Toy Box - Parenting Hub

All the latest fun for your little one

Inspire kids to BE MORE with Transformers Bumblebee!

The first time you saw a yellow Volkswagen Beetle turn into an all-powerful robot, you felt something, a feeling that never left, a feeling that drives you to explore your own limits, to run a little faster, to push a little harder or dig a little deeper and to never EVER settle for what’s right in front of you. A feeling that stirred the notion that things aren’t always what they seem, and anything can be more than meets the eye! BUMBLEBEE, is a bodaciously brave Autobot who makes every moment epic with cool mix tapes, killer dance moves, and parkour power tricks. The pop-culture-loving bot easily befriends humans with a fearless spark and bright personality. With his friends by his side, he fearlessly blasts into adventures to unleash the power within. Launching in cinemas from the 21st December 2018, Bumblebee is not only the title of the latest release in the Transformers movie franchise he’s also the star of the show. The fun lovable character is the hero fans look to when they need the motivation and courage to be more than others expect. Bee encompasses some great lessons to encourage kids to embrace kindness, fearlessness and confidence and be the best that they can be! Taking inspiration from Bumblebee, Educational Psychologist, Melanie Hartgill, offers some advice for parents, teachers and caregivers – looking to encourage the children in their life to BEE MORE. Remember to praise your children for their efforts and continuously reinforce positive behaviour. Show your children that the effort they put in is more important than whether they win or lose. Remind children that if they are going to do something, they should always do it to the best of their ability. If you are always working towards a goal or a dream, you will immediately be in a better place than where you started. Never stop being curious and continue to try out new and unfamiliar opportunities. With so many things to do and learn from – you never know what you are capable of until you try. It’s important to maintain balance – with time to learn, time to play, time to relax, time to socialise and time to be active being equally important. No one succeeds at everything all the time, failure is an important part of the learning and growing process – focus on this rather than getting caught up in the disappointment. Aiming for perfection is not realistic, rather work to the best of your ability and seek help in the areas you are struggling with. Everyone needs help sometimes, don’t be afraid to ask. Most importantly – always believe in yourself and your ability to achieve. Immerse yourself in the world of BUMBLEBEE with the latest Hasbro product range available from leading retailers including: Checkers, Toys R Us, Toy Kingdom, Toy Zone, Hamleys, Toy Adventures and Takealot.com. Join the buzz with the Studio Series H-01 Movie 6 Bumblebee Showcase Helmet that captures the cool swagger of the loyal Autobot scout. Imagine charging into battle with Power Charge Bumblebee. Action figure converts from robot mode to classic Volkswagen Beetle mode in 17 steps, so kids can amp up the power in 2 modes. The Bumblebee DJ Stryker figure brings a whole new beat to the game by interacting with fans and allowing them to create their own original tunes and so much more to choose from. Fans also have an opportunity to drive away in their very own Bumblebee replica VW Beetle with all the bodacious trimmings. All you need to do is purchase any product from the Hasbro Transformers range, between 22 October to 31 December, from select Checkers stores nationwide and you can stand in line to win this awesome prize (T&C apply). To see what you could win visit @TransformersSouthAfrica on Facebook for more details. #JoinTheBuzz on Facebook @TransformersSouthAfrica

December 13, 2018

Hasbro has more Transformers Bumblebee Magic in store!

The epic Transformers saga looks back at how it all began… The best friendships begin when you least expect them. Experience the beginning of a new adventure, when Transformers returns with the sixth instalment in the action packed movie series, BUMBLEBEE, in cinemas from the 21st of December 2018. This prequel to the original 2007 Transformers movie, is set in a small Californian town in 1987, and introduces Bumblebee the lovable, brave young Autobot scout who transforms into a rusty yellow 1967 Volkswagen Beetle. Behind the time-tested battle armour of Bumblebee is more than meets the eye. In a tale filled with action and suspense, Bee is taken in by a teenage girl, Charlie Watson and when the two go on the run from a government agency known as sector 7, they learn that there are other Transformer’s already on earth but soon found out that not all are as friendly as they may seem. Recreate your favourite scenes from the BUMBLEBEE movie with the latest product range brought to you by Hasbro, one of the world’s largest toy, game and entertainment experience companies. Fans also have an opportunity to drive away in their very own Bumblebee replica VW Beetle with all the bodacious trimmings. All you need to do is purchase any product from the Hasbro Transformers range, between 22 October to 31 December, from select Checkers stores nationwide and you can stand in line to win this awesome prize (T&C apply). To see what you could win visit @TransformersSouthAfrica on Facebook for more details. BUMBLEBEE PRODUCT RANGE Energon Igniter Series: Convert Energon Igniters Speed Series figures between robot and vehicle modes. Then plug the Energon Igniters core (sold separately with select products) into the vehicle and push down to unleash driving action. Look out for the Energon Igniters figures in the Speed, Power and Nitro series. Bumblebee Stinger Blaster weapon inspired by the iconic Bumblebee blaster from the movie. Launch discs in blaster mode, then activate the pop-out conversion to continue the action in stinger mode. Weapon easily fits to wrist for action. Get into character with the Bumblebee Voice Changer mask, featuring five Bumblebee phrases and an awesome guitar riff. The mask includes movie-inspired detail and adjustable straps for a comfortable fit. Titan Changer Bumblebee figure. Imagine the thrill of the battles between Autobots and Decepticons (additional figures each sold separately). This 30cm Bumblebee figure switches between robot and 2016 Chevrolet Camaro modes in two exciting steps. Bumblebee Tiny Turbo Changers Series. They’re tiny, but they pack a punch. The Tiny Turbo Changers are an epic, mini line-up of your favourite Transformers characters. Immerse yourself in the world of BUMBLEBEE with the Hasbro product range available from leading retailers including: Checkers, Toys R Us, Toy Kingdom, Toy Zone, Hamleys, Toy Adventures and online at Takealot.com #JoinTheBuzz on Facebook @TransformersSouthAfrica

December 13, 2018

Review: 3D Colorables

3D Colorables is a fantastic way to help kids become more creative and to use their Imagination on a whole new level. This awesome idea was made for any one of four years and up to colour, inflate and play. This is a great exercise to help children practice patience, keep them busy and out of your hair and it’s loads of fun! You are able to colour this great toy with just about anything; crayons, markers, pencils, you name it. I highly recommend colouring with markers as it adds such a beautiful boldness to your creation. Adult supervision is advised when blowing up in the inflatable. We had received a DIY unicorn sword and shield inflatable, but there are many other cool inflatables for boys and girls, such as dinosaur friends, dress up butterfly wings (helpful for imagination games and Halloween), dress up dragon wings, dragon shield with a sword, pirate swords and so much more! Once you have coloured your magnificent toy, you are ready to inflate. You are given a slide straw that you place into the end straps and fill the straw with air, in a way you would with a balloon. Once you have sealed the inflatable, the inflatables with stay inflated unlike a balloon for endless fun. Warning: there is a choking hazard risk for children. Once you have inflated your fantastic toy, ready, set and play! Go one wild adventure through the trees and fight off your siblings or the masters of imagination and magic. Watch your children have an absolute blast and admire their artwork. For to purchase visit www.bizikidz.co.za With a variety of 3D Colorables available, your kids will be having the best of fun in no time!

