Educational Toy for 5 year old girl?

[babyready]

We adopted a family this Christmas and even though we don't HAVE to get what is on the list, I have tried to do so. I am stuck on the educational toy, though. Only because it says, "something with sounds" and I'm stumped. It is for a five year old girl.

I originally picked up a V-tech laptop but now I am thinking that it is too young for a five year old. Was considering the Leapfrog word builder but also seems young. I think a Leapster would be great but it is out of my budget (trying to stay under $20ish.)

Any ideas? I could just skip the whole "sounds" part and pick up a game or something.

TIA!

[caleymama]

Maybe Hullabaloo (http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2265753) or Hyper Dash (http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2666416)? They are both games that "talk" and are around your price point. Hyper Dash is probably more educational than Hullabaloo, but either would be a lot of fun.

I'm not sure how much a regular LeapPad would be (ours was a hand-me-down) but that might be an option. Oooh, just looked at TRU online and the Read and Write LeapPad (http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2475430) is on clearance for $19.98. The Ratatouille LeapPad book (http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2718781) is on clearance for $7.49, Cars (http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2266057) is $10.99, and Leap and the Lost Dinosaur (http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2328996) is $10.99 (we have this one and DD loves it).

ETA: I just looked at the Vtech laptop (http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2340839&isTopSellingItem=true) and that looks like a nice gift too! (assuming I'm looking at the right item)

[babyready]

Maybe Hullabaloo (http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2265753) or Hyper Dash (http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2666416)? They are both games that "talk" and are around your price point. Hyper Dash is probably more educational than Hullabaloo, but either would be a lot of fun.

I'm not sure how much a regular LeapPad would be (ours was a hand-me-down) but that might be an option. Oooh, just looked at TRU online and the Read and Write LeapPad (http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2475430) is on clearance for $19.98. The Ratatouille LeapPad book (http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2718781) is on clearance for $7.49, Cars (http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2266057) is $10.99, and Leap and the Lost Dinosaur (http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2328996) is $10.99 (we have this one and DD loves it).

ETA: I just looked at the Vtech laptop (http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2340839&isTopSellingItem=true) and that looks like a nice gift too! (assuming I'm looking at the right item)

Thank you so much for the help!! Funny, I just ordered Hullabaloo for my dd last night and was looking at Hyperdash but didn't know if they would be "educational" enough. The Leappad read and write was sold out on TRU but I found it for 12.44 on Amazon, so I am leaning in that direction. Thanks so much for your help!

Oh, and it wasn't that Vtech laptop, I got the Tote n' Go.

[bubbaray]

I'm pretty sure LF is discontinuing the LeapPad Read & Write. We have it and I've purchased all the books I could find -- and I haven't seen any in about 4m or so (since the TAG came out). I'm in Canada, YMMV.

[egoldber]

How about a small Gears Gears Gears?

http://www.amazon.com/Gears-%C2%AE-Beginners-Building-Set/dp/B00000DMCE/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=toys-and-games&qid=1228449589&sr=8-1