Fun Toys That Let You and Your Children be Creative

June 12, 2018 by Samantha 1 Comment

It can be hard to find something to do as a family, or something that will entertain the kids that doesn’t need to be charged. Getting kids away from screens can be challenging, but with toys like these, you won’t have to try too hard.

Have a little car lover? (Or maybe a big one, as well- Father’s Day is just around the corner) You can select from a handful of new mini-vehicles from Automoblox®, an award-winning line of high-quality collectible wooden car toy vehicles. Included the pick-up truck Grizzly, the X10 Timber Pack SUV with a trailer, and the very first Automoblox motorcycle. These cars have a body made of European beech wood, and can be manipulated multiple ways to create different designs. Both kids (recommended for ages 4 and up) and adults love playing with the mix and max, fun to put together cars that don’t require tools to create. New minis are priced at $11.99 – $23.99. The larger BR100 Hercules 16.5″ hauler (that can also be recreated into a dump truck) is $59.99. It is not only larger, but also comes with two back ends, a ramp, two mini vehicles, and has room to hold five mini vehicles. Get yours on Amazon.

If you are a fan of puzzles, TCG has an excellent line that you will want to get your hands on. They have s many options of different photos, scenes, and piece counts, there is something for everyone (and every family ability). These are really beautiful, well crafted puzzles you will be tempted to frame (and in fact, we are framing one of ours). In addition, TCG has a campaign that benefits both Autism Speaks and Autism Speaks Canada since 2016. As puzzles help calm and stimulate some children and adults with Autism, it is a wonderful fit and a great cause to support. Every box has Autism Speaks puzzle piece logo on it. “TCG’s Autism Speaks assortment includes puzzles designed for a wide range of puzzlers, from the whimsical and gorgeous renderings of fantasy artist Miharu to original TCG designs, and more.” (as per TCG) Prices range from $3.99 for a 200 piece puzzle to $7.99 for a 1,000 piece puzzle.

Have a creative teen or tween? Consider Juicy Couture Fruit Obsessions Bracelets and Juicy Couture Hair Candy Accessories- Juicy Couture is all the rage with the younger girls right now, and these definitely hit their mark in this house, let me tell you. My daughter was thrilled, couldn’t wait to get her hands on these kits, and was excited about the results. She wears them often, and I’m sure you will have similar results with your young fashionista. What is more fun then making your own accessories? Not much at that age. And these are definitely NOT the cheesy, kiddie kits from our childhood- these make high quality, really nice looking items. They look store bought, more like what you see adults creating on Etsy. If your child is a fan, you will want to check these out. Prices vary, but I’m seeing these for about $15.

Your child might also enjoy making his or her own blanket or hoodie blanket- these are both adorable. There is the “Make It Real” Unicorn Blanket Hoodie, which comes with everything needed to make a super cute blanket (although I think it looks more like a cape) complete with unicorn hood. This fleece knotted blanket will help your child develop and learn skills useful both for making the item and for the future, which I love. Learning toys are the best. Know how to sew? That much easier. Learning how? No problem at all, making the Unicorn Blanket Hoodie will help teach you. $24.99 on Amazon and Jo-Ann Fabrics.

Prefer something with a little more bite? ALEX makes the new DIY Knot A Shark for kids who’d like to try their fin at something new. The ALEX DIY Knot-A-Shark comes with everything you need to make your own snuggly, scary blanket. Not JUST a blanket, but also a tail- your child can get inside it once finished and swim off to bedtime or to cuddle on the couch for shark week. $30.99 on https://www.alexbrands.com

Filed Under: crafts, review Tagged With: DIY, DIY Kids Project, newspaper cross post, review

Introducing Monet: Beauty and Function for Your Phone The Perfect Phone Accessory #selfiebetter #monetallday @monet_brand

June 12, 2018 by Samantha Leave a Comment

Monet is beauty and function for your phone. The ultimate fashion accessory for the on-the-go minimalist. It’s an extension of your hand with its easy slip on grip that provides a secure hold on your phone while taking better selfies. That same grip becomes your kickstand and Monet is a sleek wallet to hold money and cards. It’s currently available in 30 color variations with more colors currently in production. Monet is your 3-in-1 phone grip and the only accessory you need for a busy lifestyle:

cell phone strap

The Gym
Pilates
Coffee dates
Meeting for brunch
Dinner Dates
Night Clubs
Traveling
Quick shopping trips and more….

