Dear Clients & Colleagues 

Presence always trumps presents. More than any transient toy, your kids crave time and attention. So let them bask in your attention. (Joe Kelly, Dads and Daughters: How to inspire, understand and support Your Daughter When She’s Growing Up So Fast)

I won’t say too much in this newsletter because I think this brilliant quote above echoes the sentiment behind most of my work. When you pay attention to your children, when you make eye contact, when you really listen to them, when you get down and play a game with them without distraction and interruption, when you really want to get to know what makes them tick -that’s when you make your presence count.

I wish you all a peaceful festive season. I, for one, am going to enjoy some family time for the next few weeks after a very hectic final quarter of 2008. I look forward to meeting up with you all again at various talks and workshops in 2009. Thank you for your support, for your feedback about our book Future-proof Your Child and your responses to this newsletter. I can’t tell you how many responses I had to my query about bangers for Christmas crackers – it’s great to know that my newsletter is read!!!

IF YOU ARE IN JO’BURG AND YOU NEED SIGNED COPIES OF OUR BOOK, FUTURE-PROOF YOUR CHILD……………..

As I am closed until January, do pop in to Estoril Books in Fourways Mall where I recently signed a stack of books. Future-proof Your Child is proving to be extremely popular among parents and educators, and is being read by men and women alike.

IF YOU ARE OUTSIDE OF JO’BURG: Pop into to branches of Exclusive Books, Wordsworths and other independent books stores around the country. To order the books online, or to send to relatives elsewhere, visit :

www.kalahari.net

www.exclusives.co.za

www.loot.co.za

www.amazon.co.uk

THOMAS’ SHAPE STATION GAME IS AVAILABLE FOR CHRISTMAS

This super first shape and colour board game is now available in Toys R Us, ToyZone and other stores that stock Thomas the Tank Engine merchandise. It was developed by drama teacher Justine Heydra and myself and has been manufactured and distributed by Just Fun Toys. The artwork is beautiful and will satisfy any Thomas fan. The game stimulates visual discrimination and matching skills which are important foundations for reading and writing. Playing board games also teaches children to take turns as well as to win and lose. This game is perfect for 3 – 5 year olds and can be played with 2 – 4 players.

Cost is R199.00. Click here for pictures.

MORE GIFTING IDEAS

I am updating my website with recommended game and toy info at the moment so do visit for some ideas: www.brightideasoutfit.com. Click here for the latest update.

Keep on playing and connecting with your precious children! Make the most of the extra quality time you may have together over the holiday period.

NIKKI BUSH

THOMAS’ SHAPE STATION GAME

This first shape and colour boardgame suitable for 3 – 5 year olds was developed by Nikki Bush & Justine Heydra for Thomas.  For up to four players, this fun board game stimulates the pre-reading and writing skills of visual discrimination and matching, as well as teaching young children to take turns, to win and to lose.  Spend some quality time with your child this holidays with this fabulous game which also made an appearance in this year’s Toy of the Year Awards.  The superb artwork will thrill any Thomas fan!

PRICE:  R199.00

AVAILABLE WHERE?  Toys R Us, Toyzone, other stockists of Thomas products. 

FUN ON THE RUN BOXES

This popular parenting tool consists of a little box of tricks for when you are out and about, waiting for appointments, for meals in restaurants, travelling or just sitting in the carwash.  It contains 25 educationally sound activities for you to do with your child when you are parenting on the run.  It comes in two editions, one for 3 – 6 year olds and another for 6 – 12 year olds, together with an instruction leaflet. 

PRICE:  R165.00+

AVAILABLE WHERE? Ladder of Learning (Fourways Mall), The Toy Exchange (Blairgowrie) and at Nikki’s Parenting on the Run Workshops around the country.

FILO

Filo is one of my favourites at the moment for children from 5 – 12 years of age.  I left it in my car for a week and every child in the age group was fascinated and wanted turn after turn including both boys and girls.  This fun and creative product will provide hours of creative pleasure while at the same time stimulating the perceptual skills of eye-hand co-ordination, fine motor control and proprioception, all so necessary for reading and writing.  It is sort of like colouring in and playing with a pegboard all at the same time on a very sensory rubbery surface.  Using a BIC pen-type threader, you push the pen into the rubbery board and the threading lace gets ‘hooked’ into the holes.  Inside the box you will fnd Filo beautifully and practically packed suitcase-style – great for travelling – containing all the threaders, threading laces, pattern cards and 18 additional pictures to create inside the instruction leaflet.

PRICE:  R229.00

AVAILABLE WHERE?  All Think Toys shops (they are the importers), Ladder of Learning (Fourways Mall), Kidzone (Randpark Ridge – behind Trinity House School and opposite the Top Crop Centre where they used to be), Toy Exchange (Blairgowrie).

