Amazon.com ReviewThe PixOs Super Studio allows young children to explore their creative impulses and make various two- and three-dimensional creations and designs. With no ink or mess, the PixOs Super Studio is a clean and easy way for children aged four and up to get started with art. You're child will be thrilled when he or she presents you with an original sculpture. Because of the many small pieces, this studio is not appropriate for small children who need constant supervision during playtime.
Children can create cute, colorful figures such as a cat. View larger.
The fan helps designs dry and set more quickly. View larger.
What We Think
Fun Factor:
Durability:
(what this means)
The Good: Fun studio unit stimulates creativity and lets children create art.
The Bad: Takes awhile to dry; small balls can be swallowed and lost; fan not very strong.
In a Nutshell: Kids can create and display fun, easy-to-make art with the PixOs Super Studio, but watch out for the small pieces.
At a Glance
Ages: 4 and up Requires: Two AAA Batteries to operate fan (not included)
Easy, Clean Art The Super Studio requires some assembly, which a parent will most likely have to do. Don't worry: set-up is simple. The PixOs Super Studio works by allowing kids to create art by using small balls called PixOs that will stick to each other if lightly sprayed with water and allowed to dry.
There are different colored PixOs, and children create designs (using templates or with their own imagination) by using the "pen" to place the PixOs on a grid-like tray. An included "eraser" makes it easy to remove a misplaced PixO. After the child is done with a design, he or she lightly sprays it with water using the included spray bottle, and puts it underneath the fan to dry. When dry, the finished piece can be removed from the tray and placed it wherever you'd like.
We made a cute, colorful cat, then gave her a dog for a playmate soon after. Once we understood how it worked, we were able to whip up new designs and art quickly. Just be certain that the designs are fully dry. It took a bit longer than we expected, and we accidentally ruined a cherry because we picked it up off the plate before the PixOs were sufficiently dry and stuck together.
Please note that the PixOs are tiny. Although the recommended age on the box says four and up, we believe that children on the younger end of the scale might require supervision, especially if they are inclined to swallow things. Additionally, the fan requires two AA batteries to operate, but we found that the fan was too weak to really speed up the drying process; instead we placed our finished PixOs designs by an open window to save on batteries.
Different Templates Make Learning Fun Included are six template designs of varying degrees of difficulty that will help you get accustomed to using the studio. With the templates, kids can make strawberries, cherries, cats, dogs, and more! Some of the designs are three-dimensional, so they can stand on their own. Once these templates have been mastered, kids can create whatever they want and will only be limited by their imaginations.
What's in the Box 500 PixOs, PixOs Sorter and Dispenser, six template designs, two trays, water sprayer, standard instructions, 3-d instructions.
REVIEW
Very cheaply made. The Pixos Super Studio is very cheaply made. The pixos constantly jam the pen, and there is no way to unjam the pen. The pen can not be removed from the hose, and the hose can not be removed from the studio. The hose is very fragile. It kinks and streches out of shape very easily, and is now unusable. My daughter received the SuperStudio for Christmas and has used it only a handful of times. The Pixos Super Studio is a complete waste of money.
Hunk of Junk It doesn't really do anything but open up from a fruit shape into the bear shape. We couldn't get ours to open up and stay opened. It just kept shutting back down. Didn't seem like it was very well made.
Arrange PixOs in any pattern or design you want and spray with water and playNo heat, no glue and no messIncludes 500 PixOs, two design trays, five double sided templates, two instruction booklets, one large sprayer, one super studio unit with storage, dryer and pen dispenserSafe and non-toxicFor ages 4+
REVIEW
kids loved it but fan burns out quickly I'd recommend buying the pixo starter set instead, which I plan on pre-ordering.. my 6 year old absolutely loved aquadots (which is the exact same product as this just a new name ) but the fan burned out on it after only two or three weeks of use... we found that as long as you CAREFULLY follow the instructions given on how to apply water air-drying works just fine - lift the design carefully and if it still seems lose carefully re-apply water... through trial and error you'll discover the best method... or you could always use a hair dryer on the "cold" air setting. As you can probably guess from this review your little one will need help i.e. this isn't a product she can play with without a grownup's assistance... also if you have babies around apparently this isn't a good toy to buy due to the possibility of little tykes swallowing the beads and becoming poisoned as a result. Apparently the new non-aquadots version of this product isn't supposed to be poisonous but better safe than sorry...do a search on wikipedia for Bindeez (another name for this product) for moreinformation.
