Gizmos for Kids

Let’s go explore!!

This GeoSafari Field Explorer Kit is just perfect for the outdoor lover in every child. The kit includes colorful, sturdy field study tools like the Adventure Binoculars with sure-grip foam coating feature a built-in compass and 4x magnification. The Backyard Explorer is a pocket-sized Swiss-army style nature lab for viewing, studying and releasing a variety of specimens.

The kit also includes a magnifying Bug Viewer for close-up inspection of critters plus a 32-page full-color guide. Turns any outing into a fascinating nature hike! For ages 5 and up.

Recommended price $22.99 at Polkadots.com.

Ants are fascinating creatures to watch. Then imagine watching them in a “space age” habitat. It is ten times more fascinating! Check out AntWorks!

AntWorks is based on a 2003 NASA Space Shuttle experiment to study animal life in space and test how ants successfully tunnel in microgravity. The AntWorks Gel (Non Toxic) is complete with nutrients to promote healthy growth in the new colony. Watch ants live, work and tunnel in the nutritious and non-toxic gel as they create series upon series of intricate tunnels. The included LED illuminator acts as your Antworks base and when plugged in will shine four bright LEDs up through the gel. It is easy to care for - ants need NO food or water. The case is 6.5″x 5.5″x 1.25″. Choose between red or blue color gels.

Recommended price $29.99 at ThinkGeek.com.

Encourage your kids to read before going to sleep! Check out the LED Reading Light with Digital Timer.

The bright white LED lights illuminate the page your child is reading without disturbing those around them. Provides enough light to reduce eyestrain, but focuses on the book, which keeps your child focused on the book. You can set the digital timer up to 90 minutes of reading time, after which, the light will turn off automatically. Great if your child tends to fall asleep reading.

Recommended price $15.99 at Smarthome.com.

Chopping and preparing vegetables and fruits has never been so fun! Children can “cook” along side you with these cut-apart fruits and veggies, giving them a sense of accomplishment, and fulfilling their desire to be just like mommy and daddy in the kitchen!

Armed with a safe wooden knife, children are rewarded with a satisfying cutting sound while slicing through the Velcro that holds this wooden tomato, carrot, pear, lemon, and mushroom together. These hardwood toys are beautifully crafted, and will stand up to years of healthy imaginative and cooperative play.

Recommended price $15.00 at FlyingPeas.com.

The “I Never Forget A Face!” matching game is a great way to help children play and grow, while learning more about the world and diversity. An Oppenheim Toy Gold Award winner, this is a beautiful and challenging game made of extra sturdy laminated board for years of use.

Recommended price $13.30 at Amazon.com.

May the force be with your little Luke Skywalker or pint-sized Darth Vader!

Once your child opens the Oregon Scientific DV33 Darth Vader Learning Laptop, they must either choose either the Force or the Dark Side by touching the Light Saber pointer to the touch-sensitive LCD screen. The Light Saber will then change color accordingly (green or red). There are 80 exciting and fun learning games reinforce math, spelling, logic and memory, including 10 games in Spanish. Laptop also features 20 minutes of intergalactic audio learning entertainment. Laptop features a QWERTY keyboard and a large, easy-to-read LCD screen with backlight for low-light conditions. Carry handle for easy portability. Games designed specifically for 1st and 2nd grade Jedis-in-training.

Recommended price $46.78 at Amazon.com.

A Review…

I was sent the most adorable personalized clock by Olive Kids to review for this site. The timing was perfect because I had been recently complaining to my husband that every time I gave my daughter a bath, I never knew how long I was sitting in the bathroom with her. I was constantly calling out to him, “Hon, what time is it?” Now I have the cutest clock that matches my daughter’s room and bathroom (we are all about ladybugs and butterflies), and I never have to ask what time it is again!

Olive Kids offers imaginative and creatively coordinated kids bedding and room products with an emphasis on color and fun - at an affordable price. Products include kids bedding, toddler bedding, wall clocks, wall art, growth charts, pillows, throws, rugs and much more! They also offer beautiful personalized products such as clocks, frames, framed prints, floor pillows and placemats. Olive Kid’s aim is to design classic kids themes like transportation, pirates, outer space, tea parties, cowboys, butterflies and more.

Check out their website at OliveKids.com. You’ll be glad you did!