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Parenting Hub

Techy Toys Bringing Pets To Life

After the phenomenal success of the Tekno Puppy, Prima Toys is proud to announce the release of two new ‘pets’ that will keep your kids engaged, teach them nurturing skills and provide hours of fun – the Tekno Kitty and T-Rex Dinosaur. Designed for a new generation of children, the three animals in the range all have their own unique exciting features. Tekno Puppy is as close to a real puppy as you can get. Based on an 8 week-old untrained puppy, the more you train Tekno the more obedient he becomes. Kids can also share and teach each other their tricks and search for additional content to enhance Tekno’s features and play pattern. Tekno has all the famous features from previous generations of robotic dogs and much more. Previous models were controlled by a bone shaped remote control, but the new Tekno doesn’t need this as he and his Tekno friends all use hand gesture technology, a unique selling point. Tekno Puppy also features petting and sound recognition, auto stop so that he doesn’t bump into things and he can also express emotions, allowing kids to understand how Tekno is feeling with his multiple of eye expressions omitted from his sunglasses visor. His magnetic mouth will let you know when he is hungry. Feed him his bone to make him happy and throw his ball for him to fetch like a real puppy. Tekno is now quieter when he walks as he has padded paws. Infrared technology means that kids can get their puppies together and watch them interacts and mimic each other. Tekno T-Rex the Bone Crushing Dino T-Rex is a real robot that responds to your voice, actions, motions, lights, sounds and even an app on your Apple iPad or tablet of Android device. Thanks to his artificial intelligence program, T-Rex will roar, cry, whine and change his eye patterns in ways to show how he’s feeling.  T-Rex has state-of-the-art sensors to know if he’s being petted, fed, talked to, and played with. In short, he acts just like a real dinosaur. He also features the latest in robotic technology, hand gesture control. With a simple movement of your hand, you can command T-Rex to walk, stop, bend over and toss his bone.  T-Rex responds to your voice, lights and sounds with expressive eye patterns to share his feelings. Stroke his face to hear him roar and see him snap just like a real T-Rex Dinosaur. When he’s hungry feed him with his dino bone to see his ultimate trick, watch him crunch, munch and launch it away, followed by an almighty burp. With over 100 physical and app-sized interactive play features. Includes bone accessory. Tekno Kitty Also introduced this year is the most Puur-fect adorable Tekno Kitty. Available in pink and white, she too who responds to your voice, actions, motions, lights, sounds and even an app on your Apple iPad device and tablets for Android. Thanks to her artificial intelligence program, Kitty will meow, cry, whine and change her eye patterns in ways to show how she’s feeling. Kitty has state-of-the-art sensors to know if she’s being petted, fed, talked to, and played with. In short, she acts just like a real kitty. Kitty also features hand gesture control. With a simple movement of your hand, you can command Kitty to walk, stop, stand up, and pounce. But, deep inside her programming, Kitty is still an 8 week old kitty cat. Tekno Kitty walks, purrs and meows just like a real kitten. Like her puppy and dinosaur friends she responds to your voice, lights and sounds with expressive eye patterns to share her feelings. She too has cutting edge hand gesture technology that commands Tekno Kitty to walk and stop. Using her mouse accessory, train her to do tricks, she will sit and beg for her mouse and watch her almighty pounce to catch the mouse! Kitty needs attention to be happy. Just like a real kitty cat, it is important to play with her and not forget to take care of her. She needs stimulation to be happy such as petting or rubbing her on her head, talking to her, or clapping your hands. You will see her ears twist, her eyes flash, her tail curl, and she will happily walk around looking for adventure. You should also remember to feed her with her robot Mouse at least once a day. Kitty always likes to eat. Kitty’s emotions will change and she will show you when she is sad. IPad and Android Tablet compatibility Applications for both IOS and Android are ready to be downloaded from ITunes and Google Play respectively. You can now interact with Tekno animals using your tablets and enjoy more features and controls! With over 100 play features. Includes respective accessories. For ages 5 and over. Availability All Tekno animals will be available from September 2014 in leading retail outlets at the recommended retail price of R999.99

