Playskool Adventure Squad - Police

Playskool Adventure Squad - Police
From Hasbro

Customer Reviews

Totally fun for 5 year olds boys!
I have twin 5-year olds boys and they LOVE this toy! They run around the house for 20-30 minutes chasing imaginary bad guys. It is great excercise! And they come back to it frequently - it doesn't stay on the shelf long!

LOTS OF FUN
IF YOU HAVE READ THAT PEOPLE COULDN'T GET THE HANDLE BAR TO WORK ITS BECAUSE IT HAS A SENSOR AND IT HAS TO BE IN FRONT OF THE HELMET...I HESITATED BUYING IT BECAUSE OF REVIEWS AND REALIZED THAT PEOPLE WERE NOT READING INSTRUCTIONS. WORKS GREAT AND MY 4 YEAR OLD LOVES IT!

great concept, hard to use
I bought this for my 2 year old son who loves helmets and police motorcycles. He loved it instantly. The problem? The helmet did not fit his head no matter how we tightened it. We ended up using the inside padding of a bike helmet so that it might fit him. But it still needs the chin strap done or it falls off, and it is not a comfortable strap. Also, the microphone side is so much heavier than the other side that the helmet is usually at a tilt on his head, even with the chin strap done. The handlebars work very infrequently. At first I thought it was the batteries, and replacing them helped the first time, but now even that does not work. I am very disappointed with this product.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Product Description
The Playskool Helmet Heroes Police Officer lets children 3 and up feel like they're a real police officer, triggering their imagination and excitement, and inspiring them to go on fun, crime-fighting adventures. With an officer's helmet and a motorcycle-styled handlebar that lights up and plays music and sound, this toy will bring role playing to a new level.

Children will love playing a police officer with this set.View larger.

Working Microphone Amplifies Your Voice
The adjustable helmet has a flip-up visor and microphone that gives it a dose of authenticity. In addition, the microphone actually works, and will amplify your child's voice. Children will love stopping lawbreakers in their tracks by saying things such as "Stop and put your hands up!"

With 30 different mission sequences, children will be entertained for a long time. View larger.

Handlebar has Built-in Mission Sequences
The motorcycle handle bar lets children take control and zoom off on the latest chase. The details on the face include a speedometer, odometer, gauges, and more. Various buttons activate and control the flashing light patterns, siren, horn, and revving sounds. The handlebar includes 30 different mission sequences, so children won't be running out of things to do.

Built-in Music and Action Phrases
When out on a mission, children will love making the handlebar play mission-inspired music and say action phrases such as "Search and rescue in progress!" and "Set up a road block!"

Lamaze Puppytunes - Christmas Popular Toys

Lamaze Puppytunes
From Learning Curve

Customer Reviews

it's ok
Pros: The crunchy crinkly sounding ears were a big hit with both our kids. It's vanilla scented as opposed to baby powder scented (some of us can't take that fragrance). Bright colors.

Cons: The legs are too hard to squeeze for a baby. When they do get strong enough it doesn't hold their attention long.

Good colors, Poor sound
The colors and textures of the puppy are fun for my granddaughter, but there is no way that she can exert enough pressure on the legs to make any sound.

Puppytunes is AWESOME!
I give puppytunes as a gift to all my friends that have a new baby. Puppytunes is always their (the baby's) favorite toy! :)

Product Description

Designed in conjunction with Lamaze, America's leading childbirth organization, the Play and Grow collection features soft, lovable toys that inspire imagination and discovery. Stimulate your baby's senses by introducing her to the exciting world of sight, touch, sound and smell. This adorable dog is bound to become your baby's favorite companion. With black and white ears, a yellow snout and red body, Puppytunes is designed with vibrant, contrasting colors that will stimulate a baby's visual senses. His soft vanilla scent is appealing to babies and adults alike. Tug on each of his four legs to hear a different musical note. Puppytunes even comes with a songbook that plays merry melodies. Surface washable.

Source : More favorite Christmas toys

Trotter the Pony - Christmas Popular Toys

Trotter the Pony
From Learning Curve

Customer Reviews

Joy To A Child
We love our Trotter pony. He is so bright and colorful. It is so much fun seeing our grandson having fun with this. This is great for helping with teaching different colors, sounds and the material textures. Very educational and fun to play with. Your child, grandchild or friend will be very happy with this pony. He has alot to offer to all.

