Learn to be unique with these NAPPA Award Winners. Lots of games and toys to help kids learn in new, exciting ways.

The Get Movin’ Activity Deck for Kids: 48 Creative Movement Ideas for Little Bodies

A unique children’s movement and play deck, featuring 48 cards with practices and activities for all ability levels. Celebrate the many ways our bodies can move. Through fun images and simple directions, kids will challenge themselves in different categories of movement. $19.95, ages 4-8 years, shambhala.com

LolliPost Pen Pal Kit for Grandkids (and their Grandparents)

Writing is easier and more fun. Writing prompts give kids and adults clever topic suggestions and a tracking postcard keeps the pen pal momentum going. Replies from grandparents are quick because a perforated reply postcard is included with the child’s notecard. $29.99, ages 5+, lollipost.com

Epic

Encourage kids to explore their interests & learn in a fun, safe, kid-friendly environment. Unlimited access to 40,000 high-quality books and videos. From the stories you grew up with to popular Epic Originals. Offers tracking for parents and allows kids to boost their skills. $6.67/month OR $79.99 billed annually, ages 2-12 years, getepic.com

LOST LOOT: DIY Pirate Treasure Hunt Game

This is no ordinary scavenger hunt game. Go on a Treasure Hunt to find Goldbeard’s Lost Loot. Goldbeard was worried about his treasure falling into the wrong hands so he created an intricate locking mechanism in order to open his very special chest. Can you find all 5 keys? Fun Factor: Turn your home and backyard into a pirate’s playground! Great fun for parties & classrooms. Creative Skills: This game encourages children to think on their feet, be creative & stay active. $34.99, ages 3+, amazon.com

Bebi Toddlers

Educational games & puzzles for kids. Education is an important process in a child’s life, but it’s not so easy to follow standard guidelines, written formulas, and rammed materials. It is fun to play games and those games affect our brains back – how to improve our logical thinking, fine motor skills, and such more. Now children can have a fun time doing what they like while absorbing important information. $6.99/month, ages 2-5 years, bebi.family

Dino Puzzle Games for Toddlers

It’s jam-packed with puzzles designed to improve preschooler skills in fun and meaningful ways. Kids will delight in solving illustrated pictorial puzzles of dinosaurs, cars, animals, and more. As they play, kids match shapes and patterns, find colors, and develop their imagination, logical thinking, and problem-solving ability. Kids can enjoy the original classic puzzles, turn the pieces to reveal the picture, find matching shapes, spin the columns to find the picture, or put the scattered parts in place. FREE, ages 2-4 years, apps.apple.com

bekids Reading

Engaging stories for young readers to learn in an effective way. The beautifully designed and animated storybooks are divided into different levels to motivate kids to progress with confidence and learn at their own pace. There are captivating word games that test kids’ reading skills and boost vocabulary. Join the sing-a-longs after each story, and memorize new words through delightful songs. Free, ages 2-4 years, bekids.com

bekids Coding

A story-based coding adventure that keeps kids engaged and motivated. Join Zak, Grace and DOT on a mission to save Planet Algorith. Use coding skills to control robotic arms, plan routes, hunt treasures, and create dance moves. A drag-and-drop, tile-based coding approach that helps kids develop logical thinking and problem solving through creative, visual play. Free, ages 5-8 years, bekids.com

bekids Science

A series of short, digestible lessons designed to boost scientific literacy. Learning experiences crafted by educational experts and interactive games for each topic. Includes bonus mini games for more fun. Collect badges and rewards as kids progress through topics. Free, ages 2-4 years, bekids.com

NAPPA Award Winners Announced: January 2022

Meet our latest NAPPA Award Winners announced in January 2022:

Preschool Genius

A set of dry-erase activities and games with a genius twist. The set has questions that add a deeper engagement with learning. $27.95, ages 3-6, amazon.com

 The 12 Systems of the Body: Adventure Series Book Set

Introduces 12 systems of the human body to build a foundation for human anatomy. This series includes the five senses, the skeletal, muscular, nervous, respiratory, digestive, immune system and more. $120, ages 8+, knowyourself.com

206 Bones of the Human Body- 4 Book Set

From your head to your toes, this 206 Bones of the Human Body- 4 Book set has a lot to discover about the human body, especially for children. Includes Hands, Arm & Shoulder; Foot, Leg & Pelvis; Rib Cage & Spine; Head, Face & Neck. $79 for set or $19.99 per book, ages 8+, knowyourself.com

Art Puzzle-Dancing Lion

Features Chinese cultural elements of traditional folk customs of the lion dance. Contains 18 knowledge points so kids can learn about these traditions as they explore their creativity. $21.99, ages 5-8, toiworld.com

My First Puzzle-Dinosaur

Double-sided puzzle pieces feature dinosaurs on one side and bones/skeletons on the other. Great for building problem-solving skills and imagination. The number of pieces increase step-by-step to challenge toddlers through their developmental growth. $13.99, ages 2-4, toiworld.com

Ahaaa Math

Make math fun with this game-based  learning app for kids. Covers a wide variety of skills including geometry and logical thinking with 5,000+ exercises and games. Safe for kids with no ads. $59.99/yearly or $8.99/monthly, ages 4-10, ahaaamath.com

PJ Library Presents Podcasts: Afternoons with Mimi and Beyond the Books

Two new podcasts from the beloved organization that has been sharing free children’s book  with Jewish values throughout the world. Well-known tales come to life in a fun new way that connects kids to Jewish traditions, culture, holidays and values. “Afternoons with Mimi” is designed for younger kids and “Beyond the Bookcase” is for kids ages 6 to 12. Free, PJLibrary.org/podcast

 

We have great new NAPPA Award winners to share with you – something for every interest.

