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.

Nintendo DS Lite Onyx Black - Hottest Christmas Gifts

Nintendo DS Lite Onyx Black - Hottest Christmas Gifts
From Nintendo

Customer Reviews

7yr. old loves it
My son got it for a birthday present and loves it. Amazed at hot it works and the WI-FI is awesome to use with someone else.

Everyone needs a DS!
I didn't hop on the DS bandwagon when they first came out. I was a devout Sony fan and was holding out for my PSP. My husband surprised me with my PSP for Christmas 2 years ago and I was in love! At least I was for a couple of weeks until I realized that the game library was severely lacking any titles that I really wanted to play.

Still wanting a hand-held gaming device, I looked into the DS shortly after the Lite was released. I haven't looked back since! I've had my DS for over a year now and I am in love all over again. The DS really is a revolutionary device. We've had touch screen devices for years, but never a dedicated gaming device with a touch screen. Before I bought the DS, I thought the idea of a touch screen was rather gimmicky, but let me tell you, it adds SO much to the experience. You feel like you are really interacting with your puppies in Nintendogs and you're really cooking up that great stew in Cooking Mama. It just adds so much to the immersion, which I would never have thought possible on this tiny device. I have never had any issues with my touch screen. It has always been perfectly responsive and has never let me down. Gameplay is seamless and the touch screen controls become second nature. PSP has great graphics, I agree, but when forced to choose between great graphics and truly engaging and fun gameplay, I choose the latter.

DS Lite also wins out on size. Even vs the PSP Slim, it is still smaller and easier to slip in my purse to take with me wherever I go. It's light, comfortable in your hands, and the controls are placed just right so that playing is easy and enjoyable.

Where the DS truly shines, however, is it's game library. You have a huge range to choose from, from kid's edutainment (thank you!!) to girly games where you take care of babies/puppies to games where you cook meals and design hair and wardrobe to games that adults love as much as kids like Brain Age and Super Mario Bros. and the like. The DS really has something for everyone.

I do notice, however, that my husband, brothers and dad don't really play the DS much. It seems to be geared toward girls and kids, which I certainly don't mind because that's a first in the gaming world. I've been gaming since I was 5 years old on the Atari and I appreciate a system that acknowledges that girls and little kids, like my 3-year-old son, like video games, too, and we want to do more than blow up buildings and shoot people (no thanks!!).

The DS is intuitive enough for my 3-year-old to control, though I would not buy a DS for a child of this age range. He is very responsible with it and handles it very well, but there aren't a whole lot of games that are geared for his age range and that just makes for frustration. Opt for a Leapster instead for a few years, which also features a great touch screen and a huge educational game library.

I can't rave enough about the DS, but I will recommend that you pick up a few essentials if you are planning on buying one. Find yourself some Hori screen protectors. They are AWESOME! And really necessary to prolong the life of your DS. I would never play without them. The screens are naturally very resistant to scratches, but for a few dollars you can add some great protection and completely erase the worry of scratches from your mind.

Also, pick up a crystal case if the DS is going to be played with by a child or young adult. For under $10 you can completely protect the exterior of the DS from scratches and dings and it does not add much bulk to the unit. I was a nervous wreck every time my son played my DS until I got a crystal case.

Last, get a nice carrying case. Don't just toss it in a bag and be content with that. For girls, ALS Industries makes an ADORABLE purse carrying case which is big enough for the DS, several game cases (I have 9 in mine right now), earbuds, charger, extra styli, you name it. Walmart, Best Buy, Circuit City, they all carry them. And for the record, they're the perfect size for your PSP and Archos 5, too. :)

Take care of your DS and it will last you for years to come. Durability has never been an issue with Nintendo products. I still have my original NES and it still works like new, 20 years later!

Want the Nintendo DS? Here's how to get it for five bucks
Christmas is coming so save your cash! Why purchase something you can get for five bucks.

Go to gifts4xmas.co.cc and sign up. Complete ONE offer - I would recommend Netflix

All companies are well known so there is no risk involved- give it a go! I got my Nintendo DS and many other things this way, so don't miss out.

I was a sceptic once but now I am SO glad I gave it a chance.

Many items to choose from!

They send your gift Free of charge

Enjoy!

