Best Learning Toys: iXL vs Leapfrog Explorer

I’ve been comparing the Fisher Price iXL vs. Leapfrog Explorer and trying to decide which is the best learning toy for my kids? So I bought one of each for the kids this Christmas and spent some time this week setting up each device and installing games so that on Christmas day the kids can open the gift and start playing right away.

I’ve been comparing the Fisher Price iXL vs. Leapfrog Explorer and trying to decide which is the best learning toy for my kids? So I bought one of each for the kids this Christmas and spent some time this week setting up each device and installing games so that on Christmas day the kids can open the gift and start playing right away.
Fisher price iXL Learning SystemLeapfrog Explorer

The iXL is a new device from Fisher Price. The LeapFrog Explorer is a brand new device that is really an updated version of the very popular Leapfrog2. Note that games are not cross compatible from the Leapster2 to the Explorer, so if you have an Leapster2 and update to the Explorer, you will be needing to buy new games also.

If you do buy either of these systems, I do highly suggest that you open the box ahead of time and do all the setup. Both systems were fairly easy to setup, but it is a bit time consuming. With both systems you have to install their software and possibly download some updates.

Boy with Fisher Price iXLAfter that, you have the ability to customize the device with the child’s name and a few other customizations. On the iXL, they work in your child’s name and favorite color into things which is a nice personalization. On the Leapfrog explorer, having multiple user profiles is even more valuable. As you child progresses through the games and levels on the Explorer, the levels increase in difficulty. If you have multiple kids at different age levels who will use the device, having the ability for each of them to learn at their own pace is great.

Next it’s time to install games. On the iXL, you install the games directly onto a hard drive built into the device and there’s an option to add an SD card for more storage. The Leapfrog Explorer is “cartridge” based, so it’s just one game at a time. The caveat there is that on the Explorer, you can download and install “Leaplets”. These are simple ebooks or game apps that can be installed on the device for some additional learning options. The Explorer comes with 1 credit to download a Leaplet and of course, you can buy more credits to download additional Leaplets.

After setup, I played with each device for awhile to get a feel for how the kids will like it.

Child with Leapfrog ExplorerThe iXL has multiple ways that it can be used. They advertise that it’s “6 in 1” and I have to agree. The iXL feels more similar to an iPod Touch that is rugged and designed just for children. The Leapfrog Explorer is more similar to a handheld gaming device. It’s even laid out with buttons similar to a gaming controller with an “A” and “B” select buttons.

The iXL 6 ways to play includes a photo viewer, ebook digital reader, game player, note pad, art studio for coloring pictures and mp3 player. You have the ability to upload your own photos to the iXL which kids will love to view and they can also then color on top of those pictures. So that’s a fun customization. Games also come with mp3 songs, but you can also load any song onto the iXL, so in that sense, it really does start to feel like an iPod for kids.

The iXL is designed for kids 3 years old up to age 7. While the Leapfrog Explorer is designed for kids age 4 year old up to age 9.

THE BOTTOM LINE
Both of these systems are great. So it just really depends what type of experience you are looking to provide for your kids. The iXL does many things (very much like an iPod for kids with book reader, games, coloring, music player and more). It is very easy to navigate, even for children as young as 3 years old. So for younger kids, the iXL will be the way to go.

The Explorer is a bit more complex and is really a “hand held gaming device”. If your kids aren’t ready to jump up to a Nintendo DSi or similar handheld gaming device and you prefer that the games they play have educational value that Leapfrog is known for, then the Leapfrog Explorer is the way to go. It will be more interesting to older children who want more challenging learning games than the iXL can provide.

We bought the iXL for our 3 year old and the Explorer for our 4 year old, but I’ve setup profiles for both kids on each device and expect that both devices will be a hit for each of them.

So which one would you pick and why?

Tangled Rapunzel Doll by Disney

The new Disney Movie “Tangled” is getting great reviews. Surely the Disney Tangled Rapunzel Doll will be on the Christmas wish list for many little girls this year.

Tangled Rapunzel Doll by DisneyThe new Disney Movie “Tangled” is getting great reviews. Surely the Disney Tangled Rapunzel Doll will be on the Christmas wish list for many little girls this year. This doll is on it’s way to quickly becoming one of the best toys for girls in 2010 and is currently ranked within the Top #50 Best Selling Toys on Amazon.

