Online Shopping for Family Software
Dateline: 11/24/99
First appearing 12/03/98, this article has been updated with
new links and promotions for 1999.
I have wasted a lot of money on software programs that 1) my kids don't like, 2) are geared to the wrong developmental level, or 3) don't seem to work properly on my computer. So, I am very picky when I go software shopping. The Internet is the perfect place to buy kids software because you can find reviews and in-depth descriptions, see screen shots and online versions, or download a demo and actually try it out on your computer and your kids. Before you buy check out these reviews of kids' software to get some ideas:
The busines of children's software has changed this year. You will notice that many of the software publishers of the past - Creative Wonders, Broderbund, Mindscape, MECC - were all acquired by The Learning Company, itself acquired by Mattel in May, 1999. Mattel also purchased Purple Moon Software. I wonder about the result of this consolidation on the innovations, educational value, quality, and price of children's software. My family quit buying as many software titles when we began playing on the Internet. I've noticed lately, however, that my son and daughter are returning to their game (and even their educational) software. You can often buy directly from the publisher or at the large online software, book, and toy retailers listed here.
- About.com Kids and Education Software Store
- Amazon.com Software
- Barnes and Noble Software for Kids and Education
- Beyond.com Kid Zone
- Discovery Channel Software Store
- Disney Interactive
- DK Publishing -- CD-ROM Shop
- Edmark
- The Edutainment Catalog Online
- eToys.com's Software Store
- H+A Online Store
- Headbone Zone
- Humongous Entertainment
- KBkids Software
- The Learning Company Store (soon to change to Mattel)
- Palladium Interactive
- SmarterKids.com
Bargains and Special Promotions can be found at most online stores though they seem to be less generous than in previous years. Some online retailers offer special promotions strictly to their email subscribers. SmarterKids is one that sends exclusive promotions when you sign up at their site. To see if the software you are looking for is being promoted with a rebate or special price check out these direct links. Be sure to read the fine print on each offer!
- Broderbund Software Bargains
- The Learning Company Software Bargains
- Edutainment Catalog Software Bargains
- Edutainment Catalog Clearance Software Titles
- Barbie Software for Girls (click on Special Values)
- IBM Software Rebates (currently WorldBook)
- Microsoft Kids Software Special Offers
- KBkids.com Bargains
- $9.99 Kids' Center at Beyond.com
- IBM Kids' Software Specials at Beyond.com
- Bargain Software at Barnes and Noble
- eToys Software - Special Offers and Rebates (excellent selection of bargains here, click the age ranges to see even more)
Enjoy!
Kim
