Wubble Balls, Fun For All #WubbleX #GloWubble

December 4, 2015 by 5 Comments

Disclosure- I have received the below in order to facilitate this review.  All opinions are my own and honest.

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Welcome to the world of Wubble.  The nifty new ball/bubble/balloons that are part bubble, part ball, part wiggly fun.  Wubble is now not only in the form of the regular Wubble which can inflate up to 3 feet, but now includes the WubbleX and Glo Wubble.

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First up, a look at the Wubble X.  The Wubble X is very similar to the original Wubble but inflates to a portion of its size with the included helium can.  The addition of helium instead of air or CO2 makes a big difference.  Now your Wubble floats around the room, sticking to ceilings and overturned hands as if by magic.  Wubble X makes a game of catch so much more strange with the subtraction of gravity.  The little guy liked to make believe he could use ‘the force’ to float his Wubble.  A Wubble X would be the perfect toy for a play room on a rainy or snowy day when there is nothing to do but stay warm and dry inside with a nifty new toy.  What I really liked about the Wubble X is the addition of lubricant to help ease the inflation of the Wubble, and stickers to complete the seal on the Wubble so there was little accidental leakage.

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Next we take a peak at the Glo Wubble.  This brings the familiar Wubble to night time play where your big, bouncy bubble now glows as it bounces around.  These are great fun at night or in a play room with the lights out.  Its a surreal sight when more Glo Wubbles are added to play time outside.  Wubbles floating, bouncing, squishing, and squashing everywhere.

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A Wubble would make a great toy to keep a group of kids busy before a holiday meal in a play room.  OR a great Summer toy as well.  As you add more Wubbles to the equation the more giggles come out.

Wubble balls retail for $19.99 each and the original and Glo Wubble include a pump while the Wubble X retails for $7.99 and the helium can retails for $7.99.

 

Filed Under: Holiday Gift Guide, Holiday Gift Guide 2015, review, toys

Kohl’s Elf on the Shelf #ScoutElfReturnWeek

December 1, 2015 by 8 Comments

Disclosure- I received the below in order to facilitate this post.  All opinions are my own and honest.

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For the uninitiated, Elf on the Shelf is the new tradition where a little stuffed elf hides around the house at night to help report to Santa on which list your little one should be on, the naughty or the nice.  For more details on the exact lore of the Elf and his various adventures, there is a book and also a new movie which you can purchase with said elf at your local Kohl’s.

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In addition to various varieties of the Elves themselves, there are also boy and girl elves.  There is also a reindeer available and a whole plethora of different clothes for the entire crew.  The clothes range from pajamas, to boots and leather jackets, and even a warm blanket for the reindeer.  My son loves having sets of things, so friends for his Elf on the Shelf are great fun for him (especially an animal friend who wears clothes).  Of course, the reindeer also comes with a book, so you can read all about them.

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Also available are various Elf on the Shelf themed clothing for both boys and girls.  Pajamas, socks, shirts, bath robes, and even ornaments for your tree.  The other favorite in our house is the huggable plush elf, who is able to hang out all year long and does not have to fly back to the North Pole on Christmas Eve.  Elf on the Shelf makes the anticipation for Christmas a bit easier for children to deal with while still giving them that added incentive to behave.  Well….. at least throughout the month of December.

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Elf On the Shelf is available now at Kohl’s stores nation wide and retail anywhere from $29.99 and includes a book explaining the mythos while most clothing sets are available for $9.99.  I’ll be posting shortly with some of our “Elf-capades” as well as a fun giveaway- keep your eyes out!

Filed Under: Holiday Gift Guide, Holiday Gift Guide 2015, holidays, review, toys Tagged With: , ,

Dareway Revolution for Kids

November 23, 2015 by 8 Comments

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A segway can be seen as the transportation of the future.  But to really make a splash, there has to be something that differentiates it from the pack.  The new Dareway Revolution is just that device.  It is made for kids and meant to be enjoyed.  It can bolt around and spin.  The controls are responsive, and it even includes a sound system for your digital device and a place to put it, so there are no accidental breaks to your phone or mp3 player.

