Meep Learning Tablet for Kids

Meep Learning Tablet for Kids

If you are looking for something educational and fun, more of a real tablet than a toy, then you will be pleasantly surprised by Meep Tablet from Oregon Scientific. It's only $149 in cost, a price that's a bargain when compared with low end but high quality tablets, new release video game systems and other electronic devices. It's built tougher for kids, it's got parental controls, and it provides a more kid-friendly interface without being overly young. There are many high quality electronic learning devices to consider this year, some of which are developmentally aimed at the elementary school level. LeapPad Explorer acts like a tablet, but it is more in line with the pre-school and early elementary end of the spectrum. Upper elementary, meanwhile, may be a bit harsh on upper end tablets. Middle schoolers tend to love interactive games, and Meep has lots of the popular apps available like Angry Birds and others. It's an Android Tablet, it's a little more mature than the toy tablets, and it's more durable than some of the delicate tablet designs. Great option for 2012 holiday season giving!

Perplexus 3D Puzzle Games

Perplexus 3D Puzzle Ball

One of my daughters picked up a Perplexus ball as a Christmas gift for her brothers last year. It spanned the ages, working as a gift that suited all kids from ages 6 to 15, and while they occasionally challenged each other about whose turn it was, it proved to be a lot of fun. The goal in maneuvering the tiny ball through the maze is not a novel idea, but it is more challenging in the 3D environment of working this puzzle. Occasional successes made it clear that success could be achieved in solving this puzzle, but there's enough challenge to keep it fun for everyone, including the adults in the house.

Dominoes for Kids: Fun and Learning

Double Six Dominoes:  Educational Games for Kids

One of my favorite educational game choices is dominoes. A simple set of double-six dominoes is perfect for provoking kids to use their mental math skills. Cooperative skills come into play as people challenge each other. In our large household, the fact is that there have to be teams for everyone to be able to participate, adding to the learning experience. While there are lots of game choices for kids, the simple and standard choices can be among the most pleasurable. Add a set of double six dominoes to a holiday or birthday gift, or make it a standard family game night choice!

LeapPad Explorer 2: A New Version of The Popular Touchscreen Toy for Kids

LeapPad Explorer 2 is now available for preorder
and is an updated version of the popular kids touchscreen tablet toy.

If you are thinking about a touchscreen toy for your elementary or pre-school aged child this year, you will be excited about the updated version of the LeapFrog tablet toy. Beginning Aug. 1, 2012 the iPad like toy will be available, though preordering is already in progress. With slightly updated case design, the colors are more pronounced. Front and back cameras are particularly fun for your youngsters and more apps and activities than before will make this an exceptional choice in children's electronic learning gadgets. Find the LeapPad Tablet online.

Toy Tablets for Kids: Touchscreen Toys and Tablet Computers vie for a Share of the Market

When you are thinking ahead to birthdays and holiday gifts for your kids, the tech world can't be avoided.  Touchscreen toys are hot, and the market is ever more competitive.  Last year's LeapPad Explorer tablet for kids was nearly impossible to find by Christmas, and only recently has it regained a spot on my local Walmart's shelf.  Likewise, the InnoTab from VTech was a hot item, a little less rich in features and a little easier on the budget.  Both companies are introducing updated versions of their tablets for children with LeapPad Explorer 2 due to hit the shelves in mid-August and with the InnoTab 2 due out in the fall.

LeapPad Explorer 2 and InnoTab 2 are due out in coming months,
making it possible to obtain older versions at a discount through various sources. 
Even now, InnoTab prices have dropped at Amazon.

This is excellent news on many fronts.  First, LeapPad will include lots of new free content.  In my previous assessments, I felt that there was almost as much value in tablets like Kindle Fire for older kids because of the content costs associated with toy tablets.  LeapFrog provides more value in its coming edition.  InnoTab 2, meanwhile, will include added features and memory.  A camera was lacking in the first model and that plus video cam are part of the new version.  The older models may see some price reductions as releases near for new toy tablet games for kids, so if your budget is crimped, you should watch with eagle eyes for deals. 

