Product Description

• Award-Winning Digital Kids Watch with 110 Decibel Safety Alarm
  
• Interchangeable Faceplates in 3 Attractive Designs
  
• Safety DVD teaches children how to use the watch properly as well as how to protect themselves in dangerous situations
  
• Child ID Label (adheres to back of watch)
  
• Emits SOS signal and Snap-on Flashlight to enhance nighttime visibility
  

OnGuard Kids Personal Safetey Alert System. Empower and educate your child to be safe and secure with OnGuard, the only personal safety alert system especially designed for a kid's lifestyle. OnGuard combines a cool looking digital watch, with fun accessories, a piercing 110 decibel emergency alarm and an educational DVD that teaches your child how to use the watch to stay safe everyday. In the event of an emergency, your child can easily activate a very loud high-decibel alarm that instantly let's everyone in the area know that they need help. Some examples of emergency situations where a child would activate the alarm are:

If Approached by a stranger.
• If a bully is antagonizing a child and he or she feels uncomfortable.
• Is injured and needs help.
• If a child gets separated from parent in a crowded mall or theme park.
• Needs to ward off aggressive animals.

OnGuard is a complete safety system developed, based on in-depth research among kids and parents. In addition to the safety features, the OnGuard Kids Personal Safety Alert includes:

Watch Functions and Accessories

• Interchangeable Faceplates
• Snap-On Flashlight
• Day/Date/Time Function
• Reminder Alert
• Large Backlit LCD
• Low Battery Indicator (Batteries Included)

DVD Features

• Empowering Safety Tips for your child by renowned Child Safety Expert Bob Stuber
• Video Quick Start Guide
• Downloadable User Manual
• Web Links to Online Help

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Product Description

• See butterfly metamorphosis up close.Reusable, collapsible habitat.
  
• Includes feeder.Complete instructions included.
  
• Includes mail-in voucher for five butterfly larvae and special food.
  
• Witness one of nature's most spectacular transformations up close.
  
• Just mail in the included coupon for larvae and food.
  

Did you know that painted ladies (the butterflies, that is) taste with their feet and have 10,000 eyes? You and your kids will be fascinated by all you learn about these beautiful creatures with the Butterfly Garden from Insect Lore. The kit comes with a relatively easy-to-assemble observation chamber; supplies for feeding the butterflies (you provide only sugar and water); an informative booklet of clear instructions and butterfly facts; and a certificate for three to five free painted lady caterpillars. The metamorphosis from larva to butterfly takes about three weeks from when you receive the caterpillar larvae (which arrive in a small container with all the nutrients they need). Your children can watch the larvae increase dramatically in size, form chrysalides, and finally emerge into full-fledged painted ladies (it's suggested that they release the butterflies after a few days of observation). This would make a wonderful activity for families with kids of any age, but younger children will need help assembling the observation chamber and reading the instruction booklet. (Note: The manufacturer recommends that butterflies should not be set free in temperatures lower than 55 degrees Fahrenheit.) --Rachel Radway

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Amazing!

