony under his tree!

Fun and sturdy, but has drawbacks
I bought this for my nearly 4-yr-old daughter who loves horses. Rather quick and easy assembly, but you really have to push hard to get the tail to click in. The box says you need a screwdriver, but no tools were necessary. She first took it for a ride around inside the house. We have tile floors--it won't go very well on carpet--and then took it outside for a spin. I really had to watch her ride because any big bumps or cracks in the sidewalk could mean a nasty head-over-handlebars spill, plus, since there's really no break like for a bicycle, any slope is potential danger--the horse rolls pretty fast! There is a break, which seems too close to the handlebars and often gets in the way, but it's not intuitive for kids to use and not very effective in slowing down--it seems it's either on or off. She loved the bounce-bouncing of getting the horse to go and the sound effects and got the gist of riding it rather quickly. Although you can steer the horse, it doesn't have that great of a turning circle, so an adult or older child has to pick up the front wheels and manually turn the horse. Watch your toes, this horse is not light! My 6-yr-old son helps his sister, plus he has fun on it too. It helps that there are two sets of footrests: lower for big kids; higher for the little ones. It seems to be a very sturdy and well-made toy, although the reins are made out of thin vinyl. They probably won't hold up too long, especially if the kids lead the horse with them a lot. All in all it's a fun toy. The kids use their imaginations in feeding, brushing and taking care of the horse, which is cute. It's a toy I would've loved as a kid, which I'm sure is a big reason I bought it in the first place!

Features

• As you bounce up and down, your pony's legs move and you really go for a ride
• Galloping sound - press the left ear to activate. Whiney & snorting sounds - press the righ ear to activate
• Tail swings side to side as the child rides the pony. Handlebars are located on the pny's head make steering easy
• Tight 4 feet steering radius. Safety brakes included. Perfect for indoors or outdoors
• Makes physical activity fun - kids exercise while having a great time!

LEGO Star Wars Ultimate Collector's Millennium Falcon Reviews

LEGO Star Wars Ultimate Collector's Millennium Falcon
From LEGO

Customer Reviews

Warning for collectors
The toy was great but the box was damaged which completely hurt the value of the product as a collector's edition. Be wary!

Product Description

Build the ultimate Millennium Falcon! This is it - the biggest, most spectacular Lego Star Wars model ever! Straight out of the classic Star Wars movies comes the Ultimate Collector's Millennium Falcon, Han Solo's famous smuggling starship. Every detail of the modified Corellian Engineering Corporation YT-1300 freighter is here, all constructed to scale with LEGO minifigures. At almost 3 feet (90cm) long, it's the ultimate centerpiece to any Star Wars collection!

Features

• This is the ultimate Millennium Falcon!!! The most important and most iconic model within the Star Wars universe. For the first time in mini-figure scale! Noted as one of Lucas Licensing's favorite Star Wars models for 2007.
• This BIG stable model measures (in inches): 33.1 (L) x 22.2 ( W) x 8.3 (H)
• Special features include a retractable boarding ramp. The cockpit top can be removed to access mini-figures. Guns in top and bottom turrets can rotate. The top gun turret can be removed to sit mini-figure.
• The model can also be lifted in the black technic beams when gun turret is off. Mini-figure gallery: Han Solo, Chewbacca, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Luke Skywalker, Leia Organa
• This is it the biggest LEGO Star Wars model ever made - 5195 pieces!

Fisher-Price Power Wheels AT Rex Reviews

Fisher-Price Power Wheels AT Rex
From Fisher-Price

Product Description

Preschoolers can hop on and ride right into prehistory with this transforming Power Wheels riding toy. Little drivers will wow everyone on the block as they ride by! With a simple shift of the handle, this transforming riding toy changes into a dinosaur face with lighted eyes, mighty roars and cool sounds. Travels 2.5 and 5 mph, in forward and reverse, on hard surfaces or grass. Requires one 12V battery, included, and three "AA" batteries, not included. Measures 46"L x 31.75"W x 31.5"H. Holds up to 55 lbs.

Features

• A new version of the classic 12 Volt Jeep wrangler
• This two seat vehicle has been updated with new colors and graphics
• Features a new grab handle for easy in and out
• Goes two speeds forward such as 2.5 and 5.0 MPH and one speed in reverse 2.5 MPH
• Rechargeable 12-Volt battery and charger included

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review
Claw your way through rugged backyard terrain with the ferocious A.T. Rex Power Wheels from Fisher-Price. With the simple pull of a handle, kids aged three and over can transform this sporty, battery-powered ATV into a fierce A.T. Rex, complete with big teeth, a gruesome growl and red, flashing eyes. Young drivers can now go extreme with the Monster Traction drive system that allows them to move through tough terrain without stopping or getting stuck, just like a real ATV!

