Tag Archives: toys

Splish, Splash, We’re Taking a Bath

What is it about bath time that makes it so much fun for kids? Sure, having prune fingers is entertaining, but there has to be more. Is it the echo of your voice in the bathroom? The relaxing nature of warm water? The chance to splash around and make a mess (that for parents is a lot easier to clean up than splashing around in mud puddles)? The wonderful opportunities for creative play, cause and effect, and imagination? Actually, does it really matter? This week we had a chance to review a number of bath toys that can keep bath time fun for everyone—even when it’s time for the dreaded washing and shampooing part. We loved ‘em and we’re sure you will too.

splish & splashB. Fish & Splish Boat (B. Toys)
Take two handfuls of colorful, durable water toys, put them in a boat, and you’ve got hours of fun. The Fish & Splish Boat includes nesting cups, the captain, a life preserver, a fishing hook (no, not a real one, of course) and four easy-to-catch fish—all of which stow away neatly inside the boat. There’s even a comb and nail brush (cleverly disguised as an innocent-looking octopus and a smiling whale) so mom and dad can sneak a little hygiene into the bathing experience. Ages eight months to three years. Retails for about $31.00 at Amazon. http://www.mybtoys.com/

wiggly wind-upsWiggly Wind-Ups (B. Toys)
If there’s one place where electronics don’t belong, it’s the bathtub. And the folks at B. Toys have graciously obliged, coming up with some delightfully old-school toys. All you do is wind ‘em up, let them loose and the paddle their way around the tub, leaving nothing but waves and giggling children behind. There’s a gorilla in a canoe, a giraffe with swim fins, and a masked blue super dog. Unfortunately, the Wiggly Wind-Ups are a little hard to find, but well worth the trouble.

Bubbalooka
Surfing in the Tub
Magnetic Ducks in the Tub (Alex Toys)

bubbalookaIf you’re looking for a way to keep your little one(s) in the tub a bit longer, Bubbalooka is your answer. With Bubbalooka, kids (and we’re sure plenty of parents) can blow incredibly long, fluffy bubble snakes. The complete kit comes with a bubble horn, a bottle of bubble solution, and a suction cup holder so the bottle won’t spill into the tub.  Can be used in the tub or anywhere else, for that matter. Recommended for kids two years old and up. Retails for $11.95 on the company’s website (http://www.alextoys.com/), or you can pick it up wherever you buy your toys.

surfing in the tubThe Surfing in the Tub kit is another bath time extender—one that’s designed to make washing a little less unattractive. Snap the monkey onto one of two foam surfboards and take him on his very own wave-riding adventure. Oh, and did we mention that the money also squirts? For ages two and up. But it for $11.95 on Alex Toys’ website—a bit more on Amazon.

 

magnetic ducksMagnetic Ducks in the Tub are exactly what you’d expect from the name: three colorful, soft, vinyl ducks—theoretically a mommy duck and her chicks, but it could just as well be a dad or family friend—that click together magnetically. Good, clean, old fashioned, fun.  Safe for ages two and up. Retails for $16.95.

 

Eeeew, That’s Gross!

What is it about nose picking, dog poop, and a variety of bodily functions (human and animal) that kids love so much? Sure, they run around saying “Eeew, that’s gross,” but boogers, solid waste, and farts bring out more giggles than almost anything else in childhood. And, let’s face it, they get plenty of parents laughing—and getting back in touch with their inner child—too. This week we take a look at three games are sure to disgust and delight kids and adults alike.

Gooey Louie (Goliath)
gooey louieAs parents, we’re always trying to find those teachable moments, even in toys and games. If you’re looking for educational value, you’ve come to the wrong place with Gooey Louie. But if you’re looking for a completely silly game that’s just plain fun, this is it. The game starts by loading up Louie’s head with long, green, loogies (called “gooeys”) that dangle out of his enormous nose. Then, players take turns rolling a die to see how many of those gooeys they have to pick out. One of them—no one knows which—will make Louie’s eyes pop out, his head fly open, and his brains fly across the room. It’s revolting, but incredibly entertaining for kids and adults. The gooeys look like gummy worms, but, sadly, they aren’t edible. Hmm. Would that be too gross? Nah… Takes 10 minutes max. For two or more players, ages 4 and up. $22.50. http://www.gooeylouiegame.com/

Doggie Doo (Goliath)
doggie doo1doggie doo2Doggie Doo has been around for quite a while, but feeding, walking, and cleaning up after a dog has never been more fun. Here’s how it works: shove some of the specially formulated food (it’s kind of like Play Doh, but stretchier gooier) into your dog’s mouth, then start squeezing his leash. Each squeeze produces a disgusting, but laugh-inducing gassy sound that gets louder and louder until, well, digestion takes its course. Every player has his or her own pooper scooper which, unlike in the real world, they love to use. Theoretically, Doggie Doo is a game, but most kids are going to bypass the rules and skip right to the feeding, farting, and popping part. The folks at Goliath say that the game teaches kids to clean up after their pets. Could be, but it might also be teaching them to play with poop. Either way, everyone should wash their hands afterwards. For two to four players, ages 4 and. $23.00. http://www.doggiedoogame.com/

Dino Meal (Goliath)
dino mealDino Meal isn’t as gross as Doggie Do or Gooey Louie, but it taps into another childhood favorite to entertain kids and keep ‘em laughing: fear. An evil T-Rex has stolen a bunch of eggs from another dino and has hidden them in a pit, cleverly covered by a leaf. It’s up to us to get those eggs back their parents. Players roll a die to tell them which color egg to rescue. Then, they gently lift up the leaf and use a long tweezers to reach in and grab the egg. All’s well until the T-Rex, who’s been guarding her ill-gotten eggs, lunges forward, jaws snapping. Of course, no one gets hurt, but you’ll jump out of your seat every time. The wide-eyed moments of fear are followed by squeals of delight. Dino Meal can be played by 2-4 players, ages 4 and up, in less than 20 minutes. $18.00. http://www.goliathgames.us/