Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Cranium - Cranium Jam Pack Jam Game

Cranium Jam Pack Jam Game





Cranium Jam Pack Jam Game


Jam Pack Jam from the award-winning Cranium offers hours of explosive fun! Recommended for kids ages six and up, this high-energy game is a race against the clock as players attempt to pack the trunk of a toy car before it pops open.


How to Play


An interesting twist on high-intensity children's games, Jam Pack Jam is a cross between a 3-D puzzle and a beat-the-clock board game. It only takes two people to play -- but more can join in the fun.













Try to pack the trunk with as many fun and wacky items as possible. View larger.

Unlike many games that aim at specific skill sets, this Cranium game creates positive excitement for all kids. The object of the game is simple -- to fit as many fun items as possible, of all shapes and sizes, into the trunk before time runs out. On each turn, players say the number of objects they think they can precariously pack. When time's up, the trunk shoots everything out the doors -- filling the room with laughter.


Everything -- Even the Kitchen Sink


With 14 hilarious objects you'd find in a cartoon, Jam Pack Jam includes a birthday cake, a cactus, a skateboard, even a kitchen sink. Made with durable plastic, the car and the trunk items are child-safe and can stand up to long hours of play -- and all the explosions! The game also comes with 35 cards and a score pad.


About Cranium


In 1998, Cranium quickly became the fastest selling independent board game in history. Since then, the Cranium company has developed numerous fun games and products for kids and adults that celebrate and engage a full range of everyone's natural abilities. As their motto goes, "With Cranium, everyone shines!"


What's in the Box


Cranium toy car, 14 toy items, 35 game cards, and score pad.






Customer Review: Jam pack fun for 6 year old!!




Bought this game right after Christmas for my 6 year old son. He has motor skill problems and wasn't reading yet so I needed a simple game to learn and fun enough that a very active kid would want to sit down with. My main concern was that the music would be loud and intensify with the count down of time. No need to fear, the music is fun and catchy, not annoying and there is no anxiety caused by ticking clocks or anything.






My son likes to play this game and is learning to take turns, encouraging others, fine motor skills, and problem solving. This game may not teach a child the important lessons of life or how to divide by pie, but it's aces in my book!! He will even come inside in the evenings and pull it out to play by himself. He's still convinced that all the pieces will fit in the trunk with enough practice (they won't). (But try to tell a 6 year old boy that-they like a challenge.)






Things to know, trunk ejection spring wears out with much forcing of all objects. It still makes a "sproing" sound in the music when the time is up so no concerns there. Do keep the plastic bag to hold all the parts, once the box is opened it won't work for storage. We have been playing the game pretty regularly for 6+ months and haven't replaced the original batteries yet.






I will definately buy more Cranium games in the future!!




Customer Review: Boring.




Love Cranium products but this is VERY disappointing. No storage for game except for a useless plastic bag. Stick items in trunk before they pop out. I expected a big POP and for items to come FLYING out. It really just kind of pushes them out and it is very anti-climatic. Save your money. Try Perfection instead.

Cranium - Cranium Balloon Lagoon

Cranium Balloon Lagoon





Cranium Balloon Lagoon


Ladies and gentleman, boys and girls, step right up to Balloon Lagoon, the amazing 4-in-1 carnival game created especially for kids. Players giggle with delight as they race to complete each fun-filled carnival activity before the merry-go-round music comes to an end. Kids fish for letters at Letter Lake, match tasty treats at Snack Hut, spin a picture puzzle at Tumble Tides, and flip frogs back home at Frog Pond. Every catch, roll, spin, or flip is a chance to cheer and get more balloons. The first player to collect 15 balloons is the winner! Each game lasts about 15 minutes, but kids will want to play again and again!




Customer Review: We Love It!




My son got this for his 5th and we have had a great time. We've returned many other games because after one time playing it gets boring. But not this game. My son always likes to play. And the timer music is so happy sounding you can't help but to have a good time while your playing








Customer Review: Pieces




Lots of little pieces. Kids don't like to pick up the little pieces, but sure love to scatter them all over. When my grandkids (ages 4&5) go home, I am left with the pieces. I don't like this game.

Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Cranium - Cranium Giggle Gear Wondrous Wizard

Cranium Giggle Gear Wondrous Wizard





Cranium Giggle Gear Wondrous Wizard


Cranium Giggle Gear Wondrous Wizard Playset




Customer Review: Good fun




I ordered this for my son who is 4. He absolutely loves the whole thing, especially the wand. This makes a great dress-up for boys who are going to fairy parties and wizard parties etc. It can be used for all sorts of imagination games. I can't see the wand lasting a long time, but for the price, who cares? The hat and cape are really nice and not cheap looking. A great little buy.




Customer Review: wizard gear




this was the best gift I ever gave, it provided us with such fun and laughter..this was great..and leave it to Amazon to have just the right thing!

Monday, December 29, 2008

Cranium - Cranium Big Book of Outrageous Fun!: The Write-It, Draw-It, Sculpt-It, Act-It Game-in-a-Book-in-a-Game!

Cranium Big Book of Outrageous Fun!: The Write-It, Draw-It, Sculpt-It, Act-It Game-in-a-Book-in-a-Game!





Cranium Big Book of Outrageous Fun!: The Write-It, Draw-It, Sculpt-It, Act-It Game-in-a-Book-in-a-Game!


The Cranium Big Book of Outrageous Fun! The Write-It, Draw-It, Sculpt-It, Act-It Game-in-a-Book-in-a-Game


From the makers of the fastest selling independent board game in history, here's a one of a kind new activity book and game, packed with over 40 write on/wipe off activity pages, a totally new Cranium pull out game board, a Super Sign In Book to record fun facts about family and friends, and a multitude of cool Cranium components.


Kids will be inspired to explore their many talents as well as discover new ones as they play on their own or invite their friends and family to join in the fun!




Customer Review: Oh so fun!




The Cranium Big Book of Outrageous Fun is great because it has all sorts of different things. Anything from planning birthdays, to making maps, drawing & even creating your own castle. It has a fun mini-conga game, and so many activities that my kids keep going back and reading and playing with this. A great buy that you really get your money's worth out of!




Customer Review: SO much fun!




Our famiuly loves the entire line of cranium games. It is a fun time to spend with our children.

Cranium - Cranium Balloon Lagoon

Cranium Balloon Lagoon





Cranium Balloon Lagoon


The four-in-one carnival game for kids! Fish for letters, match treats, spin pictures and flip frogs! Every catch, roll, spin, or flip is a chance to cheer! 2 to 4 players. Ages 5 and up




Customer Review: Great game!




My son received this for a 5 year old birthday party gift and loves it. Actually my 3 1/2 year old son probably plays with it more, so it definitely works for the 3-6 year age range. The games moves quickly amongst the 4 activities provided so the kids don't get bored with a long wait. The game is durable and holds up well. My kids love to play with it at least once/wk and it is fun for something different from your usual board games.




Customer Review: Fun, Educational Game




This game is so much fun that our 3 year old granddaughter wanted to bring it home to her house to keep. But nope, she has lots of games at her house, and it will be something else for her to look forward to coming to ours. Highly recommended.

Sunday, December 28, 2008

Cranium - Cranium Zooreeka

Cranium Zooreeka





Cranium Zooreeka


In Cranium Zooreka, you'll create and build your own zoo. Dodge danger and encounter all kinds of outrageous zoo events as you collect food, animals, and shelters in a race to open your very own zoo.




Customer Review: The reviews are right - this one's a winner




This game will not teach your kids about animals, habitats, or ecology. If anything, the educational aspect is understanding probability. It doesn't matter - this is a great game. Fun, relatively quick, and appropriate for a wide range of ages. It says 8 and up, but any child ~5 who can read - or is playing with someone who can read - can play.




