Favorite childrens computer software - HELP!!!

[TwingleMum]

I don't have a pc in my house and I'm not very computer savy. I've been saving up to buy a computer for Christmas. I have 3 boys under 4 yrs old. I have no clue what computer programs to buy them. What are your suggestions?? Where can I find good prices and good reviews. Of course I'd be interested in any good Disney programs out there. The boys are typical boys- they like Thomas, firetrucks, Disney, construction, Rescue Heroes etc...If you know of any good animation programs for DH. And he is also interested in doing our photos and videos . Thanks for you kind help all you Santa's helpers.

 

[TwingleMum]

Bump...Please anyone??

 

[wvjules]

I like the JumpStart series. I think they have Jump Start for preschoolers too. DD started with the Kindergarten one.

 

[jrydberg]

Marshall's and TJ Maxx have good prices on some software geared towards kids (though their selection is limited and you never know what you'll find there). My parents often get my daughter some good educational games there at reasonable prices.

 

[disneygals]

I have girls, but boys would love these too...

Fisher price...Learning in Toyland, Candyland (2 different versions), Disney Kitchen



www.planetcdrom.com Pay shipping only

 

[piratesmate]

Putt-Putt series - Putt-Putt Joins the Circus, Goes to the Zoo, Goes to the Moon, etc. (Putt-Putt is a car so it appeals to boys, but DD really liked it too!)
Magic School Bus series
JumpStart series

There was also a series that included:
Millie's Math House
Sammy's Science House (I think)
and 2 or 3 others. Very good!

When you are ready for a typing tutor, Disney's Timon & Pumba one is really good!

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Our DS loves the Hasbro Tonka series. He also loves Backyard Baseball. Both of these have many titles from which to choose (e.g. Tonka Construction, Rescue, etc... and Backyard Football, Soccer, etc...).

DD loves anything Disney and has a bunch. She also likes the learning CDs, i.e. Kindergarten, Grade 1, etc...(think they're called Reader Rabbit).

DH swears the kids CDs mess up our computer so we're careful about what we choose to let them play. (Clifford crashed our computer once. ) We just bought a new notebook computer and are letting the kids have the old one just for their CDs.

If you get on the internet you can put kids websites on your Favorites list and they can go on them for free. Our kids (age 6, next month 7) like Nick.com, Disney Online, NOGGIN, New Rule School, HotWheels.com, PBSKids, CartoonNetwork, etc...

I really love the HP Image Zone software for our photos and home videos. We buy HP computers. Walmart and Walmart.com have good deals - they are the largest retailer of HP/Compaq in the US so can offer them at a discount. Couldn't find a better deal anywhere on the HP notebook we just got. (I find their customer service good, too). We got a really nice HP desktop with a 17" monitor and speakers two years ago at WM for under $500 - they also have layaway so you can be sure not to miss out on any good deals. Right now is a good time to look because they still had some back to school deals.

I do not recommend buying an E Machine - inlaw's has had nothing but problems and you can get a regular computer for the same price.

Good luck. I think it's a great Christmas gift for the kids, they'll have hours of enjoyment and so will you.

 

[kimwim8]

We had the Disney toddler & Disney preschool CD's. They have a CD with Mickey & a CD with Pooh. They were really good learning tools for colors, shapes, beginning recoginition skills, etc. Not sure if they have a kindergarten one. I may have to look into that for DD for Christmas.

 

[TwingleMum]

Thank you all so much. I'm overwhelmed at your kind sugestions. I'm printing this thread so I can take it to the stores with me. Thanks again((((hugs)))

 

[gr8tpanther]

My DD LOVES the Putt Putt games, they are about the only ones that get played avidly, we have the Jump Start and some other kids CDs, but Putt Putt wins every time!

 

[laurie31]

Another vote for the Jumpstart series (we started with Preschool - which both my dd's loved!) and are now up to 3rd grade! They also have Spanish and other specific subjects like reading and math.

My girls also like the Putt-Putt ones, and Pajama Sam. These both teach critical thinking and are fun to play over and over. Once the kids have figured out how to win, they still enjoy playing, as it gives them a feeling of mastery. I think both these would appeal very much to boys.

We have had luck finding the older versions of these for very little money. The girls don't know a new version is out The older version is just as fun, but for about 75% less. We shop at Sam's a lot for these. Also there are "free" software sites, where you pay only shipping and handling. It works out to being about $5-6 per game. Not bad

Laurie