November 10, 2014
Parenting Hub

Furby Boom Takes Playtime To A New Level Of Learning And Fun

A global sensation following its 1998 debut, the FURBY brand has solidified its place in pop culture history. Prima Toys South Africa is proud to announce the follow up to the FURBY craze, the creature with a ‘mind of its own’ – FURBY BOOM. Once again revolutionising digitally-integrated play, surprising and delighting fans of all ages, FURBY BOOM is the state of the art progression that features all the ‘magic’ and personality of its predecessor with twice the content. The new FURBY BOOM combines physical and digital play for a fun type of entertainment experience including the ability to hatch digital FURBLING friends. The FURBY BOOM creature takes kids on a digital adventure via their mobile device as they raise, care for and play games with their playmate. As owners play with and care for their FURBY BOOM friend they will earn colorful virtual eggs that in time will each hatch and become a FURBLING virtual friend. Both owners and FURBY BOOM can feed, play, and interact with the virtual FURBLING creatures who speak both English and FURBISH. Most game play incorporates both physical and digital activity such as “Furball,” a soccer style game where the FURBY BOOM creature and the FURBLING virtual friend ‘kick’ a soccer ball back and forth on an onscreen ‘field.’ Fans will be able to collect over 50 eggs within the FURBY BOOM app by and eventually build a FURBY BOOM city. Eggs can be earned through game play within the app, exchanged among other FURBY BOOM owners, and a few surprises to be announced later in the year that will utilize QR codes. Through game play, FURBY BOOM owners can also earn FURBUCKS virtual currency which can be used to enhance their FURBY BOOM city. Using the new, free FURBY BOOM app owners can personalize, interact with, and care for their new furry friend. An interactive dashboard feature monitors the well being of your FURBY BOOM creature including its happiness, hunger, and cleanliness levels. Each app can monitor wellness levels for multiple creatures at one time! As owners engage with the app, their FURBY BOOM friend will react. If the dashboard indicates that it’s time for a cleaning, users can access the app’s shower feature and watch as FURBY BOOM physically reacts to the ‘temperature’ of the water! The FURBY BOOM creature also features an enhanced memory function that will allow it to remember the other FURBY BOOM friends it encounters. The personality of each FURBY BOOM is shaped by how you play with it, with the possibility of five brand new personalities to evolve. Owners can ‘get to know’ their new friend through all new LCD eye animations that express the ‘emotions’ of one of the new personalities of the FURBY BOOM creature. At launch FURBY BOOM will be available in six fashion forward pattern combinations including waves, stripes and zigzag designs. The free FURBY BOOM app will be available for download at the App Store and Google Play. The FURBY BOOM app is not required for FURBY BOOM play.   FURBY BOOM requires four “AA” batteries, not included. FURBY BOOM is available at most major retailers nationwide at the recommended retail price of R1600.00