This bouncy trampoline doubles as a learning toy, too! Kids will delight in jumping along to fun learning games and silly songs. Enjoy this electronic mini trampoline indoors and out. Features a five-in-one multigame sound system that makes learning fun: counting, music and rhythm, sound recognition and memory. The five games included are bounce counting, silly sounds, musical statues, animal sounds and memory matches. Requires 3 "AA" batteries (not included). Measures 42" x 36". Holds up to 80 pounds.
REVIEW
A BETTER BOUNCE THAN THE COUCH!! We got this for our daughter for Christmas and she loves it! Great quality! My husband put it together and said it wasn't too difficult. You will not be dissappointed!
Amazon. com ReviewForget those remote control cars that just scoot across the ground! These Air Hogs Zero Gravity Micro cars moves in three dimensions -- across the ground, up the wall, and even upside down on the ceiling! By using a specially designed suction device, the car can climb a wall and maneuver just as it does on the ground.
Air Hogs lets you control a car along the ground and up walls. View larger.
Use the remote to charge the car's built-in battery. View larger.
What We Think
Fun Factor:
Durability:
(what this means)
The Good: Car can drive up walls; includes rechargeable battery
The Bad: Car is a bit fragile; slightly loud; limited wireless range
In a Nutshell: Car can do everything it advertises, but all the conditions must be met
At a Glance
Ages: 8 and up Requires: 6 AA batteries for remote, clean surface
Smart, Innovative Design Air Hogs makes the only cars that can climb walls, and the Zero Gravity Micro is smaller and faster than the original Air Hogs Zero Gravity Humvee. We were surprised by how small and light the Zero Gravity Micro is; it is basically a thin plastic shell wrapped around a light body with a vacuum in it. Our car was designed to look like a red race car, but you can choose from other designs available as well.
We were able to get the Zero Gravity Micro up and running without any problems. The remote control unit needs six AA batteries (not included), and is then used to charge the built-in rechargeable battery in the car. This is done by connecting a cable from the remote control to the car, and flipping the switch to charge mode. Thanks to smart design, this cable can be stowed and hidden away when not being used.
After about half an hour for charging, the car was ready to go. Right away, we set the car to wall climbing mode and set it on our wall. Though we'd read about what it was supposed to do, we were still very impressed when we saw the car stick to the wall and climb. You can see the vacuum working, as there is a window on the top of the car showing a spinning fan. The car makes quite a bit of sound when it is in wall mode.
Using the remote, we were able to make the car go up, turn left and right, and go down as well. With a tight turning radius, the car is very maneuverable and with some practice, you can get the car to do exactly as you wish. In addition to Wall mode, there is also a Ground mode which leaves the fan/vacuum off, and lets you drive full function on the ground. You need to walk around with the car, however, as the remote has limited range. This is not as big a concern on walls because we were usually pretty close to the wall as the car was climbing it.
The car has working headlights that double as a battery indicator--when they start to blink, the car is running low on power.
Needs Clean, Smooth Surface The instructions warn that the car should be played only on a clean, smooth surface, and they're not kidding. Since the car is able to stay on walls due to suction, the moment an inconsistency is introduced, the car loses suction and falls off. We found that a surface like glass works very well. With our concrete wall, we often ran into problems with the car maintaining its suction. Coupled with the car's light construction, we fear that repeated abuse could cause damage to it.
Overall, we found the Air Hogs Zero Gravity Micro to be an innovative and fun toy. We wished it were a bit more hefty and could work on more surfaces, but when we got it going on our window, we were very impressed. It's a great new idea and twist on an old toy, and is bound to keep children mesmerized.