Digital Fun & Learning

Get ready for an adventure with the Let’s Roam App, great for curious kids and families. Explore like never before as you take on riddles, trivia, and photo challenges. The in-home educational scavenger hunts come in seven selectable-themes that transform your home into a world of creativity. Outdoor scavenger hunt tours allow families to discover any city, learning its history, and seeing remarkable sites. Every hunt comes with downloadable photos and built-in memory-making technology. $12.99, ages 3+.

TutorMe is an online tutoring platform for individual learners that provides 24/7 live, on-demand support in 300+ subjects with qualified tutors. Using their personalized approach, TutorMe helps students regardless of ability, resource, skill level or age not only improve academically but also gain support so they never feel lost. Prices vary, ages K-higher education.

Duolingo ABC is a free app that teaches children how to read. Developed by learning experts, the app includes over 300 fun, bite-sized lessons building on prior lessons and guides children on a step-by-step path to reading. Duolingo ABC is aligned with Common Core standards and is based on recommendations by the National Reading Panel. Ages 3-6.

Love Music

Get up and dance with Growing Up Great, an eleven song musical CD for children created during the pandemic. The songs are energetic and filled with sweet reminders about being kind. $9.99, ages 2-6.

“To Awaken the Sun” is an album of classical music recorded to take music into public schools, with CD sales benefiting the Oklahoma Foster Youth. An acclaimed cellist, Remy-Schumacher has created this album that is predominately instrumental – beautiful for all ages. $15.

The Seaper Powers Connecting to Animals album is all about our connection to animals, making friends, and how important it is to accept people for their differences. Sing along to Tropical House sounds, Reggae Beats, Calypso Rhythms, Jazzy notes and colorful vocals. $8.99, ages 4-17.

Mix Fun & Learning

In KidZ expands children’s knowledge of different countries and customs through fun memorable experiences. Chocked full of activities and games, kids will be able to share details about a country without having to get on a plane or get out their passport. Both the America box and Diwali box include interactive learning items, like language flashcards, puzzles, books, games, flags and more. 50/monthly or $49/per box, ages 2-11.

Loop Lab STEM Subscriptions are created by the folks at Mad Science to bring science enrichment home. Each box has a different theme and step-by-step instructions. $32.99/per box, ages 8-12.

MindLabs Energy and Circuits is a magical STEM learning tool for children that combines a digital app, physical cards and augmented reality in a fun and exciting approach to learning core science concepts. $24.95, ages 8-11.

Bring a miniature ecosystem home with Froggy’s Lair BioShere. Each one-gallon tank comes with bioactive sand, colored gravel, a piece of living bamboo and 2 African Dwarf Frogs. All you have to do is change water every three months and feed these swimming, hopping frogs two times per week. $69.95, ages 5+.

Orbital Velocity is a space-themed numerical strategy board game where players are rocket scientists. Game focuses on math, physics, and AI, introducing kids to the concept of decreasing orbital velocity (explained in the rulebook) and gross vs fine acceleration. $19.99, ages 10+.

For more product reviews, visit nappaawards.com

 

 

Whether you’re enjoying a quiet day at home during the winter holidays or taking a road trip, these award-winning sites can be a fun companion for fun and learning.

Sir Dapp! App

This game show improves manners by teaching kids, in a fun way, to be polite and respectful. Special holiday offer is $1.99 (from November 25-January 5), 5-8, www.sirdapp.com

Journey with Story – Children’s Storytelling Podcast

Hosted by children’s author and Scottish storyteller, Kathleen T. Pelley, who shares retellings of fairy tales and folktales, beloved classics, nonsense poems and a sprinkling of her own original tales, all with a distinctive Celtic flavor. Free, 3-10, www.journeywithstory.com

Pinna Audio Streaming

Ad-free audio streaming service curated exclusively for children, featuring podcast shows, stories and songs, as well as some of the best-known, award-winning kids’ podcasts, music and audiobooks from around the world. $7.99/month, $79.99/year, 3-12, www.pinna.fm

Samsung Kids

Features a huge library of games, videos and books featuring names like Peppa Pig, Dr. Panda, Toca Boca, Sesame Street, LEGO, Dr. Seuss, Thomas the Tank Engine and more, plus parental controls. only works on Samsung Galaxy devices. $4.99/month, 3-12, www.samsungkids.com

ArgoPrep: Online Test Prep | Prepare, Practice, Review

Offers online resources, tools and self-paced programs for K to 8 and various standardized exams such as the SAT and ACT. Free and paid subscriptions, 6+, www.argopreop.com 

