As the holiday shopping season nears, how can anyone know what would be a great gift, under $20, for a good little girl or boy? There are so many electronics, dolls and plastic toys overflowing store shelves. Wouldn’t it be nice if someone with some expertise found an old-fashion game-in-a-box that the whole family can play? Toy extraordinaires Oppenheim Toy Portfolio had the same idea and their search landed them in PeaceableKingdom, makers of not one but five outstanding — in fact, Platinum and Gold worthy — games. The awards were announced today.

 

The Oppenheim Toy Portfolio has become a benchmark of excellence with consumers, toy makers and the media. Stephanie Oppenheim is a regular contributor to NBC’s TODAY Show. Each year they sniff out the very best amongst a crowded field of just launched toys. Peaceable Kingdom wowed them with every one of their five 2012 games for children ages 3 and older.

Oppenheim was impressed with Peaceable Kingdom’s offering of colorful cooperative games, a buzzword among early educators for sharing and working together instead of competing against another.

 

This year’s Oppenheim Platinum Best Toy Award went to Seeds For The Birds($15.99, for ages 3 and up) and Race To The Treasure ($15.99, for ages 5 and up). These two games are green, made of post-consumer recycled cardboard and printed with soy-based inks. Oppenheim Gold Best Toy Awards went to three adorable coop games: Willy’s Wiggly Web, Snug As A Bug In A Rug and Feed The Woozle (all three are $19.99 for ages 3 and up with leveled play and skill development for three ages groups). Willy’s Wiggly Web appeared on the TODAY Show this morning!

 

I am always looking for great educational games/toys for my boys that don’t involve lights, sounds, and crazy ideas. Sometimes, the simple act of playing a game with your child is so incredibly precious. I was really excited to be able to review two games from Peaceable Kingdom- Feed the Woozle game and Race to the Treasure game. I love the idea of cooperative children’s games! What a great way to play with preschoolers, and you don’t even have to let them win! =)

Do check out ufabet if you’d like to know more about sports related games.

What is a cooperative game?

A cooperative game is a game where all players play together against a common obstacle, not against each other. In a cooperative game no one feels left out and everyone has fun! Peaceable Kingdom’s cooperative board games use familiar game mechanisms – spinning a spinner, matching cards, moving a token, strategizing a win! The difference is that players play together. Playing together helps kids in many ways – they experience shared decision-making, they build self-esteem, they learn to share, to feel compassion, and to work as a team. Playing cooperative games teaches kids to cooperate.

 

Feed the Woozle Cooperative Preschool Skills-Builder Game

A game of silly snacks & mixed-up moves!

Unlike most games Feed the Woozle encourages kids to work together feed the Woozle so he won’t be hungry. This way, kids work together, learn together and they help each other! A cooperative game eliminates stress, builds self-esteem, and teaches kids that playing together can be fun!

Things that are Brag Worthy:

• 2012 Oppenheim Gold Award
• 2012 Parents’ Choice Silver Award
• ASTRA 2012 Best Toys for Kids
• 2012 PAL Award Winner
• Ages 3-6
• 2-5 players
• Plays in 15 minutes
• No reading required
• $19.99
• Learning Skills:

  • Body Awareness
  • Fine and gross motor skills
  • Counting
  • Taking turns, rolling a die, spinning a spinner
  • Working cooperatively

Race to the Treasure Cooperative Board Game

The race is on!

Unlike most games Race to the Treasure encourages kids to help each other to beat the game. This way, kids work together, they help each other, and everybody wins! A cooperative game eliminates stress, builds self-esteem, and teaches kids that playing together can be fun!

Things that are Brag Worthy:

• 2012 Oppenheim Platinum Award
• 2012 PAL Award Winner
• 2012 Major Fun! Award
• 2012 B. EcoChic Approved
• Ages 5+
• 2-4 players
• Plays in 20 minutes
• No reading required
• $15.99
• Learning Skills:
  • Strategy
  • Math grid concepts
  • Shared decision making
  • Cooperation

Both games are seriously fantastic, and make the PERFECT Christmas gift for any little one on your list!

Be sure to visit www.peaceablekingdom.com to see these, and many other wonderful children’s games and products!

Peaceable Kingdom Race to the Treasure and Feed the Woozle Games gets Bragging Rights!