Well, ok, maybe you are looking for just a few of those features. Look no further because Blokus has received raving reviews.

My son and I were looking for gift ideas on Amazon. We came across the Blokus Board Game both in the Best Sellers list as well as the Most Wished For list, but he quickly replied, “nah”, without even looking at the description. Just a week and a half later, he told me that he played Blokus at school and he really liked it. I had hoped he”d change his mind because I wanted to give it a try , so I was ready and willing to purchase.

Overall, I have to agree with the hundreds of 5 star reviews. It’’s hard to find a game that is enjoyable for me while not being too difficult for the youngest. But this fits the bill. It’’s quick - only about 20-30 minutes for a round - so I”m willing to take a break for some family time when my day is busy. No fighting over the rules either. Yes, I am often interrupting arguments over games that require I read the rules out loud again followed by whines of “that’’s not fair” or “that doesn”t make sense” because it’’s not to the child’’s advantage.

On your turn you must lay one of your color tiles so that it touches one of your other tiles - but it must only touch on the corner. Simple. Here’’s a quick video in case you”d like to see….

Pros and Cons of Blokus Classic Edition (there have been more variations released):

Pros…

• Quick and Easy to learn - makes for a good game to pull out when company is over since there is no learning curve
• Fun for Kids and Adults - yes, I”ve been beat by my 7 and 9 year olds
• Colorful - I feel this adds to the stimulation of the game
• Addictive - the game will get lots of play time rather than sitting on a shelf
• Flexible - the kids have also used it for alone time by creating designs and playing it in the manner of Tetris

Cons…

• Game is useless if pieces are lost (see note below)
• Really requires 4 players for good play even though it says 2 - 4 players (see note below)
• Sometimes kids get frustrated at being blocked or ”ganged up on” (though these types of frustrations happen with many games and is a learning point in itself)

The size of the board and number of pieces makes it so the outcome of play with 2 or 3 players is pretty predictable. Since many card games adjust the number of cards in play according to number of players, we do the same with Blokus and it seems to work out pretty well. Rather than having each player be responsible for more than one color as suggested by the game for 2 players, we limit the use of playing squares. If there are 3 players, we are not allowed to use the outermost square of spaces as shown below..

And when we have 2 players, we do not use the 2 outermost squares..

As for lost pieces, I”ve read claims that some have called the company and the pieces were sent free of charge. I have never tried this. You can go to Blokus.com for contact information. And while you are there, you can play the game online for free!

Hyper Dash by Wild Planet defines what I look for in an ideal toy. This game is fun, energetic and educational all wrapped up in a small package with no little pieces to lose.

In it’’s ‘’simple” form, it resembles a My Simon type game where you have to memorize the order that colors (and, in this case, numbers as well) are presented and repeat it back with the tagger and inverted bowls. Unlike My Simon and similar games, you can lay out the colors/numbers in order you choose to add to the challenge. At times, I even pick it up and give it ago as it’’s hard to resist the challenge.

What I really love about Wild Planet Hyper Dash though is the ”Get up and move!” mode. Rather than just having the colors/numbers lay out on a table in front of you and taking the mental challenge, you can spread them throughout the room so that you physically have to run from one place to another to hit the targets. The following video gives you an idea on how this mode works.

Now don”t be mistaken by thinking this is only for little kids who need to learn their colors and numbers. This game is fun for all ages. Yes, that includes mom and dad. Fortunately, I have an odd number of kids so I ”have” to play when we set it for team mode You can start off easy and let it advance with rounds completed or set it for advanced which can include needing your math skills and remembering the previous number or color that was called.

It’’s well constructed, easy to understand, easy to store and a blast to play. I have to agree with over 80 reviews on Amazon that give it an overall rating of 5 stars. I”d give it even more if I could. At only $20 I promise you that you won”t go wrong. Make a dash over to Amazon or eBay and buy one now!

US $19.99 (0 Bid) End Date: Tuesday Jan-06-2009 12:47:52 PST Buy It Now for only: US $39.99 Bid now | Buy it now | Add to watch list

US $27.77 (0 Bid) End Date: Tuesday Jan-06-2009 18:15:00 PST Buy It Now for only: US $28.77 Bid now | Buy it now | Add to watch list

US $38.99 End Date: Saturday Jan-10-2009 0:57:59 PST Buy It Now for only: US $38.99 Buy it now | Add to watch list

US $9.99 (0 Bid) End Date: Sunday Jan-11-2009 19:49:03 PST Bid now | Add to watch list

US $18.50 End Date: Thursday Jan-15-2009 2:11:25 PST Buy It Now for only: US $18.50 Buy it now | Add to watch list

^{Mouse Over Image for Amazon Price or Click to Buy Now!}

While magnetix seems to be a more popular brand according to the number of Amazon reviews, geomags definitely has it’’s share of fans. And the briefcase for keeping things organized and portable is a real plus.