Customer Review: Another great game from Cranium!




My kids love all of the Cranium games, but I think this one is a favorite with both the kids and the grown ups in the family. Very good game for kids who like games like Parcheesi. Lots of informative about ecology, and really well designed.

Cranium - Cranium Zooreeka

Cranium Zooreeka





Cranium Zooreeka


In Cranium Zooreka, you'll create and build your own zoo. Dodge danger and encounter all kinds of outrageous zoo events as you collect food, animals, and shelters in a race to open your very own zoo.




Customer Review: The reviews are right - this one's a winner




This game will not teach your kids about animals, habitats, or ecology. If anything, the educational aspect is understanding probability. It doesn't matter - this is a great game. Fun, relatively quick, and appropriate for a wide range of ages. It says 8 and up, but any child ~5 who can read - or is playing with someone who can read - can play.




Customer Review: Another great game from Cranium!




My kids love all of the Cranium games, but I think this one is a favorite with both the kids and the grown ups in the family. Very good game for kids who like games like Parcheesi. Lots of informative about ecology, and really well designed.

Saturday, December 27, 2008

Friday, December 26, 2008

Cranium - Cranium Hullabaloo DVD Amazing Animal Adventure

Cranium Hullabaloo DVD Amazing Animal Adventure





Cranium Hullabaloo DVD Amazing Animal Adventure


The Hullabaloo DVD Game turns your living room into a wiggly-giggly animal adventure! Kids learn about animals from all over the world and bounce, twist, and dance on the 16 colorful play pads. Everyone will laugh at the surprises that fill each round! Introducing the new DVD version of two-time Game of the Year award winner, Hullabaloo. This DVD version of the 2003 Game of the Year includes stunning National Geographic animal footage and is sure to provide hours of endless fun. Hullabaloo DVD Game includes the Amazing Animal Adventure DVD and case, and 16 colorful play pads.




Customer Review: A bit Pointless




The floppy little mats slide on carpet. They don't stay put. The kids had a good time with the game, but it's a bit pointless. It says to step on shapes and animals, but it's not educational other than that. I was unhappy with this purchase even though I got it on sale.




Customer Review: Kids are Obsessed




Great for autistic child. Granted, he has memorized the DVD, so he knows which pad to end up on to win. But still entertaining. Does anyone have a suggestion for another DVD game like this? Wish they would come out with a new version. My 2 year old little girl loves as well...even though her brother always seems to "win".

Cranium - Cranium Sounds of the Seashore

Cranium Sounds of the Seashore





Cranium Sounds of the Seashore


Sounds of the Seashore lets younger children celebrate the sights and sounds of a day by the sea in a magical matching and memory game. Kids will love matching sounds, exploring pictures, practicing memory skills, and giggling all the way to the final treasure. Includes magical seashell and base, seashore mat, and 12 shell picture cards and one treasure shell card. For 2 to 4 players. Requires 3 "AA" batteries (not included).




Customer Review: Played with ONCE




My 4 year old wanted this and played with it when she first brought it home, hasn't played it since. It's too easy for her. My 3 yr old didn't have the attention span to play since the audio was kind of slow. Often times I couldn't get the shell to 'talk' in my ear.




Customer Review: Great game for toddlers!




My 3 year old loves this game and I love that it is easy enough she can play it with her 3 & 4 year old friends without having to have an adult sit there and referee. We play as a family as well and it is a very fun adn educational game. Sometimes the seashell can be hard to hear, but that is my only complaint and that is not all the time, just on occasion. Also, not a ton of pieces like most memory games to get lost or messy!

Thursday, December 25, 2008

Cranium - Cranium Zigity Tin

Cranium Zigity Tin





Cranium Zigity Tin


Looking for 10 minutes of fun? Try Cranium Zigity, the quick card game for 2 or more players ages 8 and up that's filled with crazy twists and a fun mix of activities. You'll play sets of cards that add to 11, spell a word, complete the puzzle, or match musical instruments in a race to be the first to get rid of all your cards! Think you're about to win? Watch out! Action cards can change the game in a flash. Fast-paced and full of surprises, Cranium Zigity is a great game to bring on trips -- or enjoy any time you need a quick burst of fun with family and friends. Plus, the cool clear cards come in a colorful, collectible, embossed tin!




Customer Review: Like Uno, only more challenging




Bought Zigity for our 6-yr-old son, a confirmed Uno fan. As other reviewers noted, this card game bears some resemblance to Uno, but that's not all bad. Zigity's advantage comes from more complex set-making than its counterpart.






*PLAY






Each player is dealt seven of the clear plastic cards. Those cards consist of four Action cards, four types of Set cards, and a wild card. Players make sets of cards based on the set type, discarding the matching set (or playing an Action card)in response to the top card turned over from the remaining deck. If they can't make a play, they must draw one card from the deck. Sets are placed face up on the top card of the discard pile and play moves to the next player, who must play off the previous discard. To win, players must get rid of all their cards.






*CARDS






--Action cards:




>Dodge - Allows a player to force his required move onto the next player.




>Bounce - Like Dodge, but also reverses the direction of play.




>Draw 2 or Draw 3 - When played, the player following must pick up that many cards, UNLESS he has another Draw card or one of the other action cards to counter. All Draw cards are cumulative, so if several people play them in a row, someone without an Action card to counter may be drawing a lot of cards.






--Set cards (Must be played in response to the top card on the discard pile. Each Set card contains a letter, number, puzzle piece, and instrument.):




>Creative Cat - Must complete a set of three puzzle piece cards, including the card on top.




>Star Performer - Must match the instrument displayed on the top card. A player can discard as many cards as match.




>Word Worm - Must create a word using the top card and any usable letters from other set cards in hand. No limit on word length.




>Data Head - Must create a set of numbers adding to eleven from the top card and any usable held cards.




>Free - A wild card that can help build a set.






*REVIEW






Pros:




We've played this game with all ages. It's been universally liked, even by folks who find Uno too familiar. Eight is the suggested age limit, but younger children can play if they get help with the words and addition. (I bought this game with the idea that my son will build his spelling skills, and it's helped.)






The clear plastic cards are unusual and have a "gee whiz" factor. They shuffle more easily than regular playing cards, plus they resist creasing and grime better. High durability makes this game a good value. Comes in a nice metal storage box, too--a real plus.






Anyone can win in Zigity, no matter his or her skill level. While the sheer number of possibilities for playing a set of cards makes it difficult to plan out discards, it's still possible to mount a strategy for stymieing other players while dumping the largest sets available.






Because of the nature of play, this game can easily be played with an open hand (with younger kids), yet still be fun.






Cons:




The cards are quite slick and sometimes slide around on the discard pile, making it tough to keep them in line. This lessens with time, from what we've found.






Though some strategy exists, the game play forces a lot of thinking-on-the-fly that may have some players whining that winning is nothing more than luck.






Younger children will be drawn to the bright colors and cartoon characters on the cards, but the word and addition set-making may be too much for those under the recommended playing age of eight (though that's not Cranium's fault).






*OVERALL






A fun, new card game that's durable and challenging for all ages. Even teens enjoy playing. In fact, we've found them to be the most enthusiastic about the game.






Enough strategy exists that the winner isn't simply the luck of the draw. The requirements for set-making keep players' heads in the game, especially when forming word sets. The ability to compound "pain" by adding, dodging, and reversing the Draw cards gets people laughing (or crying), too.






All in all, a winner. And a good value, too.




Customer Review: Multiple Cranium Game Reviews:




We have several Cranium games at our house, and have played various




ones at various times, depending on the age and interest of our kids




(currently ages 12, 9, and 6). This is a review of the ones we have used.






