Friday Fun Feature: 3D Drawing

 

From npw, comes a really cool way to sketch and draw with these 3-D Drawing Pads!

Just draw, sketch, or jot down some notes on the pad and then put on the 3-D glasses. It's so awesome, we love it!

Here's the science behind 3-D Imaging, also known as Stereoscopy:

The lenses filter out all the red & green or red & blue colors (depending on the glasses) from the image, which means you can't see the entire pattern. The black ink that is used to draw the image can still be seen very clearly and appears to be in the foreground. It looks like it's floating in front of everything, giving the image that 3-Dimensional effect we all know.

Friday Fun Feature: Perplexus Twist

The Perplexus Twist is the latest challenge from the creators of Perplexus.

Just like the original Perplexus, the Perplexus Twist challenges kids (and adults) to maneuver a marble through a spherical, multi-layered maze. But the "Twist" is that the kids have the ability to change the actual path of the maze!

Let's say you've reached a cliff or a deadend, just twist the outer knobs and change the path. It's like a moving M.C. Escher drawing!

And, like all the games in the Perplexus family, the Twist is an exercise in hand-eye coordination, dexterity and visual perception for kids.

We welcome the new challenge!

What We Love: Plus-Plus

When we saw Plus-Plus from Geared for Imagination at the 2012 New York Gift Fair, our hearts were all a-flutter. We are always excited to find a new twist on a building toy, and Plus-Plus is just that.

Here's what we love about Plus-Plus:

1. We love its shape. The Danish company's motto is "Simplistic Shape. Endless Possibility!" and that's exactly what we get. We can connect the pieces on all four sides. We can build vertically or horizontally. We can build out and make amazing 3-Dimensional structures.

2. We love its colors. There are two color sets, basic and neon, but don't think you can't mix and match. In fact, don't feel limited by the colors at all. Who says you can't make a car that's purple and orange with neon green headlights?

3. We love its math concepts. Yes, we just used the words "love" and "math" in one sentence, but trust us, you'll love this too. You can introduce pattern making into those designs or just watch as your kids figure out how to connect the pieces to get the angles or structures they want. It's all part of problem solving, but we won't tell them it's math if you don't.

Moments in Childhood: Sleepy Princess

Photo Credit:  Rhodes Family

We only get one shot at childhood. As parents, we hope to be mindful of the many beautiful moments we find along the way. Every Monday, we will honor one of these moments in our series, Moments in Childhood. If you have a Moment in Childhood you would like to share, please email us at blog@amusetoys.com!

Moments in Childhood is sponsored by theWAIREHOUSE

Travel with Trunki: Thanksgiving Promotion

If you're traveling for Thanksgiving this year, consider traveling with Trunki. Trunki from Melissa & Doug is a riding toy, suitcase and transport for kids all in one! And right now, Trunki and Trunki accessories are 20% off!*

Made from durable BPA & PVC free plastic, Trunki's shell protects all your little one's important toys and games. Don't worry, there's plenty of room for clothing too!

Features include a tow strap, carry handles, secure catches with locks, integrated wheels and stabilizers that prevent toppling over. Trunki weighs just under 4 lbs and holds up to 100 lbs, making it the perfect companion for any little traveler.

Trunki provides children with an entertaining and safe outlet to let out any bottled up energy from waiting in line at the security checkpoint or sitting in the car. It is carry-on luggage approved and fits in overhead compartments as well as under the seat.

So, visit the store and take one for a test drive. We bet your little traveler will have a smile on his face in no time.

*Offer good while supplies last.