Guest Author - Paula Petrie

If you are at a loss on what to get a young girl in transition between playing with dolls and yet undiscovered interests, I would suggest the virtual dolls from the Pixel Chix assortment. Pixel Chix are living in the land between imaginative doll play and gaming systems. But, of course these small virtual dolls with attitude will appeal to younger and even older girls, as well.

My girls and I (my girls are boys, aged 9- 14) checked out the Pixel Chix 2 Story House and the Pixel Chix 2 Shop Mall this week. The boys, it seems, can’t resist picking up the Pixel Chix Mall whenever it is in reach. However, my nine-year-old seeks these toys out and is really enjoying them. His only complaint is that they should also be made with “boy” interests in mind. The three boys agreed that when they are bored or taking a few minutes break that this virtual world is a fun diversion.

The little units are programmed with interactive, engaging play. The Pixel Chix house and Mall both have a flip down screen which allows the Pixel girl to travel up and down the stairs of the house, illuminating the play area you are in. In the 2 Shop Mall, the flip up screen will take your 2-D girl to different stores in the mall. The virtual girl can work, earn money, take breaks, shop, and of course talk, and talk. I guess you could say that your child could “virtually” interact! The units can also play games, which allow growth and change of the virtual girl‘s ability.

The different units can also be interconnected to create an entire virtual world for your Pixel Chix girl. The available units include two different malls - a boutique/food court and a salon/pet shop. There is also a Two-Story House, the Pixel Chix House and the Pixel Chix Road Trippin Car. If you have more than one daughter they can connect their units and play together.

The 2 Shop Mall was a winner in the iParenting Outstanding Products for 2006 Awards, and the Pixel Chix House Assortment has won many industry accolades.

If you are looking for a little something extra for under the tree this year, I believe that this is a safe choice that you’ll be happy you made. Mattel’s “2-D girl living in a 3-D world” is lighthearted fun and there seems to be something about the little charmer that appeals to most everyone.