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  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 0, age appropriate for kids over 0; suggested age 4.

  • Is it any good?

    3.0

  • Common Sense says

    Eco-site goes back to basics for good of kids and earth.

On this site kids can:   do activities, help a cause, listen to music, play games

Why We Rated This on for Ages 4 and Up

The good stuff

  • Educational value:

    Games like Naughts and Crosses (an Australian version of Tic-Tac-Toe) combines nature trivia with the classic game. There's also tips on how to lead a more eco-friendly life.

  • User-created content:

    Members can make Anamalz dance by combining moves and then watching their DIY choreography.

  • Messages:

    The mission behind the Anamalz brand is to create eco-friendly toys that are safe for kids and encourage creative, open-ended play. The Web site promotes this idea with simple games.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    Not an issue.

  • Sex:

    Not an issue.

  • Language:

    Not an issue.

  • Consumerism:

    You need to buy a wooden Anamalz toy in order to access the Web site's features. There is also a page on the site where you can explore the product line and accompanying music CD.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.
 

How safe is it?

  • Personal privacy:

    Not an issue.

  • Online interaction:

    Not an issue.

  • Parental controls:

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Anamalz

Parents need to know that this is a progressive brand of toys with noble ideals. The toy figures are made of organic maple, not plastic, use safe paint, and are designed to encourage imaginative open play. The company also donates a portion of profits to wildlife conservation organizations. As the recipient of the 2008 Australian International Design Award, no two of these toys are alike. The Web site is also simplistic and encourages a limited amount of screen-time for young kids, rather than being designed to draw kids into hours of online play. The site is more of a launching pad for real-life play, with tidbits of animation and games, but nothing too involved. Although it originates from Australia, most concepts will translate to US users.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about limiting screen time for preschool kids. How much time does your child spend in front of a screen (TV, computer, video game, electronic toy)? Learn more about creating a healthy media diet so you can free up family time for more interactive experiences.
  • What information is it okay to share when joining a web site and what information is off-limits? What are your house rules for staying safe on the Internet?
  • Families can talk about "green" products. Do you think some products just clain to be  "green" to get people to buy them? What steps is your family taking to be more earth-friendly?


Tools and tips that can help

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