November 3, 2014
Parenting Hub

Lalaloopsy Dolls

Prima Toys South Africa is proud to announce the Lalaloopsy dolls and all their adorable siblings, babies, pets and add-ons are now available across all major leading retail outlets in South Africa. Included in this range is the brand new Lalaloopsy Girls and Lalaloopsy Tinies. The beloved Lalaloopsy’s are well known amongst children world-wide. Once rag dolls that magically came to life when the last stitch was sewn, the Lalaloopsy’s have taken on the personalities of the materials that were used to make them. The older Lalaloopsy characters and their cute names such as Pearly Seafoam, Smile. E. Wishes and Cherry Crisp Crust head up the collectible range of dolls, which now extends its range to include smaller, also collectible items: Lalaloopsy Littles – smaller versions, essentially the younger brothers and sisters of the Lalaloopsys. Each doll comes with her own pet accessory such as an owl, an elephant or a pony. Lalaloopsy Minis – small enough to fit in the palm of your hand. Also with their own pet accessory, these adorable minis too have the moveable legs, arms and heads of their larger, older siblings. Lalaloopsy Babies – come with soft huggable bodies and a matching hat, pacifier and bottle. Also includes their own belly ‘buttom. Lalaloopsy Tinies – Brand new and as tiny as a button – the original Lalaloopsy dolls are now available in absolutely tiny formats, making them a fantastic collectible item too. These Tinies are available in packs of 3 or 10, making collecting so much more fun. Also now available is the Lalaloopsy Girls – Dolls that attend the Lala Prep School and the Lala Academy for Learning Arts that take magical classes, share dorms together and lots of secrets and laughter. These dolls too have the unique personality from their fabric as well as fun lanyard hair for lots of hair play. They come with their own comb and of course, like all other Lalaloopsys, their very own pets too. Lalaloopsys price ranges from R99.99 for a pack of 3 minis to R499.99 for the larger dolls. Price list available upon request. Lalaloopsy is set to be one of the most sought-after doll ranges this Christmas. For more information: http://www.primatoys.co.za

November 3, 2014
Parenting Hub

Leapfrog Unveils Leapband

Prima Toys South Africa has just announced the launch of the Leapfrog LeapBand, the first wearable activity tracker for kids, to get them active and learning whist having the most awesome time doing so. The LeapBand combines playful physical activities with a personalised virtual pet to encourage them to keep going, and track their progress. With over 50 different activities and challenges the child’s physical movements are tracked through the LeapBand, so the more active the child is, the more points their earn with their virtual pet. As the child earns points through play, they can unlock additional games, challenges, levels of play and virtual rewards.  The band is styled with kids in mind, including an accelerometer, high resolution colour screen, rechargeable battery and water-resistant design.  The device also doubles up as both a cool digital and analogue watch. With fun activities such as ‘leap like a frog’, ‘pop like a popcorn’, or ‘spin like a helicopter’ and many, many more, ,kids will love the interactive aspect of getting fit. Leapband is available at all leading retail outlets at the recommended retail price of R499.00 About LeapFrog LeapFrog Enterprises, Inc. is the leader in educational entertainment for children. LeapFrog’s award-winning product portfolio helps millions of children achieve their potential by delivering best-in-class curriculum through engaging content, fun multimedia learning platforms and toys. The Learning Path, LeapFrog’s proprietary online destination for parents provides personalised feedback on a child’s learning progress and offers product recommendations to enhance each child’s learning experience. Through the power of play, LeapFrog’s products and curriculum help children of all ages prepare for school and life success. LeapFrog’s products are available in more than 45 countries. LeapFrog is based in Emeryville, California, and was founded in 1995 by a father who revolutionised technology-based learning solutions to help his child learn how to read. Come see the learning at www.leapfrog.com. TM & © 2013 LeapFrog Enterprises, Inc. All rights reserved

September 1, 2014
Parenting Hub

It’s Xenó! The Greatest Toy Monster Around!

