Disney Frozen Sparkle Princess Elsa Doll

CUSTOMER REVIEW



I am a bit disappointed with this doll. It looks very cheap. The dress is painted on the doll, except for the skirt. I will be buying the one from the disney store instead because it has a nice dress and better quality. My daughter probably wouldn't care, since she loved the movie so much.

Cards Against Humanity: Third Expansion

CUSTOMER REVIEW



As long as there are new expansion packs filled with cards with phrases I have to explain to my wife with filthy diagrams, I'm going to buy them. You should too.

Disney Frozen Exclusive 9 Inch Plush Figure Olaf

CUSTOMER REVIEW



I love olaf and I was really sad that the Disney store doesn't have them anymore so I looked on amazon and oder this one. but I was in jcpennys today and they have a olaf that look just like him the only difference is only he was 16in, didn't have the Disney logo stamped on his foot and he was only 16 dollars! so save your money go to jcpennys.

Easter Eggs - Hide 'Em and Hatch 'Em Eggs - Watch Them Hatch Like Magic Three Different Pets! (Series 1)

CUSTOMER REVIEW



Lilly (my 5 year old) was given these eggs and after sharing them with her brother and sister they loved watching them grow! Thank you guys for such a wonderful experience!

Syma S107G 3.5 Channel RC Heli with Gyro - Yellow

This Brand New 3 Channel mini rc helicopter is the world's newest, most durable and stable helicopter. The item comes with the latest gyro system for precision control. The metal frame has proven to withstand dozens of crashes. The mini helicopter charges directly from the controller which uses "AA" batteries and has a full-function trim control for the perfect flight. Get one today before they all fly away! The Syma S107 metal frame series with gyroscope takes indoor flying to the next level through precision control. It is extremely easy to fly and durable. This is highly recommended for beginners. No flight training necessary.

• Stable Flight Characteristics


• Easy to Fly


• Great for Beginners


• Battery Type: Lithium Polymer (LiPO Battery)


• Motor Type: Brushed

Easter Eggs - Hide 'Em and Hatch 'Em Eggs (6 Pc Value Pack) - Watch Them Hatch Like Magic Six Different Pets!

CUSTOMER REVIEW



I purchased these for my toddlers and I was skeptical at first of purchasing these eggs because of the reviews but when I finally saw how they worked and how much my young ones were excited about the whole hatching process, it turned out to be a wonderful purchase. The eggs shipped to my house promptly and arrived in perfect condition. The eggs took a little over a day to hatch and the pets inside are very cute looking and make good toys for the kids! Overall, this is a wonderful product and I will surely be recommending them to my friends with kids around the same age as mine!

Little Tikes TotSports T-Ball Set

CUSTOMER REVIEW



We bought this for my son on his 2nd birthday. He immediately loved it. His 3rd birthday is coming up in July and it's amazing how good he's become at whacking the ball off the tee. He'll definitely be ready to join a T-ball league soon, and this playset definitely gave him the practice. As far as outdoor games, this is definitely a must. Great fun all around.



The set came with the tee, a bat and two white balls. The set is entirely made of plastic. In a year, the set still looks good as new.



Highly recommended.

The Elf on the Shelf A Christmas Tradition with Blue Eyed North Pole

CUSTOMER REVIEW



I have a 3-year-old and considered entering the insanity that is "Elf on a Shelf." In reading reviews, I discovered an alternative: "Christopher Pop-In-Kins" Our local library had a complete gift set of both mischievous elf stories and companion elves. Here is a comparison..



THE STORIES ARE INCREDIBLY SIMILAR

I am utterly stunned by the similarities in the two stories. In fact, I am amazed that the author of the "Christopher" book (written in 1985) hasn't sued the "Elf" author (written in 2005) for plagiarism.

* Both elves have been sent by Santa to keep an eye on their assigned child/children and report back to Santa

* Both elves relocate within their assigned home each evening

* Both elves are not to be touched by the children in the home

* Consequences for touching either elf is the same--he/she will have to go back to Santa for awhile

* Both elves are to return to Santa on Christmas eve

* Size of books are almost identical



"CHRISTOPHER POP-IN-KINS"

* Illustrations are more vivid with a lot of primary colors

* The story is narrative in fashion

* The book spends most of the time explaining why Santa sent him to your home

(Christopher was sad and wanted to see the children who the elves had been making toys for, so Santa decided to use Christopher as a spy, of sorts.)