Baby catnip
At 3 months, she was not yet using her hands and playing with toys. Until she saw this guy. She's addicted, and we appreciate the endless moments of peace that result. In order to play with the toy, she learned to use her hands in very short order. She never seems to lose interest in him, and he remains her constant favorite. All of us benefit from this inexpensive antidote to infant insanity.

Great Toy!
I bought this for my 3 month old, who wasn't very intrested in toys or rattles, but once she saw this colorful toy she has constantly played with it. She loves that she can grab his legs making his feet rattle and crinkle. He also makes a great chew toy. This is a great toy that is reasonably price and definitly worth every penny.

Product Description

This soft, velour pony features a peekaboo saddle, see-saw legs for pulling, satin tail for chewing, clinking rings and sounds in each hoof. Machine washable.

Source : More favorite Christmas toys

Push Around Buggy (Pink) - Christmas Popular Toys

Push Around Buggy (Pink)
From Step2

Customer Reviews

Happy, Independent Toddler!
My 2yr old nephew got this from grandma his first birthday and he still loves it! He not only loves riding in it but now loves pushing it to. He will either push it using the handle or I will easily remove the handle so he can push just the car. He loves to ride everytime he visits grandma (which is 2-3x p/wk). He is small for his age so it still fits him just fine.

My only concern is that there is no brake on it so when he tries to climb in on his own it will start to roll. The older and more independent he gets the more he tries to climb in on his own. We have put it inside the garage so it is not as easily accessible to him.

During the summer the buggy is only used in the mornings and evenings because without a sunshade the buggy becomes too hot. The sunshade you can buy to go on the buggy only provides minimal protection.

Fun, durable toy that continues to provide many hours of entertainment and is a great alternative to a stroller!

FYI-Watch out for other toddlers at the park who are going to climb in it, all the kids love it.

Nice change from average stroller, but LOUD
I bought this car for my 21 month old bc she was tired of riding in her stroller and enjoyed riding in the mall "cars". This car is durable and the cost is good, but be warned that it is very loud. If you don't mind pushing something that sounds like a freight train, it is easy to steer and the handle is nice and tall. My only other negative is that the foot area is not enclosed and my child throws her feet out onto the ground while it is moving when she wants out.

Push Around Buggy (pink)
Our grandaughter loves to be able to "drive" as we push her. Buggy is durable and great for toddler age.

Reviews Source : Some things Katie might like (7 months to a year)

Bakugan Battle Arena - Christmas Popular Toys

Bakugan Battle Arena - Christmas Popular Toys
From SpinMaster

7th : Good Xmas Gift. My 10 year old Grandson LOVES these. He takes them everywhere, which is nice for travel (no computer required!).

Customer Reviews

The Battle Arena: Get Ready for Battle
Do you really need a Bakugan Battle Arena? Not necessarily. You can play on a coffee table with books bordering the four sides to prevent the figures from rolling off. Is it more fun to play when you have one? Yes. The bumpers are solid and the surface is uniform.

This is a 9 piece table that is easy to assemble 2 bumpers on each side that snap in, while the table folds out. At the far corners are the openings to shoot your Bakugan figures. The bumpers keep the marbles in play, instead of rolling off of the table to be devoured by an overzealous pet (such as my dog, for example).

You set your Gate cards away from you. The youngest player shoots first and then each player takes turns shooting their figures. Instructions on how to play are included with the Arena (in English and French - Impressive).

SETUP:
Take about 1 minute or less. Takedown is easier.

NOTATIONS:

NO BAKUGAN FIGURES ACCOMPANY THIS TOY. You will need a Battle Brawlers Pack or Starter Pack to play on this arena. Do not just give the Arena unless your prospective 'player' has the figures.

COST:

It costs $30 retail but can be purchased from Amazon for a lot less and you can get free shipping.

VERDICT:

Two thumbs up on the arena. It really does add to the ambiance of gameplay.