REFLEX SOCCER

Children will be able to kick a ball to their hearts’ contents with this innovative toy.  The soccer ball is attached to a stretchy elastic which in turn is attached to a plastic base which must be filled with water to weight it down.  This allows the ball to rebound when  kicked.  Hours of fun to be enjoyed by a child on his/her own or in pairs. I recommend this product would be suitable for children from 4 – 7 years of age.  Older/bigger children kick the ball too hard for the weight of the base.  Best played on grass.

PRICE:  R129.99

AVAILABLE WHERE:? Toys R Us and large chain stores such as Game, Makro etc.

SCRUNCH BUCKET

Gone are the days of having to buy a new bucket in every holiday location.  Now there’s a flexible silcone bucket – a wonderful invention – which can literally be scrunched up and packed in any corner of your suitcase or beach bag without taking up lots of room. Availabe in a variety of lovely colours.  I am currently at the beach with my nieces and nephews and uninitiated parents are oohing and aahing over these fabulous buckets!

PRICE:  R120.00

AVAILABLE WHERE?  Independent toy stores such as Ladder of Learning, Toy Exchange, Kidzone

PEEK-A-BOO BALL

This wonderful wooden fascination toy is suitable from 9 months of age to 2.5 years.  Super for use in the car, the little faces pop out of holes as you turn/roll the ball.

PRICE:  R99.00

AVAILABLE WHERE?  Independent toys stores, craft markets (such as the The Village Craft Market in Douglasdale, or visit www.timeouttoys.co.za for a list of stockists.

CROCOSMILE

This colourful baby and toddler toy is a good combination of a soft toy with educational value.  Each piece of the crocodile is stuck together with velcro so that your little one can pull it apart (proprioception) and stick it back together again.  It has different colours, textures and patterns which you toddler can match together around age 2 – 3.  It also contains a rattle in the tail and the face can be used as a hand puppet.  When you squeeze the mouth together it squeaks. So much in one toy – great educational as well as cuddle value.

PRICE:  R250.00

AVAILABLE WHERE:  Independent toy stores, craft markets (such as the Village Craft Market in Douglasdale, or visit www.timeouttoys.co.za for a list of stockists.

NO SPILL BUBBLES

Just one of the best inventions for children – bubbles that can’t be spilt!  Now your child can play with bubbles at home, in the car, in the supermarket trolley and they can’t make a mess.  This unique container comes with a bottle of bubbles. Once finished, keep the container but refill with any cheap bubble mixture you can find.

COST:  R45.00

AVAILABLE WHERE:  Independent toys stores.

SMART MOUTH

This is a quick, fun word building game for players from 7 years to adult.  The unique ‘letter getter’ spews out two letters.  Players must make up words using the letter on the left as the first letter and the letter on the right as the last letter of their word.  The first player to call out a correct word keeps the letters. The player with the most letters at the end of the game is the winner.  7/8 year olds make up three letter words.  Older children and adults can be challenged to make up longer words.

PRICE:  R150.00

AVAILABLE WHERE? Independent toy stores, Toys R Us, ToyZone

SKETCH-A-STORY

Launched this year, this game was developed by Nikki Bush & Justine Heydra and also made a debut at the Toy of the Year Awards.  Suitable for 8 year olds to adult, the slogan on the game is ‘think, draw, tell, laugh like hell’.  It is a boardgame played in teams.  The drawer takes four cards from the box and has to draw those four pictures, in no particular order.  The storyteller does not call out as each picture is being drawn.  He/she waits until all four pictures are completed (60 seconds allowed to the drawer) and then has 30 seconds to weave what he thinks the drawer has drawn into a short tale – the funnier and more bizarre the better!  This game encourages spontaneous fun with word associations and requires players to use their imagination and creativity – very important X-factors for success for children entering the world of work in 2020 and beyond. Read my book Future-proof Your Child (Penguin 2008) for more details.

PRICE:  R199.00

AVAILABLE WHERE? Toys R Us, ToyZone, C.N.A, Checkers Hyper, Ladder of Learning, The Toy Exchange

INDAHOO

This addictive game, launched this year, and developed by Nikki Bush & Justine Heydra also appeared at the Toy of the Year Awards. Indahoo is an hilarious game for 10 year olds to adult and is ideal for when you have a large group of people. Can be played with 6 – 20+ people – we played with 24 the other evening.  A word game uisng word categories (general knowlegde, celebrities, sports trivia etc) played in three rounds (the same cards, 5 per player, go into each round) - the first round you may use as many words as you like to describe to your team the word on your card, the second round, players may only use 2 words and the third round – no words – just actions.  So this is really about listening, general knowledge and creativity.