What's in the Box AirHogs car, remote control unit, instructions.
REVIEW
Pleasantly Surprised I was skeptical about this car after reading the other reviews, but it was on my son's Christmas list so I ordered it. I didn't think it would actually drive on the walls in our house... and if it did, I thought it would leave scratches on the wall. I was pleasantly surprised that it actually did drive on the wall with the help of a built-in vacuum.. which is a very clever invention!
I told my son I needed to test it to make sure it did not damage my walls. My son waited patiently as I drove it all over the walls and had a blast "testing" it. I have a slightly textured wall, but it still drove with no issues and did everything as promised! Lots of fun!
Get your creative juices flowing with the PixOs Starter Set. It comes with a four-color chamber pen, spray bottle, and two trays for six amazing designs. No batteries needed.
REVIEW
yuck. This is the dumbest thing I ever bought. The 'pen' is completely useless, as it rarely ever drops a ball, and when it does it just rolls away. We had to spray the finished product over and over and over and it still fell apart. What a waste of money!!!
Amazon.com Hands-On ReviewForget those remote control cars that just scoot across the ground! These Air Hogs Zero Gravity Micro cars moves in three dimensions -- across the ground, up the wall, and even upside down on the ceiling! By using a specially designed suction device, the car can climb a wall and maneuver just as it does on the ground.
Air Hogs lets you control a car along the ground and up walls. (red sports car version shown) View larger.
Use the remote to charge the car's built-in battery. (red sports car version shown) View larger.
What We Think
Fun Factor:
Durability:
(what this means)
The Good: Car can drive up walls; includes rechargeable battery
The Bad: Car is a bit fragile; slightly loud; limited wireless range
In a Nutshell: Car can do everything it advertises, but all the conditions must be met
At a Glance
Ages: 8 and up Requires: 6 AA batteries for remote, clean surface
Smart, Innovative Design Air Hogs makes the only cars that can climb walls, and the Zero Gravity Micro is smaller and faster than the original Air Hogs Zero Gravity Humvee. We were surprised by how small and light the Zero Gravity Micro is; it is basically a thin plastic shell wrapped around a light body with a vacuum in it. Our car was designed to look like a red race car, but you can choose from other designs available as well.
We were able to get the Zero Gravity Micro up and running without any problems. The remote control unit needs six AA batteries (not included), and is then used to charge the built-in rechargeable battery in the car. This is done by connecting a cable from the remote control to the car, and flipping the switch to charge mode. Thanks to smart design, this cable can be stowed and hidden away when not being used.
After about half an hour for charging, the car was ready to go. Right away, we set the car to wall climbing mode and set it on our wall. Though we'd read about what it was supposed to do, we were still very impressed when we saw the car stick to the wall and climb. You can see the vacuum working, as there is a window on the top of the car showing a spinning fan. The car makes quite a bit of sound when it is in wall mode.
Using the remote, we were able to make the car go up, turn left and right, and go down as well. With a tight turning radius, the car is very maneuverable and with some practice, you can get the car to do exactly as you wish. In addition to Wall mode, there is also a Ground mode which leaves the fan/vacuum off, and lets you drive full function on the ground. You need to walk around with the car, however, as the remote has limited range. This is not as big a concern on walls because we were usually pretty close to the wall as the car was climbing it.
The car has working headlights that double as a battery indicator--when they start to blink, the car is running low on power.
Needs Clean, Smooth Surface The instructions warn that the car should be played only on a clean, smooth surface, and they're not kidding. Since the car is able to stay on walls due to suction, the moment an inconsistency is introduced, the car loses suction and falls off. We found that a surface like glass works very well. With our concrete wall, we often ran into problems with the car maintaining its suction. Coupled with the car's light construction, we fear that repeated abuse could cause damage to it.
Overall, we found the Air Hogs Zero Gravity Micro to be an innovative and fun toy. We wished it were a bit more hefty and could work on more surfaces, but when we got it going on our window, we were very impressed. It's a great new idea and twist on an old toy, and is bound to keep children mesmerized.
