Didi & Ditto Preschool "Mother Nature's Visit"

We all need a little help sometimes. Even (or especially) me. And as I get this review site up and running, Sunshine, who is quickly becoming my mentor and inspiration in all things blog, has been gracious enough to cross-post this over at her review blog, Lather. Rinse. Repeat. A million thanks to her, and be sure to go check her out!


My quick review: this computer game is great.

Evan's quick review: "Mom, can I play Didi and Ditto again?! Please?!?!"

But perhaps you are wanting some more details? Sure, I'll oblige.

The premise of the game: help the main characters (super-cute little beavers-- yes, beavers-- named Didi and Ditto) collect prizes to take to a party upon successful completion of the game. It's for ages 2-4, with three levels of difficulty. Kids can choose to play an entire game, or "practice" individual activities from the game. Activities reinforce age-appropriate educational tasks such as pre-reading, pre-math, science, music, and art.

The good stuff: Evan is delighted every time he plays it. It is encouraging him to learn to use the mouse; the graphics are adorable and appealing; he can play relatively independently, with only minimal assistance from me; it encourages lots of exploration; the pacing (which seems a little slow to an adult) is just right for his level; it keeps his attention for as long as I'll let him play.... I could go on. But I won't. In short, it's perfect for a four-year-old who hasn't been exposed to a lot of video games. There is nothing about this that I'd change.

We are very pleased with this game. Looking for a gift for an older toddler or preschooler? This would be an excellent choice.

Didi & Ditto Preschool "Mother Nature's Visit" hybrid DVD-ROM, ages 2-4, by Kutoka Interactive, suggested retail $19.99

Yookidoo Discovery Playhouse

Caleb turned one over the weekend.

Seriously, I hate trying to buy gifts for one-year-olds. They're too old for "baby" toys, too young for "toddler" toys and nothing seems quite right. Add to this the fact that he has two older brothers and approximately 20,000 hand-me-down toys, and I had no idea what to get for him.

No worries. My mom and dad got him the Best Toy Ever. For a one-year-old, anyway: the Yookidoo Discovery Playhouse, by International Playthings.

This is a little tent, just the right size for crawling inside or for cruising around the outside. Each panel has interior and exterior activities that totally get a one-year-old going: mirrors, spinners, ball ramps, shape sorters, and a few other fun things. The top is perforated so he can look out, and there are lots of peek-a-boo opportunities. It has, in all honesty, kept him occupied for up to an hour at a time-- no small feat for a baby.

From a parent perspective: it doesn't have a million and one little pieces to lose-- only a few balls and a set of baby keys. And the balls are shakers-- but there are no batteries, no too-loud electronic songs, and absolutely no "obnoxious factor" (you know what I'm talking about).

Very good stuff. Highly recommended. As a matter of fact, we returned the gift we bought him. This is that good. (Turns out, it's won some toy awards. This is not a surprise.) It's relatively expensive at about $100, but if you're going to spend that much on several little toys, I think this is a better use of your money.

Oh, and a quick plug for one of my favorite toy stores ever: Creative Kidstuff. I had kind of forgotten about it, but this is where they got the tent. And it is totally where I'm going to look for his Christmas present (because I've been procrastinating). Anyway. Click over and check them out.