Learning Resources is one of my favorite places to get educational toys for my son. I wanted to let you know about a some of our favorites toys just in time for Back to School. You can order any of the items below at their website www.learningresources.com. They have a great clearance section for parents and teacher and $5.75 shipping on all orders over $75! Enter code FS109WT at checkout. Not valid with any other offers.

Funny Phone™ Early Listening Game

Ages 4-12

Calling all jokesters! Laughter’s always on the line in this group game that gets players of all ages giggling. This game is a great resource to teach memory and listening skills. It was a bit difficult for our 5 year old, so you need to play the games with younger ones.

Invites players to dial in, hear their challenge…and prepare to be silly!

• Offers over 300 individual and group questions; you never know what Funny Phone™ will ask you to do, and it’s never the same game twice

• Provides 9 hilarious kinds of challenges, including tongue twisters, rhyming, singing, drawing, acting and more

• Features automatic shut-off, adjustable volume for both speaker and handset, and break-away safety cord

• Includes Activity Guide and 50 tokens that store in the built-in drawer

• For 2+ players

• Measures 8.7″ in diameter x 7.6″H

• Requires 3 AA batteries, not included, or AC Adapter (LER 6989), available separately

• Ages 4+

Let’s Tackle Kindergarten™

Ages 3-6

$44.99

Our tackle box is packed with fun activities that help prepare your child for early success in school. I love the organization of keeping everything in the tackle box and Nolan loves playing school. There are a ton of learning tools to utilize with you child in this kit.

• Engages kids in practicing 10 key kindergarten readiness skills: social skills, personal well-being, listening and speaking, fine motor skills, gross motor skills, reading, handwriting, math, thinking and problem solving, and creativity

• Features appealing hands-on activities, that ease the transition to learning different skills and subjects in school

• Allows you to track and reward progress using the checklist included in the 24-page Activity Book

• Includes 10 double-sided photo cards, 4 stacking cups, 60 plastic links, bean bag, 2 foam dot dice, 8 attribute blocks, 26 uppercase letters, 26 lowercase letters, 20 numbers, 16 pet counters, write & wipe board and 2 sticker sheets

• Plastic tackle box with sorting tray and carrying handle measures 13″L x 7″W x 6″H

• Ages 3+

Snap ‘n’ Learn Color Caterpillars

Ages 2-5

Colors and creepy-crawlies come together! Your little one build on fine motor skills, learn shapes, and colors. Plus they are so cute!

• Features chunky, snap-together pieces that are easy for little hands to manage as they build adorable caterpillar friends and fine motor skills simultaneously

• Includes resealable plastic storage bucket with carrying handle for easy clean up and play on the go

• Encourages kids to make patterns and create with mix-and-match pieces in different colors and small, medium and large sizes

• Includes 15 pieces that make 3 caterpillars (head, tail and 3 body pieces each)

• Sturdy plastic pieces wipe clean

• Each caterpillar measures 7.75″L x 3.75″W x 3.75″H when assembled

• Ages 2+

Pretend & Play® Bakery Set

Ages 3-6

Stir up a good time! Perfect for involving kids in baking for special occasions, holidays and more. We have had tons of fun pretending to bake and Nolan especially loves to crack open the eggs.

• Invites kids to imagine holding a pretend bake-off, making special treats for company, running their own bakery or entering the school bake sale

• Offers a realistic, hands-on play experience with egg that cracks open to release the yolk, cookies in 4 shapes to cut out and more

• Introduces parts of a whole with sliceable 3-piece loaf of bread and pie with three 2-piece slices kids can fill with fruit

• Provides a measuring cup and spoon so kids can be sure they’ve added all the right ingredients

• Set of 31 durable plastic pieces includes favorite baked goods and all the utensils a baker needs

• Largest piece (rolling pin) measures 8.5″L

• Ages 3+

Got It!™ Reading & Math Game

This is our favorite! The reading and math games are fun and Nolan hasn’t been frustrated that it is too difficult for him (he is five). I like the unique design for the game too.

Ages 5-8

Gobble up answers before the hungry monster—or your opponent!

