Toy Review Archives - CuteMonster.com

Transformers Construct-Bots: More Than Meets The Eye

December 5, 2013 by Vincent Daly

Being a father certainly has its challenges. Yet parenthood also allows one to revisit the toys of one’s child hood. The re-emergence of Transformers merchandise has been a welcome surprise. Movies, animated series and more have reached an entirely new generation of fans creating a bridge between parents and their children. Given the right product, the potential for invaluable experiences fostering a closer bond arise. Such is the case with Hasbro’s latest toy series release Trnasformers Construct-Bots. A toy line that true to the 1980s catch phrase for the Transformers franchise, has more than meets the eye.

FlutterBye Review: This Flying Fairy Needs Some Room

November 9, 2013November 8, 2013 by Vincent Daly

Spin Master, the toy company behind the creation of the popular Air Hogs flying toys brand, has always been interested in discovering news ways to introduce fun electronic adventure toys for kids. CuteMonster.com was recently sent Spin Master’s latest creation to review, specifically the FlutterBye. It’s a Flying Fairy toy geared towards girls ages 5 and up. FlutterBye is designed to fly upwards and hover above the extended hand of a child as the flying fairy moves across an open room. In essence, FlutterBye had the potential to be a fantastic toy. I couldn’t wait to test it out.

Angry Birds Star Wars Telepods Death Star Trench Run Review and Giveaway

October 26, 2013 by Vincent Daly

It’s not a stretch of the imagination to guess you’ve likely been exposed to the addictive game play of Rovio’s Angry Birds. Then along came the wildly successful follow up game, Angry Birds Star Wars, which attracted a whole new wave of fans captivated by the brilliant pop culture mashup. Now in the game’s sequel, Angry Birds Star Wars II, a real world interactive element has been introduced. Enter Hasbro’s Angry Birds Star Wars Telepods.

Review: Hello Sunshine! by ThinkFun

March 16, 2013March 14, 2013 by Vincent Daly

Thinkfun has a well deserved reputation for developing addictively fun games that build reasoning and creative thinking skills. I’ve had the opportunity to review several of their games over the years including Zingo: Sight Words, Roll & Play, Snack Attack! and Chocolate Fix. This year at the 2013 New York Toy Fair, I was introduced to ThinkFun’s latest game for toddlers called Hello Sunshine!

Robot Invasion by Bloco Toys

March 1, 2013February 28, 2013 by Vincent Daly

One of the great joys of exploring the myriad of toys being presented at the NY Toy Fair is the opportunity to discover wonderful toys that may still be under the radar for most parents. On the last day of the 2013 NY Toy Fair, most of the toy exhibitors were furiously packing up their wares before the showroom floors were officially closed. But a few independent toy makers were intent on having their merchandise seen up until the very last second. That’s how I stumbled upon Bloco Toys.

Monster Factory: Meet Rosco

May 11, 2026April 22, 2012 by Vincent Daly

When the good folks at Monster Factory, makers of uniquely designed monster themed plush doll toys and clothing, told me they were adding a new fun plush doll to their lineup I was intrigued. Having reviewed Andy, one of their previous monster plush doll character releases, I knew at the very least, it would be a creative toy. I asked them to send me the this mystery plush doll for review even though I was not given the name of the character nor was any information available on their web site because he was so new. In addition, Monster Factory told me a lucky reader of this review will have the chance to win one to call their very own. Cool.

Andy from Monster Factory Review and Giveaway

February 21, 2011February 7, 2011 by Vincent Daly

I discovered Monster Factory based on recommendations from colleagues involved with Toy design and puppetry. I’m glad I took their advice. With a roster of uniquely designed plush monster character toys as well as a line of monster themed kids clothing, Monster Factory offers a variety of choices. They’ve also produced original comedy video shorts which follow the antics of Monster Factory characters as high school students. Monster Factory provided me with one of their monster character plush dolls, Andy, to review. In addition, one lucky reader will get the chance to win an Andy plush doll to call their very own.

Sesame Street Elmo’s Alphabet Bus Review

December 11, 2010April 22, 2010 by Vincent Daly

In my experience as a parent, I’ve come across very few educational toys that provide actual use for children based on the manufacturer’s recommended age range. The Fisher-Price Sesame Street Elmo’s Alphabet Bus bucks the trend by offering distinct levels of play that will delightfully engage both 18 months old and 3 year old kids alike.

LeapFrog Text and Learn Review

February 4, 2011January 12, 2010 by Vincent Daly

Tech gadgets have always fascinated my son. I suspect it runs in the family genes since I’m an avid fan of fun-filled gizmos as well. Therefore it’s not surprising at 3 years of age, he would be captivated by computers with their myriad of on screen eye candy as well as the keyboard’s buttons, letters, symbols, and numbers. To my dismay, he randomly discovers certain keystroke combinations which result in negative “reactions” from my computer such as new settings being implemented, files going missing etc. The same holds true for my Apple iPhone. He’s enamored with the multitouch aspect of the device which is fine but due to his scrutiny certain apps end up being rearranged or disappear altogether. Thankfully these items are all backed up on my computer via itunes (Apple’s software engineers have kids too.). Without question, my son’s interaction with these devices have been a source of conflict between the two of us. I needed to provide my son with a viable, engaging alternative to my personal tech gear. But what? Enter LeapFrog’s Text & Learn to the rescue.