I ordered this for my bug-loving daughter who is 8 years old. She wanted a caterpillar that she could grow into a butterfly, however, me not being a nature person, I did not know where to find one. So I took the easy route and ordered them on-line. We got our first shipment of caterpillars and to our dismay there was only one live caterpillar inside the cup. I suspect the others were crushed to oblivion by a food disc that was flopping all over the cup. My daughter was ok with that so we didn't bother Insect Lore about it. However, about 4 days later our one and only died. So I e-mailed the nice folks at insectlore.com. They asked for my shipping info which I gave to them. I also gave them the number on the card that you detach and save for you records. Be sure to save that card! It saves a lot of hassle if you have a problem. And be sure to read the directions because you are not allowed to open the cup. This was something I was not aware of when we first ordered it. I assumed the caterpillars would go straight into the mesh cage. Well, with no trouble at all we received a new cup in the mail with 5 live caterpillars! They grew to full size in about a week. I was surprised by how fast they grew! Three of them successfully formed cacoons and hung from the paper disc at the top of the cup, but two fell into the food disc. We removed them very carefully and placed them on a paper towel in the bottom of the mesh cage and the paper disc was carefully pinned to the side of the mesh. This was the most boring part. They were in cacoons for about a week. Nothing much to look at then. But when they emerged as butterflies it was very exciting! My daughter couldn't bare to part with the butterflies so we went ahead and just kept them. After the first one emerged I put some flowers with sugar water in the bottom of the garden. Big mistake! The sugar water leaked everywhere. It seeped through the bottom and stuck to my table. Not to mention, one of the cacoons on the paper towel rolled into the sugary goop while the butterfly was emerging and ended up with damaged wings. That one only lived about 4 days. So I tried orange slices, but they didn't seem interested so finally I tried apple slices and they loved those! So I placed fresh apple slices onto a fresh piece of paper towel in the cage every day. It was good to change it every day because it helped to prevent a fruit fly infestation. We had 4 butterflies that lived for quite a while. They even mated. I placed stems from my butterfly bush in the cage too and one day noticed little blue dots all over it. I placed those into a container and set it aside. The butterflies loved the flowers from my butterfly bush. It was fun to watch them suck nectar out of it. A second butterfly died after a few weeks or so and the third died at about 5 weeks. Now we are down to two butterflies and it's been 7 weeks! The little blue dots were eggs that hatched after 5-10 days and we ended up with a bunch of little caterpillar larvae no bigger than the head of a pin! That was possibly the coolest thing to see! Oh yeah, and there was some fruit fly larvae too, but I killed those. Yuck! We would have raised a whole crop of caterpillars if I hadn't messed up. I tried feeding the little ones honeysuckle and couldn't understand why they just kept dying. Then I found out they like hollyhock! So I got some right away and was able to save only 4 out of about 20. So for the past few weeks we've been growing new caterpillars of our own. Which is way cool because they are not in a sealed container and as they've gotten older we've picked them up and held them. I only worry about food supply with it being fall and winter is near. But I think they may go into cacoons in less than a week and then we'll have 4 more butterflies! I don't know that I'll keep it up through the winter, it is a bit of work, but it's been a lot of fun and very interesting. I've never observed caterpillars and butterflies so closely. Who knew that the little caterpillar heads fell off when they went into cacoons? And my daughter enjoyed putting her hand into the cage and getting the butterflies to land on her. But that proved hazzardous one day when a butterfly escaped. I was chasing after it with a container and piece of paper. I did successfully trap it and get it back into the cage, but what chaos it was! Anyhow, I give this one a high rating because it really is cool and the people have been great in answering all my questions. I would recommend this to everyone!

Don't order this if you live in Alaska or Hawaii

After ordering this product for a birthday present, I was very disappointed to find out that the larvae cannot be shipped outside the Continental United States. This information should be clearly stated in the product description.

Product Description

• 325 pieces include bars, curves, triangles, squares, and steel balls
  
• Creates physics and chemistry models, mathematical shapes
  
• Challenging for both kids and adults
  
• 3D construction set makes over 500 designs
  
• Combines plastic shapes with opposite polarity magnets and steel balls
  

For builders who are ready for something more interesting than blocks, Magnetix construction sets offer an intellectual and innovative way to build awesome 3D sculptures. This X-Treme Combo set presents the ultimate challenge for seasoned Magnetix builders. The case comes fully loaded with an assortment of colored plastic bars, curves, triangles, and squares with opposite polarity magnets on the ends along with a bunch of steel balls to connect the joints. Kids can exercise their creativity to make shapes, structures, vehicles or whatever comes to mind. Magnetix is also a great tool for the classroom: it can be used to form physics and chemistry models and mathematical shapes to enhance the curriculum. This is a fun and challenging toy for both children (starting at about age 6) and adults and provides an excellent family activity that engages all members. The deluxe kit features 325 pieces to make over 500 different designs. For easy storage and transportation, all pieces are neatly packed in trays within a sturdy metal and plastic suitcase. --Cristina Vaamonde

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Well worth the investment!

This "magnetic" line of building toys is, in my opinion, a fantastic investment for children. My boys have been collecting and building with these since I first discovered them about 2 years ago when they were 5 & 8. Now at 7 & 10 the magnets are still the same, the objects they build are more elaborate and more sets are required!

It is the ONLY "toy" they have that is ALWAYS out. I have several large coffee cans that we keep them in, the magnets cling to the can too so it is great when it gets knocked over!

This particular set has a box which enables you to store a lot more pieces than are actually included. You WILL be disappointed when you first realize just how "few" 325 pieces actually are, especially when you take away the styrofoam. Then you see that most of the pieces are steel balls...BUT the initial disappointment will quickly be turned to "WHY DID I NOT DISCOVER THESE SOONER!" Especially when you start building and you're project is taken over by little hands.