November 27, 2018

Disney Baby Mickey Shapes and Colours Shape Sorter

The Baby Mickey Shapes and Colours Sorter is one of the coolest, most fun multi-educational toys on the market – stimulating manual skills and the recognition of shapes, sizes and colours, all in the cute little package of Mickeys home. All coloured shapes represent one of the famous Disney characters including Mickey, Minnie, Donald Duck and Goofy. The Baby Mickey shapes and Colours Sorter is available from the following retailers: Babies R Us, Hamleys, Me, Mom & Dad (Greenstone), selected Kids Emporium stores, Loot.co.za, takealot.com, purplepepperz.com, thebabyzone.co.za and others.

November 12, 2018

Play-Doh and Toys r Us partner to share the joy with kids

As the festive season approaches, share in the gift of giving and become a Play-Doh Buddy-Can Buddy! From 15 October to 18 November, Play-Doh and Toys R Us have partnered to bring more Play-Doh fun to the kids at The Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital. While you plan to fill your little one’s Christmas stocking with Play-Doh cans, you can also play your part in spreading the joy. To participate simply purchase any two Play-Doh products (to the combined value of R100) from select Toys R Us stores and Hasbro will donate a FREE CAN to The Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital. Collect your donation coupon at the till and add a special touch by adding a personal message to a child at The Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital, which they will receive with their Play-Doh donation. Play-Doh continues to captivate the imaginations of children around the globe, providing them with the best in colourful, creatable, makeable adventures while providing the ideal opportunity to practice and nurture kids critical thinking and problem solving, communication, collaboration and creativity skills. Soon, every child will be able to Shape their Imagination with Play-Doh! For some fun Play-Doh inspiration watch the Play-Doh Show on Youtube and imagine adventures with the fun, lovable and colourful Play-Doh characters as they use their imaginations to find solutions to everyday and not-so-everyday situations. Visit Play-Doh South Africa and follow @PlayDohSouthAfrica on Facebook. Participating Toys R Us stores include: Gauteng: Fourways, Mall of Africa, Mall of the South, Stoneridge, Woodmead, Vaal Mall, Clearwater, Cresta, Atterbury, Eastgate. Durban: Gateway, Pavilion, Galleria, Ballito Junction Cape Town: Canal Walk, Tyger Valley, Somerset West, Cavendish Square, Table Bay Mall, PE: Baywest Mall

November 1, 2018

Review: Raptor Velociraptor by Fingerlings

Meet Fury, Stealth, Blaze and Razor; the BEST ferocious fingertip friends you’ll ever have! They’re fun and lovable and YOU CAN TAKE THEM ANYWHERE! These exclusive new Dinos’ are just a finger away. Dino’s chomp and growl, react to your touch and can move their head and eyes in pleasure or in aggression. It’s like having a real Velociraptor all to yourself, only better! Friend them all and show off your awesome raptors’ abilities. When showing love and care, the raptors react like puppies or kittens and snuggle into her nurturing hand! Listen to him growl and chomp away as he finds lunch. He’s sensitive upon four different parts of his head. He loves rubs and is attached to his owner, but be careful not to have your fingers bitten off! He feels just like a scaly Dino! Warning! This product is not suitable for children under 3 years because of small parts- choking hazard. The packaging is not a toy and should not be left unattended with children! It should be kept because it contains important information. This product was made in China, manufactured and distributed by WowWee Group Limited. Remember they’re babies so take amazing care of them and have fun! For more information visit https://www.primatoys.co.za/fingerlings/fingerlings-dino-velociraptor-assorted

October 27, 2018

Lalaboom – 5 in 1 educational beads range

“Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication”. Lalaboom has achieved this famous quote by bringing numerous basic but essential play values into one simple, yet effective toy – involving manipulation, textures, eye-hand coordination and intellectual challenges. At Prima Baby we pride ourselves on distributing toys that will not only entertain small minds, but keep them busy, whilst nurturing basic learning skills – and we are proud to add the Lalaboom products to our repertoire from late October 2018. Lalaboom addresses basic needs in more than one stage of age development. 6 months-old babies will start to use the primary functions of the toy and will progressively and instinctively discover new possibilities as they grow. This makes Lalaboom a long lasting classic toy that develop a child’s abilities from 6 months to 3 years old and up. Some of the primary functions of this unique new toy include: Snap, twist, mix ‘n match, construction and lacing. SNAP FUNCTION: 6 months and up. This is the primary function of the item, allowing manipulation and sensory exploration of various bead textures, colour recognition, gross motor skills and hand/eye coordination. TWIST FUNCTION: 12 months and up. Has a screwing system that allows each bead to open and close easily. Boosts motor skills and general coordination. LACING FUNCTION: 12 months and up. Thanks to an inner hole, kids can string several beads. Lalaboom is the first toy that offers a lacing function below 18 months and the best part is there are no small parts. COMBINATION MIX ‘N MATCH: 24 months and up. All beads are interconnected allowing unlimited combinations. Children can stack and play with half beads as well. CONSTRUCTION: 18 months and up. Child can use half or whole bead to stack and divide any part of the construction. The ultimate developmental toy, Lalaboom beads are available in packs of 24, 48 or 64 and will be available at retail and online vendors just in time for Christmas.

October 25, 2018

Review: Toptots Tom-e Books

Just as your child enjoys playing with toys, so too will she enjoy playing with books. All children need the opportunity to explore books with their hands and mouths. Young children should have a few vinyl or fabric books for this purpose as they can easily be washed. These books also teach your child how to turn pages carefully as they are not too delicate. This is a coordination skill still to be learned. When selecting books for your child, remember that they prefer bold pictures and no words are necessary. You will thus be able to use the picture to make up stories of your own. Storybooks develop good communications skills and help to build your child’s vocabulary that is growing bigger by the day. Storybooks allow for imagination and develop your child’s memory. You will find that your child enjoys hearing the same story night after night because she is familiar with the story and it has become predictable to her. Children like to know what will happen next. Choose a time when your toddler is relaxed before you attempt with “reading”. Never force your child to sit and listen, as this will only create a negative association with “reading”. Remember too that your “reading” time may be just a few minutes – let your child set the pace. Probably the best time would be just before bedtime. Reading and storytelling is very soothing and relaxing and your child will associate it with good, loving attention. Try to make a rule to read to your child every day as it is ultimately the route to all learning. A person who loves reading and who can read well has the world in the palm of their hands. The love of reading is developed early and you are ultimately responsible for encouraging your child to love reading. Our Tom-e book packs come in a set of 4 A5 soft backed books. Titles are – Tom-e plays with shapes and colours, Tom-e on Safari, Tom-e and friends, Tom-e goes on a picnic. To purchase, visit https://www.toptots.co.za/product/tom-e-books/

