Perfect Gift Idea for Car Loving Boys: Shake 'n Go! Smash-Ups Speedway

The Shake 'n Go! Smash-Ups Speedway from Fisher Price is the perfect Christmas or birthday gift for young boys this year. This interactive, fun and exciting kids toy raceway provides turning, criss-crossing, jumping and crashing action sure to entertain.

Durable Track and Two Shake 'n Go Cars Included

The durable track and solid, resilient cars make this kids toy a great gift idea for boys aged three to seven. Boys interested in Nascar toys or cars of any kind will enjoy the active racing and jumping of this toy. The two cars included with the track make engine-revving noises and stop with a crash sound as doors and hood pop open whenever the car comes in contact with another car or any obstacle. This toy retails for $50 and can be found online for as little as $41. The cars require three AA batteries but the track requires none.

Shake 'n Go! Smash-Ups Speedway Track Elements

The track consists of a figure eight with a starting station, two jumps and a criss-cross center intersection where smash-ups are bound to occur. The jumps provide airtime for the cars as they cross the center of the track. However, if a child places the car going in the opposite direction of the jumps, the ramps lift up allowing the cars to pass through. Cars can thus travel in either direction around the track. The starting station offers a pedal and throttle where the child can start the cars at the same time. There is also a "bridge out" turn out section where cars starting on the outer loop can be launched off the track.

The Shake 'n Go! Smash-Ups Speedway Offers a Variety of Ways to Play

The Shake 'n Go! Cars turn on when a child picks up the car and begins to shake it. This interactive element allows the children to control the start time and speed of the car. The longer the child shakes, the faster and longer the car drives. Unlike some tracks where once set up the cars run on their own with little contact from the child, the Shake 'n Go! Smash-Ups Speedway requires constant interaction. The track is sturdy enough for the child to move in and around, cars can be placed on the track at any location, and since cars continue to drive, smash, and stop the child is constantly engaged and stimulated to try again.

The track features of the two-way jumps, bridge-out section, and the starting section allow for limitless possibilities of play. Children can choose to race against friends, avoid crashing or incite crashes, launch off the track, and travel as far as possible or jump as high as possible. The size of the track and the two parallel tracks offer the possibility of two or more children playing together. The freedom to start cars at any location and the element of chance where cars may crash or veer off course keeps it fun even with young children not yet playing in an organized fashion.

Smash-Ups Speedway Assembly Tips

The Shake 'n Go! Smash-Ups Speedway requires some careful assembly. The eleven main pieces of molded plastic snap together creating a figure-eight loop. Other pieces such as the supports under the uplifted turns and the jump supports all snap together as well. Stickers require application by a steady hand. Assembly is moderately easy although frustration may arise as pieces in one section become unsnapped when adjusting another part of the track. A bit of patience pays off however the entire track is best left in a stable location for play as moving it around will generally dislodge a track section or more.

Expand the Play with Other Fisher Price Shake 'n Go! Cars

Fisher Price offers an extensive line of Shake 'n Go! Cars, many of which work well with the Shake 'n Go! Smash-Ups Speedway. Fans of Nascar may appreciate the Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Jeff Gordon inspired cars. Fans of Disney Pixar movie Cars will find Shake 'n Go! Cars representing all their favorite characters. Many cars also offer the crash and smash element of popping doors and hoods, but other cars do not.

Consider the Shake 'n Go! Smash-Ups Speedway as a gift idea for a child in your life.