Celebrity Influencer Jake Paul introduced Monet at the Consumer Electronics Show in January with much fanfare. Additionally, many other celebrities including Scott Disick, Stephanie Shepherd and The Selfie Kid with Justin Timberlake are putting Monet’s on their phones to help them #selfiebetter! Available at Amazon.com and Monetbrand.com, with other retailers hitting this Fall! SRP $19.99

monet

Social media handle

@monet_brand

Instagram Hashtags

#selfiebetter

#monetallday

About Quest Basics

Quest Basics Corp was founded in 2013 to deliver creative design and hiqh-quality sourced products at affordable prices. Their first launch was IJOY launched at CES 2014 with incredible response leading to the company tripling sales by year’s end. The company continued to expand and in 2017, they launched SpinPop, a unique and patented phone holder mechanism. Monet is their next launch in the phone holder space. Quest Basics is based in Brooklyn, NY.

Filed Under: review Tagged With: cell phones, check in, tech

Keel Your Ride Clean with Diono

June 7, 2018 by Danielle Leave a Comment

Disclosure: The below was provided to me to help facilitate my review. All opinions are my own and honest. I am disclosing this in accordance to FTC Guidelines. Please see “Disclose” and “Terms of Use” tabs for more information.

Everyone knows that when you have kids, it is almost impossible to keep your vehicle tidy, especially if you are constantly on the go. These great products from Diono are must haves to make sure that you are nice and organized for all those summer road trips!

About Pop Up Trash Bin:

This Trash Bin is so simple, but incedibly effective. The Pop-Up Trash Bin is a versatile, mutliuse smart and clever 3-ni-1. The essential additional storae you never knew you needed, for those days on the go. Thoughtfully constructed to be compact and flat-collapsing, the drawstring top keeps belongings or trash secure from falling out on the journey.

About Travel Pal:

The Diono Travel Pal is the friendly in-car storage solution. For traveling toys, bring-a-long books, snacks or cool drinks, the Travel Pal has plenty of space to make the journey fly by. There are multi-pockets for all your needs, and with super hand insulated drink pockets for keeping drinks cool for longer.

About Stuff ‘n Scuff:

This is a perfect seatback organizer. You can now keep the back of your seats clean and scuff-free with Stuff n’ Scuff. It’s practical waterproof fabric that protects backs of seats from dirty feet scuffs and spills. The large cargo pocket with elasticated top also provides additional storage while on the go.

About Stow ‘N Go:

This is an amazing seatback organizer that will keep your essentials organized and easy to find. The Stow ‘n Go is the ultimate in car organization accessory for take-along toys, bring-along books, drinks or snacks. It protects your seats from day to day scuffs, and keeps your car clean and tidy. This is very easy to fit and can attach around the headrest of any car. There are seven large pockets and two drink holders.

My Thoughts:

I was incredibly impressed with each of these awesome items. I am a farmwife and with harvest just around the corner, not to mention our summer vacation after that, I know that we will be spending a great deal of time in my car. I think that I am all set and ready to keep my kids and vehicle organized while the rest of our life gets a little chaotic. I would recommend these items to anyone. If you are interested in purchasing any of these great items, head on over to Diono and get them for your vehicle!

Filed Under: baby, family, review Tagged With: baby, Diono, Diono accessories, Must haves for travel, Organized Vehicle, review, Travel Necessities

WIN Thomas and Friends: Lift and Load Cargo Set

June 6, 2018 by Donna 65 Comments

All wood track is a hit with kids, but will it hold their attention?

My little angels looooooove building and creating imaginary environments. That’s why I thought Thomas and Friends: Lift and Load Cargo Set would be a hit for my 2.5-year-old nephew. Described as a kid friendly and easy-to-build track, I sat down and let my nephew take charge. After tearing open the box, he was immediately drawn to the poseable figures and Thomas. He attempted to put the tracks together, however it seemed too much of a challenge for a 2.5 year old. Enter me … the SUPER AUNT.

