Enjoy Playtime with Sevi Magnetic Playsets

Disclosure: The Magnetic Playsets from Sevi were 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” tab for more information.
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I am always on the lookout for new, fun things for my kids to play with. I was so excited when I saw these Magnetic Playsets from Sevi.

About Sevi:

In toy years, Sevi is Europe’s oldest wooden toymaker — 184 years. Their 2015 collection of Play Sets offer a new direction in creative fun. And when kids slow down to play with these captivating sets, important skills develop from concentration and patience to boundless creativity. Geared for tots ages 3 and up, the play sets are fun for the whole family with their mix and match amusement.

All Sevi designs originate in Italy by specially trained toy designers.

Sevi products are produced in the Far East in a Trudi-run factory employing local artisans under fair and safe working conditions.

All Sevi products have been thoroughly and rigorously tested by an independent lab, and meet or exceed all European and US federal regulations for children’s toys. Parents never worry about the quality or safety of any Sevi product.

All Sevi products are extremely durable, eco-friendly, and kid safe.

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About Magnetic Fashion & Magnetic Faces Playsets:

Each magnetic set can create four different game scenes. Children can play solo or with a friend as the board lays flat or can stand like an easel with a different design on either side.

The box is easy to close and carry to take on a trip. It also stores perfectly on the bookshelf.

The magnetic playsets works on:

  • Creativity
  • Imagination
  • Fine Motor Skills

 

My Thoughts:

My daughters were incredibly excited to receive their new Magnetic Play Sets. They have both had a great deal of fun playing with them and seeing all the wonderful faces and outfits that they can create. I can honestly say that they don’t seem to have a favorite, they take turns and play well on both of the Playsets that we have.

We have taken a vacation and used them for the girls to play with in the car. I was a little bit worried about it initially, because some of the magnet pieces are small. The girls did a great job just getting out a few pieces at a time and were careful not to lose anything.

I am a huge fan on this wonderful product. I definitely plan to look at more of the products that Sevi has to offer.

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Purchase: 

If you are interested in purchasing any products that Sevi has to offer, head on over to their website and check them out!

Cool Down with Hot Toys

Disclosure- We have received the below in order to facilitate reviews. All opinions are our own and honest.

Summer is fully upon us, in all it’s glory. And by “glory” I mean it’s hot, sticky, sweaty heat. (Almost enough to make you forget what a brutal winter it was, ay? I said almost.) For those of you looking for ways to cool down, try these.

Little Tikes has a play table perfect for whiling away summer hours, the Treasure Hunt Sand and Water Table.

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There are several things about this toy that make it worth the buy. The no tech, getting kids to play outside aspect, being involved in creative play, multiple kids can enjoy the table at one time, it can be used in more then one way, you can bring it indoors in cooler weather should you choose to, and the best part- it keeps them busy for HOURS. Hours of time that the kids can entertain themselves and really, truly have a great time. Kids love water play. They love sandboxes. Combine them? Um, yes. The lid is also a water play basin, so they can play with both sand and water areas at the same time. You can get in there and play with them, let them play with friends or siblings, and you can also set it up for them to use when you need to get some of those “grown-up”, boring outside things done. Use it during cookouts so the kids can play and the adults can talk with no boredom-whining. So many reasons! Get yours at http://www.littletikes.com for $59.99

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While we are on the topic of things that will get the kids active and playing for hours, check out the Little Tikes Slam ‘n’ Curve Slide. For any of you who follow me on Instagram, you have no doubt seen quite a few photos of my boy making good use of it. Heck, even the dog got in on the action (not recommended for use by pets by the brand, of course) and splashed around in the wading pool area with my son. The slide is easy to set up, and anchors into the ground to keep it steady. It inflates in less then one minute with the included pump. Then you attach your water hose to it, and turn it on- voila! Water slide/bouncy house fun, right in your backyard. As time goes on, the pool at the bottom fills. It doesn’t get very deep, however. There is also a basketball net and mini inflatable ball included for more fun- get a game on while staying cool.

