Bee Active Toys will be open Monday-Fridays, 10am-8pm, and Sundays, 12-5pm, starting on Friday, November 28. The store will be open these hours up until Christmas Eve when we will close at 5pm so that our employees and family can enjoy the holiday.
Of course you can always shop online 24-7 at www.beeactivetoys.com.
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Happy Thanksgiving!!!
Happy Thanksgiving everyone!!! We here at Bee Active Toys are very thankful for family, friends, freedom and all that we have. We do consider ourselves very fortunate to be in a country where we can have all of our needs and a lot of our wants met. We would like to take time today to say Thanks for all that we have had over the last year. We wish everybody a very Happy Thanksgiving!
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Bee Active Toys and the CW Central Illinois Gift Guru
Bee Active Toys is part of the CW's Central Illinois Gift Guru. In this spot we talk about what makes a good toy. Here are my main points about what makes a good toy.
Is it Safe? A good toy should pass the drop test and a lot more. Avoid toys with sharp edges and long cords. Follow age-specific safety warnings, such as small parts which may present choking hazards for children under three years old.
Is it Age Appropriate? The play activity should developmentally suit the child's age. Check the toy maker's recommendations and believe in the "+" sign. Ages 3+ does not mean your 4-year-old has outgrown it. If in doubt, ask us the toy experts.
Does it Engage the Child? A good toy should encourage open-ended play, invite exploration, and engage a child's interest beyond a short sitting. Toys should be hands-on tools – not watch-me players. A child should be able to power a plaything – even a battery-operated toy – with his or her own ideas and imagination.
Does it Expand the Child? A good toy with play value benefits the child at a particular stage by introducing and reinforcing age specific skills. A great toy grows with the child, helping her or him advance from one developmental stage to the next.
Does it Add to the Toy Box? A child needs a variety of toys and different types of play activities. When selecting a new toy, consider one that adds balance to your child's busy play.
Is it Fun? Most of all, a good toy is fun to play with. Dull and boring, regardless of benefit, have no place in a good toy box.
We at Bee Active Toys have filled our store with lots of toys that adhere to this list.
Is it Safe? A good toy should pass the drop test and a lot more. Avoid toys with sharp edges and long cords. Follow age-specific safety warnings, such as small parts which may present choking hazards for children under three years old.
Is it Age Appropriate? The play activity should developmentally suit the child's age. Check the toy maker's recommendations and believe in the "+" sign. Ages 3+ does not mean your 4-year-old has outgrown it. If in doubt, ask us the toy experts.
Does it Engage the Child? A good toy should encourage open-ended play, invite exploration, and engage a child's interest beyond a short sitting. Toys should be hands-on tools – not watch-me players. A child should be able to power a plaything – even a battery-operated toy – with his or her own ideas and imagination.
Does it Expand the Child? A good toy with play value benefits the child at a particular stage by introducing and reinforcing age specific skills. A great toy grows with the child, helping her or him advance from one developmental stage to the next.
Does it Add to the Toy Box? A child needs a variety of toys and different types of play activities. When selecting a new toy, consider one that adds balance to your child's busy play.
Is it Fun? Most of all, a good toy is fun to play with. Dull and boring, regardless of benefit, have no place in a good toy box.
We at Bee Active Toys have filled our store with lots of toys that adhere to this list.
Friday, November 21, 2008
2008 Best Toys for Kids List
The hot-off-the-presses 2008 Best Toys for Kids list released today by the American Specialty Toy Retailing Association (ASTRA) gets back to the basics—toys for good, old-fashioned, make-it-up-yourself, belly-laughing play that’s great for kids. It’s a great reason to pass by the hordes of anxious, exhausted shoppers at the usual big box stores and try a new way of more relaxed, productive shopping for toys that are actually healthy for your kids.
