Collect and Build Robo Battlers Series - Slasher Review

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(More customer reviews)My son got this for his 8th birthday and was excited about it. The age grade says 7+ and this seems generous as the sparse directions and finicky assembly would drive 10 year old batty. First, the instructions. Each step is illustrated in a 3/4 drawing with a bare minimum of clues as to how to build it. The view is always the same, never a nice detailed shot rotated to best illustrate the step -which is critical with the nature of the K'nex pieces and their unique attachments.
My son got frustrated at Step 1 and after I asked him to try again, I sat down and worked on the kit with him. I don't mind building the kits together, in fact I like it a lot, the issue I have is that I'm guessing the chances of him building anything else with the kit, like he would with a Lego kit, is small. Speaking of small, these pieces are smaller than the other K'nex set he has (I think it was a Happy meal toy).
The saving grace for the set is that it has a few parts that can accommodate Lego pieces, this combined with the Lego block I super glued to the battery housing should extend the life of the toy, keeping it out of the bottom of the toy box for now. Right now the robot is walking past with 8 Lego Star Wars Mini Figs attached to it :)

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Collect & Build Scooter, #1 of 4 in the Micro-Bots Series - motorized for exciting mechanical movement! This set comes with 123 K'NEX parts, primarily micro rods & connectors to build a motorized robot. And just as his name suggests, Scooter moves by scooting along! And that's not all - Scooter combines with Hopper to build an even bigger motorized robot! Recommended for builders ages 7+. Requires 2 "AA" batteries, not included.

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Engino Mechanical Science: Gears Review

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(More customer reviews)This is a great concept for a toy but the execution leaves a lot to be desired. The models to illustrate the concept of gears quite well. Unfortunately, some of the models just don't work very well, if at all.

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Learn how gears can easily reduce or increase speed, change Force, or transfer motion from one position to another. Build 6 working models, a gearbox, a hand drill, an egg beater, a helicopter, a rotating sign post and a high speed fan. A 36 page activity book is included with innovative experiments and detailed explanation of the different technological principles applied! Booklet with detailed building instructions also included.

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Orange County Choppers Raptor Bike Review

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(More customer reviews)This tpy was fun to pout together, but not exactly durable. We are not able to play with i without it falling apart! My son is 5 and he put it together with his grandpa which was fun for both of them, but now it just sits on the stand. Overall, I would stick to the lego sets.

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50005 Features: -Build and customize the 1:10th-scale 'Raptor Bike', just like the guys from Orange County Choppers. -K'Nex building set is officially licensed by O.C.C., one of the premiere builders of custom choppers in the world. -Set includes lots of K'Nex rod and connector pieces, along with detailed instructions for 1 model and 1 building idea. -Stylized, custom chopper pieces like a chrome engine and fat chopper tires deliver the distinctive look O.C.C. has become known. -Set also includes a bike stand to showcase the completed model. -For ages 7+. -Assembly required.

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Playmobil Nativity Set Review

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(More customer reviews)I purchased this several ( 5 ?) years ago for my daughter and two more sets for my nephews.
Every December, we take it out and it gets put out and played with more than any other indoor toy during the month of December. All three chidren enjoy it so much, I also bought the Playmobil Advent Christmas scene that is designed to hang like an Advent calender with a Nativity scene set up separately for play. Small boxes hang on the cardboard calendar, and each box holds a toy that can be played with . Some of the toys are very small ( tiny mice) , and small children should be supervised with these pieces. My daughter and her cousins are all 9 years old. They still play with it and enjoy creating and playing with the Nativity. It is very durable.

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Snap Circuits Jr. SC-100 Review

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(More customer reviews)The best point in favour of this product is that it is lego style toy that does not intimidate a child with intricate electronic components. My 6-1/2 year old daughter started playing with it and was very excited to have completed her first project to light a bulb with a switch. Theories of electricity followed naturally when initially the bulb did not lightup. I showed her the shiny metal strip beneath the connectors and explained conductivity a little.
Another major advantage is that there are mostly no wires, and the components are hidden from view, giving it a very un-complicated look that a child can easily comprehend. This difference makes possible for my daughter to actually play with it.
The only problem seems to be the quality of plastic used. It looks as if it might break if a component was bent while snapping in. Still, I highly recommend this product.

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Curious young minds can learn the basics of electronics as they build more than 100 exciting projects with this kit. Work on projects that make sound effects, engineer different types of alarms, build touch circuits and play games. Contains over 30 parts in all. No soldering is required -- pieces snap together. Requires 2 "AA" batteries, not included. Box measures 10" x 15" x 2".