• Features a 2-faced monster character who pits players against each other for head-to-head play with twice the speed and skill challenge

• Offers solo game play option if desired

• Includes reading and math games with bonus rounds for high scores, motivating kids to succeed

• Provides immediate feedback through fun graphics and sound effects

• Allows for quiet play with adjustable volume control and 2 headphone jacks

• Prolongs battery life with automatic shut-off

• Includes Activity Guide

• Monster unit with 2 display screen mouths and 2 joysticks measures approximately 6″L x 9″H

• Requires 3 AA batteries, not included, or AC Adapter, sold separately

• Ages 5-8

Kiddesign is a fantastic company that makes interactive educational toys for children.  KIDdesigns is a leading manufacturer of cutting edge, interactive electronic toys, learning aids, and real electronics for kids of all ages. We understand and respect the importance that toys play in kids’ lives. With that responsibility in mind, we combine state-of-the-art technology with old-fashioned fun to create innovative, exciting, and enjoyable products that kids will love and parents can trust.  KIDdesigns is dedicated to creating products that help boys and girls grow, learn, and have fun.

KIDdesigns has received some of the most prestigious awards and honors in the industry, including Family Fun’s “Toy of the Year” award, “Top Toy” recognition from the Great American Toy Test, and the “Best New Product Innovation” award from Toy Wishes Magazine. Our most-treasured honors, however, have always been the smiles and laughter from millions of boys and girls when they play with our toys and use our products.

They are must have on your Christmas list.  We loved playing with the following toys and highly recommend them!  You can buy them at www.kiddesigns.com and Toys R Us.   Free shipping for orders over $30.
Growing Smart Laugh With Me Botley (Isn’t he adorable!)
An Interactive Learning Friend

Botley is loaded with fun and games and he’s eager to help kids learn words, numbers, logic, and more! Watch as Botley comes to life with moving head and mouth. Join this lovable laughing robot for hours of teaching entertainment.

Logic Circuits
Logic and Reasoning skills keep young minds sharp and focused

Letter Circuits
Letter Identification and recognition is fundamental to language and reading skills

Word Circuits
Recognizing and understanding words is an important component to reading comprehension

Math Circuits
Teaches basic math skills

Game Circuits
A variety of challenging games help sharpen strategic thinking

Custom Game and Data Circuits
Customization of content creates a personalized challenge

Growing Smart Learning Laptop (Spiderman Design)
Your child will want to look just like you with his or her own laptop!  This one is the perfect size and teaches them e-mail even!  So cute and educational.  There is a Barbie laptop just for girls.

* 8 learning zones with 48 different activities, including great games like hangman, snake, word jumble, word matching, letter matching and more
* Spider-Man® speech and exciting sound effects
* S.M.A.R.T. Chip™ Technology will automatically adjust quiz levels that are appropriate for each child
* Translate button translates select words into Spanish instantly
* “My Zone” feature allows custom spelling lists, instant messages to Spider-Man, Email and more
* Backlit display

Barbie™ Pet Doctor

We have so much fun being a doctor to this adorable dog.  He makes sounds and lights up to show your child where he is hurt and where they can treat him.  A great toy to teach empathy and inspire your child to help animals.

* Interactive pet with pressure sensitive pads in head, back, and all paws to activate different exciting doggie sounds
* Dog responds to bottle and bone
* Realistic dog sounds such as barking, panting, yelping, chewing–even a heartbeat
* Includes a carrying bag to store doggie and accessories
* In store “Try Me” plays sound effects from paw
* Accessories include carrying bag, stethoscope, thermometer, milk bottle, syringe, bone, certificate, and a prescription pad

