If it’s Tuesday it must be toys and tours

"Brown Teddy Bear" by Lydia Jacobs

Welcome to the newest edition of, “If it’s Tuesday it must be toys and tours.” Like our sister columns, Wednesday’s “Book Report,” Thursday’s “Musical Notes” and Friday’s “Popcorn Report,” which respectively features information on books, music and movies, this weekly post highlights the best in product offerings in the world of toys, games, puzzles, crafts, sporting goods and vacation specials for children and teens, as well as industry news and up-to-date product recalls from United States Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC). Be sure to check back each Tuesday.

This week we’ll take a look at coloring books that not only offer an opportunity for artistic coloring self-expression but include an educational component. We’ll also share some news on a tour offering at Crayola, and take a look at current product recalls that you may have missed.

COLORING BOOKS

Flower Fairies Alphabet Coloring Book

By Cicely Mary Barker

This 24-page classic is a reissue of the original bestselling Flower Fairies Alphabet Coloring Book. A combination of charming fairy images paired with alphabetical flower names. There are no "U" or "X" fairies,  however it is a splendid visual composite from a master 19^th Century artist whose illustrations were prized for recreating the grace of children and the finite detail of nature. The coloring book is suggested for ages 4-8, but older children will enjoy the coloring details as well.

Amazon.com offers a page selection view of the Flower Fairies Alphabet Coloring Book in addition to more detailed product information. Regular price through Amazon.com for this product is $4.99. Amazon Marketplace has best pricing for $2.05.

Masterpieces - A fact-filled coloring book

Written and illustrated by Steven Zorn and Mary Martin

This 128- page coloring book, perfect for ages 9-12, introduces children to some of the greatest works of art from such masters as Gaugin, Renior, Degas and Whistler to name a few. Sixty pages of easy-to-color, simplified versions of great works of art from the last 500 years are accompanied with stories about each painter.

Amazon.com offers a page selection view of Masterpieces – A fact-filled coloring book as well as more detailed product information.  Regular price through Amazon.com for this product is $9.95. Amazon Marketplace has best pricing for $6.09.

Life in a Medieval Castle and Village Coloring Book

By John Green

Medieval history springs to life in this 42-page coloring book of detailed drawings with captions. Scenes of banquets, castles, battles and every day life are perfect for children 4-8.

Amazon.com offers a page selection view of Life in a Medieval Castle and Village Coloring Book as well as more detailed product information.  Regular price through Amazon.com for this product is $3.95. Amazon Marketplace has best pricing at $1.65.

Wild Animals Coloring Book

By: John Green

Children ages 4-8 will learn about 47 different species in this 48-page coloring book. Finely detailed line renderings with captions introduce animals such as snow leopard, gorilla, reindeer, kangaroo and more.

Amazon.com offers a page selection view of the Wild Animals Coloring Book as well as more detailed product information.  Regular price through Amazon.com for this product is $3.95. Amazon Marketplace has best pricing for $1.02.

Let’s Learn Italian Coloring Book

By: Anne-Francoise Hazzan

Teaching a child a second language is easiest the younger they are when you introduce the language. Let’s Learn Italian is geared for the toddler/preschool set with simplified illustrations that reflects each letter of the alphabet along with a single word at the top of each page.

The Let’s Learn Coloring Book series is also available in French, Spanish and German, however these editions are more appropriate for ages 4-8 years.

Amazon.com offers a page selection view of Let’s Learn Italian Coloring Book as well as more detailed product information.  Regular price through Amazon.com for this product is $9.69. Amazon Marketplace has best pricing for $3.95.

TOURS

The Crayola Factory

If your summer vacation is taking you to Pennsylvania and the Lehigh Valley region, one of the most fun places to visit is The Crayola Factory at 30 Centre Square in Easton.

More of an activity center than a true factory, you and your child will nonetheless see how crayons are manufactured, in addition to having a splendid time partaking in a number of fun-filled coloring activities and exhibits, as well as shopping in their amazing gift store that houses the world’s largest crayon.

Open year round with tickets priced at $10.24 for adults and children over three. Seniors ticket price is $9.71 and children under three are FREE. Admission to The Crayola Factory also includes a FREE admission to the National Canal Museum.

