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Artsy Kids Will Adore These Awesome Arts & Crafts Kits
2024-12-09
Good Housekeeping Best Toy Award Winner Crayola Paint Pendulum Kit is a fun way for kids to create paintings in a new way. Load it with different colors and let it swing. Testers found it easy to use once assembled. Ages 7+.

Unlock Creativity with These Award-Winning Toys

Crayola Paint Pendulum Kit

Kids can experiment with color-mixing and see how the force and angle of the swing affect the final artworks. It's a unique way to engage their creativity and imagination. This kit offers a new perspective on painting and allows kids to create something truly special.Kids just getting started on their artistic journeys will love these chunky crayons. Their egg-like shapes are easier for toddlers to grasp. The set comes with 12 different colors, and each one is equivalent to 14 regular crayons, so they'll last a long time. Ages 1+.

SCRIB3D 3D Printing Pen

It takes some time to get the hang of this 3D pen, but once mastered, young artists can experience 3D printing. They can control the speed of the filament, which is good as it can run out quickly. It comes with a QR code for more instructions and three colors of filament that charges via USB. No age recommendation given.Testers were immediately drawn to the Lakeshore Learning Trace & Draw Projector. Kids can pop in a slide and choose an image to project onto paper and then trace and color it. The set comes with 80 images on six slides that can be stored in the projector. It requires three C batteries (not included). Ages 5+.

Crayola Washable Palm-Grasp Crayons

These crayons are perfect for kids starting their artistic journeys. Their unique egg-like shapes make them easy for toddlers to hold. With 12 different colors, they'll provide plenty of creative options. Ages 1+.Tweens and teens can have fun designing their own stickers with the Phomemo Sticker Printer. They can print on thermal paper and decorate laptops, phones, lockers, and more. No age recommendation given.

Ooly Chunkies Paint Sticks

For kids in need of a refresh of their art supplies, these tempera paint sticks are ideal. They offer a paint-like effect without brushes or water. The set comes with 12 different hues, and a sketch pad can be added for more creativity. No age recommendation given.With the Crayola Light-Up Tracing Pad, kids can layer images and create new scenes. A light-up clipboard makes tracing easier, and it comes with colored pencils. However, it only has 10 sheets of tracing paper, so more may be needed. It comes in two themes and requires three AA batteries (sold separately). Ages 6+.

Make It Real Mini Pottery Studio

In our tests, kids loved using the pottery wheel and included tools to make mini creations like a tiny trinket dish or flower pot. It uses air-dry clay and a domed wheel with templates. The wheel charges with USB, and there are 10 projects to get them started. Ages 8+.For those always crafting, the Kid Made Modern Over the Rainbow Craft Kit offers more than 300 pieces in different colors. It includes pom poms, fuzzy sticks, and more to inspire creativity. Ages 6+.

ALEX Toys Paper Bag Puppets

Preschoolers can easily make five different paper-bag animals with this kit. It's made with stickers and other paper shapes that can be glued onto the bags. Afterward, they can use the puppets for imaginative play. Ages 3+.This set by STMT allows kids to customize their own art journal with stickers and other supplies. It comes with watercolor and paint tubes, a watercolor pad, and a spiral-bound journal. Ages 8+.