The Dareway sports some very nifty features like:

    • Dual-motor ride-on spins a full 360°
    • Stable base for one rider
    • Foot accelerator
    • Electric brake
    • Built-in LED battery charge indicator displays green, yellow and red lights
    • iPhone/MP3 holder
    • Audio jack connection
    • Speakers play your music as you ride
    • Handlebar adjusts into three different height positions


What I like best is how easy to charge it is- it is heavy but not incredibly so.  Included is an AC adapter that charges the internal batteries to allow for long play time.  There is a separate battery for the sound system, but this is to be expected from a set of speakers so be sure to pick some up as well.

Some kids will take naturally to the Dareway, but it does have a learning curve for others.  When spinning, it is definitely a fun  ride and is meant to be played with in a large flat surface.

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The Dareway retails for $249.99 and is available now on Toys R Us.

The age range for use is 4-10 years old, but the ideal age for review is 9-10 years to use all of the features as intended.

Disclosure- I received this product in order to review it.  All opinions are my own and honest.

Filed Under: Holiday Gift Guide, Holiday Gift Guide 2015, kids, review, toys Tagged With: ,

Springfield Doll and Clothes- Perfect Toy

November 20, 2015 by 1 Comment

Disclosure- I received the below in order to facilitate this post.  All opinions are my own and honest.  Please see “I disclose” for more information.
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Guess what? My girls have found another doll that they absolutely love. Paige, from Springfield Dolls has proven to be a great doll for them to play with.

About Springfield Collection:

A line of 18-inch dolls, clothing, accessories and furniture starts with their dedicated creative design team. The designers carefully sketch out fashion ideas, select quality and on-trend fabrics and materials and then work hard to make their vision come alive for girls everywhere. Through products and the interactive play offered online, the product line encourages girls to form a special relationship with the dolls and to create fun and magical moments together. Springfield Collection is committed to providing and unforgettable experience for each child while ensuring the brand is accessible and available to all. The mission with every Springfield Collection product is to provide girls with fashion, fun, and friendship.

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About the Dolls:

Trendy tops, pants, skirts, and even gowns reflect the fashion tastes of upcoming fashionistas. Jo-Ann Stores will start to stock perfectly packaged outfits for $14.99. For those unfamiliar with Springfield Dolls, they have been around since 1996! The “girls” have sparkling lifelike eyes that open and close and boast silky, long, rooted hair that can be brushed and styled. Each doll is soft and huggable with moveable arms and legs, making dressing and undressing easy. Springfield Dolls are a division of Fibre-Craft, LLC, the beloved company that is celebrating 60+ years of making children’s craft products.

About Paige:

Paige is a sweet doll with brown eyes and long brown hair that comes wearing a hot pink nightgown.

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My Thoughts:

As you can already tell, my girls are huge fans of their adorable Paige Doll. They love the pink pajama, but they were way more excited about the adorable, trendy outfit that they got in addition to this great doll. They love playing with their 18 inch dolls when they aren’t interested in babies. They can do more grown up things with these dolls :)….That’s what they tell me at least. I am very impressed with this great doll. I also was so pleased to see that there were adorable and affordable outfits that are available for purchase from JoAnn’s.

Purchase:

If you are interested in purchasing a doll or clothes for a doll, head on over to the website and pick out the perfect item for you.

Filed Under: Holiday Gift Guide, Holiday Gift Guide 2015, kids, review, toys Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Missy Kissy from JC Toys

November 19, 2015 by Leave a Comment

Disclosure- I received the below in order to facilitate this post.  All opinions are my own and honest.  Please see “I disclose” for more information.
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Everyone knows that my girls are definitely all girl. They love anything pink and all the babies that you can possibly find. Missy Kissy did not disappoint the girls in my house.

About JC Toys:

JC Toys Group, INC is the worldwide designer and manufacturer of a wide range of collectible dolls, specialty play items and play dolls and accessories.

They were established in 1993, JC Toys is a family run and operated business that has continued to grow its product line to include many doll categories. Each doll and doll accessory is carefully designed to ensure that the end user is 100% happy. Our goal is to make all of our dolls loveable and to ensure that everyone from a first time baby doll mommy to the most demanding doll collector are completely overjoyed with our quality and superior design.