"ELF ON A SHELF"

* Illustrations are more subdued and resemble dry water colors with a lot of peach/orange/rust

* The story is told in a rhyming fashion

* The book spends most of the time telling the reader about the actual process of hiding each day



COMPARING THE ELF FIGURES

* For something that is to be a family heirloom and last year after year, both elves are remarkably lacking in substance, quality and design. If I saw these sold as Christmas decorations in a store, I would never even consider buying either one. It's a shame because elves and Christmas figures can be so cute.

* Both elves are of passible quality

* "Elf" is about 10-inches tall and quite lanky; "Christopher is about 8-inches tall, but much more substantial

* Both elves arms and legs are very very thin and wiry

* "Elf" has very long, very thin legs; "Christopher" has shorter thin legs with more substantial body and large boots

* Both elves have a soft plastic head/face/hair

* "Christopher" also has soft plastic boots, hat & scarf

* "Christopher" looks a bit more cute and cartoon-like

* "Elf" has more of a sophisticated pixie look

* I find both elves to be pitiful and would like to find an alternative somewhere else



PROS

* "Elf" - You get to name your elf

* "Elf" - Elf comes in a variety of eye/hair/skin colors and choice of gender

* "Elf" - I found the relaying of the story a bit more cleaver and engaging because of the rhyming



CONS

* "Christopher" - I find his name (Christopher Pop-In-Kins) to be rather hokey

* "Elf" - You can now purchase a number of accessories for you elf (skirt, apron, etc.) While some may find this to be a positive, I find it to be a great example of marketing vultures. (Dear Company: Put some more time and money into making a decent-looking elf in the first place so people don't have to pay even more for a half-inch semi-circle skirt to try and jazz up a sorry looking felt figure.)

* "Elf" - I am pretty disgusted by the blatant plagiarism of story and idea. I mean, could they have at least made him a reindeer or snowman?



BOTTOM LINE: I really Really REALLY wanted to like the "Christopher Pop-In-Kins" book and elf better. I really did. This author would seem to be the initial person behind the idea, and I tend to go for the little guy. However, I found myself more interested in the "Elf on a Shelf" book--probably due to the cleaver rhyming. I also liked the idea of being able to name your own elf. I would probably give the illustrations in the "Christopher" book a slight edge due to the colorful pictures.



As far as the elf figures go, it is really a matter of personal preference. Their length and quality are quite similar, and I think either one would work well in different hiding places and poses. They have such different looks that one is bound to appeal to a person more than the other.



I will probably go for "Christopher," simply because he looks different than every other elf in everyone else's house. Not to mention, I would like to support the camp of the person who came up with this idea so long ago but didn't seem to have the marketing power behind her.



Let the Insanity Begin...



Merry Christmas!

Little Tikes Go and Grow Lil' Rollin' Giraffe

CUSTOMER REVIEW



I ordered 3 of these for the very busy little toddlers in the home daycare that I run. There was a bit of strength involved in putting them together, but overall it was quick and easy. I let the kids test drive them on the hardwood floor in the living room and they didn't seem to get much traction but they loved them. I don't mind that they can't go too fast, as I would rather they didn't fly into each other or the furniture. They seem very stable and on the shortest setting are perfect for my two boys who are 20 and 21 months of age. My little girl, who is 15 months could sit on the seat but preferred the rear bumper because the seat was bit too tall for her. For the price I think these are great. I think the kids may get more traction on a carpet or sidewalk. Overall though I think these will be used for many years to come.

Dominion

CUSTOMER REVIEW



Dominion is a deceptively simple game which encompasses endless variation. The basic game contains the following major components:



1. 25 groups of action cards, victory cards, and money cards, in total over 250 cards.

2. Card storage and organizer box designed specifically for organizing the game components.

3. The Rules.



Game Play:

A game starts with each player holding an identical 10 card deck. As the game begins a group of 10 special action cards are selected from the 25 categories in the box. The rules outline specific selections for scenario play or you can design your own lay out. There is no banker or moderator; all players start entirely equal with access to the exact same cards.

During each player's turn they may take actions and purchase new cards from the communal decks. Each player has to balance the need to buy new cards and money with the purchase of victory points (which remain in the player's deck but don't help them until points are totaled.) The decision of when to stop building one's deck and start buying victory points is one of the most critical choices the player will make. Too early, and you'll find yourself bogged down with a deck full of moderate victory cards while other players' resources have increased to the point where they blow by you. If you wait too long, all of the good cards will have been bought out and you won't have anything to spend your resources on.



