The Cuddliest Valentine’s Gift for Your Little One!

February 8, 2022 by 1 Comment

toys that give back

With Valentine’s day slowly approaching it’s time to start thinking about what to gift your loved little ones.

Help your little one get extra love and cuddles this Valentine’s day and feed children in need, with a cuddle+kind doll. It’s the perfect gift for any precious newborn or treasured toddler.

For every ethically produced, hand-knit doll sold, we give 10 meals to hungry children around the world.

1 doll = 10 meals.

Started by a family of five who were inspired to help after seeing a documentary about childhood hunger, cuddle+kind has been able to give over 7 million meals in three years.

best toys for kids

A tremendous amount of love goes into each toy from artisan knitters in Peru. Hand stitching and crafting goes into every single artisanal, heirloom-quality dolls. There are 27 adorable toys in the cuddle+kind collection, each with its own birthday and a favorite quote. This collection continues to grow each year as new dolls are added.

cuddle+kind has partnerships with several respected humanitarian agencies including World Food Program USA, Children’s Hunger Fund, Breakfast Club of Canada and WE Charity to guarantee that every purchase directly benefits children in need.

Are you ready to join us on our journey to donate over 1 million meals this year? Adorable toys, well made, with no wild price tag, and it gives to those who need a hand? An all around win.

You can check out the full collection and choose your perfect toy here: https://cuddleandkind.com/collections/hand-knit-dolls.

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

Fun Products to Celebrate Valentine’s Day from Home! (WITH the kiddos!)

February 8, 2022 by Leave a Comment

Another Covid Holiday approaches, and with things not back to normal yet (Hoping soon!!!) it looks like it will be another quiet day. If nothing else, this pandemic has made us have more quality time with our family and children, yes? I know I have certainly spent more time at home then I ever have, and quality time is more than ever- sometimes, too much, amIright? Haha. It’s also an never ending battle to get kids away from screens, and while screen time certainly has it’s place, so does being away from it and stretching other muscles.

Since so many holidays have cancelled or forced to celebrate differently the past few years, here are a few ideas to help you make the most out of your Valentine’s Day this year with the kiddos. 

Creating new traditions will be a great way to make memories and will give the kids something to look forward to even while being stuck at home. A few ideas include building sets like those from Magformers and Thames & Kosmos or delicious vegan baking mixes from Lehi Mills. All of which stimulate creative problem solving, encourage hands-on learning and last but not least will get kids away from the screen.

make your own night light

Creatto

Creatto is a simple yet versatile building system that consists of just two primary components that can be woven together into countless 3D creations. The flexible yet durable plastic tiles interlock quickly and easily for all skill levels; no additional materials or hardware required! Each Creatto kit includes assembly instructions for four different configurations, but the possibilities are limited only by your imagination. Add strings of colored LED lights to illuminate your works of art from the inside out. Creatto is available in a variety of designs for $9.95-$29.95 and is for Ages 6+.

magnet blocks

Magbuddies Sets

Step into the world of Max’s Playground Set, Maggy’s House Set, Milo’s Mansion Set, Minibot Kitchen Set and build your own amazing Mag City. Collect all 4 and see what you can create. Ages 3+ MSRP: $49.99 each. 

bubble gum kit

Super Duper Bubble Gum Lab

It’s time to have some gummy fun with this awesome bubble gum making kit! Mix up your gum base and then sweeten it with sugar. Next, use the three included flavors to make your gum more delicious than ever. Choose from watermelon, orange, and classic bubble gum  or try them all! Finally, cut it up, package it, and label it with stickers to give away as gifts. While you make these yummy treats, you’ll also learn about the scientific properties of elastic materials. Ages 6+ MSRP: $19.95.

best baby toy

Stick-O Cooking 16Pc Set

The Stick-O Cooking 16 Piece Set brings out your child’s inner chef. This themed magnetic kit inspires kids to assemble and cook delicious foods including an egg, lollipop, candy, carrot, and more. The 16 Piece Cooking Set includes 2 Spheres, 2 Sticks, 1 Curve Stick, 1 Oval Stick and 1 Half Sphere. Ages 18m+ MSRP $24.99.

