Avoid the “Covid Slide”- Keep Your Kids Learning While Having Fun!

August 27, 2020 by Leave a Comment

If you are like me, you are willing to try ANYTHING to keep your kids active and learning over the summer- not to mention, really, since Covid became part of our existence. It’s hard when they aren’t in school, and many of us don’t know what to do to keep them from losing knowledge (or from wanting to be in front of the TV and video games all day, ugh). Here are a few DIY kits we’ve really loved.

Solar-Powered Rovers

Click Here for more info and to buy for your kids!

Want to build fun solar-powered vehicles and devices that move using electricity generated directly from sunlight? With this kit, you can construct five motorized models. Build three types of solar cars, a solar fan, and a solar robot model. Conduct science experiments with each model to learn about gear ratios, solar cells, and more. The ultralight materials, including strong bamboo rods, make your models speedy and durable. A modular gearing system lets you test out three different gear ratios. Experiment with a solar cell, electric motor, gears, and ultralight materials. Build five different solar-powered models. Learn about how solar cells work and  about the energy from the sun. Ages 8+ MSRP: $19.95.

Creatto

Click Here for more info and to buy for your kids!

With CREATTO, you can design and construct illuminated, three-dimensional creations that literally light up your life! The kit includes flexible yet durable interlocking plastic tiles and a string of LED lights that you can piece together to make animals, decorations, or your own custom creations. Each set includes an illustrated manual with easy, step-by-step instructions for multiple designs, but the building possibilities are nearly limitless using your imagination. Creatto is available in 3 fun sizes: mini, medi, and maxi. Kids can choose to build: Moonlight Elephant Safari: Ages 6+ MSRP: $9.95; Magical Moose & Forest Friends: Ages 6+ MSRP: $9.95; Starlight Kitty & Cutie Crew: Ages 8+ MSRP: $19.95; Shimmer Shark & Ocean Pals: Ages 9+ MSRP: $29.95; Sparkle Unicorn & Friends: Ages 9+ MSRP: $29.95.

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Creatto Toys- Build Your Own NightLight #Crafts

August 21, 2020 by 2 Comments

nightlight

Looking to keep the kiddos busy this summer? This endless quarantine? Forever until school is back to normal? LOL. Us too.

But I don’t just want to plus him into video games all day or sit him in front of the TV. Gaming has it’s place- but it can’t be ALLLLL day, you know? Yeah. So. We just tried out a new craft set from CREATTO, and he loved it. Like- had a really good time doing it. Actually. In reality. For real.

So why not try it with your kids too? It’s not expensive at all, between $10 and $30 each. And it comes in several different sets you can try if you have multiple kids, or just a reeeaaaally picky one.

Check out our thoughts below!

Click Here for more information or to buy yours now  🙂

“With CREATTO, you can design and construct illuminated, three-dimensional creations that literally light up your life! The kit includes flexible yet durable interlocking plastic tiles and a string of LED lights that you can piece together to make animals, decorations, or your own custom creations. Each set includes an illustrated manual with easy, step-by-step instructions for multiple designs, but the building possibilities are nearly limitless using your imagination. Creatto is available in 3 fun sizes: mini, medi, and maxi. Kids can choose to build: Moonlight Elephant Safari: Ages 6+ MSRP: $9.95; Magical Moose & Forest Friends: Ages 6+ MSRP: $9.95; Starlight Kitty & Cutie Crew: Ages 8+ MSRP: $19.95; Shimmer Shark & Ocean Pals: Ages 9+ MSRP: $29.95; Sparkle Unicorn & Friends: Ages 9+ MSRP: $29.95.”

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Stuck at Home? Crafts and DIY Fun

July 27, 2020 by Leave a Comment
With so many of us turning to crafts as a fun distraction while under stay at home orders, we here at Have Sippy wanted to show you a few popular craft products we’ve been enjoying lately. 
They’re all easy, fun for the whole family and especially timely, considering it’s a bit hard to get out these days.
crafts for kids
  • AQUABEADS TROLLS WORLD TOUR (Epoch): Perfect time for crafting. Kids make creations from templates or their own imaginations placing beads onto a layout tray, spraying with water to fuse the beads together.

