(If this review looks familiar, I initially published it under the original category. My son owns the re-colored version, which I recently discovered it’s now available in the database. I republished this review, as not to be Off Topic.)

I’ll admit it… toys fascinate me. Given the opportunity, and time permitting I’ll explore every isle of a toy store. Finding the time is challenging so, I’ve resorted to on-line shopping. It’s not as fun, but it’s fast, and easy. Since I cannot afford everything that enchants me, or my son, I must be discriminating. The Hide ‘n Squeak Eggs was an excellent purchasing decision, and one that I wouldn’t hesitate repeating.

The Hide ‘n Squeak Eggs is a developmental sorting toy for children 12-months to 3-years. The plaything is completely made of plastic, and is very durable. The set includes half-dozen eggs, and a plastic carton. The eggs are comprised of two parts: the bottom shells, where the “cheeping” mechanisms are hidden, and the lids. The outer shells are white, and are separated by soft jagged edges, which cleverly mimic cracked eggs. Colorful chicks are revealed when the lids are lifted. When pressed, the chicks “chirp.” There’s two of each color: blue, purple, and yellow.

Each egg has a different shape molded into the bottom of the shell, for sorting in the carton. The shapes include a square, a triangle, a circle, a heart, a star, and a cross. The chick’s facial features are molded, except for the eyes, which are painted. Each egg has a different pattern around the eyes that is identical to the pattern on the shell. Thus, pattern matching is featured as an advanced element. The carton measures 6˝” x 4˝” x 3”, think of a small box of wipes.


Our Experience:
I first saw the Hide ‘n Squeak Eggs at a friend’s house years before I had a child. They intrigued me then, so imagine my surprise when I discovered TOMY still makes them. Well, I’m happy to report that this simple toy was a baby favorite. With all the fancy toys available today, one might think the Hide ‘n Squeak Eggs would be discarded as boring. Not with my boy. He’d “squeak” with delight every time I'd pull them out of the toy box. I gave these to my son when he turned one, and he’d hold one in each hand, and squeeze to make them chirp. He’d walk around the house chirping. Then, he’d bang them together, or roll them on the ground. He’d line them up in a row, place the lids on top, and knock them down. Start all over again. At two, he was sorting the shapes, and by 2˝, he was beginning to understand pattern matching. After his 3rd birthday, I put the eggs up with the rest of his baby stuff. Funny thing about that, I had to pull them out several times, because he just needed to squeeze and chirp one more time.

These eggs crossed several international borders, and came back fully intact. The nearly pocket sized carton is small enough to fit in a large purse, or diaper bag. They’ve taken a “beating” at our house. They’ve been nibbled, gnawed, dropped, even drowned, and show little signs of wear! My son was a “mouth-er.” He’d gnaw, suck, and bite everything in sight; as a result, some of the printed eye patterns wore off, which made it difficult for him to match the patterns, so he had to use deductive reasoning.

TOMY has upgraded this toy again. It’s now called the Hen House Fresh Hide 'n Squeak Eggs. It features electronic sounds, and an On/Off button controls the ability to play with, or without sound. It doesn’t come with a carton, but a lid, so the eggs fall all over the place. I purchased the newest version for my nephew, and I was sorely disappointed. One of the reasons this toy was so well loved my son was because William could toss the eggs in the carton, and jiggle them around. Then, he’d empty the carton, and sort them again. As a mom, I appreciated this toy, because when the carton was shut, it was easy to transport, to pack, and to store. Additionally, it didn’t use batteries, and have sounds. The original Hide ‘n Squeak Eggs is still available at on-line stores, and I definitely recommend it over the new product.

TOMY Corporation
4695 MacArthor Court, Ste. 130, Newport Beach, CA 92660
www.tomy.com






Recommended: Yes

Amount Paid (US$): $9.99
Type of Toy: Baby Toy
Age Range of Child: 12 to 36 Months