Make no mistake, this line of toys is expensive and will never earn the excited and delighted screams of delight when the paper is ripped open. But SLOW AND STEADY ALWAYS WINS THE RACE, and this line of toys is always reliable and always a winner. I think because playing with them is so darn addicting!

This line of toys is great for trips to the toy store to "pick up another pack" or for encouraging "saving for" because you can always add another set starting at around $10.00. Not an out of reach amount for a child if you match their savings dollar for dollar.

Additionally, MY BIGGEST PURPOSE FOR THESE.....I absolutely hate watching my kids "watch" TV. It really bothers me to see any child, including my own, just "sitting and staring". This is the perfect solution. All I have to do is come into the TV room with a couple of cookie sheets (metal) and the cans of magnets and we play and build while we watch. This has not failed me in 2 years!

This set is a great add on set. It would be a good starter set. You can then add-on with the less pricey sets to enhance your collection. They are the sets that you look at and wonder why you are paying so much for a box of styrofoam. When you are able to get over that intital shock, you will see that these sets are the most worthwhile investments you could make in toys.

Resist the temptation to leave these on the shelf in the toy aisle! You will not be sorry when you see the amount of play time that this toy recieves. You will also be thrilled when you see your childrens' imaginations come to life....Yours too!

Product Description

• Skill-building math practice through fun quizzes on math basics
  
• Plays like a video game, teaches like flash cards
  
• Eight skill levels in addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions, decimals and percentages; also an easy-to-use calculator
  
• Requires 2 AA batteries (not included)
  
• 4.25Hx10Wx6.25D"
  

Educational Insights brings a terrific idea to life in Math Shark, a combination skill-building tool and calculator. The shape, colors, flashing lights, and beeps--all reminiscent of a hand-held electronic game--will appeal to kids who may not otherwise be interested in practicing math. (Parents: the sound is unobtrusive, but can be turned off.) Math Shark offers eight different skill levels and seven skill groupings: addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, decimals, fractions, and percentages. After every question a red or green flashing light and a corresponding beep let you know whether or not you answered correctly. If you get one wrong, the right answer flashes, and the question keeps appearing, along with any others answered incorrectly, until you get it right. After each set an encouraging comment--"You did it!" or "Way to go!"--comes up on the screen. The sets are timed, and your score, based on how long it took to answer all the questions correctly, appears at the end. When practice is done for the day, Math Shark becomes a handy calculator. Requires two AA batteries, not included. --Rachel Radway

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A Pleased Teacher

I ordered 5 math sharks for my inner city classroom. My students were having motivational issues and this really helped. I used it in centers and during indoor recess. You can turn the sound off if your student/child is using it during a quiet time. It tells the student what their score is at the end so they can keep track. My students were at different ability levels and they could choose something that was challenging for them. I did find that by the end of the year, the display was not as clear.

Great to keep in the minivan....

Our 6 yr old is enjoying this product. She needs help with getting quicker at drilling addition and subtraction and this is helping. She likes when the green light lights up to tell her she is correct. The levels are very good since my niece (8 yrs), nephew (10 yrs) and the adults have all tried it. If it's durable enough, it should last her for years as she gets to multiplication etc. She doesn't think it's FUN though - it's just something to do when she is bored. For this reason we keep it in the van. Our plan is working though because she climbs into her seat and immediately turns it on. We had it in our home for awhile but there were too many other FUN things to do besides Math! If your child enjoys challenging math facts, they will think it's fun though - our 8 yr old niece did and so do myself and my husband.

Good toy for practising math

I bought this for my 5-year old daughter. She really enjoyed using it and actually enjoyed the challenge of having to figure out the answers in the shortest time possible. The different levels of difficulty are useful so she can keep using it over the years.

Perfect - and fun - for kids

I bought Math Shark for my 3rd grader. You cannot imagine how quickly her math skills improved! The ability to pick different math functions (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division) and different skill levels has allowed her to be successful as she continually challenges herself. The timing feature is especially fun because she sees it as a game and works hard to beat her previous time. With Math Shark, my child has gone from being behind in math, to now being at the top level - and enjoying it!

EXCITING FOR THE KIDDIES

I'M A COLLEGE STUDENT IN MY EARLY THIRTIES WHO IS HAVING PROBLEMS WITH PRE-ALGEBRA. I JUST RECEIVED MY MATH SHARK TODAY AND ALTHOUGH I HAVE NOT REALLY GIVEN IT A CHANCE, SO FAR I HAVE DISCOVERED THAT IT IS NOT VERY CHALLENGING FOR ADULTS, BUT SHOULD BE A WONDERFUL PRACTICE TOOL FOR YOUNGER KIDS AND TEENAGERS. I DO RECOMMEND THE MATH SHARK TO KIDDIES WHO ARE HAVING PROBLEMS WITH BASIC MATH SKILLS.