JC Toys Group, Inc. dolls were first introduced to the US Market in the early 1980’s. At this time the company and product was known by the popular name BERJUSA. These dolls had sizeable impact on the doll market because of their innovative life-like features and adorable, gentle facial sculpts.

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About Missy Kissy:

Let’s play the Tickle Game. Missy Kissy is ticklish, can you guess where? Is it her feet, her sides or her tummy? This 15″ incredible interactive doll features real moving eyes and head, and plays the Tickle Game with you! Once you finish your game, she asks mommy for her bottle. Pretend feed her until she is full and then its burping time! Change her into her bedtime clothes and she is ready for a nam. Place the pacifier in her mouth and sweet lullaby plays as she gently moves her head and closes her eyes. Missy Kiss Giggle Time is the interactive doll that loves to play the tickle game and even lets you know when she is tired and ready for bed! This is the doll that every mommy will love!  Missy Kissy says up to 12 phrases and 2 songs, and even moves when you place the pacifier in her mouth. Her eyes open and close, her head moves. Set includes matching outfit and hat, pacifier, bottle, and additional outfit and hat!

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My Thoughts:

This doll is absolutely adorable. My girls were so absolutely excited to open her up and start playing with her. Since the moment we were able to receive the doll she has not been out of the sight of my two children. My girls absolutely love tickling her, feeding her, and helping her go to sleep. Changing her outfit is another favorite thing for my girls to do. I have a couple of little girls to buy for this Christmas season, and I can guarantee that I will definitely be looking to JC Toys for sure, and possibly the Missy Kissy doll for those girls as well.

Purchase:

If you are interested in purchasing the Missy Kissy Doll, head on over to the website and order one for the girls in you life. I know that you will not be disappointed in the least.

Filed Under: Holiday Gift Guide, Holiday Gift Guide 2015, kids, review, toys Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Operation ResCUTE Book & Plush Set – Gives Back to Pets @OpResCute

November 12, 2015 by 3 Comments

Have you heard of the inspirational non-profit called Operation ResCUTE™ ($29.99), packaged for young readers as a book-and-plush set. It stars the true-life-story of Jingles, a homeless puppy in New York City that gets to live happily ever after. Youngsters discover (as they snuggle with their plush pup) that shelters are full of friendly faces. With the purchase of this boxed set, they become a ResCUTER.

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It’s no wonder Operation ResCUTE is getting two paws up from animal lovers of all ages. The illustrated book is written from the dog’s point of view, in her own voice. After reading the storybook, kids will want to share the importance of being a ResCUTER, a solution to shelter dog adoption. Packaged in a cage-like gift box, the book and plush pal opens their eyes to the many four-legged friends locked away in cages, longing for a loving home. And it really happened to Jingles.

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We have our own adopted dog, and usually a foster dog as well, so we loved this story as well as the idea of ResCUTE.  Giving a gift that is not only cute and sweet but also gives back is one we can fully support.  Kids on your list and any animal lover would appreciate this adorable gift set.

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Like many happy-ending stories, this one began tragically when NYC marketing powerhouse Laurie Brown-Nagin spotted an Animal Control Officer carrying a puppy to a pro-bono veterinarian. The animal lover and mom fell in love with Jingles, the shelter pooch that desperately needed a warm, loving home. As a marketing researcher, Brown-Nagin discovered only 30 percent of pets in homes come from shelters and rescue organizations. Worse, an estimated 2.7 million healthy pets remain in shelters each year! She started a non-profit, www.OperationRescute.com, and used her years of marketing prowess to package this inspiring boxed set for the next generation to read and feel empowered to make a difference.

During this season of giving, parents and grandparents can give a pawsitive present, with 100% of profits going directly toward helping shelter dogs get adopted. Brown-Nagin reports that profits will be used by shelters for marketing /outreach efforts for placement of dogs with families.

Operation ResCUTE Book & Plush Set • $29.99 • Ages 3+

Jingles the dog, the first in the Operation ResCUTE series, shows youngsters the value of opening their hearts and helping someone/something less fortunate. Each boxed set includes an illustrated book and huggable plush pup. Animal shelters give it two paws up! For sale at Amazon.com.