Our little angel thrives with routine and schedule.  I found this wonderful company called Bee Visual that developed The Choiceworks Visual Support System.
The main board is a 5-step schedule system, complete with magnetic icons to identify it as a morning, daytime, or nighttime schedule. At the bottom of the board are icons for preferred activities that the child may choose when his or her schedule has been completed. Icons are stored on the inside of the easel. When a board is snapped on to it, the icons won’t get easily lost.   There are also two other snap on boards, Waiting and What are You Feeling Boards.   Both of these boards are solution-oriented, and shows the child what he or she can do to cope with these difficult circumstances. There is also a timer, that can be used during the Waiting time.  We also use it during play time, so he learns to moniter his play and switch activities.
The Magnetic pictures are easy for him to understand and engaging to look at.  They cover just about everything, from going to school, brushing teeth, cleaning up, and much more.  The boards are durable and just the right size to take with you on trips.  My favorite is the When I am Upset board, which helps you teach your child appropriate ways to handle their feelings.  The boards also come with a parent guide and booklets you can read with your child.

I HIGHLY recommend the Choiceworks Visual Support System for parents of ASD children.  You can buy it at www.beevisual.com and Amazon.  Details are below:

The Schedule Board [Blue] makes daily routines a lot more fun and easier to do. Supported by 40 visual symbol magnets, your child can get through morning and bed time routines, get ready for school, go to appointments, and more. Your child chooses his/her reward for successfully completing the tasks.

The Waiting Board [Orange] teaches your child the skills for waiting, turn taking and not interrupting. Through pictures your child is shown what they can do while they are waiting. It even includes a convenient timer!

The Feelings Board [Green] supports your child’s ability to gain self-control by providing clear alternatives and expectations. Once they have gained self-control the choice wheels provide options for what to do next.

A parent manual is included which explains how to use the system and provides helpful hints and suggestions.

The Choiceworks™ System includes: 40 Visual Magnets, 1 Universal Storage Easel, 3 Choiceworks™ Companion Books, 1 Dry Erase Marker, 1 Digital Timer, 1 Parent Manual, 1 Wall Mount Hardware

Educational Insights is a great website to find educational toys and games for the Holidays.  You can find some unique and really fun games!  Their mission is to find the highest quality “hands on” learning products that engage minds, and inspire play in the classroom and beyond.  These are some of our favorites!  They are available at www.educationalinsights.com

Safari Undercover

In each brain-teasing logic game, you must arrange the four jungle pieces on the animal-filled game board so that only specific animals remain “out in the open.” Sound easy? You’ll need to stretch your spatial-reasoning and logical-thinking muscles for these wild puzzles. Each challenge has hundreds of possible puzzle-piece combinations, but only one solution. For one player

Royal Rescue

The knight and the princess are locked in separate towers. Can you help the princess build a rescue route, or the knight build a bridge, to get them back together? Children will enjoy days and “knights” of mind-bending fun as they create a path for the royals to reunite! With simple puzzles for beginning builders, to complex puzzles that challenge skilled architects, Royal Rescue is designed to develop spatial reasoning abilities and stretch a player’s logical thinking skills. Includes 11 durable wooden pieces, and a full-color, richly-illustrated booklet featuring 48 multi-level puzzle challenges. High-quality wooden pieces, and a timeless theme, give Royal Rescue the look and feel of a classic children’s game.
For one player.

Goofball Rally

It’s time for Goofball Rally, the fast-paced, color-matching marble race! Place your goofballs on the starting line and get ready to go. On your mark, get set…roll! Launch your goofballs one by one down the winding race tracks. When all of your goofballs have crossed the finish line, hit the red button. The first player to score 20 points is the Goofball Rally Champ! Includes goofball stadium game board, 10 race cards, and 20 goofball racers (in 10 bright colors). For 2 players.

Pixel

Don’t let the situation slide out of control in this fun strategy game of slide, point, align, and win! Move a slider and place your piece in the intersection. But there’s a catch! Only one slider may be moved on each turn. You don’t have to block your opponent—but be careful not to leave those sliders in point blank range. The first player with three in a row wins!  Pixel is the perfect strategy game for the whole family. Includes game board, 95 game pieces in four colors, and game instructions. For 2 to 4 players.

Have you heard of The Chocolate Cake Club?  No, it’s not a food club, it’s something a lot lighter on your hips.  It’s a fabulous online shop for unique and fun products to make parent’s life easier.  They sell everything from toys, kids clothing, organic living, organization tools for parents and much more.  Make sure you visit at www.chocolatecakeclub.com. Below are some of my favorite finds for the Holidays.