What We Think Fun Factor: Durability: (what this means) The Good: Operates like a real ATV as it claws through rough backyard terrain The Bad: Slightly jerky upon take-off and a little abrupt when breaking In a Nutshell: An exciting toy that encourages kids to learn fun, responsible driving skills At a Glance Ages: 3 and older, up to 65 pounds Requires: 3 AA batteries, Phillips screwdriver

The A.T. Rex is powered by a 12-volt rechargeable battery pack. View Larger.

Power Wheels Monster Traction makes it easy to drive on grass. View larger.

Ready, set, off-road!
Ferocious and fun, the A.T. Rex allows kids to explore the rugged and exciting terrain of their own backyard in true ATV style. This sporty, battery-powered four-wheeler is easy for adults to set-up and a thrill for young kids to ride. You'll need a little prep-time before you get started, as the included 12-volt battery needs about 18 hours of charge time before its first use. To do this, simply connect the battery to the charger provided and plug it into any household outlet. In the meantime you can get the rest of the A.T. Rex ready to roll.

The easy-to-read, illustrated instructions show you how to connect the handlebars to the vehicle, and the T-Rex-shaped handle to the handle base, using the included screws and your own Philips screwdriver. Once this is done you can help your young driver apply the brightly colored A.T. Rex stickers to the plastic body of the vehicle for a truly ferocious look.

. After the battery has charged, insert it into the battery compartment located beneath the removable seat and connect it to the motor harness connector. As a final step, insert three AA batteries into the small case below the dash, replace the seat, and get ready for some exciting ATV action.

Not your ordinary ATV!!
The A.T. Rex is a fun and safe ATV-style toy that encourages kids to explore their outdoor environment while learning how to develop responsible driving skills. The durable, brightly colored plastic body and large, plastic tires are designed to look like a real all-terrain vehicle. But this ATV comes with a special surprise! When your child pulls the T-Rex handle, this sporty ATV transforms into an A.T. Rex, complete with flashing eyes, large teeth and a ferocious roar.

The A.T. Rex is simple to operate. A shifter on the dash allows your child to choose either a forward or reverse direction as well as a beginner speed of 2.5 MPH or an advanced speed of 5 MPH. To move the vehicle, simply have your child depress the foot pedal located on the floorboard. The initial motion may be a little jerky at first, so be sure to supervise your child closely and have them practice a bit at the slower, beginner speed before trying the faster, advanced speed.

Fisher-Price Power Wheels Barbie Jammin' Jeep

Fisher-Price Power Wheels Barbie Jammin' Jeep
From Fisher Price

Customer Reviews

My kids are ready for NASCAR
We bought this as a Christmas gift for our 2 and 4 year old daughters last year and they loved it then and still love it now! We kept it in the lower gear for a while till the older one learned about steering and then let her run in the higher gear. Boy does it go fast! The younger one loves being a passenger and now that the oldest has figured out reverse, she can pretty much do it all. While the younger one loves the working radio. This toy also reinforces the safety of seatbelts for them both. Easily their favorite outdoors toy!! And it is fun for my husband and myself to watch them zooming along feeling like such big girls in their own car. Great purchase!

4 wheelin 4 year old
My 4 year old daughter likes her jeep. She was a little scared to drive it at first, but after a few days of help from daddy, she was on her way to 4 wheeling heaven. Be careful not to take driveway curbs too fast...my daughter did and the battery cable came off.

This thing is fast!
This is a tough toy. My daughter (age 3 upon receiving the jeep and almost age 4 now) and her friends have driven this thing through ditches and into trees and sheds. The jeep happily keeps on going as if nothing happened.
Now remember that there is the option to increase the speed from 2.5 miles per hour to 5 mph. If you thought that the 2.5mph speed was pretty quick, wait until you see the 5mph! All I have to say is that you better have a pretty large yard and no traffic around, because you have to sprint full out to catch up while your 3 year old is laughing at you. We have had some good times with this jeep and I would recommend it to anyone with a 3.5 or 4 year old.
The only negatives: the radio wouldn't turn off so we just let the battery's run out and said that it was broken.
-We live on a dirt lot and if there is an incline, the tires just spin out because they are smooth plastic. (The rubber add-ons sound like a good idea).

