Stem Toys to Encourage Coding from TechWillSaveUS

As you might have realized by now Christmas is just around the corner.   So the kids in your life might have already given you a list of things they might want.   Growing up I always got some education product in my gifts.  When I had kids of my own I also made sure that they would get an educational item or two in the midst of their items.

So when I was approached by KidsStuffPR to review products from TechWillSaveUS, I was curious of what they might have.  Turns out that their products are all based on STEM learning and highly so I decided to get the Micro:Master Pack which is geared for children 11 years old and up.

The Micro:MasterPack is composed of the micro:bit as well as the micro:craft, micro:bot, and the mocro:mods kits. Together they introduce creative coding to the child using them and over thirty projects can be made from them.

Let me present you the different components of the set.

Micro:Bit - This is the starter set of the pack.   It encourages kids to code and encourages creativity and invention.   It is very simple to use - start to code on one of the three coding platforms (computer, phones or tablets), upload the code to the micro:bit and voilà...  Simple and quick.   My own daughter who is 11 has made numerous little messages on this item and enjoyed it.   You can write message on it or simply upload an image. 

Micro:Craft - This add-on kit for the Micro:Bit will allow you to create even more things with it via
your crafting skills.  It contains copper tape, crocodile clips, a buzzer, and some cables.  Inside the box you will also find a little notebook to help you design your projects.  On their website, you can find a ton of projects that can be done with this add-on kit.  It allows you to incorporate crafting with coding.   Design your creation, make it, code it and watch it comes to life.

Micro:Mods - This is another add-on kit for the Micro:Bit product.   It contains a casing (to make a watch), some velcro straps, split pins, glue pads, and a LED strip.   One example you can do with this kit would be to program the rainbow colors in your LED strip.   You can then stick this LED strip on yourself or a backpack to be more stylish.

Micro:Bot - Finally, the Micro:Bot is another add-on kit for the Micro:Bit kit.  This will allow your child to build and code three different robots.  This contains 2 servos, 2 wheels, 1 battery pack, 7 jumper wires, 2 wagos, 5 glue pads, and 5 crocodile clips.  You will also need other items that are easily found at home like markers, ball, craft knife, golf club, tape, screwdriver, glue, kitchen foil, paper and a sponge.   You can choose to make a ArtBot, a GolfBot or a RoomBot. 

If you worry about the fact that your child might not be able to code - don't!   The website - microbit.org- possesses numerous tutorials and information that will help him/her to make.   At first I wished that there were more instructions in the boxes but I quickly realized that their website was self-explanatory and easy to use.

My daughter quickly grasp the way to use the website in a matter of minutes.  She has experience a few things with the items we have received.  She still has a lot more that she can do with them and will continue to explore the projects she can do on the website.

With Christmas being just around the corner and time off from school, your kids will probably enjoy doing a bit of fun projects with the products of TeachWillSaveUs.  And without realizing it, your kids will still learn during this holiday season. 

All these products and many more are only available on their website.  They offer a wide variety of coding products for kids ages 4-6, 7-10 and 11+.  The company offers free shipping in the UK and the US.

Disclaimer:  I have received the Micro:MasterPack kit from KidStuff PR and TechWillSaveUS.I was not monetarily compensated for this review.  Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way.  All opinions expressed here are only my own.

Nerf N-Strike Modulus Ghost Ops Evader

Does you child (or yourself) enjoy Nerf battles with family and friends?  Does your church youth ministry have events involving Nerf battles like ours do sometimes?   Well you might want to know that Hasbro has released an out-of-the-ordinary Nerf blaster this year…  The Nerf N-Strike Modulus Ghost Ops Evader will blow your mind.  Let me tell you more about this blaster.

I have never seen a blaster so transparent before – now only will it hide you perfectly when doing dark Nerf battles with friends but you can surprise them with suddenly lighting your blaster when you are almost in front of them.  As you can imagine, you have the option of staying in stealth mode or light your way by simply pressing a button in the front of the blaster.  Pressing the front button on the handle will bright up your path with green neon color zooming around your blaster.  It is the coolest thing I have ever seen before.  Even my kids were impressed by it!