So, in no particular order:






Ziggity - Ziggity is a card game - think Uno with the added twist that, like other games, different parts of the brain are used. The cards have a number, a puzzle piece, a letter, and a shape, one in each corner. On each turn, the player is required to match shapes, add numbers, complete a puzzle or spell words in order to play the cards. There are also draw cards, skip cards, and wild cards. This is a fun game for kids old enough to spell and add, as well as for the rest of the family. The games are very quick, unlike the cranium board games. We will sometimes get in a quick few hands before bedtime when we want o play a family game but don't have much time. Finally, the plastic cards are very colorful and durable, a big plus when you have young `uns wanting to learn to shuffle.






Hullabloo - great, silly fun and very kinetic. It works best when a parent is willing to get down on the floor and be silly with their kids. It holds their interest for a relatively short time (10-20 minutes), but it does burn up the energy and generate the laughs.






Cadoo - a fun, quick board game that taps into different part of you brain - memory, analytical, creative, expressive, etc. - but keeps things fun and fast-paced. We found it more approachable for our younger kids than Cranium






Cranium - like Cadoo, it mixes in many different ways to use your brain, this time in a longer board game format. This one is a bit tougher on younger players. Also, both games do a fair job of letting younger players be competitive, but they are still games that can be a challenge to keep fair and interesting to all players if the age range between them is too great.






Bumparena - In this one, players take turns adding bumpers and rubber balls to a sloped game board, base on easy-to-understand game cards (all pictures, no reading). When the balls are released, the bumpers divert the balls to one of three player goals. Collect 6 balls and win. This game sets up and moves quickly, you could probably complete one game within 15 minutes of opening the game box. It is simple to learn, and it probably could be played by most 6 year olds with minimal adult help. While the concept is easy to grasp, there is some strategy involved, as well as some appreciation of physics (angles, rebound, gravity, chance). This is another good game for getting young and old siblings to the same




table.








Cranium Family Fun Game - Teamwork is probably the best aspect of the Family Fun Game, and it's seems like such a novel idea that you are left wondering why more board games don't use this approach. Unless you have twins, then having multiple kids in your family means wide variations in ability. That is okay for games of chance, but for games that require dexterity or creativity, it's very hard to find a game that kids who are 13, 10, and 7 can enjoy together. This game solves the problem by dividing into two teams. Teams then alternate between completing certain tasks. Examples include "find three items that start the letter S", answer a true/false question, or "build a tower with blocks and then knock it over using the frogs" (they hop like tidily winks). Like other Cranium games, the tasks use your whole brain. Also, the team concept lets at least half of the players come away winners and teaches cooperation, both rare in board games. Another winner from Cranium.






Overall - great family games that stimulate parts of the brain often




neglected by board games, yet keep it so fun that kids won't even




realize that they are educational.

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Cranium - Cranium Triple Triumph

Cranium Triple Triumph





Cranium Triple Triumph


A One-of-a-kind, 3-D strategy game , fun for the whole family to play together. Create unique structures and earn points, pile pyramids to build more levels, Outmaneuver opponents as you plot moves Strategize and stack to earn points with Triple Triumph -- the new 3-D building game from Cranium! Will you add to the bottom level or go higher? Play again and again -- it�s never the same game twice! Take turns matching the sides of multicolored pyramids as you place them on the board. The more sides you match, the more points you get! Block opponents and plot your moves as you take turns creating unexpected structures. Create a winding base, or pile pyramids to add more levels! . What's in the box? Includes game board with interlocking scoring system, 60 stackable two-color pyramids, and 4 scoring pegs. Small Parts. Ages 4+, Batteries not included




Customer Review: Triple Triumph--Fun Game




The kids and I love to play this. It's a game that doesn't take forever (like Monopoly) so you can play 2-3 rounds in 30 minutes. It's simple to learn and easy to play, though it does also involve some strategy. My 8 and 11 year olds love it.




Customer Review: Outstanding, strategic, timeless game!!




I purchased this game on a whim pre-holiday last year. I am very fond of many cranium games and was intrigued by the simplicity in design. The game is very fun, easy to learn, will appeal to all ages, and relatively quick to play (rounds probably last about 15 min.). My 7 & 8 yr olds have really enjoyed playing this which says quite a bit because they love their computer and video games. There is some strategy, but also quite a bit of luck (what triangles you pick from the bag, and whether or not "your space" gets taken before your turn. It is so simple and fun, yet challenging and competitive. It similar to Triominos, but with colors instead of numbers and it has the bonus of playing three dimensionally.

Cranium - Cranium Booster Box 2

Cranium Booster Box 2





Cranium Booster Box 2


Booster Box 2 has 800 all-new cards, completely different from those in Booster Box 1, to refresh and recharge your original Cranium game. Booster Box 2 also comes with four tubs of cool Cranium Clay, allowing teams to go head-to-head in new Club Cranium Sculptorades activities for the first time ever. Just replace your current cards with this complete set of new cards, and you'll be ready for many hours of more outrageous Cranium fun.




Customer Review: cranium booster




This product is great. It's just what the description said it'd be. it came to me new and in perfect condition.




Customer Review: Disappointed with description




I love the game Cranium, and still do. However, I was upset when I received the box of cards thinking they would be all new; only to discover within minutes that they are the same cards as Cranium Primo edition. I was upset that this was not listed anywhere on the website. If you have Cranium Primo and are looking for new cards, try Booster Box 1.

Monday, December 22, 2008

Cranium - Cranium Giggle Gear Mega Mask Fun Fairy

Cranium Giggle Gear Mega Mask Fun Fairy





Cranium Giggle Gear Mega Mask Fun Fairy


Morph into a robot, bug, or alien! Use the wacky and wild Cranium Giggle Gear pieces to create hilarious faces and transform your voice. Kit includes a variety of eye, nose, ear and mouth parts, plus a special Giggle Gear voice morpher. Requires one 9-volt battery, included.




Customer Review: Entertaining and Fun!




I bought this for my 7 year old this past Christmas and it was an instant hit! She wore it the whole day and got a lot of laughs from the crazy way she looked to the silly voice coming from the speaker, which can clip to a pocket or other piece of clothing. She loves the mix and match pieces (flowers and different colored eye pieces) which are NOT difficult to put on. She can even use the pieces from the discarded fairy talkies (see other review). The speaker also has a volume control dial for quieter play. I wouldn't say this toy is educational, but it sure sparks the imagination and creativity. Aside from the usual lost pieces, this toy is still working 4 months later with no issues.




Customer Review: Really fun but could be improved




We love the giggle gear mask. We bought two of them for Christmas and my kids have really enjoyed them. They pretend to be robots, and use them in dress ups and they are really fun. We got the more gender neutral one for my son. I like that the pieces can be used for either mask.






My only complaint is that the arm which holds on the mouthpiece cracked about a week after Christmas. The part that broke was the little knob which holds the mic onto the mouthpiece.






Also, the toy eats up a lot of batteries. My kids have a hard time knowing if it is on or off. It is easy to not know that you have left it on (even for the adults in the family). We've come to find the batteries dead a few times now.






We were able to glue the broken piece using model glue, and so far so good. But I was surprised. Cranium stuff is usually really durable and we've never had problems like this before.






I would buy Cranium again, and I would buy this, too, but I would love it if the company would make the needed improvements.

Cranium - Cranium Whoonu

Cranium Whoonu





Cranium Whoonu


Cranium Whoonu-


Cranium Whoonu is the exciting game where everyone has unforgettable fun guessing each other's favorite things. Your best friend likes poodles more than parrots? Your older brother likes bubble gum more than burgers? Whoonu?! Everyone in the family will have a blast uncovering fun surprises about one another while playing Whoonu. Whoonu is easy to learn and quick to play, so it's the perfect game for any occasion. And best of all, it's just as fun to play with people you've known for five minutes as with people you've known forever!




