The Toys Store

Leap into Learning
Kids will dance to the music and their faces light up as they imitate the sounds. The vowels are all colored red and the consonants are yellow, blue, or green. This helps children identify letters and see the difference between vowels and consonants. And as the children learn to grasp and place the letters, the toy sharpens motor skills.

To start the learning process, this toy includes 26 magnetic letters and a magnetic letter reader. Little fingers can easily grasp the big, bright letters and place them on the fridge. Kids can also play the alphabet song by pressing the red musical note. In addition, a handy off-soft-loud control allows parents to change the volume and keeps the music at an enjoyable level. Vibrant colors and a sassy green frog captivates the kids and adds to the fun. This educational toy's durable plastic construction holds up to rough toddler play. Three AAA-size batteries are provided.

Award-Winning Features
This toy has received many accolades and awards from prominent toy organizations. In 2003, it won the Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Seal and Snap Award; it was also named Nick Jr.com's Toy of the Year. It attaches right to the refrigerator with secure magnets and is easily accessible when your child is hungry for learning. With lively musical songs and a fun cartoon frog, the magnetic letter set can be a great educational tool for children with a severe speech difficulty, or for those just needing a brush-up on their ABCs.

The Girl Gourmet Cupcake Make provides kids with a fun, easy, no-hassle introduction to baking. View larger.

What We Think Fun Factor: Durability: (what this means) The Good: Easy-to-use cupcake mixes bake in seconds; easy-to-follow directions make for easy mixing, baking, and decorating; cupcake mixes are gluten free. The Bad: Cupcake froster turns out less-than-perfect results; cupcakes' taste aren't quite "mom's home-made" quality. In a Nutshell: Cupcake baking and decorating kids provides a fun, simple, quickly executed introduction to baking; inspires and encourages creativity. At a Glance Ages: 8 and up Requires: Microwave oven; adult supervision

Getting Started
The Cupcake Maker comes with four special cupcake mixes and frosting that are custom designed for use with this toy. The cake flavors include red velvet, chocolate, yellow, and cinnamon sugar; the frostings are chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, and cream cheese flavored. These easy-to-use mixes, which contain no wheat ingredients--a definite plus for the gluten-free crowd--and require only water as an added ingredient. (Allergy alert: the mix does contain powdered eggs and powdered milk.)

The toy comes with everything your child needs to mix, bake, and decorate the cupcakes: a tiny mixing bowl, measuring spoon, water dropper, and miniature spatula for mixing the batter and frosting; a microwaveable container for baking the cupcakes; and a cupcake frosting gadget with a shape reminiscent of a KitchenAid standing mixer. And everything your little chef needs to get started is packaged in chic, girl-pleasing, contemporary pastels.

Mix It Up
Simply mix the cake mix with water using the provided measuring spoons and water dropper to reach the desired consistency (we found that a pudding-like consistency gives the best results), pour the batter into the cupcake paper, and put it in the plastic "baking dish," bake it in the microwave for about 30 seconds, and--voila!--out comes a completely baked cupcake. Because the cupcakes get pretty hot, an adult should handle them until they're cool enough to handle.

In the meantime, the frosting can be mixed up in the same manner. Again, it took us a few tries to get the proper consistency: it's especially important for the frosting to be, as suggested, the consistency of firm cookie dough to work properly with the cupcake froster.

Time to Decorate
The cupcake froster comes with a frosting tube with a plunger and decorator-type tip. Scoop the frosting into the tube with the miniature spatula and place it in the machine. (This step can prove almost impossible if the frosting is too runny.) Place the cooled cupcake below and push down the lever. The frosting machine simultaneously spins the cupcake and pushes out the frosting to create a spiral shape. Kids can put the finishing touches on with the included sprinkles or, as the "shortcut" cards suggest, with cut-up fruit or candy (you'll want to stock up on these beforehand). The finished cupcake is smaller than a regular cupcake and a bit larger than your standard mini cupcake.

The Taste Test
The quick-and-easy baking and frosting mixes make for a fun and simple introduction to baking, especially for kids who haven't already started growing their "kitchen legs." Kid-sized cooking utensils makes it fun for kids to use, and are much easier to use than Mom and Dad's larger and heavier utensils.

