My mommy friends and I are always looking for reasons to get together with the kiddos. We really are just in need of some “girl talk” time but it gives the kids a chance to be silly together and interact with other kids. Since it had been a while since our last mommy group get together, I decided to take charge and host a Playskool Let’s Imagine Elmo party.
“I wrote this review while participating in a campaign for Mom Central Consulting on behalf of Playskool. I received product samples to facilitate my party and review, and a promotional item to thank me for participating.”
My daughter and I hosted a Let’s Imagine Elmo party with a total of seven kids. The kids got to play with the brand new Let’s Imagine Elmo doll and other fun Playskool toys while the moms chatted about “mommy things.”. Our little ones wore paper hats to match the Let’s Imagine Elmo with the favorite being the Prince/Princess hat for the girls and the Cowboy hats for the boys. One of my goals for the party was to ask kids the popular question of “when I grow up I imagine I’ll be…” and it just never happened. The kids were too wild and crazy playing with their Playskool toys and I got caught up in mommy talk. I ended up asking my daughter after the party what she imagines she’ll be and she looked at me like I was crazy. I guess that’s a tough question for a three-year old? 
What’s great about the new Elmo doll is that he completely keeps the kids occupied without requiring much help from mom. He’s perfect for little hands and specifically designed to enhance developmental skills though play, as with all of the 2014 Playskool collection of toys.
The 13-inch Elmo pal comes with three different hats that unlock different imaginary themes and play modes like Prince, Cowboy and Sea Captain. My daughter’s favorite is the Sea Captain mode and the “Sounds of Sea” game. The cowboy hat puts Elmo into the “Countin’ Cowboy” mode and the crown puts Elmo into the “Prince Elmo Says” mode. Based on the popular Elmo the Musical segment on Sesame Street, Let’s Imagine Elmo is ideal for children ages 2-4 and would make a great birthday or Christmas gift this year.
About the Let’s Imagine Elmo Doll
Bring the learning adventures from the Elmo the Musical segment on Sesame Street off the screen and into the family room with the interactive LET’S IMAGINE ELMO plush! This cute 13-inch Elmo pal comes with three different hats that unlock different imaginary themes and play modes. Place the crown on Elmo’s head to play a game of “Prince Elmo Says,” pop on the cowboy hat to learn about numbers in the “Countin’ Cowboy” game, or put on the sea captain hat for a fun “Sounds of the Sea” game. Kids can also tickle his belly, squeeze his nose, or bounce him for a fun reaction. Requires four AA batteries, demo batteries included.
(Ages 2 – 4 years/Approx. Retail Price: $39.99/Available: Fall 14)
During our Playskool Lets Imagine party, we also featured the new Stack ‘n Spin Monkey Gears toy. This toy is geared towards little ones ages nine months and up but even the three+ year-olds loved it. The Monkey Gears toy encourages fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination and cause and effect. Little ones enjoy changing the location of the gears and watching them work together in one spinning motion. This toy is not overstimulating and won’t drive parents nuts with loud sounds. The Monkey Gears tunes are engaging and fun for little ones. This one is definitely holiday wish list worthy this year.
About the Playskool Stack ‘n Spin Monkey Gears Toy
Gear up for some silly fun! With the STACK ‘N SPIN MONKEY GEARS toy, little ones can build up the fun by placing colorful gears all around their monkey friend’s belly, hands, and feet. Once all the gears are set, press the central gear to make them turn, hear silly monkey music, and watch little lights twinkle! Kids’ sorting and stacking skills will be rewarded with this delightful visual experience! Requires three AA batteries. Demo batteries included.
(Ages 9 months & up/Approx. Retail Price: $19.99/Available: Fall 14)
Another Playskool toy to hit the shelves this Fall is the Transformers Mixable, Mashable Heroes Optimus Prime and Grimlock toy. The Mr. Potato head brand combines mini spuds with Mix & Mash play in a two-inch scale featuring the oh-so popular Transformers characters. This toy was the least favorite during our Playskool Let’s Imagine party, most likely because it required more time and attention than the other two toys. This toy doesn’t make noise and has lots of little mix and match parts and is recommended for kids ages two and up.
About Transformers Mixable, Mashable Heroes Optimus Prime and Grimlock Toy
Optimus Prime spud partners up with Grimlock spud to battle the Decepticons! Squeeze the Grimlock figure’s eyes and watch as his jaw chomps and launches a projectile! Includes one two-inch potato body and three pieces to construct Optimus Prime spud and one four-inch potato body with parts and pieces to construct Grimlock spud.
(Ages 2 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $14.99/Available: Now)
If you’re looking for great holiday or birthday gift ideas this Fall, check out the new line of Playskool toys in stores now. What we love most about the Playskool brand is that their toys last for years, provide hours of playtime and won’t break the bank.
