I would like to register a complaint.
Over the past year, we have managed to stockpile a multitude of Fisher-Price (FP) toys for Jahan - some we bought, some were gifts. And with the odd exception (the nifty Kick-n-Play Piano courtesy of e-bay, and the excellent Peek-a-Blocks Activity Wagon courtesy of Chris and Su) I have almost entirely found FP products to be rather disappointing given their cost. Let me list some examples:
The Baby Playzone Push ’n Glide Driver purports to be a back-seat driver contraption with a steering wheel, knobs and indicators. But what does it do? Nothing. The indicator slides all the way around the steering wheel without making a sound, the knobs are mechanical, not electronic, and therefore provide little amusement, and the horn, when pressed, only plays "The Lone Ranger" theme to annoying extents.
Another contraption which I've seen purchased so often I thought it must be worthwhile is the Baby Playzone Stride-to-Ride Walker. This sells for $79.95 and, honestly, is worth about half that. Okay, it has wheels, making it live up to its name, but what fancy electronics warrant the price? That's right - a lone red button on the front which launches a single drone.
And most recently, with much anticipation we acquired the Musical Pop-tivity Table. This table claims to be the analogue of the wonderful Leapfrog LeapStart Learning Table, which we borrowed from the Goringes, and which Jahan absolutely loves. It wasn't any such parallel. Of the various knobs and buttons on the FP table, only one electronically generates a tune - unlike all its other gratuitous whirly plastic doovers.
No, I don't think I'll be investing in too many more FP products - especially when there really are a multitude of really worthwhile (possibly less well known) brands out there. Watch this space for future recommendations.