The Rapunzel doll is 12 inches tall with long hair and shimmering highlights that stretch for 17 inches. She also comes with a hair brush of course.

Suggested for kids 3 year old and up.

Dance Star Mickey

The Dance Star Mickey by Fisher Price may end up being one of the “hard to find Hot Toys of 2010”. As if Mickey Mouse isn’t cute enough already, Fisher Price has turned up the cuteness even more with the new Dance Star Mickey. He walks, he talks, he dances! Mickey has multiple songs and each song has it’s own unique dance.

Dance Star Mickey Toy by Fisher Price The Dance Star Mickey by Fisher Price may end up being one of the “hard to find Hot Toys of 2010”. As if Mickey Mouse isn’t cute enough already, Fisher Price has turned up the cuteness even more with the new Dance Star Mickey. He walks, he talks, he dances! Mickey has multiple songs and each song has it’s own unique dance.

Dance Star Mickey is perfect for kids 18 months old up to around 6 years old.

We did a little “in store testing” with one of our favorite 3 year olds. Watch the video and see for yourself as her face lights up as she dances along with Mickey!

Crayola Crayon Town Large Mat Zoo Set

This 2010 Toy of the Year award winning set is perfect for a rainy day or indoor play. It is sure to spark creative and imaginary play for your kids. Kids can use the crayons not only to color the three-dimensional zoo scenes, but they can also use the crayons to build animals and other zoo components, which they can then play with.

Crayola Crayon Town Large Mat Zoo SetThis 2010 Toy of the Year award winning set is perfect for a rainy day or indoor play. It is sure to spark creative and imaginary play for your kids. Kids can use the crayons not only to color the three-dimensional zoo scenes, but they can also use the crayons to build animals and other zoo components, which they can then play with.

This play set is designed to last for a long time. You can buy any standard pack of Crayola Crayons to use with this set, so if the crayons from the set break or wear out, then they can easily be replaced. Crayola makes replacement color pages available online for a free download, so even once all the pages in the set have been colored, the fun keeps going with new coloring pages.

Crayon Monkey and GiraffeThis toy comes with plastic figurines including the zoo keeper, monkey, giraffe, alligator, lion, and a polar bear. Also paper figurines including an all-terrain vehicle and wagon, a tree, the “Fold & Build” polar bear cave, a lion’s den, and a monkey tree. There are 2 coloring mats and 8 crayons.

Alphie The Learning Toy Robot

This favorite toy of the 80’s is back and new and ready to bring great joy to your kids! Alphie by Playskool is one of the most popular toys of 2010.

Alphie the Toy Robot by PlayskoolThis favorite toy of the 80’s is back and new and ready to bring great joy to your kids! Alphie by Playskool is one of the most popular toys of 2010.

He’s a cute robot with a sheepish grin. He is new to Planet Earth and while your child is learning, they are helping Alphie learn too. He has buttons that light up as he sings and plays music, and several funny things to say to your kids. This toy is going to turn your kids into a great learner and problem-solver! He is a great educational toy on-the-go and its easy to travel with this little guys handled noggin and storage spot for his cards in his backpack.

There is a whole lot to discover when you’re a Preschooler and this ALPHIE toy shares one of the most important lessons for kids: learning is tons and tons of fun!

Alphie comes with 30 double-sided learning cards that you insert into Alphie in order to play a new game. These include matching, ABC song, Counting song, colors, letter, numbers, shapes and more!

Kids age 2 to 4 year old will love Alphie.

Matchbox Stinky The Garbage Truck

Stinky the Garbage Truck is one of the Best Toys 2010. He is interactive, loud and fun with over 90 different sayings and phrases!

Stinky The Garbage Truck by MatchboxThe Garbage Truck: Stinky is the name, gobbling garbage is his game!

This is one of the Best Toys 2010 and is sure to be a Hot item on the Christmas list of many kids this year!

This interactive buddy talks, tells jokes, eats, exercises and sings! Be warned, there is no volume control on Stinky and he is known to be loud, but a favorite. In fact, he has over 90 different sayings and phrases.

He also has warnings that come with him in his box that suggest keeping Stinky as an indoor toy only and away from sand, dirt and water.

He’s a great indoor companion and while he may not have many educational features to him, he is a lot of fun and will keep your kids entertained and giggling.

Recommended for kids age 3 year old and up.