If you want to add to your child’’s collection of magnetic toys or give them your first try, now is a good time. The Geomag 350 piece Briefcase is normally priced at $79.99, but right now you can snag one now at only $53.00! I”m not sure how long this price lasts.

Price comparison to what’’s available on eBay? If there are any available, they should show below.

No auctions showing for the briefcase?

^{Mouse Over Image for Amazon Price or Click to Buy Now!}

The very popular Cranium series of educational games has won many awards…

Price comparison with eBay listings:

US $4.00 End Date: Saturday Jan-10-2009 0:27:36 PST Buy It Now for only: US $4.00 Buy it now | Add to watch list

US $4.99 (1 Bid) End Date: Saturday Jan-10-2009 21:46:59 PST Bid now | Add to watch list

US $15.00 (0 Bid) End Date: Sunday Jan-11-2009 10:23:05 PST Buy It Now for only: US $25.00 Bid now | Buy it now | Add to watch list

US $0.99 (1 Bid) End Date: Sunday Jan-11-2009 14:10:51 PST Bid now | Add to watch list

US $9.99 (0 Bid) End Date: Sunday Jan-11-2009 19:18:23 PST Bid now | Add to watch list

US $19.99 End Date: Wednesday Jan-28-2009 7:39:58 PST Buy It Now for only: US $19.99 Buy it now | Add to watch list

No, they are not carrying around 5 pound physics books. They are just playing with their magnetic toys. My boys love their magnetic play sets and so does the following reviewer…

^{Mouse Over Image for Amazon Price or Click to Buy Now!}

Geomag Magnetic Toys
By: Anton Komarov

There are many different types of magnetic toys that can be purchased for children. Most of these toys are extremely fun for children as well as adults. Many of these toys are also educational in addition to being fun, which is great for parents who enjoy educating their children in entertaining ways. Magnetic toys can be purchased from toy stores, educational stores, and online.

Educational magnetic toys can be very useful in the lives of children. They can teach children about geometrical shapes, building structures, magnetism, and the effects of gravity. Most of these magnetic toys are only recommended for children who are five years of age or older. Magnetic toy kits may contain small parts that could be hazardous to small children if swallowed. Therefore, it is best to purchase these toys for older children. (page down to continue reading)

Compare Prices on Magnetix at eBay:

US $13.96 (1 Bid) End Date: Thursday Jan-08-2009 4:00:06 PST Bid now | Add to watch list

US $6.98 (1 Bid) End Date: Friday Jan-09-2009 23:43:15 PST Bid now | Add to watch list

Pages 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | more

There are a few different types of magnetic toys that can be purchased. One of the most popular types is geomag. magz are also popular and are very similar to Geomag. Both of these products can be used to create magnetic structures. Name Your Link are an example of a different type of magnetic toy because they are used to construct marble courses on a magnetic surface instead of structures.

Geomag is a magnetic toy kit that allows children to build various magnetic structures. It comes with different magnetic shapes, including steel balls and bars for building. The magnetic pieces in each kit are strong, so structures can stay intact, but they can also be put together and taken apart easily. Geomag toys are made in Switzerland and are known to be very durable and high in quality.

There are a few different types of Geomag kits, including a 132 color piece set, a 184 color piece set, a 184 piece glow-in-the-dark kit, a 20 sample size set, and an 86 piece magnetic construction set. You can also purchase a panel kit that includes additional magnetic shapes such as diamonds, squares, triangles, and pentagons. The panel kit can be used in conjunction with any other type of Geomag kit.

Magz magnetic toy kits are similar to Geomag kits because they contain magnetic bars and steel balls for building structures. The basic set includes 56 pieces so you can build small structures. If you need more pieces to make medium or large structures, you can purchase a Mega Magz set which includes 130 of the same magnetic pieces.

Magz sets are unique because each kit comes with different shapes, sizes, and colors of magnetic pieces. The DynaMagz kit has a variety of unique shapes and the Magz X kit has X shapes in addition to the regular shapes. In order to build larger, sturdier structures, you can also purchase a Super Magz kit which contains more pieces and larger bars and balls than other Magz kits.

Name Your Link magnetic toys allow children to construct marble courses on a vertical, magnetic surface. The pieces in a Frigits kit will work best on flat surfaces such as a refrigerator or filing cabinet. Each Frigits kit comes with magnetic rails, buckets, chutes, a catch box, and a ferris wheel. Children can position these pieces in any fashion that they desire on a magnetic surface. After creating a course, kids can enjoy watching a marble tumble through the formations that they have built.

^{Mouse Over Image for Amazon Price or Click to Buy Now!}

Amazon is offering a $20 certificate toward future purchases when your order equals $100 or more. So you can buy the Fly Pentop at a great price and get $20 back to apply toward future purchases - whether it be for more gifts to treat yourself.

It’s like getting the Pentop Battery Charger for free!
Plus, you also get free shipping. But you need to act now because the cash back offer is only good throughh November 12, 2006.

