Category: Toy Reviews

Kids, Toy Reviews

Freestyle Drawing and Tracing with SmART Sketcher

Erin Sluka

At 11, Anthony loves to draw. In particular, he likes to take his favorite video game or TV characters and make art as well as learn to draw. When I saw the SmART Sketcher I loved that it was so portable and the lighting was excellent for displaying the traceable images. But, it was the fact that Anthony can take any image he wants from photos we take to images he finds online and turn them into traceable art that has him hooked.

Freestyle drawing is for the talented, but smART Sketcher is for those who want to draw and need the guidance. The app that accompanies the projector and allows you to grab from your phone images is free and works on iOS and Google devices.

There are over 50 pre-loaded activities (on an included micro SD card) within the projector itself and the app is a great way to navigate through those activities. Image uploads are only one of many ways to use your projector.

Anthony is very much into the Season 3 of Stranger Things since it’s release this week, so he wanted to find images to draw such as this one with Steve in his ice cream shop which is a scene from the show.

The projector comes ready to draw and also with 20 sheets of paper and some colored pencils. Step-by-step instructions guide small hands through the entire process. 

Available Now at all major retailers (Amazon, Target, Walmart, QVC and more) Ages 5+. MSRP $59.95.

Kids, Reviews, Toy Reviews

Oops Scoops, is a sweet new ice cream stacking game from YULU!

Erin Sluka

The first game a child plays are stacking games. From blocks to play cups they love to stack until it all comes crashing down. They are testing limits, learning to strategize and with it and then comes shapes and space. When they have grown out of blocks, what a better stacking toy than scoops of ice cream!

Oops Scoops is a fun stacking game that challenges players take turns stacking the ice cream scoops on ‘Oops’ the ice cream cone. Players compete to build the tallest ice cream tower, but beware, ‘Oops’ the shaking cone, can shiver to make the stacking even more challenging and causing the tower of scoops to topple.

The scoop has a lever that spins and tells you how many scoops you have each turn. It is rated for ages 4+ and requires 2 AAA batteries (not included). In no time they will be attempting to stack as the cone shifts and vibrates. If that is too challenging for them, turn off the vibration mode or play ‘Pass the Cone’. Game options are in the included instruction booklet.

For more information on YULU check out YULUtoys.com. Oops scoops can be found at Target stores in the US. Coming soon to Canada.

Kids, Toy Reviews

Best Bubbles for Kids

Erin Sluka

I was sent product. Opinions are my own

“Play is the work of children. It’s very serious stuff”, this is one of my favorite quotes. Despite video games being a new play norm, when you hear the word ‘play‘ do you still think bikes, chalk and bubbles? Gone are the messy bubble sticks falling forever into the barrel of soap. There are new bubbles in store and they are truly the best bubbles for kids this summer!

The Wave-A-Bubbles come 2 to a pack and produce so many bubbles. When you tear the package open there is a closable pouch to fill with the included bubble solution. Simply slip on the gloves, dip into the large pouch of bubble solution and wave your arms. As the kids run and wave their hands more bubbles produce.

Next is the Big-A-Bubble. It also includes a pouch of solution and these bubbles work a bit different than the other 2 sets. With these bubbles you have little finger pouches that a giant looped string hangs from. Once you dip the string into the solution and slowly remove it is like a GIANT bubble wand making big bubbles as you open and close your fingers.

You may have already seen the original Glove-A-Bubbles. These come with solution and a dipping pouch and once you slip it on your hands like a glove you can create a lot of fun bubbles by running and moving your hands.

via GIPHY

If you have a Paw Patrol fan in your home, Target has Paw Patrol Glove-A-Bubbles. Look for all of these fun bubble packages from Zing Toys in retailers near you and online.

2018 Holiday Gifts, Kids, Toy Reviews

Squishmallows are Super Soft Marshmallow-Like Plush

Erin Sluka

Squishmallows are Super Soft Marshmallow-Like Plush

2018 Holiday Gift Guide Feature: Squishmallows

Plush toys will always be a hit at some stage in a child’s life. It hit Anthony at about 4 when I took him to make his own plush bear at a store and he has always been partial to plush since then, even at 10 years old now. The Squishmallows are unique. I don’t have a feel-o-meter through this page but if I did, if you could feel these you would know how unique they are to the touch.

Squishmallows bring comfort and warmth and are the softest plush ever! They have so many character choices, I am partial to the sloth! The best part is that these Squishmallows have been known to be popular plush for anxiety and sensory issues or kids on the spectrum. There all different sizes and are at a great price!

Buying Squishmallows

They are available on Amazon. Visit the Squishmallows website for all features!

Need more gift ideas? Visit the 2018 Holiday Gift Guide!

Comment: I was sent product so that my feature can be authentic and my own original thoughts for you. I am an Amazon Associate and I may be compensated for your purchase through my Amazon links.