All toys listed by product name, with manufacturer/vendor in parentheses
INFANT (0 – 12 months)
1. Busy Bee Discovery Flower (ALEX*) ∙ Ages 6 months+ http://www.alextoys.com With bright patterned velour and jersey knit, this interactive flower features, loops, knots, finger holes and a rattling bee! Each petal has a different surprise -- pull, poke, squeak, rattle, reflect and sing along to the melody! Provides sensory and tactile stimulation and encourages development of fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.
2. Together Tunes Too (Neurosmith, manufacturer & Small World Toys*, vendor) ∙ Ages 6 months+ http://www.smallworldtoys.com Children will dance with delight as this musical ball teaches them all about shapes and colors! Soft and sturdy, it features bright colors and multiple textures for visual and tactile stimulation. As the ball asks children to find a color and shape, the music will play to encourage their exploration and keep them entertained.
TODDLER (1 – 3 years)
1. Wheely Bug (Prince Lionheart*) ∙ Ages 1.5+ (small size), and 3+ (large size) http://www.princelionheart.com Wheely Bugs are multi-directional: they go backwards, forwards, sideways, round and round! These ride-on bugs are great for both boys and girls, and have a magical mind of their own. Their bodies have a padded layer of sponge which is covered with a tough polyurethane skin that can easily be wiped clean.
2. Dexter the Digger (WOW Toys, manufacturer & Ravensburger*, vendor) ∙ Ages 1.5+ http://www.ravensburger.com Dex’s easy to use mechanical arm digs and scoops up the rattling boulders! A strong friction-motor and front bulldozer make light work of any obstructions. Rough, tough & strong, this heavy-duty digger is ready for any construction site.
PRESCHOOL LEARNING (3-6 yrs)
1. Magna-Tiles: 3-D Magnetic Building Tiles (Valtech Co.*) ∙ Ages 3+ http://www.magnatiles.com Magna-Tiles, 3-D magnetic building tiles. This creative, open-ended product develops concepts of math, science and creativity. Hours of fun, widely endorsed by both educators and parents!
2. Magnetic Mosaics Kids (The Orb Factory*) ∙ Ages 4+ http://www.orbfactory.com Kids love the surprise of watching a colorful seahorse or parrot mysteriously emerge from the black and white numbered templates. Use any of the 20 fun designs included in this kit or create your own masterpieces. The 1/2" magnetic foam cubes are easy to handle, and fun to use - with over 600 cubes in 12 bright colors.
PRESCHOOL PRETEND & PLAY (3-6 yrs)
1. Road & Rail Play Set- Railway Station (Plan Toys, Inc.*) ∙ Ages 3+ http://www.plantoys.com An architecturally-grand train station that conveniently converts to a tidy storage chest for the play set. Rail track and road track, made from eco-friendly rubbertree wood, encourage early engineers to integrate two transportation concepts. Colorful wooden accessories (painted with safe, non-toxic, water based dyes) include trains, cars, a bus, internationally varied little people and assorted green trees.
2. Stablemates™ Red Stable Set with Two Horses (Breyer Animal Creations, Div. of Reeves International, Inc.*) ∙ Ages 4+ http://www.breyerhorses.com Create your dream farm with Stablemates Red Stable Set. Made of durable plastic, this three stall barn features a storage area and comes with four corral fences, a jump, water trough and three racing barrels. Two Stablemates horses also included. Size: 11.375”L x 9.25”H x 7.625”D.
CONSTRUCTION
1. Circus Ring (Playmobil*) ∙ Ages 5+ http://www.playmobilusa.com Watch the trapeze artists soar through the air at the circus show. The opening of the big top is adjustable, and the diameter of the Circus Ring is 22.5 inches. Includes seven figures, ticket booths, and seating area.
2. Excalibur Castle (Le Toy Van, manufacturer & Hotaling Imports Inc.*, vendor) ∙ Ages 3+ Imaginations will soar with this three-towered Excalibur Castle from Le Toy Van. It’s a fabulous castle made of painted wooden panels that slot together easily on an 18"x20" base. Authentic details include working drawbridge and crane, a keep with dungeon and lift-up gate, wide ramparts that ring a spacious courtyard and a special feature knock-out wall. (Papo figures not included)
3. 24-foot BluTrack Challenge Pack (MJ Sports dba BluTrack®*) ∙ Ages 3+ http://www.blutrack.com Powered by gravity, fueled by imagination. This flexible dual lane track encourages children to be creative in designing track layouts for racing, jumping and looping. Kit includes 8 plastic ramps for advanced stunts.