Minnie's treasure
I purchased this toy for my Grandson. When he saw this toy advertised he told me he'd "Been wanting this All his life". He's only six, but I guess when your that age it seems like a long time. He thoroughly enjoys setting up the battleground and playing the game. Even though he is young he understands the action and he and his friends have a great time playing when the weather is not conducive to outdoor play.

destined for a garage sale
This is not a bad product, but my 7 year old son has one and rarely uses it. Bakugan is the kind of game that you can just whip out and play on a table or the floor, the plastic arena is not needed. Just think about how many more Bakugan you could buy for the price of the arena!

Product Description

Answer the call to brawl and decide the fate of the galaxy. These small spheres magnetically morph into powerful Bakugan warriors when they roll onto the real metal Gate Cards. Use strategy to place your metal Gate Cards effectively as each card affects the battle differently. Then master your precision shooting skills to roll your Bakugan into battle and win. Cards and figures not included.

Hasbro Electronic Hyper Slide - Christmas Popular Toys

Hasbro Electronic Hyper Slide
From Hasbro Games

Customer Reviews

Addictively Fun for Every Age
Everyone from our 8 year old through our high school cousins right up to my husband and I - love this game. It's got three settings. One is sliding the chips underneath (by yourself or with a partner) based on the color they call out. They keep track of how many you achieve in a set period of time. They call out the record for this round and keep the all time record. This seems like a great way to learn your colors. For our gang it is a test of reflexes, and completely addictive. You can't believe how much you want to break those reoords. They also have a game where you try to break a four color code. They track how long it takes you. For those of us who are more into puzzles then reaction time -this give us a game to hold a record in. The final game is where they keep adding a color and you have to memorize the order - kind of like Simon. Great memory game. Lots of laughter - fun for adults, teens and children to play together and everyone is challenged!

Not as popular as I hoped
I thought this game looked really fun. My kids immediately lost the single player net, and then only played this a couple of times. Easy storage, parts store easily in the main unit.

Boring - leave it on the shelf!
My 8-year-old saw ads for this last year and was so anxious to get it for Christmas. Well, he did. He played it a few times, became more than bored, and stuffed it in his closet never to have surfaced again.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Product Description
Be quick, pick the right colored hyper disc, and flick it under the arch before time runs out. The Hyper Slide from Hasbro packs three fast-paced electronic table-top games into one compact unit. Recommended for ages eight and up, these fast-sliding games for one or two players are fun and exciting for kids and adults.

The hyper discs can be conveniently stored in a compartment on the side of the arch. View larger.

Three fast-paced electronic table-top games in one stylish unit. View larger.

Fun, Futuristic Table Top Game
With its sleek, arched design, Hyper Slide looks like a futuristic game. Resembling a hockey game for a table top, the object is to flip the pucks through the goal. However, in these games the goal can be scored from both sides of the arch, and there are four different-colored pucks, called hyper discs. The game's electronic unit calls out a color, and you must pick that color and sent it through the arc. It automatically detects whether you've passed the right disc or not. When not in operation, the hyper discs can be conveniently stored in a compartment on the side of the arch.

Three Games for Solo Play or Two-Person Play
The Hyper Slide offers a few variations of play for your enjoyment. Two lighted buttons on the top of the Hyper Slide make it easy to choose which of the three games you want to play.

While the objects of the games are simple, playing them can be a fun challenge. The first game, "Fast Pass," is all about speed. The game commands a color and you've got to pass it through the goal quickly before the buzzer blasts. With "Add One," you've got to remember the order of colors. You start with a color and add one to the sequence each time you complete a round. "Code Buster" gives you 90 seconds to decipher the secret series of colors.

Best of all, you can play all these games with a friend or by yourself. With both "Fast Pass" and "Add One," you can even play head-to-head with another player or team. For solo play, the rubber "hyper band" is attached under the arch, bouncing the discs back to your side.

Put to the Test
Playing on any smooth, nonmetal surface, you'll be surprised how much fun the Hyper Slide really is. An announcer's voice, high-energy music, and sound effects move these games along. With your head in the game, you'll soon block out all the noise and only hear the color to flick, slide, or shoot through the arch. Unfortunately, if the constant voice directions are not your thing, the game can't be played without these sounds, nor can the volume be adjusted. On the plus side, the Hyper Slide announces your score at the end of each competition and keeps track of the highest score for each game. This electronic system runs on three "AAA" batteries (sold separately). If the Hyper Slide goes unused for two minutes, this smartly designed toy "goes to sleep," saving battery life until the player buttons are pressed.

