City Engineering & Design Set

Encourage an early love of STEM learning with this one-of-a-kind City Building Set. Your little engineers can create their own skyscrapers, cranes, bridges and more with 89 easy-to-assemble pieces. Use the included activity cards to complete design challenges, or create your own city. It’s a unique way to challenge logic, problem solving, and engineering skills.

Company: Learning Resources is a leading global manufacturer of innovative, hands-on educational products trusted by teachers and parents and loved by children.

Where to Purchase: www.amazon.com

1-2-3 Build It

Your budding engineer will love using these mix-and-match pieces to build three different modes of transportation—an airplane, a tugboat, or a car (one at a time). Use the play screwdriver to put the large, durable pieces where they go. Great for learning early STEM skills.

Company: Learning Resources is a leading global manufacturer of innovative, hands-on educational products trusted by teachers and parents and loved by children.

Where to Purchase: www.amazon.com

Songs from the Monkey House

Jack Forman, well known to thousands of kids around the country as host of the daily “Live from the Monkey House” call-in show on SiriusXM Satellite Radio. Jack, lead singer of the GRAMMY nominated Seattle band Recess Monkey, releases his first solo album of humorous songs inspired by conversations with real kids.

Where to Purchase: http://www.amazon.com/monkeyhouse

Lullaby Girl

Lullaby Girl offers fresh and dreamy arrangements of 13 classic songs from a variety of genres with a world-class quartet led by keyboardist Larry Goldings. The album, which was co-produced with Loeb’s longtime collaborator Rich Jacques and Goldings, reminds us why songs like “Be My Baby” (The Ronettes), “All the Pretty Little Horses,” “Dream a Little Dream, “What the World Needs Now Is Love” and “O-o-h Child” remain classics. Lisa’s original songs, “Close Your Eyes” and “Lullaby Girl,” flow right in with the pristine arrangements of tunes like “In My Room” (Brian Wilson) and “Tomorrow,” from the Broadway musical Annie

Where to Purchase: https://www.amazon.com/Lisa-Loeb/e/B000APVS0G

Revvin’ up the Reindeer by Brady Rymer and the Little Band that Could

Following eight albums and three Grammy nominations in the Children’s genre, Brady Rymer and the Little Band That Could introduce Revvin’ Up the Reindeer, a holiday album for the whole family. 13 original tunes celebrate the loving, festive jumble of the season: caroling harmonies, brass and bells inflect the band’s roots-y, feel-good sound, recalling beloved Christmas standards yet distinctively fresh and new. The title track is a 50’s rock ‘n’ roll romp, imagining Santa with a souped-up sleigh; lyrical accordion embellishes the Klezmer-inspired “Rainbow Candles”; the hopeful sing-a-long “Christmas Wishes” radiates with a lush, Motown treatment, and the band rings out the old and swings in the new in raucous, Dixieland jazz fashion with “Baby New Year.” Whispers of holiday standards weave cleverly throughout, conjuring up the magic of the holiday season. Whether you’ve been naughty or nice, “Revvin’ Up the Reindeer” will be your new Holiday Jam!

Where to Purchase: Amazon – iTunes and other music retailers, on Sept 29, 2017

Dino Pet

Dino Pet is a living, interactive “pet” that glows brilliantly when you play with it at night. The glow comes from microscopic sea life, called dinoflagellates, that live inside the Dino Pet!

Hold one of nature’s most magical occurrences in your hand. Powered by sunlight, water and simple nutrients.

No batteries or charging required

Where to Purchase: www.biopop.com

Tip ‘n Split

The Tip ‘n Split is actually four gadgets in one. First, it is a magnifier that makes reading menus or checks easier. Second, there is a handy light that makes reading menus or checks easier in dark restaurants. Third, it calculates tips. And forth, it splits the amount to show exactly how much each person owes. And, the best part about this little gadget is that it is lightweight and easy to use.

Everything is spelled out on the little display window. If you are dining with three friends and want to split the check equally here’s all you do:

1- Enter the total amount of the check and press ENTER
2- Enter the percentage you want to tip and press ENTER (If you want to tip 15% then enter 15, for 18% enter 18, etc. The tip will then be displayed.)
3- Press ENTER again to add the tip to the check
4- Enter 3 (for you and your 2 friends) and press ENTER

Now the display window shows exactly how much each of you owes. This gadget takes the guesswork and awkwardness out of paying the check.

The Tip ‘n Split can also be used if you don’t plan on splitting the check equally. Simply input each person’s total and calculate the tip with this gadget.

This is a good item to give to your teenagers who are going out with their friends. Burgers, fries, apple pie and a soda add up. Now they have to add in the tip and divide to find out how much to pay. The Tip ‘n Split can do that for them.

It’s wonderful for seniors who often cannot calculate quickly. It’s also great if you have a large party and want to split the bill. With this gadget everything is displayed so no one can dispute the numbers. And it makes reading menus and checks easier with the light and magnifier.

While I am not a firm believer in letting devices do all the brainwork for people, this is a handy item that can definitely help in several situations.

The Tip ‘n Split is about the size of a smartphone but much lighter. It lists for $19.95. If you want to get it with the carrying pouch/wristlet, it is $26.96.

About the Reviewer

Francine Brokaw writes about products, travel, and entertainment. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, from Sourced Media Books.

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2 in1 Potette Plus Portable Potty

The 2in1 Potette Plus Portable Potty is great for travel or to take anywhere that you may not have access to a sanitary bathroom or can also be used at home. It’s a clean potty for your child no matter where you go! Disposable liner re-fills are sold separately. Contoured seat for your child’s comfort. Sturdy well-balanced base helps your child feel secure. Legs lock into place when opened. Legs also fold out to the side and can be used on top of a toilet seat. Folds flat so it can fit in a purse or diaper bag. A great potty to keep in your car, boat, camper, or RV. Uses absorbent, disposable liners that hold up to 5 ounces of liquid. Liners are lightly scented to absorb odors. Liner handles secure to the potty and tie closed for disposal. A re-usable liner is also available for home use. Drawstring carrying bag included. Comes with 3 super absorbent, leak-proof and easy-to-use disposable liners. This potty is suitable for ages 15 months and up to 50lbs. Non-slip, durable, and comfortable. Fold legs after use and store. Dimensions: fully open – legs extended 9.875″ L x 8.75″ W x 4.875″ D Folded flat 9.125″ L x 8.75″ W x 2.75″ D Folded open as a trainer seat 14.25″ L x 8.75″ W x 2.75″ D

Where to Purchase: Babies R Us – Buy Buy Baby – Amazon.com – Walmart.com

Alphabet Acorns

This fun and challenging matching game gives children multiple ways to learn and play. Children can match uppercase and lowercase letters as they put the acorns together, plus play hide-and-seek by finding a surprise inside each acorn. The object they find begins with the letter sound on the acorn. Colors correspond to letters, and little learners can even practice making words, learning their ABCs, beginning sounds, and more!

Company: Learning Resources is a leading global manufacturer of innovative, hands-on educational products trusted by teachers and parents and loved by children.

Where to Purchase: www.amazon.com

Primary Science Deluxe Lab Set

Budding scientists will have a blast conducting their own experiments using the Primary Science Deluxe Lab Set. They can follow the step-by-step instructions on the included activity cards and jot down their findings in the write & wipe journal.

Company: Learning Resources is a leading global manufacturer of innovative, hands-on educational products trusted by teachers and parents and loved by children.

Where to Purchase: www.amazon.com