You can learn more about The Crayola Factory and The National Canal Museum from the video below, or you can plan your trip and purchase advance tickets through TicketWeb at The Crayola Factory website.

 PRODUCT SAFETY RECALLS AND NEWS

As of this publication, no new Toy/Sports and Recreation product recalls or news have been listed on the United States Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) website since last week’s post.

If you are searching for other consumer product items such as household, outdoor products, utensils, furniture and clothing that may relate to all family members, please review additional listings at the CPSC’s search page.

If it’s Tuesday it must be toys and tours

"Brown Teddy Bear" by Lydia Jacobs

Welcome to another edition of, “If it’s Tuesday it must be toys and tours.” Like our sister columns, Wednesday’s “Book Report,” Thursday’s “Musical Notes” and Friday’s “Popcorn Report,” which respectively features information on books, music and movies, this weekly post highlights the best in product offerings in the world of toys, games, puzzles, crafts, sporting goods and vacation specials for children and teens, as well as industry news and up-to-date product recalls from United States Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC). Be sure to check back each Tuesday.

This week we’ll take a look a quality made/specially priced (all under $10.00) plush stuffed animals, for playtime and collecting.

We’ll also share some news on a tour offering at the Vermont Teddy Bear Factory, and take a look at current product recalls that you may have missed.

STUFFED ANIMALS

FAO Schwarz 9 inch Plush Bear - Light Brown

An adorable and snuggle-type bear, which measures nine inches tall and is dressed in a soft pink teddy-appliqué shirt. Perfect for children five and older, the bear is surface washable and very nicely crafted. The bear is also available with a blue shirt, and both varieties may be purchased online at a discounted price of $9.99 at Toys R Us.

COLLECTIBLES

In the world of plush stuffed collectibles, perfect for ages five and up, comes delightful offerings from Ganz: Webkinz Lil’ Mini Plus Stuffed Animal Lamb; Webkinz Lil’ Kinz Rabbit; Webkinz Siamese Cat; Webkinz Border Collie and Webkinz Dachshund.

Each Webkinz plush has a tag that bears a secret code, which lets children enter the online site “Webkinz World;” a fun place where kids can design a special room for  Webkinz pets. There is also a fun arcade, trivia games and much more.

 



The lamb measures 6 x 4 x 4 inches and best available pricing is through Amazon Marketplace for $4.89.

 

Rabbit measures 5 x 3 x 3 inches and best available price is also through Amazon Marketplace for $1.99.

The cat measures 11 x 5 x 7.5 inches and best available pricing through Amazon Marketplace for $7.50.

Border Collie measures 8 x 6 x 6.5 inches and best pricing is through Amazon Marketplace for $9.95.

Dachshund measures 11 x 5 x 7.5 inches and best pricing is through Amazon Marketplace for $8.49.

TOURS

If you live in New England, or are planning a trip to Vermont, The Vermont Teddy Bear Factory and Bear Shop, offers family tours year round at their facility in Shelburne, Vermont.

Tours last approximately one hour and 15 minutes in length and are offered free to children, and at a modest charge of $3.00 for adults.

On your tour, you’ll see how the world famed Vermont Teddy Bear is manufactured, step-by-step. 

If you can’t make the in-person tour, Vermont Teddy Bear also has a free online tour.

For further information, visit Vermont Teddy Bear’s website or phone (802) 985-3001/ (800) 829-BEAR.

Not only does Vermont Teddy Bear manufacture quality stuffed bears but they provide an actual “bear hospital” for repairing the “injured” toys: Check out the video below as

Chip visits the Vermont Teddy Bear Hospital.

PRODUCT SAFETY RECALLS AND NEWS

The following is a compilation of notices from the United States Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC).

Below you will find the most recent recalls and product news updates from the CPSC since the last date of this column.

In case you happened to have missed any of the announcements, just click on the following links for complete information on each of the items and breaking news.