Customer Review: Play OPPOSITE Whoonu!




A great twist on the game: have people submit the activity or thing that the Whoozit HATES the most. The Whoozit places their most reviled card on the highest value chip! Big fun.






You know an "adult" (NOT x-rated, just more mature) version of this game would be very cool too.




Customer Review: Whoonu




Great game where you can learn about players likes and dislikes. Fun for all ages.

Saturday, December 20, 2008

Cranium - Cranium Giggle Gear Roaring Dinosaur

Cranium Giggle Gear Roaring Dinosaur





Cranium Giggle Gear Roaring Dinosaur


Customer Review: DINOmite!




Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R2YG2N3FMMCLRK My son received this as a Christmas gift a few years ago and it remained his favorite playtime toy for a long time. Eventually it went with a box of toys to my father's house so the grandkids could have stuff to play with when they visit. To this day when he goes over there, it's one of the first toys he picks.






I love toys where the kids have to use their imagination and I have gotten quite a few laughs watching my nieces and son transform into a dinosaur. While normally I dread toys that make noise, the dinosaur sounds that come from the head and feet are not loud enough that they become annoying after hearing it over and over; it's easy to tune out. Every once in a while the child has to stomp a few times in order to get the foot noise to work, but other than that I have no complaints. The toy has been played with, hard, by several children of various ages for a couple of years and it is still in excellent shape.






My son is now 5 and even though the head is getting a little too tight for him, he can still wear it. The feet still fit, too. This is an excellent toy for imaginative boys and girls.






Customer Review: fun for the kids




I got this as part of a halloween costume for my son. He had a great time wearing it. He is 5 and the elastic on the headpeice was a little tight for him. I can sew so I fixed it for him. He plays with it from time to time. But My two year old daughter is the one who really loves to play with it. From my expierience it is better for younger children. It is a great product. Seems like it is well made (I've olny had it for three months so far)and it works well.

Cranium - Cranium Squawkbox Cards - Lunch Munch

Cranium Squawkbox Cards - Lunch Munch





Cranium Squawkbox Cards - Lunch Munch


Draw cards and race to create meals as Lindy the Lunch Lady dishes out special orders! This electronic card game will have you stacking, matching, and strategizing to create a five-meal feast. Portable and easy to play, Lunch Munch features a Squawkbox that guides play and holds the cards for on-the-go fun.




Customer Review: Lunch Munch




My kids love this game they play with it all the time.The directions are a little tricky but once you understand them the game is so much fun.This game is loved by all they kids that come over so i bought a few more as gifts.




Customer Review: Another great toy from Cranium!




This toy is enjoyed by kids and grown-ups alike! It's pretty straight forward and requires quick thinking. My 5-year old finds the lunch lady quite amusing. I think we'll try the Pirate Cove one next!

Friday, December 19, 2008

Cranium - Cranium Puzzles Plus - Come on Down to the Country


  • Cranium Puzzles Plus - Come on Down to the Country





Cranium Puzzles Plus - Come on Down to the Country


Customer Review: Combine a game AND a puzzle!




This is a nice toy. It's nice that it combines the fun of a puzzle with the added fun of playing a game. My boys (ages 5 and ALMOST 2 love it--although my younger guy frustrates the older one a little while they play). I would recommend it but don't pay more than 10.00 for it. I didn't!




Customer Review: Nice.




Nice large, heavy cardboard puzzle pieces. 24 pieces, and also cards included to play a game, making this do double duty. Recommend.

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Cranium - Cranium® Matching Madness

Cranium® Matching Madness





Cranium® Matching Madness


The Cranium Matching Madness Game is the card game that challenges players to match colors, shapes, numbers, and patterns, while getting rid of their cards. To start, players roll the die to figure out what to match! Includes 81 cards, die, and tin case. For 2 or more players.

Cranium - Cranium Giggle Gear Mega Mask with Robot, Bug, and Alien Parts

Cranium Giggle Gear Mega Mask with Robot, Bug, and Alien Parts





Cranium Giggle Gear Mega Mask with Robot, Bug, and Alien Parts


Transform into a robot, bug, or alien! Use the wacky and wild pieces to create hilarious faces and change your voice. Kit includes a variety of eye, nose, ear and mouth parts, plus a special Giggle Gear voice morpher. Colors may vary. Requires one 9V battery (included).




Customer Review: Great fun for an imaginitive little boy!




This is great fun! I knew my son who is into super heroes and role play would love this. Lots of parts to change the look and the sound!




Customer Review: Fun for boys




My five year old loved this gift. The voice morpher is the coolest feature. He really has had fun with it.

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Cranium - Cranium Giggle Gear Fairy Talkies

Cranium Giggle Gear Fairy Talkies





Cranium Giggle Gear Fairy Talkies


Give one headset to a friend and let the fun begin with Cranium Giggle Gear Fairy Talkies. Design your own headpiece with charms and friendship rings, and use fun fairy sound effects as you talk! For more giggly fun, you can mix and match your Fairy Talkies. Ages 4+




Customer Review: looks funn, doesn't work




This look like some really fun walky talkies. But my daughter and I wre sorely disppointed when she opened it Christmas morning only to find that you can't even be in separate rooms for this to work. What's the point of using walkie talkies if you have to be in the same room? I would definately not reccomend this product!




Customer Review: Not that cool




This toy should not be described as "walkie-talkies." My daughters grew tired of trying to be the exact distance away from each other needed to make it work, holding the button down on the side of their heads, while listening intently to the weak speaker. They finally ditched the uncomfortable head bands and held the other part to their heads like a phone. Bottom line: These don't work if the girls are far enough away from each other to only hear each other over the speaker. Dissapointing!

Monday, December 15, 2008

Cranium - Cranium Talk 'n Tracks Monkey Around

Cranium Cadoo





Cranium Cadoo


For 2 or more players


Cranium Cadoo is the outrageously fun game designed especially for kids. With a variety of hilarious activities, Cranium Cadoo gets kids thinking, creating, giggling and grinning as they try to get four in a row to win. Can you sculpt a taco' Act out a hula dancer' Can you think of a word that means both to bounce a basketball and to drip milk from your chin' Which is the strongest for its size: an ant, human or chimp' Whether you love to act, puzzle, sketch, sculpt or even crack secret codes, Cranium Cadoo has something for you. Two or more kids will have a blast playing Cranium Cadoo - even grown-ups will love to play and show what they 'Cadoo'! And the experts agree: Cranium Cadoo is the recipient of the Platinum "Best Toy Award" - the highest honor - from the expert and family testers at the Oppenheim Toy Portfolio.

Saturday, December 13, 2008

Cranium - Cranium Wonder Works Talking Picture Book

Cranium Wonder Works Talking Picture Book





Cranium Wonder Works Talking Picture Book


This Talking Picture Book from Cranium unlocks your creativity to get you drawing, recording and sharing your own amazing stories. Draw on reusable pages using four colorful pens and over 50 fun stickers. Then record your words, sounds and stories to go with each picture. With more than 60 surprising story-starting ideas, the Activity Spinner adds an exciting twist. Requires 4 "AA" batteries (included).