Toy of the Year, representing the best toy of the year - FLY™ Pentop Computer from LeapFrog Enterprises.

Most Innovative Toy of the Year, for the most outstanding, unique and creative toy - FLY™ Pentop Computer from LeapFrog Enterprises.

Infant/Preschool Toy of the Year, for toys designed for infant and/or preschool children - Weebles Weebly Wobbly Tree House from Playskool.

Electronic Entertainment Toy of the Year, for toys that merge high-technology with creativity and imagination - 20Q from Radica.

Educational Toy of the Year, recognizing a toy that, through
play, helps children develop special skills and/or knowledge -
FLY™ Pentop Computer from LeapFrog Enterprises.

Activity Toy of the Year, recognizing a toy that inspires creative play through various forms of activity - LEGO Star Wars from LEGO Systems Inc.

Game of the Year, including board, CD-ROM, electronic and
card game formats - Apples to Apples® from Out of the Box
Publishing and Hullabaloo from Cranium.

Specialty Toy of the Year, for toys distributed primarily through specialty retailers - 3-D Pool Table from Zocker Toys and UGLYDOLL from Prettyugly LLC.

Outdoor Toy of the Year, focused on toys designed for outdoor play - Air Hogs R/C Dominator from Spin Master Ltd. (My husband loves the Air Hogs and keeps trying to buy them ‘for the kids’ when he knows they are too young to take good care of it ~lol.)

Girl Toy of the Year, for toys developed specifically for girls of any age - Dora’s Talking Kitchen from Fisher-Price.

Boy Toy of the Year, for toys developed for boys of any age - Tyco® R/C Shell Shocker from Mattel. (My boys really wanted this one, I think it will still be on the possible list for next year.)

Retailer of the Year, for the retailer who stocked their
store shelves with a variety of popular toys, as well as for innovation
in their operating systems, creative in-store merchandising, and for
quality customer service - Target. (That’s not the name I expected to see, but it is a nice surprise.)

http://www.toy-tia.org/Content/NavigationMenu/Press_Room/Press_Releases1/02_11_06/02_11_06.htm

Sounds like there are some changes on the horizon for LeapFrog as the CEO steps down. Will this mean changes in the products and prices or just corporate changes effecting their bottom line? Will be interesting to see the results as the CEO of Orbitz takes his place…

USATODAY.com - LeapFrog CEO steps down

^{Mouse Over or Click Image to See Amazon Price}

I pulled down a preschool educational board game from the game shelf (which is getting rather high) that we have not played in a while: Hi Ho Cherry-O. While playing the game with my preschooler, I realized it does more than teach counting.

The goal of Hi Ho Cherry-O is to pick all your cherries off your tree and put them in your basket. You do this by taking off the number of cherries indicated by the spinner on your turn. The challenge that is presented is that there is a bird and dog on that spinner which will take cherries out of your basket and you have to put them back on your tree. And gosh forbid, the spinner may tell you that you’ve dumped your basket in this preschool game which means they all go back on the tree!

So you may think the only thing that the child can learning here is counting as they remove cherries from the tree (or put them back on). But there can be more learning opportunites with this game. How about practicing addition and subtraction. “You have 6 cherries on your tree and you get to remove 2, how many will be left?” - or the reverse with addition.

There could also be some more - possibly subtle - learning going on in this preschool game. Like chutes and ladders, you can never quite know where you stand in this game as far as winning. You can be far ahead of everyone then suddenly dump your whole basket. The child must control his emotional roller coaster as things continuoustly changes from “yeah, I’m winning” to “oh no, I’m losing”. And, unfortunately, Mom and maybe the child must show patience as the cherries continuously get knocked off the trees every time someone bumps the box. A hint: Put the cherries ’stems down’ onto the trees.

Overall, Hi Ho Cherry-O is a fun board game that makes a great addition to your stack of preschool board games and can be found at most online and offline stores.

You can find it by clicking the Holiday Surprise Sale (kids). The Odyssey III Globe is currently on sale for $99.95. That’s $40 off their regular price and lower than I could find anywhere else on the net!

From their site:
“Talking globe brings geography to life. It instructs, it quizzes–it even plays music! Most importantly, our interactive globe can spur your child to develop a life-long interest in geography and culture. By touching any point on the globe with the stylus, your child can hear that country’s name, population, native music, and more.

Does more than others–it lets kids measure the distance between any two points, and can even calculate distance and flying time between two locations. Includes a world clock that tells the time of day in all 24 time zones. With fun, fast-paced quiz games for one to four players, and three challenge levels to keep pace with growing minds. New and improved base puts controls at your fingertips.

* Winner of educational awards–All-Star Award 2002, Best Toy 2001, and Computed Award 1999″

Don’t forget! To receive free ground shipping on your order, you must meet the minimum purchase requirement of $85.00 (which this product does) and enter the code ZSNOW in the “Promotion Code” field during the checkout process. Free shipping offer expires Dec 14!