Play-Doh's Airplane Explorer Starter Set will appeal to the little and even the big folk who are enthralled with airplanes. What follows is a brief review of this set.
Released in 2024, this set is considered a starter set for children aged 3 and up and is perfect for airplane-themed creative play.
It comes complete with a rolling airplane that stamps cloud patterns as you roll it along and that includes molds in the cockpit so that you can make a pilot or two. It also includes a world map-themed playmat, travel-themed molds to make shapes that are seen on the mat, a globe roller, a luggage roller and a camera that molds postcards. Of course, it also comes with the iconic modeling clay. In this case, there are four canisters in blue, green, orange and purple.
Here's a peek at the set in action:
This set is good for little ones to develop fine motor skills, engage their imaginations and explore the world on a map.
It is a fun set for little ones but I think it would be a "made you smile" kind of gift for anyone who works in the aviation industry, too. As Play-Doh says, "no passport is required" to travel with this set.
Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”
This year for my husband's birthday, our son surprised him with a Lego
set. They sat at the dining room table that day putting it together
and mostly chatting while our son assembled it. Building Legos
together has always given us an opportunity to spend time with each other while doing something creative and fun.
Our son put a lot of thought into this gift. His dad loves airplanes,
especially the older planes that have tail-wheels and single-engine
biplanes. The Tornado Plane in this Lego set is obviously a biplane (two
wings) with a single engine.
In the photo, Tails the fox is the airplane owner and pilot
while Sonic the Hedgehog is the daredevil wing-walker. As you can see in my photo, Clucky (included in set) is also along for the ride. Don't tell
Tails, but I do believe I have seen Sonic flying the biplane in our
home.
You may wonder how we know the plane belongs to tails. That's
easy! His "tail" emblem is on the plane and hanger.
Okay, I admit it. We are all huge Sonic the Hedgehog fans! Even
now, I can hear the rings sound and the theme song in my mind from the
original Sonic video game.
This Lego set is really cool! If you love Sonic, Tails and Lego, this
is a must-have Lego set, regardless of your age.
It has 376 pieces and is recommended for ages 6+.
Not only does the set include the minifigures of Sonic and Tails, but it
also includes the Lego pieces to make the airplane, Buzz Bomber, the workshop, a toolbox
on wheels, tools, and a lounging recliner chair for Sonic to rest on while
Tails is working.
The complete airplane measures approximately 5 3/4" wingspan, 5 3/4" length (propeller to tail), 4" tall including Sonic on the wing.
Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”
Here’s another wonderful Play-Doh set. This one reminds me of the traditional battery-operated game, Operation, and will appeal to little nurse and doctor wannabes and big folk who are or were in the medical profession. What follows is a brief review of this retired and hard-to-find set, which is perfect for medically-themed creative play. Bonus? It was deliberately made to have a retro feeling.
Your children will be able to create all kinds of strange illnesses using the doctor-themed tools that include a stethoscope, doctor’s mirror, clamp, syringe, scissors, slicers and tweezers all with which to cut, stitch and fix the patient. Yes, it comes with a patient, too and two cans of modeling compound and a mold for creating body parts and creatures.
Play-Doh used imagination when they advertised this one. “Screws loose in the head? Frog in the throat?” You can make anything happen with this fun medical set. Released in 2019, it is considered appropriate for children aged 3 and up.
As with all Play-doh sets, this one is good for young children to develop fine motor skills and engage their imaginations. It would also be a great gift, a sort of stress releaser I expect, for anyone working in the medical industry.
Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”
Play-Doh's Campfire Picnic: Children who love camping will love this playset!
Love camping with your family? Play-Doh's Campfire Picnic playset will let you and your children recreate the fun of camping even when you cannot be at the campground. What follows is a brief review of this set.
Released in 2015 as a limited edition playset at Toys R Us, it is now retired and no longer readily available at the store. However, it is available new and used on eBay. Recommended for children aged 3 and up, I think this set represents a whole lot of fun camping-themed play.
It includes a play mat, a campfire with brown logs and gray stones, a frying pan and utensils, five containers of Play-Doh and more. Rustle up some pretend chow for breakfast, lunch or supper. Great fun for a child who enjoys Play-Doh, camping and cooking. I can see your little ones cooking up a fun treat with this set.
Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”
For all the little boys and girls (and maybe even the big ones) who are enamored with dinosaurs, Play-Doh created this T-rex or Tyrannosaurus dinosaur-themed set called Rex the Chomper. What follows is a brief review of the set.