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In my opinion, this is one of the best toys you could have for warm weather. It is also perfect for anyone who plans on a “staycation” this year, or who has the kids home from school all summer long. My child has spent literally hours playing on it, and asks for me to set it up regularly. It’s a little cumbersome to put away- first you have to let it dry, then you roll it up (think of a giant sleeping bag) into it’s included storage sack. It’s also a bit heavy to move, but that’s to be expected. Just stick it in a closet when the season is done until you are ready to break it out again next summer. The Slam ‘n’ Curve Slide is well worth it’s price- it will keep the kids as busy as any swing set. Find it at http://www.littletikes.com for $399.99

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For those inside times, check out the Dyson AM09 Fan + Cool Heater.  It’s perfect for those hot days and nights, when everything just feels sticky and gross.  Some of the coolest features (see what I did there?) about this fan are that it oscillates, tilts, is easy to clean, and is blade-less and safe. You know kids and fans- they always want to stick their fingers (toys, straws, etc) into the slots and “see what will happen”.  We all know what happens, and it’s never good.  Having no blades also means it’s easy to clean, and that it doesn’t just blow dust around- we have all seen how dust accumulates on fan blades, and without them, it is just that much cleaner. The AM09 pivots and tilts easily, and oscillates with one touch. It is quieter then most other fans, and comes with it’s own remote control.  The remote lets you control oscillation, temperature, airflow, and it even has a sleep timer.  When the nights start to get cooler, it functions as a heater, as well. Get yours at http://www.dyson.com for $449.99

Tickled Pink Adora Doll- A must have baby

Disclosure: The Tickled Pink Doll from Adora Dolls 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” tab for more information.
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My girls are definitely girlie girls. We love to play with babies. Anytime that we are leaving the house to go anywhere or do anything each of my girls have to pick out a baby to bring with them. We have a few dolls from Adora Dolls and have always been incredibly impressed. I must say that our new ToddlerTime doll did not disappoint.

About Adora Dolls:

Their story began twenty years ago, where they set out with a BIG goal…to create high quality handcrafted toys that make the world a happier place. Starting with its littlest ambassadors – kids.

Each Adora product is a true work of heart, made of the finest materials by their passionate team of designers, seamstresses, artists, sculptors, and manufacturers. They are toymakers, but they prefer to think of themselves as makers of play, of happiness, and memories that last a lifetime.

They will do their part to keep spreading that love and joy throughout the world…it’s what they do.

Adora Dolls offers a wide variety of dolls for your children in all ages of their lives.

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About Tickled Pink ToddlerTime Doll:

Flowers and fun … this blonde hair, blue eyed doll is as cute as can be!  She has a ruffled, pink floral print skirt matches perfectly to the flower applique on her light turquoise jersey knit shirt! A soft fleece jacket in coordinating pink, turquoise and white, with floral print ruffle accents is the perfect pairing with her pink slip-on shoes! She’s ready for a play date in the park! Perfect for kids ages 6+.

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My Thoughts:

This doll is just amazing as every other product that I have received from Adora Dolls. Everything about this doll is perfect. Her outfit is adorable and provides a great opportunity to vary what she is wearing each day. She is a great size for my daughters to be able to hold onto and take care of. She also has a sweet baby smell to her that is unlike any other brand of dolls that I have ever seen before.

My daughters love playing with their Tickled Pink Toddler. They take turns great and she is always one of the babies that we bring along with us. I can’t wait for their birthdays to come up and get them an additional Toddlertime Doll to add to their collection.

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Toys From TV Shows and Movies

This summer, there are tons of kids movies to choose from.  Of course, rainy days will also allow for some TV time, and kids love to role play and act out favorite scenes from TV shows and movies they love.  Here is some of what’s hot right now.

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Avengers- with several new Marvel movies out there, and more on the way, this line of toys doesn’t seem to be going anywhere anytime soon.  Kids will love “becoming” their favorite Marvel hero when they put on masks, gloves, grab a weapon, and race to save the day.   My son loves getting to become his favorite hero (and this changes from day to day) and swoop around the house, saving us from danger. Or daddy, in some cases.  He loves his Marvel Avengers Age of Ultron Iron Man Arc FX Armor gloves, one of which lights up just like the “real” Iron man.  The masks have large eye holes and are big enough for most kids. The new Marvel Avengers Age of Ultron line lets you choose from Hulk, Thor, Captain America, or Iron Man dress up gear, but sadly (just like the rest of the toy line) does not include Black Widow.   Sorry girls!  We would love to see Black Widow action figures and dress up gear for not only the girls who love these movies and superheros (and deserve a role model hero), but also the boys who want complete playsets.  Yes, there are many boys who do want to play with all sorts of action figures- it’s a new day, toy makers, with open minded parents and children.  You can pick up all the other dress up characters at stores like Target and Toys R Us for varying prices.

The dog wouldn't move, so he becomes a prop, LOL.

The dog wouldn’t move, so he becomes a prop, LOL.