The cupcakes themselves cook quickly in the microwave, making for a fast turnaround that won't try younger kids' patience; but they also, to be honest, don't quite have the taste as the home-made cup cakes that mom or grandma makes. But admittedly, this opinion is formed by an adult palate. For the kids that cook the cupcakes, they will be flavored with the sweetness of do-it-yourself pride.

Adults will need to make sure, however, that the kids don't start out with aspirations to the Martha Stewart-like decorating job pictured on the box: after multiple tests, we found that the cupcake froster simply does not turn out perfectly dainty frosting spirals. This might prove disappointing, so kids should be prepared to expect more realistic, charmingly handmade results. And your kids will be sure to have a lot more fun and confidence with their own creative decorating jobs.

The Ben 10 Alien Creation Chamber set lets kids . The set includes four figures with interchangeable alien parts. Using the chamber, kids can mix and match parts to create a different custom Ben 10 alien creature every time.

The Alien Chamber unit also works as a storage unit for your aliens. Also includes a special alien key to unlock figures!

Each colored side has its own game for six games total. View larger. View different angle.

What We Think Fun Factor: Durability: (what this means) The Good: 6 fast-paced games for the whole family The Bad: This toy may be addictive for kids and parents In a Nutshell: New spin on the classic cube game At a Glance Ages: 5 and older Requires: 3 AAA batteries (included)

Spin On A Classic Game
Built in the exact shape and size of the original Rubik's Cube, the Rubik's Revolution features six different colored sides -- each with its own game. Unlike the original toy, the sides of this plastic cube don't rotate to solve a single puzzle. Instead, each fixed face of the cube has a lighted button in its center square. When you turn on this electronic toy, the talking cube asks you to press a color button for one of the six games. This robotic woman's voice also calls out the colors and gives you your score at the end.

6 Fast-Paced Games
"Light Speed" requires you to turn off the lighted cube lights as they pop up. The faster you can do it the greater the challenge and the better your score will be. In "Rapid Recharge" it's your mission to light up the entire cube at once -- and quickly -- before the squares fade out.

Like the memorable game of Simon, "Pattern Panic" challenges you to memorize and repeat a growing sequence of lights. Logic and reason could help you crack the secret code in "Code Cracker," while "Cube Catcher" is a race against the clock to turn off as many lights as possible. Last but not least, "Multiplayer Madness" lets you compete against your friends. Passing the cube back and forth, you have to turn the lights off faster and faster before time runs out. The last player not eliminated is the winner.

Fun, Easy, and Addictive
Caution: this fun cube game may be addictive. While the hard plastic cube holds up to heavy use, including the occasional fall as players pass it back and forth in "Multiplayer Madness," the holographic colored squares can start peeling back without much effort. If this happen, kids should ask their parents to glue or tape the squares back down. While the Rubik's Revolution is easy to learn -- mastering the toy is another story. But unlike the classic Rubik's Cube, which isn't for everyone, just about anybody can and will get better and better at this game with a little practice.

Fun for the Little One
The wide, sturdy base of the Bounce and Spin Zebra provides stability and support, even with hard bouncing and spinning. And to prevent falls, the Zebra locks until the child is sitting properly in the seat. It also has an off-soft-loud switch that little fingers can't turn. Orange, easy-grip handlebars allow the toddler to hold tight as they take their wild ride. For even more fun, a ball spins in the center with lights and music. This toy is relatively low to the ground, so that most children can climb on and off by themselves. Putting together the Zebra is easy, but be aware that the carton contains small parts for adult use only. This product requires 3 AAA batteries (not included).

Features
Better than a boring old horse, this lively Zebra really encourages physical development. It comes as no surprise that the Bounce and Spin Zebra won the Hot Toy award from Toys 'R Us in 2006, and accolades from other companies. Parents get a lot of use out of this toy, as children can play with it until they are about three years old. The zany Zebra won't tilt under pressure and it has an irresistibly cute appearance that kids love. Five fun songs and activity handlebars keeps active kids bouncing, busy, and happy.