Pros

• 3 fast-paced games for 2-person and solo play
• Lighted buttons make it easy to switch through games
• Games remember high scores
• Electronic game shuts off on its own

Cons

• Game must be played with announcer and music going
• Volume can't be controlled

What's in the Box
Hyper Slide electronic game, hyper band, and 4 hyper discs.

From the Manufacturer
Listen up and be quick as you flick, slide or shoot the different-colored hyper discs under the arch! As the game unit calls out the sequence of colors for you to "pass" the game knows if you’ve passed the right disc or not! You score, quick, go for more! Pass'em fast before the buzzer blasts! Obey the voice commands, get your brain in the game and break the code, or guess which color will be called next! Play with a friend or practice solo with the Hyper Band, when you slide the discs under the arch, discs bounce off the band and come back towards you!

Hasbro Playskool Busy Ball Popper - Christmas Popular Toys

Hasbro Playskool Busy Ball Popper
From Hasbro

This has been my son's FAVORITE toy!!! I can't say enough good things about it,

Customer Reviews

FUN BUT DANGEROUS
My son received this toy as a gift and he had a ball playing with it! We even liked the toy and it was a lot of fun to try to catch the balls as they popped out.

However, one day my son's arm got stuck in the toy when he was trying to reach down where the balls get sucked down to and it was stuck all they way up to his elbow. His arm was so wedged into the toy that we could NOT get his little arm out! Finally after trying to pull his arm out my husband ended up breaking the toy to get his arm out. It was really scary because we didn't know what to do when my poor baby was sitting there with this big toy stuck on his arm. We threw the toy away and no matter how fun it was to play, I wouldn't let my children play with this again.

Surprise fun!
This toy was a surprise gift from my cousin to my 12mo old last Christmas. We are now buying one for my husband's nephew. I thought at the time we received it that it would be fun. I had no idea that my child would still be playing, laughing, clapping, and chasing the balls a year later! This toy inspires dancing to the music, running after the balls, and investigation of what is going to happen next with the toy. My child routinely sticks her arm in the chute which blocks the air and creates additional pressure. When she pulls it out, the balls go everywhere, and she laughs! She has "added" oranges, apples, and an ice cream cone from her kitchen playset to the five balls it comes with. This toy is a ton of fun.

Great for kids and a pain for parents
The balls go everywhere and sometimes the air pressure isn't enough to get the balls popping. However, it teaches kids that if you put the balls in and press the button, the balls will entertainingly come popping out. Highly recommended toy to stay at a sitter's or grandparent's house!

Product Description

Get ready for some poppin', droppin', air-powered fun. Drop the five colorful balls onto the track. Watch them pop out of the top, roll down, then pop out all over again. Sometimes the balls spill over for even more interactive, put-and-take play. Silly sound effects and eight upbeat tunes accompany the animated action. This toy provides one "air-mazing" experience for your little one. Measures 18" x 7" x 13". Requires 4 "D" batteries (not included).

Wild Planet Hyper Dash - Christmas Popular Toys

Wild Planet Hyper Dash - Christmas Popular Toys
From Wild Planet

Customer Reviews

Kids didn't dig it
I see there is now a "double" hyperdash and I think this may have made a difference for us. My kids just didn't get into it. Also, it stopped working after just a few uses. Still, I love the idea and think my kids may just be too young for it -- they are 6 and 3.

Limited play life
Got this for my son's 8th birthday. Interest was short-lasting. Not really sure why. Maybe he was too old for it. It is definitely durable. I'm bummed that it wasn't a better hit!

Fun and Educational!
My six year old son loves Hyper Dash. We have had it since last Christmas. He plays with it hard (slams it down) and it hasn't broken yet!
We had a 2 year old playing with it, and he learned his colors quickly. Not to mention all of the energy they burn off playing it!
You cannot go wrong buying this toy!!

