The train-car cards are color-coded to match specific railway routes, so the basic idea is to collect multiple cards of the same color and then claim a route to score points. Destination tickets present an added challenge by assigning secret routes such as "Seattle to Montreal" and awarding bonus points for completion of these routes. Because the tickets are kept secret, each player's plan for railway domination won't be revealed until the end!

Ride the Rails in Less than an Hour
Because Ticket to Ride only requires two players and can be played in less than an hour, opportunities abound for trying different strategies. While your success relies somewhat on the luck of the draw, part of the fun is trying different strategies like drawing extra destination tickets, discarding difficult tickets, or vying for the longest continuous route (worth 10 points).

Surprise Winners and Reversals of Fortune
Once the miniature trains are played out, each player's destination tickets are revealed. Because an incomplete route can result in a loss of as many as 22 points, last-minute reversals of fortune are commonplace, and victory is never guaranteed.

While those who are already familiar with the more intricate European version of Ticket to Ride might be disappointed by this simpler version, beginners are sure to find it a wonderful introduction to the Days of Wonder board game series. Purchase of the game includes access to online game play, where additional maps and game variants await.

What's in the Box
One board map of North American train routes, 240 colored train cars (including additional replacement cars), 144 illustrated cards, five wooden scoring markers, one rules booklet, one Days of Wonder online access ticket.

Explore and Grow Busy Ball Popper Ages:9 months and up Requires: 4 "D" batteries (not included) Phillips screwdriver Adult assembly

What We Think Fun factor: Durability: Ease of assembly: Educational factor: The Good: An exciting sensorial, put-and-take toy for your infant/toddler. The Challenging: Could be damaged if dropped or thrown repeatedly. In a Nutshell: A colorful toy that pops balls into the air or onto the ground for chasing.

Watch the fan pop the colorful balls into the air! View larger.

Colorful Balls that Spin and Pop in the Air
The Busy Ball Popper is a one-piece toy that's made up of a removable ball trough, tube, and tray. When your child presses down on the big-eyed mushroom character on the Ball Popper, the balls move up the tube and pop out of the top, falling back into the tray to start the process all over again.

The popper is made to withstand the rigors of your infant's play and can be easily cleaned with a damp towel. The plastic balls are large enough that you will not have to worry about them as choking hazards, but when your child is popping the balls, make sure to keep an eye out for balls as they can go off of the track occasionally. The popper also includes eight lively songs that start once you have pumped down the plunger to activate the ball-popping fan.

Keep in mind that although the Busy Ball Popper is made out of a strong, durable plastic, it is fairly heavy and should be kept on a flat surface while being played to avoid any damage to your furniture. The toy also shuts itself off after a short period of time, but it is recommended to always turn it off manually for battery conservation.

Great Sensorial, Put-and-take Work For Your Child
This ball popper is a great toy for infants gaining gross motor skills, or for toddlers who are ready to chase the balls around the house and dance to the upbeat music. It is visually appealing with its bright, colorful balls and characters, and you never know where the balls may land, making it an exciting and new adventure each time.

What's in the Box
Ball popper base, plastic ball tray and lower trough, and five plastic balls. (Batteries are not included.)

Nerf's Lazertag System Ages:8+ Requires: 12 "AA" batteries (not included) Phillips screwdriver

What We Think Fun factor: Durability: Ease of assembly: Educational factor: The Good: Plenty of interactive sounds and vibrations. The Challenging: The guns could break if dropped repeatedly. In a Nutshell: An exhilarating game of laser tag, made especially for your home

The guns are colorful and have a classic Nerf look. View larger.

Fun Lights, Sounds, and Vibrations
To start the game, simply push the side power/game type switch. Be sure to agree on a strength level with all players before starting, because it cannot be changed once the game begins! The two guns are equipped and ready for battle with a rumble pack vibration that lets you know when you've been hit, a recoil feature that is activated with every fired shot, and a force-field style shield that will protect you from any incoming fire! The shield gives you that extra couple needed moments to aim with precision, and help you hit your target with accuracy.

As a side note: We recommend always holding your gun with both hands since they are heavy and could break if dropped repeatedly.

Fun For All Ages
The taggers are colorful and outfitted with so many neat sounds, lights, and vibrations, even the adults will be trying to join in on the intense laser battling fun. The shield is such a great addition to the PHOENIX LTX's as well, giving players an extra chance to load up and aim, or get away during a heavy pursuit.

What's in the Box
Two PHOENIX LTX Taggers. (Batteries not included.)