Mr. S. is a big fan of action figures. The problem is, that some of the ones that he likes have pieces that are too small for him to manipulate. He tries, but always winds up getting frustrated. That's why I'm glad to see that many manufacturers make larger figures to complement their smaller-sized counterparts. Little ones can still have fun while playing with the characters they love so much.
Such is the case with the Transformers Rescue Bots Electronic Figures (compare prices) from Playskool. A full 10 inches tall, both Optimus Prime and Bumblebee come with a spinning rescue tools and feature lights, sounds, and voices. Based on the popular show Transformers Rescue Bots on the Hub network, the figures are chunky and easy to operate -- designed to fit perfectly in a smaller hand.
It is important to note that these figures do NOT transform--something that initially disappointed Mr. S.--but he quickly moved on, instead bringing Optimus Prime to his Batcave playset where the transformer and Batman engaged in many exciting adventures. The Transformers Rescue Bots are great for kids ages 3-7 and retail for about $27 each.
What is your preschooler's favorite toy?
Related: Transformers Rescue Bots Coloring and Activity Pages
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Images: Playskool
Disclosure: Review products were provided by the manufacturer. For more information, please see our Ethics Policy.
It's supposed to be a rainy day today, something that is sure to make Mr. S. sad. But I think I'm going to brighten his dreary Thursday by grabbing his raincoat and rain boots and heading outside anyway. There are lots of fun things you can do in the rain with your preschooler, from jumping in the puddles (always a favorite!) to taking photos with a waterproof camera.
How do you have fun in the rain?
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If you've got a preschooler at home, you may want to be mindful of your television watching habits, especially when it comes to footage of the tornadoes that have ravaged Oklahoma. Images like these can cause young children to get upset because they don't fully understand what is happening. For advice on the best ways to explain what is going on, check out our tips on how to talk to kids about natural disasters and read how other parents explain tragedy to their own children.
How do you talk to your children about what they see on the news?
Related:
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If I want to give Mr. S. a treat, and I mean a very-good-boy, special-day surprise, we head to Build-a-Bear Workshop (manufacturer site) so he can make a new stuffed friend. (Come to think of it, if I want to treat Miss A. my 10-year-old and Mr. C. my 12-year-old, we head to Build-A-Bear as well!) The thing that I like about Build-A-Bear is while we always end up with an adorable plush pal, the process of making one is also a lot of fun, from choosing, to stuffing, to washing, to dressing.
Starting today, underwater city Bikini Bottom is relocating to the popular store, bringing residents SpongeBob SquarePants and Patrick Star with it. For $23 each, kids (and grown-ups too) can make their own plush and then dress and play with them with a variety of clothing and accessories including:
- SpongeBob's Pirate Costume ($13.50)
- Patrick's Pirate Costume ($12.50)
- Pineapple House ($12)
- SpongeBob SquarePants Song Sound Chip ($7)
- Pre-stuffed minis Sandy Cheeks and Gary the Snail ($10 each)
In addition, for non-Bikini Bottom residents, there are SpongeBob PJ Pants ($7) and SpongeBob T-shirt ($7).
We didn't have to travel to the store to get ours, it was shipped to our home in a brown box. But inside the box was the telltale Build-a-Bear box, which made Mr. S. super excited. That it was SpongeBob inside, made him even happier. The doll is really cute and super soft, the same high quality that you find will all Build-a-Bear products.
All weekend long the stores will be hosting special events. Guests are being asked to dress up in SpongeBob clothing and costumes; additionally, anyone who buys a new plush will receive a paper pineapple hat. Thanks to Mr. S.'s enthusiastic reaction to his new underwater friend, I suspect we may be stopping by to get another!
Does your preschooler like to go to Build-a-Bear?
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Images: Build-A-Bear Workshop
Disclosure: Review products were provided by the manufacturer. For more information, please see our Ethics Policy.
