My 2nd grader has been learning about mass and solids versus liquids in school so she was excited to see those concepts taught in a fun, girly way with the Magnificent Manicure Kit from Elmers. This is a great way to teach young girls about how science is used every day. The Magnificent Manicure Kit was just awarded Creative Child Magazine’s 2009 Toy of the Year Award in the Educational Toys category.
We sat down one day after school at the kitchen table to set up our very own cosmetic chemistry lab and turn our kitchen into a nail spa. I told my girls, ages 7 and 4, that we were going to create our very own lotion. They loved mixing the lotion with the fragrance and dye and the kit comes with a sticker so you can name your creation. The girls named theirs Mermaid Lotion, which was really fitting since it was a minty green that reminded them of mermaids.
The Magnificent Manicure Kit retails for $19.99 and is suggested for children ages 8 and up, although my girls enjoyed it and they are 7 and 4. My 4-year-old enjoyed playing along, but the science concepts might have been a little over her head. Still it was a fun afternoon activity for the three of us.
You definitely need an adult to help supervise the “experiments,” which also includes making crystal mud. It’s also a little on the messy side, so be prepared to clear off a table and have an area you don’t mind getting a little wet or where you don’t mind spilling some of the crystals.
Available nationwide at Toys R Us.
Thanks Team Mom for the review opportunity!