vegan baked goods

Lehi Mills Certified Vegan Line
Lehi Mills is a premium baking mix company that recently launched their Certified Vegan Line. With over 100 years of milling experience, quality has always been their first ingredient.  Included in the Lehi Mills Certified Vegan Line is the delicious Vegan Pancake and Waffle Mix, Vegan Raspberry Muffin Mix and Vegan Double Fudge Brownie. All of which are plant-based and perfect for when you want a wholesome, vegan treat. 

exit game

EXIT

EXIT: The Game is a series of party games for up to four players that offers a unique, unforgettable gaming experience, perfect for Valentine’s Day fun! These games allow you to bring the excitement, intensity, and team spirit of an escape room to your living room. In each EXIT game, your team starts out locked in an imaginary room, or trapped somewhere. You must solve a series of riddles and puzzles in order to unlock doors and reveal new riddles. Each correct solution brings you to another riddle and eventually to freedom. EXIT is constantly expanding with new stories. Ages 10+ MSRP: $14.95.

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

Fantastic Toys For Christmas Gifts

December 15, 2021 by Leave a Comment

If you are still on the prowl for a few gifts for the kiddos on your list, check out these awesome finds that they will love (and without a mega price tag).

laser x

Laser X Revolution Two Player Micro Laser Tag Gaming Blaster Set

Do you have a fan of laser tag? If so, your child might like this toy.

My kids love these games- they are huge laser tag fans, so being able to play wherever and whenever they want is great. My husband gets in on the games on occasion as well, LOL. We are giving them this set for Christmas this year, and I know they will be playing Christmas morning, haha.

Laser X is the #1 home laser tag system worldwide. Kids love it because they can play laser tag at home, in their backyards or playrooms. Zap the other team from up to 200 feet away, no matter if you are inside or out, in the daylight or at night. You can choose from more than 10 team colors to light up your blaster. Blaster beams go through windows and strategically bounce off walls and mirrors to hit opponents. The Micro Blaster’s compact size is easy to take anywhere and play on the go. All Laser X gear works together, with other packs and sets- this way, your games can include unlimited players. Requires 6 “AAA” batteries (not included). It is recommended for ages 6 and up- but there are no tiny parts, so use your judgement.

Highlights

  • Set equips 2 players with Laser X Revolution Micro Blasters
  • Blast opponents up to 200 feet away
  • Blaster to blaster play – no chest or armband receivers!
  • Play as teams or individuals
  • Choose from 10 different team colors
  • Sounds and lighting effects keep track of your shots and hits
  • Requires 6 “AAA” (1.5V) batteries (not included)
  • Does NOT use a real laser; Infrared beam is not visible

laser x

Laser X Equalizer

For more Laser X, check out the new Laser X Equalizer. It’s the latest addition to the game, and my kids are really enjoying it- just be careful they aren’t tossing it at each other or at your windows. Ah, kids.

This is a fun new addition to the Laser X toys- my kids really enjoy the laser blasters, and they LOVE messing around with this. It’s something new and interesting to liven up the game even more- add more excitement and something special other laser tag games don’t have.

The Laser X Equalizer is the ultimate addition to your Laser X Gear. Toss it into the game to EQUALIZE the playing field. Blast the Equalizer in the air or on the ground and it blasts multiple players within a 50-foot radius. Play inside or out, in darkness or bright sunlight.  The Laser X Equalizer Disc works with all Laser X blasters including the original, Revolution and Evolution Laser X gear. Games can include unlimited players. Ages 6+.  Requires 3 “AAA” batteries (not included).