ARTS & CRAFTS
1. Sticky Mosaics Jewelry Box (The Orb Factory*) ∙ Ages 6+ http://www.orbfactory.com Make a magnificent mosaic treasure box for all your crown jewels and tiny prized possessions. Sticky Mosaics make it as simple as peel and stick. Follow the numbered template pre-printed on the jewelry box and decorate it with self-adhesive gems, glitter tiles and holographic foil.
2. Wikki Stix Tons of Fun (Omnicor Inc. / The Wikki Stix Co.*) ∙ Ages 3 – 11 http://www.wikkistix.com Hours and hours of activities for tons and tons of fun! Wikki Stix provide, clean, creative fun with no glue, no paste, no mess! ake critters and creatures...play Do-Wikki....plus travel activities for take-along fun. Includes 96 Wikki Stix One-of-a-Kind Creatables. Made in USA.
MUSIC
1. Schoenhut 44-Key Baby Grand Piano (Schoenhut Piano Company, Inc.*) ∙ Ages 5+ http://www.toypiano.com This dynamic new line of 44-key Baby Grand and Upright Pianos, launched to coincide with Schoenhut’s 135th anniversary, features True Piano Sound … without the use of electronics. The mid-sized piano is less intimidating for small children who want to learn to play the piano.
2. Learn to Play Piano (Melissa & Doug*) ∙ Ages 3+ http://www.melissaanddoug.com Do-Re-Mi...this piano could be one of your favorite things! Brightly painted upright piano features 25 keys and two full octaves to give kids a wide range of notes to play. Includes an illustrated songbook and color-coded key chart.
GAMES YOUNG (3-7 yrs)
1. Zingo! (ThinkFun, Inc.*) ∙ Ages 4 - 8 http://www.thinkfun.com In this fast-paced, energetic variant of Bingo, kids get a kick out of pulling the Zinger forward to reveal two mystery tiles, then try to be the first to call out the tiles that match the images on their cards.
2. Qwirkle (MindWare*) ∙ Ages 6+ http://www.mindwarewholesale.com Qwirkle is played by creating rows and columns of matching colors and shapes - it's Dominoes meets Scrabble - since the simple play requires no reading, the whole family can play. Younger ages love to match while older players make strategic multiple-tile moves that earn maximum points.
GAMES OLD (8 yrs+)
1. Set Cubed, a Curious Game of Clever Connections (Set Enterprises, Inc.*) ∙ Ages 8+ http://www.setgame.com An exciting new game that challenges a player’s ability to find SETs by combining the dice in his or her hand with those already on the board. Set Cubed adds an element of strategy to the visual perception game of SET. It also requires players to take turns, so the need for speed is eliminated.
2. Bananagrams (Bananagrams*) ∙ Ages 7+ http://www.bananagrams-intl.com
SCIENCE
1. Wind Power — Renewable Energy Science Kit (Thames & Kosmos*) ∙ Ages 8+ http://www.thamesandkosmos.com This science kit offers a hands-on introduction to one of the fastest growing sources of clean, renewable energy. Experimenters ages eight and up can build a wind turbine complete with electric generator, adjustable rotors, and wind speed indicator to harness power out of thin air. The kit includes more than 20 experiments with wind turbines, such as powering an LED, lifting a weight, and charging a rechargeable battery.
2. Geyser Tube (Be Amazing! Toys*) ∙ Ages 8+ http://www.beamazing.com This toy is the perfect marriage of a great, popular activity with all the cool chemistry and physics that makes the Wow! happen. Everyone knows what happens when you drop Mentos into Diet Coke—now you can make it even better!