 

Paddington Bear, everyone’s favorite, is here for a new generation from Darkest Peru. No matter if you and your kids are already fans or became so after watching the new movie, your little ones will want a Paddington of their own to snuggle up with.  YoTToy makes adorable plush toys, and Paddington is one of their newest. He comes in several styles and sizes, and one even comes with his own suitcase and marmalade sandwich.  As you grab your Paddington storybook, your child will grab their stuffed buddy to read along with.  Grab your Paddington at http://www.yottoy.com/home.html or stores like Barnes and Nobel, prices vary.

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Do your kids love Sonic the Hedgehog?  I know my brothers and I did when we were kids- my brothers more so then myself.  My husband was also a huge fan- we were kids who grew up with the first wave of these toys and games, and now we get to watch our own children love them as well.  Sonic now has a TV show, called Sonic Boom (there is also a video game of the same name).   Take Sonic and Tails off screen with the new Sonic the Hedgehog Tails Plane ($29.99).  This plane has all the lights and sounds you would expect- and some things you won’t.  You can activate the propeller with the trigger, it has flashing headlights, engine sounds, and an ejector seat to send Tails to safety. It also comes with a Tails figure and the 2 AAA batteries it will need (and they last a long time, too).  The only negative feature is that the wings and tail fins fall off- they are supposed to, but it really annoys my son, and me too, if we want to be honest.  I’m not sure why we would want them to fall apart, but if your kids like that, they are in for a thrill. They are easy to put back together, but I advise putting it into a bag or box before putting away into the  toybox so you can find it all easily. There is also the pretty cute Sonic the Hedgehog Interactive Chili Dog Plush ($29.99).  Sonic loves chili dogs, did you know that?  It is his favorite food, so of course he needs to have one with him at all times (removable, no worries).  This 15″  Sonic the Hedgehog Plush says 10 different phrases as well as three different modes- talk, run with me and chili dog mode.  You can turn the sound off as well, should you like to.

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If you have a child that likes to build, and likes dinosaurs, they will love the new Jurassic World LEGOs.  They have several options to choose from, starting at $19.99.  Your child can act out scenes from the movie, or if they are too young to see it but are obsessed anyway (like mine is), they can just use their imaginations. My son is much too young for the movie, but he really loves the idea of dinosaurs and people living together- I guess he hasn’t figured out they would just eat us, ay?  Him and the scientists, they need to think a bit! Anyway, the LEGOs are great because he can build the sets as they were meant to be built, or any way he wants to.  He can make the creatures interact, and use several sets together to make scenes from the movie- or make up scenes, as it were.  Raptor Rampage is one of his favorite sets, and comes with 3 minifigs, 2 raptors, vehicles, tons of accessories, and more.  It retails for $50.  Pteranodon Capture is the least expensive set, and comes with helicopter, dinosaur, and two minifigs as well as a capture net and more for $20.  There are more options available, head to http://shop.lego.com

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When it’s time to put the toys away, it can be a real chore to get the kids to help. Make it more fun by giving them a toy that’s really part of the cleanup- the new Minions Storage Chest from Jakks Pacific.  Minion Kevin is a little hard to find- your best best looks to be Amazon – but he is so cute and really fun.  He is great for play, with shelves inside, but he is also fun to keep all your Despicable Me and Minion Movie toys inside for safe keeping.   With his cute face and lovable smile, he is hard to resist!

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Disclosure- we have received the above in order to facilitate these reviews.  All opinions are our own and honest.

Fun Ideas for Kids

Disclosure- The following toys have been awarded the Mr. Dad Seal of Approval.  The items were provided in order to review them.  All opinions are my own and honest.  All photos are my own, with no filters used during or after, or weird photo shoots done- just items in real life (you know, the way they are used).

The Light Up Trace Case by ALEX is a great toy for kids who love to draw. I’m not sure “toy” is an accurate description, perhaps art product? This item is very cool, and good for both boys and girls. The product is rated for children ages 5 and up, but I would say that some younger kids would be able to do this activity as well.  The light box is battery operated, and pre-printed sheets with different backdrops let kids draw their own silly characters onto the backgrounds with traceable bodies, heads, eyes (etc) that they can choose and “mash-up” to create.  It’s fun, easy to do, and kids can really get creative while learning some basic drawing principals. Available for $35 at http://www.alextoys.com/product/light-trace-case/

