This looks like the type of gift that kids would love once they start getting a little bored with Legos. Kids can build 36 models of real-world machines and conduct 37 unique experiments with the models. Along the way they’ll learn the fundamental laws of mechanical physics. This hands-on approach is both fun and effective, and vividly demonstrates the principles of physics. The kit includes a 64-page full-color book with assembly and experiment instructions. Requires 1 “C” battery (not included).

Product Description

Almost everyone has heard of a chemistry set. But until this kit was introduced, a physics set was almost unheard of. Physics is an essential science for everyone, and this kit provides a comprehensive explanation of mechanical physics. Through building 36 models and conducting subsequent experiments with the models, you will learn the fundamental laws of mechanical physics. Start by building small models, such as a fixed pulley, to learn about basic forces and simple machines. Then, work your way up to more complex machines, such as a pendulum clock, to learn more advanced concepts like work and centripetal force. This hands-on approach is both fun and effective because the principles of physics are demonstrated right in front of you.

Imagine your child’s face when she or he sees their own story and drawings made into a professionally typeset, hardbound book! With this multi – award winning kit, you simply have your child write and illustrate their story using the materials supplied in the kit, which are then mailed in (in the pre-paid envelope provided) for publication. You’ll soon receive a beautiful, professionally typset, 12 page, 7″ x 9″ hardcover book, complete with an “about the author page”, title and dedication pages and your little author’s name, title and drawing laminated on the cover. Extras books are optional and make great gifts for grandparents. Winner of Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Seal Award, Parents’ Choice Classic Award, Family Life’s Best Learning Toy Award and Dr. Toy Best Toy-Classic Award.

Product Features

Editorial Review by Amazon

This is another time tested product that has received great reviews over the years. I always see it when searching for gifts, but have yet to buy it. I’m thinking I’ll get this one as a Christmas present for my nephew this year. I’ll be sure to post a review once I do.

Looking over the reviews the thing a lot of people mention is that this can get really messy. Just something to consider before buying.

Product Description

With My First Dino Kit, You’re a real paleontologist! Use excavation tools to dig up a dinosaur skeleton and then classify and display your findings. Build a glow in the dark model, or grow and shrink some giant dinos, all while you learn about the prehistoric past. Did some dinosaurs have feathers? Are crocodiles as ancient as the dinosaurs? You’ll find out. Ages 4+ adult supervision required.

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I just went back to amazon and looked again and they have a ton of different Snap Circuit options from individual products for cheap up to a Training program shipped in a suitcase.

Click Here to Search Amazon for all Snap Circuits

Some Details from Snap Circuits

This educational kit is loaded with more than 300 projects to build. For example, kids can learn how transistors and capacitors function, and how to make time-delay circuits. In addition, this version includes circuits showing how oscillators and photo sensors work. Projects involve an AM Radio, Burglar Alarm, Radio Announcer and more. Contains over 60 parts. Requires 4 “AA” batteries, not included.

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Unique Learning Experience
Creating a flying UFO from “scratch” with rudimentary electronic pieces was highly satisfying to us, and we think Electronic Snap Circuits may well help young students gain and foster an appreciation for, and interest in, how electronics work and are built.

For students who are already learning about electronics in school, this set creates a hands-on experience that makes for more fun than reading about how these things work in a textbook. So don’t be surprised if report cards come back with higher grades after playing with this toy.

Parent-Child Bonding Experience
The Elenco Electronic Snap Circuits would make a great parent-child bonding experience that is both educational and fun. As you work through each project with your child, don’t be surprised when you, too, are learning something new and interesting. And after you’ve completed all the projects, you can create your own! The combinations are limitless!

If the child you’re buying for likes board games and you’ve been wanting to introduce them to chess then this sound like the perfect way of doing it.