ACTIVE
1. The Original Flying Turtle (Mason Corporation*) ∙ Ages 3 – 12 http://www.masoncorporation.com Everyone's favorite zip-around zoomee made right here in the good old U.S.A! Climb aboard the low seat, brace your feet on the bars, and start swinging. In seconds, the Turtle's off and flying! Sturdy enough to hold up to 150 pounds, the Flying Turtle scooter comes fully assembled with skateboard wheels and easy-grip steel handlebars.
2. Mini Super Sports Disk (OgoSport, LLC*) ∙ Ages 4+ http://www.ogosport.com The OgoSport Sports Disk is sure to get you and your family up from the couch! Indoor and out, in teams, or individually, the Sports Disk provides safe, year-round fun. Great for advanced play or to develop motor skills – the play possibilities are endless!
WOW (PUNCH)
1. Multi-colored Ball of Whacks (Creative Whack Company/US Games Systems, Inc.*) ∙ Ages 8+ http://www.usgamesinc.com Six brilliantly contrasting colors transform the Ball of Whacks.
2. Karito Kids World Collection (Karito Kids by KidsGive*) ∙ Ages 3+ http://www.karitokids.com Open her world, her mind, and her heart with these multi-award winning soft bodied play dolls and hard cover books representing modern-day girls from around the world. The “WOW” factor is that every purchase helps another child and the owner decides how they want to help by activating online and directing the donation to one of four areas: school, home, health or food. Teach kids to be aware and care and have a real impact in changing their world.
All toys listed by product name, with manufacturer/vendor in parentheses
INFANT (0 – 12 months)
1. Busy Bee Discovery Flower (ALEX*) ∙ Ages 6 months+ http://www.alextoys.com With bright patterned velour and jersey knit, this interactive flower features, loops, knots, finger holes and a rattling bee! Each petal has a different surprise -- pull, poke, squeak, rattle, reflect and sing along to the melody! Provides sensory and tactile stimulation and encourages development of fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.
2. Together Tunes Too (Neurosmith, manufacturer & Small World Toys*, vendor) ∙ Ages 6 months+ http://www.smallworldtoys.com Children will dance with delight as this musical ball teaches them all about shapes and colors! Soft and sturdy, it features bright colors and multiple textures for visual and tactile stimulation. As the ball asks children to find a color and shape, the music will play to encourage their exploration and keep them entertained.
TODDLER (1 – 3 years)
1. Wheely Bug (Prince Lionheart*) ∙ Ages 1.5+ (small size), and 3+ (large size) http://www.princelionheart.com Wheely Bugs are multi-directional: they go backwards, forwards, sideways, round and round! These ride-on bugs are great for both boys and girls, and have a magical mind of their own. Their bodies have a padded layer of sponge which is covered with a tough polyurethane skin that can easily be wiped clean.
2. Dexter the Digger (WOW Toys, manufacturer & Ravensburger*, vendor) ∙ Ages 1.5+ http://www.ravensburger.com Dex’s easy to use mechanical arm digs and scoops up the rattling boulders! A strong friction-motor and front bulldozer make light work of any obstructions. Rough, tough & strong, this heavy-duty digger is ready for any construction site.
PRESCHOOL LEARNING (3-6 yrs)
1. Magna-Tiles: 3-D Magnetic Building Tiles (Valtech Co.*) ∙ Ages 3+ http://www.magnatiles.com Magna-Tiles, 3-D magnetic building tiles. This creative, open-ended product develops concepts of math, science and creativity. Hours of fun, widely endorsed by both educators and parents!
2. Magnetic Mosaics Kids (The Orb Factory*) ∙ Ages 4+ http://www.orbfactory.com Kids love the surprise of watching a colorful seahorse or parrot mysteriously emerge from the black and white numbered templates. Use any of the 20 fun designs included in this kit or create your own masterpieces. The 1/2" magnetic foam cubes are easy to handle, and fun to use - with over 600 cubes in 12 bright colors.