TOYS

UJ Trading Recalls Knight Hawk Toy Helicopters Due to Fire Hazard

G.A. Gertmenian and Sons Recalls Toy Story 3 Bowling Game Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard

Sea Elite Systems Recalls Buoyancy Control Devices Due to Drowning Hazard

Children's Scooters Recalled by Kiddieland Due to Laceration Hazard

Disney Princess Plastic Trikes Recalled by Kiddieland Due to Laceration Hazard

Infantino Recalls Toy Activity Trucks Due to Choking Hazard

Consumer Alert: CPSC Warns of Deadly Danger with Water Walking Balls

SPORTS AND RECREATION RELATED

WRK Enterprises Recalls Edge and HOG Buoyancy Control Devices Due to Drowning Hazard

Rogue Fitness Barbell Brackets Recalled by Coulter Ventures Due to Injury Hazard

CPSC NEWS

75 Drownings and Near-Drownings in 15 Weeks; Pool Safely PSAs Urge Parents to Watch Children At All Times Around Pools and Spas This Summer

If you are searching for other consumer product items such as household, outdoor products, utensils, furniture and clothing that may relate to all family members, please review additional listings at the CPSC’s search page.

If it’s Tuesday it must be toys and tours

"Brown Teddy Bear" by Lydia Jacobs

Welcome to “If it’s Tuesday it must be toys and tours.” Like our sister columns, Wednesday’s “Book Report,,”Thursday’s “Musical Notes” and Friday’s “Popcorn Report,” which respectively features information on books,  music and movies, this weekly post highlights the best in product offerings in the world of toys, games, puzzles, crafts, sporting goods and vacation specials for children and teens, as well as industry news and up-to-date product recalls from United States Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC). Be sure to check back each Tuesday.

Last week we focused on a variety of unique puzzles for children and teens, which were introduced to the public at Toy Fair 2011 from Ravensburger, a quality-driven toy, game and craft manufacturer/distributor that has been serving the children’s market for the last 125 years.

The Ravensburger product line is extensive, and today we will be covering one of their signature products, Labyrinth, which is now available in a special edition, along with various line extensions of this incredibly popular board game.

We’ll also take a look at current product recalls from the last seven days that you may have missed.

GAMES

Labyrinth Anniversary Edition

It’s not often that a toy or game remains popular for a quarter of a century, but this year marks the silver anniversary of Labyrinth the shifting maze board game, perfect for ages seven and up.

Labyrinth is geared for two to four players and is very easy to learn. It’s an engrossing game that is ever changing during the course of play, and children benefit by learning to strategically think their advance moves in order to obtain their “treasures.”

This 25^th Anniversary Edition of Labyrinth is a limited run that is packaged in a special collector’s tin, and comes with an added twist – 12 maze cards with encrypted messages on the back.

Labyritnth 25^th Anniversary Edition carries an SRP of $29.99. Best available pricing is from online retailer, Fun and Games, where it is selling for $23.99.

There are several other versions of Labyrinth, each slightly different, and each carrying different pricing. The Duel, based on the original game is available through Amazon.com for $15.99 and where you will be able to view a video of the game in action.

There also is the Labyrinth Card Game for $9.40 through Amazon.com, and Labyrinth Jr., a version that is perfect for children under the age of seven.

This Jr. version is available through Amazon Marketplace for $9.89.

PRODUCT SAFETY RECALLS AND NEWS


The following is a compilation of notices from the United States Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC).

Below you will find the most recent recalls and product news updates from the CPSC for the last 7 days.

In case you happened to have missed any of the announcements, just click on the following links for complete information on each of the items and breaking news.

 
TOYS

No new toy product recalls in the last seven days.

SPORTS AND RECREATION RELATED

March 23, 2011 - Gerber Legendary Blades Recalls Combo Axe Due to Laceration Hazard

CPSC NEWS

March 23, 2011- CPSC Warns: As Button Battery Use Increases, So Do Battery-Related Injuries and Deaths Toddlers and Seniors Most Often Injured in Battery-Swallowing Incidents

If you are searching for other consumer product items such as household, outdoor products, utensils, furniture and clothing that may relate to all family members, please review additional listings at the CPSC’s search page.

