Greetings from Amazon.com Delivers Toys for Ages 12 Years and Up Editor, Diane Beall FEATURED IN THIS E-MAIL: * Stuff We Love: Dreamcast Console, Extreme Bop It, Flags of the World Puzzle * Toys that Teach: Moon Walker II Science Kit, NogginNosh Game, Bible Trivia * Toys Under $20: 1:24 Scale 1948 Porsche, Natural Dyeing Kit, Mille Bornes Card Game * Halloween & Harvest-Time Picks: Selections that will make you smile--or make you scream! * Ten Tips for a Safe--and Fun--Halloween STUFF WE LOVE ************* Dreamcast Console (Ages 7 and older) by Sega of America http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00000K2R4/entertainmentsit Dreamcast--for those who haven't heard--is the sole gateway to the latest in three-dimensional, interactive mega-universes, superimposed onto technology heretofore unavailable. Dreamcast, as its manufacturer claims, is a "polygon-crunching monster with power to spare!" The means to control this power starts with the system's ultra-integrating console. A few of its features include 128-bit 3-D processing; a built-in 56 Kbps modem; 64-voice, CD-quality audio; 24 megabytes of memory; real-time sound positioning; multi-player action; Internet browse capability; and endless future possibilities. Phone, power, and A/V cables make it superbly useful as a browser/communicator, and a Zip drive and CD-ROM make it indispensably expansive. Oh, and you get a much-needed instruction manual that, once mastered, will transport you into Dreamcast's world of games with expert knowledge. Extreme Bop It (Ages 8 and older) by Hasbro http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00000IWFB/entertainmentsit From the Poconos to Singapore, our customers laud and praise Extreme Bop It, the game that you either love with all your heart or become bitterly addicted to. Says one Rhode Island parent whose daughter loaned her the toy: "She made the mistake of letting me try it. She didn't get it back all night." That's the typical story, folks--which is why Extreme Bop It is one of our best-selling toys. The extreme sport for electronic gamers, Extreme Bop It is based on the same concept as the original. Its arrogant voice chip relentlessly challenges you to pull, twist, and "bop" as much--and as fast--as you can. The toy's intentionally weird shape makes the thing even harder to defeat. The difference with Extreme Bop It, however, is that even more demands, functions, and sound effects are built into the game. It's perfect for staid, awkwardly quiet parties and gatherings that need a good, loud icebreaker. Flags of the World 1,000-Piece Jigsaw Puzzle (Ages 9 and older) by Educa http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00000ISRM/entertainmentsit The national flags of 192 sovereign countries of the world are the subject of this 1,000-piece jigsaw puzzle by Educa. From Somalia to Turkey to Suriname, the national symbols and colors of the world's countries are displayed with accuracy and respect. Pieces are detailed enough to pose a great challenge but still be rewarding. A guide comes with the puzzle to aid in identifying the countries represented by each flag. It's great for students of geography and political science--and for wall decoration afterward. It also employs deductive thinking, color recognition, and use of fine motor skills, so you're in for a commitment. The puzzle even comes with a guarantee to replace defective pieces. TOYS THAT TEACH *************** Moon Walker II Science Kit (Ages 12 and older) by Elenco Electronics, Inc. http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00000J3HU/entertainmentsit The word "ROBOTICS" on the box of the Moon Walker II Science Kit informs those who purchase it that it's not a toy, it's a tool. Featuring a semi-advanced lesson in electronics/robotics, this kit requires users to exercise good comprehension skills, hand usage, and imagination. While building and using the Moon Walker II, young engineers will learn simple mechanics principles and interesting concepts in electronics. As a reward, the completed robot will obey your every command. Plus, this kit requires only what comes in the box for construction--no welding, soldering, or nailing is required (manufacturer's word--to emphasize that the kit doesn't have those kinds of features). NogginNosh Game (Ages 12 and older) by Endgame Entertainment http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00000ISK9/entertainmentsit We now know that intelligence is not determined merely by standardized tests and IQ quizzes. It's a much more complex characteristic that is influenced by such factors as age, culture, society, and overall health. Endgame Entertainment--the makers of NogginNosh--took a cue from this more accurate view of "smarts" and created a game that spurs analytical thinking and creative expression, without putting these traits in a "box." What is required? An open mind, humor, common sense, and comprehension skills. NogginNosh includes 410 cards that hold 1,025 questions for players. The questions touch on categories and brainteasers that focus on enhancing vocabulary/terminology, current/world events, logical/deductive thinking, etc. It's good for lefties or righties (brains, that is). To create a bit of competitive heat, the game comes with a "minute" glass for timing