Cra-Z-Art 14608 Retro Magna Doodle

Product Information

It’s actually a very simple device; a plastic screen that you write on with the accompanying stylus. And they’re not just used as toys, despite being marketed as such. Teachers have used them to encourage their students to read and write – they can practise over and over again without using up resources or leaving that chalk dust covering everything. Team coaches have been known to scribble on them during sports matches, so that they can then hold them up and show the team in action what they want them to do next.

Because the Magna Doodle uses no ink or graphite, it is used by scuba divers as an underwater whiteboard when instructing students, and by divers who wish to pass short notes. [3] [4] The Magna Doodle is not specifically designed to work underwater and many of its components can rust or otherwise deteriorate over time. Ah, the Etch-a-Sketch. Now, while I admit it can (I say ‘it can’ – I personally am only ever able to draw wonky-looking houses on it) produce some extremely clever pictures, for those who aren’t able to get on with its knob-twiddling technique there arrived its slightly simpler cousin Magna Doodle. The Magna Doodle was produced by Tyco until 1998 when most of Tyco's toys were sold to Fisher-Price. The Magna Doodle is currently produced by The Ohio Art Company and used to be distributed in the United Kingdom by Fisher-Price. Fisher-Price has discontinued the Magna Doodle and have produced their own alternative, the Doodle Pro. It is still available in the UK, from the distribution company Megatel LTD. The middle layer is latticed so that there is always an even distribution of the magnetic particles across the entire surface of the display. Magna Doodle is a children's magnetic drawing toy, consisting of a magnetic drawing board, a pen, and a few magnet shapes. It was invented in 1974 and over forty million have been sold to date. In Friends, a Magna Doodle is seen hanging on the door in Chandler and Joey's apartment, first appearing in " The One With The Hypnosis Tape" (S3E18). Different drawings and writings appeared on it in each episode, and some served as inside jokes for the cast.

A magnetic drawing board — like the iconic Magna Doodle — has long been a toy favored by kids (and parents!) because of how much freedom it gives them to express their creative side in a fun, no-mess way. The best magnetic drawing boards on today's market, however, have come along way from that classic graphite design. Besides carrying handles and tethered pens, you'll find multicolored boards, fun accessories, and some are even smartly designed to help build on language and motor skills. Coming complete with a stylus (which is handily attached so it can never get lost) and a variety of magnetic shapes that can be used on the drawing board it is far easier for little people (and underwhelming illustrators like me) to attempt - and succeed at – creating something vaguely artistic. The pad will be ready to go as soon as it's delivered to you as a battery is already installed (giving you up to six months of battery life; no recharging required). While the manufacturer doesn't indicate what kind of coin battery it takes, you will find one refill in the box.

Note: Make sure you pay attention to the suggested age range as you shop. Some products may be listed as safe for children under the age of 3, but because of their small parts (most of which are magnetic, no less), they could pose a choking hazard. The eraser handle is at the bottom of the Magna Doodle – slide it from one side to the other and a long bar magnet, which fits snugly out of sight behind the screen, pulls the particles away from the top screen, giving you a nice clean surface to draw on again. Beyond sketching, these magnetic toys are also great for learning to write letters and numbers, however, if you have a pre-K or early elementary-school-aged child and you really want to hone in on developing fine motor skills, look for models with more interactive features like animated guides or tactile metal beads. In the TV comedy Friends, a Magna Doodle is visible in Joey and Chandler's apartment, with various messages written on it throughout the series, referencing plot points, current events, inside crew jokes, or just random drawings. [6]

Where a failure does not amount to a major failure, Mr Toys is entitled to choose between providing you with a repair, replacement or other suitable remedy. The screen is made up of three parts: two semi-transparent plastic sheets which sandwich a hexagonal, latticed plastic sheet in the middle. They can also, amazingly, be used underwater, so to that end they are a great aid to communication between divers. Although it has to be said, they are not made to be waterproof and therefore won’t survive repeated dunkings, so if this is what you have planned for your Magna Doodle you may need to buy a supply of them. So now we know just how much the Magna Doodle is adored, we obviously want to know how it works. Don’t we?