Highlights

  • Toss it through the air or place it on the ground. Blast the disk to blast opponents within a 50-foot radius!
  • Works with all Laser X Blasters (blasters not included)
  • Requires 3 “AA” (1.5V) batteries (not included)
  • Does NOT use a real laser
  • Infrared beam is not visible
  • Ages 6+

football throw

All Pro Passer Robotic Quarterback

For the athlete or football fan in your life, check this out-

No matter if you want to go long or short, it’s always the perfect throw with this toy.Tthe All-Pro Passer Robotic Quarterback is “the most accurate quarterback on earth”. It is programmed with the skill, timing and accuracy of a pro quarterback, the aptly named All-Pro Passer can launch the ball over 25 yards. With nine different passing zones, it lets you practice hundreds of plays. Just select your play, then press hike, slant, post, short or long. The All-Pro Passer throws a perfect spiral every time. Play one-on-one, three-on-three or with as many players as you want. You can even practice catching on your own. Perfect for the park or backyard. Football included. Requires 4 “C” (1.5V) batteries (not included). Recommended for ages 8+, but again- no small parts, so use your judgment. Or even better, go out and play with them and supervise! More fun anyway.

My oldest loves football, so this will make a great gift for him. I hate to play (sorry! LOL) so this will let him play for more time than I have stamina for. I suppose mental stamina? Patience, whatever. It’s great that he can program it to do what he wants- he can’t do that with me, so it will make his life easier. Moms are horrible like that, ay? But honestly, I don’t have a great arm anyway- this will be a great Christmas present.

Highlights

  • The most accurate quarterback on earth
  • Programmed with the skill, timing and accuracy of a pro quarterback
  • Throws a perfect spiral every time!
  • 9 different passing zones – lets you practice hundreds of plays
  • Launches the ball over 25 yards
  • Play one-on-one, three-on-three or with as many players as you want. You can even practice catching on your own
  • Requires 4 “C” (1.5V) batteries (not included).
  • Ages 8+

 

Filed Under: Holiday Gift Guide, review, toys Tagged With: ,

Rules of Vintage Block Game

September 15, 2021 by Leave a Comment

I am certain that in one way or the other, you have interacted with some kind of block games. At first, the game may seem tricky to understand but, with a few verses of instructions, you are good to go. For example, if you are playing the famous Jenga block game which inspired blockoduko.

Jenga is a block game synonymous with the Savanna of East Africa. The game was introduced by British board game designer Leslie Scott born in Tanganyika, present-day Tanzania. The word Jenga is derived from ‘kujenga’, a Swahili word meaning building.

A few years later, Scott migrated to Ghana with her family, where she founded Jenga. In the early 1970s, Leslie Scott had a simple idea of building stacks of wooden blocks for as high as she could. To materialize her idea, she bought small pieces of wood in a sawmill in Takoradi, Ghana, where she was currently living and used them to build a pillar.

At first, the idea seemed crazy, but when she visualized it and showed it to her family, a cloud of interest descended on the game. In January 1983, Scott launched the game at London Toy Fair, introducing it to the world. She later began selling the game under its iconic brand name Jenga through her Leslie Scott Associates.

One of the earliest forms of the game can be found at the V&A Museum of Childhood. This game has been sitting here since 1982, thanks to Leslie’s revolutionary idea and creativity.

Rules of the game 

Though most of Jenga’s rules are still in play today, there are a few changes that were made to standardize the game. Jenga is played by 54 blocks with minor variations to complicate the stalking process.

Generally, each block measures 0.59 in × 0.98 in × 2.95 in or 1.5 cm × 2.5 cm × 7.5 cm. To start playing the game, a gamer sets up an initial tower build of 18 layers of 3 blocks per layer. However, when building the layers, blocks are placed adjacent to each other and at a right angle with the previous layer. In simple terms, if one layer of three blocks is facing in an east-west direction, the other layer will be facing north-south.

After building the tower, each player is required to remove one block of wood from any of the 18 levels other than the second last layer to the top. The removed block is then placed on the top layer to complete it.

Blocks may be removed from any layer, and the game will end after the tower collapses and the last person to ring it down is obviously the winner. Also, when playing, players are allowed to use only one hand, and each turn lasts for 10 seconds only.

Block games such as Jenga are easy to play. You need to observe key rules such as using one hand in the game and keeping time. But the winner is the last person to bring the stalk down.