PRESCHOOL PRETEND & PLAY (3-6 yrs)
1. Road & Rail Play Set- Railway Station (Plan Toys, Inc.*) ∙ Ages 3+ http://www.plantoys.com An architecturally-grand train station that conveniently converts to a tidy storage chest for the play set. Rail track and road track, made from eco-friendly rubbertree wood, encourage early engineers to integrate two transportation concepts. Colorful wooden accessories (painted with safe, non-toxic, water based dyes) include trains, cars, a bus, internationally varied little people and assorted green trees.
2. Stablemates™ Red Stable Set with Two Horses (Breyer Animal Creations, Div. of Reeves International, Inc.*) ∙ Ages 4+ http://www.breyerhorses.com Create your dream farm with Stablemates Red Stable Set. Made of durable plastic, this three stall barn features a storage area and comes with four corral fences, a jump, water trough and three racing barrels. Two Stablemates horses also included. Size: 11.375”L x 9.25”H x 7.625”D.
CONSTRUCTION
1. Circus Ring (Playmobil*) ∙ Ages 5+ http://www.playmobilusa.com Watch the trapeze artists soar through the air at the circus show. The opening of the big top is adjustable, and the diameter of the Circus Ring is 22.5 inches. Includes seven figures, ticket booths, and seating area.
2. Excalibur Castle (Le Toy Van, manufacturer & Hotaling Imports Inc.*, vendor) ∙ Ages 3+ Imaginations will soar with this three-towered Excalibur Castle from Le Toy Van. It’s a fabulous castle made of painted wooden panels that slot together easily on an 18"x20" base. Authentic details include working drawbridge and crane, a keep with dungeon and lift-up gate, wide ramparts that ring a spacious courtyard and a special feature knock-out wall. (Papo figures not included)
3. 24-foot BluTrack Challenge Pack (MJ Sports dba BluTrack®*) ∙ Ages 3+ http://www.blutrack.com Powered by gravity, fueled by imagination. This flexible dual lane track encourages children to be creative in designing track layouts for racing, jumping and looping. Kit includes 8 plastic ramps for advanced stunts.
ARTS & CRAFTS
1. Sticky Mosaics Jewelry Box (The Orb Factory*) ∙ Ages 6+ http://www.orbfactory.com Make a magnificent mosaic treasure box for all your crown jewels and tiny prized possessions. Sticky Mosaics make it as simple as peel and stick. Follow the numbered template pre-printed on the jewelry box and decorate it with self-adhesive gems, glitter tiles and holographic foil.
2. Wikki Stix Tons of Fun (Omnicor Inc. / The Wikki Stix Co.*) ∙ Ages 3 – 11 http://www.wikkistix.com Hours and hours of activities for tons and tons of fun! Wikki Stix provide, clean, creative fun with no glue, no paste, no mess! ake critters and creatures...play Do-Wikki....plus travel activities for take-along fun. Includes 96 Wikki Stix One-of-a-Kind Creatables. Made in USA.
MUSIC
1. Schoenhut 44-Key Baby Grand Piano (Schoenhut Piano Company, Inc.*) ∙ Ages 5+ http://www.toypiano.com This dynamic new line of 44-key Baby Grand and Upright Pianos, launched to coincide with Schoenhut’s 135th anniversary, features True Piano Sound … without the use of electronics. The mid-sized piano is less intimidating for small children who want to learn to play the piano.
2. Learn to Play Piano (Melissa & Doug*) ∙ Ages 3+ http://www.melissaanddoug.com Do-Re-Mi...this piano could be one of your favorite things! Brightly painted upright piano features 25 keys and two full octaves to give kids a wide range of notes to play. Includes an illustrated songbook and color-coded key chart.
GAMES YOUNG (3-7 yrs)
1. Zingo! (ThinkFun, Inc.*) ∙ Ages 4 - 8 http://www.thinkfun.com In this fast-paced, energetic variant of Bingo, kids get a kick out of pulling the Zinger forward to reveal two mystery tiles, then try to be the first to call out the tiles that match the images on their cards.
