Wednesday, March 31, 2010

What About the Hot Toys?

Our children are bombarded by marketing and will beg for the latest hot toy they see on TV. My strategy is to take a chance on one hotly marketed toy and buy it early. That will satisfy your child's desire for the toys he says he wants after watching TV in the afternoon. Check out these commercial announcements of the hot toys for the season.

Let Your Child's Interests Guide You

What kind of toy is your child drawn to? Mine like realistic toys for imaginative play - spy kits, dolls, tea sets, golf clubs, dress-up clothes, camping equipment, cooking toys. Your child might be into building sets, crafts, books, games, sports equipment, or collectibles.

Great toys are played for months and even years. They engage the child's mind and imagination. They have a sturdy and satisfying feel. They are just right for your child's age and stage of development. So, how do you sift through the junk to find great toys?

Building a computer controlled radio transmitter


How would you like to send text messages to your friends without wires, and without an Internet connection, and without paying monthly fees?

In this project we will build a very simple radio transmitter that you attach to a serial port on your computer. The computer then runs a free program that converts words you type into radio signals that are decoded by another computer, using a cheap radio receiver, and a sound card.

With a little study, you don't even need the second computer, since the radio signals are in Morse code, which anyone can learn to decode in their head with a little practice. It also comes in handy as a secret language, or as a way to send long distance messages with a pocket mirror.


Click on photo for a larger picture

The computer controlled transmitter needs these parts: (We carry most of the necessary parts in our catalog.)

* A one megahertz oscillator
You can use other frequencies if you have a radio that can receive them. We carry this item in our

* A serial port connector
We use a 9 pin RS232 connector. You can take apart an old serial cable, or buy a new connector from an electronics or computer store. We carry this item in our catalog.

* Some insulated wire for an antenna
Just about any kind of wire will do, the longer the better.

* An alligator test lead
This is a piece of wire with alligator clips at each end. We carry this item in our catalog.

For our first transmitter, we will connect the parts with alligator clips. This lets us quickly change frequencies by replacing the 1 megahertz oscillator with an oscillator with a different frequency. Later we will show a version made with a socket for the oscillator, a printed circuit board, and a light emitting diode that flashes morse code along with the oscillator.


Click on photo for a larger picture

The first step is to cut the test lead in half. In these photos I have cut two test leads, one red and one black, to make it easier to see where the connections go. But unless you are making two transmitters (your friend wants to send messages back, doesn't she?) you can just use one test lead (cut into two pieces).

Remove a little insulation from the cut ends of the wire, and solder one of the cut ends to pin 5 and the other to pin 4.

Pin 5 of the serial port connector (the black wire in the photo) connects to the ground pin of the oscillator. Pin 4 of the serial port connector goes to the power pin of the oscillator. The drawing shows the transmitter from the top (pins pointing down). The photo below shows the oscillator upside down, with the pins facing up.


Click on photo for a larger picture

The green alligator clip attaches to the antenna, which can be any long wire. It is attached to the output pin of the oscillator. The remaining pin of the oscillator (the one nearest the sharp corner) is not used.

Your Computer Controlled Transmitter is now complete!

Sunday, March 14, 2010

Doll House Loft Bunk Bed Themed for a Girl's Rooms

This product may make your girls smile when they see the Doll House loft bunk bed. Themed like a big doll house, the bunk bed makes sleeping fun and turns a girl's room into a play area. These are for sale at many places on the internet from $1,100 - $1,350 including here at the House of Décor. Search on "doll house bed" if you want to do some comparative shopping. The product is made by Tradewins.

Baby Blankets and Clothes


Getting cozy accessories for a baby is really a perfect way to celebrate the baby’s arrival. These bring warm memories of childhood and parents want to cherish these for long. Everybody wants to get good quality of baby accessories right from the blankets to nappy pads. Baby Blankets Having a baby blanket can be one of the greatest things about childhood. Everyone loved their own baby blankets so much. Therefore, parents are concerned with choosing the right blanket for their newborns that will last for long and will be a safe and comfortable companion for them

Space Saving Kids Furniture : Pkolino Klick Desk and Chair Set



The Pkolino Klick Desk and Chair Set has a neat design which forms into a cube when not in use. This space saving kids furniture is designed for children ages 3-7. For parents that have small homes or apartments, this product creates possibilities in improved space management. Also, divorced parents can use this product when they have weekend visitation and provide an improved environment for their children. This product retails for $198 at Design Public and can be purchased

Bobble Heads


Bobble head style toys are widely popular in Japan as a traditional gift for baby boys. These include a nodding tiger with a detachable tail; which also as a string for counter balance which supports the head enabling the head to nod from side to side. Bobble heads are often made out of various cartoon figures such as Popeye, Brutus, Looney tunes, Spiderman, Dracula and even of famous personalities such as William Shakespeare, Sigmund Freud and more.