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Looking for Non-Candy Valentines Gifts for the Kids? #Ideas

January 12, 2021 by 1 Comment

Looking for fun Valentines Day toys and games for the kiddos? Since we are stuck indoors (too cold to be outside for long, and the pandemic is keeping us from being out and about), you’ll want to have boredom busters. Not to mention, no way you’d want to fill the kids up with candy when they can’t burn off all the sugar, haha. CHeck out these fun finds, you are sure to find something you will love.

ARTS & CRAFTS

iLY Pura Loom Bracelet Maker from WeCool Toys

Making beautiful friendship bracelets doesn’t have to be difficult! The new iLY Pura Loom Bracelet Maker by Activity Kings is the easiest way to make the most beautiful and trendy friendship bracelets! Learn different techniques to make a variety of textured and colorful bracelets for you and your friends! Create colorful twisted designs with beads, charms & more! It’s easy to create, wear, and share with your BFF! The combinations are endless, the only limit is your imagination! Ages 6+, MSRP $19.99.

STEM/SCREEN FREE EDUCATION

Smarty PAD™

The new Smarty PAD™ interactive LED tablet gives preschoolers and kindergarteners a new way to play and learn with 12 smart games and age-appropriate curriculum. Motion sensors give the lightweight tablet an innovative spin, encouraging unique sensory play. Smarty PAD™ speaks in both English and Spanish as kids play with colors, patterns, ABCs, and numbers up to 25. Smarty PAD™ teaches phonics, language, early math, and beginning coding, nurturing small motor development and critical thinking. Positive reinforcement, helpful encouragement, and over 100 different responses keep kids engaged every time they play. Ideal for kids 3 to 6 years old. MSRP: $34.99.

Smarty JOJO™

The Smarty JOJO™ is a super-charged interactive airplane that gets high-energy preschoolers learning on the go. Motion sensors encourage physical activity while JOJO teaches directions, shapes, colors and opposites. JOJO’s kidspeak conversation also nurtures emotional intelligence, calling out feelings and helping kids recognize their own emotions. Bi-lingual JOJO speaks in English or Spanish. The newest SMART technology enables JOJO to identify colors. “Can you find something blue?” “Yes, you can!” Over 150 random actions and reactions make the experience different every time a child plays!  Ideal for kids 2 to 4 years old and $24.99.

Smarty FLUTTER™

Flycatcher’s Smarty FLUTTER™ learning toy teaches preschoolers on-the-go as they fly through a room or a yard. Smart Technology identifies colors, and kidspeak conversation calls out feelings, helping kids recognize their own emotions. Fun missions teach right and left directions, shapes, and opposites. Motion sensors encourage active physical play. Over 150 random actions and reactions make the experience different every time a child plays. Smarty Flutter™ also speaks in both English and Spanish. Ideal for kids 2 to 4 years old and $24.99.

STRESS FREE TACTILE FUN

Insta Studio Hands-Free Video Station from WeCool Toys

The new Insta Studio by WeCool Toys has everything one needs to shoot their very own viral videos. Equipped with an adjustable base and rotating head to shoot at the best angle possible, this device allows kids of all ages to shoot viral videos hands free! Kids can use their Insta Studio to shoot all types of videos. From cooking, crafting, and sliming, children have the freedom to create fun videos. Includes fun and trendy backgrounds, mixing tools, various slimy compounds, and sparkly mix ins! The only limit is your imagination. $19.99, 4 and up.

Angry Putty from Crazy Aaron’s

Turn your frustration into fun! Angry Putty™ features a unique formula that builds resistance as you play. This amazing putty actually absorbs your tension— getting tenser and tenser with each stretch—to leave you feeling happy and relaxed. The line includes three skus’, Hot Head, Stress Ball, and Drama Queen.

scenty putty

Holiday SCENTsory from Crazy Aaron’s

Cozy up with these four delectable holiday scents featuring fun SCENTsory texture that will joy to anyone’s world. The line includes two skus’, 4” Jingle and 4” North Pole. MSRP $3.50

Vibes SCENTsory Putty from Crazy Aaron’s

Vibes SCENTsory® putty is great for gamers, all-night study sessions, and anyone who is craving a little more intensity from their SCENTsory® experience. This collection features bright colors and bold scents that are perfect for powering up. The line includes Jam Session, Flower Power, Crunch Time.

