Bakugan Battle Pack (Styles and Colors May Vary)

Bakugan Battle Pack (Styles and Colors May Vary)
From Spinmaster

Customer Reviews

Buying Information for this toy
I looked all over our city for this and it is sold out everywhere but I was in Sams Club and they have a bonus pack for $26 which has the travel mat included. Just alittle cheaper than some of the internet pricing I've seen. Toys get popular, prices double. Its shameful.

Mom of 3 boys
Never saw a bigger smile on my 6 year olds face. The marbles do damage quite easily so one must be careful with them.

Bakugan pack
This is exactly what my son was looking for. The product was in great shape & shipped fast.
I was so pleased because you just can't find these in the store. He plays it all of the time.
Playing the game involves a constant adding & subtracting of #s - perfect for a 4th grade boy

Product Description

This Bakugan Battlepack Teal and Red Set has small spheres that magnetically morph into powerful Bakugan warriors when they roll onto the real metal gate cards. Use strategy to place your metal gate cards effectively as each cards affects the battle differently. Then master you precision shooting skills to roll your Bakugan into battle and win

Features

• Magnetic marbles pop open when on metal card
• Use strategy to place you cards and set up for battle
• Master you battle skills by shooting your Bakugan and landing on card to score
• Includes 2 character cards, 3 normal cards, 6 Bakugan marble/action figures, 2 command cards, and one special ability card
• Styles selected at random when shipped

the Official Top 10 Christmas Toys 2008 list to be announced

Fur Real Friends Biscuit My Lovin Pup
From Hasbro

Customer Reviews

It's Cute and Great for a child who has no dog.
It's a great and cute toy. It performs Like it's suppose to, but my daughter lost interest quickly. However, I think it's because we have two dogs. They are young dogs and always getting into something etc.. So, I think it is perfect for a child who wants a dog, but doesn't or can't have a real one.

Product Description

This ultra-realistic FurReal pup is the perfect first pet for any little girl or boy. Biscuit responds to you and obeys six different commands: sit, lie down, sit up, beg and speak. He'll also give you a paw when you ask if he wants a treat. Biscuit's soft, cuddly fur and puppy-dog eyes will instantly win you over. Sitting pup measures 21" tall. Requires six "D" batteries, not included.

Features

• Playtime is going to the dogs and this playful pooch is leading the charge! The lovable mutt features voice recognition, obeying six commands, including, “Sit”, “Speak”, and “Lie down”
• Tell your furry friend to give you his paw and he’ll raise his right or left paw ask him if he wants a treat, and he’ll nod and whimper to let you know he’s ready for his dog “bone”
• Biscuit my lovin’ pup pet will even “shake” at your command, lifting his paw to your hand or sit up and beg, just like a real pup
• Biscuit my lovin’ pup pet wags his tail and barks, too, to let you know he’s ready to play
• Use the special adoption certificate to register your pet online and ensure that you and this adorable pup will be friends forever pup pet comes with collar, tag, brush, dog “bone” and adoption certificate

the Official Top 10 Christmas Toys 2008 list to be announced

Fisher-Price Elmo Live

Fisher-Price Elmo Live
From Fisher Price

1st : Fisher-Price Elmo Live is a sure fire winner for your list of Top Christmas Toys 2008.

Customer Reviews

ELMO LIVE RIPOFFS
I FELT LIKE I GOT RIPPED OFF.. THE PRICE I PAID ON AMAZON WAS $25 MORE THAN I SAW THE OTHER DAY IN SAM'S CLUB...AND I THOUGHT I WAS GETTING THE BEST PRICE OUT THERE...

BE CAREFUL WHAT AND WHERE YOU BUY

Excellent toy for 18 month old child
Product is as advertised and quite entertaining for my 18 months old grandson. He had seen it a birthday party and fell it love with it so I decided to buy one for him.

Product Description

Is it live or is it Elmo Live? For the first time ever, in this truly life-like creation, Elmo really appears to be speaking as his mouth opens and closes just like a muppet. His mannerisms are right on target and his head bobbles back and forth as he speaks. Elmo waves his arms, sits and stands, and even crosses his legs while telling stories and jokes, singing songs and playing games. Children can activate the magic with a tickle or a squeeze of Elmo's foot, tummy, back or nose. Requires 6 "AA" batteries, included. Measures 12" tall.

Features

• Elmo actually speaks as his mouth opens and closes just like the real muppet, Elmo, from Sesame Street.
• He waves his arms, sits and stands, even crosses his legs.
• Tells stories and jokes, singing songs and playing games.
• Head bobbles back and forth as he speaks.
• Children can activate the magic with a tickle or a squeeze of Elmo’s foot, tummy, back or nose.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review
Elmo fans will delight in Elmo Live! This latest version of everyone's favorite Sesame Street character has Elmo talking, singing, telling jokes, and a lot more. With an interactive style, Elmo Live! encourages creative play, and with his wide variety of actions, he can entertain a kids through different stages of their development, from 18 months onward.

