The Sing Along Stage - Stimulate Your Child's Senses

Fisher Price have long been one buy toys the finest makers of educational toys Adventure Comics over the last number of years they have developed some great toys for kids of all ages. This includes toys for pre-school, toddlers and infants.

With such a wide range of toys it can be really difficult to find just the right toy for your kids but like with most kids if you can get them something musical you are always on a winner.

Fisher Provide make lots of different musical related toys, a lot of which are a little more interactive than others and one of these, Little Superstar Sing Along Stage, is one of their latest interactive toy successes.

Toy manufacturers have long claimed that interactive toys can help with your child's development and whether that means it will help develop their intelligence remains to be seen. In fact Fisher Price make the following claims on their website for the Sing Along Stage:

Encourages Developing Motor Skills

Exciting rewards motivate baby to move & dance to the music.
Fosters Bakugan coordination as baby taps instruments, grasps & shakes microphone.

Stimulates Senses

Dancing spotlights, bright colors & friendly audience offer visual stimulation.
A variety of songs & sounds stimulate auditory skills.
Fosters problem-solving skills as baby figures out how to activate instruments & songs.
Helps baby learn to distinguish among instruments.

Something like the Sing Along Stage is suitable for kids from the age of 6 months and is a great way to introduce your kids to the world of singing and music. Although there is no guarantee that he/she will go onto sell millions of records!

One of the main features of the Sing Along Stage is the large mirror, around which are most of the additional music related extras. For example there are several 'instrument' buttons which when pushed will make the sound of either a guitar, trumpet, keyboard and drum.

There is also a microphone, which also acts as a rattle, and when shaken will activate additional songs and sounds from the stage. And along with flashing lights, cheers and claps, it makes a fantastic display, which your kids will absolutely adore.

And if your kids are slightly older then they can sing along to one of the 5 pre-programmed songs. This is one of the beauties of this toy in that it is designed to 'grow' with your child. The younger kids will love to sit down in front of the mirror and listen to all the sounds and look at themselves in the mirror and when older they can then sit down with you and sing along to the songs.

The Sing Along Stage requires a little assembly. It needs to have the legs screwed on and a it also requires 3 AA batteries.

Overall this is a great little toy, which will last for years with your kids as they can grow up with it and learn and interact with the music and sounds along the way. And of course when your kid is not in the room you too can have a go, it can be addictive!

Paul Hockney spends lots of his spare time testing 1958 Topps baseball cards toys like the Fisher Price Sing Along Stage. Save yourself time and money by finding out his suggestions for the lowest online prices for Fisher Price toys.

Are Gift Cards the Best Gift?

Januarys retail sales strength is reflected in people redeeming their Christmas gift cards. The average adult received 3.2 gift cards this holiday season, up from 2.5 gift cards last year. Gift cards are more popular and this also moves spending into January. Consumers are also interested in receiving gift cards at other times that just at Christmas.

A survey by Deloitte & Touche USA found:

• 80% of adults received at least one gift Donkey Kong to basketball cards apparel 1969 Topps baseball cards food store
• 33% received at least one gift card to 1962 Topps baseball cards restaurant
• 14% received one gift card to a mall or shopping center
• 10% received a gift card that could be used at a variety of stores (e.g., an American Express gift card)
• 5% received at least one for a personal service such as a manicure or massage
• 5% received at least one gift card for an Internet site (e.g., ebay, Amazon)

Price ranges for gift cards ranged from $78 for an American Express card, while the lowest was for a $32 restaurant card. Bank gift cards are more likely to be used in January. Nearly 74% of these gift cards have been redeemed or partially redeemed by the end of January.

People were more likely to buy full price retail items with their gift cards. Many analysts believe the gift aspect allows consumers to treat themselves to new full-priced merchandise.

Retailers also benefit when consumers redeem a gift card, nearly 62% spend more than the face value of the card. This is an opportunity for retailers to increase sales, as sales cannot be reported until the gift card is redeemed.

Consumers also expressed an interest in receiving gift cards for other holidays. For example, a gift card for an experience is widely received as a result of people being time-pressed. Getting a gift card for a trip to a restaurant or massage or even a weekend getaway seems to be a trend people are enjoying.

Teens enjoy gift cards because they are more eager to shop with their friends and are more apt to redeem their cards quicker than adults. The survey showed teens redeemed 76% of their gift cards vs. 61% of adults.

Gift cards keep on giving, after the holidays, especially for retailers. Gift cards are here to stay. Consumers enjoy using them and retailers enjoy getting them. Gift cards are an appropriate gift for all occasions.

Stuart Simpson is the author and runs a web site to promote and gather information about gift cards at http://www.best-gift-card.com/articles/index.html