Mixed by Me kits from Crazy Aaron’s

Mix up your very own custom-colored Thinking Putty! Each kit includes 5 tins of clear putty, 3 color concentrates, 3 special effects, and an instructional mat—everything you’ll need to make cool colors that are all your own! You can even use the included colored pencils to decorate your tins to match. Two sets to choose from, Holographic and Glow in the Dark.

SUSTAINABILITY

shore buddies

Shore Buddies Plush Line

Shore Buddies stuffed animals collection are made from 100% recycled plastic bottles. The bottles are collected and sorted by recyclable collectors before cleaned and shredded into plastic flakes. Some of these flakes are used for the Shore Buddies’ stuffing, others get melted and turned into polyester yarn for the soft outside. It takes six plastic bottles to make one 12″ stuffed animal and the line features a fun array of characters including Sammy the Seal, Stephen Seagull, Shelly the Sea Turtle, Emma the Whale and Finn the Dolphin. Each of the five Shore Buddies also has its own unique authentic sound when pressed. All ages MSRP 19.95

Cargo Plane from Green Toys

All systems go! The Green Toys™ Cargo Plane is filled with freight and ready to take flight! This bright yellow and blue flier features a three-wheel design and handle on the body, so little pilots can easily go from taxiing on the ground to soaring in the sky on an eco-friendly adventure. Access the spacious cargo hold through a flip-down door that doubles as a ramp, perfect for loading up the included Green Toys™ Mini Car or anything else imaginations want to stow away. Great for indoor and outdoor play, the super-safe design has no metal axels or exterior paints or coatings. Made in the USA from 100% recycled plastic with no BPA, phthalates, or PVC. Packaged with recycled and recyclable materials printed with eco-friendly inks. For ages 3 and up. MSRP $19.99.

Green Toys™ Disney Baby® Mickey Mouse Stacker

The Green Toys™ Disney Baby® Mickey Mouse Stacker takes a classic toy and makes it safer and more playful, with no sharp edges, small parts, or interlocking pieces that can pinch fingers and an adorable Mickey Mouse-themed topper and base. The seven brightly colored red, blue, and yellow nesting pieces stack easily from large to small, while also allowing children to use their imagination and stack in any order. This eliminates frustration when they’re little, and leaves room for learning and improvement as they grow. The set is designed with no center post, making it a perfect first stacking toy for babies. With this toy, babies and toddlers can gain practice in important developmental areas, including but not limited to motor skills, coordination, categorization and sorting, problem solving, spatial reasoning, and color identification. Like all Green Toys™ Disney Baby® products, the Mickey Mouse Stacker meets FDA standards for food contact and is dishwasher safe, making it safe for teething babies to put in their mouths. It’s made in the USA from 100% recycled plastic and free from external coatings, eliminating the fear of toxins and lead paint. No BPA, phthalates, or PVC. Packaged using only recycled and recyclable materials printed with environmentally responsible inks. Recommended for ages 6 months and up.

ACTIVE PLAY

Mobo Explorer Balance Bike

With the Mobo Explorer Balance Bike kids can experience the thrill of riding California freestyle with the security of having two feet on the ground. As your child masters the use of the explorer you will see them go from small steps to riding with ease. With its multiple safety pads and extended frame your child will be extra safe while learning. The cushioned premium seat accommodates children 2-6 years old. The included two seat posts accommodate most kid sizes! As your child builds strength, balance and confidence they’ll have a blast using the integrated footrest to roll in style. With never-flat tires your child will have many years of maintenance free fun. The sturdy frame and optimized geometry makes it stable and easy to handle. A child’s first bike encourages their sense of freedom, curiosity and wonder. Let them experience that feeling in style and safety with the Mobo Explorer Balance Bike. MSRP $89.00.

