Toddler Toys Reviewed: Comparison of Light/Sound Electronic CifToys

Children’s toys tend to take on resemblance of daily life things like people, animals, household tools, work related things, and nature habitats. Little kids want to try doing what they see adults do. It is in human nature to follow by example and explore new thoughts or ideas about the world around us. It’s no surprise to me how fast learning and versatile electronics play an important influential role in shaping our kids’ futures of tomorrow.

My son, who is fastly approaching age 3, seemed to develop and grow up over night in our fast-pace technology driven society. His advanced mobility and coordination surpassed any basic learning tool he set out to conquer. The simple building sets and developmental puzzle toys lacked the problem solving processes of discovering and asking why questions. For instance, looking at a helicopter and a plane knowing both fly but look different lead to inquiries like who can they both fly when one spins on top and the other whose spinning motors of flight are turned on their sides lining the bottom of the aircraft. Some q&a are easy and others very hard in this fun pursuit of getting to know things.
The little guy is all about getting up and going, so he has a huge interest in transportation vessels and an investigative fascination of the mechanics making them work and move. Obviously, a matchbox car doesn’t do enough justice other than representing a vehicle in miniature form. Electronic sight and sound add function to a motionless toy, giving it realistic definition. I made it my mission to explore how these features are implemented and does it produce results parents are looking for in education through hands-on use.

A small business through Amazon Sellers called Elalci Trading develops smart toys aimed at applying using 2 or more sense appealing qualities (touch, taste, sound, sight, smell) creating familiarity and bettering understanding. Their interactive fun kid items plant a seed of wonderment and achievement. Before the previous statement, I had my doubts in the effective magnitude any of these noise boxes with a theme would have on my articulate and brilliant child. It is easy to forget ever kid is new to the world and everything it has to offer. I picked 4 great toys that immediately click with what most children (mostly boys) like or want but unique and defined features setting themselves apart from others in the toy market.

1.  CifToys Light/Sound Garbage Truck
- Package of Toy. Colorful and cartoonish artwork decorating the box like graffiti with a window revealing the garbage truck. Pictures of the vehicle and listed features are on the reverse side of the box. The truck inside is held in place with plastic fasteners mounted to a solo cardboard piece.
- Requiring Assembly, Batteries? Comes fully assembled and installed with 3AA batteries.
- Instructions on Setup & Toy Actions. No setup required. To activate lights and sounds, press the grey extending block-like button on the driver side door area. Opening the back hatch to the carriage part takes grabbing from the bottom lip of the back and swinging it upward to open. The grey smaller extending block button where the green holding bin meets the flatbed of the truck next to cab activates the green carrying bin of the truck to shoot up with back end facing down in a dumping position.
- At Glance Appearance. White colored truck cab with attached green labeled plastic recycling container bin with an opening back hatch. The bin I tested could hold 5 single block MEGA BLOKS. A button to the lights/sounds is located on the driver-side door. Moving to where the garbage truck cab and recycling bin meet, a button for the dumping action can be found at the bottom corner of the bin underneath between it and the truck’s flatbed. All wheels on the truck are plastic.
- Quality of Sound/Motion. Varied and clear noises a garbage truck makes (vehicle horn, backup sounds, and sounds of functioning parts) while lights on the front of the vehicle alternate blinking on the right and left side. The truck moves on its own with the combination of propelling inner mechanics and steady push force by the user.
- Length in Play Interest  It can vary based on the interest of the vehicle. Can be used for long or short play periods in or outdoors.
- Durability. Yes, this is thick cheap plastic. Strangely though, it takes a beating before beginning to show signs of wear and tear anywhere. The propelling technology is proven and true, so it should stand the test of time and work just the same in the end.
- Functionality. It can be played with on any surface since it does not freely move. The winding propelling mechanism when given a strong push will give the garbage truck steady, strong motion to move forward a couple of inches to a few feet depending on starting power and surface tension.
- Pros V Cons. An excellent introduction vehicle for those younger than the recommended age. Controlled light and sound is ideal for less noisy play or toddlers skittish to loud noises or mobile toys. A minor downside for toddlers is managing with the cheap plastic components that stiffly stick while opening the back hatch and pushing the button that triggers the recycling bin on the truck to dump in the back. There’s also add-ons sported on other similar models that would have dramatically helped in adding favorability.
- Website Specs & Purchase Product Matchup? The same in short except for my product received which didn’t include pre-installed batteries.
- Compared with Similar Market Products. Similar vehicle models range from $15-$30. Some offer more actions and add-on features not displayed on this product.
- Age Gauge for Toy & Reasoning. This is easily a 2 and up toy. Unlike other vehicles from the developer, this item is simplistic in design and function. The only imposing obstacle this toy has are its resistant plastic parts that keep the green bin’s back hatch and dumping trigger from working properly and efficiently.