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Snap Circuits SC-300 Review

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(More customer reviews)Anyone with even the slightest electronic background will appreciate the value of this toy. As a kid I remember the long frustrating hours of deciphering components from circuit diagrams and soldering them to create projects that were way too much effort. The limited success with these projects, I believe, is the reason I gave up my hobby.
As a parent of a six-year old, I have been trying to introduce him to all facets of science and this is a wonderful tool. He immediately created a circuit - a combination light/fan circuit - in parallel and in serial - and he understood the difference between them. It was just amazing. He always appreciates what we get him, but he fell in love with this toy instantly. He was engrossed for the next hour experimenting with the various components.
There are about 60 components which create a total of 300 projects. Count on there being about 125-150 basic projects (I have not conducted a detail count!) with the remaining coming from tweaks in these 125-150 basic projects. However, I do not want to discount the value of these tweaks...they are designed to teach the value of electronic components and instigate independent thinking. This is definitely a "Learning" Toy. With the limited emphasis on science in our schools, the approx. [item price] is worth the investment.
For people who cannot envision how these snap into place (I couldn't!), the "snap" is from "snap-button". The component is soldered onto a large piece of plastic which have snap-buttons on it. These snap-buttons snap onto a large plastic grid or onto other components. Simple concept - Snap-On and Snap-Off!!
All the components have their respective symbols stamped on them which aids in early familiarization. The pieces are also individually numbered so that there is no confusion in identifying the right component. The Manual is all-color and very easy to follow, however, some might prefer more detailed explanations.
The model I purchased was "Snap Circuit 300 with Computer Interface" an upgrade to the one available here. The interface package includes software and a cable which connects to the "line-in" jack of your PC. The other end of the cable has two alligator-clips which can connect to any two points in your circuit. The software turns your PC into an "oscilloscope" so that you can "see" the electrical activity between any two points in your circuit. I have yet to fully learn and appreciate the value of the oscilloscope.
For teenagers, there is a Snap Circuit 500. I believe it features more components and more complex circuits for about [item price].
WARNING: PLEASE READ UP ON BASIC ELECTRICITY AND EXPLAIN THE PRINCIPLES TO YOUR CHILD. MY SON CONNECTED THE POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE POLES OF THE POWER SUPPLY FOR ONLY 5-7 SECONDS - THE BATTERY HEATED UP AND POPPED INTO HIS HAND. DID NOT BURN, BUT TAUGHT A VALUABLE LESSON - TO ME!! I SHOULD HAVE TAKEN THE TIME TO EXPLAIN BASIC ELECTRICITY TO HIM. THOSE 2 AA BATTERIES REALLY HEATED UP!!
IF YOU ARE GOING TO BUY ONLY ONE TOY THIS YEAR - YOU JUST FOUND IT!

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This educational kit is loaded with more than 300 projects to build. For example, kids can learn how transistors and capacitors function, and how to make time-delay circuits. In addition, this version includes circuits showing how oscillators and photo sensors work. Projects involve an AM Radio, Burglar Alarm, Radio Announcer and more. Contains over 60 parts. Requires 4 "AA" batteries, not included.

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K'Nex Loopin' Lightning Coaster Review

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(More customer reviews)My 4-year old son was upset with me last week cause I forgot to say goodbye to him or something silly when I dropped him off at daycare. To make it up to him I searched for some project we could do together and found this. Obviously it's way out of his age-range but he LOVES coasters and puzzles so I gave it a shot and it didn't disappoint. We built it together in about 6 hours, mostly it was me reading the excellent full-color picture instructions and telling him which pieces to find/connect and he got the hang of it quick. Seeing the final result and switching on the motor was very rewarding for him and he's telling anyone that'll listen about his coaster.
I'm giving it 5 stars but there are a couple things to be aware of with this model:
1. As stated in other k'nex reviews there are no extra pieces, be careful to not misplace anything, some are smaller than your fingernail. We ended up with one missing piece and a handful of random extras. I found our important missing piece by going to the store and picking up some little $3.00 K'Nex gizmo that had what we needed.
2. Why did they put two different black pieces in the same bag? The 100 or so chain links are mixed in with about 8 other black pieces of the same size. Arg...
3. Putting the track together is most frustrating part - track pieces need to bend and typically connect to main model with one tiny connector that often can't handle the strain until the full track is assembled. Once done though it's not a problem. My son was thrilled by the loop.
4. The chain - I swear I used the recommended number of links but I had to adjust it a little cause it kept slipping on the gear attached to the motor and falling out of the guides on the track. It still slips a little when hauling the cars up the track.
5. One of the cars inexplicably is faster than the other - so eventually it hits the other one just going up the chain and misses the chain itself. Oh well.
One nice thing is you can go online to [...] to find another plan for these parts, though it appears much smaller than this model. Since this is considered new in their product line I hope they publish more build plans.
I plan on getting more of these - it's fun for me too. :)