If you and your child are Muggles and are headed to England, there are must-do walking or taxie tours for the sites made famous in the Harry Potter films by Warner Brothers. These tours are not to be confused with “The Making of Harry Potter” walking tour at Leavesden, England, which is currently being developed by Warner Brothers and will be available in 2012, these are tours that will take you to the actual sites that were captured in the Harry Potter films. Along the way you will discover everything you ever wanted to know about London and the environs. Operated by one of the best-guided tour companies in the United Kingdom, London Walks, provides special affordable memories that last a lifetime. The three different Harry Potter Walking Tours that are available need not be booked in advance and conveniently meet up as designated tube stations. The video below, just one example of the many tours London Walks offers, will give you a good idea about how a typical tour works. For further information and current pricing please visit the London Walks website. Hundreds of tours are operated each year by London Walks, the three Harry Potter location tour   the guides are a wealth of engaging informationare run by one of the best special film set tours that are currently being constructed  being constructed avaiable plural because the film locations are too spread out for just one walk.) 1) A Harry Potter Film Locations Walk 2) The Harry Potter Film Locations Taxi Safari. Harry Potter Film Locations in the City Okay, this is a big 'un. A big 'un because there's two different kinds of Harry Potter Film Locations Tours. 1) A Harry Potter Film Locations Walk (well, three different walking tours – see below); and 2) The Harry Potter Film Locations Taxi Safari. The walking tours are described first – let's call that Part One. Part Two is the description (and other particulars) of the Taxi Safari.  A line across the page, like this: divides Part One from Part Two. So if you want to go directly to the information about the Harry Potter Film Locations Taxi Safari just scroll down to the dividing line and go from there. Okay, here we go... Harry Potter: "Can we find all this in London?" Hagrid: "If yeh know where to go." Where to go on these three completely different tours. (Tours plural because the film locations are too spread out for just one walk.) Betwixt and between the film locations we hit the sweet spots – the very best of quirky, peculiar, curious, lost old London. It's all very Harry Potter and Co. For a detailed description of each of the two different tours, see below. But first a word about the guide. Because with this one you've got to get the guide right. You've got to have a guide who's part Lumos, part Mirror of Eristed. Who's got his O.W.L.s and then some. Cornish Pixies* won't do. *Let alone pizza delivery boys, parking lot attendants and security guards. And that's by way of saying, it takes a very special guide to get this one right. It's a question of range. A gifted actor – like Richard – has got that range. He's instantly likable. But he can also do high-beam intensity. He's got the goblet of fire voice. Got the dynamic personality. Got the past: Himalayas and a raft on the Pacific (London Walks' Action Man, he's earned that nickname of his – "Kontiki"). He's got those actor "gifts" that can't be taught, let alone faked. He's pitch perfect. He's got timing. He's got presence. He's just got it. All of it. Harry Potter Film Locations in the City takes place on Sundays from BankTube, exit 3. Here's guide Richard taking you through the menu for this one: "This walk 'Potters' through the old City of London. You’ll see most of the great buildings of the ancient City: the Bank of England, Mansion House, the wonderful Leadenhall Market, a close up view of the ‘Gherkin’, magnificent St Paul’s Cathedral, etc. You’ll cross the river by way of London Bridge – natch! You’ll see film locations where Hagrid and Harry make their way to Diagon Alley in the first film, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. You’ll see where Harry, Mad-Eye Moody, Nymphadora Tonks and their friends fly in The Order of the Phoenix. And you’ll see the locations used for the Leaky Cauldron and the Third Hand Book Emporium in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. And lots more. What's not to like about a London Walk packed with history and Harry Potter. So come on muggles, it's time to enter the maze. Yes, that time – Portkey time, warp-across-London time! N.B. There's a 3 galleon* charge for kids as this one's for all ages! *Oh, okay – if you must put it that way – £3. But not for tinies – under 8s – they go free. And Harry Potter on Location in Londontown takes place on Saturdays from WestminsterTube, exit 4. Here's Guide Richard again, taking you this time through the menu for the Harry Potter on Location in Londontown tour: "The walk takes in many of the grand sights of London including a terrific view of the river, Big Ben, Whitehall, Downing Street, Scotland Yard, Trafalgar Square and Piccadilly Circus. And – this should go without saying – you'll get to see some brilliant Harry Potter film locations, including the entrance to the Ministry of Magic, the flight path of Death-Eaters in Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince as well as the flight path taken by Harry, Mad-Eye Moody, Nymphadora Tonks and Co. in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. It's a treat for Harry Potter fans and indeed for the benighted few who aren't Harry Potter fans. (Works for them because of "the sweet spots – the very best of quirky, peculiar, curious, lost old London.") And if you're not a Harry Potter fan or a London fan – this is the wrong walk for you; and for that matter, the wrong town. N.B. There's a 3 galleon* charge for kids as this one's for all ages!    *Oh, okay – if you must put it that way – £3. But not for tinies – under 8s – they go free. And Deathly Hallows – The Quest Very definitely Harry Potter for grown-ups! takes place every Monday evening at 6.30 pm from TempleTube. Heeeeeeeeeeeere's the blurb: Celebrate the release of the thrilling seventh film with London Walks' very own Harry Potter expert, let alone uber fan! Kontiki Richard leads you through the most magical bits of old London. The wizard's bank. A fantastical mansion where we'll relive the last tortured moments of Charity Burbage. A gas-lit courtyard packed with Potter atmosphere and twice used by the Harry Potter production team. It's a walk laced with tales of good and evil, magic and legend. all of it wovenround the elder Wand, the Cloak of Invisibility, the Resurrection Stone and, of course, the Horcruxes. Where will it end? At the home of the premiere of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. Naturally. N.B. this one's for grown-ups so any and all kids go free – if they're accompanied by their parent(s)! "Nothing like a...stroll to give you ideas" The Harry Potter Film Locations Tours take place every Monday evening at 6.30 pm from TempleTube every Saturday afternoon at 2 pm from WestminsterTube, exit 4  and every Sunday afternoon at 2 pm from BankTube, exit 3.   YOU'VE SEEN THE FILMS, NOW VISIT THE SET! Ok, the London [and Oxford, etc.] Film Locations Okay, now let's turn the page. Turn the page because London's by no means the whole story. Which is by way of saying, if you really want to amp it up, there are some outriding combinations Richard's put together that'll knock your socks off. For example: 1) The London stuff and Lacock, Lacock Abbey & Hog-' inthingies'; 2) Or the London stuff and Blenheim Palace & Oxford(for Hog-'thingie's' Hospital, the Great Hall and Library)