October 23, 2018

INTRODUCING NERF RIVAL

Gear up for Nerf Fest with the ultimate team-based precision battle NERF fans get ready because NERF FEST is back. Get hands-on with the latest NERF range and put your blasting skills to the test at Nerf Fest 2018, between 27 & 28 October 2018 at Jozi X, Bryanston. To join the fun all you have to do is purchase a Blaster from any of the following Nerf Blaster Ranges: Mega, Elite, Zombie Strike, Rival or Modulus and upload the receipt at www.nerffest.co.za to RSVP. Just in time for Nerf Fest – NERF is calling all fans to choose a side and gear up as the ultimate team-based precision battle is set to explode this Summer with the launch of the new high-performance NERF RIVAL line. Designed for older members of the NERF NATION, the launch of the much-anticipated NERF RIVAL range, which includes high-powered blasters and durable, battle-tested accessories, enhances the action-packed NERF experience. Pick your team and go into battle as Team Red, Team Blue, or Phantom Corps, a group of rogue specialists who may join Team Red or Team Blue today, then challenge them tomorrow. Nerf Rival battles will never be the same! NERF RIVAL brings fans a unique, high-powered experience with the ultimate in competitive team play. Experience the intensity when it comes to high-impact, head-to-head NERF RIVAL battles packed with foam firepower, This Is How We Play! Choose from a selection of NERF Rival blasters and accessories – available from ToyZone, Toy Kingdom, Hamleys and Takealot.com – who has the best NERF blaster collection in town now? Experience ultimate precision and power in battle with the NERF RIVAL ARTEMIS XVII-3000 blaster! Available in red or blue, the blaster features a spring-action cocking mechanism, easy-load internal magazine, and boasts slam-fire capability firing the Nerf Rival foam rounds at a velocity of up to 100 fps. Dominate blaster battles with the Nerf Rival Nemisis MXVII-10K blaster, which offers a massive 100-round capacity to outlast the competition. The fully-automatic blaster features the first ever easy load hopper for high-speed reloads – say ‘hello’ to unlimited play and fun! Go into battle as a member of the Red, Blue or Phantom Corps team with the breech-loading Nerf Rival Kronos XVIII-500 blaster that features the team’s identifying colour and logo. Open the breech to load 5 high-impact rounds into the blaster, then prime it with the spring-action cocking mechanism, take aim, and fire. The blaster sends the rounds blasting into battle at 27 meters per second. This Nerf Rival blaster also has a trigger lock, and tactical rail. Look out for Nerf Rival Kronos Battle Set, which includes a Kronos XVIII-500 blaster and Vision Gear with a movable team colour indicator bar. The goggles are designed for a comfortable fit and have an adjustable elastic strap. When the Nerf Rival battle starts, the ultimate accuracy of the Nerf Rival Apollo XV-700 blaster will put you in charge. Load up the easy-load magazine with the included 7 rounds, and you’ll be armed for head-to-head competition. Pop out the magazine with the press of a button to reload. The new NERF RIVAL line joins a wide range of exciting NERF blaster products including the latest additions to the Elite, Zombie Strike and Nitro ranges: Load and fire fast with the Nerf N-Strike Elite Infinus blaster, which features motorised Quick-Load Technology; as kids feed darts into the blaster, the darts are automatically loaded into the 30-dart removable drum. With motorised, rapid-fire blasting, kids can quickly unleash a barrage of darts on their targets. Hold down the acceleration button to power up the blaster, then pull the trigger to fire. The infinus blaster includes 30 Elite darts. Zombie survivors are prepared for anything with the Nerf Zombie Strike Survival System Scavenger Blaster, the essential zombie defense kit, which keeps battlers ready for any zombifying challenge that comes their way. Load a 12-dart clip and unleash a dozen darts in a row. Grab the extra clip from the holder and slam-fire the zombies away with the on/off slam-fire button, or stabilise shots with the stock/blaster attachment to never miss a target. Fire up an inferno of double action blasting with the Nerf Nitro Double clutch Inferno Blaster. This 2-barrel blaster allows kids to launch two cars at the same time. Set up targets, ramps, and obstacles and send cars flying. Challenge friends to see who can take on the ultimate obstacle, whose car will soar the highest, or go the farthest. This exciting package includes blaster, four Nerf Nitro foam cars with plastic wheels, double ramp, eight obstacles, double pop-up target and instructions. NERF from Hasbro, one of the world’s largest toy, game and entertainment experience companies, encourages hours of safe and fun, action-packed adventures suited to both indoor and outdoor active play. More information, visit: http://www.hasbro.co.za; www.nerffest.co.za and follow Nerf South Africa on Facebook

October 23, 2018

Plush Musicals

Nattou cuddly toys are famous for being one of the world’s best plush manufacturers. The characters are unique and exceptionally soft in material. A great plush makes a wonderfully supporting friend for your baby. These Nattou cuddlies are with your baby as it explores the world, when it drifts off to sleep and all the other moments of its first few months. Nattou cuddly toys give your little one the trust, security and comfort they need in the crucial early stages of their growth and development. The musical toy, available in the quirky Snow Leopard, Snow Panda and Hippo will comfort your baby with the melody “La-le-lu” and can easily be attached to cradles, highchairs or bouncers. Also available at Hamleys stores, www.loot.co.za , selected Kids Emporium stores, www.takealot.com and www.thebabyzone.co.za

October 8, 2018

Review: Nattou Car Mirror; Adele the Elephant and Panda

Nattou is one of the world’s cuddliest, softest and most gorgeous plush manufacturers and the new range of products is without a doubt, one of our favourites to come from the label. Mirror toys are always fun for very young babies, particularly as they start discovering their faces and learning self-identity. Of course, they are also a great source of entertainment, keeping children engaged. The Nattou car mirror in Adele The Elephnat or the Snow Panda ranges are easy to attach to the headrest of any car, making commuting with baby in the back easier. The mirror belly also reflects your baby in your rear-view mirror so that baby sees you while you are behind the wheel. Great fun for baby travel times. Available at Hamleys stores, www.loot.co.za, selected Kids Emporium stores., www.takealot.com & www.thebabyzone.co.za

