Batteries Please!

I try not to get sucked into all the battery-powered learning toys and remember that the best toys are the ones that are powered by imagination, creativity and kid-power. However...
There have been 3 toys (so far) that I am glad we have and will keep putting batteries in! 

So here are our 3 toys I think are worth the batteries we put in them.


1.  LeapFrog Fridge Phonics
G received this one early and when she wasn't helping cook, but still wanted to be in the kitchen that little toy has been great fun-learning fun.  I have to say, I think it was more responsible than I was at teaching her the letter sounds.  She knew most of the letter sounds before her 2nd birthday.  L followed suit playing with the letters, he also really likes the Leapfrog Fridge Farm.  He will put in a letter or animals and repeat it's sound, just like sister did!    The fact that it goes in the kitchen is a great thing.


2.  Fisher Price letter keys
I'm not sure the real name of these.  My MIL bought them at a garage sale for G when she was under 1.  I carried them in the diaper bag, then my purse, now they are in the house.  This little toy allowed us to eat at many restaurants throughout G and L's young lives.  G is happy coloring and L is happy with a little car which is less to tote, but the fun continues at home!  You insert the card and it tells you the letter, sound, picture and sounds of pictured item. 


3.  VTech VReader
G asked Papa for a Vreader this Christmas and papa doesn't disappoint.  It came with 1 story and a download for 6 stories.  The ages on it were 3-7 (normally, not a good thing when the age range is so high). I was a thrilled at how easy it was to use and understand.  She can pick her story from the "backpack" one of the 7 or insert a story cartridge.  We have bought her 3 since Christmas for different holidays.  You have your choice of listening to the story (the words are highlighted as read) and you have to turn the page or push button, each story has 2-3 learning games with letters, story comprehension, and others things, a story dictionary (G loves to listen to the meanings of the words, kinda funny).  It's like a tag reader combined with a video game.  She will use it at home for quiet time, in the stroller, in the car.  I am very, very pleased with it's function, use, and durability.  It has been great for my little bookworm!

Another great thing
*an old camera- GB loves to take pictures (just like Mama).  It's fun to let her take pictures and view them.  The same with the video part of my phone, she will watch "home videos" on my phone forever.  Great way to take a shower!