Released in 2017, it is now retired and no longer readily available at retail outlets. However, it is available new and used on eBay but be aware that there are two versions: a regular-sized one and a mini-sized one. Recommended for children aged 3 and up, I think the bigger Rex is more fun for small hands.
The regular-sized set shown here includes a Rex that is 6 inches tall and 8 1/2 inches long, three small tubs of the modelling compound, a plastic knife, a small volcano and a cookie cutter in the shape of a dinosaur foot print.
Options for play including growing Rex’s tongue and scales, using the tail to make him chomp, crafting lava from the volcano, making footprints with the cutter and creating frogs, fossils and foliage with the molds.
I can see your little person creating a world for Rex and then using his imagination to create a story!
Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”
Play-Doh is a non-toxic modeling material for young children, for older children and, of course, for the young at heart. It is made from a blend of wheat flour, water, salt, boric acid, and mineral oil. Join me here as I review a bit of the history of the iconic play compound.
A BRIEF HISTORY
Play-Doh was first made as a wallpaper cleaner in the United States in the 1930s and became a children’s product in the 1950s when it appeared at an educational convention and was eventually used in schools. Initially the department store Woodward and Lothrop took on the product but when Macy’s and Marshall Field’s saw how popular the modelling compound was, they also took it on. Play-Doh did not have money for advertising so, in what turned out to be a stroke of genius, they arranged for Captain Kangaroo, the then massively popular children’s show, to use it on air once a week. The rest is, as they say, history.
THE COMPANY'S HISTORY, A VIDEO
The Accidental Birth of Play-Doh: Uncover the complete company history via interesting, 10-minute long YouTube video:
CONTINUED POPULARITY
Play-Doh has continued to be popular in the decades that followed and is now available in an endless array of sets that include everything from cans of dough to items like the perennially popular Fun Factory to pop culture themes of the day like Star Wars and Disney. The product made the Toy Industry’s Association Century of Toys List in 2003.
SKILL DEVELOPMENT
Play-Doh is a wonderful product for developing children’s skills. Fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination are enhanced with all of the pushing, squishing, squeezing, and pinching that is required to play with the product. Literacy and numeracy are promoted when a child creates shapes and numbers and acts out stories.
Calm and focus are a natural result of this quiet activity that also supports creativity, imagination, playtime and social skills. Whether a child has a few colors of the modeling material or many colors, the options are endless.
TODAY
According to the video shown above, Play-Doh is available in over 80 countries today and the current owner, Hasbro, produces over 500 million cans of the modeling compound each year.
Is there a can of Play-Doh in your future?
See you at the toy store!
Brenda
Treasures By Brenda
Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”
Lego has been a part of our lives and home decor for decades. While I
have played my part by sorting and organizing pieces, I have never built a
Lego set. I love the Botanical Collection introduced in 2021, but
haven't started building a set myself. However, that is all about to
change.
For years, I have perused the Lego catalog seeking out new sets to give my
son, hoping I could find one he would like, but had not seen before.
Recently, I discovered the #31154 "Lego Creator Forest Animals: Red Fox" that was
released on March 1, 2024 and is now available on Amazon. I am
so excited!
I love that fox!!!
This is one of the sets that you can choose from a few options which animal
you wish to build. It comes with instructions for the fox, an owl or a
squirrel. They all use the same pieces simply put together in a
different way to create a specific animal. I happen to love owls and
squirrels too, but I will be building the fox. It is highly unlikely I
will ever take him apart so if I want an owl or a squirrel, I will need to
buy another set.
Now, I just need to enlist my son to sort the piece the pieces for me so
I can start building immediately.
This Lego set has 667 pieces and is recommended for 9+ ages. Once
built, the animals are posable thanks to the special moveable pieces
included. For instance, the fox can sit or stand, open his mouth, or
even turn his tail & head. The owl can turn her
head.
As with a real life squirrel, the squirrel is ready to scour the ground for food and has his very own
acorn to have and hold. Plus, he can stand on 2 or 4 feet which is also very lifelike.
Build a fox, owl or squirrel
Owl on perch stands 7 inches (tallest statue form)
Posable animals with movable features
667 pieces
Recommended for ages 9+
More Lego Sets & Shelves Reviewed
Lego Bouquet Roses Set #10328 Reviewed
Give or build a Lego Bouquet of Roses. Lego roses make a lovely decoration of flowers that won't die. They are the perfect gift for someone you love.