2.  CifToys Light/Sound/Motion Fire Truck
- Package of Toy. Red colored box with huge viewing window of the entire fire engine truck and grey bold 1” lettering in all caps spelling rescue. The reverse side gives short description of the vehicle features also offering a few pictures showing it in action. The truck came secured with plastic twist pegs to its separate cardboard sheet inside the box.
- Requiring Assembly, Batteries? Comes fully assembled and without batteries
- Instructions on Setup & Toy Actions. Using a Philips head screw driver, undo the single screw on battery door. Place in 3AA batteries. Close and secure. Turn the red power switch on. Place fire truck on flat, smooth surface with all wheels on the floor.
- At Glance Appearance. Striking resemblance and sounds of an actual fire engine. It has necessary stickers in place where needed (headlights, mirrors, emergency displays, letters/numbering) as well designed stickers for vehicle features (hoses, tools, detailed displays of certain sections). An immobile gold plastic bell adorns the top behind the flashing lights. Ladder lift has separate metal looking plastic ladder pieces fastened in place and does not move, yet the lift can be elevated up not extendable. Bucket attached at the end of the lift is of poor craftsmanship quality. Wheels are plastic all the way around except for the round rotating piece on the underside with small wheels made of rubber.
- Quality of Sound/Motion. Clear, booming siren sounds and ability to freely move its own has made this the ideal pick of vehicles for every growing child. The emergency truck flashes its red warning lights on top together with sounds. Aimlessly it drives with the aid of its spinning wheel set found on the under carriage, encountering stopping obstacles and redirecting where the fire engine faces and goes.
- Length in Play Interest. It has become my son’s new favorite toy (literally carrying it everywhere he goes like a stuffed animal and giving it kisses or love when someone mentions it in conversation. The vehicle size I find perfect to use with large die-cast metal cars, vans, & pickup trucks. Great for all types of playing.
- Durability. For the most part, all pieces are intact and secure despite the rough forcefulness of my son crashing it purposely into other vehicles. Body of the vehicle is sturdier than basic plastic and takes on fewer dings and scratches. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said about the stickers which several are starting to come off due to catching on things, moisture encounter, or sliding slightly from where it has been placed.  (UPDATE: My son chunked the toy. Regardless of replacing the batteries, the sound and motion do not work now. I believe the finer tuned parts inside had come loose.)
- Functionality. All sounds and lights work properly except when preventing or controlling the movement of the fire engine. Siren slows and tone fluctuates up or down based on the control of the currently moving truck and its user from the ground. Otherwise, there is no malfunctions or breakdowns in performance.
- Pros V Cons. Off all fire truck toys through all categories of toys, I do agree their featured ladder attachment on the lift gives the best authenticity I’ve yet to see in the majority fire engine truck toys. The automated driving truck encourages free play that doesn’t have to engage solely on rescue themes. Its vehicle design features are a hit or miss. Some things on stickers I felt would have been alternatively better or balanced if they were raised molds and painted. Some plastic pieces are only cosmetic rather than displaying functionality (bell mounted on top would be more attractive if it moved or became usable, fixed ladder if it were on a sliding tracking).
- Website Specs & Purchase Product Matchup? Generally the same with their focus aimed at authenticity and product popularity.
- Compared with Similar Market Products. Similar fire engine toys range from $10-$40 with differences in sounds, light up parts, and vehicle design features either as modeled part of/to the vehicle or sticker art.
- Age Gauge for Toy & Reasoning. Some pieces like the ladder attached to the lift I feel are still possible hazards for toddlers just entering 3’s. I would still say that is a good starting age for this toy.

