Noisy!... but Cute... Babblin' Boo Doll with Magical Little Mikey
Written: Apr 21 '02 (Updated Apr 21 '02)
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Pros: Cute, Durable
Cons: Noisy! No power switch, no volume control.
The Bottom Line: Most children 3 – 8 years of age will initially like Playskool Babblin' Boo Doll with Magical Little Mikey.
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| Lisa_J's Full Review: Babblin' Boo Doll |
The scenario was such that occurs upon release of fad style movies. Media hype encourages toy lineups toward becoming the recent must have items of children galore. Demand exceeds supply, the store shelves are bare and your child beckons for the cute little thing. This was the scene back at Christmas post viewing of Monsters, INC. Marisa instantly requested a Babblin' Boo Doll. After checking multiple stores it became obvious the only way to obtain one would be through the inflated auction prices or be patient for the hopeful release of additional dolls post Christmas frenzy.
Honestly as cute as I felt Boo was there was no way I would succumb to the outrageous currency requested. I knew time would expose if this was one of those fad requests or sincerely a toy my child desired. Substantial time passed, Marisa had ‘tooth fairy’ money and a trip to Toys-R-Us was imminent. When she returned from the shopping adventure a smile exhibited the excitement of her find. Patience paid off and alas Playskool Babblin' Boo Doll with Magical Little Mikey was purchased for $24.99.
Details
Playskool Babblin' Boo Doll with Magical Little Mikey
Ages 3 and up.
Includes 2 – AA batteries.
Replacement will require use of Phillips screwdriver.
What She Does:
~ Giggles and Babbles
When pressing a button on her tummy you will hear giggles and babble.
~ Squeals and Laughs
When you hold little Mikey up to Boo, allowing his nose to touch her tummy, a giggle is emitted.
When little Mikey is pulled away from Boo, a squeal is emitted.
Babblin' Boo Doll is approximately 12 inches tall. She resembles a child in the toddler stage of growth and is a replica of the character Boo from Monsters, INC. by Disney * PIXAR. She arrives sporting purple capri-pants, a coral-orange T-shirt, and white socks. Her black hair is parted down the middle, bangs flow just above her eyebrows, and her precious ponytails are secured with coral-balled hair pony-twists. Her wide-open eyes are brown. She has a tender peachy colored smile and just a touch of rouge on her full cheekbones. She depicts the actual character well, and is a pleasure to children and adults.
When you depress the button on her tummy she giggles and babbles.
~ Giggle
~ Kitty!
~ Mike Wazowski!
~ Babble
~ Another long babble phrase
Two of her sentiments shared are recognizable, another is a giggle series, and the remaining two vary between a short babble and a sentence full of babble.
Boo is surface cleanable with a damp cloth – or a babywipe (Mikey is also). Her arms, legs and head pivot and are constructed from a slightly pliable plastic. Her main body portion is hard plastic. She has an overall Caucasian skin tone that is a light peachy color. Definition is provided/molded for her fingers and toes. Gender appropriate parts aren’t part of this doll construction. She will sit easily. Her voice is easily activated and for that purpose I don’t recommend using this doll for a sleep toy.
Mikey resembles the stuffed animal that she clutched to in the actual movie release. He is approximately 6 inches long. His body is a light brown fleece that is soft to touch. He has four legs, two arms, a quirky smile, and one large eye. At the midpoint of his neck – in the back – he has an elastic loop that allows Boo to hold him in place on her arm. When his nose is held to her chest Boo laughs, when he is pulled away she squeals.
Cons
Noise! As mentioned earlier, her vocal capability is easy to activate and there is no turn off button. You could remove the batteries (trap door is on her back and requires a Phillips screwdriver). Voice tone isn’t adjustable.
My 11-year-old doesn’t care for this doll and becomes annoyed quickly with the babbling emitted. This presents a challenge when her younger sister likes to continually exhibit the vocal’s of this doll. I confess that I, too, find the vocal emission from Babblin' Boo Doll frustrating. The words and sentence she babbles is presented in an annoying whiney tone that starts to grind. Most of the time vocal toys don’t bother me.
I don’t feel this doll will maintain interest level and therefore I seriously question the $24.99 purchase cost. Personally, I would rather have a cute non- Babblin’ Boo Doll! My daughter continues to like it, but is displeased that attempt to sleep with Boo was met with noise frustration. Playskool states this toy is recommended for children 3 – 12 years of age. I don’t know any child over age 9 that would desire to own this doll.
Final Thoughts
Initially I advise parents to avoid this doll and hope to find a non-animated one. The tricky assessment of overall recommending this toy takes a twist when met with child approval. Children admire the doll. It is cute, the mechanism works continually like suggested, and durability is good. So overall I feel pressed to recommend Babblin' Boo Doll. Considering that toy evaluation is with regard to child approval, durability, and such… I will assess three stars and recommend this toy.
Most children 3 – 8 years of age will initially like Playskool Babblin' Boo Doll with Magical Little Mikey.
Happy Parenting!
© 2002
Lisa_J
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 24.99
Type of Toy: Other
Age Range of Child: 3 to 5 Years
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Epinions.com ID:
Lisa_J
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Location: Pacific Northwest - Washington State
Reviews written: 1010
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About Me:
Mom of two wonderfully spirited daughters. Childcare Director. Spectator fan of dance.
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