PRICE:  R150.00

AVAILABLE WHERE?  Toys R Us, ToyZone, Checkers Hyper, C.N.A, Ladder of Learning, The Toy Exchange

To order copies of the programme insert visit: www.redpepperstudios.co.za

Yes, you will play a lot including some hilarious games you have never heard of! You will be reminded of all the fun to be had with a simple deck of cards, afterwhich I will take you through my top family games (classics and those that are hot right now). Big kids of all ages still wanna play and have fun. Join us for an entertaining and inspiring 3 hour workshop. Email brightideas@powerpt.co.za for bookings.  Click on the DIARY page of this website for workshop dates.

The table is available in 2 sizes:

- 1. 85(W) X 82(L) X 48(H)cm, with one pullout drawer on castors for storage. It can take up to 4 lego baseboards. Price R 1750-00.

2. 85(W) X 124(L) X 48(H)cm with two pullout drawers on castors for storage. It can take up to 6 lego baseboards. Price R2950-00.

The finish of the table in the photograph is Oak laminate, but Clients can choose from 5 different types of laminate, subject to availability. Contact Michelle on 082 469 2936 or email on shimuweni@hotmail.com to place your order.

INDAHOO (approx. R150 – R179.00)

This simple game gets people really laughing and communicating. Uses general knowledge. Has addictive qualities.

FEATURES AND BENEFITS

• Fun (highly entertaining)
• Hilarious
• Simple (uncomplicated, few rules)
• Quick thinking (general knowledge)
• Quick talking (descriptive)
• Quick acting (charades)
• 10 years to adult

SUMMARY

It is a three-round game using category cards (general knowledge) such as movie stars, movie titles, celebrities, famous places, famous authors, cartoon characters, book titles etc. The three rounds in the game consist of:

• a describing round
• a two-word description round
• a charades /miming round

The same cards are used in each round so it pays players to really listen to each other and take note (even to the opposition!). Once all cards have been used up the game moves into the next round. Each member of the team will have a chance to play each round. In a fast team a member or two may play the same round a second time.

SKETCH-A-STORY (approx. R199.00 – 220.00)

Think, draw, tell, laugh like hell!  One of the few games that really requires you to use your imagination by throwing stories or tales together in seconds.

FEATURES & BENEFITS

• hilarious story telling board game
• quick thinking
• drawing skills
• creative verbal associations 
• 8 years to adult

SUMMARY

This two-part game is played in teams of two. One member of each team is the drawer and the other the storyteller (they alternate with each turn). They have a time limit and have to be creative. The drawer draws the four items off the word card and the storyteller has to put together a creative sentence or tale using the four words drawn. For example: Father Christmas came down the chimney and stubbed his big toe on a pinecone and then realized he had left the presents on the roof. (The words in bold are the ones that were on the card drawn by the drawer.) The team earns a point for each correct word used, moving forward the corresponding number of places on the board.

Last Friday evening my husband and I were enjoying a delicious Thai feast in Cape Town where I was speaking at the Your Baby Show. I had taken along Blokus Duo – the Blokus game for two people which we wanted to try out, and we were hooked from the first game. This little story is not to tell you about how wonderful this game is (and it is good, click here for my review on Blokus Classic, both games appear on my 2007 What’s Hot list) but rather to reflect on the reactions of other diners as they walked by. I think if I had had 10 games sitting on the edge of the table I would have sold every single one!

Seeing the two of us playing a game seemed to press lots of buttons for people. Their interest was piqued, they were fascinated by what we were doing (in a restaurant nogal!), they were attracted by a new game they had never seen before and I also think it pressed the nostalgia button as well as the connection button for many. This is because we have a natural instinct to play and a driving need for connection (even in this world that is characterised by disconnection!). Playing games with those we love – our partners, spouses, parents and our children enables us to speak to, and relate to each other in a common language that fosters human connection – play. It can provide us with a much needed escape from the demands of the day, allowing us to be “in the moment” even if it is just for 15 or 20 minutes. And when there is not that much to say, play can replace the need for words too – a good bridge builder and relationship saver at any age.

“It is the essential nature of man to play”, said ancient philosopher, Plato. We were born to do it, it is hardwired into the very core of who and what we are and yet in our high tech world we often seem to lose the ‘software’ to access it. Understanding the importance of play and inspiring parents to reconnect with play are some of the drivers behind the work I do.

Play is the basis of discovery of self and life, it is the bridge that connects mere thought with experience, integrates new experiences with old, opens up new possibilities, new ways of being and enables us to transfer learned skills or ideas into new contexts. Play teaches, builds, loves, touches, heals and so much more. It is the most amazing connection tool we have at our disposal, and it’s free to all.

