Joy of Learning

Just Take the Toy and Say Thanks. (You’re Welcome.)

September 10, 2012 By Lena

There comes a day when your little one will take your fun away.

(Yes, I know the above statement can be in reference to one of the many time-draining, life-zapping scenarios that children throw at us. Please, don’t let me get started.)

However, in this particular instance, I’m talking about the day that your child picks out a toy for him/herself. At some point, he’ll point to it on a shelf, in a magazine, on the television, etc… and will ask, “Please, can I have this?” And, all those times that you visited your local toy store, carefully picked out a fun, educational toy and watched the joy spread across his face as you presented it… will be nothing but a distant memory. Because now he knows exactly what he wants and wants ONLY that one particular toy – and does not suffer fools gladly.

I was this child. For the longest time, I was content to play with almost anything I received, until I discovered Barbie dolls. Sure, building blocks and water colour paints were fun, but at the tender age of four, I wanted a Golden Dream Barbie. Badly.

I’m not quite sure if Golden Dream Barbie was age appropriate at the time I lusted after her; I’m not even sure what my parents thought of my incessant pleading and begging for a doll that frankly, was quite gaudy compared to the more illustrious Peaches ‘n Cream (which would eventually turn out to be my favourite) and Magic Moves (which I’d later campaign for too). But from that moment on, I became the child that wanted to pick out her own toys, and carefully prepared Christmas and birthday wish lists that were to be followed to a tee.

(My parents threw in the towel surprisingly quickly and presented me with cash at every occasion from there on in. Totally took their fun away, however, #winning)

I suppose the question is – who drives the purchase of toys in your household? Do you leave it up to your children to decide, or do you stick to your instincts and buy the toys that you think will be the most beneficial to them? (Maybe it’s a little of both.) However, if you do decide to take pointers from your kids, at what age do you let them influence – or dictate – your purchase decisions?…

Nostalgia.

June 30, 2012 By Lena

Fisher-Price Headquarters
East Aurora, New York
June 29th, 2012

I looked at the showcase of vintage toys with polite disinterest. They were magnificent, of course, yet unsatisfactory in some vital way. Perhaps it was because I had already judiciously studied them the day before, reveling in the wonder and delight of Fisher-Price toys from as early as the 1930’s. Perhaps I was even slightly overwhelmed, taking in literally hundreds of toys that were once found in the nurseries, living rooms and kitchens of homes around the world. “What is missing?” I wondered. “What am I not seeing?”

Admonishing myself, I tried to generate the appropriate level of enthusiasm. Not everyone is lucky enough to receive a first-hand introduction; visiting the Fisher-Price headquarters was more than a special invitation from a toy company – it was the history of play unveiled before my eyes. And for that, I was both fortunate and grateful.

Still, I was dissatisfied.

Searching through the toys, I heard the audible gasps of fellow Fisher-Price Moms as they recognized a childhood favourite. Peals of laughter and screams of astonishment as they came across toys from the 1980’s; jostling each other gently in an effort to get a better view. And that’s when I knew what was missing: although I recognized toys that I had myself played with as a little girl, I didn’t have a special connection to them. I was like watching a foreign movie without the subtitles; I got the gist, but didn’t appreciate the nuances of the story line.

And just like that, it happened.

My eyes trained on a toy that I hadn’t seen the day before. How had I overlooked this? I stepped in for a closer view and instantly, memories flooded my mind.

Memories of turning the pieces over, studying the patterns, texture and colours. Rolling out the clay and cutting triangles, circles and flowers – being sure to gently ball up the scraps to repeat the process all over again. Putting the pieces back in the caddy so they were just so; tracing the pictures on the outer edge with my finger in admiration for such a fine specimen.

Without doubt, I instantly recognized my very favourite toy from childhood – one that I had long forgotten about. I played with this toy every day, and for far longer than was socially appropriate. Because to me, this was my little craft station – my escape from an annoying older brother, much too much math homework and often dueling parents. I would huddle in my room and roll out piece after piece, methodically perfecting my technique.

Back in the present, I excitedly asked if anyone could identify the toy, yet received a few sympathetic shrugs and guesses, but nothing concrete. I made a mental note to corner a Fisher-Price employee and demand more information, but sadly, the day progressed so quickly that the opportunity never arose.

Later that night, at home, I Googled every description of the toy I could think of – to no avail. Was the toy to remain in my past – and live only in my memories – forever? In desperation, I noticed the numbers “787” under the Fisher-Price logo and instantly, I found it.

Fisher-Price Creative Clay Tool Set.

This toy is a part of my history. It is a part of me. In an integral way, it sparked my imagination, fostered my creative spirit and likely initiated much of my obsessive-compulsive disorder (kidding – but I did work very hard at rolling out the perfect flower). This is the Joy of Learning. This is nostalgia.