Posca Paint Marker Set

Older kids can personalize almost anything with these best-selling paint pens. Amazon users love the quality of the colors and how they work on various surfaces and dry quickly. No age recommendation given.After Taylor Swift's Eras tour, the Just My Style Alphabet Beads Bracelet Making Studio is popular. It has more than 2,000 beads for expressing personal styles. Ages 6+.Kid testers were captivated by the Skillmatics Foil Fun. It comes with foam stickers and shiny foil, and kids can rub the foil onto the stickers for a color transfer. It has 10 backgrounds and various themes. Ages 4+.The Fashion Plates Superstar is a fun option for both kids and adults. They can mix and match the plates, rub a crayon over them, and color the images. It's compact and great for on-the-go. Ages 6+.Marisa (she/her) has covered parenting topics for Good Housekeeping since 2018. She lives in Brooklyn with her husband and daughter and enjoys local bar trivia.Watch NextAdvertisement – Continue Reading BelowAdvertisement – Continue Reading BelowAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below
Spotify Officially Discontinues Car Thing Streaming Devices
2024-12-09
Spotify, a leading name in the music streaming industry, has made a significant move by officially discontinuing its Car Thing, the in-car streaming device. This decision has left many users puzzled and seeking answers. TechCrunch was the first to receive confirmation from the company on this matter.

Unraveling Spotify's Car Thing Discontinuation

Background and Launch

In February 2022, Spotify introduced the Car Thing with the aim of enhancing music control in cars that lacked built-in infotainment systems. It was seen as a promising device that would bring the convenience of Spotify's vast music library to the car. However, within a year, the company decided to discontinue it.This decision was mainly due to low demand and supply chain issues. Despite its initial promise, the market response was not as strong as expected, leading Spotify to take this difficult step.

User Reactions and Refund Process

When Spotify announced the shutdown, it faced a significant backlash from users. Many felt that they should be refunded for the $90 price tag they had paid for the device. In response, the company has provided a window of opportunity for customers.Customers now have a little more than a month to contact customer service and provide proof of purchase in order to receive a refund. This has been a crucial aspect for those who were disappointed with the discontinuation and wanted some form of compensation.

Aftermath and Recommendations

After the discontinuation, users with the device are advised to reset the factory settings and dispose of it according to their local electronic waste guidelines. This ensures that the device is disposed of properly and does not pose any environmental hazards.It is also a reminder of the importance of carefully considering technological purchases and their lifespan. In this case, the Car Thing did not meet the expectations set by both Spotify and its users.Overall, Spotify's decision to discontinue the Car Thing has had a significant impact on its users. It serves as a lesson for both companies and consumers in the ever-evolving world of technology.
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Top Holiday Gifts for Kids: Picking the Right Video Games
2024-12-09
During the holiday season, it's a common sight to see children's wishes centered around video games. A recent survey reveals that an astonishing 76% of U.S. children have their hearts set on something video game-related. In this article, we'll guide you through the process of choosing the perfect gift for your kids.

Unlock the Perfect Holiday Gift for Your Kids with Our Tips

Section 1: Understanding Your Kids' Gaming Preferences

1: Before diving into the world of video game gifts, it's crucial to understand your kids' gaming preferences. Some may be into action-packed adventures, while others might prefer strategy games. By observing their playtime and asking them about their favorite games, you can get a better sense of what they truly enjoy. 2: For instance, if your child spends hours immersed in a particular role-playing game, they might appreciate a similar-themed gift. Maybe a new set of character figurines or a collector's edition of the game. Understanding their preferences allows you to select a gift that will truly make their holiday.

Section 2: Budget Considerations

1: When choosing a video game gift, it's important to consider your budget. There are a wide range of options available, from inexpensive mobile games to high-end console titles. Determine how much you are willing to spend and look for gifts that fit within that range. 2: For example, if you have a limited budget, there are many great indie games that offer excellent gameplay at a fraction of the cost of major releases. These games often have unique and creative concepts that can provide just as much enjoyment as more expensive titles. On the other hand, if you're willing to splurge, a high-end console with a selection of popular games can be a dream come true for your child.

Section 3: Educational Value in Video Games

1: Video games aren't just about entertainment; they can also have educational value. Many games now incorporate learning elements such as math, science, and language skills. Look for games that not only provide fun but also help your child develop important skills. 2: For instance, there are educational games that teach coding through fun and interactive gameplay. These games not only introduce children to the basics of programming but also foster creativity and problem-solving skills. By choosing a game with educational value, you can give your child a gift that will benefit them in the long run.
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