Transform any room into a starry night sky. The Twilight Turtle by Cloud b is the first and only plush constellation nightlight ever created which gently transforms nurseries and bedrooms into a starry night sky that comforts and calms children and adults alike. Press a button on the turtle’s shell and the Twilight Turtle will project a starry night sky onto the walls and ceiling of any room and keep them glowing for 45 minutes – just enough time to drift off to sleep. It then shuts off to preserve battery life. The turtle comes with three soothing color options green, blue, and amber, each illuminating different brightness levels to create magical, tranquil environments that are ideal for helping children of all ages fall asleep easier.

Twilight Turtle is more than just a soothing bedtime companion, he is also an interactive and educational toy. Within the star pattern are 8 actual constellations. Parents can sit with their children and identify these major constellations using the wonderfully illustrated Twilight Turtle Star Guide.

# The Twilight Turtle won several awards:
2005 National Parenting Center Seal of Approval
# Baby Talk Editor’s Choice

Give your kids’ toys a home. A portable, environmentally-friendly home. These kid-friendly portable cardboard houses by Dutch company Kidsonroof, are perfect for little kids to build, color, and customize a house for their dolls or guys. Constructed out of 100% recycled and biodegradable cardboard, you‘ll feel good about them playing with this toy!   Imagine what your child could make of this fixer-upper house with crayons, colored pencils, markers, stickers, or even fur or fabric. Watch your kids turn this house into a work of art.

Playful Chef Cooking Kits
Looking to have some fun with your kids and teach them the joy of cooking? The Playful Chef Kids Cooking Kits will help you tap into your kids’ eagerness to help in the kitchen. These kids cooking kits provide the nutritional know-how, kid-sized cooking tools, and fun recipes you’ll need to get your little one cooking! We can’t think of a better Chocolate Cake Moment than to have fun in the kitchen making Chocolate Mountain Lava Cakes (recipe included in kit.)  They have kits for both younger and older children.

# 5 delicious, easy-to-follow laminated recipe cards that follow a ten-system plan complete with helpful illustrations and color-coding
# An overview of how to teach your child in the kitchen
# Child sized cooking tools: whisk, spoon, spatula, pastry brush, mixing bowl, timer, baking pan, and safety scissors. Tools are all dishwasher safe.
# A cool, red tool belt apron for easy tool storage and handy access that is adjustable for all sizes
# A set of color-coded measuring spoons
# A set of color-coded measuring cups
# A kid-sized baking pan for baking special treats
# A kid-sized mixing bowl for mixing magic
# A vinyl kid-sized Playful Chef backpack that’s chock full of fun just waiting to happen! There’s space on the back of the backpack for your child to write in his or her name.

Carson-Dellosa sent over some wonderful games and we love playing games, and are thrilled to let you know about their company and the games.  As you know, I try to buy toys that are fun but also educational.  Carson-Dellosa Publishing Company takes pride in providing teachers, parents, and children around the world with the best possible educational materials.  You can buy the following games at www.carsondellosa.com. They have a ton of other great educational items too!

Pirates’ Gold Game
Price: 14.99
1 game board, 5 ships, 40 playing cards, 3 dice – Grades 2 – 6
Search out buried treasure in this swashbuckling, high seas adventure! Travel from island to island battling other players and collecting the most gold coins to win. Build strategic-thinking abilities while practicing skip counting, basic counting, and addition skills. 2 to 4 players.

All Around the Farm | Game
Price: 14.99
1 game board, 4 player pieces, 24 cards, 2 dice – Grades 1 – 6
Moo, cluck, and oink your way to victory with this noisy game for all ages! Be the first to fill your wheel barrow with food and return to your animal in the barn. Strengthen strategic-thinking, counting, addition, and subtraction skills. 2 to 4 players.