I have to be honest, when I first heard about Dominion I didn't understand why my wife and several of our friends were so worked up over the thing. It sounded terribly dry, particularly to a person like myself who has played collectable card games like magic the gathering for many years. Nothing could have been farther from the truth.

Dominion has something for everyone, from the collectable card game nut, to the poker player, to the family looking for an alternative to trivial pursuit. Since everyone starts out with access to the same selection of cards and the same resources for advancement, everyone has an equal chance of victory. Because there are 10 different categories of action cards with each category having at least 10 cards in its pile, there is plenty of room for strategy as the game progresses and certain resources are bought up to the point of extinction.

The game is set up in such a way so that you can play cut throat games with lots of player-vs.-player actions or less interactive games where the victory is determined by who fields the most effective resource acquisition strategy. Those familiar with CCG drafting will feel right at home in this environment, while those with no card based gaming experience won't be at a disadvantage.



My only criticism of dominion (as has been said on several other forums) is that while the game is entirely self contained, I can easily see the cards (which are essential in exactly the numbers provided) wearing out or being lost. Because there are so many of them I recommend using card sleeves (available at most hobby stores from companies like rook and ultra pro.)



I started out one night thoroughly expecting to dislike this game and found myself 3 hours later wondering where the evening had gone. Dominion is completely addictive and doesn't loose its fun factor after the player has played multiple scenarios in one sitting.



Simply put, this is the best interactive casual game I've played in 32 years.



Note:

It's four years later and I still endorse this game without reservation. The basic set is still just as fun as when I played for the first time, while the addition of other optional sets have magnified the enjoyment.

Takenoko Board Game

CUSTOMER REVIEW



Takenoko is a game for 2-4 players that focuses around caring for a giant panda bear. This involves having a farmer grow different types of bamboo on their associated, watered fields and moving the panda around to eat it.



While light and silly, the theme is fun and beautifully integrated in every aspect of the game. The components are of excellent quality, from the sturdy interlocking bamboo pieces to the decently thick cardboard land tiles to the miniature panda and farmer figurines.



Players build a single garden (board) and move a sole farmer and panda around it while trying to complete hidden goals dictated by drawn cards. As such your actions influence your opponents directly and will often aid them in completing goals, adding depth to gameplay choices. When one player achieves a set target number of goals everyone else gets a final turn and then victory points for completed goals are totaled to determine the winner.



There are three types of goal cards (players start with one of each):

1) Panda goals - claim a certain color/number of bamboo by having the panda eat it.

2) Plots goals - redeem when the shown configuration of colored land is on the game board and irrigated.

3) Gardener goals - grow pictured color(s) of bamboo to shown height.



On each turn a player will choose two of the following actions:

1) Draw three garden plots and choose one to add to the board.

2) Move the panda and eat bamboo if possible.

3) Move the gardener and grow bamboo if possible.

4) Lay piping to irrigate plots.

5) Draw a goal card.



Goals can be redeemed any time on your turn and do not require an action.



There are some further rules, but that's the gist. The game is quick to teach and plays relatively quickly. There is a fair amount of luck involved, so while your choices do matter don't enter looking for pure strategy.



The biggest criticism of the game (from my own group and other reviewers) is balance. The panda cards appear too easy to complete in comparison to the other goals and points awarded, so there is a tendency for players to concentrate on drawing only those. I don't think it's game breaking though, and people who drew a variety won just as often in the games I've played (timely use of tokens that prevent a certain tile from having its bamboo eaten can help to derail opponents using that strategy).



Overall Takenoko is a high quality, enjoyable game to have on hand for casual or younger players or for breaks from the more complex stuff. It's not going to blow away veteran gamers, but I still found it plenty worthwhile.

Forbidden Island

CUSTOMER REVIEW



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Forbidden Island is a fantastic family board game for a number of reasons:



* 1 - it's a cooperative game. We love cooperative games in our family because we aren't competing against each other, but rather working together as a team to beat the game. And we love that more designers and publishers are creating more cooperative games to play.



* 2 - it's easy to learn and simple to play. Take it from Caleb's video review. You simply set out the island tiles, draw your character card and follow the steps on the back of the card as to what to do on your turn. Pretty soon you won't need to look at the cards during the game, but it's great that the help is there if you need it.