BABYBJÖRN Babysitter Balance : The Bouncing Baby Chair



It may not seem that there is a science to a simple bouncing baby chair, but the fact is moving themselves enables your child to train their motor and balance skills naturally. The BABYBJÖRN Babysitter Balance has been developed in close cooperation with pediatricians and is backed up by over 45 years of product development and experience, not to mention it won this years Red Dot Award for product design. The BABYBJÖRN Babysitter Balance is easy to fold, has three positions including play, rest and sleep, and is available in an organic version. Perfect for babies from 0-2 years of age 3.5 kg/7.7 lbs to 13 kg/28.6 lbs. Around $140

Soft Toys


One can prepare unique and fun soft toys on your own and take tips from the internet about designing your own soft toys which would be a fruitful experience on its own. One can tips from various cartoon figures which one likes or animal figures such as rabbits, monkeys, crocodiles, penguins and more. These life size stuffed soft toys are sure to please children and can be used to decorate the nursery or the play room. One can make simple small size soft toys which can be pocketed and taken for trips or gifted to infants or given away as return gifts for birthday parties. Making life size soft toys of pandas, ducks or at times dangerous species such as alligators or leopards can appear intimidating and fun too.

Christmas Gift For Kids


Christmas is a magical time for kids. They are most excited about the onset of Christmas, since, the festival means unexpected gifts and surprises to them. The excitement starts building up quiet a long time ago and kids come up with their list of wishes to make the festival joyous. The Christmas gifts act as major attractions of this great occasion luring kids to a great extent and serving as a perfect opportunity for kids to get their wishes come true. Thus they eagerly await the arrival of Christmas. Kids are pampered and adored by gifting them with unique and beautiful Christmas gifts. So, be content by bringing smiles on these innocent faces on coming Christmas too by distributing beautiful gifts.

Coolest Bunk Beds in the World


This product is perhaps the coolest bunk beds in the world that I have seen. Called "Wave 2", it features a unique design shaped like a work of architecture. Just the climbing up to the top bed is a real treat for kids. I have included the single bed version for comparison. Wave 2 comes from Mimondo and can be found

Fun, Unique and Bizarre toys


If you are on the look out for unique and bizarre toys which are also fun to play with, shopping and buying them online is your best bet as several choices and a wide variety are readily available. There are many online stores which provide descriptions of the toys that they provide, along with displays or pictures so that you can make a wise decision. Many online shops also show price ranges which enables a person to choose the appropriate toy according to their budget

Fun toys come under the categories of toys for kids as well as for adults. These can include foam mats; pop up canopies, inflatable toys, bouncing toys, jumping toys and more. Fun toys can also include kids craft toys where a person can experiment and use ones creativity to make toys which are fun and interesting. Paper craft and paints can be used to make unusual designs and shapes and is a fun indoor activity as well, which are great activities for kids in the summer.

Folding Children's Flexi Bath Tub from A Real Cool World


Want to get your child excited about taking a bath, get a colorful Flexi Bath Tub from A Real Cool World. These fold up smaller scale children's bath tubs are perfect for kids up to 4 years of age and feature smooth rounded edges for safety, vibrant colors, and a folding design that stores just about anywhere. Available from

Roking Ride On Christmas Deer Toys For Kids



Product Description

Fashionable animal design
Safety brakes for safe and fun play
Competition price
More entertainment and humanization for kids

1. Environmental protection. The type does not need any energy, children can walk by riding. With the characteristics of green environmental protection
2. Safety. Using wool fabrics and other plus materials to packing, except for small wheels and sewing, all other saddle stirrup transmission parts are wrapped in skin, and design are referring to the various standard of toys, so it is very safe


3. Attractive appearance. The elephant toy is a well-designed works of art, exquisite lovely shape to meet the needs of the children's favorite animals and pets, and close to the psychological. At the same time for people of all ages to enjoy

Deck Out Your Children's Playroom with the Gourmet Island from Pottery Barn Kids



The aspiring young chef will love it when you add the stylish Gourmet Island to their playroom or bedroom. Pottery Barn Kids included all of the interactive elements to encourage creative play and a great dinner one day. You'll find knobs that click, a sink that holds water, doors that open and close and spinning faucet handles. Other features include real wood veneers and overhead pot and pan hangers. $449 21.5 x 27 x 38.5" H Visit Pottery Barn Kids

Cool Toys for Kids (And Dads) to Enjoy

Just when you thought every children's toy was powered exclusively by batteries, along comes a one that is powered by a child's imagination.

