Putting these in the “Crummy” column seems a bit harsh, since there’s nothing seriously wrong with these stuffed toys; they just didn’t cut it with our discerning Tester Mamas. For one thing, we couldn’t figure out why the polar bear has non-removable silver boots when the attached card specifically says a real polar bear has thick fur to keep it nice and warm. Ditto the howler monkey, who comes equipped with a megaphone (for apparently obvious reasons?). Granted, these are petty beefs. But when the company bills its products as “educational”, putting silver boots on a polar bear or a megaphone in the hands of a howler monkey seems counterintuitive. Our other complaint is over the company’s assertion that it donates a “portion” of proceeds to wildlife conservation programs — yet we couldn’t find anywhere what that portion is or which organization it supports. Finally, the “interactive” web site, which the stuffed toys encourage kids to visit, just isn’t all that great. Bottom line: if you’re looking for stuffed toys to educate your kids about endangered species, there are better products; if you want a stuffed toy with an interactive web page, there are better sites; and if you want stuffed toy that dresses like a human, head to the mall. Sadly, there’s just nothing about these things that would encourage us to hop online and buy them, cute as they are.
We’re required to tell you that all Cool or Crummy items are sent to us by companies and PR agents; we do not purchase these items independently, they just show up on our doorstep. All items are tested by our Product Review Team, otherwise known as the Tester Mamas, who have children in the age ranges recommend by the items in question. As you can see, we’re brutally honest in our reviews so it should go without saying that we do not accept payment for product placement (but we have to say it anyway because this is, after all, a required legal notice). If you have any questions, feel free to email us at Editor@ParentWiseAustin.com.
Post new comment