Product Description

• Introduces sharing, manners, numbers and shapes, music and movement
  
• Three settings adjust learning level to each child's pace
  
• Lovable Winnie the Pooh engages children in more than 100 learning moments
  
• Little Touch Book: Pooh Loves You
  
• Interactive book and cartridge compatible with Little Touch LeapPad
  

One of a library of interactive books that play on LeapFrog’s Little Touch LeapPad, Pooh Loves You! teaches babies important social skills, such as sharing and using good manners, and reinforces numbers and shapers—all under the gentle guidance of lovable Winnie the Pooh. The book and cartridge snap easily into the LeapPad. With three settings to choose from, parents can adjust the book to play at the appropriate pace for their child. Babies can listen to musical rhythms and sounds to stimulate early brain development while 1-1/2 to 2-years olds are ready to hear short phrases to teach word-object association and development of early language skills. The final setting prepares older toddlers for preschool by playing rhymes and building skills in sequence memorization and following directions. To get started, children must touch the "Go" circle on each new page. (Smaller babies will require an adult’s help). Kids can sit back and listen or touch anything on the page to hear a letter sound or have an object identified. Some pages also have a honey pot icon, which plays a song when touched, and a light bulb icon, which begins an interactive learning activity when activated. The book’s fabric pages are water-repellant and tear-resistant, making it impossible for even the toughest little hands to destroy it. --Cristina Vaamonde

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Product Description

• Plastic egg-shaped case on keychain; 1 3-volt battery supplied
  
• Handheld virtual pet with more characters, new games, and secret codes
  
• Caring for Tamagotchi helps it progress to adulthood; ignoring it causes it to fly away
  
• Play 8 different games to earn Gotchi points to shop for gifts, food, and more
  
• Create list of up to 50 friends; infrared technology allows information exchange between devices
  

Parents may be baffled by the unsolicited beeps and rings coming from this little handheld toy. However, kids will know just what to do to satisfy this virtual pet: supply it with food, clean up its living space (the screen), give it some exercise, or tend to a variety of other caretaking tasks. Giving a baby Tamagotchi adequate attention helps it "age" from an infant to an adult. Ignoring your Tamagotchi will cause the little icon to grow wings and fly back to its planet to seek better care. Kids also earn points on this handheld by playing any of the eight games. Once a bunch of points are racked up, kids can do some pretend shopping and buy virtual gifts or food for their Tamagotchi or for sending to friends with compatible Tamagotchi devices using the infrared technology. This Tamagotchi Connection keeps an electronic list of up to 50 friends and kids can denote each buddy’s importance by the number of smiley faces and hearts next to his or her name. There are also five different secret codes that owners can collect to reveal additional surprises on the toy. The Tamagotchi hangs from a key ring that hooks to a belt loop or backpack, ensuring that it is always close by. This particular version runs on one 3-volt non-rechargeable battery (included). --Cristina Vaamonde

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Product Description

• The game of sweet revenge, Disney-style. Move forward, backward, slide ahead...or get bumped back to START!
  
• Features 16 popular Disney characters and special power cards.
  
• Ages 6 and up. 2 - 4 players What's in the cards for Buzz Lightyear, Snow White, Cruella De Vil and Bambi as their teams race home?
  
• You never know!
  
• Contents: 20" x 20" gameboard, deck of cards, 16 Disney movers and stands and instructions.
  

This classic game of luck, strategy, and determination is easy to grasp for children as young as 6 years old, yet it's fun for adults and older siblings too. This Disney-themed version features such classic Disney characters as Cruella De Vil, Bambi, Dumbo, the Little Mermaid, Snow White, Buzz Lightyear, Peter Pan, and Tarzan. By drawing cards, players move their game pieces around the board, hoping to eventually accumulate all their pieces at the final destination--home sweet home. Sorry is known as the game of "sweet revenge," since players can send each other's pawns back to the starting line, thus forcing one another to lose ground and begin all over again. This kind of frustration may be hard for children under age 8 to handle. In fact, young ones typically crumble into tears of outrage when their pawns are cavalierly sent back. The only recourse is to teach children how to plot their own revenge, which makes them feel as powerful as superheroes.

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