Bakugan Battle Brawlers Toy - Should You Let Your Child Play With These?

If your child is asking for a Bakugan Battle Brawlers toy, you're probably wondering what it is exactly! It seems like there is a new, hot TV show or toy out there that children fall in love with every other day. Still, Bakugan appears to be here to stay since it's been popular for quite some time now.

Basically, the Bakugan series started in other countries, but quickly moved to the United States once people realized how popular it is with children. It started here in 2007, and it's been increasing in popularity ever since.

The Bakugan brawlers in their toy form are like little, colorful marbles. When your child roles them on the magnetic strip, they pop open to reveal the warrior inside. There is a game that goes along with this, so it really works well if your child has a sibling or a friend to play with.

Unlike other toys that are related to TV shows you don't have to spend a lot of money to get into this one. These brawlers are available for well under $20 to get started. This low entry price means that it's easier than ever to collect these toys. It's really great when children have something fun to collect that they really enjoy!

If the Pokémon series is any indication, we can expect the Bakugan series to be around for quite some time now. Children really do seem to love the Bakugan Battle Brawlers TV show and toys that come along with it. So, should you allow your child to play with the Bakugan Battle Brawlers toy? This parent doesn't see any reason why not.

Any toy that allows your child to use their imagination to play is a good one in my book! The Battle Brawlers help them make a connection between their own imagination and what they see on the TV screen. If you hear your child talking about Bakugan and asking for the toys, sit down and watch an episode and you'll see that it is harmless and fun.

Of course, it's never a good thing to spend more money than you have to for Bakugan. There are definitely some retailers that mark the prices up a ton! I've found the lowest prices on the Bakugan Battle Starter Pack and other Bakugan Toys here at: http://bakuganstarterpack.com Hurry! I'm not sure how much longer these deals will last.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jenn_Griffin

Silverlit PicooZ Helicopter Review

Silverlit PicooZ Helicopter

by Silverlit

Technical Details

• Transmitter Requires 6 x AA Batteries - not included

• Product Dimensions: Main Rotor Diameter 130mm (5.25)
• Length 170mm (6.5) excluding rotors. Rear Rotor diameter 30mm (1.25)
• Product Weight: Only 10g, including Flight Battery
• Rechargeable Flight Battery: High capacity integral Lithium Polymer battery
• Charger: Integral Transmitter/Charger supplied with LED indicator/Auto shut off
• Simply plug in and charge, with easy to use connections
• Charging Time: 20-30 minutes for full charge
• Flight Duration: 10 minutes between charges
• Batteries Required: 6 x 1.5v AA Alkaline Batteries for Transmitter/Charger
• Control Specification: Supplied completely assembled and already charged
• Ready-to-fly, with pre-installed 2 Channel Proportional Infra Red Control System
• Take off, hover and descend, turn left and right
• Range: Up to 10m (30ft). Frequency: Infra Red Control System - Bands
• A, B & C allow up to three Silverlit Models to be flown together
• Instruction Manual included: Providing helpful tips for the new Helicopter Pilot
• Gift Box Dimensions: 360 x 160 x 100mm
• Gift Box Weight: 0.4kgs

Customer Reviews

89 of 89 people found the following review helpful: Great Fun!, 8 Jun 2007 Durability: Fun: Educational: It's a great toy and alot of fun for the price. The controls allow you to alter the speed of the main rotor to alter the lift, also the speed of the tail rotor to turn the helicopter. With judicious application of the stick on weights you can balance the model so that it drifts forward when in stable flight. It takes a bit of practice to get this thing to go in roughly the direction you want it too but that is half the fun.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

Picoo Z Helicopter, 3 Jan 2008

Durability: Fun: Educational:

I got this from my wife as a Christmas present. I can't stop playing with it. It is so light and easy to control. The controls take some getting use to, but once mastered it is no problem. My two girls like watching flying low over there heads. I would highley recommend this as a gift.


Read More

Book Review Crescent Kick

Crescent Kick is the fourth book of the Achieving Kicking Excellence series by Shawn Kovacich. Just as he did with the other volumes of the series, Kovacich attacked the instruction of the crescent kick with meticulous detail and thoroughness.