Filed Under: animals, book review, Holiday Gift Guide, Holiday Gift Guide 2015, kids, review, toys Tagged With: , , , , ,

Win Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’ T-Machines’

October 28, 2015 by 63 Comments

It’s that time of year again, and the holidays are creeping closer. The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles are going to be on the lists of kids everywhere this year, so it’s good to grab them early before the pickings get too slim.

Some of the most fun “Turtle Toys” this year will include the new T-Machines.  T-Machines is an all-new collection of die-cast vehicles and playsets from Playmates Toys, providing a unique play environment for kids. The fast-rolling vehicles feature a die-cast chassis, flashy rims and an action-posed, non-removable figure driving each vehicle.

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Vehicles with Sound Assortment (Ages 3+ years, MSRP: $7.99 each)

  • With the T-Machines sound vehicles, kids can hear the engines roar, tires squeal and their favorite Ninja Turtles scream out battle cries.
  • Just press the button on the engine block and the vehicles come to life, playing 10-15 different Turtles phrases and vehicle sound effects!
  • Each 1/50 scale vehicle comes with a non-removable Ninja Turtle driving the vehicle.
  • Collection includes: Extreme Speed Demon with Talking Raphael, Extreme Party Wagon with Talking Leonardo, Extreme Monster Truck with Talking Michelangelo and Extreme Service Truck with Talking Donnie

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 T-Machines Single Pack (Ages 3+ years, MSRP: $3.99 each)

  • Race through the sewers with the new T-Machines die-cast vehicles!  Each 1/50 scale vehicle comes with an action-posed, non-removable figure who is driving the vehicle.
  • Vehicles are designed to capture the personality of the characters driving them.
  • Featuring a die-cast chassis, flashy rims and unique custom look, these fast-rolling vehicles bring a whole new level of play to the Turtles world.
  • All the vehicles are compatible with leading competitors track systems.
  • Collection includes: Raphael in Shellraiser, Fishface in Shellcrusher, Shredder in Shreddermobile, Leonardo in AT-3, Leonardo in Stealth Bike, Michelangelo in Hot Rod, Splinter in Rat Attack, Donatello in Service Truck, Raphael in Monster Truck, Tiger Claw in Safari Truck and Donatello in Patrol Buggy, Michelangelo in Patrol Buggy, Casey in Ice Machine, Raphael in Armored Truck, Rat King in Hearse, Turflytle in Buggy, Donnie in Speed Demon, Karai Snake in Sports Car, Raph in Military Truck, Leo in Sports Car, Mikey in Party Wagon and Slash in Demolition Car

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 T-Machines Basic Playset (Ages 3+ years, MSRP: $14.99 each)

  • Kids can start building out cities with the T-Machines Garage & Lair Playset, Sewer Gas Station Playset and the TCRI Building Playset.
  • Each playset includes tunnels, lifts and many other features for kids to roll and battle their T-Machines vehicles!
  • The playsets can also be snapped together to create a bigger T-Machines play environment.
  • Compatible with all T-Machines vehicles, each set come with an exclusive T-Rawket vehicle (Garage & Lair comes with exclusive Raphael in T-Rawket vehicle and Sewer Gas Station comes with exclusive Mikey in T-Rawket vehicle).

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Make sure to check out the new T-Machines Street Racers game at http://www.tmachinesracers.com/. You’ll be able to select a T-Machines vehicle, choose your track and your vehicle’s speed as you race!

One of you can win the toys above.  Feel free to use the RC form below to enter to win.  Ends Nov. 14, 2015. Good luck!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Filed Under: giveaway, review, toys Tagged With:

Fall Fun With New Toys

October 27, 2015 by 4 Comments

As it gets colder, and more playtime will be spent indoors, you might be thinking about cute new playthings to get your little ones.  These toys are adorable- keep your eye out for them, as they are sure to find their way onto holiday wish lists (those are coming up faster then we think!)

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Zoomer has been around for a few years now, first with the arrival of the adorable dog (at the time, just called “Zoomer”) and then with quite a few iterations and species since then.  There are now all kinds, sizes, and colors of “Zoomer” (Zoomers?) that your kids can play with, the newest being Zoomer Jester and Zoomer Chomplingz. The new Zoomer Jester is the all-new interactive Zoomer Dino ( the “Jokeasaurus”), and a silly version that loves to make you laugh.