A single Crazy Forts kit contains 25 geometrically precise balls and 44 sticks that connect to create a multitude of possible play structures.
Simply throw a bed sheet over top and watch their creativity flourish. A rocket today, an undiscovered cave tomorrow, a princess castle one day and a wild horse in a corral next week are all possible with Crazy Forts. And toys that promote collaborative play between boys and girls are few and far between. The more you have, the better it gets as multiple kit structures are even more impressive.

Children learn through play and this toy allows them to mentally visualize a structure and easily create it. It also allows them to grasp rudimentary engineering and physics concepts in a fun way. It's perfect for outdoor and indoor play and best of all, there's no couches or chairs to put back in place when play is over.

Kids Ride on Toys


Shopping for Kids Ride-on Toys Shopping for kids ride-on toys may bring you more selections than you were initially prepared for. Ride-on toys have always been favorites of kids, whether they be toddlers or teens. Little ones love the mobility that comes with sitting on a ride-on toy, and older kids love the freedom and the power that comes with riding a bicycle or motorized bike or scooter. Purchasing the right bicycle, scooter, tricycle, or motorized toy is a decision that you shouldn't make on the spot, however. Buy An Age Appropriate Toy While you might be tempted to buy a ride-on toy that is a bit too big for your child at the moment, you really need to buy something that fits your child now. If you purchase a toy that is too large for your child, you're actually placing your child at risk for becoming injured. Pay attention to the age recommendations for the item before you buy and allow your child to use it. Be sure your child can reach the pedals and is old enough to work the power button or accelerator and brakes before you turn her loose on a new toy. Safety Issues Of course, you can't wrap your kids in cotton and protect them from every bump and bruise, but you can purchase toys that are safe for them to use, and you should teach them how to use the toys properly. * Don't buy cheaply made toys-A kids ride-on toy is not the toy to skimp on. A toy that is cheaply made may also increase the risk of injury to your child. Look for toys that are sturdy, with a wide wheelbase that will lessen the risk of turning over. * Examine the toy for potential safety hazards-Look for sharp edges, screws, loose parts, etc. before you purchase and before your child rides the toy. * Mail in the registration card-This will give you access to any recalls concerning the item you have purchased. * Purchase safety accessories-No matter what type of kids ride-on toy your children ride, they should wear a helmet, elbow and knee pads. This should be something that is expected of your child every time she rides. Eventually, putting on these items will become a habit for your child. Your child should always wear shoes as well. * Don't allow your kids to ride at night-Motorists may not be able to see them. * Take your kids to a safety class-Check with your local transportation and police departments to inquire about bicycle, ATV, and other safety training classes and workshops that your kids can attend. Many of these are free to the public.

Thanksgiving gifts For Kids


The Thanksgiving Day is the perfect time to gather all family and friends and throw parties and invite each other to share all that is good in their lives. The day is followed by the Thanksgiving feast, which is the highlight of this auspicious day! People arrange feasts or dinners and invite their friends to partake from whatever they can offer to them. When you are invited to a Thanksgiving dinner or party, it is considered a polite and nice gesture to take a gift for the party hosts. The hosts get delighted when they receive gifts, especially the younger members of the house- as we know, kids love to get gifts anytime. They look forward to meet their favorite uncles and aunts, may be for receiving gifts from them! If we see, Thanksgiving has no special activity that caters exclusively to them.