This book is the most detailed written description you will find on executing the crescent kick, and should be included in any martial artist's book collection who incorporates kicking into his or her training. This is not a book you just sit down and read cover to cover for enjoyment. It is a resource text to be studied and referred to at various times during your training or teaching. Yes teaching! I think instructors will learn tips on how to teach the crescent kick by reading this manual.

The most valuable sections of this book are the chapters that teach the basics of the crescent kick and then the variations. The variations Kovacich covers include: Step-Back Crescent Kick, Back Spin Crescent Kick, Hop/Slide Forward Crescent Kick, Hop/Slide Backward Crescent Kick, Front Leg Crescent Kick, Switch Crescent Kick, Off-Setting Crescent Kick, Butterfly Crescent Kick, and the Back Spin Crescent Kick. The chapters do have some repetition, but this enables the book to be more easily used as a reference tool, since you can pick the book up and review any of the kicks without having to refer back to different chapters. Kovacich uses plentiful photographs and illustrations to demonstrate all aspects of the kick, striking angles, foot placement, and the arc of the kick. As I mentioned, he attacks this with meticulous detail and you will not find a more complete written account of the crescent kick anywhere.

The chapters on strength, speed, and power are the weakest chapters of the book. While it is nice that Kovacich included a bit on these topics, the real strength of this book is with the detailed instruction of the kick itself. There are many other resources out there that cover strength, speed, and power in more detail and depth than Kovaich does here. The good thing is he introduces these concepts and any good martial artist will further his or her study of these to incorporate into their training with different resources.

The trouble shooting guide offers some good tips to better your kicking, and Kovacich also includes a short chapter on crescent kick applications.

If you want in-depth instruction on the crescent kick and ten of its main variations, this book with over 200 pages of text, photographs, and illustrations is a must have addition to your martial art library. It is an excellent resource for any martial artist regardless of style.

Alain Burrese, J.D. is a mediator/attorney with Bennett Law Office P.C. and an author/speaker through his own company Burrese Enterprises Inc. He writes and speaks about a variety of topics focusing on the business areas of negotiation and success principles as well as self-defense and safety topics. He is the author of Hard-Won Wisdom From the School of Hard Knocks, several instructional dvds, and numerous articles. You can find out more about Alain Burrese at his websites http://www.burrese.com or http://www.bennettlawofficepc.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alain_Burrese

What Are the Top Toys For Christmas 2008

Are you wondering what your little ones are hoping to find under the tree this year? The top toys for Christmas, of course! There are more of these than you can imagine, but some stand out among the rest.

High on the list of hi-tech kids out there are robotics. This year you will see the introduction of a dinosaur named Pleo. Pleo is the most interactive robotic child friendly to date. Big enough for your child to actually ride, you will be amazed by all its features. The different way your child interacts with Pleo sets the pace of Pleo growing up. These features make this one of the top toys for Christmas.

There is a new Elmo Live being added to the line of Elmo's we all know and love. Every child can learn from Elmo. Whether it's a new song or dance, a story or a joke, your child will be entertained by this new friend. If it's creativity you want to encourage, the traditional art easel has a new design making it very user friendly for your child. Also something to consider is the new, what is being toted as "indestructible," digital cameras just for kids. This updated version is waterproof. As one of the top toys for Christmas, bringing photography to your child has never been easier.

An indoor or outdoor game, Hyper Dash will certainly burn off the extra energy the kids have stored up being patient for Santa to arrive. Entertaining and never boring, it's a game that never gets old. It is also reasonably priced and holds up well. For those who love disguise, a voice changer helmet will transform them into Darth Vader or Dr. Who. This one is guaranteed to provide hours of adventures for ages 5 and up. Accessories such as gloves are available with some characters. Top toys for Christmas this year include plenty of role playing and entertainment.

