Modest Momma's Toy Spotlight for March

Once a month, A Modest Momma’s Musings will shine a bright spotlight on a new mix of toys for children in various age groups.  You’ll be sure to find something special for your little or big ones here.

6 months to 12 months

Big Bird Stack-A-Nest (Playskool)

     With four colorful textured rings, this adorable stacker is designed to enhance your baby’s gross and fine motor skills. Retails for: $9.99.  Look for the Big Bird Stack-A-Nest at nationwide retailers including Babies-r-Us and Target.  For further information, please visit: http://www.hasbro.com/playskool/en_US/

CrocoBloco Activity Toy (Discovery/K’s Kids)

     CrocoBloco’s center consists of four detachable blocks that are adorned with numerous activities─ detach the head and tail pieces to make this colorful crocodile the perfect size for your baby to cuddle with.  Let baby pull on the flower and watch his tail wag. Babies and parents will delight with all the stimulating sensory activity.  Retails for $49.97 at: http://store.discovery.com/

12 months to 24 months

My Take Along 1.2.3 Noah’s Ark (Playmobil)

     Your little one can help load all the animals included with this set on this colorful ark.  The deck of the ark is removable and the hull has plenty of space of storage for the lion, lioness and pairs of giraffes, zebras, elephants and birds. Perfect for babies 18+ months and up.  Can be purchased online for $34.99 at: http://store.playmobilusa.com/on/demandware.store/Sites-US-Site/en_US/Product-Show?pid=6765&cgid=1%2e2%2e3

Catch-Me-Kitty (VTech)

     This electronic learning toy from VTech invites your little one to a game of chase through sounds and movement.  Catch-Me-Kitty moves and scoots across your floor, encouraging your baby to chase it.  As your little guy approaches the kitten, a sensor knows exactly when they are near and the cat reacts with sounds and motions. Retails for: $14.99 at:  http://www.vtechkids.com

Count ‘n Crunch Cookie Monster (Playskool)

   Count 'n Crunch Cookie Monster is a great way to encourage early counting skills and number awareness. Watch your little girl count away with Cookie Monster as she feeds him his favorite food─cookies.  Cookie Monster responds by counting and giggling. Retails for $29.99.  For further information, please visit: http://www.hasbro.com/playskool/en_US/

2 years to 4 years

Disney Animators’ Collection Dolls (Disney)

    Designed by key Disney animators, these dolls look like the famous Disney Princesses as toddlers. Each doll comes with a small cloth companion such as baby Meeko or baby Rajah. The outfits are very shiny except for Pocahontas, whose clothing is more leather-like. These adorable dolls retail for $24.50 and are available online at:  http://www.disneystore.com

Razzle-Dazzle Ruby by Masha D’yans (Scholastic)

     Award-winning artist Masha D’yans debuts her first picture book featuring the delightful character of Ruby, a little girl who can make the ordinary extraordinary!  Come along on her adventures as she becomes a snow queen and transforms a typical winter day into a gleaming fairy tale.  Glorious watercolor illustrations that pop out from the pages enhance this sweet story.  Girls of all ages will delight in this whimsical tale. Retails for: $17.99 and is available at Barnes & Noble booksellers nationwide and online. For further information, please visit: http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/book/razzle-dazzle-ruby

Chuggington Wooden Railway Engines (Learning Curve)

      Based on the popular Chuggington show characters, these engines feature real wood construction and easy-to-connect magnets.  Fully compatible with other wooden train track systems, these engines bring the colorful world of Chuggington to life. Retails from: $11.99 to $19.99 at: http://www.learningcurve.com

4 years to 6 years

Strawberry Shortcake Berry Bitty Market Playset (Hasbro)

     The ever-popular, sweet-smelling doll debuts a new play set, which comes complete with a three-inch fragrant doll and adorable accessories including a grocery cart, pretend food and grocery bags.  Retails for $34.99 and are available at most major toy retailers nationwide and online at: http://www.hasbrotoyshop.com

Connect 4 Launchers (Hasbro)

     Be the first player to get four rings in a row─ horizontally, vertically or diagonally in an exciting new relaunch of the classic game.  Players face a head-to-head race as they try to aim, launch and connect their way to victory with a new designed game unit configured to catch launched checkers. Available for purchase for $19.99 at: http://www.hasbrotoyshop.com and at major toy retailers nationwide.

                                                           6 years to 8 years

Lego Alien Conquest UFO Abduction (Lego)

     This newest addition to LEGO’s vast collection sets is the first earth-based space theme.  You little hero can go on a mission to prevent the UFO from abducting the farmer.  The UFO’s illuminated tractor beam, three mini figures and numerous LEGO bricks to build roadblocks can set imaginations afire.  Retails for: $29.99, and available at major nationwide retailers, including Target, Wal-Mart, and Toys-r-Us.  For further information, please visit: http://shop.lego.com/en-US/UFO-Abduction-7052

Crayola Jewelry Boutique (Crayola)

      Give your little girl the chance to become her very own jewelry designer!  The kit will spark her imagination and creativity to design uniquely personal bracelets, necklaces and earrings.  The jewelry spinner and workstation work in combination with Model Magic colors to create over 160 eye popping combinations. To add a dazzling finish to her designs, she can add bead glaze, gems and interchangeable pendant and bracelet charms to her creations. Retails for: $24.99 at: http://www.crayolastore.com

                                                  8 years to 10 years

Draw Star Wars: The Clone Wars (By the editors of Klutz and Bonnie Burton)

     Filled with tips, your child will be able to learn to draw their favorite characters from the popular movie. Can be purchased online at: http://www.klutz.com for $16.97 or in Barnes & Noble and specialty stores and catalogs nationwide.

Simon Flash (Hasbro)

     This new high-tech twist on the popular Simon game will test your memory and logic skills to the max!  A portable game case makes it easy to take along on a road trip. Retails for: $29.99 at Target and Wal-Mart’s nationwide.  For further information, please visit: http://www.hasbro.com/playskool/en_US/\

10 years and up

LEGO Pirates of the Caribbean: Black Pearl (Lego)

    Ahoy, matey’s! Fans of the hugely popular Pirates of the Caribbean movies will marvel at LEGO’s version of Captain Jack Sparrow’s ship.  Retailing for $99.99, and available for purchase at: http://www.lego.com

Risk (Hasbro)

     The ultimate game of global domination is back in this latest update.  The classic game reintroduces the Napoleonic-era military theme to pique the interest of your aspiring world leader.  The object of the game is to occupy every territory on the board with the help from the roll of the dice. Available online at: http://hasbrotoyshop.com and major toy retailers nationwide for: $19.99.