With adult supervision the track can be completed and even joined to other classic Thomas & Friends Wooden Railway engines and track. There’s no wrong way to connect, so there’s no wrong way to build! Thomas & Friends Wood toys are designed to help develop children’s physical, cognitive and emotional skills. By creating their own stories, kids can engage in playful activities that improve motor and thinking skills.

I really wanted my 2.5-year-old nephew to complete the track by himself. The set is rated for children 3 and older. This is not a one and done toy and I will definitely store and reintroduce next year. Okay, I will let him keep Thomas at least!

Contents of the set:

Thomas & Friends Wood toy train set includes Charlie, 2 Troublesome Trucks, 2 cargo pieces, 2 track adaptors, track layout with transfer crane, cargo loading station, ramps, and 4-way crossing with knob to switch the train’s direction
Included track adaptors connect to other wood track systems, including classic Thomas & Friends Wooden Railway (sold separately and subject to availability)
Made with sustainably-sourced wood
Easy-to-build, kid-friendly track features connectors that let children build by themselves
Poseable plastic figure can sit in the sliding crane, and the crane can lift and lower the cargo pieces

Pros:

Wood pieces

Good quality

Consistent with Thomas the Train brand

Cons:

Have a storage container ready after you open the box

Children may need assistance from parent to connect the track

Rating: 4.2/5 Stars

Donna Andrews

Super Aunt of 2 year old

Update: I thought I was going to store the set until he was a little older, but my nephew has asked to play with the set every day since my posting. He is even getting how to connect the track. Thumbs up!

One of you can win a set of your own- feel free to comment in the RC form below. Good luck, ends June 30, 2018.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Filed Under: giveaway, review, toys Tagged With: giveaway

Lucid Audio HearMuffs

June 6, 2018 by Donna 4 Comments

Parents will do anything within their powers to protect their children from harm. Right? Right! So, if we protect our children from … say for instance … mosquitoes or harmful UV rays … shouldn’t we also protect their precious hearing? Of course, that is why I was happy to let my one-year-old nephew try out the Lucid Audio’s HearMuffs.

Growing ears of babies and toddlers are susceptible to damage. Providing hearing protection, especially at a young age, helps to ensure optimal hearing as your child grows. HearMuffs is a protective devise that is tauted as being the most advanced hearing preservation for infants and toddlers! Sounds great, but does it work?

I used the HearMuffs at a recent Track-n-Field event where there is historically a large amount of screaming by parents who are trying to encourage their competing children … and not to mention the sudden pop of the starter’s pistol at various times. Unexpected sounds or aggressive voices startles my youngster … which leads to a crying … which leads to crankiness .. which leads to the me leaving earlier thank expected from an event. By his reactions, it is clear loud noises hurt.

To gauge if the HearMuffs really worked, I closely watched my tiny human as the environment seemed to explode around him. Not a budge … nor flinch … only cute toddler smiles and drool. It’s a keeper folks!

HearMuffs compress sounds and has the unique ability to let in outside voices to comfort a child. The unit can even play soothing sounds. Options include Protect only, Soothe Mode allows voices to be heard while compressing potentially harmful noises to comfortable levels and Sounds Mode where the child can enjoy four soothing sounds — Lullaby, White Noise, Creek, and Heartbeat.

We were at the track meet for a few hours and my nephew stayed the entire time and did not have a tantrum. I really believe it was due to the HearMuffs.

Possible Hearing Hazards for Children

Loud toys
Television volume
Events such as festivals, sports events, concerts
Firework displays
Household appliances (vacuum, hair dryer, blender)

Rating: 4/5 stars

Donna Andrews

Super aunt of a 1 year old boy

Filed Under: review Tagged With: babies, baby, kids, tech for kids, technology

Best VTech Baby Toys To Keep Your Baby Entertained

May 31, 2018 by Jacqui Leave a Comment

All of my go to toys are from vtech. VTech offers a wide variety of educational toys that will keep babies and kids of all ages entertained for hours. If you took a look into any one of my kids toy boxes you are bound to see more than one vtech toy. This post is a sponsored post, but all opinions, stories, and my experience are all personal and true (like always)!