Lego's is sweetening up the market with 6 new play sets. What do you wish to add, or even introduce to your child? From the police station to the cherry picker the play time here is endless as your child reaches a new level of creation with the old favorite Lego's. Some favorite board games have a new look and a new spin. Candyland, for example, now has a castle that is a game all in itself! Twister Hopscotch is just that, more interactive and designed for even more fun than before as one of the top toys for Christmas.

Does your child crave speed? Is he old enough to handle one of the many riders out there? There are so many to choose from you may have just as much fun picking it out for your child, as your child has riding it. From a Ford150 to a John Deere tractor, your child's favorite should be easy to pick out. Of course there is the new Ford Mustangs and the Jeep Hurricane that would suit your daughter just fine. The scooters and skaters on the market will have your speed demon ready to roll, making them top toys for Christmas.

If you would like more information on what are the Top 12 Girls Toys For Christmas 2008 visit the authors site http://toptoysforxmas.com/Top-12-Girls-Toys-For-Christmas-2008.html

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jason_Hobbs

Elmo Live Vs Hasbro's Fur Real Biscuit Doll - Which is the Better Gift?

There are two top 'robot dolls' fighting for the spot of Top Christmas Gift in 2008. These two battling it out are Elmo Live on one side, and Fur Real Friend's Biscuit: My Lovin' Pup on the other. But both of them represent a decent investment of money... so which one should you get? The answer of course lies in each doll's features and how they relate to you and your child personally.

First of all, both Elmo Live and Biscuit: My Lovin' Pup react to their owner's actions, but in different ways. Elmo Live will do things like sneeze when you pinch his nose, or laugh and shake and go 'That tickles!' when you tickle him in the stomach. Biscuit, on the other hand, will do things like lie down in you pat him on the back, or some to you when you call him. So Elmo Live's reactions are just a little bit more tender and personal than Biscuit's, whose main strength lie in doing things like interacting with his bone and learning tricks.

So speaking of tricks, Biscuit can recognize and react to a variety of commands, like speak, sit, and lay down. He does this to imitate and act like an actual real live puppy dog, which he succeeds at. Meanwhile, Elmo Live doesn't react to spoken commands, but he does do another kind of trick; mainly he tells stories and jokes, just like the real Elmo character does on his TV show. The stories are pretty funny, and are based an fairy tales and stuff that appeals to young children.

Of course, we would be amiss if we didn't take into account Elmo's attraction and fame from Sesame Street. For many very young children, this is bound to be the make-it-or-break it factor, as meeting Elmo in person is going to be a huge thing for them. Obviously the same child would be much less impressed by meeting Biscuit, although he might still like it. The puppy doll doesn't fall too far behind though, since slightly older kids who wouldn't be as impressed with Elmo Live are often at the age where they would be very impressed indeed with the idea of owning a puppy.

So all in all, we can say that if your child is on the slightly younger side, you're really best advised in going with Elmo Live, while if your kid is a bit older or he's never watched Sesame Street, your better choice is definitely Fur Real Friend's Biscuit. Whichever gift you choose from these two is bound to make a huge impression anyway, so don't sweat it too much.

Have a safe and happy Christmas by becoming informed on every gift you buy this year! Simon Schwartz advises on every worthwhile Christmas toy in 2008, including Elmo Live at Fisher Price Elmo Live and Biscuit the animatronic puppy at Fur Real Biscuit My Lovin Pup.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Simon_Schwartz

Inflatable Play Equipment - The Next Generation of Fun!

When you think of inflatable, maybe it's the old plastic floaties that we used to put on our arms when we were kids that come to mind. In today's modern world the word 'inflatable,' means so much more.

There are inflatable play equipment, toys, boats, balloons and even inflatable furniture!! In this article we are going to look at the fun world of inflatable toys. They range from tiny hand held toys to the massive play equipment that is often found at the local fair.

A specific technology is involved in designing branded inflatables. Rigorous testing at every stage of development is essential, and once an inflatable product has been manufactured and erected for use, the testing continues to ensure the safety of those that will then use the product.

