Need help with Christmas Learning game

[mom4scrapbooking]

I need help on what to buy my five year old for christmas. She has everything. She doesn't like her leapster at all. I was thinking the Fisher Price cool smart computer, or smart cycle, something like these. Anyone have any advice. Is she too old for these?

 

[MickeyMom2Boys]

Is she into games at all, just not the leapster? My DS5 liked his leapster at 3yo, but doesn't touch it now. However he LOVES his DS and his Wii and does really well with those.

 

[dawnbu40]

How about old fashioned board games? These can teach math, reading skills etc. PLUS they encourage interaction where other games are just solo. When DD was in kdg her teacher recommended the young kids versions of Monopoly,Clue, Sorry, CHutes & Ladders etc. I personally think young children are spending too much time in front of their tvs and computers and not enough socializing. Anyway, just an idea.

 

[angelegod]

Keep in mind that I am not a parent but I have seen ads for the smart cycle and it looks prety cool learning acadmics and geting phyical. exercies what can be better I know fresh air but hey on a rainy day your kid can still be active

 

[K and K's Mommy]

I think she is probably too old for the Smart Cycle. My son got it last year at 3. He likes it okay, but it is nothing great. He actually just prefers riding it. I probably should see if there are harder games.

If she doesn't like Leapster, maybe she is just not an electronic game person. Nothing wrong with that! I would agree with the ideas for more old fashioned games, puzzles, books. I think my DD's big gift at 5 was a Barbie house. I think her grandma got her an American girl.

 

[Astro Orbiter]

Clue, Jr. We enjoy the game - you have to think to set it up, think (what do you still need to learn?) and pay attention (mark your sheet right) during it, and be a good sport when mom wins two games in a row...

As for learning, DD got a DS for her 6th birthday and one game - Animal Crossings - which is well-liked by most people, and she *should* be able to learn about budgeting during it (you can make money, then take it to the store and buy stuff or pay off your house. She's still in the buying junk phase, getting upset because she can't buy a bigger house)

What Leapster games do you have? Math Missions is well-liked at our house. She'll also play Pet Pals, but that just kills time. I also understand Leapster's coming out with an 'older' game platform - DIJI?

You could also go for games for a regular computer. At 5 I wouldn't buy a kiddie computer. Jumpstart I've heard are pretty good. DD mostly plays Pony and Princess games, though. And hits up the websites - peepandthebigwideworld, starfall, suessville - for learning games. OK, nickjr as well...