What's in the Box AirHogs car, remote control unit, instructions.
REVIEW
MY FAVORITE TOY PICK FOR 2008! This has got to be the coolest Toy Invention in a very long time! Did you ever think you'd see an Remote Control car that could climb walls and ride upside down on the ceiling!! This is an awesome amazing toy that will leave you & your kids WOWed!! While the battery life could be longer, it dies out just when you'd had enough of the noise that comes along with it. I mean seriously parents - do you really want your kid racing this car around the walls and ceilings while your watching tv, doing the laundry, cooking dinner? For 20 minutes it's great and then after that you're happy for the battery to recharge until next time. This is a GENIUS invention & is sure to be a HOT TOY for years to come!
Amazon.com ReviewThe Bakugan Launcher is an optional accessory that adds excitement to the game Bakugan Battle Brawlers. Based on the popular and fun anime TV series of the same name, this strategic game that pits a variety of "Bakugan warriors" against each other for points. Kids ages four and above will love using the launcher to help them score points by shooting their Bakugan warriors onto magnetic cards, where the plastic spheres burst open to reveal the fearsome warrior apparatus inside. It's the same launcher used by "Dan," the hero of the TV show, so fans of the show will get a special thrill from using it!
The Bakugan Launcher sends your Bakugan flying with three shooting modes. View larger.
There are many colors and varieties of Bakugan to collect. View larger.
What We Think
Fun Factor:
Durability:
(what this means)
The Good: Wide variety of Bakugan make them fun for kids to trade and collect
The Bad: No instructions with some toys
In a Nutshell: Clever and exciting interactive game that kids will enjoy even if they're not familiar with the TV show
At a Glance
Ages: 6 to 12
NOTE: The Bakugan Launcher includes a single launcher with a wrist strap. Bakugan warriors are sold separately.
Ready, Aim, Fire! There are no instructions with the optional Bakugan Launcher, which is made of sturdy, lightweight plastic. But it's a straightforward accessory: simply load the Bakugan and fire away! There are two additional Bakugan compartments on either side of the launcher. The wrist strap is a great accessory that your child can use to help steady the launcher as he fires.
Exciting Magnetic Action The Bakugan Launcher has three shooting modes ("curve," "angle, and "distance"). It holds three Bakugan, and straps to your child's wrist -- just like Dan's! Though kids can roll the Bakugan just like marbles, the Launcher adds an element of excitement to their Bakugan battles.
Room for the Imagination Though we thought the launcher was a great accessory, but our attempts to fire it proved somewhat difficult. Instructions would have helped. If you and your child can figure it out how to fire it effectively -- especially how to use the three shooting modes -- the launcher is sure to increase their enjoyment of the game and add variety to their play.
What's in the Box One Bakugan Launcher.
REVIEW
superb brought ever so much joy to the six year old that recieved it and was played with immediately.
The PixOs Portable Pack Playset includes the following: 500 PixOs, 2 PixOs Trays, 1 PixOs Sprayer, 3 Double Sided Templates, 1 Color Pen, 1 Standard Instructions, 1 3-D Instructions.
REVIEW
Kids loved this even more than mom did! I purchased this for my girls who LOVE to craft. I was a bit wary of how the finished project would hold together, but really liked the idea of not having to use a hot dangerous iron. My girls were more thrilled by the results than I was! Once the patterns were set in the templates and sprayed with water, it took quite some time for them to dry. Even when the top was dry to the touch, underneath was still damp and goopy. Mom had to help turn out the still fragile creations onto a plate so the template could be used for the next creation. After thorough drying, though, I must say this is quite durable. I had a hard time intentionally pulling apart the beads.
I thought my girls would be upset at the amount of time they took to dry, but amazingly, they said it was better than having to be nervous and careful around a hot iron (smart girls). Overall, this is a great beading project requiring minimal parental assistance (always supervise your children with small objects)