2. Qwirkle (MindWare*) ∙ Ages 6+ http://www.mindwarewholesale.com Qwirkle is played by creating rows and columns of matching colors and shapes - it's Dominoes meets Scrabble - since the simple play requires no reading, the whole family can play. Younger ages love to match while older players make strategic multiple-tile moves that earn maximum points.
GAMES OLD (8 yrs+)
1. Set Cubed, a Curious Game of Clever Connections (Set Enterprises, Inc.*) ∙ Ages 8+ http://www.setgame.com An exciting new game that challenges a player’s ability to find SETs by combining the dice in his or her hand with those already on the board. Set Cubed adds an element of strategy to the visual perception game of SET. It also requires players to take turns, so the need for speed is eliminated.
2. Bananagrams (Bananagrams*) ∙ Ages 7+ http://www.bananagrams-intl.com
SCIENCE
1. Wind Power — Renewable Energy Science Kit (Thames & Kosmos*) ∙ Ages 8+ http://www.thamesandkosmos.com This science kit offers a hands-on introduction to one of the fastest growing sources of clean, renewable energy. Experimenters ages eight and up can build a wind turbine complete with electric generator, adjustable rotors, and wind speed indicator to harness power out of thin air. The kit includes more than 20 experiments with wind turbines, such as powering an LED, lifting a weight, and charging a rechargeable battery.
2. Geyser Tube (Be Amazing! Toys*) ∙ Ages 8+ http://www.beamazing.com This toy is the perfect marriage of a great, popular activity with all the cool chemistry and physics that makes the Wow! happen. Everyone knows what happens when you drop Mentos into Diet Coke—now you can make it even better!
ACTIVE
1. The Original Flying Turtle (Mason Corporation*) ∙ Ages 3 – 12 http://www.masoncorporation.com Everyone's favorite zip-around zoomee made right here in the good old U.S.A! Climb aboard the low seat, brace your feet on the bars, and start swinging. In seconds, the Turtle's off and flying! Sturdy enough to hold up to 150 pounds, the Flying Turtle scooter comes fully assembled with skateboard wheels and easy-grip steel handlebars.
2. Mini Super Sports Disk (OgoSport, LLC*) ∙ Ages 4+ http://www.ogosport.com The OgoSport Sports Disk is sure to get you and your family up from the couch! Indoor and out, in teams, or individually, the Sports Disk provides safe, year-round fun. Great for advanced play or to develop motor skills – the play possibilities are endless!
WOW (PUNCH)
1. Multi-colored Ball of Whacks (Creative Whack Company/US Games Systems, Inc.*) ∙ Ages 8+ http://www.usgamesinc.com Six brilliantly contrasting colors transform the Ball of Whacks.
2. Karito Kids World Collection (Karito Kids by KidsGive*) ∙ Ages 3+ http://www.karitokids.com Open her world, her mind, and her heart with these multi-award winning soft bodied play dolls and hard cover books representing modern-day girls from around the world. The “WOW” factor is that every purchase helps another child and the owner decides how they want to help by activating online and directing the donation to one of four areas: school, home, health or food. Teach kids to be aware and care and have a real impact in changing their world.
Monday, October 20, 2008
Toy Museum at Bee Active Toys
Bee Active Toys and the Piatt County Museum have opened up a new exhibit, Playthings from the Past, at Bee Active Toys. While we have had over 300 vintage and collectible toys on display throughout the store since we opened, this display is in a room all by itself and adds over 100 antique cast iron banks, dolls, games and other playthings that Piatt County residents have played with since the late 1800's. This is a joint venture between the Piatt County Museum and Bee Active Toys and is the first time in over 10 years that the Museums collection has been available for the public to see. The museum entrance is on Charter St. but can be accessed upon request through Bee Active Toys. If you have a group or would like a tour of the toys in the Museum, please call us to arrange a time where we will be glad to show you.