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KNex Loopin Lightning Coaster

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Best-Lock 240pc War of the Planets Grey Falcon Review

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(More customer reviews)Let me just say I'm glad I purchased this set when it was on sale. This isn't the first Best-Lock set I've purchased, but it's the first set that I have been disappointed with.
First of all, it was missing pieces. Thankfully, the missing pieces weren't critical and I was able to substitute pieces from other sets, but I was extremely annoyed by this.
Second, it seems like they just threw in about 20-30 flat 1x2 useless filler pieces just so they can meet the advertised "240pc".
Finally (this is just my opinion), I didn't really like the design of the rear of the ship. It just seemed like they just slapped together a few pieces and called it a day. Maybe if they could have taken the "filler" pieces and used them to improve the design...However, I did like the adjustable landing gear and wings.In conclusion, I cannot in good conscience recommend this set to anyone, especially if you are paying full price.


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K'Nex Octopus Whirl Review

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(More customer reviews)Hi, my name is Jorge. I'm 9 years old. The OCTOPUS WHIRL was awesome!!! Although it seems that it might be a little more challenging for 7 year-olds. I liked that when I was finished instead of just spinning regularly it spins on an angle. It rocks. That's why I recommend this for kids. It was the best one that I built so far. Right now I'm working on the one for 9 year-olds and up, and that's gonna be a challenge but fun!!!!!!!

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Collect and build all four rides in the Amusement Park Series -- Ferris Wheel, Speed Coaster, Octopus Whirl and Drop-N-Swing. Each set is motorized for exciting thrill ride performance. Each set requires two "AA" batteries, not included. 432 pieces.

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Tinkertoy Classic Jumbo Set Review

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(More customer reviews)I had tinkertoys when I was a kid in the 70's. I wish I knew what happened to that set. In over 15 years of play, I only had two parts break from being stepped on. Now I have a son of my own who requested Tinkertoys for Christmas. I was disappointed right away that everything was much bigger than the 'classic' ones. Of course, doesn't bigger mean better and more durable? Five minutes out of the can, the first rod broke in my 6 year old's hand. I thought he was just being too rough so I tried a few connection tests. Within minutes, I had several more rods cracked and a wooden connector and an end cap split. My son loves building with the ones that haven't broken yet and doesn't want me to take them back, but I don't want to wait for them to split too. I want the good old 'classic' perfect size, durbable toys. Bring them back! I'm going to take this set back and take my chances with the plastic version. If that fails, maybe I'll make my own. I miss the 'real' Tinkertoys.

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Over the years, millions of children have created fanciful windmills, giant Ferris wheels, amazing animals and whimsical vehicles. The Tinkertoy Classic Jumbo builder set features easy fitting, durable, real wood pieces and comes with string to build cranes that hoist and elevators that rise. Easily build and play with many different large-scale structures using the enclosed instructions. Or use your imagination to create lots of new structures. Over 100 pieces. Combine this set with other Tinkertoy sets to create even larger structures!

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Guess Who Star Wars Review

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(More customer reviews)My kids were so excited to get this game for Christmas. I remember playing Guess Who and I was equally excited to play this with them. I thought, how cool, we all love Star Wars, this is going to be great. Wow, was I wrong!
From the second you open the box, you can see this is not the same quality as the old edition of this game. You have to punch out all the pieces and assemble the game and when you do, you will be extremely frustrated because the plastic window pieces do not stay in place or easily slide open and closed. Unlike the old edition, where you could turn it on its side and all the pictures would open up, 90% of these stay closed and you have to force them open. When you do, the windows pop out of their holders. When you're playing, the windows don't close easily and pop out continuously as well. It's so frustrating for the kids to wait between each game while I spend time forcing all the windows back open.
The card stock with the pictures is low quality as well. They're smaller and get bent easier. This is a piece of junk. I e-mailed Milton Bradley with these complaints weeks ago and have not received a response. Apparently, the are laughing all the way to the bank. It looks like this cost them about 3 cents to produce and I paid $25 for this game.

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Hexbug Nano Easter Egg (Colors Vary) Review

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(More customer reviews)I bought this as an Easter egg stuffer for my daughter.
She loved the fact that the bug had ears. It looked really funny
running around the track with the other bugs.