answers. Pencils, scoring pads, and an art deco design box complete the package. Bible Trivia (Ages 7 and older) by Cadaco http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00000IVS4/entertainmentsit Obviously, this game's objective is to quiz players about Christian teachings and Bible facts. Even if you're not a Christian, you'll appreciate the vast repository of historical, cultural, and political information that the Bible Trivia game places at your command. Each player or team chooses a biblically influenced category ("Sheep & Shepherds," "Angels," etc.) and the game commences. Full of factoids and interesting nuggets of information--with over 1,800 trivia questions--Bible Trivia is the answer to a historically or theologically inclined child's prayers. It even says so on the box: "The Trivia Game That's Heaven to Play!" TOYS UNDER $20 ************** 1:24 Scale 1948 Porsche No. 1 Type 356 Roadster (Ages 8 and older) by Maisto http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00000ISHB/entertainmentsit When real car collectors think of a Porsche, the 1948 Type 356 Roadster surfaces as an archetype. It was the first Porsche, and by many accounts, the best. It was so perfect that its image has held up for over five decades. Just like the real thing, this 1:24 scale replica by Maisto features a dual-carb motor and signature styling. It's classic but simple, and deceptively sophisticated. Translation: an automotive masterpiece. This model also comes in silver and has open-shut doors and other moving parts. Natural Dyeing Kit (Ages 10 and older) by Harrisville Designs, Inc. http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00000IVAI/entertainmentsit Learn the use of natural dyes, how various colors are created, and how to extract color from nature with the Natural Dyeing Kit by Harrisville Designs. With 100 percent pure wool yarns and authentic, natural, concentrated dyes, you can create fabrics and designs with the wonderful colors found in flora, fauna, foliage, and fruit. Logwood, osage, madder root, and cochineal are examples of the naturally occurring color tints that can be used to create everything from bright scarlet to sunny yellow. Complete directions are included in the kit, but you'll also need a heating appliance (a stove or hot plate) and adult supervision for children. Mille Bornes Card Game (Ages 8 and older) by Winning Moves http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00000DMBG/entertainmentsit In the popular card game, Mille Bornes (French for '1,000 milestones' and pronounced "meel born"), you're in a treacherous 1,000-mile road race through rural France--with pit stops in Paris. A role-playing strategy game, Mille Bornes teaches French culture while whittling to perfection your ability to out-think opponents. During play, you are vulnerable to hazards such as flat tires, accidents, and empty gas tanks, but you can also inflict these on your opponents and thus add speed and mileage to your efforts to be the first to complete the race. With one bad play, however, all of your efforts can be blown like a flat tire. Mille Bornes demands mental rather than physical stamina. Good luck, drivers, and watch out for street signs and champagne bottles! HALLOWEEN & HARVEST-TIME PICKS ****************************** Are real vampires, werewolves, ghosts, goblins, zombies, and witches beyond your budget? In that case, try simpler scares--tried-and-true techniques that prove both effective and affordable. From realistic tarantulas and regurgitating toys to alien body parts and human skulls, this All Hallows Eve can be creepy, creative, and--best of all--cheap. Plus, check out Amazon.com's fabulous Halloween Boootique (link here). Toys for Ages 12 years & up TEN TIPS FOR A SAFE--AND FUN--HALLOWEEN *************************************** * Young children who go trick-or-treating should always do so with a parent or other adult present. * Children less than 16 years of age should always carry flash lights or some sort of security device when trick-or-treating without adult supervision. * Wear reflective gear or brightly colored costumes whenever possible. Having a cell phone in-hand doesn't hurt either. * Always travel with two or more friends, even if you're in the neighborhood. * Never speak to or take candy from strangers (if you're not knocking on their door, anyway). * As an alternative (for kids and grownups) to taking to the streets to trick-or-treat, have a party with a scary theme and lots of games. * At parties, perform magic tricks, give candy to party guests, and distribute spooky parting gifts so they'll walk away with a "treat." * Make sure masks and other face-covering costumes don't obstruct vision or breathing. * Never eat "treats" until *after* a trusting adult has inspected them. If you feel you have to break this rule, at least do so with treats that are secure in their original wrappings. * Return home at a reasonable hour that's been determined by a parent or guardian. Wear a watch. * Steer clear of friends--or fellow trick-or-treaters--that encourage cigarette, drug, or alcohol use. ****** You'll find more great toys and games for ages 12 years and up in Amazon.com's Toys store at Toys for Ages 12 years & up
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