Where Do I Live? | Game
Price: 14.99
12 Home Cards, 12 Animal Cards – Grades PK – 2
Everyone has a home and it’s the players’ job to get them there in this colorful memory-matching game. Twelve homes complement 12 animals to strengthen visual distinction, classification, and recollection skills. No reading required. 2 to 4 players.

Chicken Count | Game
Price: 14.99
6 piece coop, 52 playing cards – Grades PK – 5
Flip cards to collect chickens, outfox the fox, and construct the coop in this easy-to-play collecting game! Player with the most chickens when the coop is built wins. Strengthen counting, adding, and sorting skills. No reading required. 2 to 6 players.

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Leap Frog makes great educational toys that are also fun and the TAG READER is another fantastic toy.

Perfectly sized for little hands, the Tag Reader is a touch-and-talk reading device that brings stories to life like never before and offers insights into what your child is learning.  As children touch the Tag Reader to the pages of specially printed storybooks, a small camera in the tip “reads” the pages, enabling children to hear words and stories read aloud.  Characters, pictures and learning activities spring to life with every touch, immersing children in the thrill of reading.

Designed for children four to eight, the Tag Reading System works with a broad library of more than 20 books and games.  Children can explore classic books such as Olivia and The Little Engine That Could, or join popular characters such as SpongeBob SquarePants and Ariel the Little Mermaid in new reading adventures.  Leveled learning activities in every book adjust automatically to your child’s pace, helping build confidence and a love of reading that lasts a lifetime.

Amazingly easy to use, the Tag Reader holds audio for up to five books at a time.  Simply connect the Tag Reader to your computer with the included USB cable, download the audio for your Tag books and drag-and-drop up to five of your children’s favorite stories onto your Tag Reader.

* The amazing touch technology of the Tag Reading System encourages a child’s love of reading as words talk, pictures sing and stories live out loud!
* The Tag library includes over 20 books and games featuring characters from TV, movies and classic tales.
* Tag storybooks and learning activities help children build vocabulary and reading skills such as word recognition, reading comprehension and phonics skills.
* Children learn to read through an exciting and interactive experience in which they can also earn online rewards.
* Parents can connect the Tag Reader to the online LeapFrog Learning Path to see what their child is learning, and explore ways to expand their child’s learning journey.

Ozzie and Mack book included with purchase of Tag Reading System.  Takes batteries (not included)

My favorite things about the Tag Reader:

Not only does it “read” the book, it also asks interactive questions and games, so your child is thinking and engaged and learning.

The frustration level is kept to a minimum because my child cannot answer questions (play games) that are too advanced until she masters the lower level questions.  This is the BEST thing!

I receive emails from Leapfrog that tell me which books my child listens to the most; how long she played last week and which questions she tends to answer right. The emails also provide learning percentages which is SO cool!

Has a headphone jack!  Yeah!

Make sure you check out LeapFrog’s See the Learning contest.  Upload a photo or video of your child demonstrating a “learning moment” for a chance to win a Hollywood family vacation and behind-the-scenes visit to a movie studio.  There will also be $5,000 for college from UPromise, awarded through a sweepstakes of all entrants.  Right now Leapfrog.com has free shipping and Tag Reader Bundle Packs for Girls, Boys, Learn To Read Gift Pack and more!   Leapfrog toys are available at major retailers everywhere.

LEAPFROG WANTS TO GIVE ONE OF MY READERS A GIFT OF A BRAND NEW TAG READING SYSTEM!  HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

TO ENTER:  FOLLOW LEAPFROG ON TWITTER AT WWW.TWITTER.COM/LEAPFROG

FOR SECOND ENTRY:  STUMBLE, TWITTER, OR SUBSCRIBE( NEW ONLY)  AND LINK IT BACK HERE IN A SEPARATE ENTRY.

THIS CONTEST WILL END DECEMBER 16TH AT MIDNIGHT AND I WILL E-MAIL THE LUCKY RANDOM WINNER!  DON’T FORGET MY OTHER KUERIG COFFEE BREWER GIVEAWAY, HOLIDAY BOOK SET, WII POPSTAR GUITAR GIVEAWAYS!  COME BACK TOMORROW FOR ANOTHER ONE!