* 3 - the re-playability. Since the game isn't played on a set board, but rather by area tiles, every time you set up the island it gets set up differently. And with 6 characters that each have their unique special abilities, you only get to play with a team of 4. So each time you play, you'll also have to deal with the characters you get (and you'll long for the special abilities of one you're missing). And on top of all that, you're dealing with the luck of the draw in the card deck, so you don't know which tiles will start flooding, then sinking away.



* 4 - it doesn't take a long time. The turns play really quickly and everyone is engaged the whole time and the island is always changing with tiles flooding, so there's a lot of discussion going on the whole game - which also makes it seem like it goes by fast.



* 5 - it's fun! The first time we played it, we played over and over. Granted we kept losing so we had to keep trying again. But that's what made it so fun. We would get so close and then just miss the win. So we'd quickly set it all up again for more.



Oh - and did I mention that Forbidden Island has fantastic artwork and great game components? We love the artwork and everything in the tin is high quality. The tiles are nice, thick and sturdy - which is a must because they will get flipped over a lot. And the treasure pieces are definitely treasures that you want to search out and get. The game components all help make it a fun game experience.



If you typically just read these board game reviews rather than watch the video, we'd suggest you take a look at the video to see the quality you're going to get with Forbidden Island.



You can read more about this and other great family board games on TheBoardGameFamily.

7 Wonders

CUSTOMER REVIEW



Excellent game, brilliant art, poor components.



The game's core mechanic is similar to deck drafting from collectible card games, where you get a hand of cards, pick one, and then pass your cards to your neighbor. The difference is in 7 Wonders you play the card you choose immediately. This is great because it means the play speed is brisk and the game can play seven people about as fast as it can play three, a trait rarely found in board games.



The game features a tremendous amount of variety because, along with the cards being shuffled and different each game, you can play one of 14 different wonders (7 wonders plus an alternate version of each on the back) that can seriously adjust your strategy and how you try to win the game.



A feeling that comes from the game is the sense of progress and power as you build the city and your wonder using the cards that you choose. Each of the cards represents a building that your constructing in your city. Some demonstrate scientific achievement, military might, or economic opportunity. One cool ability is that some buildings allow you to build other buildings for free, making you feel smart that you built the first building.



This is a great game you'll play a lot, and the cards, while beautiful, are thin and easily damaged. It's wise to get some sleeves to protect them if you don't want it to wear out.

Ticket To Ride

Ticket To Ride

• For 2-5 players


• Tons of replay value


• One of the most popular specialty games of all time


• Takes 30-60 minutes to play


• There are 225 Colored Train Cars

Easter Eggs - Hide 'Em and Hatch 'Em Eggs (Series 2) - Watch Them Hatch Like Magic Three Different Pets!

Easter Eggs - Hide 'Em and Hatch 'Em Eggs - Watch Them Hatch Like Magic Three Different Pets! (Series 2) Easter Egg Hunts have never been like this. These magical eggs really hatch! Once found, simply place them in water and within 24 hours, they will start to crack. Soon thereafter, within 36-48 hours, will pop out a special growing pet. A Baby Chick, Duck, or Rabbit will delight your young one and make for a very special pet they can treasure year round. Brand New for 2014 and an Amazon.com Exclusive. DIRECTIONS FOR USE: Place Eggs in water. Within 24-36 hours your egg will begin to crack. Each day, replace water. The pet will continue to grow, out of its shell. You may help the pet out, but it will keep growing up to 5-10x its size with or without your help. When the pet hatches, rinse the pet off as it will be slippery, and either play with it, or place it back in clean water and watch it daily continue to grow.

• 3 Different Eggs Really HATCH like Magic


• 3 Brand New pets GROW right out of their shell when the egg is placed in water


• Series 2 Includes 3 different egg containing a Bluebird, Frog, and Kitten pet


• Perfectly sized for seamless integration with your existing egg hunts


• New Faster Hatching - Will crack within 1-2 days and hatch within 1-2 days thereafter


• 
  

CUSTOMER REVIEW



Having purchased this same product they do not at all live up to the description. The only thing different this year is that they have added three new "animals". The eggs themselves they now at least admit do not dissolve. They "crack" aka kinda/sorta break apart if you break them up. The animals inside are a gummy/rubber mess that are definitely not growing more than 20% their original size.



These things were a HUGE disappointment to my daughter last year. They had a lot of negative feedback that they quickly removed and then replaced with a new product entry that is the same. Do not buy this.