Lego The Office Set #21336 Reviewed
If you love the tv series, The Office, you will definitely love The Office Lego Set. Lots of The Office specific fun pieces included, plus minifigures
Lego Carousel Creator Expert Set #10257 Reviewed
The Lego Carousel Creator Expert Set #10257 is a fabulous & beautiful
design. Somewhat challenging to build but worth it. Animal rides &
carousel move
LEGO Creator Winter Toy Shop Reviewed
The Lego Creator Winter Toy Shop is fun to build AND fun decor, even as a
centerpiece, during the holidays. Toy shop in the winter scene is fabulous!
Scooby-Doo Mystery Mansion Lego Kit Reviewed
Lego & Scooby Doo fans will love this awesome Lego set. The Scooby-Doo
Mystery Mansion is the perfect treat for Halloween or anytime for kids &
adults.
Disney Winnie the Pooh #21326 Lego Set Reviewed
Those who love Winnie-the-Pooh & Legos are thrilled with the Winnie Lego
set! It includes Pooh, Piglet, Tigger, Eeyore, Rabbit & Poohs treehouse
home.
Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”
Mother's Day is just a few weeks away. The first gift idea that always
comes to mind is a bouquet of roses. Both my mother and I love roses,
but we do hate throwing them away when they die. However, there is a fantastic
alternative to live roses. LEGO Roses!
For less than the cost of sending a dozen roses, you can purchase the Lego complete set of a dozen roses that includes Lego baby's breath. Either
make the bouquet set in advance to give your mother or give her the set and
make them together. Spending a few hours creating the lovely bouquet
with her would be a wonderful memory she will treasure forever in addition
to having the bouquet of Lego roses to remind her of you with each
glance. I know from experience, this will be one of her fondest gifts
and memories.
My son has always been a Lego enthusiast. I have priceless memories
of watching him assemble dozens of intricate Lego masterpieces. As a
child, he often used our dining room table as his workspace and I had the
privilege of sitting with him and sorting the pieces for him while he built
something remarkable. Not only did he build an awe inspiring Lego
creation, but it allowed us to build a stronger bond with one
another.
Lego sets are not just for kids! Even my adult daughter, who is not a Lego enthusiast, built a Lego
flower bouquet for her own dining room table that her brother sent to her
from Christmas last year. Neither of them were able to take off to
travel last year, but they were able to exchange thoughtful gifts. It
didn't surprise me one bit to hear that my son sent her a Lego bouquet set,
but I admit, it did surprise me that she promptly set down to put it
together. She loves it!
Whether you are able to be with your mom on Mother's Day to build the
bouquet together or give her the finished bouquet, she is sure to love
it!
This Lego set comes with everything you need, except a vase. This set is recommended by Lego for ages 18+ and is designed for adults. I would personally rate this set at 10+. I have no doubt younger creators can master it as well, especially if they have built Legos in the past.
There are Lego roses in the set that are built in all 3 stages of a flower from bud, blooming to full bloom. Together, they make a realistic and lovely bouquet of a dozen roses interlaced with Lego baby's breath.
Experienced Lego builders will have this set finished in about 2 or 3 hours.
822 pieces
This bouquet of roses would be the perfect gift for Mother's Day, Valentines Day, a birthday or just to say I love you!
If you prefer a mixed bouquet or a single stem, there is a Lego set for you too!
Lego Flowers & Lego Bouquet Sets Reviewed
Lego flowers & bouquets offer Lego lovers a great gift to give someone they love. Lego flowers never die & will always be a decorative reminder of you!
More Lego Sets & Shelves Reviewed
Lego The Office Set #21336 Reviewed
If you love the tv series, The Office, you will definitely love The Office Lego Set. Lots of The Office specific fun pieces included, plus minifigures
Lego Carousel Creator Expert Set #10257 Reviewed
The Lego Carousel Creator Expert Set #10257 is a fabulous & beautiful
design. Somewhat challenging to build but worth it. Animal rides &
carousel move
LEGO Creator Winter Toy Shop Reviewed
The Lego Creator Winter Toy Shop is fun to build AND fun decor, even as a
centerpiece, during the holidays. Toy shop in the winter scene is fabulous!
Scooby-Doo Mystery Mansion Lego Kit Reviewed
Lego & Scooby Doo fans will love this awesome Lego set. The Scooby-Doo
Mystery Mansion is the perfect treat for Halloween or anytime for kids &
adults.
Disney Winnie the Pooh #21326 Lego Set Reviewed
Those who love Winnie-the-Pooh & Legos are thrilled with the Winnie Lego
set! It includes Pooh, Piglet, Tigger, Eeyore, Rabbit & Poohs treehouse
home.
Lego Gingerbread House Set #10267 Reviewed
The Lego Gingerbread House is the perfect set for Christmas time! Many of us
enjoy decorating gingerbread houses for Christmas, but ...