October 3, 2018

Cuddly Plush

Nattou cuddly toys are famous for being one of the world’s best plush manufacturers. The characters are unique and exceptionally soft in material. A great plush makes a wonderfully supporting friend for your baby. These Nattou cuddlies are with your baby as it explores the world, when it drifts off to sleep and all the other moments of its first few months. Nattou cuddly toys give your little one the trust, security and comfort they need in the crucial early stages of their growth and development. Cuddly Valentine Mouse and Adele Elephant are two incredibly cute, unconventional characters to introduce to your child via toys. Available at Hamleys stores, www.loot.co.za, selected Kids Emporium stores, www.takealot.com & www.thebabyzone.co.za

October 1, 2018

Stack sort & store tree

The Stack Sort & Store Tree is a toy that will keep your little one entertained for hours. Stack, sort and store with the cute cat! Stack the 10 different coloured pieces, create building blocks or nest them inside each other. Place the cat on each piece to learn colours, numbers and animals and to also help develop gross motor skills. The stackable pieces also encourage hand-eye coordination, helping your little one to gain more identification skills. Press the big light-up button on the cat to hear fun sounds and music. Also features 4 happy sing- along songs, age-appropriate vocabulary with encouraging fun phrases and jolly melodies! The clear English speaking voice helps develop recognition and accelerates learning. Available instore now at Hamleys stores, selected Kids Emporium stores, www.takealot.com, www.loot.co.za and www.purplepepperz.com.

September 27, 2018

Review: Toptots Peg Boards

Pegboards are versatile toys that develop and strengthen visual perceptual skills, fine motor skills and eye hand coordination. They also help to strengthen a child’s pincer grasp which usually develops at 9 – 12 months of age. When a child uses his index finger and thumb to pick up objects, he is able to pick up and place the objects in a controlled manner. By placing the pegs into holes the child is strengthening his grasp and release skills and hand manipulation skills. Pegboards are beneficial in promoting fine motor skills, maths concepts and controlled placement. Our pegboards are available in standard sized pegs and various sized pegs. Locally produced and hand crafted out of wood. For more information, click on the links below https://www.toptots.co.za/product/toptots-wooden-peg-board/ https://www.toptots.co.za/product/toptots-wooden-peg-board-same-size-pegs/

September 27, 2018

Review: L.O.L. Surprise! Eye Spy Series

L.O.L Surprise bring cuteness to life and they have done it again with the Eye Spy Surprise Series. L.O.L. Surprise! Eye Spy Series UnderWraps dolls have 15 new surprises for you to unwrap! Unbox the spy glass to find codes and unlock surprises! Each doll is dressed in a mystery disguise, unbox each layer to discover who’s inside! The disguise becomes multiple fashion accessories! Mix and match outfits for tons of new looks! Collect them all! Styles may vary. 15 Surprises to unwrap Find surprise clues with the LOL Surprise Eye Spy Series spy glass Feed or bathe your LOL Surprise doll to discover water surprises! Capsule becomes a purse carrying case and doll stand Collect them all! Contents: A spy glass, a secret message sticker, a surprise codes, a bottle, 7 mystery Disguise’s, a pair of shoes, a fashion accessory, an outfit, and a LOL Surprise Eye Spy UnderWraps Doll For more information visit www.primatoys.co.za/lol-surprise

September 25, 2018

Seaside spinning top

VTech baby brings the best in technology-based learning to your child as they grow their little curious minds during play. Another gorgeous toy in the 0-18 month category is the Seaside Spinning Top – the perfect plaything to discover ocean animals, colours and numbers. The chunky blue press-down plunger spins the ocean animals around whilst the sea bed lights up, helping your little one discover cause and effect relationships. The press buttons introduce the crab, 2 angel fish and 3 starfish to baby, calling out their colours and encourage counting teaching numbers one, two and three. The music button plays 3 happy sing-along songs and 10 jolly melodies. Fun phrases and sounds encourage discovery and exploration. English speaking voice promotes recognition and accelerates learning. Grab one now at Hamleys stores, selected Kids Emporium stores, www.takealot.com, www.loot.co.za and www.purplepepperz.com.

September 19, 2018

Review: Vtech Baby Little Friendlies Shake & Roll Busy Ball

VTech Baby once again brings the best in developmental toys to parents around the world. Now available easily in South Africa through Prima Baby, the range of baby products are all aimed at stimulating baby’s brain whilst ensuring the best fun ever. Shake, slide and move with the Little Friendlies Shake & Roll Busy Ball. The ball is designed to stimulate your baby and provide a multi-sensory experience play time. It features 6 easy-to-grip handles so baby can pick the ball up with ease. The play pieces are made up of cute items such as butterfly and cow, a sliding milk bottle, chick and apple – all providing fine motor skill development and teach cause and effect while keeping baby busy. 3 press buttons introduce the cow to baby and play fun phrases to teach first words. The ball also includes a light up button and 15 happy melodies and 3 uplifting songs. So much fun in one product! Available now at Hamleys stores, selected Kids Emporium stores, www.takealot.com, www.loot.co.za and www.purplepepperz.com.

September 12, 2018

Little friendlies starlight sounds polar

Sleep time is invaluable – and tech toys are the way of the future when it comes to augmenting nurturing and soothing. VTech baby introduce the Starlight Sounds Polar Bear. Part of the Little Friendlies range of lovable characters, the cute, soft and cuddly polar bear features 4 modes of play with a 15, 30 or 45 minute timer, a light control button and an adjustable volume dial. The polar bear projects four different coloured lights with the option of 6 different light displays onto the ceiling whilst playing calming nature sounds and lullabies in the nature and lullaby mode, 3 soothing sung songs and melodies play in the lullaby mode, 7 popular nursery rhymes will be read in the story mode and 60 relaxing melodies will play in the lullaby mode. A vital addition to any babies nursery, this item is one of the most popular items on the VTech Baby range and continue to be any parents helper at sleep time. It is available at Hamleys stores, selected Kids Emporium stores, www.takealot.com, www.loot.co.za and www.purplepepperz.com.

September 11, 2018

Play to learn, learn to play

Prima Baby, is proud to announce our new exclusive affiliation with one of the world’s leading developmental tech toys for babies and toddlers – VTech Baby (0-24 months). VTech Baby makes playtime fun for little ones with a beautifully crafted, cleverly engineered collection of baby toys. The collection of products includes cuddly plush toys, teethers, nighttime projectors, bath toys and much more. Playful animals, whimsical music and flashing lights engage your baby and help your child reach developmental milestones in their early years. From September, parents in South Africa will be able to conveniently obtain baby products from this range that include some of the most adorable, yet functional items. With lots of stimulating add-ons such as buttons, textured appendages, singing functions, lights and much more, babies will stay entertained as little fingers explore and enjoy controlling their own play time. VTech Baby products will be available from 1st September at Hamleys stores, selected Kids Emporium store, www.takealot.com, www.loot.co.za and www.purplepepperz.com. Check out the full range on our website at www.primababy.co.za