Product Features

“Sat down to play this game with my 7 & 5 1/2 year old boys and an almost 3 year old (B-day next month) girl and they all thoroughly enjoyed it. It is a very durable game – cards won’t bend and the pieces are big enough and made of sturdy plastic that won’t easily break either. Game is listed for 4 and up, but my little girl had no problem playing and keeping up. They all took turns running the Zingo machine to dispense the tiles and all helped with reloading the tiles. A previous reviewer said that was tedious, but if you let the kids do it it’s a great way to improve fine motor skills. For older kids, they can play more than one board at a time. I didn’t notice a big difference between the red and green side of the boards. This is even a game that a child could play on their own, by just matching. Game also helps to improve memory so that you can get tiles before your opponent. Another plus is that the game isn’t too big, so you won’t lose storage space. Highly recommend for ages 3+. My older kids (11, 9 & 7) love playing this with the younger ones because it is straight forward with no complex rules.”

Product Description

This fast-paced, energetic variation of Bingo is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Kids get a kick out of pulling the Zinger forward to reveal two mystery tiles and attempting to be the first to call out the tiles that match the images on their cards. The first player to fill his or her card wins! Ages 4 to 8. 2 to 8 players. 2 levels of play. 8 double-sided Zingo! cards and 72 picture tiles.

The best way to help kids learn is to find a way to get them interested in learning. Pretty much all kids I know enjoy playing video games so this seems like a great way to encourage learning without having to try. When I was a kid I had a little computer toy game that I’d play hangman on and do some timed math facts and that kept me interested. Kids nowadays have it good.

They also have a great selection of games available that I hope to go through soon and try to find some of the more highly thought of to suggest.

If you think this might be something your kid may enjoy then follow the link over to Amazon. They have a very thorough review by one of there staff members and tons of helpful reviews from people who own a Leapster 2.

Product Description

With this smart hand held system, children learn valuable school skills through a variety of animated games and activities. Kids use the interactive touch screen and stylus throughout 30 educational games featuring characters they love. The Leapster2 System also offers several options for creative play. Little learners can easily connect online for extra activities and rewards. And best of all, parents can use the Leapster2 to connect to the LeapFrog Learning Path, an online, interactive tool in which parents can get updates and see firsthand what their children are learning. Leapster2 System comes with built-in starter games; additional software sold separately. Requires 4 “AA” batteries, not included.

Product Features

I just got done reading all of the reviews and there are a couple of things to mention.

First it seems as if some people were expecting the rainbow to be like a real rainbow and just float through the air. At first from looking at the picture I wasn’t sure if that was the case or not either. It isn’t. This is just a projector that makes a rainbow on either the walls or ceiling depending on how you position it.

Most people are really satisfied with how this has turned into their child’s nightlight. One lady even said,”Her daughter is convinced that all the beautiful colors in her rainbow chase away bad dreams.” I thought that was cute.

They say it has an auto-off feature that kicks in after 10 minutes which is good for the batteries, but the company made a built in jack for an AC adapter. The only problem is they don’t give you the adapter. ***20 Mins Later*** Wow what a pain just trying to figure out what voltage that thing needed. Turns out it can use a 120V, 60HZ input, 6V DC, 450 mA output. (I know you were just dying to know that) So I went to Amazon so I could give you a link in case you wanted to buy one and then came across this sucker.

I could have just linked to this in the first place and saved myself some time. It’s a universal adapter for all small electronics. I’m considering buying one just because it’s so cheap, but then again I have adapter for everything I need and this is the only product I can ever think of seeing that had a jack , but didn’t come with an adapter.

Alright enough with the rambling here are the product description and features.

Product Description

Turn your bedroom into a magical landscape with Rainbow In My Room. With a wave of your hand, a brilliant rainbow is projected across your walls and ceiling. It’s a sure way to make any room a happier place! Features auto shut-off and jack for optional AC adapter (adapter not included). Requires 4 “AAA” batteries, not included.

Product Features

Okay, just one more thing to add. I noticed that a lot of people package this as a gift with a rainbow book so here are a couple of the more popular ones in case you wanted to do that too.