Friday, September 19, 2008
Lego has arrived at Bee Active Toys
Finally the wait is over. We now have Lego in Stock. Bee Active Toys is carrying the Star Wars, Speed Racer, Indiana Jones, Thomas the Tank Engine Lego sets as well as the basic building sets too. This year Lego celebrates 50 years with their Golden Anniversary set and we have it. Lego continues to be one of the hottest selling toys for Christmas. Now is your chance to get them before the rush. Come on in and get these Lego sets before they are gone.
Saturday, September 13, 2008
New Window Display on Charter Street
Hey next time you are walking around in downtown Monticello check out our new display window behind the book store on Charter Street. We are trying to bring back the old window displays from the past. Do you remember looking at the window displays at Christmas time at companies like Wanamakers, Macy, Fao Schwartz, Marshall Fields and others? Well, our window isn't quite as large as those but we still hope that it will become an interesting focal point for Monticello. This month come on out and see how we have gone to the dogs. The window theme is Adopt a Pet. You see a wide variety of the very life like Melissa & Doug stuffed dogs as well as dress up outfits from Small Miracles.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
School has begun
Today marked the first day of school here in Monticello. Hurray! Hurray to all of you parents out there that have kept your children active over the summer. Hurray to all the teachers who are about to start educating our children.
Teacher's we would like to let you know about a website called www.gamesforeducators.com. The websites mission simply is to promote games in education, to help enrich the learning process for both teachers and students. It may be a great resource for you to use this school year. Bee Active Toys believes strongly in the use of games to teach. I myself have used the game Block by Block by Thinkfun in the classroom to help teach students 2 dimensional drafting techniques and to enable them to see what a 3 dimensional object would look like in a 2-D world. A lot of other games can help teach concepts, problem solving, and teamwork. What's even more interesting is that game play also fully engages the child's mind. We would be more than happy to assist you in finding the right game to meet your needs.
We at Bee Active Toys would like to wish everyone a terrific new school year. Study hard, Learn a lot and of course learn to play and play to learn!
Teacher's we would like to let you know about a website called www.gamesforeducators.com. The websites mission simply is to promote games in education, to help enrich the learning process for both teachers and students. It may be a great resource for you to use this school year. Bee Active Toys believes strongly in the use of games to teach. I myself have used the game Block by Block by Thinkfun in the classroom to help teach students 2 dimensional drafting techniques and to enable them to see what a 3 dimensional object would look like in a 2-D world. A lot of other games can help teach concepts, problem solving, and teamwork. What's even more interesting is that game play also fully engages the child's mind. We would be more than happy to assist you in finding the right game to meet your needs.
We at Bee Active Toys would like to wish everyone a terrific new school year. Study hard, Learn a lot and of course learn to play and play to learn!
Thursday, August 7, 2008
It's almost time for Back to School
It's almost back to school time again and Bee Active Toys would like to invite you to come in and preview all of the educational toys and games that we carry. A lot of the toys and games in our store can help to refresh kid's memory and give them a head start to a great school year while having fun playing and learning through play.
Here is a list of some of the products in our store by subject area.
Reading and Writing:
Bananagrams, Words on my Mind. AmusaMaze, Whizzizzle Phonics, Poppo, Apples to Apples
Mathematics:
Math Dice, 99 or Bust, Sudoku, Head Full of Numbers, Pizza Fraction Fun,
Science:
Eino Science Kits, Amazing Animal Trivia, Gyroscopes, Prisms, Snap Circuits, I-Dig Fossils, Girder & Panels, Folkmanis Puppets
Social Studies:
USA States and Capitols Bingo, USA Map Puzzles, Go Mental
Art:
Mosaic Art kits, Shrinky Dinks, Tissue Paper Art
For certain developmental issues:
Spatial Relationships: Block by Block, Shape by Shape, Brick by Brick, Gordian’s Knot
Cognitive Skills: Rush Hour, Chocolate Fix, Poppo
Kinesthetic Skills: O-Balls, Chinese Jump Ropes, Zoob, Flip-n-Stack Monkeys, Flipping Frogs, Black Hole, Diabolos, Poi
Musical Skills: Tone Blocks, Guiro Shakers, Rhythm Stix, Tick Tock Blocks, Box Shakers
Interpersonal Skills: over 50 games in stock. Lots of other activities for team building
Multiculturalism: Putamaya Kids music CD’s, Kid's of the world puzzles
Manipulatives: Peg Stackers, Puzzles, Blocks, Lacing Toys
We carry top brands such as Educational Insights, Learning Resources, Thinkfun games, Lauri Products and a variety of other manufacturers. Cataloques will be available upon request for special orders.