September 3, 2018

Prima’s Top Tech Toys for Festive Season 2018

Fingerlings continue to be at the top of the birthday wish list. This year, the Fingerlings family has grown with the addition of Fingerlings Baby Unicorns and the Glitter Monkey. As the best-selling technology toy for 2017, the Fingerlings have become a phenomenon in the toy world and with good reason because these robotic pets are cute, adorable and very huggable. Brightly coloured with adorable faces, these palm-sized pets curl around your finger and come to life when you play, responding to sound, motion and touch with over 40 animations. Later in the year and leading up to the festive season, more awesome and exciting Fingerlings will be added to the range. The Fingerlings have become a phenomenon because they touch on a number of rising trends. They are quite unique and they’re also part of a bigger range making them fun to collect. The robotic aspect also adds strong play value to the toy. Furthermore, the new additions are right on trend in terms of theme and colour. Introducing exciting new additions to the Fingerlings family: Dino, Pando and Dragon Fingerlings Dino Velociraptor Fingerlings Untamed Velociraptors – These finger- gripping creatures are fierce and unpredictable, and know friends vs. foes. In untamed mode, they roar, hiss and chomp! In tame mode they nuzzle, purr and love to be near you. Complete with snapping jaws and gripping claws, these interactive dinos react to touch, motion, and sound with over 40 different sounds and animations. Fingerlings Baby Panda New Fingerlings Baby Panda are adorable baby pandas that are curious about the world around them – starting with you! These interactive pets love to hang onto your finger, blink their eyes, turn their heads, blow kisses, and talk in panda babble! They come in a variety of colours. Adopt them all and have even more fun around! Clap your hands twice and your pandas will sing together – Collect them all! Fingerlings Baby Dragon New fingerlings baby dragons bring you good luck and friendship at your fingertips. The baby dragons will get you all fired up with their interactive responses to sound, motion and touch. See how they react when you swing them, pet them, rock them, startle them or hang them upside down! Their movements, sounds and adorable blinking eyes are sure to leave you under their mythical spell. Collect them all for fiery fun. The cutest band of dragons ever! Available August Teksta 360 Incredibly lifelike, the classic robotic Teksta puppy & kitty are back with more interactive features than ever before. The puppy responds to voice, movements, lights and sounds through a built in artificial intelligence program. It communicates its emotions with barks, whines and changes in eye patterns, just like a real puppy. Teksta will also react to your hand gestures to sit, stop and flip backwards. You can even train it to play and dance with its friends by downloading the app for additional bonus features. Just like a real pup, Teksta needs to be fed when it gets hungry using the included bone. It also likes to play with the ball, also included. The robotic toy also features wireless and infrared technology which means that he can be trained to play with his friends. Download the free app for extra bonus features and programs for Teksta, wirelessly with Apple and Android Tablets. Available October. PokiBot The PokiBot is a fun miniature interactive robot that can move, spin, dance and even talk. The bot stands at 8cm and is sound activated – clap your hands and PokiBot will playfully respond as his mouth and eyes light up. Added to the fun is a feature that allows you to make 3 recordings of your own voice to play back in PokiBot’s robotic voice! To unlock additional fun content, the app can be downloaded on your smartphone or iOS and Android tablet. The app allows you to control the movement of your PokiBot and select the dance you want him to perform. With PokiBot it’s just like having your very own mini R2D2. Robo Chameleon Move, Aim and Catch! A Robot Chameleon that can Shoot the tongue out and snap up the “food”! There are 3 steps to catching Robot Chameleon: 1. Walk your Robot Chameleon to the “food” by remote control 2. Aim the target! 3. Press “catch” on the remote Robot Chameleon has a built-in extendable tongue to “catch” the “food”. It also has a LED Illuminated body, with multiple colour light changes. It also has a motorized tails and eyes that move when it walks. VR Real Feel VR Real Feel is the game that makes virtual reality a reality! Experience 3D high definition graphics with your iPhone or Android smartphone using the VR Real feel headsets. Simply download the game to a smartphone, insert the phone into the headset and play. Range includes VR Fishing, VR Alien Blaster, VR Motocross and VR Racing. The headsets have a comfortable foam face, adjustable straps, and an adjustable phone cradle. VR Real Feel Alien Blasters – For fans of virtual reality over the age of 8 years, the VR Real Feel Alien Blasters will meet all your Virtual Reality expectations and more. Each set includes everything you need to save the world – a VR headset, free iOS/Android app and a Bluetooth blaster for great control. The Bluetooth blaster is used to aim and attack the Aliens. In the game you can level up through five levels and unlock different weapons, battle tougher Aliens until you reach the ultimate showdown battle. For even more realism, the experience is enhanced through the force feedback in the blaster as it lets you feel the recoil and when enemies attack. The VR headset has a comfortable foam face, adjustable straps, and an adjustable cradle that holds up to an iPhone 7. The headset can also be used with other free VR apps from the app store or

August 23, 2018

Review: Flipside Game – Flip, Slide, Match

Parents are always looking for new and innovative games for their little ones, that will both occupy their time, but more importantly, increase their concentration. Put another way, education and development of skills, is generally top of mind when parents look to purchase new toys or games for their children. Flipside is a fun and challenging electronic game, the object of which is to flip to find the colour cube that matches the coloured lights reflected in the four middle squares. With four different game modes to choose from, Flipside is portable and small enough to be popped into your child’s carrybag but big enough for little hands to hold onto. Beat the clock in Speed Mode, challenge your skills in Level Mode, test your memory in Memory Mode or challenge friends and family in Multi-player mode. Two blocks with four different colours are attached to the centre cube where different coloured lights flash creating endless possibilities for fun! The blocks move in almost every direction. A great fidget toy for children aged 8 years plus and priced below R500, a great buy! Requiring only 2 AA batteries, this inexpensive to run electronic toy is ideal for everyone in the family. Flipside comes with its own instruction manual which makes it so easy for your little ones to learn how to use it and how to play all four modes. Flipside game is a great way to compete with a partner – see who is faster, smarter and who has better memory. Flipside can be purchased directly from Prima Toys’ website or from most toy retail outlets. For further information go to www.primatoys.co.za “This game is incredible fun! With four different styles of play, all involve matching the two outside pairs to the variable inner squares through spinning and flipping them.” “Because of its perfect size, Flipside is big enough for an adult to play comfortably and the great thing is that it has a volume control!”