Video Poodle

Wholesome, fun, informational and ad-free video website made just for kids. Designed to engage, inspire and grow young minds. $10/year, 2-6, www.videopoodle.com

Study.com

Includes thousands of lessons across a variety of subjects, self-assessments and flashcards created by subject-matter experts. $39.99 to $59.99, grades 3-12 and college, www.study.com

FamilyAlbum

Simply and securely share family photos and videos with only the people you invite, featuring free and unlimited storage. Keeps memories organized and creates collages. Free, www.family-album.com

 Let’s Read App

Gives parents, teachers, grandparents and other special friends and family an opportunity to record their voices reading children’s stories. Synchronizes your video/audio recordings with the app’s illustrations and text from an award-winning collection of picture books. Free, 4-7, www.letsreadapp.com

ABCmouse Mastering Math

Innovative, game-based adaptive early learning app that helps children build a strong understanding of number sense and operations. $9.99/month, $79.99/year, Preschool-2nd grade, www.ABCmouse.com

KidloLand Educational App

Discover 1000+ songs, nursery rhymes, games, stories and activities focusing on early learning, with no advertising. $4.99/month, $39.99/year, 1-7, www.kidloland.com

Tynker: Coding Games for Kids

A fun way to help children develop computational thinking and programming skills in a creative and intuitive way featuring interactive game-based courses. $120/year, $240/lifetime, 5-15, www.tynker.com

Dr. Panda Learn & Play

Learn numbers, letters, phonics and more through playing 30+ activities.$4.99/month, $29.99/year, 2-5, www.drpanda.com

Toca Kitchen Sushi

Your child becomes the chef of a busy seaside restaurant –slice up squid, asparagus, and candy canes, and roll it all up into a cone of seaweed. $3.99, 6-9, www.tocaboca.com

For more holiday gift ideas, visit NAPPA Awards. #holidaygifts #giftguide #playlearnconnect

As parents, we love when fun and learning come together. That’s why we’re so excited for these latest NAPPA Award winners.

Sir Dapp! Game Show

Fun and etiquette come together with an animated silver-haired Schnauzer in the Sir Dapp! Game Show app. Children select from categories like “Sight What’s Polite,” “Historically Rude,” and “Trivia Soup,” with the main canine character, Sir Dapp, guiding them to complete fun raps, decide “who did it?,” figure out what is polite or rude and more. Occasional commercial “breaks,” PSA’s, and music videos with teaching messages further the game show theme. $3.99, ages 5-7.

Jabuka

Ready for a fun brain challenge? Jabuka will have you quickly twisting letters and transforming words in this clever and fast-paced word game. The playing pieces are shaped like coffee beans and packaged in a mini jute sack — perfect for on-the-go fun, especially when traveling. $20, ages 8+.

Let’s Read App

The Let’s Read app gives parents, teachers, grandparents and other special friends and family an opportunity to record their voices reading children’s stories. It’s fun and easy to use on your phone or tablet. The app synchronizes your video/audio recordings with the app’s illustrations and text from an award-winning collection of picture books. Families can then share their own personalized, read-aloud stories on a private, secure family network. Free, ages 4+

Video Poodle

Videopoodle.com is a wholesome, fun and informational video website made just for kids. It is a positive and trusted environment, free of advertising and unsafe links, where children can safely watch responsibly made videos designed to engage, inspire and grow young minds. All of Video Poodle’s series, videos and content are written, designed and produced in-house. $10/yearly subscription, ages 2-6.

 

 

 

We have some new winners that are perfect for Back-to-School time!

Snoozie Mat

This easy-to-pack sleeping bag is ideal for school naps, sleepovers, and blanket forts. The Snoozie-Mat is machine washable and folds into backpack. You can take the Snoozie-Mat anywhere you want by simply rolling it up and carrying it on your back.
$38.95
Ages: 2 to 6 years

Norton Core

A security focused WiFi router that also looks stylish in your home. The device not only protects your home network from malware, viruses, hackers, and cybercriminals, but also includes both network- and device-level (smartphones and tablets) Smart Parental Controls. These features allow parents to control what kids see and do across all their connected devices. The App is easy to use and can control your whole network. Parents can:

  • Set age appropriate content filters
  • Block unwanted websites
  • Manage screen time with daily limits
  • Pause the Internet – for an individual device or the entire household

$149.00
For Ages: parents with children under 15

Car Caché®

Great for the family car. It’s designed to hold your handbag so that it is accessible, upright, clean, and out of passengers’ way.
$19.99
Ages: All drivers

Our American Presidents – Their Lives and Legacies

Gives readers a concise look into all 44 Presidents of the United States. The book is easy to read and includes a listing of cabinet members from each presidency. Kids and parents will enjoy learning little known facts, the truth about many “presidential myths” and getting a glimpse into the presidents’ personal lives.
$29.95
Ages: For the entire family

Elena Epstein is a mom of two and the director of NAPPA Awards, the longest running and most respected awards program in the industry, celebrating the best in family products for 28 years. For more product reviews, visit nappaawards.com. #PlayLearnConnect 

 

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