How to Buy the Fisher-Price ViewMaster and Reels

ViewMasters, which come in many shapes and sizes, are inexpensive toys that provide hours of fun.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• ViewMaster 3-Ds
• ViewMaster Discovery Channel Reels
• ViewMaster Discovery Series Gift Sets
• ViewMaster Super Show Projector Bug's Life Set
• ViewMaster Super Show Projector Toy Story Sets
• ViewMaster Super Show Projectors
• ViewMaster Virtual Barbie Prom Date Set
• ViewMaster Virtual Viewer Pooh Set
• ViewMaster Virtual Viewer Sesame Street Sets
• Viewmaster Disney Reels

1. Understand that the Fisher-Price ViewMaster is a classic toy that allows children to watch frames of movie-like stories on reels inserted into the ViewMaster. The ViewMaster looks like a plastic pair of binoculars. It is appropriate for children ages 3 and up.

2. Think about the types of ViewMasters available. The simplest version is the 3-D Red ViewMaster, which costs only $5 and comes with one reel. All reels that are viewed on this appear in 3-D. This ViewMaster is an inexpensive gift and one that will be appreciated by all children.

3. Know that there are higher tech models of the ViewMaster available as well. The Virtual Viewer has a wraparound visor and a 50 percent larger viewing area than the traditional 3-D ViewMaster. It comes in red and is also $5. This ViewMaster won a 1999 Parenting Magazine award.

4. Try the Super Show Projector for an even more juiced-up version. This ViewMaster requires batteries and projects pictures from the reels onto a wall or ceiling. It is handheld and is priced around $13.

5. Be aware that you can purchase sets that include a ViewMaster and several reels. There is a Virtual Barbie Prom Date set, a Virtual Pooh High Flying Adventure and a Super Show Projector Bug's Life set and Toy Story Set. The Virtual sets cost about $7 while the Super Show Projector sets cost about $13.

6. Look at the Discovery Series Gift Set, which includes a ViewMaster that can also be used as real binoculars. The set sells for $15.

7. Select additional reels to go with the viewer you purchase. There is a Discovery Channel series of nature reels that cost about $4 each. There are many Disney movie reels to select from.

8. Buy your viewer and reels from the shopping list below or from your favorite online or local toy store.

Tips & Warnings

• All the reels are compatible with the different types of viewers.

• The handheld projector is easier for younger children to use, because they don't have to try to get their eyes lined up with the openings to see the pictures.