Customer Review: Not as good as most other Cranium products




I purchased this product for a long (read 20 hour) car trip. I wanted something other than DVDs to keep our 5 & 7 year old busy. This is not a toy I would recommend for the car. (I also purchased a Cranium Wonder Works Super Recorder and I would give it 5+ stars - highly recommended!) The 7 year old could work the recorder ok...but as other reviewers stated, there just isn't enough time to speak. The eraser and the markers constantly pop out and fall on the floor and then you hear "MOM...". Not much you can do about it when you are driving. The stickers will not stay on the paper in the book, but hey, they made great window decorations. If you do purchase this product for travel - one word of warning. I think the package said batteries included, but they are for demonstration only. The batteries gave way quickly - good thing to replace them before use, or take some backups.




Customer Review: Lots of laughs




My kids, 4 and 7, love this book, but they don't narrate stories, they just record themselves being silly. They also like using the dry erase pens. The stickers aren't sticky and are a complete waste of time. Overall it's a good toy; it keeps them busy, and they aren't killing each other. In my house that's success!

Cranium - Cranium Conga

Cranium Conga





Cranium Conga


Cranium Conga is the fast-paced "guess what I'm thinking" game that will get your whole family acting, sculpting, guesstimating, and picking hilarious words. Conga celebrates the fun facts and funny memories that only someone close to you would know. This delightful game offers giggles and laughs for everyone -- from 8-year-olds, to teenagers, to mom and dad -- so turn off the TV and share some high-flying fun. Cranium Conga comes with more than 300 outrageously fun game cards, a high-energy musical timer with an erasable secret answer pad, six Conga scoring cases, 96 scoring tiles and a tub of cool Cranium Clay.


For 3 to 6 players.




Customer Review: Great fun every time




This is my favorite game. Everytime i get anyone to play games with me, i pull this one out. The questions are fun and each time we get to know something unique or interesting about others. Unlike some of the other cranium games, this one is easy and fast, so there's no problem with pre-teens playing with adults--no one has an unfair advantage, everyone is equally likely to do well and/or win.




Customer Review: Extremley Enjoyable




This was bought as a gift for my sisters family. They love the game, because not only does it get their son (11) away from the video games and tv, but you can play a round in a reasonable amount of time. This game is pull out after family get togethers as a means of enjoying family time together. And you learn alot about each other.

Friday, December 12, 2008

Cranium - Cranium Booster Box 1

Cranium Booster Box 1





Cranium Booster Box 1


So you've drawn, giggled, hummed, answered trivia questions galore, walked like Marilyn, and done every other silly thing on every single one of your original Cranium cards. You're in luck--Booster Box 1 has arrived (watch those numbers--there will be more to come!). The wacky crew at Cranium Central has devised an entirely new set of cards to mix in with or replace the ones that came with the game. This good-sized booster box contains 800 new cards--200 in each of the four categories you've come to know and love: creative cat, data head, word worm, and star performer. So now there are 800 new ways to challenge your brainium. --Rachel Radway




Customer Review: great addition




this booster box adds a much needed boost to cranium. My friends and i have already played through the normal cards 2-3 times so the game is not as fun for us anymore...however with this addition the game is given new life with a set of (seem ably) harder questions but most importantly new questions.




Customer Review: EXCELLENT!!!




LOVE THIS GAME ... and this booster box set is a must have once you've played out the old set ...




even better questions ... sometimes my friends and I will just play the green catagory.

Thursday, December 11, 2008

Cranium - Cranium Giggle Gear Magical Unicorn

Cranium Giggle Gear Magical Unicorn





Cranium Giggle Gear Magical Unicorn


Customer Review: Very Cute!!!




This is a gift for my 3 year old. She looks very cute galloping around as a unicorn and you can hear her coming. I also bought the dinosaur set for my 5 year old. Both are very excited and like to dress up all the time.




Customer Review: She loves it!!




My daughter just loves this. She got this for her 5th b-day. You do have to walk kinda back on your heels to get the clip-clop. The head has absolutely no trouble knowing when to whinny and neigh.




We plan to get the dinosaur for our son.

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Cranium - Cranium Hoopla

Cranium Hoopla





Cranium Hoopla


Hoopla is the outrageously fun game where every second counts, with two or more players rallying together to beat the clock. There are four categories of question cards: Cloodle (drawing, similar to Pictionary), Tongue-Tied (giving alliteration clues to a single word), Soundstage (charades), and Tweener (giving clues in the form "it's bigger than but smaller than," using two objects that imply the answer). If the players manage to work through the requisite number of cards in fifteen minutes, the game is won by all.


This game takes five minutes to learn and just 20 minutes to play. Includes: 280 Hoopla cards, a countdown timer, a ten-sided Cranium die, and a Hoopla pad and pencil.




Customer Review: One of the Greatest Games I've Ever Played!




We played this game at a family reunion and loved it so much that we played 3 nights in a row. Even the most serious members of our family were laughing their heads off by the end of the game. Shouldn't be played with young kids however, some of the cards feature things like "Raves" or "Viagra". Great for older kids though.




Customer Review: Only One Problem...




My one problem with this game is that there aren't enough cards (only 280) and from what I've researched, no replacement packs.






We played the entire game with a group of four people for hours on end, until we went through each card. Sadly, we had to stop, because we started getting repeats. It was really, really fun to have the freedom to choose how to act out, draw, etc. the card choice. You didn't feel so "locked" at having to come up with something like only using the clay in original cranium. It was so funny to see other people's clues and ideas, we were laughing for hours. A handful of the cards were a little difficult to figure out, but we were able to act out enough to have them guessed. Like other reviews, I'd definitely agree that high school aged and above needs to play this game because of the brain power level involved with knowing and giving the clues. A very fun evening full of laughs, good times, and hopefully in the future- more cards!

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

Cranium - Cranium Hoopla Board Game

Cranium Hoopla Board Game





Cranium Hoopla Board Game


Publisher: Cranium Number of Players: 2+ Playing time: 20 minutes Ages: 13 & up Overview: We like to call this Cranium Lite.not because they skimp on the fun, but because you can lift the box without assistance. Taking the same basic ideas that carried Cranium to the top, Hoopla changes things up by putting all the players on one team against a truly insidious opponent: the dreaded timer. Once it starts, the players are hoping, hollering, drawing and being clever as they race time itself. So, in short, yeah, this is another winner from the folks what brought you Cranium. Other games you might like: Cranium and any of a thousand other Cranium products; Rigamarole; Wit's End; or just about any party game in existence




Customer Review: Great Fun--Especially for Couples!




After being disappointed with the Cranium game Whoonu, I decided to give this reputable company another chance by purchasing two new games--one of which was Hoopla.






Hoopla includes around 300 cards (Who, What or Where cards), 15 minute timer, 10-sided color die, 3 purple "Wild" Tokens, a pad, and pencil.






The premise is pretty simple: Deal 4 cards to each player, make a "Playpile" of 8 cards, then set aside the rest of the deck. Each player rolls the color coded die which corresponds to 5 actions. These 5 actions are ways to get the other players to guess which image is on the card of your choice. They are:






Blue = Coodle. This means that you sketch clues about the card in your hand






Yellow = Tongue-Tied. This is challenging but fun: you have to pick ONE letter of the alphabet and all your verbal clues MUST begin with that letter. For example, if the card image was a Who, and it was Elvis, you might pick the letter "M" and say "Major, Musician, Mephis", etc. This can get REALLY tricky. The other day, I rolled a Tongue-Tied and chose to use it for my Who card of Zeus. I used words like "Athens, Athena, Ares, Almighty, Abba (the Hebrew word for Father God)" and so on. My husband blanked out! (It was fun, though.)






Green = Soundstage. Using gestures, acting, and sound effects, you act out your clues. This, too, can be hilarious and challenging. I chose one of my Who cards, Bono, for Soundstage. So here I am, pretending to sing like a rockstar, gesturing that I have on rectangular sunglasses, humming songs like "Sunday Bloody Sunday" and "New Years Day"...and my husband didn't get it right away! In fact, he KNEW I was referring to Bono, but figured I was referring to *another* singer...and Bono was "just an example". Yet, he never actually SAID Bono! It was hilarious trying to get him to state the obvious!