And that’s not all…  You can custmize the blaster with the barrel extension that lights up when attached to the blaster.   Or you can built your own blaster up by attaching other Modulus accessories on the tactical rails.  The Evader blaster is part of the Ghost Ops series that also includes the Reflective Targeting Kit and ChronoBarrel upgrades. With the entire Modulus system, more than 1000 combinations are possible! (Note that Blasters, upgrade kits, and accessories are sold separately).

Using this blaster is really easy.  All you have to do is load the 12-dart clip into the Evader blaster, take aim, and unleash 12 darts in a row with rapid-fire motorized blasting.  Voilà!

The Nerf N-Strike Modulus Ghost Ops Evader comes with the blaster, the clip housing cover, the barrel extension, a 12-dart clip, 12 Elite darts, and instructions.

This blaster is very special and will bring a load of fun when competing in a friendly competition with family and/or friends.

The Nerf N-Strike Modulus Ghost Ops Evader and its accessories are available at your favorite toy store, even on amazon.ca and amazon.com.

 

Targeting Kit

 

ChronoBarrel

 

Disclaimer: Thanks to Hasbro Canada for sending me the above mentioned product for review purposes . I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.

FurReal Ricky The Trick Loving Pup

What out world because Ricky the Trick-Lovin’ Pup has arrived just in time for Christmas this year.  This toy is part of the FurReal collection created by Hasbro.   And with his tricks and response to sound and motion, I think this toy will bring lots of joy for children.  

Ricky is vary talented when it comes to performing his tricks.  However, he really loves to get treats whenever he performs.   So make sure you feed him when he balance his bone toy on his nose and flip it into his mouth or when he raise his paw in order to give you a high-five.  If Ricky is excited he will shuffle his paws and bark in happiness.  

This pup is absolutely adorable in many ways.  His fur is very soft and he loves to be pet by the small hands of a child.   He responds with more than 100 sound-and-motion combinations whether voice activated or pet. 

The pup also have a toot/poop functionality  when you pet his back which I suspect will bring laughter to many.   However, not everyone will find this functionality thrilling…  Personally I find think that the toy would have been better without it.  But sense of humor varies from person to person so at first it could be hilarious but with time I wonder how much fun this will be.

Ricky comes with a bone toy, 18 doggie treats, a treat pouch and instructions. The toy requires four 1.5 v batteries which are not included in the packaging.   Also not that this toy is not for children 3 years and younger.  It is recommended for ages 4 and up.  Also the muzzle and the bone toy contains magnets.

FurReal Ricky the Trick-Lovin’ Pup is available for purchase at your favorite toy store, even on amazon.ca and amazon.com.

 

Disclaimer: Thanks to Hasbro Canada for sending me the above mentioned product for review purposes . I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.

Disney Princess Pop-Up Palace

Disney Princess Pop-Up Palace

The Disney Princess Pop-up Palace will allow your child to recreate the magical stories from their favorite Disney movies.   This amazing palace can be used as a playset, a storage place and a carrying case.   You can open up the castle in order to extend it and discover different rooms but that’s not all.  Lift the handle located at the top of the palace in order to reveal a second floor.  

The castle features 4 different themed areas and includes playful Disney Princess movie-inspired accessories like a shell-shaped bathtub, a rose-detailed table and chair, a royal lounge seat, kitchen stove, and more!  This Disney Princess Pop-up Palace gives a nod to several Disney Princess characters throughout the décor.  This beautiful castle will allow your child to use her imagination with the Disney Princess dolls that she might have.   The possibility of carrying this play castle with you will allow your child to bring it to the grand-parent’s place in order to have some play time with them.

I think this marvelous palace is absolutely adorable and would make a great joy for a child in your life.  The accessories can be use with the dolls to make playtime even more interesting.   The Palace would make a great gift for a child in your life.

