Last-minute holiday gift ideas: Soft Kitty, Rosetta Stone, LEGO Star Wars
Written by Jason Mack | | jmack@toledofreepress.com‘Soft Kitty’ offers fans a big bang
“Soft Kitty, warm kitty, little ball of fur. Happy kitty, sleepy kitty, purr purr purr.”
If that soothing ditty rings a bell, you are familiar with Sheldon and Penny on CBS’ “The Big Bang Theory.”
This plush version plays the soothing song (only “for when you’re sick,” as they say on the show) when you squeeze her paw and is remarkably soft and cuddly. Available online starting at $29.99.
Rosetta Stone software practical, fulfilling
Rosetta Stone software can be a practical and fulfilling gift if bought for the right person.
The software stimulates the user looking to learn a new langauge audibly and visually with listening, speaking and writing exercises all accompanied by pictures. It even tests pronunciation and provides breakdowns on how to pronounce certain words. Touching on so many senses goes a long way in helping users remember the material.
Rosetta Stone would be a perfect study aid for somebody learning a foreign language in school. It is a fun way to keep the material fresh between semesters.
The software would also be good for someone planning a trip to a foreign country, but for someone looking to completely learn a new language, additional lessons would be helpful. Aspects such as the conjugation of verbs are part of Rosetta lessons, but the process is not explained.
The software is a great step in the right direction for learning a new language and the lessons are fun to complete. Rosetta Stone software retails for $179 for the Level 1 software and $499 for the complete set of five levels (a holiday promotion has the complete set discounted to $399).
‘LEGO Star Wars III’ puts fun spin on space saga
“LEGO Star Wars III: The Clone Wars” is a great gift idea for the young “Star Wars” fan in your family.
Like all the previous LEGO video games, “Clone Wars” is fun for all ages with comedic cut scenes and exciting gameplay. Any violence in the games is cartoony and tame, and with unlimited lives there won’t be any frustration from failing levels.
There are a few somewhat complex puzzles throughout the game that might be difficult for younger children, so parents might be asked to lend a hand from time to time.
Parents can also join the fun with co-op that allows a second player to jump in or out of the game at any time.
“Clone Wars” takes players through the animated series of the same name and parts of the movie “Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones.” Throughout the game you play as several iconic characters, including Obi-Wan Kenobi, Anakin Skywalker, Yoda, R2-D2 and C-3PO.
The game is available on Wii, Nintendo DS, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PlayStation Portable and PC and retails for $19.99.
Tags: Clone Wars, gift guide, Lego, Rosetta Stone, Soft Kitty, The Big Bang Theory