Biscuit uses sensors to respond to your child's voice and touch. View larger.

With his large size and soft fur, Biscuit is an instant favorite. View larger.

What We Think Fun Factor: Durability: (what this means) The Good: Soft, life-like plush pup responds to voice commands The Bad: Large size makes him tough to carry In a Nutshell: Biscuit is a fun, lovable addition to the family At a Glance Ages: 5 and up Requires: 6 D batteries

Make a New Friend
This oversized plush puppy has a soft coat and glossy, pleading eyes, just like a real dog. Get ready to start interpreting three different barks and a whole range of movements that are playful and affectionate. With a real collar, a bone-shaped treat to share, and a brush for smoothing out his silky fur, Biscuit is ready to settle into your house. He'll quickly start wagging his tail and making happy puppy noises. An adoption certificate is included to make kids feel like real pet owners.

Before Biscuit is ready for a fun day with your child, an adult will need to use a Philips head screwdriver to install six "D" cell batteries (not included). The battery compartment is neatly hidden behind a Velcro closure on the pup's stomach.

Getting to Know Your Puppy
Nine sensors allow Biscuit to respond when you pet him or issue a voice command. Kids will enjoy the contented sounds he makes when they pet his back and the discovery that if they hold a hand on his back he will lay down, if he is sitting, or sit up, if he is already laying down. Sensors in his nose and mouth prompt him to sniff when his nose is petted or chomp on his treat. Touch his left paw, and he will raise it to shake. A unique photo sensor in Biscuit's forehead prompts him to flinch, blink, or sneeze when you wave something in front of him.

Take a peek at the back of the bone-shaped tag on his collar to see all the commands he knows. You can ask him to "sit," "lie down," or "speak." He even knows how to shake and will nod or move his paws in excitement when you ask, "Do you want a treat?" Like any voice recognition technology, Biscuit can be tricked by background noise or speech that is unclear. You may want to help younger children practice speaking the commands loudly, clearly, and distinctly, so they are not disappointed by his confusion.

Playing Options
Based on how much attention you are paying to him, Biscuit cycles through different modes. After a few moments of non-activation, Biscuit enters hangout mode. In this mode, he will move his head a little, whine, or bark to grab your attention. After a few minutes in hangout mode, he'll lay down and go to sleep. Thanks to his photo sensor, he will go to sleep faster in a darkened room. If the lights suddenly come on when he's been asleep in a dark room, he'll lift his head and make a mumbling noise.

While the noises he makes when moving betray his mechanical nature, this playful pup has an incredibly realistic look that is sure to have kids grooming him, offering him snacks, and engaging in imaginative play. With so many life-like responses and an irresistible puppy face, Biscuit really lived up to our expectations. His large size coupled with the weight of six "D" batteries could make it tricky for children to carry him around or travel with him, which means that when you head off on family adventures, he'll probably have to stay home, the same way a real dog often does.

Holiday Barbie wears a silvery snowflake gown. View larger.

Chandelier earrings complement Barbie's glittering eyes.

What We Think Fun Factor: Durability: (what this means) The Good: Elegant, shimmery, snowflake-themed gown is both festive and stylish The Bad: Shoes not as elegant as the dress In a Nutshell: Fans and collectors of Holiday Barbies will be proud to add this Barbie to their collection At a Glance Ages: 6 and up

Barbie Shines for the Holiday Season
This is essentially the same, sturdy Barbie we all know and love, but she's beautifully decked out for the holidays. The only assembly required is putting her stand together. Though Barbie's gown looks delicate, with it's gauzy, snowflake-embroidered bodice and silver skirt, the material is tough and durable. Her long, dangly earrings, however, could see some damage during over-enthusiastic play with small hands. But they're removable, so you can take them out if you think your girl might lose or break them.

Living in a Winter Wonderland
The holiday Barbies are all about wintry elegance and style, and the 2008 doll is no exception. Barbie's sophisticated holiday hairdo cascades down her back in a mass of curls tied slightly to the side. The sheer bodice of her gown--the same one she wears in the "Barbie in a Christmas Carol" DVD-- is embroidered with shimmery snowflakes that match the silver of the tiered, pleated skirt.

