Pearland Toy Man

Thursday, August 11, 2011

Show Your Hearts for the Berry Family

Learning Express stores in Houston are showing our hearts today to raise money for the children of Robin and Joshua Berry. Both parents were tragically killed in an auto accident over the July 4th holiday weekend while driving through Fort Stockton, Texas, on their way back home from a family vacation in Colorado. The three children, Peter, 9, Aaron, 8, and Willa, 6, survived, however, both boys are being treated for multiple spinal injuries and Willa suffered a broken arm and ankle.

Our family of stores located in Cypress, Katy, Pearland and Town and Country are all joining together today, August 11th, to raise money to help support the rehabilitation and growth of the Berry children. Twenty percent of the sales of all four Houston-area stores will be donated to the Joshua and Robin Berry Children's Trust.

Clockwise from lower left: Aaron, Robin, Joshua, Willa and Peter Berry
Credit: Joshua and Robin Berry Children's Trust

While I did not know the family personally, I did have the pleasure to meet Joshua during the NCAA Final Four tournament this past year where we were both photo-runners for the Associated Press. Here is one of the pictures from the stadium after the final game.

Our hope is that together we can do a small part in helping raise the necessary funds to aid these now orphaned children's ongoing needs, including medical rehabilitation, physical therapy, psychological support and education. With your help, we can make a difference!

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Saturday, July 2, 2011

Safe Alternatives to Fireworks for a Safe Fourth of July

The Fourth of July is a great time to spend with friends and family and one that typically ends with a great fireworks show. In addition to the big fireworks display, many families use sparklers and other small fireworks to get the family involved. With small kids this can sometimes be a problem. Below we have listed some great alternatives to fireworks for your holiday weekend.

White Lightning Sticks

Here is something that is sure to WOW your friends and family. With the click of a button, these color-changing White Lightning Sticks run through the full color spectrum. The exterior is a soft foam material similar to those foam "noodles" that you use in the pool, so they are easy for little hands to hold, safe to use and makes a big statement! Push the button on the bottom to go through six different modes including strobing, morphing or a steady on in different colors. Ages 3+

Light-up Big Bang Rocket

The Light-up Big Bang Rocket from Can You Imagine is a new item based on the original Big Bang Rocket. The new addition is the light-up feature which lights up the sky when it is being thrown. This rocket brings the old "caps" into the 21st century with a way to recycle old newspapers. Just tear a small square of newspaper and insert it into the rocket, grab the tale and toss it into the air and wait for the BIG BANG!!! Want a bigger bang? Then use a couple pieces of newspaper to make it even louder! Check out the video! Ages 6+

Light-up Gel Stone Ring

Light-up Gel Stone Rings provide that perfect "flash" with your "bling"! Day or night, these are super bright. They are made from a gel that lets you stretch it to fit any size finger. They even stretch to use in your ponytail. Having a party? Just lay these around the table to really brighten up the area.
Ages 3+

Special F/X Light Saber

The Special F/X Light Saber from Can You Imagine is a light saber that powers up with movie quality light and sound effects. This light saber changes color as you move or tap the saber and even changes its sound effects as you interact. The rubberized handle gives it an authentic look and a firm non-slip grip. Tired of waving it around? It comes with a display stand that lets you show it off or use as a night light.

So whether you are looking for a great safe alternative to fireworks or just for some fun new light-up items, these are some of our favorites. Do you have other ideas? Let us know!

Saturday, June 18, 2011

10 Most Popular Outdoor Toys for Summer

Summer is here, school is out and you are looking for ways to keep the kids busy and entertained during the summer months. Our Toy Experts share our favorite and most popular outdoor toys that will be sure to keep the kids entertained.

1. Pumponator - Balloon Pumping Station

The Pumponator sounds extreme but it is really a simple device invented by 4th grader Lexi Glenn that removes all of the complexities of filling water balloons. Simply fill the reservoir with water, put a balloon over the nozzle, pump the top a few times and squeeze the trigger. The balloon will start filling from the pressure in the bottle with very little effort! Use the enclosed pre-measured strings to quickly tie the balloon shut, making it ready to throw at the unsuspecting target. Not interested in water balloons? You can also fill balloons with air when the bottle is empty. Each Pumponator comes with 500 balloons and strings! Yes, that is correct, 500 balloons! Check out the video! Ages 5+

2. Spooner Board

The Spooner Board is a virtually indestructible balance board that spins, flips, wobbles and more while teaching kids balance, core stability, coordination, and gross-motor skills. The board is meant to simulate most board sports which allows you to safely develop a center of gravity, foot transfer skills and lower extremity development. But most of all, the Spooner Board is FUN!!! It has been used in many Elementary schools to help teach these FUNdamentals. Check out the video! Ages 3+

3. Ultra Stomp Rocket / Junior Stomp Rocket

The Ultra Stomp Rocket and Junior Stomp Rocket provide kid-powered blast-off fun in the backyard or at the park. Just jump on the stomp pad and watch as the rockets soar into the air. The only difference between the Ultra Stomp Rocket and the Junior Stomp Rocket is the rockets that are included in the packaging. The Junior rockets soar up to 100 ft in the air, while the Ultra rockets soar up to 200 ft in the air! Its compact design makes it easy to take with you on the go. Each box comes with four rockets and extra rockets are available to mix and match once you have the blast pad. No need to buy two different ones! Junior - Ages 3+, Ultra - Ages 8+