Fur Real Friends Biscuit My Lovin Pup Rviews

Fur Real Friends Biscuit My Lovin Pup
From Hasbro

Customer Reviews

IMPORTANT WARNING!!!!
My niece requested Biscuit, her dream toy, from Santa (already asked about him in person and sent an e-mail), and the order was put in via Amazon, who very promptly shipped him to our house- in his store box, which shows him clearly on the front!!! I assumed he would be in an amazon box, but I guess since he's so big, they just use his box. So our christmas surprise was ruined, since my niece arrived home with me and saw it at the same time, and said "Wow. Santa screwed up."

SO great, fun toy - BAD SHIPPING! it has the potential to ruin your skeptics out there!!! Be careful and have it shipped elsewhere!

Amazing Toy Dog - Know Your Child's Interests First
Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R2MX2QC1OGDT03 "Biscuit" is an amazing robotic dog that does six tricks from your vocal commands and has seven 'touch sensitive' spots that do other fun things like, sniff, doggie-moan, bark, snuggle, etc. Perfect for the child (aged 5-8) that cannot have a real pet. There is a mechanical sound whenever he moves and I'm not sure he would survive a few drops down the stairwell, but he will certainly entertain any child for hours. The best way to go is to know your child's attention span for this kind of toy. But, "Biscuit" is still amazing.

Ummm it's a fake dog
Seriously people, if you want a real dog, go to your local shelter. Until you morons all realize that a stufed animal is just that, maybe you should stick to fake dogs. Please!

Features

• Playtime is going to the dogs and this playful pooch is leading the charge! The lovable mutt features voice recognition, obeying six commands, including, “Sit”, “Speak”, and “Lie down”
• Tell your furry friend to give you his paw and he’ll raise his right or left paw ask him if he wants a treat, and he’ll nod and whimper to let you know he’s ready for his dog “bone”
• Biscuit my lovin’ pup pet will even “shake” at your command, lifting his paw to your hand or sit up and beg, just like a real pup
• Biscuit my lovin’ pup pet wags his tail and barks, too, to let you know he’s ready to play
• Use the special adoption certificate to register your pet online and ensure that you and this adorable pup will be friends forever pup pet comes with collar, tag, brush, dog “bone” and adoption certificate

Star Wars Clone Wars Ultimate Light Saber

Star Wars Clone Wars Ultimate Light Saber
From Hasbro

Customer Reviews

Clone Wars and Original Ultimate Light Saber Interchangeable!!!
Before I bought the Clone Wars Ultimate Light Saber I tried to find if someone had tried using the new parts with the original ultimate light saber. I wasn't able to find any clarification on this, but now that I've got it, I can confirm that the parts are indeed interchangeable. The only disappointment is that the new silver color doesn't look as good/doesn't match the original.

In regards to making a double sided light saber...with the 2 copies of the original set I bought a black rubber laundry water tube extender with metal screw clamps and cut it to size so that I could have a double handled saber rather than the single handed double headed (with only one lighted blade...though I did try putting a small LED light inside the unlit blade with success). It worked very well (it was very stable for play fighting though I imagine over time since the clamps were metal they could eventually crack the plastic). The black rubber and metal clamp blended in with the colors of the blade. But yes, I agree, it would be cool if Hasbro released an adapter connector.

Overall, I like the original set better, but these parts are a welcome addition/expansion.

It's discontinued already!
Day 1, out of the box, had a hard time getting light crystal door hatch to open. No instruction showing where to apply pressure, or where to try to pry it open with a fingernail. Finally got it open after various gentle attempts over a few minutes. Upon first opening, I saw that one of the two microscopic plastic nubs which the hatch door pivots on already had the tell-tale white color that we have all come to know means that a section of plastic is going to break under any stress. Now back to the toy; totally fun and really cool-great variety of play! It's played with for about 5 minutes as Rock Band Wii-the other b-day present is just way more desirable. Day 2, play time about 5 minutes and then, "It broke!". I contacted Hasbro online and received a postal mail reply to the effect that the toy has already been discontinued and they would pay return shipping on the toy and replace it with a different toy (of their choosing) based on sex and age of child. What a total drag. We don't want a different toy, we just need a replacement door. Can't really cover the lack of door with duct tape-defeats the play value of being able to change the light crystals or being able to slide the various handle grip pieces over the held part of the saber. Geez, a 2-3mm piece of plastic renders a saber to the graveyard! Unbelievable! Nice job Hasbro, not!

highlight of the birthday party
Our 5 year old grandson absolutely loved this gift. We grandparents were the favorites at his recent birthday party.....this gift was the one all the other children were attracted to first! It was a bit too advanced for him to completely assemble by himself at first, but with the help from a boy slightly older, he was a happy camper for days afterwards!