If it’s Tuesday it must be toys and tours

 "Brown Teddy Bear" by Lydia Jacobs

Welcome to the debut edition of, “If it’s Tuesday it must be toys and tours.” Like our sister columns, Thursday’s “Musical Notes” and Friday’s “Popcorn Report,” which respectively features information on music and movies, this weekly post highlights the best in product offerings in the world of toys, games, puzzles, crafts, sporting goods and vacation specials for children and teens, as well as industry news and up-to-date product recalls from United States Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC). Be sure to check back each Tuesday.

In February, Toy Fair 2011 introduced thousands of new toys, games, books, puzzles and technology items for children and teens.

Today we’re going to preview some of the fine new puzzle arrivals introduced at the Fair from Ravensburger, a quality-driven toy, game and craft manufacturer/distributor that has been serving the children’s market for the last 125 years.

We’ll also share with you some fabulous (date-sensitive) discounts on game apps exclusively from Amazon.com, and take a look at current toy as well as sporting good product recalls that you may have missed.

When available, the manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (SRP) on these products have been provided along with current researched “Best Available Pricing,” at the time of this posting.  It is always suggested that you double check prices with your favorite online as well as stick and brick retailers, as pricing is subject to fluctuation.

Keith Haring: Double Retrospect

Billed as “The World’s Biggest Puzzle,” according to Guinness Book of World Records, this 32,256-piece behemoth features the signature bold colors and free-form artistic design of one of the most important artists of the Twentieth Century, Keith Haring.

   This precision-cut puzzle consists of just six colors plus 

l   black and white, which provides for a considerable challenge. All of the pieces are packed in eight separate poly bags, and when the puzzle is completed (estimated by Ravensburger to be about 400 hours) it measures a visually stunning 17 by 6 feet and weighs 42 pounds. The Keith Haring: Double Retrospect even comes with its very own hand truck.

SRP: is $299.99.  Online retailer, Adventures in Learning currently has best available pricing at $248.00.

