SGSG-MindWare Forensic Detective's Toolkit For Kids-Review and Giveaway!!

What kind of toys and games make the best gifts for kids? Educational ones, that's what! I really enjoy being able to find a unique toy or game that is not just fun, but also teaches the child who receives it. I recently discovered a really great place to shop for just such toys, called MindWare, and I was excited when they agreed to a review and giveaway. I chose the Forensic Science Detective's Toolkit for my review. Each of the children are really interested in detective/investigative books (Nancy Drew, Hardy Boys, Trixie Belden, etc) so this was the perfect choice. The kit comes in a box designed to look like a briefcase, and is packed with all sorts of neat tools. 

A couple weeks ago for our "girls night" we decided to make it detective night, and played a Nancy Drew game on the PC, then pulled out this kit for some hands-on experience. We started out with fingerprinting. Each of the girls used the ink-pad and fingerprint cards (included) to record their prints. Once that was done, it was time to pull out the magnifying glass and discover what type of fingerprint they have. The book that comes with this set includes a lot of information, including a section of fingerprints, so they had a great time checking their prints with the 6 types shown in the book. 

Next M and M tried out the detective multi-function pen, which features a whistle, morse code alphabet, measuring stick, cartridge for writing with "invisible" ink, and a "UV" LED light to read the messages!

Not only is this the morse code alphabet, but you can also hide a secret message in this compartment...or whistle for help on the "lid" sticking up!

A measuring stick!

M also set up a little "crime scene" on the table, and used the evidence markers to notate useful pieces of "evidence".

They are already planning the next Detective night, and have asked to do the footprint plaster next time!


"MindWare is an award-winning creator, manufacturer, and distributor of Brainy Toys for Kids of All Ages. Our diverse product line includes games, puzzles, brainteasers, arts and crafts activities, mysteries, mazes and more. Our goal is to place high quality toys that teach and entertain into the hands of children and adults. Our founder, Jeanne Voigt, started MindWare in 1990 with a small retail store in the Uptown area of Minneapolis. From there, the company has evolved into a cataloger, web retailer and distributor. MindWare mails catalogs to consumers and educators throughout the United States."

One of my readers will win a Forensic Science Detective's Toolkit!!