  • CHALK OF THE TOWN T-SHIRT KIT  — Dream it, draw it, wear it! These fun chalk t-shirt kits are erasable, re-usable and machine washable and allows kids to create and wear their own specially designed t-shirt. Available in youth sizes XS to XL and adult sizes S to 2XL in lime green

  • DINOMAZING EGG DECORATOR — This dynamically different craft kit is actually a craft and activity in one! Pop in one of the plastic eggs included with the kit and let the decorating begin. Use the different colored markers, to add stripes, lines or other fun“prehistoric” designs to decorate your egg. Then, “crack” open the shell to discover a surprise mini collectible dinosaur dripping in cool colored slime.

  • FOODIE SURPRISE FOOD CARTS — Unpack each of the different Food Carts from its adorable ‘to-go’ container.  Along the way, kids will discover a variety surprise ingredients and supplies that will let them create their own edible candy.
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Haba Hubelino Basic Set Marble Run

May 19, 2020 by 1 Comment

If you are looking for ideas to keep the kids occupied during these long pandemic/ “shelter in place” days  of no school, no camp, no playdates, etc, check out the new Haba Hubelino Basic Set, Marble Run. It’s a fun toy that has blocks that are used to build the set into as many tracks as the mind can imagine- but don’t worry, it comes with a booklet that illustrates ideas in case the mind is tired.

Some basic info-

  • 123 pieces for endless building

  • Build different marble runs with base plates, run elements, building blocks and marbles

  • Use booklet for inspiration

Age: 4+

MSRP: $119 | Buy it here

Here is a silly video my son and I made, opening it up and making the first track in the booklet.

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Hand2Mind Moving Creations

May 10, 2020 by 1 Comment

Looking to fill your “shelter in place” days with a little more then TV? If you are like me, you are worried about all the school your little one is missing. We are really looking at learning toys and hands on learning, experiments, and anything that lets them learn by doing while they are home with us.

One toy that we have recently tried was the Hand2Mind Moving Creations with K’nex. My youngest son (and husband) love K’nex, and we were excited to try this kit out.

Your kids can learn to apply STEM principles just like an engineer. “Moving Creations from hand2mind, a leading developer of classroom learning tools for over 50 years, is created in partnership with K’NEX®. The step-by-step illustrated guide contains 9 different builds, educational science content, 18 STEM experiments and “Think Bigger” challenges to practice the scientific method. Includes a 98 pg. book with storage box attached.”
(according to Hands2Mind website)

PRODUCT PERKS

STEM building activities teach engineering through play
Walks junior engineers through 9 builds and 18 STEM experiments
Explores the fascinating science of pneumatics (air) & hydraulics (water)
Includes “Think Bigger” challenges to deepen understanding of the scientific method

INCLUDES

  • 98-Page build and experiment guidebook
  • 73 Standard K’NEX pieces
  • 3 Custom pumps with k’nex connectors
  • 3 Tubes
  • 4 Pumps
  • 1 Rocket


PROS

  • Learn STEM just like an engineer

  • Step-by-step illustrated guide contains 9 different builds, educational science content, 18 STEM experiments and “Think Bigger” challenges

  • Explores fascinating science of pneumatics (air) and hydraulics (water)

  • Grades: 2-8

MSRP: $39.99 | Buy It Here

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KELLYTOY RELEASES SQUISHMALLOWS® JINGLE, RINGTONE “HELLO WE’RE THE SQUISHMALLOWS

April 14, 2020 by Leave a Comment

Kellytoy today announced the release of a new song and ringtone for its best-selling Squishmallows® plush toy and pillow line. “Hello We’re the Squishmallows” will be used at events and trade shows, for web and social media content, and provide a soundtrack for its fast growing fan-base responsible for more than 20 million video views on TikTok alone. A lyric video is available on the Squishmallows YouTube channel and a ringtone is available for free download now for a limited time at www.squishmallows.com/song. The ringtone will also be available for download through iTunes.