About:

Light & Spin Tug-A-Bug:

Pull the ring on the Light & Spin Tug-a-Bug™ to see a colorful light show inside the spinning shell. Press the friendly caterpillar button to hear it sing a song, play music and say playful phrases. The easy-grasp ring attracts your little one’s attention with three rattling beads. Use the link to attach the cute snail to strollers, car seats and diaper bags for fun on-the-go. With two friendly bug voices, colorful lights and a spinning shell, your little one will love playing with their smiley snail friend!

Lil’ Critters Singin’ Monkey Rattle:

Your little one will go bananas for the Lil’ Critters Singin’ Monkey Rattle™! Press its light-up tummy to hear playful songs, music, encouraging phrases and silly sounds. Shake the monkey to hear monkey sounds and fun phrases or see the tummy light up. Twist the bananas, slide the rings or spin the rolling ball to help develop fine motor skills. The easy-grasp handle is perfectly sized for little hands to give it a shake or for mom to grab when running out the door for playtime on the go. Your little one will love to monkey around with their new friend!

Play & Move Puppy Tunes:

Press the Play & Move Puppy Tunes™ music button and start grooving! This adorable dancing puppy rocks, sings and plays the guitar. Explore the drum, piano and saxophone buttons while listening to 30 melodies in classical, jazz and pop music styles. Then, press the music button to hear three songs. Two colorful lights flash with the music, attracting your baby’s attention. Grab this music player and never miss a chance to dance!

GearBuddies Lion & Mouse:

Go for a friendly spin with the GearZooz™ GearBuddies Lion & Mouse™. Connect the Smart Gear™ mouse and turn the handle to watch the gears spin! Placing the mouse on the lion’s back triggers fun phrases and stories. Turn the handle gear to hear a melody, then turn the handle faster and faster to speed up the melody! Press the light-up button to hear fun stories, or roll the lion to hear playful sing-along songs. Then, mix and match with other GearZooz™ playsets (sold separately) for more gear-rific fun!

My Thoughts:

These toys are perfect to have on hand. They are fun, educational, and little enough that they travel easy. I have a bag that I keep in my van for toys for Lee Lee and you can find all of these toys in that bag. It gets drug out at football games, baseball games, and when we are driving down the highway and he has had enough of being in the van. They are prefect for little hands and little minds. There bright colors, lights, and sounds keep little ones mind going and engaged. The handles and buttons are easy for little fingers to hold on to and push. In one way or other all of these toys work on some kind of fine or gross motor skill and concentrate on some kind of educational concept. If your family is constantly on the go or if you are looking for fun little toys to have on hand these are perfect for you!

Filed Under: review Tagged With: educational, infant, toys, traveling

Edushape Ladybug Sorter Makes Learning Fun

May 30, 2018 by Jacqui Leave a Comment

Being a mom of four on a limited budget I have picked up on a few hidden secrets that only mothers know. The most important one is that the best kind of toys are the ones that offer a wide variety of skills and uses. Edushape Ladybug Sorter does just that! This post is a sponsored post, but all opinions, stories, and my experience are all personal and true (like always)!

About:

Equally comfortable on the table, floor, bed or bath, the cute Ladybug Sorter provides educational and developmental play. The Ladybug Sorter can float on its firm Edu-Foam lily pad bottom and include six unique shapes to for sorting fun, water play and learning.

My Thoughts:

The beauty behind this toy is that it can be used just about anywhere. It can be used on the floor, on the table, in the bathtub, or in the kiddie pool. Outside of the ability to be used on multiple surfaces it also has multiply education values. It is perfect for practicing fine and gross motor skills. It works on their logic, reasoning, and hand-eye coordination skills. While doing this all it also helps improve their visual sensory development. This toy is a dream come true for us mommies. It’s educational and has multiple purposes.

The question is does it pass the kid test? Short answer is yes. My six year old and my one year old both love playing with it. Carly tends to play with it mostly in the bathtub while Lee Lee tend to plays with in on the floor. I can truly test to the fact that this ladybug is one that is built to last. It has held up through many tosses from Lee Lee. There is not a scratch or dent on it.