“Play is not just out there somewhere among the stars, nor is it merely within our DNA. Play is around me, in me, beyond me. Play is me. Play is you. Play is we.” O Fred Donaldson, from his award-winning book, Playing by Heart.

As you, like me, hopefully quieten down and recharge your batteries over the holiday season, take time to play with the special people in your life, and discover yourself or parts of yourself you didn’t know, in the process. And if you are looking for some advice about games to buy to help you on your way to play, read on……………

TOY OF THE YEAR AWARDS

On 15 November I attended the Toy of the Year Awards Dinner with my fellow judges. To see the results click here.

FISCHER TiP – MY TOY OF THE YEAR

My personal overall toy of the year 2007 (nothing to do with the TOTY Awards) is Fischer TiP, a German product, with appeal for all ages. It also comes in many different sized boxes making it accessible to a broad cross section of the market. Fischer TiP is fabulous for stimulating creativity and imagination and is great for developing fine motor skills. Click here for more info to see why I chose it. I fully intend to spend some time doodling and creating with this during the holidays – very soothing for stressed out bunnies!

TOY TALK RECOMMENDATIONS 2007

Click here for the short list of my recommendations for Toy Talk Season 2007.

WINNER OF GIANT BLOKUS

Everyone who attended Toy Talk 2007 went into a draw to win a fabulous Giant Blokus game. Congrats to Nadine and Charlie Kuzmanich who won this collector’s item.

WORKSHOPS 2008

NUTS & BOLTS WORKSHOPS

This fun and interactive workshop covers the specific perceptual skills a child needs to acquire within the first 6 years of life in order to be ready for school, as well as how parents can be really creative with a variety of classic toys. Parents are encouraged to put their own stamp on their child’s play experiences by using their imagination, adding love letters, breaking the rules and combining games in order to create more games! Come prepared to play.

DATE & TIME          Friday, 1 February 2008, 9 – 11.30am OR

                             Saturday, 2 February 2008, 9.30am – 12pm

PLACE                    Friday: Miele Lifestyle Gallery, Peter Place, Bryanston

                             Saturday:  6 Lombardi Lane, Douglasdale

COST:                    R200.00 per person

PARENTING ON THE RUN WORKSHOPS

Come and learn how to cheat time in this interactive workshop. Leave armed with over 100 creative and practical ideas for converting what you would normally consider wasted time with your children, into quality time. Nikki Bush will show you how to maximize time spent in the car; doing everyday household activities, or even waiting for appointments with your child. You can stimulate your child’s brain and connect emotionally even when you are on the run. Nikki will also include her ever-popular suggestions on toys to pack for travelling, or for when you are simply on the run. Connecting and communicating your child can be so easy.

DATE & TIME:           Friday, 29 February 2008, 9 – 11.30am OR

                               Saturday, 1 March 2008, 9 – 11.30am

PLACE:                     Miele Lifestyle Gallery, Peter Place, Bryanston

COST:                      R200.00 per person

Bookings for all the above workshops is essential. Email your bookings to brightideas@powerpt.co.za. For testimonials visit www.brightideasoutfit.com and click on FEEDBACK.

Happy Christmas, happy holidays and happy playing!

NIKKI BUSH

The Bright Ideas Outfit

Blokus Classic is suitable for 7 years to adult.  This strategy game carries a golden seal stating that it is the most awarded game of the 21st century. As we are only at the beginning of this century, I guess it doesn’t have much competition yet. I decided to take a look to see what these claims were all about. Well, this is a must have game that will make it onto my ‘Classics’ list of games every child should have! For a preview of Blokus, go to www.blokus.com where you can play against the computer, obtain advice on the game, place orders for lost pieces, meet other players and see your international ranking! Wow!

Seriously, this is a game for the whole family involving chess-type thinking but in a faster game format. The goal is to strategically place as many of your 21 differently shaped Perspex pieces on the board as possible. The only rule is that you may only place a new piece on the board if it touches another piece of the same colour but only at the corners. Pieces of the same colour cannot be in contact along a straight edge. There are no set moves and every game is different. No reading is required to play this game. It is about thinking skills, problem solving and strategy.

This is a game for two to four players. The age guideline on the box is accurate – from age 7 to adult. Both my children aged 7 and 11 thoroughly enjoyed it and we all wanted to play again and again. The Blokus game board and playing pieces are of a very high quality. Blokus is distributed by Pegasus Toys www.pegasustoys.co.za and retails at R275.00+.

BLOKUS DUO 

Blokus Duo is suitable from 7 years to adult and is a game for two players only.  It is killer from the first move and one must go straight for the jugular to win the game. Quick and tense and very portable - another great game from Pegasus Toys.  Retailing at approx. R175.00.