Kellytoy commissioned Los Angeles-based singer, songwriter and composer Luke Tierney who has toured the globe and worked as a composer for more than 20 years. “I have written music for Mattel, Nickelodeon, The Mighty Morphin Power Rangers and many other youth oriented brands,” says Tierney. “Like most kids, I watched loads of television and commercials growing up and those songs have become a large part of my musical background.” Tierney has scored films and performed at venues from clubs to arenas as well as on The Tonight Show and “feels very much at home when it comes to writing theme songs and jingles.”

“We were so excited to pursue this project for the Squishmallows brand and look forward to introducing our fans and collectors to the song that we think has broad appeal, much like the Squishmallows plush line,” says Kellytoy CEO Jonathan Kelly. “Throughout the month of April, we are distributing the song ‘Hello We’re The Squishmallows’ globally to a wide network of popular music services and social media sites including iTunes, Apple Music, YouTube Music/Google Play, Amazon Music, Target Music, TikTok, Tidal and more.” The song will also be available in the audio library on Facebook and Instagram.

More than 50 million Squishmallows have sold, growing into an international phenomenon since they were introduced just over two years ago. Debuting in fall 2017, the delightful Squishmallows have expanded to more than 475 characters and are available in more than 40 countries. It will only get better, too, as more must-have characters are in the pipeline for release later this year, including scrumptious fruit themes, soothing, comforting textured fabrics, eye-catching mystery bags and capsules, reversible Flip-A-Mallows (two Squishmallows in one) and seasonal styles for spring, fall and the holidays. Squishmallows range from 3.5 inches to 24 inches with suggested retail prices from $2.99 to $79.99, depending on the character size and style.

A snuggly alternative to high tech toys, and a great gift alternative to candy and flowers, these versatile Squishmallows make great pillows, bedtime buddies, travel companions and can even serve as a best friend in times of need to help relieve stress and anxiety. Popping with personality, each Squishmallows character’s background story is detailed on its hangtag. The unique line is made of super soft spandex “EF” and polyester stuffing as puffy as marshmallows. Caring for Squishmallows is easy; give them lots of love, machine wash in cold water and tumble-dry on low heat—and remember not to iron them.

Join the #SquishmallowSquad online and follow @Squishmallows on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

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Giveaway- LEGO DUPLO World – Toy Sets and App Codes

March 17, 2020 by 87 Comments

To celebrate the launch of LEGO DUPLO World, out now on mobile, LEGO is giving away DUPLO brick sets and promotional codes!

LEGO DUPLO World is a Kids at Play Interactive Award-winning children’s mobile game designed for young, developing minds. From playing with penguins to exploring the African savannah, DUPLO World will take kids around the globe all while helping them hone fine motor skills, increase vocabulary and experience fun surprises.

The game’s designs are based on the highly-regarded Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework, which is grounded in what young children ages 2-5 years old should be able to do to succeed in school. Moms  will appreciate the app’s ability to blend learning and fun for their toddlers.

Check out the new app-

LEGO® DUPLO® WORLD is packed with open-ended play experiences featuring animals, buildings, exciting vehicles and trains to inspire your child’s imagination and creativity through learning.

Your child can explore each scene to find out what’s in it, discover how everything works and—of course—play with it! Children also get to build structures using 3D bricks, stimulating their creativity.

LEGO DUPLO WORLD is carefully aligned with the highly-regarded Headstart Early Learning Outcomes Framework to ensure it’s age-appropriate and meets the developmental needs of 2-5-year-olds. Each activity targets key learning goals for toddlers and preschool kids. In the Parent Center, you can read about the learning benefits of each activity.