What We Think Fun Factor: Durability: (what this means) The Good: Talking, moving Elmo doll provides interactive fun for kids of many ages The Bad: Speaking voice is sometimes difficult to understand In a Nutshell: Elmo Live! has more movements and actions than ever, making for even more realistic, interactive play for children of many ages. At a Glance Ages: 18 months and up Requires: 6 AA batteries, Phillips screwdriver

Elmo's always appreciates a hug. View Larger.

Interactive gestures bring Elmo to life. View larger.

Moving, Talking, Dancing Elmo!
Elmo Live! features the furry, bright-red exterior and the big eyes characteristic of the popular Sesame Street character. He features complex actions that give him a life-like quality: His mouth and head move while he talks, sings, and tells stories; he gestures with his arms, and he moves his legs. He even crosses his legs when he sits on the included stool.

We found him very easy to play with -- just press his buttons to get him going. Press Elmo's foot and he will sit down on his stool to tell you a story. He even gestures to act out parts of his stories! Squeeze his nose, and he'll make a variety of silly sounds; he'll even ask you if you "have his nose" and ask you to give it back to him. Squeeze his hand, and he'll dance. Elmo even blows kisses, asks for hugs, and says he loves you. He tells jokes, acts ticklish, and more.

When he's laid on his back, or if your child doesn't play with him for a while, Elmo will go into a battery-save mode. He'll yawn, say he's tired, and shut down. Just press one of his buttons to get him going again.

Interactive Fun for Kids of Many Ages
We particularly enjoyed that, unlike some other "talking" toys, Elmo Live! doesn't just spout programmed phrases. Instead, he asks for interaction, and he responds as if your child is responding to him. For example, when he will ask for a hug and then say "thank you" as if he's received one, or he'll say he's ticklish and then will "respond" as if your child is tickling him. This makes an almost magical experience for your child, as if her toy is really coming to life.

The wide variety of things that Elmo Live! can do makes him a great toy to grow with your child. Younger children can engage in cause-and-effect play by simply pressing Elmo's buttons to see what he does. Our two-year-old tester was especially delighted with the silly sounds Elmo makes when his nose is squeezed. Understandably, her attention meandered during the somewhat lengthy stories. However, an older child will have the attention span and comprehension skills to appreciate them, as well as the silly jokes that Elmo tells.

Tips on Playing with Elmo! Live
Elmo makes lots of fun movements and gestures -- the only slight drawback is that his movements generate a somewhat loud, mechanical sound that sometimes interferes with being able to understand what Elmo is saying. He also has to be on a hard, flat surface -- otherwise he has a tendency to fall over. This in itself has a fun effect, however. When he falls over, Elmo asks you to help him back up again, and when he's put back upright, he'll say "thank you." Also, since his nose has to be squeezed with a bit of force to activate him, our two-year-old tester sometimes needed assistance with it.

Elmo Live! comes with 6 AA batteries. A Phillips screwdriver is required to replace them.

What's in the Box
Elmo Live! doll, with 6 AA batteries included

From the Manufacturer
In this truly life-like creation, for the first time ever, Elmo seems to actually be speaking as his mouth opens and closes just like the real muppet, Elmo, from Sesame Street. His mannerisms are right on target as his head bobbles back and forth as he speaks. He waves his arms, sits and stands, even crosses his legs all the while telling stories and jokes, singing songs and playing games. Children can activate the magic with a tickle or a squeeze of Elmo’s foot, tummy, back or nose.

Mario Kart Wii with Wii Wheel

Mario Kart Wii with Wii Wheel
From Nintendo

Customer Reviews

Loads of fun for all ages!
While not the best thing to look at in the graphics department (especially during multiplayer races), this game manages to be extremely fun. The control scheme(s) are great, and while I am better when using the Wiimote/nunchuch scheme, I find myself wanting to use the Wii Wheel most often because it adds to the fun. The bottom line here is that everyone can enjoy this game, and the multiplayer never gets old. The best thing I can say about this game is that I will be playing it for as long as I own a Wii. A definite must buy for the Wii.

One of Nintendo's best ideas yet
First of all, I give this game 5 stars because of the overall fun and playability level. You can play other people around the world in battles and races. We have probably spent more time playing this game than any other Nintendo game with the exception of Mario Kart for the N64. I love the "wheel" concept although you don't need a wheel to play. I have a couple complaints: the power ups are kind of lame compared to all of the other Mario Kart games. They are also harder to get it seems. My other complaint is that you can be in first place and end up in near-to-last place in about 3 seconds, it seems you have little control of this. It is almost a fluke if you win, whereas in other Mario Karts it was more directly tied to your skill level. Overall, it is so fun to battle and race people from other countries that I love this game. Sometimes you will be racing people from the UK, the US, France, Japan, and Australia all at once. SO fun! I hope Nintendo comes out with more games like this!

Great Fun for the Whole Family
Simply put, my wife and I get a kick out of the game, and our 3.5 year old son loves it. We don't really play for points, or winning anything, just mainly to have fun. And this game comes through in spades in that department. The controls are easy, which makes the game playable and fun even for younger kids. It is a must-own for the Wii in my opinion.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Drivers, start your engines!