There are many instances where a person known as a safety inspector will visit a site where inflatable play equipment has been erected to check that it has been erected in compliance with all safety standards. It is important to be sure that the inflatable play equipment has a surface with a good grip. This will help to reduce grazing, as well as tumbling and falling, which are common practices with children. The main purpose of a suitable surface on any inflatable play equipment that children will be playing on is to be absolutely certain that no head injuries could occur. When an inspector is looking at inflatable's that children will use, the inspector is considering safety from the point of view of risk within acceptable limits.

It is always advisable that children do not wear shoes when playing on inflatable equipment. This is one of the major reasons why it is important that when the manufacturing process takes place, a good non-slip surface is created. Parents would be wise to also consider the type of clothing their children are wearing, if they know that their child will be playing on inflatable play equipment. Any item of clothing that has little buckles or perhaps even a belt could lead to injury.

Once the safety aspects have been addressed it is time to have fun. Close your eyes and imagine the many forms of printed inflatable children's play equipment available. They come in a vast array of themes ranging from jumping castles to climbing equipment. There is something for every age group, although it is usually recommended that teenagers do not engage in play on this type of equipment.

Quite often branded inflatable's are used to promote an event such as a major football game, or a racing carnival. In fact, many companies choose to leverage them as a branding tool. There is something about them that is attractive to the eye, and uplifting to the spirit. Children just love them.

An entire playground can be erected using branded inflatable's and could include a slide, an obstacle course, a bouncy castle, and a ball pool. Hours of fun, laughter and healthy activity for children can be had at a cost that is truly affordable, if you are planning a special event like a get together for your child.

Elmo Live Toy
Cheap Toys

So next time you hear the word 'inflatable,' maybe it will be the sound of children playing that will come to mind with a feeling of happiness as you remember their sounds of laughter. And, if you are looking for a fun way to promote your business, consider using branded inflatables.

Matt Franks is director of Fluid Branding, the UK's leading online supplier of Promotional Inflatables and Branded Inflatables. You can also find a wide range of Eco Friendly promotional products, including Recycled, Organic and Sustainable items at Eco Incentives.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Matt_Franks

A Wonderful World of Educational Wooden Toys For Kids

Almost every parent wants their kids to grow up smart and achieve things. They want their children to have what they did not have because parents want a better life for them. That is why as early as the kids are born; some parents try almost everything there is to make their kids smarter. Some try to play classical music; others use educational wooden toys and the likes. There are some researches that proven some of the myths but some remain such.

There is nothing wrong in choosing educational toys over those ordinary toys. In the end, children benefit from all the efforts of the parents because they want what is best for you. Although some may argue that being smart is in the genes. There are also those who claim that smart people worked hard to train their brain to remember vast numbers of information. Practicing and reading tons of things help accustom the mind in absorbing many data. As they say, practice makes perfect. If individuals exert extra effort in educating themselves more and feeding their brain useful information, it is not impossible for them to get smarter.

Educational wooden toys are some of the few toys parents use with that goal of making their kids smarter. They even make their kids drink some medicines and herbs because they heard somewhere that it also helps people retain information better. Nevertheless, before buying or using such products, try to do some research on it. You never know what effects the product does when you start taking it. Just to make sure, ask a health expert on it if it safe to drink. If there are some chemicals that are potentially dangerous, do not attempt to use it.

Educational toys are becoming popular because parents and guardians want the children to benefit from whatever they play with. At an early stage, when children have no problems in information retention, try to teach them as many things as they can. From nursery rhymes, to objects, to cartoon characters or whatever it is that they need to know. Shapes, colors and sizes are also a recommendation. Buying the kids flash cards and some posters with pictures can also help them memorize the things in it.

However, whatever educational wooden toy you prefer to buy, it will surely help your kid in life. There is an edge when individuals are those types that are by the book. Nevertheless, it is also nice to have someone who is a smart aleck. At least they are street smart and have a more practical approach to things. There are also those who can balance both and these are the ones you need to hire. They know what the books say and the theories used yet they can still give you what really needs to be done in real world. The problem sometimes with books is that it does not present the real situation. The authors become too idealistic and forget that the essence of school is to prepare the children for the real world.

