When I first saw the Zippity at Toys R Us – just a glance – I thought this was just a “big” item that would take up room in my house. I feared the graphics would be mediocre, cords would get in my way and it would end up being donated. I was SO WRONG.
When you purchase a Zippity ($79.99) you get the box that hooks to the television and the mat. The mat has an interactive, joystick-like “bopper” attached to it. It is about waist-high on a preschooler.
First off, the Zippity reminds me of DDR (Dance Dance Revolution). It has a mat that the children step on, depending on what game they are playing. So, it gets them moving and following directions. And when I say move, I mean move. They have to jump repeatedly, dance, twist, stomp, etc.
Next, the animation is immensely better than other “kids” electronics that plug into the television. It is almost tv quality. I wouldn’t say 100% flawless … but compared to other “similar” toys that you hook up to the television, this is AMAZING. Honestly, I really had to stare at the screen and it didn’t look pixelated to me at all. But I can see that if you have a BIG SCREEN you might have a softer look to the images? Unsure – but it looked awesome on my television.
Third – it’s cordless. W.O.W. So once you hook the system up and put the mat where you want, you do not have to have wires (aka tripping hazards) everywhere. And you do not have to worry about unhooking and rehooking wires. It is just pretty much ready to play when your kids are.
Fourth – it comes with SO MANY GAMES included in the system that your kid is SURE TO LOVE. There are eight games in all:
- Mickey Says: Numbers and mathematics, colors, shapes
- Goofy’s Fancy Dancing: Memory skills, numbers and mathematics, shapes
- Darby’s Honey Pot Jam: Memory skills, music, art and culture
- Super Sleuths on the Case: Problem-Solving
- Tool Box Beat: Memory Skills, music, art andn culture
- Handy Manny Fix It Up: Letters and Language skills, spanish vocabulary
- June’s Twist n’ Twirl: Memory skills, numbers and mathematics, music, art and culture
- Rocket’s Musical Mission: Shapes, colors, music, art and culture.
Do you notice all the Disney characters? That’s because Disney teamed up with LeapFrog in the creation of this hot item. My kids are really into Mickey right now, so Mickey Says and Goofy’s Fancy Dancing is a perfect fit for them. I also like the Little Einsteins games with June’s Twist n’ Twirl and Rocket’s Musical Mission. And yes, the other included games are cool too! Plus, if those eight games aren’t enough, there are additional games you can purchase. For example, Disney Pixar Cars for the boys or Disney Princess for the girls. (Additional games retail for $24.99.)
I found a great demo for you to really understand how it works and what it looks like.
Like most LeapFrog products (all the ones we own, at least) you can check up on their learning progress.
Overall, I definitely think this would make a great gift for the holidays. It’s a big-ticket item, so your kids can “share”. That’s the tricky part here with a 2 year old and a 3 year old! The Zippity is meant for ages 3 – 5, but my personal opinion is that 2 year olds can play, as well. It depends on your child and how well they handle directions and/or video-like games. For example, my own sons have owned Leapsters since they were 2 (and a little before). My oldest caught onto the Leapster idea a lot easier and faster than my little one. And I have to say the learning and skills he’s picked up from the Leapster and Tag Jr systems are amazing! I am positive I will see the same results the longer they play with Zippity. But, I am honestly most excited about the moving combined with learning.
One Buzz Reader will win a Zippity!MANDATORY, FIRST ENTRY: Visit LeapFrog and check out their product line. What other LeapFrog item is on your wish list?
EXTRA ENTRIES:
To receive these extra opportunities for entries, you must fulfill the first REQUIRED entry. But for extra entries, you can do the following – leave a comment for each:
- Add ErinTales to your Twitter and Tweet the contest. Leave your Tweet Link. (1 tweet per day is allowed)
- Blog about the contest – add a link to the Mom Buzz and the Sponsor
- Become a Fan of the Mom Buzz on Facebook!
- Add the Mom Buzz button to your site or add the Mom Buzz to your Blogroll
- Leave a comment or Enter any other contest on the Mom Buzz Holiday Guide
- Leave a comment or Enter any other contest on As They Grow Ups Hoo-Hoo-Hooliday Guide
- Become a Fan of Leapster on Facebook!
Contest ends 11/29/09. Please refer to complete contest rules. The entries listed above are the ONLY entries for this contest. Winners will be notified by e-mail (if supplied in the entry or on profile page), as well as on the Winner’s Wall.
This is solely the opinion of the Mom Buzz. Other people may have different experiences with the product. And don’t forget to enter my other hot contests so you can win and try buzzworthy products! The Mom Buzz received a Zippity to test with her boys and write this review.
Follow and tweet: http://twitter.com/Facetwit17/status/6072298775
I’ve entered the Popcorn Factory contest
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RT for Nov. 25
http://twitter.com/cakeblast/status/6047710157
daily tweet~ http://twitter.com/Slim_705/status/6089655044
Didj™ Ultimate Math Gift Pack looks SWEET
I’d really like the tag junior
I subscribe
tweet, thanks! http://twitter.com/idahojill/status/6098460153
I want to get the Tag Junior and some books to go with it for my son.
entered the chuck the talking truck giveaway
follow you as @frankandkatie and tweeted
http://twitter.com/frankandkatie/statuses/6102140833
entered the iplay build a road giveaway
entered the macy’s giveaway
entered the geotrax giveaway
your button is on my right sidebar
your fan on facebook as Katie Tulloss
fan of leapster on facebook as Katie Tulloss
entered the tag jr giveaway
RT for Nov. 26
http://twitter.com/cakeblast/status/6079561580
tweet http://twitter.com/dropcqueen/status/6112161014
I like the Crammer™ Study and Sound System. Thank you
I love the Leapster 2.
I entered the Leapfrog Scout giveaway.
I entered the Leapfrog Tag Jr. giveaway.
I entered the Shop At Home Giveaway.
I entered the Geo Trax giveaway.
I entered the Marriott giveaway.
I’m a facebook fan. angela.gaffke
I’m a Leapfrog facebook fan. angela.gaffke
tweet, thanks! http://twitter.com/idahojill/status/6116585358
I also like Didj™ Ultimate Math Gift Pack
Daily tweet.
http://twitter.com/jenbutterfly/status/6119024729
My daughter would just love a Didj.
RT for Nov. 27
http://twitter.com/cakeblast/status/6110087640
leapster 2 gift pack
Another of our favorite items is the Leapster 2 UP Adventure Gift Pack.
Thank you so much for the chance to win.
jweezie43[at]aol[dot]com
I am a fan on Facebook as Jill Myrick.
jweezie43[at]aol[dot]com
I am a fan of Leapster on Facebook as Jill Myrick.
jweezie43[at]aol[dot]com
I have entered the Keurig Giveaway.
jweezie43[at]aol[dot]com
I have entered the Lego Giveaway.
jweezie43[at]aol[dot]com
I have entered the Inexpensive Watches Giveaway.
jweezie43[at]aol[dot]com
I have entered the Geo Trax Giveaway.
jweezie43[at]aol[dot]com
The LeapFrog Tag Jr. for my younger son.
daily tweet http://twitter.com/dropcqueen/status/6143109346
the Learn to Read Series Gift Pack is on my list