August 23, 2018

Prima’s Top Science Toys for Festive Season 2018

National geographic has launched a new range of S.T.E.M. toys that stimulate the imagination and help children develop an aptitude for science, technology, engineering and mathematics. We all want to give our kids the world, and now, with National Geographic, parents can do just that. The range has fun, educational, stimulating and inspiring toys for kids. With the National Geographic science kits, children become thoroughly absorbed in play and learning. The range includes a variety of digging kits such as the Shark Teeth Dig Kit, Dinosaur Dig Kit, Bug Dig Kit and the Gemstone Dig Kit. There is also a Volcano Science Kit and a Glow in the dark crystal it where kids can create their very own crystals. There is a new range of soft play including Dinosaur, safari and Ocean animal figures to collect, play with and display. Nat Geo figurines Wildlife Wow is a revolutionary NEW wildlife series! Soft and squeezable with the same level of detail as hard figures. Each figure is hand-painted with non-toxic paint. These animals come to life with a free virtual and augmented reality experience and the app’s X-ray vision lets you see the skeletal structure inside each animal. Watch videos, learn facts, and explore each animal with the educational interface. This season there really is something for everyone! For more information, go to www.primatoys.co.za or www.Facebook.com/primatoys and follow @PrimaToys. The toys and games are available at toy stores and retailers countrywide.

August 17, 2018

Prima’s Top Boys Toys for Festive Season 2018

Ben 10 is still at the top of the list in terms of boy’s toys. Benjamin Tennyson moonlights as Ben 10, a superhero with special powers that he discovered from a young age when his signature Omnitrix device miraculously attached itself to his wrist. The Ben 10 range features all the alien figurines in various sizes ad movement capabilities. There are also exciting playsets including the Ben 10 Alien Creation Chamber and the Transform & Battle playset. New to the range is Ben 10 Action Projection Omnitrix, and the Omni Launcher which includes 2 figurines, the deluxe Transforming figure and the Alien Creation Chamber. Shown daily on Cartoon Network – Ben 10 is also being aired on SABC 2 Big Hero 6 The toys in this range are based on the animated superhero series of the same name. The series is about a young robotics prodigy who forms a superhero team to combat a masked villain. Now fans can collect and display their favourite characters from Big Hero 6: the series which is now showing on Disney XD. Toys in the range include Micro Chibi figures, action figures, feature figures, Armoured Up Baymax and Blast Flying Baymax. Available September. Treasure X Especially for boys who love to hunt for treasure, Treasure X is a new toy that engages the senses as children scratch, dig and unearth the lost bounty. Like any good treasure hunt, Treasure X is about more than just what you find, it’s about the fun of finding it too. Hidden somewhere inside the Treasure X brick are a collectible skeleton figure and a treasure chest which contains a gold treasure. Children can hunt for the buried goodies using the plastic X-cavator to chisel away at the soft rock of the brick. Even after excavation, the discovery isn’t over as the pieces of the figure need to be snapped together to reveal its themed character. Add water to the chest to trigger a fizzy reaction to find out if the treasure is gold. With 24 figures to collect and the potential for gold in each box, boys will keep wanting to dig for Treasure X. Available September. Stretch Mini Stretch Justice League Figures are just some of the fantastic toys available in the Stretch range. Each toy can stretch up to 5 times its original size, it then slowly shapes back, ready to be pulled and twisted all over again. Look out for Mini Stretch X-Ray and Mini Stretch VacMan, Stretch Batman and introducing Disney Pixar Mini Stretch Mrs Incredibles. Trixx Collect the 8 cars and create your own circuit! Trixx360º is much more than a car that turns 360! Everything is usable in Trixx360! Use the packaging box to build your own circuit! Make as many combinations as you can imagine! But not only that. All the accessories of the cars are interchangeable, including the wheels and the bodies! Collect the 8 cars with their ramps and make multiple combinations! This season there really is something for everyone! For more information, go to www.primatoys.co.za or www.Facebook.com/primatoys and follow @PrimaToys. The toys and games are available at toy stores and retailers countrywide.

August 14, 2018

Prima’s Top Girls Toys for Festive Season 2018

Shopkins have become a toy box staple and have crept into the heart of little girls the world over. They are cute, adorable, very colourful and collectible with price ranges that accommodate intermittent purchase and big ticket item buys kept especially for birthdays and special occasions. From the small collectible Shopkins, to the world of Shoppies and now Shoppets, the Shopkins universe features different themes for every season, sparks the imagination and provides endless hours of enjoyment. Shopkins fans can continue to grow their collections with more characters and additional playsets that all connect to each other to build a complete Shopkins world. This season sees the launch of Shopkins’ Season Nine – Wild Style, which introduces the Shoppets. They are adorable little pets for the Shoppies dolls and are larger than a Shopkin, but smaller than a Shoppie. These furry Shoppets come in different designs, such as Pupkin Cake the puppy, Ambear the bear and Kitty Crumbles the kitten who accompany the Season 9 Shopkins on wild adventures around their hometown of Pawville. Join in the adventure as Shopkins and Shoppies discover the Shoppets world of Pawville, where life isn’t just awesome, but “pawsome”. This latest range also features an array of new Shopkins. There are over 11 Shopkins Wild Style tribes to collect and they feature different finishes including colour change, glitter and jeweled. There is also the ultra-rare Shimmery Unicorn Shopkins tribe. 2018 also sees the launch of the Shopkins Small Mart Range. Now fans can go on a Shopkins™ spree and they can shop to their hearts’ content in the Shopkins Small Mart universe. The shopping themed playsets include a delivery shute, treadmill registers, check-out counter, shopping trolleys and more. Something top secret is happening in Shopville. Shopkins Lil Secrets is another range to look out for and will be available in stores in October. Hint: they are little playsets that Shoppies can play with. Fans of Shopkins Happy Places will be pleased to discover that the house and furniture-themed range will be added to, with new rainbow themed toys and playsets. Everything in Shopkins Happy Places is centred on tiny furniture and home accessories and features the Petkins. The Lil Shoppies dolls that are included with the Happy Places playsets are the new cute kids on the block in Happyville. Playsets include Kitty Kitchen, Dreamy Bear, Bathing Bunny, Slumber Bear Party, Bunny Laundry, Mousy Hangout, and now, with the new range, there will be plenty more to choose from and collect. Shopkins Cutie Cars have surpassed expectations and continue to be a hit in terms of collectible toys. These die cast vehicles are as cute as the Shopkins and each car features its very own Shopkins character in the driver’s seat. L.O.L. Surprise L.O.L. Surprise have been a phenomenon. The success of the products hinges on the fact that it’s all about unpacking the surprises inside until you have put together a complete toy. The products have won a range of international awards and continue to fascinate girls from the age of four and up. To add more fun, sparkle and excitement to the range, a variety of new, mystery-filled L.O.L. products have been launched including L.O.L. Pets, L.O.L. Glitter, L.O.L. Confetti, L.O.L. Little Sisters, L.O.L. Surprise Game with Accessory, L.O.L. Water Game and L.O.L. Puzzles. The new L.O.L Surprise is launching in September and includes Pearl Surprise, Bigger Surprise and Underwraps. Baby Secrets Baby Secrets is a retro toy that has made a comeback. Baby Secrets is collectibles range which features a unique element, that of discovering if the character is a boy or a girl by bathing it in water. The nappy changes colour to either blue or pink to reveal the gender. How’s that for a surprise?! There are fifty Baby Secrets characters to collect. Each with their own cute look and accessory – from bunny ears and bowls worn as a hat to headphones, berets, chef’s hats, mask and snorkel, beanies and glasses. Created especially for girls aged four and over, Baby Secrets are fun to collect, swap and display. Pikmi Pops and Cake Pops Pikmi Pops and Cake Pops are just waiting to be unwrapped! Another range of collectibles that feature the surprise element, the Pikmi Pops and Cake Pops are filled with mini scented plushies and other fun goodies. Created by the same company that brought Shopkins to the world, Pikmi Pops offer multiple ways of play. The Pikmi Plushie can be displayed inside the lollipop or hung from its dangler string on a school backpack, favourite bag, spiral notebook or pencil case. It can be part of a collection, and it can be swapped with other Plushie friends. The Pikmi Plushies come in a variety of sweet scents, ranging from chocolate and bubblegum to watermelon. There are over 45 mini Pikmi Plushies to collect, including Fluffy Ultra Rare and Shiny Limited Edition Pikmis. Part of the fun is that you don’t know what you will get inside until you unwrap it! Cake Pops Cake Pops is a new line of collectibles that ticks the boxes on several current trends by combining the unboxing appeal of the Pikmi Pops with the satisfying appeal of the slow-rise squishes, all packaged in a colourful “cake pop”. Baby Love Baby Love is Prima Toys’ own baby doll range. The success of the dolls hinges on the fact that they were designed with a South African audience in mind and each doll speaks a national language. Baby Bella speaks English, Baba Tasha speaks Afrikaans and the hugely successful Baby Thando speaks English and isiZulu. Parents and little girls can look forward to a new isiXhosa speaking doll. For 2018 the range now includes a Baby Love Buggy. Fans of the Little Live Pets will be pleased to know that there are new additions to the toy range. Little Live Pets Pup, Little Live Pets Dragon. There is also a Little Live Pets Bizzy Bubs. Introducing the Lil’ Cutie Pups, the latest members

