The Purr-fect Stocking Stuffer – Cats Vs Pickles #HolidayGiftGuide

October 9, 2020 by Leave a Comment

Looking for some adorable stocking stuffers, or gifts for the kids on your shopping list? They will LOVE these, and so will you. I honestly wanted to keep a couple of these, they are so cute and fun.

Every cat is unique in their own way – there are foodie cats, sweet cats, scary cats, cats with class and cats without but every cat is special in their own way. That is what’s at the heart of a latest cat-astic craze for kids, Cats vs Pickles.

Cats vs Pickles is based off the social media phenomenon of cats reacting to pickles but it our world the pickles just want to be friends, but cats are scared of pickles! This new line currently has over 44 unique cat characters and there are tons of silly, soft cats of every variety, with stand outs like Sno-Cone, Mer-Kitty, Puzzle Cat, and The Great Catsby (I’ve attached the collectors’ sheets so you can see all the different characters)

Check out our unboxing and review video below-

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Castaway Bay for Fun Holiday Clothing (and seasonal specialties)

January 30, 2020 by Leave a Comment

Do you love to wear festive clothing? If you follow me on any social media channel at all, then you know I do. I really, really do. It’s madness, according to my teenagers- but I love it. We recently discovered Castaway Nantucket, which has not only fun holiday items (think Christmas, Hanukkah, Halloween, etc) but also great year round items. Summer or shore dreaming with lobster prints, margaritas or wine- so many things to choose from. And super cute- tiny little embroidered prints, nothing too big or flashy.

holiday prints

A recent study showed that more than 52% of Americans put off their holiday shopping to the last minute. So whether you’re still shopping for those on your list, or you’re trying to level-up your fashion as we head into the new year, look no further than Castaway Nantucket.
Castaway Nantucket features hundreds of styles for men and women, and even has matching styles for families. From seersucker to madras, to gingham and plaid, Castaway Nantucket offers beautifully crafted, elevated styles for every member of the family.
holiday clothing
Fashion is a personal choice, but there are some outfit staples that we can all agree look good on everyone- and make great gifts. For a classic, fresh look for men, women and kids, look no further than Castaway Nantucket for you and every fashion lover on your list. (And how cute would a Holiday card be this year in these? Everyone in matching gear that they actually liked!)
cute pants
About Castaway Nantucket 
For four generations, the Bridier family has run the Murray’s Toggery Shop on Nantucket. Brothers Matt and Andrew worked countless summers, vacations, and weekends at Murray’s honing their skills and learning the haberdasher trade, going on to start Castaway Nantucket in 2005. Castaway Nantucket features truly-preserved American style for men and women buoyed by tradition, quality, and the ideals of life by the sea. Castaway Nantucket features hundreds of men’s and ladies fashion staples and accessories to complete a refined look for any style.
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Bedtime Made Easier Thanks To Snuggle Monsters, Sleepylights, & Emoji-Notes #GiftGuide

December 20, 2019 by 3 Comments

Do your kids give you trouble when it comes to bedtime? So many parents dread bedtime, as it is fights, tears, and kids not wanting anything to do with going to sleep. Sometimes, they are afraid of the dark, of monsters under the bed, or other childhood fears related to bedtime, and it can be a trying time for both parents and children.

To make bedtime a bit more palatable, we have a few suggestions you might want to try. These are great gifts for the holiday, check them out and see what you think will work best for your family .

Continuum Games introduces four Emoji-Notes Color & Shine craft kits at $19.99 each. These kits allow you to color your nightlight as you’d like and write your own messages.  When your child is ready for a change, they can wipe it clean and color it again.  This is a light up message board, night light and craft kit all in one.  The kits join distributor Continuum Games’ line of Lumenico SleepyLights™ ($29.99) that offer soft lighting for a goodnight and sleep-tight bedroom atmosphere.