For more tips and information about educational wooden toys, check out http://www.thekidstoystore.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rachel_Nunez

Toys of the Next Generation

There is nothing wrong when you buy children wooden toys. You just need to make a decision because the choices are there right before your very eyes. In life, there is no easy way out because problems and risks are part of it. All you can do is to choose the path that you think is the best for you and your family. Hope for the best and look back at times. Do not make the same mistake again because if you do, you are not growing and learning from the past.

This is what toymakers are doing now. They look at the toys they created and try to improve them by eliminating the faults that they see. Improving something is also part of life because it just means that people are improving. They know that they have to do something right for the mistakes that occurred in the past. Studying the mistakes makes people realize that there is lots of room for corrections. Everybody deserves chances in life to make it more worthwhile.

Wood is something easy to work with because all you need are the correct tools and you will be able to come up or make a toy in no time. That is why children wooden toys are still in production. Parents and children as well keep on looking for toys made of wood. If you give your child something to play with and has small pieces, make sure that these pieces do not end up in his mouth. There is always that possibility that children choke because they swallow small toys. Parents or their guardians need to be on guard to avoid any accidents like this from happening.

There is such a big future for toys because children are forever present in the world. Couples will still get married and have children to nurture. As long as there are kids, toys will be there to. These two always go together just like bread and butter. Nothing can separate them, not even time and age. The nice thing about toys is that no matter which generation you come from, you will always have fascination for toys of today and the toys of yesterday.

Children wooden toys are definitely staying no matter how advanced toys will be in the future. It is still best that the kids start playing with the simplest toys before moving up a notch into ones that are more complex. Let the children enjoy the toy that they have now and make them realize that taking care of it is something they should think. Tell them not all the kids in the world have toys so he had better mind his toy. There might come a time that the parents cannot buy new toys for their children because of financial crises thus they need to be happy with whatever they have. If the kids and parents are creative and resourceful enough, they can make their own toy from the things around them.

For more tips and information about learning toys, check out http://www.thekidstoystore.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rachel_Nunez

Antique Toys - Discover What's Hot

People collect antiques and vintage items of all kinds. However, antique toys are often considered to be the most interesting collectible items on the market today. Vintage toys vary in popularity from one year to the next. Currently, certain antique toys are arguably the most sought after right now.

In the world of toy collecting, Barbie doll probably reigns supreme, even today. For many years, collectors have sought after the dolls. Even antique houses and auction sites recognize the value of these gems, as they are still popular and fetch a premium price.

Recently, collectors have been going crazy for the classic jack in the box toy. Until just recently it wasn't given much attention in the collectibles world, but it has begun making a serious impression in the last few years. This is probably because this classic toy for children is not longer mass produced. These toys are sure to dramatically increase in value on the antiques market in the coming years.

Also highly collectible these days are toys from movies and television programmes that first aired in the seventies - you can expect to make a large amount of money if you have a good collection of these and there is no sign of interest waning!

Toys that tie into sports in some way are extremely popular right now. Examples include old baseballs, bats, and gloves, as well as gently used sports equipment that could still be used by someone else. If the items show little sign of wear and tear, they can command a high price in many parts of the country. If you search around your house, particularly in the cellar or the attic, you might be surprised what you find.

Over the past few years, other antique toys have become very popular. For example, toy soldiers and cap guns are now widely desired collectibles. Riding toys and toy telephones have been popular for some time now. Experts on the collectibles market forecast the coming months will bring increased interest in porcelain dolls and stuffed animals.

Collectible toys never go out of style. They are very popular in modern antiques markets. Other fads emerge and fade but vintage toys are always in demand. If you thinking of starting some sort of collection, consider vintage toys. You won't be sorry!

Find a huge selection of antique toys for sale including cap guns, toy soldiers, Barbie dolls, and all the toys you loved as a child at Antique-Toys.net. While visiting us, be sure to read our recent findings in the world of antique toys on our blog and enjoy some wonderful antique toy videos in our video section!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Daniel_Wright