Spring 1999
Seal of Approval
Product Testing Report
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Products recognized as winners in this report have been judged by independent parent testers. Submitted products are evaluated on their individual levels of appeal, desirability, sturdiness, interactive stimulation, price and other elements essential in the make-up of a quality product.
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At first glance this bizarre creature is admittedly a bit strange looking. He's a little overweight and suffering through a bad hair day, but as time wears on he really starts to grow on you. He is of course, a friendly monster, designed to scare away any uninvited guests that may be considering taking up residence in your child's closet. Children warmed up to him immediately and told us that they found him cuddly and protective. Sure he's a little goofy but parents told us that the laughter and smiles he induced put fearful children at ease.
Suggested Age: 3 and Up Price: $24.00
Think Safe!
Street Smart Kids
For a child to learn street smarts, a parent or concerned individual has to make the effort to teach right from wrong. Think Safe is a set of life lessons packaged as a game that asks and answers many of the issues that today's children face. The game touches on many troubling issues such as guns, street safety, drugs and more. Some of the lessons are hard, but the advice is solid, straightforward and responsible. Parents told us that used in group settings such as scout troops, church groups and the like, this game will open up discussions and remind children the value of staying safe and using their heads.
Suggested Age: 4 to 12 Price: $27.95
Giant Kyte
Playhut, Inc.
When it comes to kite flying, we all can envision poor old Charlie Brown and his unending run of bad luck when it came to getting his kite into the air. If he only had a Giant Kyte. So easy to set-up and fly that within minutes you will be looking up in the air (along with every one else within viewing range) and marveling at your kite flying prowess. The pop-up design, similar to other award winning products from Playhut, features a frame that unfolds and then packs away in a snap. The design of the kite features fabric pockets that catch the air and propel your kite up into the wild blue yonder. On days with very strong winds you will want a stronger frame since the bendable features which are a plus in most instances can hinder this kite's flight. That said, our testers told us that you and your kids will love this kite.
Suggested Age: 5 and Up Price: $14.99
Crazy 8ths Musical Card Game
TKDesigns
Imagine a deck of cards where all the familiar suits, numbers and face cards are replaced with note on the musical scale. That is the premise behind Crazy 8th's. By helping children become familiar with the notes on the treble and bass staffs this game does double duty. Games like Old Maid, Crazy 8's, and Solitaire require a basic recognition of individual notes and the results are superb. Children were firing off note names in no time and playing card games that they had played for years without missing a beat. Parents who were rusty with their musical reading also loved the refresher.
Suggested Age: 6 and Up Price: $12.95
Sno Spirit
Torpedo, Inc.
Is it a sled? Is it a bike? According to our testers what it is, is fun with a capital F. The smiles on our little tester's faces weren't frozen there by the weather either. Up and down they went gleefully zooming down snowy hills and swishing from side to side by virtue of the steering wheel controls. This is not your ordinary sled or toboggan experience. Perched up on a raised seat with a steering wheel that controls the rudders beneath the child, the act of sliding takes on a new dimension. Parents are cautioned about using helmets which is a superb idea considering the way the Sno Spirit glides swiftly over the snow.
Suggested Age: 6 and Up Price: $50.00
Wiz Kidz
Discovery Toys
This fun, easy-to-learn game was a hit in the testing centers. Understanding the rules was a snap and the game moves along at a brisk pace. Kids loved the fact that it was easy to play. It also made them feel smart since the object is to identify things that they know. Parents can play right along making this a super family game. Its very compact packaging makes Wiz Kidz a great travel game. Quick name a vegetable that starts with a "B". Good! You're a Wiz Kid!
Suggested Age: 7 and Up Price: $6.98
Kids Book of Questions - Truth or Dare Game
Decipher
Kids told us that they really enjoyed rolling up their sleeves and getting into the Truth or Dare game. They explained that by laughing together, with and at their friends, the entire experience was great fun. The mix of Dares and Truths were equally as challenging and entertaining. Many of our testers explained that they would not tire of playing this fun game over and over. For a board game that is high praise indeed.
Suggested Age: 7 to 12 Price: $20.00
Bosworth
Out of the Box Games
This ingenious game is easy to play and a whole lot of fun. The premise is based on the venerable game of chess but approached in a lighthearted manner. Players will come to understand the rules of chess, particularly as they apply to piece movement, while zipping along at a pace that would leave most chess players breathless. Played with cards that are whimsically illustrated, Bosworth is a great introduction to chess. More than that, Bosworth is a fun game that stands well on its own merits.
Suggested Age: 8 and Up Price: $24.95
No Jive 3-in-1 Yo-Yo
What's Next Manufacturing, Inc.
This superbly crafted yo-yo struck our parent and child testers as state-of-the-art cool. The solid feel and polished wood finish added to the luster of this yo-yo and makes the old plastic type feel pretty flimsy in comparison. 3-in-1 means that there are three unique ways to configure the shape of your yo-yo, allowing you to add a distinctive look to your yo (can we call it that?). The solid construction allows for greater ease when attempting tricks and fancy moves. Parents noted that the wood design was appealing because it would be more resistant to breaking. They also appreciated the fact that What's Next included not one but five extra strings.
Suggested Age: 8 and Up Price: $19.95
Palenque
Timbuk II, Inc.
High standards are now expected from Timbuk II after their superb first release, Wadjet. We were not disappointed as this follow-up game is every bit as beautiful, interesting and intriguing as its predecessor. In Palenque, players assume the roles of archeologists and set out to discover the world of the ancient Mayan people. The game is fascinating and educational, but it is also filled with fun, adventure and plenty of strategy. The price tag is high, but the value is apparent as soon as you open the box and discover the finely crafted gaming experience that awaits you.
Suggested Age: 8 and Up Price: $59.95
Apples to Apples
Out of the Box Games
Don't let the little package fool you. Inside this box is one of the most ingenious and fun games you will ever play. Our testers played for hours and each and every time they came back marveling at how Apples to Apples had their family laughing and more importantly learning throughout. The game is essentially a synonym search game, but the answers and the lighthearted goofiness of the game mask the educational aspect with pure fun. Trying to find a matching clue for "Opulent" can be quite trying, but with a little imaginative stretch the effort can have everyone in stitches.
Suggested Age: 10 and Up Price: $19.95
Proverbial Wisdom
Proverbial Wisdom, L.L.C.
Think you've heard them all...OK prove it! Proverbial Wisdom is a great game when you've got a large gathering of players who like to really mix it up. There is a little bit of everything for everyone here, some sketching, some word play, and always a lot of fun. The premise is centered around proverbs, wise and maybe not so wise sayings, but the familiar ground of common phrases makes the game play enjoyable and amusing. This is a great family game when your children get a little older.
Suggested Age: 12 and Up Price: $34.95
Snack-Up Cup
The First Years
The compact design of this all-in-one snack center drew raves from road warrior testers of all ages. Juggling baggies of snacks and juice boxes with those tiny straws seemed quite ridiculous after spending testing time with the Snack-Up Cup. The cup didn't spill in either the closed or opened position, wow! What's more the whole thing is easy to grab, easy to wash and priced right. That all adds up to a winner of a product.
Suggested Age: 2 and up Price: $4.99
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Last Update: April 17, 1999
