I am always on the lookout for places to purchase toys that will enhance learning and creativity rather than just sit there. I am not one for video games all day, and would much rather my children play with things that will help them to learn about the world around them. That’s why I don’t have baby-proof locks on my kitchen cabinets where pots, pans and plastic cups are. I don’t mind if my almost 1-year old pulls these things out and bangs them around. It usually ends up with her older sisters, ages 5 and 6, banging along with her or pulling out my baking dishes and pretending to make cookies or cupcakes or soup. And as cool as he would like to seem, my 11-year old son will play along with them.
When I came across ebeanstalk.com, the first thing that caught my attention was the Tin Can Robot set featured on the home page as a toy geared towards 12 years and older. My first reaction was “That looks so cool! My son would love that!” As my eyes skimmed across the page, I noticed the side bar where there are Toys by Age. What impressed me the most was the fact that it was broken out by age per year (i.e. 4 years old, 7 years old, etc.) instead of general age ranges, which I find on many other sites. I have been looking for an age-appropriate toy for my soon to be one year old, and after browsing other sites looking for age-appropriate toys, I was frustrated with what I had found. Most other sites use the search criteria of Birth to 24 months. This is a broad age range which doesn’t help me when looking for a toy for my 1 year old. However, ebeanstalk.com does have it broken down by age category and then target age which is the age when most children will be ready for that toy.
Another thing that I like about ebeanstalk.com was the fact that each of these learning toys and books have been selected by Child Development experts. They have tested and reviewed the products to ensure the age-appropriateness and how it will help a child to learn through play. One thing I would like to see, however, would be customer reviews as well. I know when I go to buy toys, I like to read what other customers have thought of a specific item before I make the decision to buy.
Overall, I would rate ebeanstalk.com as a 4.5 out of 5. It is comprehensive, easy to use and there is a broad range of learning toys for all ages. I would like to see a place where customers can rate and review products as well, rather than just liking it via Facebook. I am off to search some more…lots of fun-looking things and a birthday party I have to buy for!
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