learning toys Archives - Have Sippy Will Travel

Get Kids Thinking and Exploring with Nancy B

One of my favorite brands for educational, yet still truly fun toys is Educational Insights. I love how creative and interesting their toys are, and how engaged they keep the kids. As a teacher and mother, those “ah-ha!” moments are wonderful, but just as important are the moments that they are actively enjoying their learning experience- while playing. (Hopefully at least some of the time, with me!)

Nancy B’s Science Club toys debuted this year at Toy Fair 2013, and they were some of my favorite items of the show. Designed to inspire girls to become interested in and learn more about science, these were developed by former science teacher Nancy Balter. The colors are appealing to girls, but also young children in general. Each product in the Nancy B category comes with a science journal to keep track of your notes and progress, as well as access to an online science club. This club has partnered with female scientists from around the world who provide content to the site and contribute their knowledge. Just a side note- none of these products will break the bank, especially when compared to other similar items, and they are good quality.

The Nancy B’s Science Club Binoculars and Wildlife Activity Journal encourage outside play and exploration. The accompanying journal also includes a bird watching “find it” activity, and ecosystem challenges so that your child is not only active, but learning. This is a great first step into science, because all kids would love to see the world through binoculars. A little time searching the woods with mom and dad and some encouragement, and who knows what they will learn? The Wildlife Activity Journal lets them look back on all they have seen and accomplished.
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VTech Switch and Go Dinos @vtechtoys

Want to see a cool new toy that is both a dinosaur and a vehicle? It is way cooler then you are thinking- even if what you are thinking is very cool.

Take a look at these nifty new VTech Switch & Go Dinos. Each dinosaur can be changed from a dinosaur that roars and gives Dino-facts into a driver/pilot in a vehicle saying cool driver things like “Saddle Up, Partner!” There are at a minimum 10 phrases per Dinosaur for the starter Dino’s, and at the high end, 40 for Brok, the biggest of the crew.

These Dino’s are big. Brock is the largest, and he is very pliable for a transforming toy that is still transformable for little hands. This is a big deal, because as transforming toys go- the bigger they are, in general- the more complex the transformation often times is, frustrating little ones and leaving them with either broken toys or a lack of interest. It is very nice to see a big Dino transforming into a truck in 7 easy steps. Going from Dino roaring, into truck revving, in a matter of minutes. Little Man had a blast changing back and forth, and after a few times watching daddy change it, he was able to all by himself.

Each Dino comes with an accessory- some bigger then others, depending on the Dino in question. Aan example is the big Brachiosaurus [Read more…]