4. Squap Game

Squap Game is a new take on an old game. Have fun playing catch like you've never played before! Instead of throwing and catching a ball, you use the mitt to launch the ball by opening it as quickly as possible. The other player has to catch it in their mitt by closing it quickly around the ball. You might catch our Toy Experts playing it in the store because it is that addicting. Once you start it is hard to put down. By yourself? No problem, play it against a wall or in the air and try to sharpen your reflexes. Comes with two mitts and four balls. Check out the video! Ages 6+

5. Beamo Flying Disc

Want something to get the kids off the couch? This is it! Don't call the Beamo Flying Disc a "big frisbee" because it is much more than that. Sure it is 3x the diameter of a frisbee measuring a big 30 inches but it is easier to throw and a heck of a lot more fun to catch. Depending on age and strength of the thrower, the Beamo can soar up to 150 feet. Try catching the Beamo on your arm or easily grab the spandex fabric cover. Great for all age groups but recommended for Ages 6+.

6. Jumparoo BOING Pogo Stick

When we first saw the Jumparoo BOING Pogo Stick at the International Toy Fair convention in New York City last year, we knew it was going to be a hit! The unique Y-bar handle with grips gives you more stability than other pogo sticks and makes it that much easier to learn and master. Another outdoor toy that helps improve balance, coordination and stability which is so important for children. Oh, it also has a wider foot that helps distribute the weight more easily. They come in two different sizes based on the weight of the child. The smallest is for those weighing between 44 lbs and 86 lbs, while the larger pogo stick is designed for weights between 86 lbs and 160 lbs! Ages 6+

7. Fold and Go Trampoline

Like the idea of a trampoline but not the idea of a big one in your backyard? Sometimes it is just unrealistic to have a full-size trampoline but you still want something that will provide hours of fun and give the bouncing benefits without the headaches. The Fold and Go Trampoline is just that item. Simple to put together, just screw in the six legs and you are ready to jump. This model holds up to 150 lbs so it will last for years. The handlebar provides support for younger children helping them stay upright and the ability to jump higher. Is great for tuckering out the child before bedtime! Ages 3+.

8. Zartz Fun Pack

What's a Zart you ask? Only one of the most fun, safe and versatile darts on the market! The indoor/outdoor soft foam tipped dart can stick to virtually anything (walls, doors, ceilings, concrete, bathtubs, and more). Basically, anything that has a smooth, flat surface. So if a Zart is a foam dart, what is so great about the Fun Pack? Well, just about everything! Imagine strapping the triangle Zartz dartboard to your hand and flinging the Zart back and forth with a friend trying to make it stick to the center of the target. These are a blast! Check out the video! Ages 6+

9. Power Popper and Double Barrel Power Popper

Looking for something to safely shoot back and forth at someone? These are our most popular shooting toys and make it easy to tag your friends from 20 feet away with the soft foam balls. Just pump the barrel and the balls will shoot right out. Pump harder to get the ball to go further. Simple as that! And if you are looking for twice the shooting power, just move up to the Double Barrel Power Popper. Looking for something smaller? Check out the Pig Popper for one-handed popping power! These are one of our most recommended birthday gifts for boys ages 4-6. Check out the video! Ages 4+.

10. Ride On Toys

No matter the age we have the right kid-powered ride-on for each age group. From the Ybike Pewi (12 months to 36 months) to the extremely popular "wiggle racer" PlasmaCar (3 years +) to the first of its kind racer, Ezy Roller (5 years +). The Pewi helps toddlers develop gross-motor skills as the ride-on navigates easily with wheels that move in every direction. The PlasmaCar uses inertia and centrifugal force to power the car down the road, all from turning the steering wheel back and forth while your feet sit comfortably on the feet pads. Yes, we have been known to ride it around the store after hours! The Ezy Roller uses similar technology as the PlasmaCar but this time uses the feet to propel and steer. Check out the video! From ages 12 months+

So there you have it, our Toy Experts list of our favorite outdoor toys for the Summer. All kid-powered and no batteries required. What are some of your favorite outdoor toys?

Monday, August 2, 2010

Review: WEDGiTS Construction Blocks

WEDGiTS construction blocks are one of my favorite toys we sell in the store. They’re super-colorful, soft-edged blocks that can be stacked, sorted and wedged together to create a masterpiece. You can stack them vertically, sideways, or even tilted on their axis.

What’s cool is that Wedgits span across all age groups. The Wee Wedgits are for early childhood ages 1-3 years. These are squishy-soft and engage tactile and motor skills that are necessary for development.

For the preschool kiddos the basic Wedgits are harder but still have the same rounded edges. The Starter Set comes with 15 blocks for unlimited configurations and makes for a perfect gift. It’s got just the right amount of blocks to well...get started! And all of the standard-size Wedgits' sets can be combined for even larger designs! There are also design books that take you step by step through more complex designs.

My favorite are the mini Wedgits. These sets have much smaller pieces and come in different designs like an owl, a frog, or a dog, but can also be used in unlimited creative designs. These are geared toward kids ages 5+. If you have an only child, have no fear! Wedgits can be played solo or with friends. And the best bonus - they’re DISHWASHER SAFE!!

Another huge plus is that Wedgits are an excellent toy for autistic children. Parents often come in and ask for recommendations for their autistic son or daughter, often mentioning that they get frustrated really easily. What do I say to those fretful parents? Have no fear, Wedgits to the rescue! They are meant for hours of play and endless possibilities, lessening the chance of boredom and frustration.

In the store we have a Wedgits table full of pieces that often stops both kids and adults in their tracks! Stop by to check it out and see what you can design!

--guest post by toy expert Kerri P.!