A gauzy sash wraps around her waist and floats down the front of the gown. White slingback heels complete Holiday Barbie's breathtaking ensemble. For those who like to keep Barbie in her packaging, the 2008 design doesn't disappoint: a red foil background is decorated with ornaments and 3-D snowflakes suspended in midair.

Little Touches Make Barbie Fabulous
We love the little touches on this Holiday Barbie, like the painted red nails that match her lipstick, the ultra-thick lashes, and the drop earrings that dangle down past her shoulders. We also like the snowflakes that shimmer lightly on her dress as if they've just fallen from the sky. Her right arm is cocked permanently at the elbow so it looks like she's waving. You can also turn this arm so her hand is on her hip.

We could imagine however, that little girls might wish to bend the elbow into a normal position from time to time. And while Barbie's holiday gown manages to be both stunning and durable, her shoes are functional white plastic that don't really live up to the rest of the outfit (plus they're hard to put on). Fortunately, the shoes are hidden by the long dress. Overall, we think Barbie collectors and little girls alike will be thrilled to add this cooly fabulous 2008 Holiday Barbie to their collection.

What We Think Fun Factor: Durability: (what this means) The Good: Look at familiar objects in a whole new way; review images on a TV or computer The Bad: Learning to focus the eye takes practice In a Nutshell: Unique video microscope provides creepy close-ups and informal science lessons At a Glance Ages: 8 and older Requires: 5 AA batteries; TV and/or computer for full effect

A belt clip battery pack makes it easy to take the BioniCam anywhere. View larger.

Even old blue jeans look cool viewed through the BioniCam. View Larger.

Magnify Your World,
To get started, simply insert five AA batteries (not included) into the belt clip battery pack, insert the included USB memory stick into the top of the BioniCam, and turn the unit on. With the camera's ergonomically shaped handle in one hand, you can focus on any number of everyday objects--such as coins, fabric, your pet's fur, or your own hair and skin. The magnified images appear in real time and full color on the LCD screen. Below the screen, you'll find easy to use buttons that allow you to navigate the menu, select video or photo options, review your gallery, and delete unwanted images.

A zoom dial offers either 100x, 200x or 400x magnification. To focus an image, twist the I.R.I.S. lens attachment until you achieve the results you're looking for. Getting a crisp image takes a little patience at first, especially at the highest magnification. But with practice and with the help of the easy-to-read focusing gauge, you'll be focusing the lens in no time.

Photos and Video Without Complicated Setup
With no software to upload and minimal set-up, the BioniCam makes sharing discoveries easy. Plug the USB memory stick directly into your computer for quick access to images, then save and edit them or post them to your blog. Alternately, you can use the included video cable to display images on your TV. When you are plugged into the TV, the LCD screen turns off, but you still retain all the functionality of the BioniCam. This makes reviewing huge enlargements in real time a fun group activity.

Contagious Fun for the Whole Family
The hand-held magnification "eye" is fun to hold and makes it easy for your child to explore the microscopic world without complicated scientific instruments. Viewing the magnified images on your computer or TV screen in full, vivid color encourages kids to take learning into their own hands and provides numerous opportunities for parents and children to play fun and educational games together.

The excitement of seeing objects in your child's everyday world magnified to up to 400 times is sure to be a hit with whole family. Fortunately, the lightweight, durable plastic unit fits comfortably into both small and large hands. And if you need some help getting started, the easy-to-read instruction booklet offers lots of tips for finding items that hide interesting textures, from pine needles to sponges and insects.

On the lowest setting, the LEDs occasionally prove too bright for viewing lighter-colored objects, and these images may remain unclear on large viewing screens. On the higher magnification settings, however, this did not seem to be a problem, as textures and colors came through flawlessly. And while the battery pack makes it easy to explore indoors and out, the LCD screen can be tough to read in direct sunlight.

Overall, these are minor concerns that should do nothing to prevent this fun, educational toy from being big hit with all kinds of kids.