If the kids are looking for something so snuggle up with, or perhaps need a monster to help them fight off the baddies under the bed, check out Snuggle Monster Hide & Seek Bedtime available at $29.99 each. They come in Purple, Pink or Blue Monster shades, and have a storybook as well as fun night time activity designed to help parents get their kids to bed at night.  Introduce your child to their very own snuggle monster and read them the story about how snuggle monsters are super silly creatures that hide in the closet or under your bed during the day because their eyes are made for nighttime and sunlight is like dark to them. At night, it is your child’s job to find them and let them know it is okay to come out and play.  Each night, mom and dad hide the monster somewhere in their child’s room. Yes, very “Elf on the Shelf” like, and you know how the kids love those. When it is time to go to bed, parents let their child know it is time to find their snuggle monster.  That’s where the child can search for and find their nighttime pal Snuggle Monster before going to bed.  Parents have a transition tool (one fun activity before bedtime) they can use to help get their child to bed with no fuss.

The boxed set features a nighttime storybook, lovable plush monster as a sleep companion and a hide-and-seek game. Watch the nighttime ritual turn the nighttime struggles into snuggles. Fun and easy, and worth it to get the kiddos to bed without tears.

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Sega Genesis Mini #HolidayGiftGuide #VideoGames

December 18, 2019 by 1 Comment

The holidays are always a time of nostalgia which is why you’re in luck! SEGA is bringing us back to the 90s with their brand new Genesis Mini. Featuring 42 games, this console is bursting with tons of classic titles. Gamers will be able to enjoy their favorite past times including, Sonic The Hedgehog, Ecco the Dolphin and Mega Man®: The Wily Wars! The newly improved Genesis Mini is 55% the size of the original model, making it easy to play anywhere, anytime! With the holidays so close we can almost taste it – the SEGA Genesis Mini will surely be on the top of every gamer’s holiday wish list.

The iconic SEGA Genesis console that defined a generation of gaming returns in a slick, miniaturized unit. The SEGA Genesis Mini console is loaded with 40 legendary games and is plug and play ready right out of the box. Each unit contains SEGA Genesis Mini Console & 2 wired controllers, 40 games, power cable, USB adapter- HDMI cable.
Some of the games included are: Ecco the Dolphin, Castlevania: Bloodlines, Space Harrier 2, Shining Force, Dr. Robotnik’s Mean Bean Machine, Toe Jam & Earl, Comix Zone, Sonic the Hedgehog, Altered Beast, Gunstar Heroes, Earthworm Jim, Castle of Illusion, Shinobi III, Contra: Hard Corps, Sonic the Hedgehog 2, World of Illusion, Thunder Force III, Super Fantasy Zone, Streets of Rage 2, Landstalkers, Beyond Oasis, Ghouls ‘n Ghosts, Alex Kidd, Golden Axe, Phantasy Star IV, Street Fighter 2, Mega Man: The Wily Wars, Sonic Spinball, Vectorman, Wonderboy in Monster World

The Sega Genesis Mini, known as the Mega Drive Mini in regions outside of North America, is a dedicated console modeled on Sega’s Genesis. The Mini emulates the original console’s 16-bit hardware, and includes 42 games ported by M2.

The Mini is half the size of the original Sega Genesis video game console. There are separate releases for North America, Europe, Asia and Japan, as the Mini reproduces the original console’s decal and color variations in those regions. The North American and European Minis include three-button controllers, while the Japanese controllers have six buttons. Officially licensed six-button controllers made specifically for the Mini are also sold separately in North America and Europe. Official non-functioning accessories of a miniature Sega CD, a miniature Sega 32X, a miniature Sonic & Knuckles lock-on Genesis cartridge, and a miniature Sonic the Hedgehog standard Mega Drive cartridge are also sold separately in Japan.

