Need help deciding on "electronic" gift for DD

[TradersMom]

My DD (6) is really hoping for an "electronic" gift this Christmas. She had originally asked for VideoNow and now she has expressed an interest (after playing with it at Target last night) in Leapster. She has a LeapPad, which she pulls out occassionally, but I was wondering what those who have the Leapster and VideoNow think of them (good/bad/etc.). She'll use this item in the car, mostly, but I'm sure she'll pull it out at home sometimes too. Her brother has gifted her with his old Gameboy Color, so I was hoping for something a bit different (and I definitely like that Leapster has an educational aspect that VideoNow really doesn't).

Also, best pricing for Leapster - where? What are some of the good games?

Thanks in advance for your help and insight!
Sheila
(aka "TradersMom")

 

[SuzieQMomof3]

I just bought the red Leapster at Target. I think it was $59. I thought it was a good deal since it has a case with it (Target exclusive). I have a few Leapfrog things and have never had a bad experience with them. I think Video now is a bit of a waste, since all she can do is watch-not play and learn. Just my opinion!

 

[Disneyland_emily]

Id recommend the Leapster over the VNow.

The VNow people dont support the products enough to be confident it'll be here in 6 months. Whereas Leapster has a good backing


-em

 

[DisneyMomInMN]

I would say that you really can't go wrong with this toy. My boys both LOVE theirs, they play them in the car all the time. I love that they're learning something, and they love that they're playing a "video game." LOL. I also like that they are making software for older kids for this as well...the Incredibles is geared toward 2-3rd graders, and Math Baseball does multiplication and division. LeapFrog is a great company that really supports their products!

 

[bugbugmom]

I bought the Leapster last Xmas for my then 3.5 DS. He loves it. I thought it was a great investment. He also has a gameboy with a few dora explorer games. I also, likes that, but he still continues to play with his Leapster.

 

[DianeV]

I bought my 8 year old daughter a Video Now Color and some discs for Christmas but now am worrying about the availability of discs in the future. I checked into the Quantum Leap Pad and wonder if that is a good product? Is it more educational and not as much fun and has anyone seen if there are alot of books available and are they good about releasing new ones?
thanks

 

[kerry34]

If it were me, I would go with the Leapster.

 

[Tinkerbelle99]

I can't say enough good things about the Leapster. DD got it for her Bday back in October and loves to 'play' it. We got it as part of a bundle pack at Sam's club. It came with the Leapster, AC Adapter, Ear Phones, Carrying Case and 2 cartridges for what we think was a good deal - $100.

It is truly a fun and educational game. DD has had the Leapad for a while, and it wasn't keeping her interest enough, the Leapster does. Some nights she prefers to play on the Leapster than have us read a bedtime story to her. Kids...

 

[DianeV]

The thing is my daughter is 8 and in 3rd grade and the Leapster seems geared to younger kids.

Now I am thinking of a Gameboy Advance SP. Toys R Us has a deal online where if you get the system, a starter kit and one game (Barbie for her) that you get $40 off so it comes to $112 total with shipping and tax. Seems like a good deal as the game alone goes for $29.99 and the headphones and case in the starter kit go for $9.99

Any opinions on this? What a hassle!

 

[LynnTH]

I was looking at the Leapster's also and was researching them online. On the Toys R Us website you can pull up the product as well as all the testimonials on the product. About 80-90% of the people that wrote in (and there were alot of write in's) said they had problems with the leapster not working after a short while and had to keep sending them back to the factory for replacements. Wondering if anyone here has had that problem? I think the product looks great but am very weary about getting them after reading about all the problems. Any input anyone has would be great. Thanks.

 

[Boo Mc]

Our DD got a Leapster for Xmas last year. (She was almost 5 then.) It is FABULOUS and she still plays with it regularly. She is getting 3 new games for it this year for her 6th b-day and Xmas. We have not had a single problem with it. I'm glad that they came out with several new games recently including ones for older kids (not just pre-K and K). She has earphones to play in the car or when we are at her brother's sporting events and she can't hear over the crowd noise. I have recommended this toy to everyone!!

 

[Lizzydoll73]

I purchased the Leapster for my DD at Walmart for $66 and change because she wanted the pink one. Target has a red one that comes with a carrying case for $69.99. I would have liked to get the one from Target since the carrying cases run around $20-$25 but she really wanted pink.