The Palace is available at your favorite toy store, even on amazon.ca and amazon.com.

   

Disclaimer: Thanks to Hasbro Canada for sending me the above mentioned product for review purposes . I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.

Marvel Legends Black Panther Electronic Helmet

Marvel Legends Black Panther Electronic Helmet
By Hasbro

About the helmet

Heir to the ruling dynasty of Wakanda, T'Challa dons the mask of the Black Panther and assumes his role as protector of his nation.
With the Marvel Legends Series Black Panther Electronic Helmet, imagine taking up the mantle of the Black Panther and protecting Wakanda with technologically superior gear.
Inspired by the upcoming Black Panther movie, this Black Panther Electronic Helmet from the Marvel Legends Series features premium design and styling, as well as intricate detailing on mask. Features Vibranium light effects and lenses that flip up and down.  Includes: helmet and instructions.

My Thoughts

This helmet is simply amazing.  Inspired by the Black Panther movie, this electronic helmet will bring joy to anyone who is a fan of the Marvel character or anything related to Black Panther.   It can also be use for cosplay or for a costume event if you have an amazing costume of Black Panther.    It is definitively a premium roleplay electronic helmet for sure!

  

The attention to details put for creating this helmet is absolutely stunning.   You will find padding inside the helmet to make it more comfortable to wear for extended period of time and the eye area is protected with rubber so there is not pressure around that area.  This electronic helmet is packed with vibranium light effects that can be access by a simple touch of the side of the helmet.  This functionality helps to demonstrate the suit’s ability to absorb and redistribute the kinetic energy as we have seen in the movie.  The blue colors will spread on the side of the helmet.  Imagine seeing this in a dark environment…  

This helmet also possess flip-up and flip-down lenses which can be activated by the press of a button on the side of the helmet.   Also be aware that this helmet is not a protective device so do not wear it while doing extreme sports or riding a motorcycle.  This helmet is only for collectors and/or cosplay purposes.

Note that the helmet requires 3 AA batteries which are not included in the box.  And this helmet has been designed with an adult head in mind.  This is not suitable for a child’s head.

If you know someone who is a fan of Black Panther and collects items based on this character, this helmet would be a great addition to the collection.  It would also be a great gift for someone who is planning to become Black Panther in a cosplay event like ComicCon for example.    Or it could be a great décor element for the comic book fan in your life.   This electronic helmet is definitively an amazing item for anyone who enjoy the comic books universe.

The Marvel Legends Black Panther Electronic Helmet is available for purchase at your favorite toy store, even on amazon.ca and amazon.com.

 

Disclaimer: Thanks to Hasbro Canada for sending me the above mentioned product for review purposes . I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.

Star Wars Ultimate Co-Pilot Chewie FurReal

Oh my word!   I recently received the new FurReal product that is based on a huge Star Wars character – Chewbacca himself.   This toy will definitively make numerous fans happy no matter what their age is.   This adorable plush is interactive in a wide variety of ways.   Over 100 sound and motion combinations can be activated including the arm raising roars. 

Chewie will reacts whenever he is in motion and will responds in the Wookie language when he is spoken to.   He also makes numerous facial expressions which will bring joy to whoever is playing with it.  

• The fur of this toy is simply amazing as well.  I have never touched fur as soft as on this plush before.    And to make sure that his fur withstand hyperspace travel, it has been gelled into place.   Gently brush to remove or let it wear off naturally with play. 

Chewie will definitively become a great co-pilot for your child’s adventure no matter where his/her imagination will take them.  But this amazing interactive plush can also be a great companion to the older fans of Star Wars.   It could be use as a display in your collection of Star Wars items or to entertain your family and friend who come to visit you.  After discovering different FurReal items over the years, I can honestly say that I am very impressed with the quality and design of Chewie.   The toy is very responsive and is realistic in many ways.   I find this is an absolute must have for the big fan of Star Wars in your life.

