We have been through several Fisher Price Doodle Pros, but since we were going on a trip, I wanted both of my kids to have a nice new one to carry with us, since all the other ones we had had hit the trash at some point and time. So, I bought 2 Doodle Pro Designs at Wal-Mart for $6.68. The toy is suggested for ages 3 and up.

This Doodle Pro Designs is a magnetic drawing screen. To draw on it, you use the attached pen.

This particular Doodle Pro is really, really cute in that it has a tie dye pattern on the front. The background is pinkish/purpleish, and it has all different sizes (small, medium, and large) starburst type patterns that consists of pink, yellow, blue, red, and lime green. It’s really neat looking, but due to the pink/purple tones to it, I’d say girls would be more into this than boys, especially since the back is a solid purple. The screen to this is yellow, and the pen is as well. The slider located on the right side that you erase with is lime green.

The pen is attached with an orange cord. Also, on the left towards the top, there is a little indented spot where you can place your thumb, and the area around there is rounded, so your hand can loop around to the back of it. Also, on the right side on the front, there is a little hole where you keep your pen when you are not using it.

There are several other designs of the ‘Designs’ line- I was only able to snag one of these in the tie dye pattern, the other one I bought was in a pink bandana pattern, that was equally as cute, but I was hoping to find 2 that were the same so both daughters would not have something to squabble over, because usually they both want the same one. There are also some boy designs out there as well- I noticed one that had a green background with sports balls all over it, and also one with dinosaurs. This has a hanging hole on the back of it- now why I could not tell you- but I would not hang it on the wall myself. A lot of the other smaller Doodle Pros out there have a clip, but this one has the hanging loop instead.

Measurements (approximate):

Length overall: 7 in.

Overall width: 4 ½ in.

Screen width: 2 ½ in.

Screen length: 4 ½ in.

Pen length: 2 ¾ in.

Cord length that attaches pen: 8 ½ in.



Stuff to know before drawing:

Before starting use, completely darken the drawing screen with the magnetic pen. Slide the eraser lever slowly up and down to clear the screen. Repeat the process several times to enable the drawing screen to create the cleanest, darkest images.

You should not use anything other than the included pen to write on this with. Do not use regular crayons, pens, or markers. Keep this away from extreme heat sources. Do not apply heavy pressure or force to the drawing screen, because it could damage it.

Experience:

Luckily, no one was mad that the other one got the tie dye Doodle Pro. My youngest ended up with it, and she was really satisfied with it. I was glad no one squabbled about it. Anyway, we took these with us on vacation, because we were going to be driving 4 hours away from home. I found that this passed the time quite nicely. My youngest especially was into it, she drew on it for about 30 minutes at a time, and it kept her quiet.

As far as durability goes, I have found these to be pretty durable. On the trip, these got stuff piled on top of them, they fell on the car floor, and got bumped around quite a bit, and they still look fine. Also, I would like to mention the size of these is very nice, they don’t take up a whole lot of room in a vehicle, could be put in a glove box, or the side compartment of a car door.

As far as age range goes, I would say kids age 2 and up. My kids have had this type of toy since they were around 2, and we never had a problem with it.

Overall, I’d highly recommend it- the only problem I have with it is that after several months of use, the screen does not erase completely. Don’t know why that is, but I buy another one after this happens, because it is rather annoying that it does not erase all the way. Other than that, it’s quiet, no batteries needed, portable, does not take up a lot of room, and keeps my kids entertained.

Thanks to marytara for adding!


Recommended: Yes

Amount Paid (US$): 6.88
Age Range of Child: 3 to 5 Years