Jester can detect your movement with his nose as he rolls around balanced on his two wheels.  Like the other “Zoomers”, he can get angry, spin around, chomp, growl, and more (this one giggles, too).  He is controlled by your hands or the remote control- he even “learns” tricks you teach him. Make sure you charge him up when you are done playing so that it’s all ready to go for the next bout of fun.  Prices vary, available in stores like Toys R Us and Amazon.

Zoomer Chomplingz are little versions of the Zoomer Dinos, and just as much fun. They are interactive, having mouth and nose sensors as well to detect motion, and come with a bone to play catch with. These dinos make all sorts of noises- including passing gas.  Yes- gross.  So, you know your kids (and dad) will love it even more.  Chomplingz can also be set into “gaurd mode” to protect your room (or dinner!) and will ferociously growl at those that dare to tread near your belongings. There are 3 versions available everywhere, and 5 that are each exclusive to a certain store (IE Walmart, Toys R Us, etc).  Check out http://zoomerdino.com for info on where to buy your favorite, prices, and more.

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When you are ready for bed, check out Cloud Pets. These cuddly companions are good for more then snuggles- mom, dad, or anyone you choose can leave your child a message that can be replayed over and over again- just in case they are being missed. This Bluetooth-enabled plush toy from Jay at Play lets families and friends connect by downloading the free app from the Apple Store or Google Play and then recording a message to your child.  After the message is received by the cloud (where they got the name)  your adorable pet, which is available in Puppy, Kitty, Teddy, Bunny, Elephant, or Unicorn, can play back that message as often as desired. Only one message at a time can be played, and you must be close to the pet when you are making the recording- no sending messages from Alabama to Florida! A blinking red light lets your child know there is a new message waiting for them- they can just squeeze it’s paw to hear it, and even reply back to the sender. Get yours at http://cloudpets.com.

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The fun to build littleBits Gizmos & Gadgets Kit is so much fun for kids who enjoy building, tinkering, and inventing. The one kit provides all the materials and instructions to design 15+creations, not to mention what kids can experiment and design on their own.  Kids can build anything from a functioning racecar, or a bubble machine, to just figuring out how the gears work- it’s even good for smaller tinkerers- you know your kids best, but I would say 7 or 8 and above (and adults can play, too).

Yes, mom and dad, there IS and handbook- some of us need it.  Here is a list of what it comes with- “The Gizmos & Gadgets Kit comes with a range of electronic building blocks, a detailed, step-by-step handbook with instructions for 15+ inventions, and all the accessories and craft tools needed.” (From manufacturer) There is more online, on the littleBits website and the free littleBits app.  Get yours at http://littlebits.cc/shop

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For the Starawberry Shortcake lover in your life- or the girl who grew up in the 80’s- there are a bunch of awesome options this year, as Strawberry is celebrating her 35th birthday.  In celebration, there are some special toys to mark the occasion. There is a cute Strawberry Shortcake Classic 35th Anniversary Edition Small Doll, and she looks and smells just like she did when I was a kid- really.  It brings back great memories for me, and she inspires new games and imaginative play for kids today. This special edition reproduction of the original doll can only be found at Target. Retails for $10. 

Looking for something more cuddly?  The Strawberry Shortcake Classic Rag Doll 35th Anniversary Edition will do the trick, and she is adorable. She is great to take along on trips, put in your “baby” stroller, and tuck in to bed with your child at night.  Also- great for the collector.  She is $20.

Not retro, but still fun for kids (and a great take along toy) is the Strawberry Shortcake’s House Playset.  Of course, with it’s signature “strawberry” scent, this house will be the best place for Strawberry and all her pals to get together for parties. It comes with (an exclusive to this playset) 6 inch Strawberry Shortcake doll and Custard the cat figure to start off the collection. The strawberry shaped house opens up to show off the interior of Starwberry’s  café , and comes with quite a few accessories like cakes, pies, items for Custard, a table, and more.  Retails for $40.

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