Fisher-Price iXL 6-in-1 Learning System

Fisher-Price iXL 6-in-1 Learning System

The Fisher-Price iXL is a toy aimed at kids from 3 – 7 that imitates a tablet such as an iPad. Toys of this kind are becoming increasingly popular, and offer lots of playability. Fisher-Price has a few serious competitors in this category, but on face value it seems they hit all the right points. Let’s find out how the product itself stacks up.

Features Of The Fisher-Price iXL

• A handheld learning tool for kids,
• Includes 6 play options: Digital Reader, Art Studio, Note Pad, Game Player, Photo Viewer and MP3 Player,
• 3.5” color screen protected by closing cover,
• Comes with assorted pre-loaded software,
• Additional software, such as games, books and other new features, can be downloaded.

Is The Fisher-Price iXL Worth Buying?

One of the great benefits of toys like the iXL is that they encourage learning through play. This is one of the best ways for kids to learn, as they remain enthusiastic even while they are being tested and pushed to their limits. The iXL offers a range of interactive features to keep kids happy while they learn. These include an e-reader function, an art studio, a note pad, a game player, a photo viewer and mp3 playing facilities.

The reader tells the story out loud and highlights words as it goes along, the art studio lets kids draw pictures using the stylus, they can learn how to write with the note pad, play games that teach them how to count, view photos and even draw on them, and listen to mp3s (it’s even possible to listen to the mp3s while using the art studio at the same time). All of the features are brightly colored and engaging, and really hold kids' attention.

With the photo viewer, it’s possible to put your own photos onto the device. This means that you can put photos of mommy and daddy onto the iXL and let your child look at them, and also draw on them! The mp3 playing feature also enables you to select your own music for the device, so you can put your child’s favorite lullabies on there, or anything else you like. These features help to make the iXL more personal, and offer lots of fun!

An appealing feature of the iXL is its size. Being small, it is an ideal toy to bring on long journeys. And, because of its multiple play options, it keeps kids engaged for long periods of time. While you may not want your child playing it all the time whilst at home, in the car it can be a great help – keeping your child from getting bored and you from getting frustrated with too many calls of “are we there yet?”!

Of course, technology toys need to be durable if they’re going to last long with youngsters. Fortunately, Fisher-Price haven’t fallen short on this account and they’ve put together a really robust toy that can withstand a good few tantrums. The hinges stand up to a lot of strain and the hard plastic case means that if the iXL is thrown it shouldn’t get damaged. The electronics inside are also made to withstand rough and tumble, so you don’t need to worry about your children breaking this toy.

Despite it’s good points, there are a few shortcomings of the iXL. Firstly, whilse it’s possible to download new games and books, the on-board memory is quite small. This means that you’ll only get a maximum of four additional games onto the iXL before you run out of space. However, this isn’t a big issue as it’s possible to expand the memory of the iXL with conventional SD memory cards.

However, it’s worth noting that if you do intend to buy many additional games and books, they cost quite a bit. It’s a shame that Fisher-Price charge so much for these little extras as they stop the product from being as good as it could be. Still, it’s worth putting extra memory into the iXL anyway, just so that it can store more photos and mp3s.

Another small issue is the transfer speed when putting downloaded games onto the device. A game of just 40MB takes half an hour to transfer onto the iXL using the included USB cable. This is extremely slow given the size of the file. If you want to put anything extra onto the iXL, whether new games and books, or just your own photos and mp3s, you’ll also need a PC or Mac to do so. Although most households have one now, it’s still worth mentioning.

These issues are really only minor though, and don’t spoil an otherwise great product. It’s almost certain that your child will love to play with this toy, and it’s certainly a recommendable product. Don’t hesitate if you’re considering this as a gift for your child.

Lego Pirates of the Caribbean Black Pearl

Lego Pirates of the Caribbean Black Pearl

If there's one prop that really stands out in the Pirates of the Caribbean movies it's the Black Pearl: Captain Jack Sparrow's prized ship. Thanks to her many black sails, the Black Pearl is said to be “nigh uncatchable” and is faster than any other ship it comes into contact with. This Lego set recreates the Black Pearl in fantastic detail using 804 pieces. The end result is a huge ship that sets the scene for kids to play out their favorite action from the movies.

