LeapPad 2 Kids' Toy Review

When I find a product that we love, I do my best to share it with you here. Christmas may be months away, but my gift idea lists are already being planned in my head. Many of us find ourselves watching our wallets this year, spending only on quality items and planning ahead for big purchases. The product I'm reviewing today is, hands-down, a total win for kids...and I can recommend adding it to your gift list too! Want to see why we love the LeapPad2? Keep reading!

If you're not familiar with the LeapPad products, the LeapPad2 is an educational learning tablet toy for kids. My girls think their daddy's ipad is pretty awesome, but they also know it's not a toy. We limit the time they spend watching TV, and I've steered clear of computer games and gaming systems. Knowing that the LeapPad2 offers children the opportunity to learn through play made me feel comfortable enough to let the girls test it out.

The LeapPad2 has front and back cameras and video recorders, 4GB of memory, and it comes with plenty of free content:

• A music player with 5 learning songs
• A cartoon director creativity app
• An art studio creativity app
• Pet Pad writing app
• Your choice of an additional app

I love that the tablet isn't filled with mindless games. Sure, there are games for the kids, but they are learning games designed to help your little ones grow their skills in math, reading, science, social studies, logic, and more. And they are fun! You can track a child's progress online, to see where they excel and where they are being challenged. This is helpful in showing me what I can work on with them. 

My girls didn't mention it, but I was impressed with the quality of audio and animation with the games, eBooks, and videos. The sound is clear (and adjustable!), and the images are crisp.

As I said before, I limit the time my kids spend with TV and electronics, but a toy like this is a gem. The same as any other electronic toy, it's my job as a parent to keep an eye out on what they're looking at, playing with, etc....and also to be sure it stays a play thing and not a habit. Perfect for long car rides, waits in doctor's offices, or mornings when you want to sleep in an extra half hour and need to keep them quiet. {wink} And, ironically, it's helping them work on their social skills because they have to share!

The possibilities are endless with the LeapPad2. I've done a lot of shopping when it comes to electronic learning toys (we own tablets from two other brands), and LeapPad offers much more of a variety in cartridges. LeapPad2 works with all of the existing LeapPad and LeapPad Explorer game cartridges and digital apps! 

With the online library, LeapPad will have over 325 games, apps, music, videos, and more by the end of the year. You'll also be able to purchase gel skins, storage cases, a recharger pack, car adapter, headphones, and more.

LeapPad2 is now available for pre-sale at major online retailers, and will be available online and at major retail locations in early August!

I can't thank LeapFrog enough for sending a LeapPad2 our way! My girls are having a blast learning about science with Brave and math with Phineas and Ferb. They can't wait to play more!

If the LeapPad2 isn't on your list, I highly recommend adding it.

Here's a quick video showing how excited they were to open it (you'll have to click over to the blog if you're viewing this in a reader):

*LeapFrog sent a LeapPad2 to us for review, but I was not financially compensated for this post. All opinions are my own.