BOOKS

Guion the Lion

Guion The Lion is a new children’s book that celebrates the differences in all children through a colorful and exciting journey. The book, which follows the adventures of an imaginative little lion who sees things a little differently from his friends, was penned by mother, entrepreneur and author Rebecca Wilson Macsovits and inspired by her three children including Guion, her oldest son who also has Down syndrome. Full of whimsical delights, discoveries and beautiful watercolor illustrations, this book teaches children that appreciating individual differences and embracing others’ ideas can lead to unimaginable adventures and endless fun. Guion The Lion is available now via Amazon and online at www.Guionthelion.com. MSRP $17.99.

diverse dolls

DOLLS

I’M A GIRLY

I’M A GIRLY fashion dolls encourage children to play creatively and help them find their very own style. All dolls are co-designed by the brand’s own kid design team, KIDS4KIDS. The design panel, made up of 8 to 14-year-old boys and girls, tells the brand exactly how the products should look. Kids can customize a doll just for them with more than 150 accessories, interchangeable wigs in many colors, and dolls with different skin tones. I’M A GIRLY fashion dolls are made of 100% high-quality vinyl. The hair can be styled and combed in various ways, thanks to the procurement of first-class Kanekalon. Kanekalon is a material used for the production of adult wigs. For the first time, one can even cut the doll’s hair and simply exchange the wig afterwards. The packaging is made of recyclable materials and can be used as well to store the fashion doll or for crafting.

RELATIONSHIP GAMES

Fog of Love – from Hush Hush Projects

Learn How To Play Here

Playing Fog of Love is like starring in a romantic comedy, it’s a rollercoaster ride of awkward situations, laugh out loud moments and difficult compromises you have to make. Two players will create and play two vivid characters who meet, fall in love and face the challenge of making an unusual relationship work. Just like in a real relationship, you each might want different things. Do you stay true to yourself, or do what your partner wants for the good of the relationship? You can even decide to break their heart. There’s no guarantee it will end happily ever after, but you will always get a story full of surprises that will make you smile. Available at Amazon.com, Walmart.com, and Barnes & Noble. Learn how to play Here. Suitable for players ages 18 and up, MSRP: $50.

INTERGENERATIONAL GAMES/RELATIONSHIP GAMES

What’s Wrong with Grown-Ups? – from Authentic Agility Games

Learn How To Play Here

How often have you wished that your teen would stop playing video games, sending friends videos you can only hope are appropriate, and going out, and instead, share what they’re thinking… with you? What’s Wrong with Grown-Ups?, a new intergenerational card game from Authentic Agility Games, can help. A fun way to engage kids of all ages, the 500-question card game creates an open two-way dialog that allows you to make new connections and deepen your bond. They may think you’re cool — for a few minutes. Authentic Agility Games donates a portion of proceeds from your purchase to organizations advancing education and entrepreneurship. Available now on Amazon. MSRP: $24.99, all ages.

STRATEGY GAMES

Sagrada – from Floodgate Games

Click Here

Learn How To Play Here

As a skilled artisan, you will use tools-of-the-trade and careful planning to construct a stained glass window masterpiece in the Sagrada Familia. Players will take turns drafting glass pieces, represented by dice; carefully choosing where to place each one in their window. Windows have unique color and shade requirements, and similar dice may never be adjacent so placing each die is more challenging than the last. Fortunately, you’ll have just the right tools to help you through. Gain prestige by adapting to the preferences of your fickle admirers, and of course, by adding your own artistic flair while completing your glass masterpiece in Sagrada. Available now at Amazon, Target, Barnes & Noble, Hobby Game Stores. Suitable for players ages 6 and up, MSRP $39.95

Holi: Festival of Colors – from Floodgate Games

Every spring, celebrants gather to spread color and cheer during one of India’s most vibrant festivals. Move around the festival grounds throwing colored “gulaal” powder onto your friends and the crowd. Aim higher and let your color fall from above on as many people as you can. For Holi is a time for playful mischief and a little friendly rivalry is just what the festival calls for… Playing Holi In Holi [hoh-lee], players gain joy by throwing color on the boards (higher levels are worth more points), getting color on others, and from collecting sweets. Play your color cards cleverly, climb up at the right time, and spread the most joy! Available, November 10, 2020 at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Hobby Game Stores. Suitable for players ages 13 and up. MSRP $39.95