Features Of The Lego Pirates Of The Caribbean Black Pearl Set

• 804 pieces in total,
• Large finished model,
• Real fabric sails,
• 6 minigures to match the characters from the movies: Will Turner, Jack Sparrow, Joshamee Gibbs, Maccus, Davy Jones and Bootstrap Bill,
• Features a detachable floorboard, captain's cabin and moveable anchor.

Does The Lego Pirates Of The Caribbean Black Pearl Set Live Up To The Hype?

The Lego Pirates Of The Caribbean Black Pearl set comes with around 800 pieces, which is enough to produce a good level of detail. This does take some time to achieve, though, so set aside a good few hours to put it together with your child. Fortunately the instructions are excellent, and even include various stages if you don't want to build the whole thing all in one go.

Once it's all been put together you'll notice the excellent detailing on this Lego toy. For a start, it's very big, and even has the space for real fabric sails. It really does look authentic when compared to the movie, and comes with small features such as a moveable anchor and detachable floorboard that help to encourage fun and imaginative play.

The included minifigures provide a good mix of characters, and will let your child recreate their favorite scenes from the movies. Captain Jack Sparrow can steer the ship while other characters can navigate, or even start a battle with the included swords and pistol!



For real Pirates of the Caribbean fans, the Lego Pirates of the Caribbean Black Pearl set can be combined with other sets to create massive battles and more scenes from the movies. You can't go wrong with this Lego range!

Chuggington Interactive Railway

Chuggington Interactive Railway

If you have a child who loves the Chuggington animated TV series, then it's well worth looking into the range of gift options available to buy this holiday season. Kids just love the cute “trainee” trains, who are always teaching them new lessons in the form of fun stories.

Toy retailers are agreed that the Chuggington Interactive Railway Set is destined to sell in huge numbers this holiday season.

Features Of The Chuggington Interactive Railway All Around Chuggington Set  

• Different engines interact with eachother through “SmartTalk” technology,
• Interactions prompt sounds, lights and phrases based on the TV show,
• Over 250 sounds and phrases,
• 4 foot wide layout,
• Over 13 feet of track,
• Pieces easily snap together,
• 3 interactive train stops: tower platform, loading yard and roundhouse,
• Interactive Vee figure,
• Interactive Wilson engine,
• Hopper car,
• 6 pieces of cargo,
• 60+ pieces total,
• Requires 11 AA batteries (included)

Is The Chuggington Interactive Railway All Around Chuggington Set Worth Buying For Your Child?

At over 4 feet wide, it's important to note that this is a relatively big train set (made even bigger if you choose to combine it with other elements from the Chuggington range). This makes it fun for kids who can really get involved in the railway operations, but it does mean you'll need a large play area for it.

As for the kind of kids this toy will suit, it's designed for ages three and above, and will especially appeal to those who watch the TV show and love the characters. It's easy to use, as the trains are propelled by hands and the set automatically recognizes certain trains passing through. However, you may need to spend some time helping young kids to put the track pieces together correctly.

The Chuggington railway set brings the famous toys to life. At certain points in the track, the set will recognize the engine passing through, activating a number of unique features. Kids can also play with other engines who recognize each other and make sounds or say phrases. Although only one engine comes in this kit, it will work with all other Chuggington engines.

The Interactive All Around Chuggington Set is just one element of a much bigger world. If your child really enjoys playing with this set, then there's plenty of opportunity for some more excellent gifts in future. The fact that they all work together makes this a unique range to start collecting.

The main downside to this product is the fact that it uses 11 AA batteries. Thankfully they are already included, and shouldn't run down too quickly since they're only used when the trains pass through at certain points (the set doesn't constantly require power to function). Some parents have also commented on the fact that the connected track does come apart a little easily when compared to wooden train tracks.

At $65, the Chuggington Interactive Railway All Around Chuggington Set isn't exactly cheap, but for kids who love the TV show, this is the perfect gift to keep them happy.