The Mini includes 42 games, though the exact selection varies by region. Depending on the region, certain games have multiple regional variations that can be played by changing the system’s language. For example, Contra: Hard Corps becomes Probotector when played with a PAL-region language while the Japanese language setting turns Dr. Robotnik’s Mean Bean Machine into Puyo Puyo. The games have a saved state feature to pause and resume progress and can be played in either the original ratio or stretched widescreen, with HUD elements modified to fit onto the screen. Two bonus games, Darius and Tetris, were never released for the original system and were newly ported from their arcade releases.

Available for $60 at locations like Target.

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Aquabeads For Creative Holiday Gifting #HolidayGiftGuide

December 17, 2019 by Leave a Comment

 

Aquabeads arts and crafts products are new and improved as they allow for a quicker drying time to create even more incredible designs in less time.  The new sets feature an innovative Flip Tray and Bead Receiver to set art work aside for faster drying while continuing to create additional masterpieces.  This is a great gift for kids of all ages- my son is 12 and he still enjoys playing with Aquabeads. The pieces are small, so supervise small children. 

Kids can make Aquabeads creations from included templates or their own imaginations. They place beads onto the layout tray, then spray with water to fuse the beads together, letting them set with time.  Once dried, the creations can be shared with friends and family. 

best gifts for kids

 

Kids can get started with the Beginners Studio. They can create designs even faster than before using the flip tray to let one creation dry, as they work on another. With more than 840 shining jewels and solid beads in 16 colors, there are plenty of options for creative play. Beginners Studio includes the case, flip tray with bead receiver, sprayer, bead pen, template sheets and instructions to ensure kids have everything to get started. As kids collect studios for more fun, they can connect them for easy storage and travel. Beginners Studio, Ages 4+/ $19.95

art toys for kids

Kids can double the fun with the Deluxe Studio as they can now create fun 3D designs with 2 flip trays This Deluxe set contains more than 1,300 jewel & solid beads in 24 colors, a container, and two flip trays and bead receivers, rainbow bead pen, easy trays, sprayer, template sheets & instructions. This set connects to the Beginners Studio or Glamorous Designer Set for even more fun. Deluxe Studio, Ages 4+/ $29.95

frozen toys

Just in time for the premiere of Disney’s Frozen 2 on November 22nd, kids can craft their favorite Frozen characters of Arendelle with included templates featuring Anna, her sister Elsa and friend, Olaf! To play, place beads onto the layout tray, then spray with water to fuse the beads together and bring the artwork to life. Once dried, the character creations can be shared with fellow movie fans, friends and family. Aquabeads Frozen 2 Character Set for ages 4+/$9.95.

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FOCO Series Two of WWE Bobblehead Series #GiftGuide

December 17, 2019 by Leave a Comment

FOCO is excited to introduce Series Two of their WWE collectable bobbleheads highlighting some of the biggest personalities in WWE. These are really fun and would be perfect for the WWE Super-Fan on your list. 

This series of officially licensed bobbleheads features WWE superstars Seth Rollins, “The Man” Becky Lynch, Brock Lesnar with his advocate Paul Heyman, Jeff Hardy, and WWE Hall of Famer Stone Cold Steve Austin, with more Superstars to be added soon.

WWE collectibles

 

Each Superstar is depicted in an action pose in his or her ring gear on top of a steel entrance ramp with a 3D backdrop featuring the Superstar’s logos and mottos.

FOCO has previously released bobbleheads featuring WWE Superstars and Legends John Cena, AJ Styles, Ronda Rousey, Ric Flair, and Andre the Giant.

These bobbleheads are handcrafted to depict WWE stars that wrestling fans cheered for and will continue to cheer on for years to come. Each bobble stands approximately eight inches tall, making them the perfect addition to any collection at home, or any desk at work or school.

“We are very excited to add to our WWE series of bobbleheads that showcase these extremely talented entertainers,” said Matthew Katz, Senior Licensing Manager at FOCO. “We think wrestling fans young and old will be thrilled to add their favorite Superstars to their WWE collections,” Katz continued.

bobbleheads

Series Two of these WWE Bobbleheads are just a few of many products the company plans to release featuring WWE Superstars and Legends. Keep an eye out for additional bobbleheads and other products from FOCO that will highlight the careers of some of the biggest names from the world of WWE.