Click Here

Prisma Arena – from Hub Games

Begin your training as a Guardian of Hope in this fun, tactical, all-ages game of over-the-top arena combat. Spar alongside Mo’kon – friendly creatures that embody emotions. As you train, customize your hero with unique powers and costumes that reflect YOUR unique personality and play-style. Suitable for players ages 10 and up. MSRP: $40.00

MEMORY GAMES

Flip Over Frog – from Hub Games

Help your brightly colored frogs take control of your tiny corner of the rainforest. Pay attention and cleverly place your frog tiles, causing those around you to flip face down OR face up. When all squares are occupied, the game ends and the player with the most face-up frogs is the winner. Suitable for all ages, Flip Over Frog packs a surprisingly tactical area control game into a small portable box. Suitable for players ages 6 and up. MSRP: $15.00 alentin

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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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WIN! Eight Fungisaurs Identified By Clever Kids Around The World @Fungisaurs

September 15, 2020 by 25 Comments

What do you get when you genetically cross a Velociraptor dinosaur with a Chicken of the Woods mushroom? Why even ask? Because kids everywhere have discovered Fungisaurs ($10).  These imaginative collectible toys expect to be the next-big-thing with kids ages 4 and up.

dinosaur toys

The whole family will soon dive into the topics of travel, science and biodiversity once they interact with Fungisaurs.  The irresistible combination of imaginative toys, games and animation will have youngsters naming a Mica Cap versus a Scaly Hedgehog.  And just like mushrooms, Fungisaurs’ spores disperse in the air, so the creatures quickly spread (in a good way) to all corners of the globe.

Like many collectibles, not knowing exactly which character is in the mystery box starts the fun.  Fungisaurs toys have an added bonus –free entry into an AR mobile game. Collect them, swap them and get ready to create imaginative play time.  All ages will be enchanted with the eight dino/mushroom mash ups.

Here are our thoughts on the Fungisaurs- our unboxing video.

One of you can win a 3 pack and app code. Ends end of the month, good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Begin A Magical Tradition Around Birthdays With Happy The Birthday Bird @Happy_TheBird

September 10, 2020 by 16 Comments

happy bird

Move over Tooth Fairy and that elf lying on some shelf. Happy The Birthday Bird ($39.99) has landed! Happy is here to create an annual tradition for the one 24-hour holiday that every kid celebrates no matter where they live, how they pray, or family income. Incredibly, the toy industry has not come up with a Happy Birthday-centric toy until mompreneur Monica Goodson walked around the American International Toy Fair earlier this year. She just knew she had something special to share with children everywhere.In fact, it was one of those ideas that retailers and parents say in retrospect, why didn’t I think of that? Jersey Shore shoppers in Ocean City, NJ are the first to see Happy The Birthday Bird at retailer Salty Treasurers. Online and in-store orders are “flying” off the shelves.

About The Creators

“Happy The Birthday Bird is a plush toy and book set inspired by my son Mylen for his 8th birthday,” explains Goodson. “Happy’s story creates a family ritual and countdown to every child’s birthday. Start a week or so before their special day to make this birthday the most memorable one yet!”

Happy The Birthday Bird • Ages 3+ • $39.99

Kids love the magic of Happy flying back to TuYu each night leading up to their birthdays, carrying wishes and memories back and forth. This beautiful gift set contains all you need to build a new tradition and make birthdays even more memorable! The set includes: 15-inch plush bird wearing metallic sneakers and a backpack with clip; 4-inch plushie balloon; 36-page full-color beautifully illustrated hardcover book, includes six memory pages and one pocket for storing extra photos and cards. Best of all, Happy arrives in a sturdy reusable box with a handle for safe storage year after year.

Beyond the hold-in-your hand gift set, Happy The Birthday Bird features creative multimedia extensions, such as two original birthday songs and a dance, fun animations, digital versions of the memory pages and online downloads such as party invitations.

Here are our thoughts on Happy The Birthday Bird;

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