When it comes to finding the best baby blanket, pop-up book or educational video game, recommendations from a fellow parent are priceless. For this reason, we've added real parent reviews to our usual list of great products for kids of all ages.
School Bus: A fun-filled field trip to the school bus factory shows how buses are made. Concrete Truck: Learn how the concrete mixer is built and how the rotating drum works. $9/ea. www.marvelousmedia.net
The How’d They Build That? DVDs are very interesting and appropriate viewing for the whole family from preschoolers to older children, even parents. The narrator is very good and includes quick, informative “fun facts.” The DVDs remind me of something from the Discovery channel. Everyone is sure to learn something.
The bookmark with a digital timer records reading time, has a digital clock, programmable countdown timer with alarm, cumulative timer for multi-session reading, 60 second fluency timer and a replaceable battery. Ages 6+. $8.95. www.mark-my-time.com
Mark-My-Time is a durable bookmark with a clock timer on top. My children found it motivating and easy to use. The timer is able to hold the time over long periods and continue to accumulate. I would highly recommend this inexpensive item.
These flashlights cast a bright, white light, powerful enough to turn night into day. LED technology and precision-focus lensing deliver strong light and extends battery life. Water-and shock-resistant design. $39.99. www.duracell.com/daylite
The Duracell Daylite LED Flashlight is the brightest flashlight I’ve ever owned! I like the small size—great for kids to use. It’s perfect for camping, catching fireflies or looking for the missing toy in the dark car at night. I would definitely recommend this flashlight to everyone.
Team up and save the day by creating the ultimate transformer with Batman and Blue Beetle. Ages 4+. $26.99. www.toysrus.com
This toy is one of the easiest transforming toys my son has had. He was able to do it and there were no small pieces to lose. The instructions were very clear and easy to follow. The missiles the toy shot were big and bright orange and didn’t get lost when shot across the living room.
Reusable compress pads that fit. Natural cotton, grain and herb filled, microwavable, cooling, aromatherapeutic.
$20. www.thehappycompany.com
These great compress pads have a wonderful therapeutic effect. With a rose-lavender scent and soft natural cotton they are soothing and very comfortable! Twenty seconds in the microwave creates a perfect temperature or they’re great as cold compresses for relief. They fit easily under a nursing bra or nursing tank, although you shouldn’t expect a smooth appearance—I’d recommend a loose fitting or dark shirt.