Thanks to their unique design and top-of-the-line craftsmanship, FOCO’s bobbleheads are unlike anything on the market today, making them must-haves for fans and collectors alike.

Bobbleheads in the WWE series will be available online at www.FOCO.com. Each bobblehead is available at this link now for $45.00 plus shipping and handling.

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Bleacher Creatures Introduces 7 New WWE Plush Figures #GiftGuide

December 17, 2019 by Leave a Comment

 Bleacher Creatures Toys, a division of Uncanny Brands, is proud to announce Series 8, 7 new, officially-licensed WWE plush figures, available now and in time to get for the fans on your holiday shopping list.  My John is a huge fan, and he really like the Bleacher Creatures he has currently (his favorite being Sasha Banks)- these are sure to be a hit with him. I’ve wondered when we go to the live events, why they don’t sell them at the kiosks? Fans would certainly buy them, seems like it would be a win-win, yes?

I haven’t given these to him yet, but I can tell you I am sure he’s going to love them when I do.  He’s such a big fan- they also carry Becky Lynch, who is a favorite of his as well as also being native to Ireland (and Finn Balor).

Brand New

Becky Lynch – The WWE Raw Women’s Champ wears her trademark “THE MAN” shirt.

Elias Samson – Sports his trusty guitar and calm demeanor.

Rey Mysterio – The smallest World Heavyweight Champion, wears “Greatest Mask of all Time” Lucha Libre mask and gear.

WWE Plush

Newly Designed

AJ Styles – The current WWE US Champion gets new blue gear reminiscent of his most famous looks.

Finn Balor – The first-ever WWE Universal Champion now wears a blue PU jacket and “Blue Steel” trunks.

Seth Rollins – Wears the SFNR shirt he debuted on WWE Raw. Stands for Seth Freak ‘N Rollins!

Randy “Macho Man” Savage – We flash back to the 80’s with one of the Macho Man’s iconic Cowboy looks.

Every Bleacher Creature captures the essence of an icon and turns them into a friend. Our officially-licensed, plush figures encourage fun, inspiration and creativity among fans of all ages. Collect them, hang out with them, give them to friends. With the unique ability to stand on their own, Bleacher Creatures are perfect for play or display.

Size: 10” tall

Ages 3 and up

Officially licensed by the WWE

Retail Price: $19.99

Find the entire line of WWE plush at www.BleacherCreatures.com

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Spreading Holiday Cheer with Calico Critters #GiftGuide

December 17, 2019 by Leave a Comment

Do your kids love Calico Critters as much as mine do? They are the perfect toys for kids, and since they use animals instead of traditional dolls, both boys and girls can enjoy them without getting the side eye from those judgmental or less progressive members of the family. (Not that boys should ever be ashamed of playing with dolls- I just love that there is another option for kids, as well as for the boys who want to nurture, but might not love dolls.)

Calico Critters is already decking the halls with lots of family merriment and cheer, with both their traditional collection as well as brand new additions.  This holiday season, consider Calico Critters as the perfect gift-giving items for your little holiday helpers. They last as well, so they will stay in great condition from your oldest to your youngest (and likely then some- I still have the Calico Critter I had when I was a kid, and it looks great. My son added it to his collection.)