Spider-Man Far From Home Lego Set #76130 Reviewed
The Spiderman Far From Home Lego set has lots of awesome features including an
opening hatch in the jet for Spidermans quick exit. Specs & review here.
Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”
Anyone who loves Barbie and board games might find themselves wondering, as I did, what Barbie-themed board games are available. A simple search revealed the short list of Barbie-themed games that I review here on this page. However, the more I looked the more games I found and so you will also find on this page a longer list of games at the bottom of this page. This list may help you if you are seeking a particular game from a specific time period. Most of the games on this page (including on the list) are vintage but there are a couple of new games that were released along with the hit Barbie movie in 2023.
THE BARBIE GAME QUEEN OF THE PROM (1961 and 1994)
First up is the game with a blue cover shown above called simply, The Barbie Game. It was released by Mattel in 1960 and could well be the first game ever made. Beware that there are two versions of Queen of the Prom as it was re-released in 1994. Both are vintage games but have a decidedly different appearance.
The description of the game on the box of the newer version reads, “You are Barbie. Win if you are the first crowned Queen of the Prom. To win you must have a steady boyfriend, a prom dress and be elected president of a school club. Midge, Skipper and Ken share the fun.”
What fun it is to see the original game in this 1960s television commercial:
TAKE A PERSONAL APPEARANCE TOUR WITH BARBIE GAME (1980)
This vintage 1980 game was released by Whitman. The description on the back of the box reads, “Travel with Barbie by car and plane on her tour and visit movie studios, grand openings, charity telethons and more. If you are first to appear three times and then reach the awards presentation, you win.” It evokes all of the excitement of a glamorous life in the 1980s.
DREAM DATE (1992)
The Barbie Dream Date game was released by Golden in 1992. In this game, “…girls play the Dream Date Game with Barbie and Ken! Ken picks out beautiful gifts for Barbie and might take her horseback riding, snow skiing or maybe even to a ball! Players collect gifts for Barbie, moving around the board and taking photos of their dates. At midnight, the individual with the most gift and date cards wins!” The cover definitely reminds me of the 1990s.
BARBIE DRESS UP GAME (1993)
Another Golden release, this game was created in 1993. In this one you “play with a Barbie doll trying to be the first player to collect all of Barbie’s fashion accessories without getting a broken heart.” This game would be especially fun for anyone who loves fashion.
MONOPOLY BOUTIQUE AND MONOPOLY MOVIE (2007 AND 2003)
Monopoly has released hundreds or more likely thousands of board games on every theme you can possibly think of. Monopolyland says estimates range between 300 and 7,000 games and that the largest known collection of Monopoly games claims to have 3,500 games. Anyway, when I looked, I could find two Barbie versions.
The first version was the Barbie Boutique Edition from 2007, which was packed in a pretty pink box. Finding a description of it proved difficult though pictures show that it was beautifully presented in a jewelry-style box.
The second version was official movie merchandise that was released in tandem with the movie Barbie. It is widely available and the box reads, “You can be anything with Barbie…Follow your dreams around the board. Buy famous streets, build DreamHouses and draw Dream Closet and Dream Career cards for extra twists. Flex your unique skills, dream a bit, own it all and be anything!” I expect a lot of people received this version of the game for Christmas in 2023. If you are interested, you can find Barbie Monopoly on Amazon by clicking here.
A LIST OF BARBIE BOARD GAMES
As I was reading about the games mentioned above, I kept discovering more new, used and vintage Barbie-themed games. I guess that is not really surprising given the length of time that Barbie has been around. The gaps in years tells me that this list is not likely complete but here’s my list, not definitive, but definitely long, arranged in chronological order:
Queen of the Prom Game (1960)
Keys to Fame Game (1963)
Skipper: Barbie's Little Sister (1964)
The Barbie World of Fashion game (1967)
Miss Lively Livin’ (1970)
Take a Personal Appearance Tour with Barbie. (1980)
Charms the World (1985)
Barbie Meets Ken in the Game of Their Dreams! (1987)
Just Us Girls (1989)
Shopping Spree Card Game (1991)
We Girls Can Do Anything (1991)
Dream Date (1992)
Fun Fashions Memory Game (1992)
Butterfly Princess (1995)
Dress Up Game (1995)
Sparkle Kingdom Game (1996)
Go Shopping! (1999)
Enchanted 3-D Game (2001)
Barbie Says (2002)
UNO: Barbie (2002)
Barbie of Swan Lake (2003)
Rapunzel (2003)
The Nutcracker Playset Game (2003)
UNO: Barbie California Girl (2004)
The Princess and the Pauper Game (2004)
Guess the Look! (2004)
Barbie in the 12 Dancing Princesses (2006)
Barbie and the Magic of Pegasus (2005)
World of Models (2008)
Race to the Party Game (2010)
Shopping Day (2011)
Charmed Travels (2011)
Fashion City (2011)
Gems! (2012)
Bring The Bling Game (2012)
Shop with Barbie (2013)
UNO: Barbie The Movie (2023)
Monopoly: Barbie Movie (2023)
WHERE TO BUY VINTAGE BARBIE GAMES?