When Xenó was dropped on our doorstep this week- the excitement was in the air! Working moms typically have their children around during the school holidays so the timing could not have been more perfect to put him to the test. The Hub Twins were  immediately excited by his monsterous good looks but this was only the start! The Hub Twins aged 7 & 12 could not take their hands off him… I can most certainly see why he is set to be on every child’s Christmas wish list this year! Here is what Prima Toys South Africa have to say about him: Prima Toys South Africa is proud to announce the arrival of Xenó, the little monster that will light up your life as he craves care and attention in the most adorable way. Why is he hiding under the bed? – only because he’s a little shy and unsure of himself. As a little mutant that’s anything but scary, Xenó is still growing up himself. Give Xenó the right amount of love and attention and he will become a loyal friend who will respond to your touch and communicate with you like a real life creature. Xenó combines the cuteness of a pet with the innovation of leading app and robotic technology. His unique appearance is not just down to his monstrous good looks, but also from the state-of-the-art materials he is made from. With Xenó, every day brings new interactive possibilities. On top of everything, he has a variety of fun games to play. With over forty endearing expressions, his puppy dog eyes and drippy nose will make you want to comfort him, whilst eight super responsive sensors will ensure he reacts and moves to the touch just like a real life creature. The features are all encased in a unique material that feels like skin with bumps and lumps that any self-respecting monster should have. Communicating with this funny friend is also simple as he comes equipped with both a microphone and speaker and has three different modes in which to train him. Xenó can also interact with others of his species. Just link them electronically and they will soon be playing happily together. Xenó also has his own app where owners can experience their own Xenó community. With Xenó, every day brings new interactive possibilities. On top of everything, he has a variety of fun games to play. Xenó is set to surpass other techno-toys as a favourite friend for boys and girls aged 4-8. He is available in all leading retail outlets, selling at the suggested retail price of R1199.00.  The Hub Twins take on him “he is a fun and interactive friend”, “when he started dancing, it made us giggle”  You to could be the proud owner of your very on Xenó from Prima Toys. Click to enter to win the little monster that everyone will soon be talking about!     Xenó is approved and on our list of favourite things this year!

August 5, 2014
Shelby Jackson

Should Children Sleep with Stuffed Toys?

When supplying a favourite stuffed toy is the one, surefire way to get a fussy child to come down for a nap or a good night’s sleep, it almost seems like a no-brainer to hand it over as part of the bedtime routine. Still, it can be confusing to figure out whether or not encouraging your little one to rely on an object for comfort is a good idea. Before the age of one year, the American Academy of Paediatrics warns against introducing plush toys to your baby’s crib due to a potential increase in SIDS risk, but what about after she reaches that all-important one-year benchmark? Understanding the Prevalence of Comfort Objects A study conducted by researchers from both the University of Bristol in the United Kingdom and Yale University in the United States indicated that up to 70% of kids develop strong attachments to the comfort objects they rely upon to self-soothe. These transitional objects help babies learn to separate from their mothers with minimal trauma, and serve as important aspects of development for most kids. Special stuffed toys or blanks develop a very important role in kids’ lives, who tend to anthropomorphise their beloved stuffed animals in such a way that not even an exact replica of the toy is acceptable. Are Comfort Objects Inherently Negative? While some parents fixate on the idea of breaking their child from a dependency that they see as a weakness, there’s no real evidence that sleeping with a comfort object is emotionally damaging. Aside from the slight risk of allergen triggers from dusty or dirty plush toys, there’s very little risk at all when a child is old enough and has the requisite motor skills to move the object away from their face if breathing becomes difficult. A study at the University of Wisconsin at Milwaukee, originally intended to determine whether or not kids who have secure bonds with their mothers were more or less likely to rely upon comfort objects for sleep, found that there was no correlation at all between the strength of the parental bond or the lack thereof and use of a comfort object. The study also uncovered evidence that kids who were strongly attached to those objects seemed to more easily adjust to stressful situations when they had that object in their possession. Making the Right Decision for Your Family If your child is so attached to a comfort object that she refuses to go anywhere without it, problems can arise at the onset of the school year when school policies forbid such objects. Provided that a child is able to rely upon the object only in times of extreme duress or to self-soothe in order to sleep, there’s no real reason to forbid your child from bringing a favourite lovey to bed each night. Ultimately, the decision should depend upon the needs and lifestyle of your family and your own parenting style. If you feel that your child’s use of a comfort object has gone on for too long or that he’s getting too old to rely on such tactics, taking steps to gradually wean him away from a special stuffed animal may be in order. You should, however, expect for your child to regress in moments of extreme duress or dramatic transition. If he’s dealing with the loss of a loved one, a sudden and abrupt change in his life or another source of extreme anxiety, he may rediscover a need for the beloved animal that provided him with comfort before he was able to let go of that dependence. Many thanks to: Live out Nanny

October 7, 2013
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