Product Reviews

See the Sit N Spin in action as the Helpful Dad reviews this classic toy

With the Melissa & Doug Pizza Party, your child can make believe he’s running a pizza parlor, doing everything from baking and slicing a pizza to serving it to his guests. This high-quality wood toy is designed for kids three and up and includes a “sliceable” pizza, a pizza tray, 54 pizza “toppings,” a pizza cutter, and a server, all packaged in a sturdy wood container.

A simple, entertaining matching game for preschoolers featuring vanilla cookies. Watch this toy in action as The Helpful Dad reviews it.

From the retailer:
Players try to match the shapes in the center of their cookies. The one with the most cookies wins. Plastic reusable box. For two to four players.

See the Fisher Price Little People Stop N’ Surprise School Bus in action as the Helpful Dad reviews this classic toy.

From the retailer:
Flip open the stop sign on this school bus and … SURPRISE! Flashing lights, fun sounds and a special peek-a-boo guest named Freddie the Frog! But that’s not all. Press down on Eddie in the driver’s seat for more lights, fun phrases, and a song! Riding to school (and stopping along the way) has never been so much fun! Side & back doors open and close. Includes 2 AA batteries, school bus and driver Eddie figure.

See the Fisher Price Little People Animal Sounds Farm in action as The Helpful Dad reviews this classic toddler toy.

From the retailer:
With fun animal sounds all around and plenty to do, little ones will discover what a busy place the farm can be. “Neigh” says the horse,”baaa” answers the sheep, “cluck!” chirps the chicken, “moo” … says the cow, “oink!” … squeals the pig. They’ll even discover what some of the animals feel like, when they pet the “cottony” cow, “hairy” horse, “woolly” sheep, and the “squiggly” piggly tail! From “furry” to “fuzzy” and everything in between, Touch & Feel Animals are a fun way to introduce children to a world of interesting textures and help develop their sense of touch.pAs toddlers grow, they’ll learn about life on a farm that’s just their size, with Farmer Jed and his animal friends! The farm includes Farmer Jed, cow, sheep, horse and pig; the chicken stays attached to the barn. Figures are surface washable with a clean, damp cloth. All pieces store inside. This playset also comes with a special free sampler DVD featuring three charming stories of the Little People friends. Playset requires 3 “AA” (LR6) alkaline batteries, not included.

The Wonder Pets Mega Blocks Set is good fun if you have a toddler who enjoys the TV show and likes to play with blocks. The Helpful Dad says this is a good buy for around $20-25

Retailer info:
Learn more with School House bucket and encourage preschool kids to learn colors and shapes by building and role-playing with Wonder Pets toys and special building blocks by Mega Bloks! Wonder Pets is a funny and innovative Nick Jr. TV show for preschoolers. Each episode follows the adventures of three classroom pets – Linny, the Guinea Pig, Duckling Ming Ming , and Turtle Tuck, who travel around the globe helping rescue animals that need their help. Use top of toy as building platform and recreate classic scenes from this hit TV show! Build and rebuild School House Bucket and decorate scene with blocks and special parts. This preschool toy is perfect for beginner builders 1 year old and up.

The Helpful Dad reviews the Cars 2 Spiral Speedway which features Lightning McQueen and Francesco.

Remember this vintage toy? The Fisher Price Cash Register is a throwback to the 70’s – share the fun with your kids too.

Shopping for a birthday or Christmas for a Thomas The Tank Engine fan? Here are some ideas to consider for your wish list.

A portion of Jax’s Thomas The Train Collection. Just a little slice of life video

You want to buy a train table but are not sure if you should get an ‘official’ Thomas Table or buy a less expensive one from Imaginarium or similar ‘generic’ brand. What do you get for your money and what should you know? The Helpful Dad provides you some things to consider as you make your decision.

Trying to decide if you should buy a Wooden Thomas Train set vs the Plastic Trackmaster Trains? The Helpful Dad discusses the pro’s and con’s of both sets and provides you insights on which one may be right for you.

For Ages 3+ per manufacturer (despite what video says).

The Helpful Dad says this is a quality product that really works. Although this pack doesn’t include Lightning, it’s still a good buy for only $8-12 b/c the cars are easy to use and go fast.

Here’s the official review:
Tow Mater and his friends The King and Ramone are charged up and ready to go with this Disney Cars Turbo Pullback Racer Set. Just pull them back, then let go to launch them forward for some high speed fun.

A bit pricey for what you get and it doesn’t always work, but when it does, this is a speedy little racer. Try to pick it up for about $10 and you’ll be in good shape.