Note that demo batteries are included with the toy but you will need 4 x 1.5v AA alkaline batteries for longer play time.  

Star Wars Ultimate Co-Pilot Chewie FurReal is available at your favorite toy store even on amazon.ca and amazon.com.

 

Disclaimer: Thanks to Hasbro Canada for sending me the above mentioned product for review purposes . I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.

Marvel Avengers: Infinity War Hero Vision Iron Man AR Experience

Hasbro has a new product on the market that will probably catch the attention of children, teens and adults.   The Marvel Avengers: Infinity War Hero Vision Iron Man AR Experience  will allow the user to battle like Iron Man using the Hero Vision Iron Man mask.    This movie-inspired, 1:1 scale mask features a brand-new experience from Hasbro that combines traditional role play with Augmented Reality (AR) technology.   All you have to do is download the HERO VISION app, place a compatible device (iOS 10, 11: iPhone 6, iPhone 6s, iPhone7, iPhone8, iPhoneX, Android 7: Google Pixel 1, Samsung S7, Samsung S7 edge.) inside the AR goggles, place AR markers around the play area, put on the AR mask, and then get ready to see digital images from the hero’s world in front of kids’ eyes. Collect Infinity Stones sold separately to unlock power-ups in the App.

So one rainy day while my daughter was at summer camp, one of my boys asked if he could try it out.   He placed the AR markers somewhere in the living room and proceeded to try the Hero Vision.

He really enjoys it and continue to use it to advance in the game.

Here’s some images from Hasbro to give you an idea of what you can see in the mask using the app.

My seventeen years old son tried it as well but he find it annoying to hear the app giving him instructions all the time.  I told him it was like when Tony ask his computer questions and it answers back to him.  In the latest movies, it is more interactive and will comment on what is going on around him.

Then my girl came back from camp and wanted to try it out.   She reacted to the voice as well but not as much and enjoyed playing with the AR.  I suspect she will ask again to use it this week.

So far the experience with the Marvel Avengers: Infinity War Hero Vision Iron Man AR Experience has been a good one.  I still have one child who has not tried it yet but he is serving at summer camp all the month of July before we go on vacation.  

This toy is definitively something out-of-the-ordinary.   The kids have been using my iPhone to try it out and I found that the battery drain rapidly.  So I personally limit the usage to 30 minutes.   I find it is just perfect for them and for me.

Note the mask is not intended to provide protection for your smartphone.

I have great news for my readers – Hasbro Canada has offered one Marvel Avengers: Infinity War Hero Vision Iron Man AR Experience as a giveaway!  Follow the instructions below to win it.  The winner will have 24 hours to respond to my email before I move to the next person. I want to give the mailing address of the winner to my contact at Hasbro before I leave on vacation. 

GIVEAWAY

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Marvel Avengers: Infinity War Hero Vision Iron Man AR Experience is available for purchase at your favorite toy store, even on amazon.ca and amazon.com.

 

Disclaimer: Thanks to Hasbro Canada for sending me the above mentioned product for review purposes . I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.

Lost Kitties!

We recently got a special package to unveal from Hasbro.

What are the Lost Kitties?  Check the videos below…

Unvealing the Lost Kitties

Full view of the Lost Kitties

Lost Kitties can be found at your favorite store!

Disclaimer: Thanks to Hasbro Canada for sending me the above mentioned product for review purposes . I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.

The Slime Book

The Slime Book – more than 30 amazing recipes
Published at DK

About the book

Includes more than 30 borax-free, simple, safe, homemade slime recipes-from basic slime to edible, textured, glow-in-the-dark, and color-changing slime.

Kids will be mesmerized and "slimerized" by the book's gloopy, gooey, colorful slime recipes. The easy-to-follow recipes all use inexpensive, accessible, and safe everyday products.

Create monster slime with googly eyes, prepare for an eruption with volcanic slime, or tuck in to yummy edible chocolate slime. All the projects are shown with clear step-by-step images and a vibrant picture of the final slimy stuff. The science behind each slime creation is explained through fact boxes.