Product Description

It's the electronic game that's as fast as you are. Test your speed and agility in a race against time using five targets and an electronic handheld unit. To start, set up your targets on the table, around the room, around the house or throughout the yard. Then, follow the announcer's commands as you zip around your racecourse to tag your targets with the handheld unit. The fastest time wins. Features four game modes that challenge your speed, skill, memory, coordination and teamwork. Includes ergonomically designed Hyper Dash unit and five labelled targets. Requires 3 "AAA" batteries, not included. Measures 4.5"L x 12"W x 10"H.

Award-Winning Educational Fun
Kids have so much fun playing Hyper Dash that they don't realize how much they're learning. Parents will love the way Hyper Dash combines active play with lessons that support color and number recognition, basic math skills. The game's format also inspires better listening and improves kids' coordination. It's no wonder that Hyper Dash has won an iParenting Award and a Seal of Excellence Award from Creative Child Magazine, along with several other honors recognizing it as an innovative, educational toy.

Christmas Popular Toys - Bakugan Starter Pack (styles and colors vary)

Bakugan Starter Pack (styles and colors vary)
From Spinmaster

Customer Reviews

Very Entertaining Game for Boys
I haven't given these to my Grandson yet, but he has others. These are for Christmas. He Loves playing with them, and so far, they have held up very well.
He loves trading them, and plays with them every day. He is eight years old. He goes on-line to see all of the different kinds available, and likes to show all of his to everybody!

My kid loves it!!
My son loves these toys! They are easily broken, so I wouldn't recommend them for under 7 or 8 years old.

Bakugan-Mania
MODERN DAY GAME OF MARBLES

The Bakugan-Mania is here. I had no idea what my daughter was talking about since she spoke a mile-a-minute about what the latest craze in children's toys. These items are in extremely high demand and are similar in genre to Pokemon cards, Yu-Gi-Yo, and Digimon. The characters appear to be a spin off from Japanese anime, in my perception.

What are Bakugan?

They are action figures that are morphed from small plastic marbles, based upon a television show on the Cartoon Network. Each figure comes with a metallic card that has a point value. A point value is also imprinted on the figure.

A magnetic lock in the toy is triggered to open when the figure is placed onto a metallic game card.

How do you play the game?

Each player starts out with 3 Bakugan and 3 cards. Only one care can be a special ability card. The youngest player starts. Depending upon how many players are participating (2-4), determines where the cards are placed in the arena. When a Bakugan is rolled and lands on a card, it opens.

If the Bakugan does not open, the player loses a turn.

If 2 figures land on the same card, a point total is taken to count up the power value of the Bakugan + the value of the card. The higher sum wins the card and the figure. At the end of the round, the highest total of points wins the game.

My daughter's after-school care has an Bakugan Class where children play in the afternoon. She is 7 years old but her friends who have it range from 6 to 10 years old.

This game represents a unique and revolutionary spin on the game of playing marbles. It is quite creative and superficially complex to play. However, many children are compelled to play it all over the country.

Educational value

Strangely, enough, this toy has an ACTUAL educational value by requiring the players to add up or subtract the values of each figure/card.


Safety and Caveats

Since these are essentially small marbles, caution should be exercised if you child has small siblings who may try to swallow this toy. It is too big to fit into someone's ear or nose; however the danger is accidentally swallowing it or aspiration (going into the child's airway). You should also be aware if you have pets since it may lead to a dangerous bowel obstruction if ingested/eaten by your pet.

Durability

These are relatively fragile items that require users to be careful with the moving parts. Sometimes, the mechanisms are defected or through wear and tear may not allow the action figure to open or close.

Conclusion
This toy system is, for now, one of the hottest items in the toy world. If you are actually lucky enough to find it, or willing to pay the premium, then you should strongly consider getting it. Your child will be extremely happy.

Product Description

Bakugan battle brawlers are here! Answer the call to brawl and decide the fate of the galaxy! Magnetic marbles POP open into power Bakugan warrior action figures when they roll onto the real metal Gate Cards! Use strategy to place your metal Gate Cards as each card affects the battle differently. Master your shooting skills to roll your Bakugan into battle. Styles are selected at random when shipped.

