Archive for the ‘Multimedia’ Category
26
Feb
Swinxs Set
Categories: Active Toys, Games, Multimedia, Toy Fair, Toys
If you’re wondering what the founder of Bugaboo is up to these days, the answer may surprise you. I bumped into Eduard Zanen at Toy Fair this year, where he was promoting a new toy concept that he is developing in the Netherlands. Swinxs aims to be an unvideo game – an interactive gaming console… read more!
2 Comments
4
Feb
Yo Gabba Gabba
Categories: General, Multimedia, Toys
Last week, the Boston Globe ran an article about the cross-generational appeal of a new show on Nick Jr. called Yo Gabba Gabba. I like to think I’m on the cutting edge of things like this, so I was surprised I’d never heard of it. I made a mental note to check it out, and… read more!
10 Comments
26
Sep
Funkey Town
Categories: For Older Kids, Multimedia, Toys
The latest entry into the virtual-toy-that’s-also-really-a-toy category is about to hit the market. Funkeys are quirky little vinyl creatures who come to life on your PC. Unlike Webkinz and other similar products, Funkeys is not web-based. It actually comes with a CD-ROM for your Windows PC, and a large Funkey docking station that plugs into… read more!
1 Comment
12
Feb
Hyperinteractivity
Categories: Dolls & Make Believe, For Girly Girls, For Older Kids, Multimedia, Toy Fair, Toys, Travels & Trade Shows
Lately, it seems like everyone is talking about Webkinz. These stuffed virtual pets are all the rage among middle school kids all over the country (if you’ve never heard of them, read my previous entry about them here). So it’s not really a surprise that their success is spawning at least a handful of eager… read more!
3 Comments
14
Aug
Abby Cadabby Joins Sesame Street
Categories: General, Multimedia, Toys
There’s a new muppet on Sesame Street, and naturally there’s an uproar to herald her arrival. Abby Cadabby is the first female muppet to join the cast in 13 years, and unlike any of the other muppets on the show, Abby is a girly girl. She’s pink with fluffy pigtails, dainty fairy wings and a… read more!
0 Comments
24
Jul
A real, live virtual stuffed pet
Categories: For Older Kids, Multimedia, Toys
In 1975, the Pet Rock was the hottest holiday item on the shelves. For just $4, you got a rock, a carrying case and a training manual. Yes, a rock. Americans snapped up more than 1,000,000 of these geological novelties in just a few months. Next, in November of 1996 Bandai launched the first edition… read more!
1 Comment
28
Jun
My backyard friends: The Backyardigans
Categories: General, Multimedia
If you haven’t heard of them already, chances are you will soon. The Backyardigans are slowly taking the preschool world by storm, and for good reason. I’m not a big fan of putting my kids in front of the TV, but my 4-year old seems to really need the downtime every now and then, so… read more!
0 Comments
16
May
My new favorite CD
Categories: Multimedia
It was Chicago’s Old Town School of Folk Music where Ralph Covert (Ralph’s World) got his start, so it shouldn’t be a surprise that this institution is an apparent clearinghouse for exceptional children’s music talent. But their newest CD, Wiggleworms Love You is possibly the best album for children I’ve ever encountered (sorry, Ralph). With… read more!
0 Comments
19
Mar
By Hook or by Book?
Categories: Multimedia, Preschool Toys, Toys
If you have ever listened to the radio, chances are you’ve heard the advertisements for Hooked On Phonics. For me, it was right up there with the See Clearly Method in the category of questionably miraculous products. But armed with passionate testimonials from parents and a memorable toll free number, Hooked On Phonics has enjoyed… read more!
1 Comment
6
Dec
A magical DVD concept
Categories: Infant Toys, Multimedia, Toys
Philosophically, many parents differ when it comes to babies and TV. I have friends on both sides of the issue, and I’ve always taken a middle-of-the-road stance myself. When I was a stay-at-home mom, having a half-hour to check my e-mail, cook dinner or read a magazine was a wonderful luxury, and if Baby Einstein… read more!
1 Comment