Red = Tweener. This is perhaps the trickiest action. You have to craft two clues at a time, related to the card, but they must be in the form of "bigger than" and "smaller than". For example, I chose Locker Room, a What Card, for my Tweener roll. So I said to my husband "It's bigger than a football, but smaller than a stadium." and "It's bigger than a basket ball, but smaller than the school." Took him awhile, but he finally got it!






Purple = Wild. This means that you can choose whichever action you want--Cloodle, Tongue-Tied, Soundstage, or Tweener.






If you get stumped, you can also use one of the purple Wild Tokens--but you only get 3 per game for everyone!






This fun game doesn't pit you against other players. Rather, everyone is on the same team--pitted against the CLOCK. After each turn, a person selects a card from the Playpile, so after all the cards in everyone's hand is used, including all of the Playpile, the game ends.






This game is aptly targeted towards Teens and Adults. Most of the images are too complex for children (e.g., Platform Shoes, Great Barrier Reef, Psychic, Sorority House, Jack Nicholson, Mount St. Helens, Flea Market, Spring Break, Bob Marley, Walkman, Mardis Gras, Redwood Forest, Colonel Sanders, etc.). While some may be simple enough for children--for example, Cat in the Hat or Barbie, most are not.






I mostly got this game so my husband and I could play (after being disappointed that Whoonu doesn't support a 2-player game unless you form your own complicated set of rules--which is unfortunate). It doesn't take long and is a BLAST to play. You're required to draw on your inner creativity, so it's brain-stretching, too! My 8 year old likes to look at the pictures and try to draw them for us to "guess"--or he mans the wind-up timer for us when we play. (Players stop the timer in between the roll of the die and re-start it when the action is about to be performed).






An excellent game for couples, adults, and teens!

Monday, December 8, 2008

Cranium - Cranium Bloom Let's Play Neighborhood Sounds Bingo Game

Cranium Bloom Let's Play Neighborhood Sounds Bingo Game





Cranium Bloom Let's Play Neighborhood Sounds Bingo Game

Cranium - Cranium Carnival Clubhouse

Cranium Carnival Clubhouse





Cranium Carnival Clubhouse


Kids will have 2-in-1 fun with Cranium Carnival Clubhouse, playing their favorite carnival games and building funhouse forts. Carnival Clubhouse gives kids endless opportunities to build, create, and play their favorite carnival games, create their own games, or build a fort. Includes 15 game tickets that give children different playtime ideas.




Customer Review: fun fun fun




my daughter loves to hide out in this thing, and then her little sis helps rip it apart and they start all over again. it's great for us cos we don't have a yard; a tree house alternative!




Customer Review: We LOVE it!




Our 5 year old daughter really enjoys playing with this tent/ fort. She has put it up almost every day since Christmas and is really getting the hang of it; I am sure she'll be doing it solo soon except for the tall parts. It is quite large and she enjoys making a house for herself to play inside of it. The "games" are ok, but the tent itself is the main event.

Sunday, December 7, 2008

Cranium - Cranium Puzzles Plus - Take Me to the Carnival

Cranium Puzzles Plus - Take Me to the Carnival





Cranium Puzzles Plus - Take Me to the Carnival


With Puzzles Plus Seek & Find, the puzzle is only half the fun! Put the pieces together, draw cards, and hunt for fun pictures in your completed puzzle. When you find what you?re looking for, circle it with the dry-erase marker.




Customer Review: Fun for Everyone - a Great Buy!




We recently purchased this puzzle as a holdover between the younger board games like Candyland and the ones that are still a bit old like Monopoly Junior. We are thrilled with this puzzle. Not only do the kids love putting it together, but even we can get involved in the "Where's Waldo" kind of seek-and-find action with the included cards. Your kids will never know they're solidifying concepts like color, number, and phonics while they play and you'll never know you're playing with a kids' toy! Another great Cranium series.




Customer Review: what i think




I really like this puzzle. It is very entertaining for my daughter (3) and educational at the same time. The things on the cards to be found in the puzzle once completed vary in difficulty, and there are enough of them to have some new things to look for after putting the puzzle together several times. I think I will be purchasing more of these puzzles for my daughter.

Saturday, December 6, 2008

Cranium - Cranium® Mega Fort

Cranium® Mega Fort


Cranium® Mega Fort


Customer Review: Top Drawer, But A Bit Wobbly




We bought this for our 4 year old's birthday. We saw the superfort by Cranium, but opted for the Megafort - a wise decision!!! I think that the limited pieces of the superfort would have been frustrating for the kids.






It was easy for them to link the parts with the little magnetic connectors, and they went nuts creating all the strangest structures imaginable. Overall it's a hit.






Having said that, our boys (3 of them) love their forts, and the darker, more cave-like the better. However, we found that it isn't really that sturdy. There is a limited number of nylon-type "wall panels" to hide from the surrounding world, so we thought we could suppliment with blankets..... wrong! It will knock the building over due to the excess weight, after all it's wobbly even without the non-cranium blankets.






Our next task is to look for extra wall panels, I'm sure that I can either buy "cranium" ones or look at Wal-Mart for something that would do the trick.






It seems durable, but only time will tell.




Cheers.




Customer Review: Super Fort = Super Fun!!!




I purchased this product for my 5 yr old step son. He and his brother (8 yrs) play with this fort all of the time. They are either playing in it, around it, or with it! They have a blast creating different environments! If they're having fun, I am having fun. The only things that kept this fort from receiving 5 stars is the lack of sturdiness, even though I don't think it matters because a 5 yr old will knock anything down no matter how sturdy. I think it should also have a couple more cloth shades and clips (at least enough to go around all sides of the basic fort design). Other than that, I completely recommend this product.

Friday, December 5, 2008

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

Cranium - Cranium Primo Edition

Cranium Primo Edition





Cranium Primo Edition


Craniacs, here's your chance to shine on game night! This Special Edition of the Cranium board game is a shiny, souped up version of the fastest selling independent board game in history. Sure to delight its most fervent fans, Cranium Primo features all new content and four times the clay of the original Cranium game. Packaged in an embossed tin box, the game comes with shiny playing pieces, silvery pads and pencils, a funky 10-sided Cranium die, a purple sand timer, and 4 gleaming canisters of cool Cranium clay. And it's just as fun as it looks! Cranium Primo has 800 new, more-challenging questions and a new twist on your favorite Cranium activity: the Club Cranium Sculptorades has all 4 teams using their tubs of Cranium clay to sculpt head-to-head! The game that gleams inside and out is a must have for collectors and admirers of Cranium. It's outrageous fun for everyone! Game comes with collectible, embossed game tin, 800 all-new cards, 4 gleaming canisters of Cranium Clay, purple sand timer, 4 shiny playing pieces, Cranium Primo Edition game board, silvery Cranium pads and pencils, 10-sided Cranium die, and game instructions. Actual brains not included. For 4 or More Players or Teams, Ages 13 and Up.




Customer Review: Great Game




This game is one of the best board games out there. With expansion card packs so that after extensive play, you can get new questions (so they can't be memorized)






The only reason I gave this 4 stars rather than 5 is because the one I recieved had moldy clay... Seriously moldy... Pretty gross and so I had to throw it out and buy more clay...




Customer Review: Best Game Ever




This is the best game to play with friends and family. Age doesn't matter. It rocks.

