The Voice of Mom

When it comes to board games, we are all over them. Monopoly, Sorry, Life, Operation … you name it, we play it. These days, beyond the old school versions, there are twists at every turn, SpongeBob Operation and Clone Wars Monopoly to name a few. Now it’s the Give Kids the World Village edition of Candy Land.

The GOOD: Brought to us by the Hasbro folks, this is the only board game to feature children with disabilities, including two kids in wheelchairs. One hundred percent of the sales from this Candy Land version goes to goes to support children who visit the Give Kids the World Village, a 70-acre village that provides a Florida escape for children suffering from life-threatening diseases, and their families. Even with the twist, this game still has all the magical features of Candy Land that you have come to know and love.

The BAD: This version is only available on the Give Kids the World website. I wish it was more readily available at the retail store level.

MONEY MATTERS: Each game is a steal at $10, which includes shipping and handling. The games can be purchased directly from the Give Kids the World website.

The MOM VERDICT

Cate says: What’s not to like about Candy Land? One of the first board games that children get introduced to, it was a favorite in our house as soon as Nicholas was old enough to grasp the concept of the game. Even better that this version not only teaches kids that not everyone is created equal, it celebrates them and supports the endeavors of Give Kids the World Village. I can think of no better reason to buy it.

Sarah says: I was apprehensive to play this with my three-year-old son, Will. It was only our second endeavor into board games, but as it turned out, he was a natural at gameplay. Candy Land, which I didn’t play as a child myself, is a great introductory game for young kids. It requires no reading and teaches the important skills of fair play, counting and colors. And the fact that this also supports a great cause like Give Kids the World is a fantastic bonus. It’s totally worth every penny.