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 video used in this post is done so with permission by ALEX.
Racecars are not just for boys, and neither is building them! The purple and gray, hibiscus stripe-down the hood Modarri Cruzer is inspired by the company’s hometown of Santa Cruz, California appeals to both boys and girls. This car has actual suspension, and patented finger-steering. What does that mean? Yes, it means you can steer with your finger. For real. It comes with it’s own color-coordinated tool to build it, and is recommended for ages eight and up, although my 7 year old had no trouble putting it together on his own. This car can be rebuilt into 5 cars, giving your child hours of creative, hands on, building play that does not involve an app. Get yours for $19.95
My son really helped make these pancakes, so, yeah- a little messy. I told you- real life photos, LOL.
Weekend mornings are for lazy breakfasts, comics, and coffee (OK, or juice) at the table with the family. But what if your morning gets a bit harried? Maybe you want the Sunday breakfast experience on a Tuesday- or just before you head out to church on Sunday. Cooking with your kids has never been easier then with Batter World- pancakes are ready to be poured into the pan from these ready to use pouches, available in three varieties- original, multi-grain, and gluten free. Use what you want, cap the remainder and stick it in the ‘fridge for another time. The batter pours from an easy to use spout, so kids can help out easily. Ready made, ready to use- and yes, it tastes just as good as the kind you mix yourself (even the gluten-free, I promise, and I was ready to hate it). Get yours at http://www.batterworld.com/
Want to pretend you are in the Old West? No better way then with this awesome cotton and canvas teepee from Pacific Play Tents. Once put together (with easy to assemble wooden poles) it stands at 8 feet tall- which is big enough for both the kids and even dad to get inside. While tall, it’s not super wide, so you will be able to fit 2 or 3 people inside at a time, max. It has a mesh window so kids can watch for bad guys, or know when to attack should they BE the bad guys. You know- however you’re rolling today. Our dog got in on the action as well, because you know. Kids and dogs, they hang together. It has a velcro opening, which makes comings and goings easy. AND FAST- because sometimes you gotta ditch the sheriff and stuff. When you are done, you can either take it apart and store it in the cool bag it came in, or you can just “hug it” closed and put it into a corner until they want to play with it again. Which will be in an hour. You can pick one up at http://www.pacificplaytents.com/index.php/39615.html
Got a boy that likes to make things, and having a hard time finding cool stuff aimed at them? Or is it more of an UGH, crafts are super for girls! Well, maybe, sometimes- lots of crafts and craft kits seem to be a little….um, pink and sparkly. Or great for making earrings and BFF picture frames. What’s a crafty boy to do? ALEX, one of our favorite brands for kids, has a very cool DIY Cobra Bands kit. Boys can make their own bands in quite a few styles (and this will require learning some new skills should they not already have them) with very male-friendly colors that close with uber-boyish buckles. Boys will learn to follow directions (skills they can always brush up on, thank you), acquire new techniques and knot-tying abilities (very manly, even the boy scouts teach this) and create the cobra knot! Even boys who are not the crafty-type will enjoy this one. $18 at http://www.alextoys.com/product/diy-cobra-bands-2/