Cranium - Cranium Wonder Works Picture Studio

Cranium Wonder Works Picture Studio





Cranium Wonder Works Picture Studio


Create one-of-a-kind, outrageous masterpieces every time you draw with Picture Studio from Cranium Wonder Works! Bring your creations to life with 27 reusable stickers, 6 different backgrounds, and lots of picture-making ideas. Just twirl the activity spinner for one of 30 funny twists, then start laughing as you draw a porcupine that eats pizza or a robot that rides a motorcycle! Plus, with a convenient storage drawer to keep everything in one place, it's perfect to take in the car, on a plane, or to a friend's house. What's in the box? Picture Studio includes a clear drawing surface, built-in activity spinner, 3 double-sided activity cards with 30 drawing ideas, 3 double-sided backgrounds, a built-in eraser, 1 pen, and 27 reusable static-cling stickers. Ages 5 and up.




Customer Review: Make sure you get a new one!




The item I received had obviously been used and returned. The edges of the toy were a little scratched and worn and all of the pieces had been put in the box without any kind of packaging. Still waiting on the replacement.




Customer Review: Stir the imagination!




I purchased this for my 5-year-old son as a Christmas present and it was one of the best choices I made. Not only does he love drawing pictures and recording stories (and songs), but its lightweight profile has made it a must have for travel. We took it on the plane, into restaurants (with the rule that no playing with the recorder at the table), etc.



Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Monday, December 1, 2008

Sunday, November 30, 2008

Cranium - Cranium Tin Edition

Cranium Tin Edition





Cranium Tin Edition


Now America's favorite game comes in its very own Cranium tin! Everyone will have a chance to shine as your team hums, whistles, sketches, sculpts, acts, puzzles, and even spells backwards to win. You will not believe what your friends can do! Be the first team to move clockwise around the board and into Cranium Central where your team will complete its final activities to win. Includes Cranium game board, 800 Cranium cards, ten-sided Cranium die, a tub of cool Cranium Clay, timer, four funky Cranium play pieces, rules and Custom Cranium pads and pencils.




Customer Review: Great game.




The only issue I had was the in tin edition the cranium clay was dried out and hard as a hockey puck. I assume it is because the container it comes in is not air tight.




Customer Review: OMG! The Best Game Ever!!!




i played this game for the first time with friends...after that i was begging my fiance to get it finally she caved and we cant put it down! great with friends!

Saturday, November 29, 2008

Cranium - Cranium Squawkbox Cards Pirate's Passage

Cranium Squawkbox Cards Pirate's Passage





Cranium Squawkbox Cards Pirate's Passage


Customer Review: Cranium Squawkbox: Pirate's Passage




Square cards are used to create a layout of paths through a square "ocean" with the box (which is also the goal square of the game) at the center. The players' home islands/ starting squares are at the corners. The game's box is a molded plastic affair containing a voice chip; in turn, players push a button on top to hear a pirate voice give commands such as Rotate a card, Flip a card, Sail the Seas (move one space if you can), etc. First player to reach the treasure with his or her ship pawn is the winner.








Customer Review: Simple fun




This game is so much fun. The ship pieces rip easily though. It would be better if they were plastic. The game can be short or long. It is compact enough for travel. The sound is very good. It is really simple and easy to play. I would buy this game again.

Friday, November 28, 2008

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Cranium - 12 - Colorful "Rubber" Bouncing ICY Neon Balls - Lots of Fun! Makes Great Replacement Balls for the Cranium Cariboo Game!

12 - Colorful "Rubber" Bouncing ICY Neon Balls - Lots of Fun! Makes Great Replacement Balls for the Cranium Cariboo Game!





12 - Colorful "Rubber" Bouncing ICY Neon Balls - Lots of Fun! Makes Great Replacement Balls for the Cranium Cariboo Game!


Bounce'em, Roll'em, or Throw'em, hours of excitement are built into each ball. "Frozen Ice" appearing balls. Made of plastic not rubber - but they sure bounce like the old rubber balls from the sixties and seventies!

Cranium - Cranium: The Creative Cat Book of Outrageous Fun!: Draw it, Sculpt it, Build it! (Cranium Books of Outrageous Fun)

Cranium: The Creative Cat Book of Outrageous Fun!: Draw it, Sculpt it, Build it! (Cranium Books of Outrageous Fun)





Cranium: The Creative Cat Book of Outrageous Fun!: Draw it, Sculpt it, Build it! (Cranium Books of Outrageous Fun)


DESCRIPTION: Following the success of THE CRANIUM BIG BOOK OF OUTRAGEOUS FUN! This newest wave of books invites kids to celebrate their talents - and discover new ones! With alternating rewritable pages and more than 150 all-new activities designed for both solo and group play, each book offers kids hours of outrageous fun. In Creative Cat's book, kids will go on a journey of artful exploration, building, sculpting and drawing using their special Creative Cat Stencil. In Data Head's book, they'll uncover fascinating facts and stimulating stats with the help of their Nifty Data Head Magnifier. In Star Performer's book, readers will take center stage and discover their many dramatic talents using their special Star Performer Kazoo. And in Word Worm's book, kids will enjoy hours of wacky wordplay, riddles, and rhymes using their Word Worm Letter Cubes. In addition, each book is packed with cool Cranium components, including: * Erasable marker * Cranium Clay(r) * Mini Sand Timer * 25 Game Cards * a Die and 1 Game Piece Best of all, hidden within each book is a secret slide-out game board and a unique acetate game sheet. As kids collect all four, they can mix and match their BOOKS OF OUTRAGEOUS FUN to create new multi-layered games - that means endless fun!




Customer Review: Fun, re-usable book with lots to do!




My daughter LOVES her Cranium Cat Book! We really like the fact that there's so much to do, and that it builds your creativity in fun, varied ways--ways I never even thought of. It's nice that many of the pages are designed to be used with the erasable marker that's included, so you can use them again. Others aren't, but your child can use a pencil to increase the life of those pages. Activities include: word scrambles; mazes of different kinds (one is a supermarket scramble); crossword puzzles; word searches; designing currency; creating your own kingdom, along with a crest, flag, castle, and more; different ways to create the same thing; pictures to complete; creating your own carnival, complete with rides; and more. There are also fun facts on most pages related to the activities you're working on, and many pages include suggestions for fun brain-building activities you can do with a friend outside of the book. A fun pull-out game is also included; it is actually part of the book, so there's nothing extra to store! Along with all of that, in a neat little storage case (also attached to the book!), is a dry-erase marker, a little tub of clay, a stencil, a sand-timer, and game cards and pieces. This is a great way to enrich your creative child, or to get your not-so-creative child thinking in another way. Highly recommended!




Customer Review: Outrageously Awesome at Keeping your Kid Occupied!




My 7 year old got this book from Santa for Christmas, and LOVES it. He is very artistic, but any child who loves to draw and doodle will love this "book".






It has lots of rewritable pages and a dry-erase marker(with eraser!). It also comes with a small pot of cranium "dough" for sculpting. Each page is filled with several theme based activities to get your child's imagination going. For example "Create your own Country" has a list of questions to answer, like What is the official food of your country? What is your country called?, etc. Draw a picture of your country's capital. Finish this drawing of your country's currency.






I love this book as much as my son, just because it keeps him focused and relatively quiet for 30+ minutes at a time. Great for the car!

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Cranium - Cranium Giggle Gear Giggle Goggle Girl

Cranium Giggle Gear Giggle Goggle Girl





Cranium Giggle Gear Giggle Goggle Girl


With Cranium Giggle Goggles kids transform into a fun fairy by creating hilarious faces using the magical-sounds tiara and a variety of pretty eye and ear parts! Ages 5+




Customer Review: giggle gear




My girls absolutely loved this game. We also got the mask and the voice modifier creates many giggles. But a caution for parents, it can get kind of loud after a while. So, if you don't have a lot of patience with loud toys don't get the mask too. The goggles are fun though and we have many silly pictures.