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K'nex Speed Demon Roller Coaster Review

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(More customer reviews)My 10-year-old son assembled the Speed Demon Roller Coaster in 1 full day. The instructions were clear enough to illustrate the process fairly well. Only one point early in the build was confusing because of perspective. Had the instructions shown the small piece at an angle, it may have been clear that the part was projecting away from the frame rather than parallel to it (hint, hint).
He has adjusted the basic coaster to try to get even more speed out of it, and has made good deductions on the process. He asks the questions that lead to physics discussions in kinetics.
The next step in the process is to build the alternate coaster available for download from the manufacturer's website. We'll see what conclusions he draws from that experience!
Outstanding toy with good educational value! Once the coaster is energized, it is easy to spend lots of time just watching the car clamber up the track and zoom back down just to go back up again.

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Scrabble Flash Cubes Review

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(More customer reviews)Scrabble Flash is a great way to get your Scrabble fix if you're short on time, have nobody to play Scrabble with, or if you're just looking for a different twist on the game. There are three different versions of Scrabble Flash that you can choose from. Game 1 is for playing solo, Game 2 is for playing with friends, and Game 3 is also for playing with friends, but adds elimination to the mix.
Scrabble Flash gets big points from me for using 2032 button batteries- these are readily available and don't require a trip to the obscure battery store. The game gets even bigger points from me for including the first set of batteries with the game. There's hardly any set-up. Just peel the films off the faces of the five game-pieces, push the power button on each piece, and go to it! The instructions and rules are super-straightforward- if you're playing by yourself, it's not even that necessary to read the instructions. Also included is a little slip of paper telling you what to do if your gamepieces experience technical difficulties- there's a reset button on the back of each.
I love that there's no time at all to belabor gameplay with strategy. You build 3-5-letter words as quickly as you can before your time runs out. I also love that once you get the game out of its package, it stores in a cute little portable box, and the instructions fit right inside.
The only thing that gives me pause with Scrabble Flash is that it counts words that I don't even know are words, and you move too fast to double-check. This isn't a huge deal, especially if you're playing this game with others, but when it really grinds my gears is when I'm playing by myself, and I get to the end of my round, and I find out that although I created 10 words, for instance, the game says there were 23 words maximum to be created with the letter combination I was given for that round. Not a big deal, but if you're a little obsessive-compulsive and also have a big vocabulary, this might get on your nerves, too. Just be warned.
Over all, though, Scrabble Flash is great!

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Its up to you to find words in a flash with this fun, electronic version of the classic SCRABBLE game! Use the interactive SmartLink tiles to build your words and theyll flash and beep with each word you make! Theyll also automatically time your turns and display your score with the maximum possible score. Put your skills to the test with three different solo and competitive games and slide, swap and shuffle your way to a win. Its fastpaced, addictive, wordbuilding fun!For 1 or more players, ages 8 and up.Contents Include 5 SmartLink letter tiles, storage box and rules. Includes 5 button cell batteries.

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Kapla 200 Blocks Set Review

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(More customer reviews)We just discovered Kapla at a science museum, and will now be getting some of our own. At the museum, I noticed people of all ages were drawn to these toys. Even young toddlers were making little stacks, my 6-year-old attempted some castles, a gaggle of preteens was challenging each other to build the tallest tower (and then knock it down, of course!), and even the grown-ups were having fun. At first, I just sat and watched, but soon my hands were playing with the blocks, too, and in no time I was building my own creations. My daughter and I could have probably played for hours. It's hard to find a toy that will interest kids of all ages, but Kapla certainly does. And it's a plus for me that they're not plastic and ugly, so I won't mind too much having them stacked around the house.

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FeltTales By Babalu A Day At The Aquarium Felt Storyboard Review

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(More customer reviews)I was very pleased with this product. There are many pieces to play with and my little one really enjoys arranging the aquariums. Would consider purchasing more of these FeltTales in the future.

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Felt Tales are soft, safe, colorful, tactile, warm, quiet, personal, sharable, easy to use, and so much more!. Each set comes with a felt board, vinyl bag, and at least 20 felt play pieces! Felt Tales are great for travel!. Recognized by all who remember their own felt play experiences as children, and by those whose children have already encountered felt play in preschool and school. Encourages independence and self play.

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Bristle Blocks (300 piece set) Review

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(More customer reviews)Bought this for our almost 4 year old son. He plays with them at the day-care and enjoys it, so we got him a set at home.
This set actually contains 228 pieces without the 24 wheels. If you count the 3 pieces that make up each of the 24 wheels, you get 72 pieces, which then adds up to 300 pieces. It's very mis-leading.
There's also a 113 piece set which we were initially going to get. If you are considering the 113 piece set, you can get them cheaper [...]

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