3.  CifToys Light/Sound/Motion Airplane
- Package of Toy. Simple blue/white color scheme design with enlarged close-up picture of the product and out to the side positive adjectives describing the attractive qualities in the airplane toy. Detailed short sentence descriptors of the features are listed of the reverse. Pictures of moving actions and powered light display of the plane are on one of the short long sides as well as ones showing quick assembly steps. Inside, the parts come prepackaged in three separate bags based on body, wings, and tail wings.
- Requiring Assembly, Batteries? Comes disassembled with plane body/wings/tail wings that easily click&lock and without batteries
- Instructions on Setup & Toy Actions. Using a Philips head screw driver, undo the single screw on battery door. Place in 3AA batteries. Close and secure. Turn the red power switch on. Place airplane on flat, smooth surface with all wheels on the floor.
- At Glance Appearance. Very closely resembles a general commercial airliner decorated from head-to-toe in made-up airline name and color/shape design details of the spread out sticker designs. A tiny door and several windows line either side to scale with overall plane. Attachable wings come on and off easily without affecting the toys lights, sounds, or movements. Lights up a rainbow of colors on various and spread out parts of the plane. The back wheels are plastic while the rotating attachment mounted under the body near the nose of the airplane has smaller rubber wheels.
- Quality of Sound/Motion. Great sound quality while freely moving and being manipulated by a child (an example being held in hand against the floor preventing movement). Realistic jet motor and taking off sounds in unison with blinking color lights randomly flashing on the plane. The rotating motorized part aims the airplane all about. As it runs into walls and separation of surfaced (rug to floor or smooth surface to carpet), the toy stops, reverses back a little, and changes direction. It glides quickly across smooth surfaces and gradually slowly as the surface gains heavier consistency.
- Length in Play Interest. It can be used in short and long play usually as a vehicle a child can hold in hand(s) off the ground in pretend flying or moving/stationary vehicle part of the ongoing action on the ground.
- Durability. It is a great pop apart and hassle-free attaching with its pieces. They can endure typical falls and crushes. It isn’t cheaply made, but like any general plastic, it sustains visible scratches to the body and more significant scraping/peeling to the outside on the detachment wings. The stickers are on securely and none have started signs of peeling.
- Functionality. It can perform on various smooth surfaces as well as play carpet and similar woven rug throws. As the cotton/polyester floor cover becomes denser like carpet, it will not move at all. No malfunctions or breakdowns in performance.
- Pros V Cons. Definitely a great buy or addition to a child with interests in airplanes or vehicles. Its sophisticated movements and real-life sounds promote active play and gained perspective about airplanes. However, overload of noisy takeoff sounds quickly become tiring and annoying. Additionally, the detachable pieces come on and off too easy (like reaching to pull-to or pickup, coming in contact unexpectedly with things, results of falling from a short height).
- Website Specs & Purchase Product Matchup? Spot on since this is in comparison with most toys happily shocks and amazes me it accurately portrays the real thing.
- Compared with Similar Market Products. Ranges in price start from $10-$20 depending on how realistic the plane is and how sounds/lights are displayed on the aircraft. Each manufacturer’s product has its own unique sticker design and solid material additions (turbines under the wings, wheel sizes/type, propellers, etc)
- Age Gauge for Toy & Reasoning. It is considerably an option for age 3 and up. Things to keep in mind before buying for a child in this developmental stage is his or her preferences to new/loud sounds and independently moving toys.

