Tag Archives: thames and kosmos

Making Spring Clean and Colorful

When Daylight Savings begins, you know that Spring can’t be far behind-and neither are Easter, Passover, and Spring cleaning. This week, we review some Easter bunnies, outdoor art adventures, and a decluttering marvel.

3d sidewalk chalk3D Sidewalk Chalk (Thames & Kosmos).
The folks at Thames & Kosmos can’t help themselves: they include a really fun, educational component in everything they make. Their new 3D Sidewalk Chalk is no exception. The kit comes with plaster power, dye, mixing cups, molds, and 3D glasses. The fun starts by making your own chalk by mixing the plaster powder, dye, and water (not included). Then, pour the slurry into the molds. When it hardens, you’re ready to start creating art. Here’s where the science comes in: when you put on the 3D glasses, your drawings seem to jump off the sidewalk. The instruction manual explains how and why that happens and includes directions for making rainbow chalk, and more chalk science experiments. Ages 8 and up. About $15. http://www.thamesandkosmos.com/

crayola sidewalk chalkSidewalk Chalk Mega Pack (Crayola)
Crayola’s sidewalk chalk doesn’t have much science behind it, which means it can focus on what Crayola does best: giving kids tools to make colorful art. Speaking of sidewalks, you might want to make sure that those areas aren’t infested with pests before letting your kids play and draw there. It may be worthwhile to contact a pest control service to inspect the sidewalks. For example, if you are from Florida, you can get in touch with Florida pest control exterminators to inspect your property. If an infestation is found, they can eliminate it. This way you would be assured that those areas are safe for your kids to play in. Coming back to Crayola’s sidewalk chalk, the Mega Pack includes 12 large chalk pieces: 3 neon, 3 glitters, 3 tie-dye, and 3 basic bold colors. No instructions required. The chalk itself is especially easy to clean up-just hose it off-a big plus if your neighbors are persnickety about their sidewalks. Unlike most other sidewalk chalks, these pieces aren’t cylindrical, which means they won’t go rolling down your driveway into the street-with your child running after it. Ages 6 and up. http://www.crayola.com/

 


alex washable bunnyColor & Cuddle Washable Bunny (Alex Toys)
How many times has your child “decorated” a favorite stuffed animal with a Sharpie? If that sounds familiar, you’ll love Alex Toys’ Color and Cuddle line. The idea is pretty simple: make a toy that’s snuggly, let kids draw on it, and allow them to change their mind whenever they want. And that’s exactly what happens: color, wash, repeat-as many times as you’d like. The only rule is that your young artist needs to use the included markers. The Washable Bunny is perfect for Easter. Other options include a bear, a doll, and a pony. Ages 3 and up. All are about $21. http://www.alextoys.com/

 

funshine easter bearFunshine Easter Bear (JustPlay)
This 16-inch, soft, cuddly, plush gets your child’s best Care Bear ready for Easter too. Cleverly disguised as a bunny-complete with Easter Bunny ears-Funshine is a great addition to any Holiday basket. $24.95 at Amazon and elsewhere.

 

 

 

 

fujitsu ix500 scannerScanSnap iX500 Scanner (Fujitsu)
When we think of “spring cleaning” the images that come to mind usually have to do with sweeping and mopping and maybe reorganizing the garage. But what about all that stuff in your file cabinets? Worse yet, what about all the stuff-including those boxes of old photos-that should be in file cabinets but is sitting around in piles? The ScanSnap iX500 can help. It’s incredibly easy to install and even easier to operate. Drop in a stack of documents, press the button (there really is only one), and in seconds all that paper is transformed into pdfs or Jpegs. Then you can save it to your computer or upload directly to Dropbox and other cloud services. The ScanSnap handles everything you can throw at it, from business cards to long (up to 34 inches) documents. Put it in crooked? No problem. ScanSnap straightens is out. Upside down? It’s rotated automatically. A great way to keep those important family documents and memories organized. $499. http://www.fujitsu.com/us/products/computing/peripheral/scanners/scansnap/

Valentine’s Day: You’ve Just Gotta Love It

People tend to think of Valentine’s Day as a holiday for adult couples and we tend to forget about the kids. After all, we tell them every day that we love them (you’re doing that, right?). But why not include the kids in your Valentine’s Day shopping? Here are a few ideas for fun, sweet, simple gifts that children of almost any age will love.

Build a Bouquet (Green Toys)
build a bouquet green toysThink of the Build a Bouquet set as a very cute alternative to traditional building blocks that’s perfect for this holiday (or Spring, if you’re planning that far ahead). Your children can get their creative juices flowing and construct flower arrangements and bouquets in an endless variety of shapes and patterns. This is a gift you can feel good about giving, as well, as it’s made in the USA from 100% recycled plastic with no BPA, phthalates, PVC, or external coatings. Each 44-piece set includes four bases, 16 stem and leaf pieces, and 24 lilies, petunias, and daisy flower pieces. The Build a Bouquet pieces are wonderfully colorful and can really brighten up those drab, cold days. Recommended for ages two and up and can be found at specialty toy stores or at http://www.greentoys.com for $28.

Crystal Garden and Crystal Growing Kits (Thames and Kosmos)
crystal garden thames and kosmosIf you’d prefer to grow a garden of your own, you’ll want to check out some of the kits from Thames and Kosmos. One of our favorite educational toy companies, Thames and Kosmos consistently comes up with adorable, fun, interesting (and, yes, educational) projects that are perfect for parents and kids to do together. With the Crystal Garden kit, quick-growing real crystals “bloom” into beautiful flowers (you get to pick the colors) over the course of just a few hours. A great way to create something beautiful and to learn about how crystals are formed. They’re quite delicate, though, can’t be touched or moved, and never harden.

crystal growing thames and kosmosIf you like the crystal idea but want something a little hardier, try the Crystal Growing kit, which includes 15 crystal-related science projects for the whole family. These kits let you grow four types of crystals with different shapes, layers, and colors. Keep them in your (included) treasure box when they are done growing. Best for ages 10 and up and available for $14 and $37, respectively, at your favorite retailer or thamesandkosmos.com

Love Blanket (Rouxroo)
love blanket rouxrooHow do I love thee? Well, with Rouxroo’s Love Blanket, you can tell your baby you love him or her in 25 different languages, all printed in eye catching red, white, and black letters on an environmentally friendly, organic baby blanket and swaddler that will warm your baby and your heart. A nice keepsake for your little one’s first Valentine.  $72 at www.rouxroo.com

Itty Bittys (Hallmark)
itty bitty hallmarkStuffed sweethearts, Mickey and Minnie Mouse are available for a limited time (and in a limited edition dressed in their Valentine’s Day finest. Itty Bittys are just five inches tall, making them a perfect handful (in the very best way possible). These are perfect for your littlest love or older Disney fan on Valentine’s or any other day. Minnie and Mickey are a unique, allergy-free, sugar-free topper to a traditional bouquet or box of chocolates and they’ll last a lot longer than either one of those will. At less than $7 each, you can keep the happy couple together and not break your wallet. Available at Hallmark Gold Crown stores or on hallmark.com.