Kids Party Supplies

Melissa & Doug Deluxe Magnetic Calendar

I did buy this product to help my autistic son learn more complex routines and reduce his anxiety. It's work and it's funny. The paper cover of magnetics came out a little. But I'll buy plastic to cover it, because my son is enjoying himself and learning. -- Helps autistic children

The magnetic calendar by Melissa and Doug is a very useful product and can be used by children aged 3 and up. I would like to include a comment about my fine experience with mymanofsteel2. They did their best to give me a good price. Because of my location, their cost would have been more than the amount received, but Amazon.com would not assist them in any way. Mymanofsteel2 is a very good seller and I appreciate the effort put forth on my behalf. -- magnetic calendar by Melissa and Doug

This is the perfect calendar for introducing your child to the concept of days, weeks and months. I ordered this calendar because my nephew enjoyed the exact same one a few years back. There are so many topics to introduce to your child: Numbers, dates, months, seasons, activities, and more. We've used the magnetic numbers to count and to get our child accustomed to her weekly routine. My only issue with this product is that you have to hang it somewhere sturdy and out of the way. One knock into the board and the pieces go flying. -- Great for introducing multiple concepts

I bought this for my twin 4yr olds. The years start w/ 2009 and go thru 2013. It is a fun thing to do at the beginning of each month. They help put all the numbers on the calendar and holidays/activities. Here are some improvements that Melissa & Doug could make:
-Make the calendar larger so that more than one activity/holiday can fit on a day. Omit the plain white board that holds the extra magnets and just provide a small box to keep the extras in. I keep mine in tupperware.
-Make it so that the calendar can be hung by two nails so that it doesn't swing.
-Or provide a stand like a picture frame or easle.
-Provide plain year magnets that you can write on w/ a sharpie

-- Fun learning calendar

I bought this along with the responsibility chart. The calendar is great for my son to see what day it is (I use a special magnet we move from day to day) and then he learns the holidays, when school (daycare) is and when we go to the doctors etc. We had snow right after we received it and he loved putting the magnet with snow flakes on that day. He is learning his days, months better now. I think the variety of magnets will please most any child, though I've found myself finding special magnets just for him that we use in addition to the many ones you get with it. It is very sturdy and requires a stud to hang it on. If it falls, the magnets will fall off (of course!). I'd recommend putting it where the kids can reach it easily. We put ours under our own calendar so it coordinates. The only I thing I would change on it would be that it had more magnets for other things, such as more birthdays, anniversaries as well as some Christian categories instead of just Christmas and Easter just being that (not about what it means to Christians). Though I understand it because some people may object, it does have magnets for other religions like Jewish traditions etc.
I find myself moving the magnets around and playing with them myself. I also notice my 4 year old is more aware of the days and doesn't get upset when Monday comes and it's daycare time. It helps him prepare for it. I like all of the Melissa and Doug products - not only because they are well made, but colorful, fun and educational.
-- My 4 year old loves it and I do too!