Both companies have a tendency to appear as Black Friday doorbusters.  I've picked up things from both brands in the post-Thanksgiving shopping deals and loved the products.  Keep your eyes open and plan now if you need to budget.  Watch eBay, too, as the older versions are likely to be sold second hand to make room for new items.  Excellent if new isn't a priority in your home.

Keep your eyes open for the Meep Tablet for kids, coming later this year from Oregon Scientific.  This tablet may change the landscape dramatically as it includes parental controls and is specifically crafted for kids.


Keep your kids' interests in mind.  A toy that pretends to be a tablet may not suit older children in spite of the claims of companies that they are great for the age group.  My 8 year old distinctly rejected this idea for his birthday and preferred Legos.  If you are looking at the 8-9 year old age range, real tablets may be a better choice.

Dealing with the possibility of touchscreen toys for youngsters, keep your eyes out and be ready to act when items release, especially if you are intent on having these quality toys for the holiday season.  You can keep up with LeapPad products and InnoTab devices for kids at Amazon, among other retailers.

Kindle Touch as an Educational Gift

Kindle Touch is an Excellent Electronic Educational Gift

Ereaders have really provided an interesting opportunity to encourage our kids to read, and my daughter's receiving a Kindle Touch for her birthday seals my approval. I like Kindle in terms of it's usability across different devices and apps, making it possible to access a book on your smartphone or pc.


The Kindle Touch was easy to setup, easy to operate, and I am particularly thrilled with the clarity. I use my own smartphone app to access my Kindle downloads, but the sharpness and contrast on my daughter's new ereader really captured my attention. I can't say enough how much I love the clarity and sharpness. My younger children also found it exciting.


While I recognize that my youngsters can get excited about anything for a short time, I think this is an excellent tool for the child that enjoys reading. With my youngest children, I spend a lot of time reading and misplacing material. I see much value in having one device to manage. There is a lot of free reading material for Kindle. Amazon's Kindle Publishers often place their materials in promotional offers for short periods, making it worthwhile to keep an eye out for inexpensive reading options.


Text to speech and audio books add to the attractiveness of this device. As we get more opportunity to enjoy the new tool in the house, I'm sure that there will be more discoveries. If you select a Kindle for a child, it's important to consider an accident protection plan, offered with Kindles sold through Amazon. It's also wise to invest in a cover so that the device is protected.


Instruct your youngsters in proper care and storage, and help them to understand the costs associated with the system. (Read more about Kindle Touch, including customer reviews)

Make Your Own Dry Erase/White Board

DIY Dry Erase

A dry erase board is a useful tool in any household, and location is key to it's being useful or useless. Dry erase boards are a great alternative to chalk boards for children's art projects, letter practice, or working out math problems. For the older child, a dry erase board is a great place to work through that tedious algebra equation. And for the parent, it can be the perfect way to keep information at hand for kids, babysitters, and your spouse. Various sizes can be purchased in stores, but sometimes, it's nice to be able to customize the dry erase board for a specific need or space, without spending a fortune. There is a method that is really quite simple and inexpensive.

White Contact Paper

With a roll of white contact paper, you can make your dry erase board lightweight, and inexpensively. The most simple method is to simply cut to the size you need, and thumb tack to the wall. For a sturdier backing, adhere the contact paper to a piece of posterboard, and tack up. If you want to be a little fancier, you can certainly use a piece of thicker material, such as plywood, and wire the board for mounting. Regardless of the sturdiness or size, the covering is simple enough. This can also be used as a wet erase board, in combination with a set of Vis a Vis markers.

More Alternative Wet/Dry Erase Surfaces

The refrigerator can be used for both wet and dry erase. Work the problems or make the notes, and when finished, wipe clean.


Your bathroom mirror will function as a wet or dry erase board. Leave a reminder for the kids to pick up the wet towels. Or, leave a love note for your spouse. Wipe clean when the note is no longer needed.


Windows, likewise, work as wet or dry erase surfaces. Any glass surface, really. I don't suggest the television screen, though. That might be getting a little carried away!
For a portable surface, a plastic covered binder. Or, make a book cover from the white contact paper, and the book now has a nice surface for doodling or working those algebra problems. Don't remove the adhesive from the contact paper, though, when covering the book. Rather, tape corners of the contact paper together on the inside cover. You really don't want the cost of text book replacement, after all.