August 8, 2018

Prima’s Top Toddler Toys for Festive Season 2018

LeapFrog prepares your child for a lifetime of learning. The brand is the leader in innovative solutions that encourage a child’s curiosity and love of learning throughout their early developmental years. For more than 20 years, LeapFrog has helped children expand their knowledge and imagination through products that combine state-of-the-art educational expertise, innovative technology and engaging play. LeapFrog’s learning tablets, developmental games, learn to read and write systems, interactive learning toys and more are designed to create personalised experiences that encourage, excite and build confidence in children. A range of new LeapFrog products are available to help your child develop a love of learning during the early childhood year. They are: LeapFrog Shapes and Sharing Picnic Basket Rainbow lights Ladybird Colour Mixer Truck Sort & Spin Turtle Hug & Learn Bears Book Number Crunching Squirrel Dino’s Delightful Day Letterband Phonics Jam Water & Grow Garden Sweet treats Learning café Leapfrog Mr Pencil’s Alphabet Bag Leapfrog Scout’s Get Up & Go Activity Leapfrog Scoop & Learn Ice Cream Cart V Tech VTech creates age appropriate and developmental stage-based electronic learning products for children of various ages. The products enrich children’s development and make learning fun. VTech consults a panel of experts, specialised in reading, language arts, science, math and child development, during the process of creating new products to ensure that they are beneficial to children. One of the key toy lines from VTech this year is the Toot-Toot Drivers range. The playsets provide miles of learning fun. Each playset comes with different track shapes so that toddlers can use their creativity and reconfigure the set or connect to other Toot-Toot Drivers playsets. A wonderful feature of the toys is that each playset is equipped with SmartPoint technology. SmartPoint locations recognise and respond to SmartPoint vehicles with sound effects. This added element keeps little ones engaged by boosting imaginative play and teaches cause and effect. Some of the new products for toddlers that parents can look forward to from VTech are: Secret Safe Mini Diary Sing Along microphone Toot Drivers – below are sets designed for Toot drivers vehicles Deluxe Track Set Airport Fire Station Garage Light & Flight Discovery Globe Kidi Superstar Move Peppa Pig In recent years Peppa Pig has become a firm favourite amongst pre-school children. Some may even say that she has become somewhat of a celebrity with many fans the world over. So it is no surprise that the new Peppa Pig range of toys are set to become an essential part of the toy box! Inspired by the TV show, the new playsets, characters and themes are iconic and instantly recognisable by children and their parents. The toys are great for role play and encourage children to use their imaginations by making up lots of Peppa Pig stories, pushing Peppa and George on the see-saw, teaching them in the classroom and even using the figures on the Air Peppa Jet. For those who aren’t familiar with Peppa, she is a loveable, cute piggy who lives with her little brother George, Mummy Pig and Daddy Pig. Peppa’s favourite things include playing games, dressing up, days out and jumping in muddy puddles. Her adventures always have a happy ending. The latest Peppa Pig range has an array of fun playsets and characters for pre-schoolers to play with. From the Ice Cream Van and Peppa Jet to plush toys. With Peppa Pig, adventures always have a happy ending. Little Tikes Little Tikes is a range of toys for indoor and outdoor play that will entertain your child while helping them to develop their mind and imagination. The toys encourage discovery and learning through active, creative and social play and provide hours of fun. The products are created for babies and toddlers, as well as older children, with a focus on interaction, movement and learning. From outdoor sets to role-playing toys, the products encourage children to play, push, pull, bounce and more. The toys have been designed especially for little hands and are tough enough to endure being chewed, hit and thrown about. Below are some of the latest toys from Little Tikes: Little Tikes Singing Sorter Little Tikes Squishy Piano Little Tikes Touch n Go Flyers Little Tikes Slammin Racers Little Tikes Dirt Digger Plough & wrecking Ball Disney Mickey 90th Mickey is turning 90 on 18 November. Disney will be running a nationwide campaign to celebrate all things Mickey over the festive period and capitalising on the hype around his birthday (18 November). Dates of the campaign end Oct – end Dec. Prima will focus on the below key product categories Mickey: Plush Games & Puzzles Metals Outdoor play Disney and dress up Playing dress up is a fun way for kids to express themselves. The Disney rage includes costume party packs available in the following brands: Marvel Avengers, DC Heroes Boys, DC Girls and Disney Princess. This season there really is something for everyone! For more information, go to www.primatoys.co.za or www.Facebook.com/primatoys and follow @PrimaToys. The toys and games are available at toy stores and retailers countrywide.