Creative and Educational Toys for Boys and Girls Read more at Suite101: Creative and Educational Toys for Boys and Girls: Teach Children New Skills &

Good creative and educational toys for boys and girls can be fun. Many of these will help kids throughout their school years and their working lives. Cool toys and games are a great way to learn. Try Printies, Laser Pegs, Monopoly City, and Lego Mindstorms. Educational Toys Every parent wants a smart creative kid who can do something other than click a remote control or flick a thumb on an iPod. Boys and girls everywhere should be given access to fun, challenging, educational but still entertaining toys. Here are some of the best creative toys around. Creative Toy for Girls – Printies Design Studio Craft toys are a good way to stimulate creativity and a sense of design. Printies Design Studio is a way for girls to design their own one-of-a-kind stuffed toys right at home. And there are millions of different ways for them to create their own unique designs, and then turn their images into cute stuffed dolls or stuffed animals. Printies are groovy, hip, exciting, and every girl will have fun playing around with this kit. However, the child will need access to a computer and color printer to make Printies designs. But it's really cool. Creative Toys for Boys or Girls – Laser Pegs Finally, there's something new and exciting in construction toys. Laser Pegs are a lighted construction set, and that gives these cool construction pieces a whole new dimension. The concept of Laser Pegs is a set of blocks, tubes, and odd shaped pieces that use a low voltage current as an energy source. Each plastic piece will light up as soon as it is connected to another illuminated plastic piece.

Top Best Kids Toys For Kids 8 To 11 Years Old

Between the ages of 8 to 11, kids are shaping up their hobbies and interests. The best kids toys for this age group include a wide range of toys. Kids still prefer music, computer and video games and toys that offer a challenge to them. Fashion is a popular pastime for the girls. Here are some of the best kids toys for kids between the ages of 8 to 11.
1. Lego Wild Hunters
Now it's possible to create creatures of the wild with this awesome LEGO Wild Hunters building set. Endless building possibilities will constructively occupy your child for hours. Another winner from LEGO!

2. Hasbro ChatNow
The ChatNow is like a mini cell phone, but without the fees! This glorified walky talky can be used to stay in touch with your friends upto a 2 mile radius. Messages can be texted across, calls can be made, and pictures can be clicked with the built in digital camera. The unit runs on batteries.
3. Roboraptor
This latest hitech toy dinosaur robot from Wow Wee International is fascinating to say the least! It can do a number of functions including move forward and backward, make sounds, and sense if someone or something is near. This robot does not come without its limitations though & reminds us that we are still a long way from the space age robots. The Roboraptor is still one of the best kid's robotic toys

4. FLY Pentop Computer
This awesome invention is definitely something to talk about! With this mini computer, you can solve math problems, play musical instruments, calculate up some numbers in a jiffy and lots more. You have to use the special dot matrix paper in order for the computer to detect what's written. You can draw drums or keyboards with it, and play music with what you've drawn. Amazing!
5. Back Yard Flyer
Kids love to to play with planes, especially ones that fly. The Backyard Flyer from Kid Galaxy is loads of fun. It recharges in 10 seconds, and is ready to whiz around once again!


6. Star Wars ARC-170 Starfighter
This ultra cool plane from Hasbro features working missile and bomb launchers. Overall, a pretty impressive looking plane.

Halloween Costumes

Halloween is perhaps the most exciting time of the year. Everyone looks forward to Halloween as it is a chance to be someone else and to be creative. Every year there is the search for the perfect costume and finding the right one is like winning the prize!

One of the greatest attraction to look out for on the Halloween night is the kids’ Halloween costumes. The October 31st night traditional celebrations get the kids most excited. Children love the trick-or-treat part of the celebration where they dress in crazy and unusual costumes and go door to door for candies, fruits and sweets.

However, kids always seek the held of their moms and elders to give form to their wild imagination. So, you need to make such costumes for your kids that will excite their imagination and give them confidence. You need to be a little creative and you will come up with perfect outfits for your kids.

High Tech Parenting Gadgets


High-tech toys seem all the rage, even for infants and toddlers. If a toys doesn't have lights, noises, and buttons, then it can't be fun, right? Of course not. While some high-tech toys are great, many low or no-tech toys are fun and educational too. And they may actually hold your child's attention longer then many high-tech toys. Which toys and games should you get your child? Offering your child a good mix of high-tech toys and other toys that don't have computer chips, lights, or loud noises and that can spark your child's imagination, keep her entertained, and help her learn new things is probably best.

The Best Kids' Toys

I have purchased my share of junky toys through the years, and learned a few lessons in the process. Don't make the same mistakes I did. Instead, choose toys that your kids will love, and are worth your hard-earned money.

Let Your Child's Interests Guide You

What kind of toy is your child drawn to? Mine like realistic toys for imaginative play - spy kits, dolls, tea sets, golf clubs, dress-up clothes, camping equipment, cooking toys. Your child might be into building sets, crafts, books, games, sports equipment, or collectibles.

