Scout

Nora doesn't have too many toys yet.

We put a handful of cute things on her "wish list" for Christmas gifts from the grandparents, and she got pretty much everything on it (she's a lucky girl). But, she's not yet at the age where she can really play with anything beyond rattles, teethers, and the little plush animals that hang down from the handle of her car seat, her bouncer, or her play mat. So most of the toys are still in their packages, waiting for the day when Nora can sit on the floor to play--which, sadly, is probably not too far off. (She's growing too quickly!)

There is one toy, however, that we've already been able to enjoy.

Meet Scout.

Officially called "My Pal Scout," this little guy is made by LeapFrog. Although it's intended for ages 6 months and up, Nora is already fascinated by it. It sings, it talks, and the name tag on the collar lights up and blinks. It's wonderfully stimulating for developing minds like Nora's.

The funny thing is that EVERYONE loves this thing. I walk around singing the little songs to Nora all day long, whether Scout is actually around or not. "Me and my friend--NORA--we like to do everything together. We jump up and down... Jump! Jump! Jump!" I mean, seriously. Who can resist this stuff.

That's the greatest part of this little guy--He comes with a USB cable that allows you to connect it to the computer to customize it. You can download the child's name, which is then inserted into songs and activities when they play. You can choose the child's favorite animal, color, and food, which are also used periodically. It's simply adorable.

One of the paws plays recorded tracks that are meant to be some kind of an activity or question--like "I bet you can guess what animal I am--oink! oink! oink!" On the opposite side, there are fun songs, like the one I mentioned above with Nora's name in it. You can also select some other songs from the software--there are 30 available, and you can choose which five to load onto the toy. The third paw plays lullabies (options are for 2, 5, and 10 minute increments) to help put baby to sleep.

Because it's educational and interactive, older kids like Scout, too. On a whim last week, I stuck Scout in Nora's bag for daycare. When I picked her up that day, our daycare provider RAVED over how much all of the kids loved it. She said it was a huge hit--and Mary loved it so much herself that she ended up going out to buy one for her granddaughter!

It's a great little toy, especially for the price. Would you believe this thing is under $20?? And, in case you're wondering... there's a My Pal Violet, too.

(No, LeapFrog did nothing to solicit this review from me. I did not receive anything from LeapFrog. I just love the thing this much.)