August 2, 2018

Play with purpose is essential for children with autism

Play is a powerful tool autistic children need to boost their development and an essential way for them to learn a range of skills. This according to Keri Delport, director of Autism Western Cape – an organisation committed to empowering individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and educating their families and communities on the disorder. Autism is a neuro-development condition that impacts the way the brain works and processes information. In South Africa more than seven thousand children are born with autism every year; this means that 160 autistic children are born in the country every week, which is roughly 23 per day. “Autistics are incredible people who open doors for other people in different ways. They are extremely honest and tend to live in the moment. They focus really well when things interest them and have terrific memories once they understand a concept. It’s for this reason that play is so important. It provides the level of physical and psychological support the child needs and helps to develop language, creativity and problem-solving skills,” she says. Delport explains that engaging in play is the start of an important cycle for autistics, forms an integral part of teaching them how to interact with other children and is “absolutely necessary” to develop their social skills and encourage independence. Play types: Explanatory play – allows children to explore the toy in its entirety and helps him/her learn more about the world through shape, colour and texture Functional play – allows children to use the toy the way it’s designed to be used and helps to develop social skills. Sensory play – an invaluable form of play, provides children with a level of input to support their sensory modulation needs Toy types: Teddy bears and mouthing blocks Puzzles and Lego Play dough and kinetic sand Delport says parents play a crucial role in ensuring that autistic children “play with purpose” and advise that parents introduce children to toys/games that don’t overwhelm or pressurise them in order to boost their self-confidence. “After all, as Jean Piaget said: ‘play is the work of childhood’,” she says. And to encourage a culture of play with autistics and motivate parents to allow their autistic children to engage in play, Delport says Autism Western Cape recently partnered with toy retailer Toy Kingdom to host the first ever Autism Hour in several stores around the country. During this hour, specially trained staff was at-hand to assist and interact with autistic children; and carried-out sensory demonstrations that focussed on toys that stimulate senses. Since this disorder is characterised by several marked differences including social interaction and sensory activities, stores dimmed the lights and turned-down the music to create a safe space and ensure autistics feel comfortable and welcome. “This is a pioneering initiative in South Africa and provided autistic children the space they needed to play and simply be themselves. It also served as a space where parents could come together, support each other and feel less judged. We hope to see more of these initiatives rolled-out in the country in due course, they are extremely valuable,” Delport says.

July 9, 2018

Oops – Baby’s first Travel Collections

Oops ‘My Sports Bag’ is one of the most popular bags for young toddlers who are just starting to develop some independence and may need a bag to include a swimming costume, towel and maybe a snack. A practical, zipper opening, water-resistant bag that is spacious enough to carry your little one’s sporting gear or travel things, the bags are bright, colourful and feature characters from the famous ‘My City’ or ‘My Forest’ ranges. Perfect for a playdate with friends too. Matching the sports bag is the gorgeous ‘Happy Snack’ lunch box. A 3D soft cover lunchbox with a thermal lining, the easily-cleaned insides are great for storing food for pre-school, travel trips or just when out and about with mom. It keeps food fresh and delicious for hours and again, has the cutest characters emblazoned on the outside. Grab one now at any of the following retailers: Hamleys Toy Stores, selected Kids Emporium stores, Me Mom and Dad, www.thekidzone.co.za, www.purplepepperz.com, www.loot.com& www.takealot.com

June 26, 2018

Oops Traditional Wooden Toy selection

Wooden toys always hold a sense of nostalgia about them. Well crafted, old-fashioned toys that the generations before us enjoyed in many countries are now quite rare. Oops has held onto the traditional European love of the wooden toy and ensured that children of today still get to enjoy building, playing and learning with the medium of wood. The Multi-Activity Wooden House is the perfect example of traditional play combined with vibrant stimulation. With the modern Oops characters as residents, the houses include a shape sorter, spinning cogs, a 3D clock and many other elements that generate the interactivity that starts a young mind working. The ultimate toy that makes learning joyful and fun. The smaller 3D Wooden puzzles from Oops for younger babies are a great starting point for intrigue and fascination. With just 9 pieces to work with, very young babies can get building bright, character driven puzzles that will improve their coordination and keep them entertained for hours. The Wooden toy selection from Oops is available at the following retailers: Hamleys Toy Stores, selected Kids Emporium stores, Me Mom and Dad, www.thebabyzone.co.za, www.thekidzone.co.za, www.purplepepperz.com& www.loot.co.za

June 22, 2018

Review: Oops Puzzle Range

There is a something nostalgic about wooden puzzles. They certainly provide the durability that is required when toddlers get a hold of them. These old fashioned, bright coloured developmental toys provide more benefits for your little one than you think. Any child of EVERY age, should be playing with puzzles on a regular basis. When you child plays with puzzles the following is being developed Hand eye co-ordination Fine motor skills Gross motor skills Problem solving Shape recognition Memory stimulation We at Parenting Hub certainly feel that you would not regret this investment and the Oops range can be purchased from the following outlets. Hamleys Toy Stores Selected Kids Emporium stores Me Mom and Dad www.thebabyzone.co.za www.thekidzone.co.za www.purplepepperz.com www.loot.co.za

June 21, 2018

Why play should be a priority in children’s development

Play is not just fun but also significant for a child’s development. It is fundamental for healthy brain development and is the way that children learn about their world. Play provides the opportunity to explore the world, learn cause and effect and derive meaning form experiences. There are many forms of play which fall within the structured or free play categories. There are 4 general types of play that we will explore, namely: physical, object, rules, and pretend play. Physical play uses the entire body. It develops and strengthens both gross and fine motor skills and keeps children active. This is often explored as free play. Climbing trees, running, pushing and pulling. It also offers social and emotional benefits as children learn to engage with others. Object play refers to the use of toys or any objects that can be used to engage play. This is great for the senses as well as creativity and problem solving. As a child learns to manipulate objects to cause a specific reaction. For instance tying a rope to a bucket and having to pull it. Games with rules such as, board games or team sports, help develop social skills as well as, language and communication skills. This is because they need to learn and communicate turn taking, sharing and empathy. Pretend play aids in a child’s understanding of the world around them. It gives them a chance to let their imagination run free. This could be in the form of acting out real-life situations or by making something up that is weird and wonderful. This is a necessary tool to use in regulation of emotions. This helps children to learn empathy as they get to play a different role than themselves. All these types of play work together to ensure that children learn and develop the physical, social and emotional skills needed for grown up life. Skidz includes all these types of play in each Clever Activity Box. The aim is to give parents the tools and resources needed to spend quality time with their kids. This time spent together is pivotal in teaching them how the world works. It helps their physical development as well as their social and emotional development. Everything a child learns is taught through play and this is what we focus on. Each Clever Activity Box comes with over 100 activities in to do at home. It also includes a fun filled curriculum for each day of the week. The ages range from birth up to 5 years. To get your Clever Activity Box and to spend quality time with your child is as easy as visiting our website www.skidz.co.za. For some more awesome and fun ideas you can also like our facebook page at www.facebook.com/skidzsa

June 18, 2018

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