Great toys are played for months and even years. They engage the child's mind and imagination. They have a sturdy and satisfying feel. They are just right for your child's age and stage of development. So, how do you sift through the junk to find great toys?

What About the Hot Toys?

Our children are bombarded by marketing and will beg for the latest hot toy they see on TV. My strategy is to take a chance on one hotly marketed toy and buy it early. That will satisfy your child's desire for the toys he says he wants after watching TV in the afternoon. Check out these commercial announcements of the hot toys for the season.

If you're lucky, you won't have to spend all of your budget on that one hot toy. Then, you can focus your spending on really good toys that you can feel good about buying. In my experience, these are the most successful toys for lasting play value and parent satisfaction.

American Girls Books Dolls and Accessories

Step into the past by turning the pages of a book. Visualize what it was like to be a young girl in some of the most pivotal times in America. This is what makes the American Girl collection so popular. The books, dolls and other accessories help young girls explore their world and dream of what could be and what is yet to come. American Girl Historical Characters Kaya, 1764: Kaya is a Nez Perce Indian girl growing up in the Arizona, New Mexico area before America became a country. Felicity, 1774: Felicity grows up in the heart of Williamsburg, Virginia, at the very beginning of the American Revolution. Josefina, 1824: American Girls returns to New Mexico as expansion begins on the Santa Fe Trail. Kirsten, 1854: Kirsten's family are immigrants who come to America and pioneer the American frontiers. Samantha, 1904: The Victorian Era of the early 1900's was an exciting time to be a growing young girl. There were lots of changes in the United States. This was the beginning of industrialization. Rebecca, 1914: Rebecca's family is a Jewish family who immigrated here from Russia. Rebecca was born after they immigrated, so she has American citizenship. Readers get a look into the heart of the immigration movements in New York City between WWI & WWII. Kit, 1934: Kit lives through the Great Depression. Her family struggles to make ends meet. They open their house to borders and learn some creative ways to share with others. This series is perfect for a young girl learning about money. In present day, this country's recession has a lot of similarities to the Great Depression. People are losing their homes, their jobs. Homeless shelters are seeing an increase in unmet needs. This story teaches the values of family, friendship and working together. Molly, 1944: Molly lives in the historical period during WWII. Her dad is a doctor who is oversees in Europe. The family misses dad and carries on. Her mother takes a job, and a neighbor comes in to help cook and clean for the family. Molly learns to make a Victory Garden, and collects scrap metal for the war efforts. This too, is a great series to buy for a little girl in this time period, as many young girls face the fact that their dad is away at war this year to keep the country and world safe. Julie, 1974: This is a fun and enlightening story of what life was like in the early 1970's. The Vietnam War had just ended. It is a time of great change and more freedom than America has ever experienced before. American Girl Dolls The dolls that depict each American Girl character have become very popular throughout the years. There is an American Girls store in almost every major city in the United States. A whole industry is completely devoted to creating a story behind the dolls. Each doll has a wardrobe, furniture and accessories. These dolls are not cheap, though. The average cost of an American Girl original is over $100. However, the company is dedicated to making sure the dolls are kept in top shape. Should something happen to a little girl's doll, each store has a facility similar to a doll hospital. Dolls can be repaired and refurbished if little mishaps happen. American Girl A Treasured Gift Start a little girl's collection with a set of American Girl books and the American Girl doll that goes with it. Throughout the year, for birthdays and specials occasions, continue to buy the different series of books. Keep her interested in the pages of history and the stories behind each girl. Maybe start a tradition of buying one American Girl doll each Christmas. These books and dolls will become treasured holiday gifts that will last a lifetime.

Sesame Street Characters


There is hardly any kid who is not fond of the Sesame Street television show. And why not, when it’s a wonderful fusion of entertainment and education. Behind the creation of the popular and lovable muppet characters lies the mind of Jim Henson. The show has come up with more than 4,000 episodes and is hence one of the longest-running U.S. television shows in history. If your tiny tot too is extremely fond of the adorable sesame characters, then you can buy them sesame street stuffed toys. They will be your child’s cutest friends. You can also gift these stuffed toys to any kid on any special occasion. Here is a list of the Sesame Street stuffed toys. You can choose the one that best caters to the demands of your child. All these stuffed toys are Gund products which are well known for their superior quality. Read the rest of this entry