Have fun

Features

• Music-filled fun and real driving adventure for girls on the go!
• Realistic details inside and out like a real-working FM radio, doors that really open and close and a rear storage area to carry all her gear.
• Drives two speeds forward (2.5 & 5 mph max.) and one speed reverse, on hard surfaces and grass.
• Equipped with high-speed lock out for beginners and Power Lock® brakes. Max. 130 lbs. (59 kg)
• Colors and decorations may vary.

D-REX Interactive Dinosaur - Hot Toys for Christmas

D-REX Interactive Dinosaur - hot toys for christmas
From Mattel

Customer Reviews

Wonderful! Really Something Different!
Hesitant at first about purchasing this for my 5 year old dinosaur-mad little girl. Happy that I did. Does all it's advertised to do. Put batts in and tried it out before wrapping it up for Xmas....had a ball just playing with it myself. Looks a little mean in the beginning but it plays, growls, bites his bone, walks around the house "looking" at things & comes when you call it. It's like an ugly puppy that somehow starts to look adorable. Has great facial(?!)expressions. My daughter is going to LUV this, and to me, seeing her so happy is worth the pricetag. Super toy!

So COOL
I loved Dinosaur's growing up,and D-Rex Interactive Dinosaur is so cool.I saw this toy at a friends house,and fell in love with it.Its almost like a really live Dinosaur,and my dog is so funny running away from D-Rex.
This toys alot of money,but worth it if you can afford it.

Be prepared for shipping...
We bought this as a Christmas present for our son, so we have yet to open it. I just wanted to let people know that if they do order this from Amazon it arrives in a big box marked TOYS D-REX on it. When ours got here my boys were with me and I had to do some VERY quick thinking to not spoil his Christmas present. Just an FYI other than that we are Very excited to open it uo and play with it :)

Product Description

D-Rex Interactive Pet Dino is the ultimate pet. A ferocious yet loyal dinosaur with an independent personality, D-Rex combines robotics, proprietary software and reptilian skin to create a lifelike appearance and behavior. He'll walk, chomp, bare his teeth and roar to let you know what he wants. D-Rex might demand food or want to play a game, and he'll hear your voice and respond to your touch. Like the ideal pet, D-Rex will protect your stuff and attack on command. Requires four "C" batteries, included, and two "AA" batteries, not included. Measures 22"L x 8.75"W x 13.28"H.

Features

• D-Rex is the ultimate pet
• Combines robotics, proprietary software and reptilian skin to create a lifelike appearance and behavior
• Responds to voice and touch
• Will attack and obey on command
• A ferocious yet loyal dinosaur with an indpendent personality

Evenflo ExerSaucer 3-in-1 Pond

Evenflo ExerSaucer 3-in-1 Pond
From Evenflo

Customer Reviews

great exersaucer, but comes in a thousand pieces!
this is a great exersaucer in the sense that it can be used from birth on up. but really it will see the most use from 6 to 12 months. the newborn part is ok, and just ok. the toy bar that comes off the exersaucer and attaches to two pieces to be used as a kick toy or dangling toy was rather unstable. my baby was not so interested in it. but then you get to the 4-5 month old stage when they really need the exersaucer, and my boy loved. it has so much it's almost overwhelming. even my then 2 year old had fun dancing to the music. it's great because the toys are interchangeable, removable and replaceable. And that makes it fun for baby as you change things around, easy to clean as they pop right out, and easy to replace if you damage one of the toys. Great concept. The seat is easy to remove and wash and doesn't desolve in the washer. wash in cold water and it shouldn't fade either. The toddler stage of it is just a big waste of space. really an exersaucer is only good as an exersaucer. i think they tried to hard to make it have an extended life, but once that little one learns to walk, the exersaucer is not going to be of much interest for much longer. no way around it. Other Con, it comes in like a thousand pieces and took FOREVER to put together!!!! But well worth the work! ;)

Great!
My son loves to go in his Exersaucer! He is 4 months old. He discovers something new each day!

Features:

• Playmat, ExerSaucer and Activity Table in one unit
• Folds significantly smaller than non-folding models for easy portability
• Helps baby achieve 10 developmental milestones
• 11 Age-appropriate toys
• Variety of songs, sounds and phrases
• Landscaped tray surrounds child
• 3-position height adjustment
• 3 flip-down feet for statioinary position
• Seat locks in multiple positions
• Removable, machine washable seat pad
• For newborns to 24 mos.