Holiday Gift Guide 2009: Discovery Kids Scanopedia Electronic Talking Animal Encyclopedia by JAKKS Pacific

My son and I spend a good part of our day reading…it’s part of how I’m teaching him about shapes, colors, numbers, letters, and animals. But there is only so much reading that can be done. After all, he’s two and needs just as much time playing as he does reading. I spend many of my days at home (I know it doesn’t seem that way) and I have to get creative with our activities. Along with reading and coloring, we also play with toys.

I actually find shopping for toys to be a little difficult, given the sheer number of them available. Even when I narrow it down by age and gender, I’m still left with way too many choices. So I’m left looking for other characteristics such as safety, price, and overall lasting value. JAKKS Pacific designs, develops and produces toys for children. You are probably familiar with brands such as Discovery Kids and Girl Gourmet. Stay tuned as I will have another post with some awesome fun and educational toys offered by JAKKS Pacific.

If you’re looking to teach your child about science and animals, Discovery Kids toys make the perfect gift. The Scanopedia Electronic Talking Encyclopedia is an interactive way to get children excited about animals while teaching them fun facts. I’ve never seen a toy like this, so I was highly impressed with the way it works. Who would have thought that any toy with the word “encyclopedia” in it, would be fun? But my son really enjoys it.

The electronic scanner can be used on the Smart Animals (which are sold separately) to hear special effects and learn unique facts about that particular animal. You can use the Scanopedia by itself to reveal information about animals and maps through activities and games, and with the included interactive poster (which is HUGE by the way). The Scanopedia is truly an encyclopedia with over 2,500 sound effects, facts and quizzes and more than 200 animals to learn about.

The Scanopedia and Smart Animals can be used with children for years as they grow and develop. Right now my son particularly enjoys talking and playing with his Smart Animals. He also really likes when we scan the map together and hear interesting animal sounds. As he gets older, he’ll enjoy the games and quizzes.

The Scanopedia Electronic Talking Animal Encyclopedia retails for $29.99 and Smart Animals retail for $4.99-$12.99. Both are available at retailers such as Toys R Us and Walmart.

For more fabulous Holiday Gift Ideas, visit The Mommy-Files

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Caryn Bailey

Caryn is a NICU nurse by day, blogger by night and mom 24/7. She savors the warm Southern California sun and loves to travel, shopping, baking, reading and frequenting her local tea room. Caryn created the column Lavishly Green for Peekaboo Picks Magazine to share her best tips for going green in style, she is the Former editor for Family Review Network, former OC Family Magazine online contributor, former Orange County Moms Blog contributor, former Evenflo Savvy Parent contributor, former member of the Totsy Advisory Board and former freelance writer for CBS Los Angeles.