4.  CifToys Dancing Robot 
- Package of Toy: White background and black, small sizes of lettering with visible window of the robot. A brief outline of functions and characteristics of the toy are on the front lower corner and reverse side. Inside, the robot is held in place from freely moving about with over coiled plastic twist-ties attached onto a separate cardboard piece from the box. A single sheet paper holds the product warranty, copyrights, and cautionary warnings about use of the product.
- Requiring Assembly, Batteries? Comes fully assembled and without batteries
- Instructions on Setup & Toy Actions. Using a Philips head screw driver, undo the single screw on battery door. Place in 3AA batteries. Close and secure. Place robot on flat, smooth surface either standing or on its spinning part. Turn the red power switch on.
- At Glance Appearance. Material is high-grade, durable plastic encasing metal and plastic moving pieces. It has a sleek, futuristic design and added details of open hands instead of nubs and boot shaped feet instead of flat stands give the toy a realistic feel.
- Quality of Sound/Motion. Far superior than most. Sound is booming very loud with computer generated and looped dance beat that the robot moves with. It starts standing on roller feet with legs apart as a normal wide V. Slides legs apart into a split position, standing robot on its pivoting part. It spins between 3-5 times before placing it returning to its feet facing a new way. As it performs several times, I noticed that it follows a hexagonal path going clockwise. A laser light shoots out creating a red ring that surrounds the robot and follows it as it moves. The lights spinning on top resemble those on spinning kaleidoscope wands sold at firework displays and laser light shows.
- Length in Play Interest. It is a short lived thrill for kids unless it is being shown off to friends or being used with other toys/part of a game or pretend play. I would classify it as also as an interesting novelty gift for a college kid, party friend, people with interests in funny concepts or repetitive dance beats.
- Functionality. It can only perform on a completely smooth surface like wood, tile, or linoleum. No malfunctions or breakdown in performance.
- Durability. It sustained a couple few feet drops but nothing serious against anything hard enough to sustain something detrimental to it performing. I don’t see this toy’s material being able to degrade or require replacements
- Pros V Cons. Great value in the long run if investing in something that will last and do cool things. Also a great gift for a child you may or may not know very well. A setback would be the time it holds one’s Interest. The entertainment is a short lived enjoyment if there is no planned use for it to begin with.
- Website Specs & Purchase Product Matchup? Pretty accurate except in describing what the toy does. One, it is activated by an on/off switch on the back rear. 2. Hands on the robot are immobile. It slightly elevates up and down its arms when it slides in or out of the spine cycle.
- Compared with Similar Market Products. Ranges are from $15-$60, but generally, most of these models are from $25-$30.
- Age Gauge for Toy & Reasoning. Anywhere from 3 and up. I would say start at 5 to 10 as a “I don’t know the child but would think they would find the toy likeable” type gift. Can be considered for an adult novelty as well.

Snagshout Review - Sail Boat Wine Bottle Holder

Really thought the metal design was cute for the beach condo that we have in Florida. The bottle can face either way, so it can be modeled a number of ways for your pleasure. Sturdy and adjustable - only as needed. It definitely stands out on the the center island in the kitchen with our other sailing theme items, but even with an empty or message bottle, it can go great in any room. I have loved and enjoyed every minute. So have our renters. :)

I received my purchase from Amazon at a discounted price for my honest and detailed opinion.

UPDATE - Links to Reviewed Products

I have some free time on my hands and read from fellow readers/bloggers curoius through searches and browsing

Where do your products you review come from? OR I can't find this on Amazon.

I'll post

Snagshout Review - Smiley Aluminum Herb and Spice Grinder

I have been looking for the last 3-5 years for a new spice grinder since my favorite one has become really sticky, dull, and hard to turn/open chambers. Been through several different shops and online superstores to get a product that didn't seem to have every feature that my old grinder had. Got this sort of as a Father's Day gift/trial run (tried many before). Surprisingly, it met everything he was looking for,

- Sharp teeth for even cutting
- Great ease at turning and grinding the herbs
- Magnetic top to avoid sudden falls and opening
- Fine sifter for the bottom chamber
- Spooning tool that had smooth, flat edge for easy pickup
- Impressive material and design

This is the grinder that will seat on your dresser or kitchen shelf for many years before needing replacement, and I wouldn't mind posting an update to back this by the performance and satisfaction I received using it.

I received my purchase at a discounted price in exchange for my full and honest review.

Snagshout Review - iPhone 6S Case, MagicMobile Thin/Hard Aluminum Design (Anti-Slip, Shockproof, Ultra Thin)

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Meh, I got what I wanted: a plain black cover that looks professional and functions as such. All that matters.

This product was provided at a discounted price in exchange for my honest review.

Snagshout Review - iPhone 6S Plus Case, MagicMobile Slim Translucent Snap-On

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This product was provided at a discounted price in exchange for my honest review.

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Definitely a worthy buy for the parent of an almost mobile child. Most clips that are readily available are the basic magnetic door holders or drawer/door catches. This has stretch and around the corner clips to hold larger doors that can't be locked by regular clips. The plastic pieces all worked fine in my versatile kitchen. Nothing has broken yet, but I'll keep my fingers crossed everything holds up still. The only thing I wished was provided with the kit were guidance pictures or manual on installing each unique clip.

I received the product at a discounted price in exchange for my honest and full opinion.