Be your child’s partner in play and get them ready for kindergarten! LEGO DUPLO WORLD supports Multi-Touch, so your family can play together and on the go for shared games, learning and adventures.

Introduce your toddler to a world of animals and environments with the LEGO® DUPLO® 10907 World Animals playset! Take a safari across the African savannah and pretend to photograph lions and giraffes, spot cute woodland creatures as you canoe along a woodland river, build a sandcastle on a tropical beach, go whale watching at the south pole… With a captivating range of toy animals, buildings, vehicles, characters and accessories, this globe-spanning educational toy for toddlers contains endless opportunities to engage and inspire any preschooler.
Play out real-life scenarios in LEGO® DUPLO® Town: a recognizable world with modern DUPLO figures. Visit the easy-to-build 10903 Fire Station and enjoy pretend play, helping the firefighters as they practice putting out the campfire and climbing the ladder to rescue the station dog in the tower. When the call comes in, help your toddler jump the firefighters into the fire truck, turn on the flashing light and siren, and head off on another daring rescue! Includes 2 DUPLO figures plus a dog figure.
Play out real-life scenarios in LEGO® DUPLO® Town: a recognizable world with modern DUPLO figures. Preschoolers will love creating stories through pretend play at the easy-to-build 10902 Police Station. Help the police officers whizz out in the police car with flashing lights and siren sound to catch the crook on the run with the police officer’s doughnuts! Then take him back to the toy police station and lock him safely in the jail cell. Includes 3 DUPLO figures.
Introduce STEM toys early with the LEGO® DUPLO® Number Train. It’s a colorful introduction to numbers and counting. Your toddler will love to build and rebuild this developmental toy, learning early number recognition as they go! This set is the perfect educational gift for little ones and a great introduction to the LEGO STEM sets. With two child DUPLO® figures and a cat figure, the set provides endless storytelling and creativity for little minds. If you’re looking for a learning toy or STEM gift, the Number Train is your best bet, and DUPLO® bricks are designed to be safe and suitable for little hands.

One of you can win a set as well as a code. Please feel free to enter to win using the RC code below. Good luck ends 3/31/2020.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Shimmer Stars, Shiny Stuffed Friends

January 17, 2020 by Leave a Comment

Snow is in the forecast, but cuddles are in order when you come back inside. How about having a fun snow day with an easy-clean-up “craft”.  And of course, winter recess is coming up.

  • Ready for a snow date with your fabulous furry friend? Snow is in the (h)air, so get your winter glam on this Valentine’s Day with Shimmer Stars, who love to make everything shimmer and glitter—including you! Use the included Shimmer Wand to decorate your Shimmer Star’s silky fur with tons of sparkly heart-shaped shimmers, then shimmerize your own hair for a cute, matching and romantic look.

Shimmer Stars (KD Kids)

Shimmer Stars are your fabulous furry friends who love to make everything shimmer and glitter — including you! Add sparkle to your world with the Shimmer Wand by using it to decorate your Shimmer Star’s silky fur with tons of sparkly shimmers, then shimmerize your own hair to match. Together We Shimmer!

The Shimmer Wand stores 200+ shimmers in different shapes and colors neatly inside the star. Shimmerizing is simple: select a shimmer and place it on the star, use the Shimmer Wand to pick it up and press the button to turn a boring patch of fur or hair into something shimmerific! Shimmers work on all hair types, attach easily and comb right out – no glue or mess! Shimmers are also reusable, so you can change up your look at any time.

Shimmer Stars also include fun wear & share fashion accessories: your pet’s tutu becomes a scrunchie, the collar can be worn as a bracelet and the hair bow can be shared. A headband with matching ears completes your look!

The set includes a Shimmer Stars pet, the Shimmer Wand tool, a headband with matching ears, three wear & share fashion accessories, a Glitter Comb and 200+ Shimmers. Choose from a unicorn, panda, cat or dog.

Ages 4+, MSRP $19.99, Available now at Target

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