Over a year ago I had observed my son in his speech therapy using a Mr. Potato HeadŽ. I honestly had no idea he would enjoy this particular toy but saw him sticking the parts into the slots. During our next shopping spree I picked up a Mr. Potato HeadŽ with a Silly Suitcase™. This is item #2279, found at http://www.amazon.com.

The first piece for Mr. Potato HeadŽ is the oval brown head. There are four holes to the front for the parts to be inserted. The back part is part way open in the back, like a bald spot but lower down the head. This helps in holding the head in one hand while placing the other pieces into the holes. Once Mr. Potato HeadŽ is put together my six-year old son likes to hold the figure and fly him around the house.

The top part of the head has a large slot, a bit larger than for a piggybank. This is for his hat with two holes on each side of his head for his ears and arms. The eyes are together which use one hole, than the nose, moustache and lips finish the front holes.

Mr. Potato HeadŽ can have purple feet or orange feet depending on the season. His arms are a lime colored green and there is a green mouth too. His ears are purple and he has a yellow hat. You can use this at Halloween time and keep outside to scare the trick or treaters.

With my children they take turns making Mr. Potato HeadŽ look silly or freaky. There is a brown piece to fit over the back opening if you want to use that. Mr. Potato HeadŽ is made in Mexico and has a U.S. patent number. You can always contact Playskool at 1-800-PLAYSKL. This number is always found on their items and located on the back piece for the head.

We have a total of twenty-five parts that is recommended for ages over two. This is a great table activity for a child to utilize while a parent is in the kitchen. I would also suggest taking a photo of your child’s finished Mr. Potato HeadŽ. This is a classic toy that most parents can relate to from their own childhood. My children are six and almost five and still use this quite often.

My youngest son is able to assemble Mr. Potato HeadŽ with adult assistance, while my six-year old can set him up under two minutes. It actually takes me a bit longer to get him put together. All of the pieces are made of soft durable plastic pieces. These do not cause foot damage when a parent is walking around barefoot and steps on one of them. The parts are flexible and fit into the slots with ease. You can twist the parts around to play games with the kids. When Mr. Potato HeadŽ is complete leave him on a table for a day before taking him apart.

Mr. Potato Head is helping my son recognize names to the body parts while assisting with eye hand coordination. The texture is pleasing as well as the pieces being very colorful. A child can learn the colors as well.

I believe when the movies Toy Story came out in the theatres and video they helped spark an interest in the Mr. Potato HeadŽ toy. Before taking your preschooler on a visit to their Pediatrician you can double check they know where their ears, eyes, nose and mouth are by getting out Mr. Potato HeadŽ for a dress rehearsal.

With the lazy days of summer coming upon us this is a great addition for a young child to play at the picnic table outside or bring along on a vacation to play with in the car. For those grandparents expecting a child to visit them, why not pick up a Mr. Potato HeadŽ and place him on the nightstand next to the bed the child will be sleeping in. There are not many toys that are based on a food item that is both nutritious and delicious. Cheers to the potato!


Recommended: Yes

Amount Paid (US$): under $15.00
Type of Toy: Other
Age Range of Child: 3 to 5 Years