 3D puzzlepyramid^® Collection

Something different in the world of puzzles, which features a  finished 3-D triangular shaped piece, beautifully illustrated on the outside.  Each puzzle is composed of flexible hinged and numbered (on the inside) pieces that easily snap together (no glue needed).

The puzzlepyramid collection (click on links for images) features five 240-piece designs in the following themes: Impressions of Africa, Sunset in the Desert, Essence of Egypt, Spirit of the Seas and Enchanted Dream World. 

SRP is $25.99 each. Online retailer, Serious Puzzles.com has best available price at $24.95 each.

PUZZLEBALL

The company’s innovative puzzleball products present a perfect “canvas” for the artwork of celebrated artist Dick Termes, who has made a career of utilizing spherical surfaces for his designs.  New to Ravensburger’s puzzleball collection is the 540-pc Illusions, which features Termes’ unique six-point perspective to his creations.  A special stand is included.

SRP is: $44.99. Best available price through Amazon.com at $32.99

WASGIJ? Destiny and WASGIJ? Mystery

New 2D, 1,000 piece WASGIJ? Ravensburger puzzles are featured in two collections:

WASGIJ? Destiny and WASGIJ? Mystery.  The WASGIJ? Destiny line (click on links for images) includes Time Travel, Picnic Time and The Sands of Time, and the WASGIJ? Mystery assortment features Drama at the Opera, Stop the Clock and Camping Commotion. 

Each distinctive offering comes with an image on the puzzle box that is different from the scene one assembles, which challenges puzzlers to take their clue from the cover art to construct a future scene with the enclosed pieces.

SRP is: $17.99 each. Best price online is at Puzzle Warehouse at $16.99 for Time Travel and Picnic Time, and for Drama at the Opera and Stop the Clock at Puzzle World for $16.99.

GAME APPS

Hurry on this one, Amazon is having a sale on 12 different game applications that are compatible with their Kindle. All applications, which are listed below are $0.99 each and are delivered free via Amazon’s Whisper Net - lots of fun for very little money.

These popular games will be on sale until Sunday March 27, 2011.

Scrabble – the classic word-building game.

Chess- the truly classic board game

Hangman 4 Kids- a word game for children

Triple Town - a puzzle, strategy game made exclusively for Kindle.

Mahjong Solitaire- a matching game for Kindle.

Electronic Arts Texas Hold’em- video poker

Electronic Arts Solitaire- eight different card games

Sudoku Unbound # 1 – a puzzle collection 

New York Times Crosswords, Volumes 1, 3, 5 and 6

PRODUCT SAFETY RECALLS AND NEWS


The following is a compilation of notices from the United States Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC)


Below you will find the most recent recalls and product news updates from the CPSC for the last 22 days.

In case you happened to have missed any of the announcements, just click on the following links for complete information on each of the items and breaking news.

TOYS

March 3, 2011- “Rattles” recalled by Rhino Toys due to choking hazard.

March 3, 2011- Manhattan Group recalls “Parents Wooden Activity Toys” due to choking hazard.

March 10, 2011- Kid O Products recalls “wooden puzzles” due to choking hazard

SPORTS AND RECREATION RELATED

March 1, 2011- Dick's Sporting Goods recalls “Fitness Resistance Tubes” due to contusion and laceration hazards.

March 9, 2011- Baja Motorsports recalls “Dirt Bikes” sold exclusively at Pep Boys due to fire and burn hazards.

March 10, 2011  American Suzuki Motor Corp. recalls “KingQuad ATVs” due to fire hazard.

March 10, 2011- “Rocky Mountain Bicycles” recalled by Procycle due to fall injury. Hazard

March 15, 2011- American Suzuki Motor Corp. recalls “QuadSport ATVs” due to crash hazard.

March 16, 2011- “Pogo Sticks” recalled by Bravo Sports due to risk of serious injury.

March 22, 2011- Ocean Technology Systems recalls “Guardian Full-Face Diving Masks” due to drowning hazard.

CPSC NEWS

March 18, 2011- Government investigation raises concerns about pool and spa drain cover testing and entrapment risks

If you are searching for other consumer product items such as household, outdoor products, utensils, furniture and clothing that may relate to all family members, please review additional listings at the CPSC’s search page.