Jake and the Never Land Pirates is an animated preschool child’s television series that was produced by Disney Junior and aired between the years of 2011 and 2016. The storyline took inspiration from Walt Disney and J.M. Barrie’s Peter Pan story. It tells tales of the three main pirate characters - Jake, Izzy, Cubby - and of a parrot named Skully who together search for treasure and find themselves competing with Captain Hook, Mr. Smee, Sharky and Bones.
SERIES TRAILER
Here’s a peek at the show:
SHOW SUCCESS
The show was successful with the little boy audience it was aimed at and Common Sense Media says, “The program is full of good social messages about solving problems, being a good friend and appreciating individuality. It also includes basic academic skills like counting and sorting and involves kids with music and humor.”
SHOW TOYS
There was a high demand for toys for the series and in 2013, Play-Doh issued the play set shown here for fans of the show aged 3 and up. It is perfect for pirate-themed creative play whether it is inspired from the program Jake and the Never Land Pirates or from your child’s imagination.
SET CONTENTS
The set comes complete with two stamps, a press in the form of a canon, a treasure chest shaper, a crocodile cutter and three containers of Play-Doh. Please be aware that retired sets have old Play-Doh in them and you may have to replace the modelling compound, which is easily and affordably done at your local toy store.
WHERE TO FIND YOUR SET
There was also another set for this series, a Toys R Us exclusive, called Pirate Ship. However, both of these sets have long been discontinued, which makes them somewhat hard to find. I recommend searching for Play-Doh's Jake and the Never Land sets here on eBay.
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.”
When my daughter was younger we had quite a selection of Baby Einstein videos and I would play her one a day, they were amazing. Now that said daughter has a baby of her own we introduced him to Baby Einstein via YouTube and he loves it.
I decided to get him a couple of toys featured in the video he likes, but then I saw the Baby Einstein Take Along Tunes and it has become one of his favourites (tying with the Baby Einstein star).
When he has tummy time he loves looking at it as it's playing music and as he's about to teeth he really likes pushing the rings into his mouth and biting down on them. When we take him in the car it is a really handy toy to have as it's easy for him to hold and as he brings it up to his face he (accidently) turns the music on himself.
For reference, my grandson was 5 months old when we introduced this toy, and he has been playing with it for a few weeks. I see it says from 3 months, but I'm not sure that he would've enjoyed it so much at 3 months, maybe from 4.5 months.
There's a total of 10 different melodies that play with Baby Einstein Take Along Tunes and the toy lights up in time to the music when it plays which my grandson is mesmerised by. One of the things I love about the melodies that Baby Einstein uses is that they are based on classical music like Beethoven, Bach and Mozart along with traditional rhymes.
It requires 2 AA batteries and can also be turned off when baby's not playing with it. It also has two volume levels.
It's recommended that you wipe it clean with a damp cloth and mild soap, but we just use a disinfectant wipe after our grandson has left for the day.
This gets a big thumbs up from baby, Nanny & Grandad - I think mum and dad might invest in one for when he's at home as well.
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 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.”
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