CALICO CRITTERS VILLAGE RED ROOF SERIES HOME

 

Sweet Raspberry Home

kids gifts

The Sweet Raspberry Home is the newest addition to the Village, perfectly matching the detail and design of the Red Roof Cozy Cottage and Red Roof Country Home. Kids will enjoy the outdoors with the Hopscotch Rabbit family in the comfort of their home porch. The home comes furnished with baby furniture and Nursery Series Grace Hopscotch Rabbit who’s ready to play. Children can also connect the Sweet Raspberry Home with the Red Roof Cozy Cottage and Country Home for more fun.  Ages 3+/ $24.95/ Available Now

 

Red Roof Country Home

dollhouse

playset

Nestled in the Village is the beautiful and spacious Red Roof Country Home.  With four rooms, a terrace, staircase and lights, Critter families can enjoy the beauty of the village in the comfort of their home.  Children can create various layouts in a 90˚angle, 180˚angle or closed setting. Connect the Country Home to the Sweet Raspberry Home and Cozy Cottage for an even grander household. The Red Roof Country Home Gift set includes detailed furniture, accessories and lights, as well as Heidi & Bell Hopscotch Rabbits. Ages 3+, $69.95/ Gift Set $99.95/ Available Now

 

Red Roof Cozy Cottage

cheap dollhouse

Comfortable, cozy and close to the Village! The Red Roof Cozy Cottage is the perfect starter home for children to build their world of imagination.  Bell Hopscotch is ready to play house in her quaint home, furnished with a bed, kitchen sink, stove/oven, food, tables, chairs and more! Kids can connect the Cozy Cottage to the Sweet Raspberry Home and Country Home for even more creativity and fun. Ages 3+/ $29.95/ Available Now

 

CALICO CRITTERS NURSERY COLLECTION 

The new Nursery collection features sweet new Baby Critters and specially designed environments – all packed with play for the little ones. 

calico critters babies

Blind Bags – Baby Party Series

Blind bags add the element of surprise to Calico Critters play!  Hidden in each bag is a new Baby Party critter that children can add to their nursery collection. They won’t know which critter is inside until they open the bag. Each bag includes a Baby Critter and uniquely designed party accessories. The collection includes nine new collectable babies to complete the party:  Maple Cat baby with a bouquet of flowers, Sweetpea Rabbit baby with party hat and tambourine, Toy Poodle baby playing the piano, Persian Cat baby with a birthday cake, Sandy Cat baby with bowling set, Cuddle Bear baby with horseshoes, Woolly Alpaca baby with a gift, Fluffy Hamster baby with confetti shooter, and last but not least, the exclusive secret style Baby Critter to add more fun to the festivities!   Ages 3+/ $4.95 each

Blind Bags – Baby Shopping Series

toy baby animals

Blind bags add the element of surprise to Calico Critters play!  Hidden in each bag is a new Baby Shopping critter that children can add to their nursery collection. They won’t know which critter is inside until they open the bag. Each bag includes a Baby Critter and uniquely designed grocery and shopping accessories. To add to the surprise, the series includes one extra secret style critter. The collection includes nine new collectable babies to tag along the shopping trip:  Hopscotch Rabbit Baby with Bread, Buckley Deer Baby with Shopping Cart, Wilder Panda Baby with Popcorn, Outback Koala Baby with Shopping Bag, Polar Bear Baby with Ice Cream, Sweetpea Rabbit Baby with Eggs and Juice, Tuxedo Cat Baby with Shopping Cart, Silk Cat Baby with Cash Register, and an exclusive secret style baby to join the fun at the Grocery Market! Ages 3+/ $4.95 each

Blind Bags – Baby Band Series 

Blind bags add the element of surprise to Calico Critters play!  Hidden in each bag is a new Baby Band critter that children can add to their nursery collection. They won’t know which critter is inside until they open the bag. Each bag includes a Baby critter and a uniquely designed musical instrument.  The collection includes eight new collectable babies to complete the band: Shiloh Yellow Labrador on xylophone, Daisy Maple Cat playing the Trumpet, Jason Cuddle Bear with cymbals, Henry Sweetpea Rabbit on the drums, Milo Toy Poodle with accordion, Grace Hopscotch Rabbit playing the violin, Joseph Tuxedo Cat on the piano, and last but not least, Luke Hazelnut Chipmunk playing the tambourine. Ages 3+/ $4.95 each

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