Get kids outside with the Lazer Light Bug Vacuum.  It’s not as weird as it sounds. Kids like bugs. Kids like checking out things they find in the dirt. Enter the Lazer Light Bug Vacuum from Backyard Safari. This is a pretty cool insect catching tool- it actually sucks up bugs without hurting them into a viewing chamber.  Check them out, study them, and learn about our tiny friends. Release the bugs with an “escape hatch” that opens with an easy twist.  The lazer light makes it easy to see the bugs in dark, dank places (you know, where bugs like to be and where kids go to catch them….gross, kids). This toy- I mean, science equipment- needs 4 ‘AA’ batteries. You can pick this up at http://www.backyardsafari.com/

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Remember “Creepy Crawlers”?  Those little ovens that would let you make your own wiggly bugs, in the process, giving you burns on the metal cast plates that you can still see on your hands and fingers?  Yes! Those.  OK, well Scientific Explorer Gelly Wiggle Bugs are kind of like that- in the cool way of making your own wiggly bugs, sans the melty-plastic smell and burns, hooray!  You and your kids can make colorful, wiggly insects and bugs by mixing included powders with water and pouring them into molds. Let it set for the allotted time, and viola!  Bugs. The instuctions say to keep them in the airtight container, since they are basically gelatin (don’t eat them!), but we didn’t and they shrank to about half their size, so….word to the wise. You can’t play with them in a container though, so, we stand by our choice. Also, the worm didn’t come out super well- everything else worked out fine. Recommended for ages 6 and up- I think kids a little younger will be OK if you can keep them from trying to eat the bugs.  They look like Jell-o Jigglers.

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How much more basic can you get?  Not much- but this toy has occupied my son far longer then almost anything else in the past six months. The Citiblocs 200 piece natural color wooden building block set is awesome for kids of just about any age- recommended for ages 3 and up, that seems about right. Build towers, ships, the whole town- anything you (or they) can think of. There is a building guide included, my son and his daddy loved trying to make the creations inside. One of his favorite things to build were complicated staircases- which sounds strange, but they are really cool looking.  He might have found his calling….This block set is made of all natural precision cut wood. Available for $60 at http://poof-slinky.com

06 12 2015 seal cannon cam 112The ZOOB Galax-Z Z-Star Explorer is completely out of this world.  Really!  Look, see?  It is. Construct space ships and saucers to explore outer space, infinity, and beyond. This kit is really cool- and you can create some truly awesome things.  There are included instructions to build a Drifter, Light Speeder, Cosmic Craft, or Z Star Explorer, but kids will have just as much fun making their own vehicles and creations. It also comes with 2 space people, or Zoobonauts, to man your vehicles. This kit is massive, and comes with 304 ZOOB pieces, engine shells, domes, tail wings, shells and blasters, support beams, cockpits, turbines, and 2 helmeted Zoobonauts. The box is reusable for storage as long as you don’t tear it apart opening it- so don’t do that.  Let kids use their imaginations, create, design, and read instructions to build- there is learning potential as well as endless fun in this set. I love it, and you will too.  Available for $15o at http://poof-slinky.com/

Skylanders Day Savings!

This is a sponsored post program with Mums the Word Network and Skylanders. All opinions are my own.

Skylanders was one of the first games to have something to physically play with that you can use in a video game.  The way it works is the player has a figure from Skylanders and puts it onto the portal.  This figure is then a character in the game they are playing, where their improvements and personalization of their Skylander are saved to that figure to be used again.

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My son has loved Skylanders since “Spyro’s Adventure” (the first game) and beat Trap Team all by himself.  He plays with the toys and has a blast playing as the toys in the game.  I like this game because it is easy to play and something we can play together.  With each game in the series growing upon the last, each game is backwards compatible with the toys so your level 10 Spyro from Spyro’s Adventure can be played with in Trap Team.  Also, the ability to jump in and out of the game on the fly is a great feature.  Sure, your kids can sit there for an hour playing games, but Mom or Dad have responsibilities and such so can’t always.  This feature lets you come into the game for a bit then hop out again causing the least amount of intrusion into the game.

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If you are a Skylanders fan or just curious about the game, be sure to check out the local stores in the next coming days to celebrate Skylanders day on June 27th.  There are some stellar deals with buy one get one free on Eon’s Elite characters, Buy a trap get a Water trap free, and also 50% off accessories for Skylanders.  This promotion is a limited time only, so be sure to check it out soon, from 06/24 through 06/30.