Features

• The Ultimate Star Wars Lightsaber - New Clone Wars Edition - has more than 20 interchangeable parts to build your own customized weapon!
• More than 1,000 possible lightsaber configurations!
• Now you can create your own Clone Trooper hi-tech lightsaber!
• Includes 1 hilt, 2 blades, 2 emitters, 1 light bulb housing, 2 caps, 3 power crystals, 3 filters, 2 hilt sleeves, 1 adapter, 3 sleeve rings, 2 switches and instructions.
• May the force be with you!

Playskool Kota My Triceratops Dinosaur

Playskool Kota My Triceratops Dinosaur
From Hasbro

Customer Reviews

Kota - Fun for the parents
I agree with the user who's husband was experiencing a second childhood. I bought Kota for the same reason! Many of the Aibo-knock off, digital creatures have been such a disappointment. They are often made of cheap quality plastic and have incredibly limited behavior that is hardly life-like. Kota struck me as a major exception. He's high-quality, easy to assemble, and his behavior is so lifelike that his sounds and movements have often startled me, when I entered my condo in the dark. The battery life is also decent, though I do wish he could be recharged like Spike. The only downside--if it is one--is my 2.5yo toddler is not so enthralled with Kota. Currently, Kota's more of an occasional climbing toy than a dinosaur "friend." I think that may change as my son grows older. For now, I'm certainly enjoying him!

Sara the Brontosaurus
My three year old granddaughter is attached to "Sara's" back. She loves it. I am particularly pleased to have purchased it from you at 2/3 the price offered by Hammacher Schlemmer. Hooray for me. Hooray for you.

Hahahaha ... Kota!!

"Kota, Kota, Kota ... hahahahaha ..... rrrruuuuuup!" is the new catchphrase at the house lately.

My 18 month old son got one of these recently because his father couldn't resist, ahem. His mother says several times a day that his father is living his second-childhood.

Kota is a Triceratops that (with supervision - in the beginning) your little one can sit on and play with like there's no tomorrow. There's a handle behind the 'ear flaps' to help them stay on as well as a button for music.

The animal responds to voice and touch and makes an array of noises that are all humorous and laughable. My son giggles endlessly every time the thing belches, which is pretty funny.

Lately these toys have become a lot more advanced and much more interesting and interactive for kids. I've bought too many toys that my son just becomes quickly bored of, but both Kota and 'Spike the Dino' are his favorites.

I can't find anything at fault with this toy, and it's a better substitute for climbing on rather than the arms of the couches or trying to maneuver up unto the dining table. This is a good toy worth a few hours everyday. Turning it off also teaches a good lesson about sleeping, or rather "Doo daa doo daa"

The only thing I don't like are the 6 D batteries it uses rather than the rechargeable battery that comes with Spike. It's a minor point though. No biggie.

LeapFrog® Didj Custom Learning Gaming System

LeapFrog® Didj Custom Learning Gaming System
From LeapFrog

Customer Reviews

Mom's joy in a little toy!!
This is the best gaming system I ever invested in, not only does my son prefer to play on it rather than his DS, XBOX, PS2,3 and the computer he really enjoys playing it. He loves the fact that he's getting his homework done at the same time he's playing fun games. His teacher has no problem with him using the didj for homework assignments in fact she said that it's improved his grades in all subjects which is something the DS and other systems couldn't do. The start up with the didj on Leapfrog is a little confusing but once you figure it out (about 10mins) you will be so glad that you stuck with it. You do not need to purchase a game to use the didj your child can download jetpack heroes game to play. You can set the Didj up for the spelling words he needs or for math or both depending on the game. The more the child plays the more points that are earned and with those points (bitz) you can trade them for upgrades for the games. Plus you can monitor their progress and make it more challenging as they improve. This is the first time I've ever asked my child to go to his room and play his video game. In just a couple of weeks he's improved his math skills and reading from playing this system. Summer school is no longer needed nor is the tutor I thought we might need. The best part of this is that if your child has any type of neurological disorder (besides seizures) this system is a must for them. My child has ADD, Tourettes, Dyslexia, and OCD which usually impairs his ability to do school work well not anymore!! This system is a godsend for mothers like me that have to beg, plead and spend hours just trying to get their child to do homework. My son loves to do homework now. He can now understand the concepts he wasn't getting while being taught the traditional way. With the Didj it's one on one just him and his game. It's worth every dollar I paid to see him enjoying school and homework! What parent wouldn't love it?