Recipes include cornstarch-and-water slime, fluffy slime made of shaving cream, gloopy slime created from shampoo and toothpaste, stretchy slime containing PVA glue, edible slime made with marshmallows, glitter slime, sand slime, magnetic slime... and more.

Making slime is currently one of the most popular trends for children, with some homemade slime videos reaching 30 million views.
+ With 30 recipes, it includes more variations than any slime book available.
+ All recipes use safe, readily available ingredients.
+ Science information boxes keep an educational element to the book without detracting from the fun.
+ Ideal for children ages 5-9 who are new to the slime trend or who are already obsessed with slime and looking for new, funky recipes.
+ Parents looking for a slime or activity book will like the safe, easily accessible ingredients and knowing that their child can play safely.

My Thoughts

Let take a trip back in time for a second or two.  Remember the 1970s?  That is when I was a child and I remember the time when I got the new toy from Mattel called Slime.   It was gooey and disgustingly green.  It will ooze between your fingers and you could make a blob out of it.  And they came out with a purple one as well as some with trinkets in it.   Ahhhh! My mom totally disliked it but I loved it.   Not sure how much it cost back then but it must have been as pricey as the other stuff that is a rage nowadays.   Anyhow, I remember the Slime vividly and when I saw this book I knew it would be a great one to review just for my daughter.   

This book contains over  30 recipes of slime to do based on either clear craft glue or PVA glue mixed with other ingredients like food coloring, glitter glue, beads, and so on.   There are two main sections in this book – Nonedible Slime and Edible Slime.  Wait! What?  Yes there is such a thing as edible slime believe it or not.  And us parents that keep saying to our kids – do not play with your food!  LOL  Oh well… I guess sometimes it is ok to play with the food.

In the nonedible slime section, you will find the basic recipe to make slime but you will also get recipes to make stretchy slime, fluffy slime, see-through slime, serious putty, starry slime, party slime, crunchy slime, smelly slime, glitter slime, popping slime, slime in all sort of colors, gold slime, unicorn slime, metallic slime, sand slime, monster slime, snow slime, fake snot, pompom slime, alphabet slime, winter wonderland slime, dinosaurs in amber, bubbling swamp slime, bubble slime, glow-in-the-dark slime.  The edible slime section will have recipes like the chocolate goo, the bear necessities made out of gummy bears, the striped slime made out of Starburst chewy candies and the “sticky,icky, tasty” slime made out of marshmallow.

Some of these recipes look more fun to do that other ones.  But each are special in their own way.  I would personally stay away from the fake snot recipe but my daughter is having a Christmas theme at camp this summer and I think the Winter Wonderland Slime would be perfect for it!  I just need to find some snowflake confetti somehow….  

The book would be perfect for this summer to allow you child to have fun in a different kind of way.  And who know…. maybe your child is a budding entrepreneur and will find a way to make this new passion of making slime into a small business.

The Slime Book is available at your favorite bookstore, even on amazon.ca and amazon.com.

 

Disclaimer: Thanks to DK Canada for allowing me to promote their books. I was not monetarily compensated for this post . Please note that the post was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.

Coming Soon: Lock Stars

We had the privilege to receive a top secret package from Hasbro and we were asked to to a reveal of what is in the box. 

This secret package contained some new collectable toy that will be release in August 2018 – the Lock Stars

Check out our reveal on Youtube!

The Lock Stars are collectable so you can trade with friends in order to get new ones.  This brand new collection of unique lock figures also contains charms and mini lock pals. Showcase them on backpacks, bracelets, shoelaces, and more. Swap them and collect them for a wide range of Lock Stars.

Check the whole series of Lock Stars that will be release in August!

And to add to the fun, you can download the Lock Stars stickers from iTunes.

Disclaimer: Thanks to Hasbro Canada for sending me the above mentioned product for review purposes . I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.