We will be happy to demonstrate many of these items for you. Believe it or not, I really do try to play with everything that is in the store. With over 2400 items that is not always possible but I can still keep trying!
Come on in and let us show you how we can help your kids learn through play.
Here is a list of some of the products in our store by subject area.
Reading and Writing:
Bananagrams, Words on my Mind. AmusaMaze, Whizzizzle Phonics, Poppo, Apples to Apples
Mathematics:
Math Dice, 99 or Bust, Sudoku, Head Full of Numbers, Pizza Fraction Fun,
Science:
Eino Science Kits, Amazing Animal Trivia, Gyroscopes, Prisms, Snap Circuits, I-Dig Fossils, Girder & Panels, Folkmanis Puppets
Social Studies:
USA States and Capitols Bingo, USA Map Puzzles, Go Mental
Art:
Mosaic Art kits, Shrinky Dinks, Tissue Paper Art
For certain developmental issues:
Spatial Relationships: Block by Block, Shape by Shape, Brick by Brick, Gordian’s Knot
Cognitive Skills: Rush Hour, Chocolate Fix, Poppo
Kinesthetic Skills: O-Balls, Chinese Jump Ropes, Zoob, Flip-n-Stack Monkeys, Flipping Frogs, Black Hole, Diabolos, Poi
Musical Skills: Tone Blocks, Guiro Shakers, Rhythm Stix, Tick Tock Blocks, Box Shakers
Interpersonal Skills: over 50 games in stock. Lots of other activities for team building
Multiculturalism: Putamaya Kids music CD’s, Kid's of the world puzzles
Manipulatives: Peg Stackers, Puzzles, Blocks, Lacing Toys
We carry top brands such as Educational Insights, Learning Resources, Thinkfun games, Lauri Products and a variety of other manufacturers. Cataloques will be available upon request for special orders.
We will be happy to demonstrate many of these items for you. Believe it or not, I really do try to play with everything that is in the store. With over 2400 items that is not always possible but I can still keep trying!
Come on in and let us show you how we can help your kids learn through play.
Monday, July 28, 2008
Poppo
Do you remember playing Trouble and how much fun it was? I sometimes would just keep pushing the clicker just because I liked to get it to pop and shoot the dice up in the air. That's probably why I got pretty excited when I saw this new game called Poppo. You don't get just one popper, you get four and you get them all to yourself. I was in poppin heaven. I played this game at the American Specialty Toy Retailers Association convention back in June and was very excited about all of the possibilities that could be achieved with this new game. The object of the game is to get a word card and then pop out the lettered dice and spell that word. This is a great game that is very active in involving the child and it's a fun way for kids to challenge each other at spelling.
Zoobies - Now In Stock
Have you heard about the new Zoobies yet? Bee Active Toys now has them available and ready to provide lots of cuddle love. In stock right now we have a Crocodile, Hippo, Elephant, Giraffe and Monkey and there are more on the way. As you can see in the pictures, these are more than just your average stuffed animal. Velcro tabs on their underbellies allow them to open up into a pillow or they can be unzipped and a comfy, cozy fleese blanket is inside waiting to be wrapped around your child to keep em warm. Come on in and check out these great little animals.
Welcome to Bee Active Toys
Hello and welcome to Bee Active Toys official Blog. Here we will be keeping you up to date on all of the latest and greatest toys, games, puzzles, books, action figures and collectibles that we have in our store. Currently we have over 2300 fun items in the store just waiting for someone to come in and get them to take home and play with. We will try to keep you updated on a regular basis and of course you can always just come on in to the store and see what all the buzz is about at Bee Active Toys!
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