Christmas Popular Toys - Bakugan Battle Pack

Bakugan Battle Pack (Styles and Colors May Vary)
From Spinmaster

Christmas Popular Toys

Customer Reviews

My son is crazy for this toy
All my 8 year old son wanted for his birthday is Bakugan. All the stores in my area were sold out. I was very pleased when I was able to order it online. He was extremely happy when he opened his present! It's the hottest thing at his school and all he has talked about for months. My only complaint would be the price... seems high for what it is.

My 9 yr old loves it.
My nine year old son loves these toys. He used to only play with Pokemon stuff but now he only plays with these toys. He can't wait to get more. The only learning value of this toy is the imagination value. They seem to be pretty durable eventhough they don't appear so at first glance.

Product Description

This Bakugan Battlepack Teal and Red Set has small spheres that magnetically morph into powerful Bakugan warriors when they roll onto the real metal gate cards. Use strategy to place your metal gate cards effectively as each cards affects the battle differently. Then master you precision shooting skills to roll your Bakugan into battle and win.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review
The popular and fun anime TV series "Bakugan Battle Brawlers" has spawned this strategic game that pits a variety of "Bakugan warriors" -- such as "Juggernoids," "Fear rippers," and "Robatallians" -- against each other for points. With this Bakugan Battle Pack, kids 4 and above will enjoy the challenge of earning points by rolling their Bakugan (or shooting them from a launcher) onto magnetic cards where the plastic spheres burst open to reveal the fearsome warrior apparatus inside. Kids will also love the way the Bakugan transform suddenly into warrior mode, and fans of the show will have an especially good time with the game.

Inside each plastic sphere is a fearsome warrior apparatus. View larger.

There are many colors and varieties of Bakugan to collect. View larger.

What We Think Fun Factor: Durability: (what this means) The Good: Wide variety of Bakugan make them fun for kids to trade and collect The Bad: No instructions with some toys In a Nutshell: Clever and exciting interactive game that kids will enjoy even if they're not familiar with the TV show At a Glance Ages: 4 and up

NOTE: The Bakugan Battle Pack includes a random selection of six Bakugan warriors. It also includes eight metal cards and instructions. It does not include the optional Bakugan Launcher.

Ready, Set, Play!
The mission of Bakugan game play is to battle against other Bakugan to win the points awarded on the cards by getting your Bakugan to land on card. Players will love pretending to be one of the various characters in the show, such as the fiery 12-year-old leader "Dan" or the wise "Marucho," and they gain a deeper understanding of the cards and warriors as they play.

The Battle Pack includes instructions, making it an ideal way for newbies to get started with this fun and exciting game. The game itself is fairly straightforward, but if your child has never played before, you might have to help him or her to understand the rules -- after reading and understanding them yourself. While some of the plastic Bakugan pieces are small and could easily get lost, others, like the Bakugan Deka, are as big as a softball.

If your child is already a Bakugan fan, the Battle Pack is a good investment. This set comes with six randomly selected Bakugan and eight magnetic cards. Your child will love how this set dramatically increases their collection of Bakugan! He or she can also use the Battle Pack to play with his friends who might not have any Bakugan of their own.

Exciting Magnetic Action
The Bakugan come in lots of colors and varieties that make them fun to collect and trade. Most of them are pocket-sized and easy for your child to carry around and bring over to their friend's houses. Having a magnet that activates the warriors is a clever idea that adds excitement to the game. The Bakugan Launcher (sold separately) is a great accessory, with three shooting modes ("curve," "angle, and "distance"), but it doesn't come with any instructions.

Room for the Imagination
We like that this that this game combines skill (aiming your Bakugan) with strategy (placement of the cards). We also enjoyed the way the warriors pop open on the magnetic cards -- although sometimes they do it even when they don't land on the cards. Being unfamiliar with the TV show, we felt a little lost at first in the world of Bakugan. But with the help of the colorful, animated Bakugan Web site, we got the gist of what the game is about and how to play. Our attempts to fire the launcher proved somewhat difficult and instructions would have helped. But the launcher isn't necessary. Kids can simply roll the Bakugan like marbles for a fun and action-packed game with their friends.