Monday, November 24, 2008

Cranium - Cranium Hoopla Game

Cranium Hoopla Game





Cranium Hoopla Game


In this cooperative game, all players are on the same team and share a common goal: to get rid of everyone's cards before the 15-minute Hoopla timer runs out. Players act, draw, and craft hilariously clever clues to get the other players to guess the answers on their cards in these four categories; Tweener, Tounge-tied, Soundstange and Cloodle. In the Tweener category, the player will craft a pair of clues to get the other players to zero in on the answer it's bigger than a gladiator, but smaller than Rome. It's the Coliseum! In Tongue-tied, the player will describe the card they're holding by brainstorming words that all start with the same letter. The letter is 'F' and the answer is Platform Shoes. Funky, footwear, fashionable, fad. In Soundstage the player will create sound effects while acting out the clue. In the Cloodle cards, the player will sketch their clues depicting the cards in their hand. If all of the players get rid of their cards, everybody wins. As each game lasts only 20 minutes, its perfect to take to a friend's house, on a trip, or play a couple of rounds for a longer weekend game. Contains 285 game cards, a 15-minute countdown timer, ten-sided die and customer pad and pencil. For 2 or more players.

Saturday, November 22, 2008

Friday, November 21, 2008

Cranium - Cranium Super Fort

Cranium Super Fort





Cranium Super Fort


Cranium Super Fort lets kids create cool spaces and secret places. From submarines in imaginary seas, fantasy castles from faraway lands, or even space ships from new galaxies, anything kids can imagine comes to life with Super Fort. Just snap the foam tubes together with the quick-snap magnetic connectors, hang up the colorful fabric panels, and climb on in. Super Fort is safe, easy to use and furniture stays in its place. Two storage bags make clean-up a snap. 73 pieces.




Customer Review: Buy at least 2




This is a great toy. So many toys are played with once and then never used again. Not this one. Its now August and when kids come over they love to play with it- most have never seen it. There is non-stop creativity. But you do need to buy at least 2 of the kits. We bought one for my son and another for my daughter so it is a shared toy for them. There are not enough pieces in one kit to make much. There is a 'floor' that comes with it, that helps to add some stability, but it is difficult for an adult to put the 'floor' in- and forget it when kids go in and out of the fort- the floor is all over the place. With two kits you have enough pieces to add stability at the base and still build up. I wish we bought a third!- but that is on the docket for this christmas- mainly to replace worn out parts.






It reminds me of giant tinker toys. Which is what makes it so much fun. We've had at least six kids in our forts. The orange pieces can break if the kids get too rough, but we've only lost one thus far.






I think there is one review that talks about the danger in using the poles as swords. Our kids have done this on a couple of occassions, but they have been sternly reprimanded and reminded that this is a building toy and it will be taken away if it is used as swords. As long as the parents are involved and monitoring the use in the first couple of months, everyone will have fun and stay safe. We no longer have issues with using the toy as swords. We drove home the point by hitting paper with the tubes. THe kids saw the paper rip and of course we said that could be their skin. ( A child would really have to whack HARD to draw blood in my opinion, but the dramatics helped get the point across)






I would highly recommend.




Customer Review: Hours of Fun!




Our 3yr old son LOVES his super fort! It does require an adult to help construct it for stability purposes and sometimes he has the most fun taking it back apart or playing with the poles as swords or pretend robot legs. The vinyl pieces come off really easily with his rough play so we are constantly having to "repair" his tunnel, house, etc. It's a minor inconvenience for how much he really loves this fort. Our 8 month old loves the fort too, however she's too rough and usually ends up pulling the whole structure down just by leaning on it.

Thursday, November 20, 2008

Cranium - Vtech - V.Smile - Cranium

Vtech - V.Smile - Cranium





Vtech - V.Smile - Cranium


Meet Cranium's cast of colorful characters as you master eight learning games. Fly through space in Data Head's Mega Match-Ups. Make music on Star Performer's Stage. Write a story with virtual stickers in Creative Cat's Studio. Fish for letters in Word Worm's Letter Lake. Finally, sing your favorite songs in the Sing Along section. Play alone or with up to three friends. For use with the V.Smile TV Learning System Plus, sold separately.




Customer Review: Cute game.




Good game for young gamers. In my mind any game is good if they will play it for starts and if they learn something playing it. This did both.

Monday, November 17, 2008

Cranium - Cranium Cariboo

Cranium Cariboo





Cranium Cariboo


Cranium Cariboo is the all-new, magical treasure-hunt game designed especially for young minds. Kids will love exploring the golden island of Cariboo, where they'll find castles, boats, balloons and more. Their eyes will light up as each turn gives them the chance to match fun drawings, unlock secret doors and discover hidden treasure. Multiple matching activities reinforce four early-learning fundamentals: ABCs, numbers, shapes and colors.




Customer Review: Cariboo is a hit with my grandchildren




I ordered Cariboo for two sets of grandchildren. Both found the game highly entertaining and stimulating. The mother's loved it too. My order through Amazon arrived in Houston in good time even amidst hurricane Ike.




Customer Review: Great game for toddlers/preschoolers




Our 2.5 year old loves this game! Educational and fun. Can be modified to make it easier for younger kids or a bit more challenging for preschoolers.

Sunday, November 16, 2008

Cranium - Cranium Bumparena

Cranium Bumparena





Cranium Bumparena


Cranium Bumparena is the outrageous game that keeps everyone on the edge of their seats. Place the bumpers on the Bumparena board to guide the balls into your goal. Think you've got, the perfect plan' One twist of a bumper can change the outcome in a flash. And once the balls start to fall, you never know which way they'll roll. The first player to score six goals is the winner. No two games are the same, but each one is full of excitement and laughter. Everyone will enjoy its unpredictable fun.




Customer Review: not so much fun!!




We love the Cranium games at our home...we have several, however, this one fell short as far as we are concerned. The kids simply found it boring and enjoyed throwing the bouncing balls rather than playing the game. We'll stick too some of the other cranium games.




Customer Review: Lot's of Fun!




Bought this for my nephew's 7th birthday last year. It has gotten much play and is still in great shape. Lot's of fun/challenge arranging the bumpers to channel the balls in your direction. I enjoy playing with them as well. Highly reccomended!

Cranium - Cranium Wacky Words

Cranium Wacky Words









Cranium Wacky Words



Wacky Words is the madcap game of fill-in-the-blank fun. "Dear Diary... Johnny is the dreamiest monkey I know. He makes me feel like doughnuts in the springtime." What!? You and your family and friends will have hilarious fun working together to create headline stories, book reports, vacation postcards and even horoscopes in a game of fill-in-the-blank fun. Quick and easy to play. Game includes 20 story cards, five secret keepers, six dry-erase pens, eraser, letter spinner, scorecard and rules sheet. Tin measures 10" x 6.5". For 4-6 players.




Customer Review: Get ready for hilarious stories!




This is one of the most fun games parents can play with the 6 & older children. Spelling does not have to be perfect. Each person has a chance to be the judge of the answers, so kids are thoroughly involved.










One card is chosen for the game. The other players get a two sided magnetic yellow board to write their answers on; the judges reads the first sentence, which may have 1 or 2 blanks in it. The judge pushes the little spinner and that is the letter everyone must use for their first worrd. These are passed in, and mixed up -- then the judge distributes them again.










You may get your own, you may not. When the two blanks are filled, the judge reads all the answers (along with the sentences) and then chooses the winner to be written on the erasable story card.










The card passes to the next person, who becomes the judge. This continues until the story is completed -- then it is read. Very fun for both kids and adults.