Leapfrog Explorer I Spy Super Challenger
September 9, 2011 by Kailani
Filed under educational, electronics, kids, product reviews, toys
Even with all the tech toys that Kiana has, she always prefers to play with her Leapfrog Explorer. So when a new game becomes available for the unit we’re always excited to try it out. This time it’s the I Spy Super Challenger.
GAME DESCRIPTION
Use logic, language and mathematics skills while solving 50 riddles and playing 4 arcade-style games!
OUR REVIEW
My girls love puzzle-type games so they were already familiar with the I Spy concept. In I Spy Super Challenger, you can unlock 200 rounds of puzzles and games which I know will keep my girls entertained for a very long time. They’ve been playing with it for a couple of weeks now and it doesn’t look like they’ll be getting bored any time soon.
This game is geared towards kids 5-9 years of age which is perfect for Kacie (9) and Kiana (5). The great thing is that there are 4 levels of difficulty and increases from level 1 to level 4 to Challenger Level as the player gets better. Within each main level there are also 50 sub-levels. This ensures that my kids are always playing in their specific skill levels and prevents them from getting ahead of themselves thus resulting in frustration. They can also earn achievement badges as they move from level to level which can be redeemed for game tokens to be used with Leapfrog Connect (online application).
Bug Catcher – In this game, you’ll see a bunch of different bugs on the screen. You have to find the bugs that match and trap them in the bug jar by tapping on them. This was Kiana’s favorite game.
Riddle Play – This game is the most like the I Spy games that we’re used to. On the screen you’ll see a pictures of hidden objects. You’ll then be given a riddle (verbal and in print) of the items you’ll need to find. I have to admit that it was little harder for me than I thought it would be. I couldn’t even find the red car on the very first level! However, Kacie found it in no time. What I really liked about this game is that when you find one object, the riddle is then shown and spoken again so that you don’t have to memorize the entire list.
Fine Line – This is a great simple counting game. There are a bunch of marbles on the screen and you have to divide them into specific numbered groups by drawing a line with your stylus.
Spy Squares – Drag and drop objects into the empty boxes to create specific groups. This is a good way to get the kids thinking creatively. It may look like all the objects are grouped by color but they could also be grouped by animals or sports or shapes.
Match Attack – Shoot objects across the screen at matching objects (shapes, color, theme, etc) to make them disappear.
What the girls liked about I Spy Super Challenger is that there are various games and various levels to conquer. This gave them an incentive to keep playing and to keep getting better. I liked that they didn’t finish the entire thing on the first day. With all the various levels and sub-levels, you’ll definitely be getting your money’s worth on this one!
Purchase your I Spy Super Challenger for $24.99 at Leapfrog.
This post was written for Leapfrog who provided the complimentary game in exchange for our honest review.
Pop On Pals by Spin Master
July 27, 2010 by Kailani
Filed under kids, product reviews, toys
There’s a brand new toy in town and my kids are having a blast playing with it. It’s called Pop On Pals by Spin Master and it lets kids stretch their imagination by allowing them to interchange the pieces to create different characters. It’s aimed for the toddler set and is perfect for tiny hands.
We received the Amusement Park Playset ($34.99) which included:
- 1 – Pal
- 3 – pop on rings
- 1 – amusement park playset
The first thing we noticed is how bright the colors of the playset were. The bold primary and secondary colors were very pleasing to the eye and really helped with the overall look. As soon as Kiana saw it in the box, she couldn’t wait to play with it.
I also liked that the pieces were oversized which made it a lot easier for Kiana to handle in her tiny hands. The pop on rings were easy to put on and take off and it transformed the Pop On Pal into different characters. However, for Kiana the best part of this playset was all the various sounds and motions it provided. It taught her cause and effect. Pull this lever and watch the dragon swing. Press on this button and play the strong man game. The Pal can even ride on the merry-go-round. Lots of fun!
So if you’re looking for a great toy that will keep your younger kids entertained for hours, check out the product line for Pop On Pals by Spin Master!
This post was written for Team Mom and Spin Master who provided the complimentary product in exchange for my hoenst review.
Unique Baby Gifts at Maukilo.com
April 18, 2010 by Kailani
Filed under babies, educational, entertainment, kids, product reviews, toys
As a Mom of 3 girls, I have had my share of baby showers and there’s nothing that I appreciate more than gifts that are unique and made to last. That’s why I’ve always been a big fan of Maukilo.com.
COMPANY DESCRIPTION
Owned by HABA, a 70-year-old German toy company, Maukilo.com is able to offer more than 1,500 HABA items, the widest selection of HABA products in the United States. Maukilo rounds out its assortment with other wonderful brands, all of which meet the company’s motto: “Buy once. Play forever.†What better way could there be to show support than to shower the mommies you love with enduring lovies?
MY REVIEW
I recently had the opporutunity to review the Haba Habalinos Clutching Figure Sheep Svea ($10). This soft rattle-like toy is perfect for Kaila who is just learning how to grab items around her. The Sheep Svea is soft, cuddly, and even has the sounds of a rattle that really draw her attention. I also like that it’s machine washable since it seems like everything goes into her mouth lately. In fact, I’ve been finding Kaila happily sucking on the sheep’s ears and I love how easy it is to just throw the whole thing into the wash.
What I really like about Maukilo.com is the wide variety of items they have especially if you’re looking for the perfect gift. I wish I had known about this site when I was registering for my baby shower because I definitely would have had a lot of fun selecting all the items I was interested in. Here are some of the things I would get:
So the next time you’re looking for the perfect baby shower gift, check out Maukilo.com. I guarantee you’ll find something that any new parent would love to have for their precious baby.
This post was written for Maukilo.com who provide the complimentary product in exchange for my honest review. I was not compensated in any way except for the free product.
HABA Cuddling Town Fabric Bricks
My kids have always loved to build things even at an early age. Blocks, tinker toys, building sets . . . they have them all. So when I heard about the Cuddling Town Fabric Bricks by HABA I knew I had to check it out.
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
HABA Cuddling Town Fabric Blocks – A master builder has to learn early! 6 fabric building blocks with visual and acoustic elements: chirping worm, magnetic flap, touching net, mirror foil, effect foil, crackling blossom.
OUR REVIEW
I initially agreed to do this review with Kaila in mind but I could barely get these blocks away from Kiana! From the moment we opened the box, she’s been playing with them constantly. She likes that they’re oversized which makes them easier to hold with her tiny hands. The different shapes makes it fun for her to build various creations.
I like how soft they are. I don’t have to worry about them being thrown around – something my kids tend to do. I also like the various visual and acoustic features which adds to their play time. My favorite is the little chirping worm that hides in the green block.
Another great thing about these blocks is that the shapes can change. The red square opens up to make 2 triangles and the blue rectangle becomes a bridge. Pieces that fit perfectly inside these blocks can come out and make shapes of their own.
These blocks are aimed for kids 10+ months so even though Kaila is a little too young for them right now, Kiana is definitely making good use of them.
Purchase your set at Maukilo.com for $25.19.

