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Win Disney•Pixar’s Inside Out Talking Plush

Heralded as Disney•Pixar’s best movie since the original Toy Story, Inside Out is the story of the voices in your head.  Like all of us, Riley is guided by her emotions – Joy (Amy Poehler), Fear (Bill Hader), Anger (Lewis Black), Disgust (Mindy Kaling) and Sadness (Phyllis Smith). The emotions live in what’s known as the “Headquarters”, the control center inside Riley’s mind, where they help advise her through everyday life. As Riley and her emotions struggle to adjust to a new life in San Francisco, turmoil ensues in Headquarters. Although Joy, Riley’s main and most important emotion, tries to keep things positive, the emotions conflict on how best to navigate a new city, house, and school.

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TOMY Toys is bringing the rich characters and colorful personalities of Inside Out to life in the real world with its line of magical toys including Riley’s five emotions: Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear and Disgust. The toys (available NOW) are character-driven, each showcasing the diverse personalities and distinct qualities of the characters in the animated film.

One of you can win TWO of the Talking Plush (which feature the voices of the actual talent).  Feel free to enter using the RC code below.  Ends July 20, 2015.  Good luck!

Each household is only eligible to win 3 TOMY product prize packages, via blog reviews and giveaways, each calendar year. Only one entrant per household per giveaway. If you have won the same product prize package on another blog, you will not be eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.

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More Award Winning Toys For Kids

Disclosure- The following toys have been awarded the Mr. Dad Seal of Approval.  The items were provided in order to review them.  All opinions are my own and honest.  All photos are my own, with no filters used during or after, or weird photo shoots done- just items in real life (you know, the way they are used).

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Got a kid that won’t sleep due to nightmares?  Maybe they are really freaking out about that first day of school, mom having a new baby, or learning to use the potty.  Perhaps you don’t know why your child is experiencing anxiety. Kids worry about a whole lot of things- it’s a big, bad world out there.  Enter Worry Eaters, adorable, plush, flat-ish toys that kids can snuggle and confide in.  More then that, these toys snack on worries, so have your child tell it what he or she is worried about, or write it down (or you can help with that part if they can’t write yet) and let the Worry Eater chow down- worry, all gone!  (Burp)  It’s also a good way to find out what your kiddo is fretting about if you weren’t sure or you have a quiet child that might be keeping it to themselves- they are likely to tell their new pal, who can help ease the worry. A new snuggle buddy that keeps worries at bay is something a lot of grown ups might like, too.  Get a big one and a little one, why don’t you, and you can both sleep better tonight. Prices vary, order at http://www.haywiregroup.com/worry-eaters

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On our first “run”- and man, we stopped him pretty quick so we could grab a helmet and pads, we had no idea it would go so fast, LOL.

 

Want the coolest wheels in town, but don’t have your license? It’s all good, just get your parents to pick up the Razor Ground Force Drifter Fury.  This is the coolest go-kart-on-steroids you’ve ever seen, with speeds up to 12 miles per hour (don’t forget your helmet).  It was actually pretty much put together in the box, and didn’t require much assembly, so that wasn’t stressful.  What assembly was required was not complicated.  It comes with rechargeable batteries, that last up to 40 minutes of continuous use. It also has a flag, spark bar (how cool is that), and hand operated rear break.  Once you get the hang of this (which isn’t hard), you can do some very cool tricks with the Fury- and guess what! It is big enough for parents to use as well, what?!  Yes. It says weight limit 140 lbs, but I saw a man really working it this winter at Toy Fair- he was a fully grown, average sized man.  (My husband is 6’4, and he can’t physically fit into the car, but he’s bigger then your average bear, so…..) Take what you will.  I say it’s a good guideline, because I doubt seriously that dude weighed 139.   This thing can really move, and you and your kids will have tons of fun with it.  Owners manual also included. Get yours at http://www.razor.com/products/electric-ride-ons/ground-force-drifter-fury/

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The Razor Delta Wing is something unusual, and also quite a lot of fun.  My son doesn’t have the best sense of balance, and is not super confidant on scooters all the time.  The Delta Wing, however, is something different- it’s a sort of V-shape, with the traditional handles, that you move by swaying side to side. Basically, you wiggle your backside to move it.  My son loves, loves this scooter.  He enjoys it more then his bike, his scooter, or his roller skates.  It’s one thing I can always count on to get him moving, even if it’s a bit hot out.  I might have to see if they come in adult sizes….He has so much fun with this, I would highly recommend it to any family. It turns well, breaks quickly and easily, and rides smoothly.  What more could you want?  Get yours at http://www.razor.com/products/caster-driven/deltawing/