I am part of the Fisher-Price Play Panel and I receive special perks as part of my affiliation with this group.
The opinions on this blog are my own.

Essential Summer Fun: Fisher-Price Bubble Mower

May 30, 2012 By Lena

Only a few things in life are guaranteed. Fun with the Fisher-Price Bubble Mower? Heck yeah, it’s a sure thing.

The much-loved toy – which has been around for ages! – was recently treated to a design improvement: “The all-new one-touch refill system features a bigger bubble dispenser for less fill-ups—and a one-press, no-mess refill. Just press it once and you’re good to go for a yard full of bubble fun!”

Based on the boys’ giggles and gaggles of glee yesterday, I don’t know how we lived without it for so long. In fact, Reid actually woke up at 3:00am this morning, tugged on my sleeve and said: “Mow lawn.”

(It’s under $30! Just go buy it now.)

I had a hard time capturing the bubbles on camera, but who can deny Reid’s utter concentration:

(Please don’t mind the less-than-pristine grass; we’re ripping it out to create a large patio in June.)

One bottle of bubble solution lasted about 1/2 an hour, so be sure to have refills on hand (you can currently grab the MEGA refill bottles at Loblaws for just $2.49). I didn’t mind the boys littering the lawn with bubbles (read: a mess of soapy solution) because the grass is on it’s way out; I would caution over-use of the mower on golf-like greens. Great news: the mower works on hard surfaces such as sidewalks and driveways, so the giggles can go on!

It’s like their lives weren’t complete before the Fisher-Price Bubble Mower. This is FUN 101, folks! Guaranteed enjoyment for the little ones. The Bubble Mower is also available in pink – but c’mon, REAL mowers aren’t pink! I’d stick with the original :)

I am part of the Fisher-Price Play Panel and I receive special perks as part of my affiliation with this group.
The opinions on this blog are my own.

Tots and Their Toys: How Much is too Much?

May 3, 2012 By Lena

Before I became a parent, I often wrinkled my nose in distaste at the messy, crowded, toy-infested living spaces of friends with children. “Surely their little brats don’t need SO MANY toys”, I’d think disdainfully. And just think about how spoiled they must be! Wanting for nothing and begging for everything.

And for the first few months after I had Ryder, for the most part, I kept my promise to keep him grateful and humble. We purchased only a few toys; a mixture of educational and silly, large and small, in a variety of textures. Ryder truly began to appreciate the intricate makings of each toy, which can only come from playing with it over and over. I held my head high and felt slightly superior to other parents who lavished products at will – which I deemed as vulgar and even detrimental.

Of course, then I started my little ol’ blog, and toys – just begging to be reviewed – were dropped off on my doorstep. And before I knew it, my house was overtaken with products. Big toys. Small toys. Cars, blocks and playsets. Toys as far as the eye could see!

…

Put it Under the Tree: Fisher-Price Cadillac Escalade

December 11, 2011 By Lena

Dear Santa,

Great news! This Christmas eve, you can skip our house during your frenzied gift-giving spree. That’s right; we’re all good. You see, Christmas came early this year; the boys were treated to the “Cadillac” of presents (ha ha ha! pun intended) courtesy of Fisher-Price, and since they’ve been more than blessed with good health, a loving family and kick a** toys, please re-route their presents to someone less fortunate. We’ll be doing the same in appreciation of the kind gesture from Fisher-Price; the money we had set aside for Christmas presents will be used to help feed the hungry, and the boys will have to make do with one present… albeit one big, shiny, freaking awesome present.

Kind Regards,
Lena

p.s. However, if you happen to find a spare Danier winter coat in your sleigh – particularly style #192980026 – I won’t be offended if you shove it down the chimney. Is my husband reading this? Hint, hint.

Earlier this month, you may have seen me tweet out a photo of a great big box. Inside the box: The Fisher-Price Power Wheels Cadillac Escalade Ride-On. If F-P wanted to blow my mind, congratulations: mission accomplished. I am speechless.

(Well, not really – I don’t think it’s humanly possible for me to shut my mouth for more than 2 minutes. Perhaps blown away is a better description. I am blown away.)

Why it rocks:

The Toys ‘R’ Us Cadillac Escalade is loaded with luxury features! Premium sound system includes a real-working FM radio and sound boosting rear speakers. See-through windows, chrome wheels and grill and doors that really open and close add to real driving fun, with a battery charge indicator that lets kids know when it’s time for “refuel”! Drives two speeds forward (2.5 and 5 mph, max.) plus reverse on hard surfaces and grass with a high-speed lock-out for beginners and Power Lock Brake System.

Why it’s relevant:

Ryder has always been obsessed with cars. He collects them, races them, makes those little boy “brrrrr” sounds, and even has names for them: Yellow Mommy’s Car, Blue Mommy’s Car, Red Mommy’s Car, etc. I know, terribly creative. At last count, he has 88 Hot Wheels….