Jury is still out
I bought this as a step up for our son, who has had a Leapster and a Leapster LMax. He says he likes it, but I note less enthusiasm than for his previous Leapster and LMax.

Product Description

Introducing Didj, the all-new gaming system featuring totally thrilling gaming and truly customized learning. It's the first-ever gaming handheld that lets you customize both learning and gaming. Just connect it to your computer to play action-packed games and sharpen your skills as you study what you need for school. Earn points as you play; then trade them for cool downloads to make each game your own. Expand your learning experience with a software library full of your favorite characters and themes. Software sold separately. Requires 4 "AA" batteries, not included.

Features

• First-ever gaming handheld that connects to the computer so kids can customize both gaming and learning.
• Totally customized gaming: Kids customize their characters, backgrounds, animation, music and more!
• Truly customized learning: sync the games to skills your child is studying in school.
• Library of games featuring favorite characters from SpongeBob SquarePants, Star Wars and Indiana Jones. Included and additional games teach skills in a range of subjects, such as language arts, spelling, math and math facts.
• Appropriate for ages 6 years to 10 years.

Star Wars Interactive R2D2 Astromech Droid Robot

Star Wars Interactive R2D2 Astromech Droid Robot
From Hasbro

Customer Reviews

Nervewracking
I was given this as a Christmas present, and for a few brief moments I was in a blissful future world where robots wait on my beck and call. Then my fantasy crashed around me as R2, like NS-5 from "I Robot" refused to respond to my commands and fulfilled his true metaphysical purpose. In R2's case, this meant shaking his head and wandering about until he got stuck.

R2 resembles his Kenny Baker-driven counterpart down to each blip and responds exactly as he does in the movies--that is, if you're C3PO. From the moment you turn him on, you become R2's very own golden, mobility-challenged whipping boy. Make no mistake, R2D2 is in charge here, not you.

Where R2 represents the pinnacle of budget-priced AI is with his attitude. I don't know if my deep voice triggers a frequency monitor or if it's random, but R2 regularly goes into "bad mood" mode and refuses to accept commands with a sassy shake of the head. According to the manual, a command of "behave yourself" will put him back into normal mode, but that only works if R2 thinks you're Luke, which he doesn't. Now, call me a pessimst, but when my car refuses to start, I don't chuckle at its attitude. When my shower drain clogs, it's not endearing. What sort of sadistic person designs a product that is specifically meant to quit working periodically? If the manufacturers would have called it Windows R2, at least they would have given us some kind of warning.

I have given R2D2 an educational value of 5 stars because R2 teaches us to enunciate distinctly, hones our punting skills, and shows us the error of making robots in our own image.

R2 also receives 5 stars in durability, as he still works as poorly as ever after innumerable kicks, slaps, and body slams.

Star Wars Interactive R2D2
Perfect for any Clone Wars Fan. Your little Jedi will be spending lots of time with his new friend.

R2 is AWESOME!!!
Man, this is the best toy ever created ! I'd recommend it to anyone. When I saw it on Hasbro[...], I thought it was one of those little action figures, but I saw the word interactive. I clicked on it, and after I read what it was, I freaked! I finally got it for Christmas, and I tell you, it's the best toy yet! Most people don't like R2's bad mood, but I think it makes him more "realistic." And he's both fun and funny! There are two reasons I like this toy. It's really sophisticated, and it's R2-D2! R2, MAY THE FORCE BE WITH YOU!!! R2D2: Beep! (Yes!)

Features

• Newly programmed at our ultra-modern factory, this state-of-the-art R2 series astromech droid unit is ready to obey your commands
• Grab his attention by saying "Hey, R2" and he's ready for more than 40 voice commands
• Ask him if he remembers his famous friends, like Luke Skywalker, C-3PO or Jabba the Hutt, and each name will stir up a different response depending on R2's "feelings" for that character
• These are just a few of R2's amazing attributes include moving along on his own, turning his front beam on and off, and even playing a secret message when you follow the proper voice commands
• In "Game" mode, R2 plays multiple games and spins, dances and plays music, and he even guards your room with his sentry alarm