3/29/12: Louie Lobster Claw Catcher Melissa & Doug Pool Toy Review

Melissa & Doug is a brand we trust in our house.  We have many of their pretend toys, puzzles, arts and crafts and my kids love them.  When I got to see some of the new toys they were coming out with at Toy Fair New York I was very excited to see a pool toy line.  When I received the Louie Lobster Claw Catcher Melissa & Doug Sunny Patch Pool Toy I knew that living in New England it would be a while before we would be going in the pool but figured my kids would love playing with it in the bath.  So the kids put on their bathing suits and headed to the bath tub to try it out.

This super cute Lobster has a handle to squeeze which makes his claws close together and comes with three fishy sinkers to grab.  The nice thing though is that the claws are big enough that you could use many other additional toys with it for kids to pick up.  Evan loved getting the little fish and jelly fish with the lobster's claw. 

 The toy was so easy for both of them to use which is always key. 

 Lauren trying it out.

 Having so much fun with it.

 Lauren very excited when she gets one.  She was so funny to watch as she would talk to the little fish when she was trying to catch them.

 Good job Lauren!

 So exciting!

Here is some video of the kids playing with it:

Some games that are suggested from the Melissa and Doug Website:
- Try to pick up one fish at a time from the bottom of the pool, and carry it to the edge of the pool using only the Claw Catcher. (No hands!)

-  Try picking up one fish first. Then try catching two fish at a time. Final challenge: Pick up all three fish in the same try, and carry them up to the edge of the pool in the Claw Catcher.

-  Have a friend drop a fish into the water. Try to catch it with your Claw Catcher before it reaches the bottom.

-  Use the bottom claw to scoop up water, with the Claw Catcher above the pool and on its side to keep the water inside. With the claws closed, quickly flip over the Claw Catcher so the water drops into the opposite claw. Check to see how much water is left. Keep closing and flipping the claws until all the water has fallen out. You get one point for every flip!

-  Plus it is not just for water play, in the house, use the Claw Catcher to grab toys: Can you pick up a block? A puzzle piece? Who can pick up the smallest object?

Disclosure:  I received this product for review purposes.  No other compensation was received and all opinions are my own.