This fun learning toy is a great gift idea as well as a way to encourage hands on problem solving in a colorful way. My kids have had a ton of fun with it, so I am sure any little one in your life will love it too!

Filed Under: review Tagged With: educational, kids, learning, toy

Keeping Hands of All Ages Busy With These Fidget Toys

May 30, 2018 by Samantha 9 Comments

No matter what time of year, little hands (and maybe not so little hands) get into everything, especially when you just need a few seconds of stillness. No matter if you are in a restaurant, long car ride, or even just walking through a supermarket, it can be better to put something into the hands that want to touch everything and keep them occupied before they get into simply everything (or maybe just on your nerves).

Got a really little one? Manhattan Toy has several great options, one of which is the Click Clack Ball. This is a brightly colored, plastic ball with many handles to twist and turn. It’s also easy to connect to a baby stroller or seat so your kiddo can’t toss it onto any dirty floors (like they so love to do). It makes sounds when they turn the handles, and rattles as it moves. It is filled with tiny beads, so it makes lots of stimulating noise (but not so much that it will drive mom and dad crazy). The Click Clack Ball is also a hit with dad over here- he can’t seem to put it down, either. It is listed from $9.99 to $15.99 depending on where you buy, so get your Google on before you shop! Love this toy- perfect for baby showers, too.

Another great manipulative from Manhattan Toy is the wooden Classic Baby Beads. There is a reason these have such staying power. Your baby (and toddler, and beyond- really, dad plays with them all the time, and they calm his nerves. I bought him his own set) will enjoy twisting ad turning and rolling these wooden beads all over. The bright, water colored beads are non toxic, so no worries if your little one chews on them. The beads are able to be manipulated endlessly. They seem to love the clacking sound the beads make against each other as well. The Classic Baby Beads are listed from $9.99 to $16 in different stores, so look online first to get the best price.

Tangle, makers of twisty fidget toys that help reduce stress and enhance creativity, are also known to be “brain tools”. Educators and physical therapists are using these toys to help people not only reduce stress and relax, but also opens up the imagination as well as helps gain (or regain) dexterity. Tangle now offers new additions to their lineup, which already came in many options to suit all sorts of sensory needs as textured, metallic, hairy, fuzzy, classic, rubber, and more. One new option is Tangle BrainTools Imagine. It has bright and vibrant new colors, and uses ‘magic in motion,’ it seems to glide as you twist and turn it. It’s slightly larger then other tangles, and has transparent colors or solids. $5.99

The “Think” is our favorite, and larger the the “Imagine”. It is great for kids or adults, and often used in classrooms as well. This very tactile fidget toy can also be used as a hand rehabilitation tool or for physical or occupational therapy. It is ideal for children or adults with sensory issues or who need help increasing hand and finger strength and mobility. $12.99

Fidgitz by Thinkfun is a great fidget toy that is also a puzzle. Not unlike a Rubix Cube in that you have to manipulate it to solve, but very unlike it in that it’s also soothing. Shifting, turning, rotating the infinite loop of the beads had a calming effect, and it was indeed gratifying to solve, but the fun was in the turning of the beads. It had a soothing feeling. It is like the other fidget toys because it keeps hands busy and occupied, giving relief to nerves and impulses and helping with sensory overload. It is different in that there is a goal, but you can do it again and again and not be “bored” with it. The fidget portion doesn’t end when you solve, and you can do it differently each time. It’s nice, because it adds a “brain teaser” to the fidget aspect, something new and fun to challenge the mind. $9.99 at https://www.thinkfun.com/products/fidgitz/

Switcherooz by Tastemakers are really interesting, because they are also collectible for fans of comics, cartoons, and the like. They also change into different characters, which I’ve not seen anything like before. They are 3 inches, and change from one person (IE Batman) to another (like Robin) by flipping the bottom chin on the face backward. Sounds a bit scary when I put it like that, but it’s simple and easy. Kids can keep hands busy as well as create stories, act out their favorite comics or shows, and be creative with these fun fidgets. These are a bit harder to find, but worth it! $4.99 on http://www.tastemakersllc.com is the only place I have seen them available.