If you are searching for any of these games, new, used or vintage, I suggest following this link to eBay's collection of new, used and vintage Barbie board games. There you will find many of these games in assorted condition. New games that are out of production will likely cost more. However, if you shop carefully, you can likely find a used game that is in good condition.
Have I missed a Barbie game that you used to play?
See you
At the toy store!
Brenda
Treasures By Brenda
Discover the movie fashioned after Alfred Hitchcock's The Birds movie!
Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”
Barbie fans who enjoy building sets will enjoy constructing Barbie-themed Mega Bloks sets. They were released long before the 2023 Barbie movie on March 29, 2012. At that time, Mattel announced that it would work with Mega Bloks on the creation of a series of building toys themed around Barbie. Fans would now be able to build their own Barbie worlds.
Mega Bloks said, "We are thrilled to join forces with Mega Bloks to create the first Mega Bloks building sets based on Barbie" and I am sure they were. Who wouldn't want to work with Barbie, one of Mattel's most recognized brands?
Mega Bloks is also a very well-known manufacturer, known for a line of building toys that are thought to be "innovative, well-designed, affordable and high-quality products." As a team, these two companies created some wonderful building sets that are reviewed here on this page.
Watch this three-minute video to see how you can build, design and decorate with Mega Bloks Barbie sets.
WHAT AGE ARE THESE SETS APPROPRIATE FOR?
Mega Bloks says that the Barbie Sets are appropriate for children aged 4 years old and up. Small parts make them inappropriate for younger children but there is no limit to how old you can be to play with them. Adult fans will have fun building, designing and decorating with Barbie Mega Bloks, too! Some more recent sets have an older recommended age of 10 and are even designed for adult collectors.
BUILD 'N STYLE LUXURY MANSION, SET 80229
Your builder will love this fantastic house, a mansion with eight different rooms that can be organized as she likes. There's no doubt that this set will make a little girl's eyes light up. It includes two of the Mega Blocks Barbie dolls or micro-dolls as they are called, Fab Girl Barbie and Teresa.
BUILD N'STYLE BEACH HOUSE, SET 80226
Yes, Barbie also has her very own beach house. This set includes two micro-dolls, Beach Fun Barbie and Beach Fun Nikki and the that is comprised of two rooms and a patio that can be arranged however the builder likes.
BUILD 'N STYLE POOL PARTY, SET 80228
The Build 'n Style Pool Party is cool or at least Barbie and Ken will be when they take plunge! It comes with two micro-dolls called Pool Party Barbie and Pool Party Ken and a multi-level pool that actually holds water. The pool area is built and decorated by the builder using the umbrellas, trees, flowers and other accessories that are provided.
BUILD 'N STYLE CONVERTIBLE CAR, SET 80223
Where would a beach-themed Barbie set be without a car? The Build 'N Style Convertible Car allows Barbie to get around with the top down! We love it. Although it is nothing like the Barbie convertible from the 1970s, it still seems very like Barbie to me. The pink car features wheels that turn, a working trunk and a doll called Go Barbie.
ORIGINAL MEGA BLOKS BARBIE SETS
A few more of the very early releases:
The Pet Shop The Fashion Boutique The Fashion Stand The Ice Cream Cart Party Time Movie Star Puppy Pals
2023 MEGA BLOKS BARBIE SETS
The sets discussed above were the original releases but Mega Bloks has released more Barbie sets since 2012. The most exciting set released in 2023 must surely be the Barbie DreamHouse, which is shown above. It is a replica of Barbie's home in the hit movie of the same name and is intended for adult collectors and rated for players aged 10 and up. With 1795 pieces, it comes with micro-dolls representing Margot Robbie's Barbie and Ryan Gosling's Ken.
The earliest sets discussed here on this page were sold under the name Mega Bloks, and have been discontinued. If you are looking for a specific one of them you may have to turn to eBay. Click here to see what Mega Barbie sets are available on eBay today.
The more recent sets are sold under the shortened name, Mega.
Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”
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