Nintendo is bringing Mario and his friends with their finely tuned racing machines back and this time to the Nintendo Wii. With 3 different control styles and a Wii Wheel included in the box, Mario Kart Wii is bound to be the best in the series. The worldwide race is on with a whole new set of tricks, tracks, and ways to play! Place first in Grand Prix circuits or clear skill-based missions. Mario Kart Wii draws on courses and battle arenas from every game in the series – not to mention tons of new ones – the true king of the Mushroom Kingdom racing circuits will finally be crowned.

Wii Wheel Included!

New Intense Tracks and Tricks View larger.

Cool new car designs View larger.

Mario and his friends are back and ready to race once again in Mario Kart Wii! Experience new tracks, enhanced Wii graphics, extraordinary gameplay and much more! Place first in Grand Prix circuits or clear skill-based missions to open up increasingly difficult and thrilling circuits. Players can have multiplayer races on any open courses or battle in arenas. Also included with Mario Kart Wii is the Wii Wheel! Now you can feel like your Mario and steering to avoid obstacles and doing incredible stunts - in the safety of your home of course.


Game Features:

• The Wii Wheel transforms the Wii Remote™ controller into a steering wheel that feels natural in anyone's hands, while the Wii Remote and Nunchuk™ controller offer a classic control style for the Mario Kart veteran. In either configuration, players can perform speed-boosting tricks with a shake of the Wii Remote.
• Players can race as their favorite Nintendo character, or even as themselves! Mario Kart Wii lets players race with their personalized Mii™ characters. And racers will see other Mii characters they have created cheering from the sidelines on some race courses.
• Players can compete with up to three friends in their living room. Or challenge up to 11 opponents via Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection in the biggest Mario Kart race yet. All tracks and modes of play are available via Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection, and players can visit the Mario Kart Channel to compete in tournaments, check rankings, see when their friends are playing and download ghost data.
• Cruise new tracks and arenas or tour classic courses from Super Mario Kart™, Mario Kart® 64, Mario Kart®: Super Circuit™, Mario Kart®: Double Dash!!™ and Mario Kart® DS. Tired of riding on four wheels? Bust out one of the new motorbikes for special tricks and techniques.

Characters
Nintendo favorites Mario™, Luigi™, Peach™, Yoshi®, Donkey Kong®, Wario™, Bowser™ and Toad™, plus a host of new faces-including your own! Get into the game and put your Mii™ character behind the wheel.

Special Powers/Weapons/Moves/Features
Whether racing around an obstacle-filled track or battling in an arena, drifting and tossing items are the keys to Mario Kart success. Players can shake the Wii Remote while launching off a ramp to pull off a trick that will temporarily boost their speed. When riding a bike, players can gain additional speed by flicking the Wii Remote up and popping a wheelie

Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection:
Keeping in the tradition of Mario Kart, Nintendo has pushed multiplayer racingeven further utilizing the Wii's built in Wi-Fi Connection. There are two options for races and battles over Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection: up to 12 people via Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection or up to 10 people via Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection with two people playing locally.

Live Butterfly Garden -Top Christmas Toys 2008

Live Butterfly Garden
From Insect Lore

Customer Reviews

Worked as advertised
Pretty easy to do. requires a temperate environment not in direct sunlight. The kids loved it and had a great time when they shared it at daycare. [...]

we paired with with the "from caterpillar to butterfly" book.

Be aware that you have to send or fax in the certificate. It is odd that the refills [...] from insect lore essentially cost as much as the original product. [...]

Very nice for older kids, may be too gross for little ones.
Obviously the caterpillars can't be packed in the box, but they shouldn't be an extra cost. There should be a paid card to send in when you're ready for them.

My main complaint is that the information is sketchy. A more informative child-friendly booklet should be included. Also the butterflies do poop red liquid which is pretty gross for very small kids. The white mesh cage looks really bad with all those bloody-looking smears on it. My 7 year old was okay with it when I explained it was "special butterfly poop" but my 5 year old, the nominal owner of the butterflies, lost interest quickly when the treehouse was no longer pretty.

an extraordinary experience
There is nothing more extraordinary than the experience of taking care of "a life" & setting it free. My 5-year-old has learned something quite valuable through this toy, which is well made. We'll be able to use it again for several more summers.

Also, of the 10 caterpillars we received, 9 became butterflies and flew away, while 2 returned to our garden and lingered for a day. We even had a smaller butterfly with a bent wing, whom we thought may not be able to fly away very well, but it flew-off just as easily as the others did...a very touching moment, which became a lesson in life my daughter may never forget.

Product Description

Witness one of nature's most spectacular transformations up close with this reusable, collapsible habitat. Fine, transparent mesh lets you see butterfly metamorphosis up close. Product includes easy-to-use feeder and complete instructions for habitat. Butterfly larvae with food shipped directly to your home. The habitat collapses for storage when not in use. You can adopt and raise a handful of caterpillars, watch them transform into painted lady butterflies, then lift the garden cover to release your beautiful specimens into the wild. This exciting habitat makes a fabulous introduction to the miracles of nature. The larvae and food available round the year.