Little Hands On Play

When little hands are not kept busy, they get into trouble.  Keep those hands (as well as minds) busy and stimulated, as well as bodies active while you get ready for fall fun.

pic5Get outside and play with the new Mini Golf Set from Alex Toys. Perfect for even quite small kids, this set is easy to set up and play.  The set is circus themed, and can be used indoor or outdoors- but for me, I would never recommend playing with sports equipment or balls indoors, seems like an accident waiting to happen- even if they are foam. It comes with only 2 putters/golf clubs, so you might need to share or get two sets if you want to play with everyone at once. The clubs are made for small hands, so they are easy to use and swing, which is great for hand-eye coordination. The set comes with 4 balls, 2 clubs, and 6 different circus themed “”holes”, as well as a carry bag (which can also keep your golf game from losing pieces until the next round).

Available for $37 at http://www.alextoys.com/product/mini-golf-set/

pic4Does your little miss think she is the next Donna Karan?  Let her get her fashionista on with the new Barbie Fashion Design Maker Doll.  Your child can design and create fashions that her doll can really wear- and yes, the Barbie is included. Use the prints and accessories that are in the included software, and even add photos for extra personalization. Eight sheets of printable fabric is included, just peel them off like a sticker and trim with glitter, ruffles, or other included accessories for any look she can imagine. Your child can even store each design in a portfolio like a “real” designer or student. This set includes one Barbie doll, shoes and necklace, eight sheets of printable fabric, fabric ruffles, glitter trims, glitter accessories, and the portfolio. Refill packs are available. About $50 on Mattel.com or stores near you.
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Win Toys! Back To School Fun For Little Ones

Now that school has begun (or soon will), help get your little ones prepared for the full and exciting school year ahead.   From sleep, to homework, to outdoor exploration, there is something to enrich every part of your child’s day without breaking the bank.

Nothing prepares kids for learning better than a good nights sleep.  In fact, it has been proven that lack of sleep can affect a child’s ability to learn and pay attention in school, as well as adversely affect their behavior and biological functions. All these factors can cause students to fall behind in school.

Cloud b products can help children and teens transition from playtime to bedtime more easily, with soothing elements of sight and sound for establishing the bedtime routine that is essential for helping kids get the rest they need.
·    Dreamz To Go Groovy Globes
pic5Cloud b Groovy Globes will make teen dreams even sweeter too. These colorful globes feature cool graphics with hearts, flowers and psychedelic peace signs. Great for sleepovers, and also dorm rooms where candles are forbidden, these globes add a stylish touch to any room as they projects a dazzling show of groovy shapes to help ease teens to sleep after a long day hitting the books.

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Fun With Superheros

With great power, comes great toys.  That’s how it goes, right?  Let’s go with it.   If you are looking to power up, check out these fun new playthings that have recently hit the stores.

seal stuff 012If you have a little one, chances are you have seen or heard of Paw Patrol- the hit TV show aimed at Pre-K and kindergarteners.  The show revolves around 6 puppies, Chase, Marshall, Rocky, Zuma, Rubble, and Skye. They have a human companion, a ten year-old boy who likes technology, named Ryder. They work together as a team, solve problems, and help creatures and the environment while showing kids cooperation skills. Now the pups are available as toys, from plush to action figures and even vehicles (which play a large part in the show).  The “Racers” are also lots of fun, because they each come with one vehicle and one pup, and have real working wheels that even small kids can use for push and race fun.  If your child is a fan of the show or of animals in general, these super-pups will be a fun treat for them.  Available for $7.99 and up at Amazon, Target, and more.

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It’s always a good time for LEGOS. Some of the latest superheros variety include Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Guardians of the Galaxy, and the Lego Movie- full of heroes.  Some of our current favorites include the LEGO Marvel Super Heroes Knowhere Escape Mission and the Guardians of the Galaxy Starblaster Showdown, both featuring the characters from Guardians Of The Galaxy. The Knowhere Escape Mission is a fairly large set, great for bigger kids or collectors. It has 433 pieces, and comes with 3 minifigures and weapons- Rocket Raccoon, Nebula and the Sakaaran, as well as a Groot figure.  Star Blaster Showdown comes with 196 pieces, 3 figures, weapons, and more (features handcuffs as well, which is pretty cool and somewhat unique). About $40 and $20, respectively.
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Toys For Summer Fun

Summer days are nearly over, but you want to squeeze every last bit of fun out of the days you have left.  Check out these fun additions to anyone’s toy chest before the cool fall weather hits- and then keep right on using them.

One of the toy “fads” we have noticed this year has been “gross” toys- things that poop, blow snot, pass gas- you name it.  If your children are as into this as most seem to be, you will want to take a look at these two toys.  First is Poo Dough, which is just what it sounds like.  You and your children (and don’t even pretend that dad isn’t going to get in on this, perhaps even take it to work on Monday to bother his coworkers with) will have way too much fum molding poop-shaped creations with this kit. It’s completely disgusting- in a really fun way.  It gets worse- it comes in two shades of brown, and (drumroll, please) molds for corn and peanuts to be added.  Oh, and yellow dough as well. Yep, you are all set for hours of gross-out fun.  And really, everyone will have way too much enjoyment of of this- I’ve never in my life met a child or a man of any age that can resist a little bathroom humor.  Best just roll with it.  Available for about $8 in stores like Toys R Us, Amazon, and Walmart.

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If you are still in the mood to be rude, try out the Fart Piano.  Again, the name pretty much says it all.  Each key on the gassy piano plays a different “note” or sound effect.  Not only can it pass gas- oh no- but it can also cough, belch, and sneeze in over 10 ways.  Between my 6 year old son and my husband, I thought one of them was going to pass out laughing while they played with it.  They brought it out for every single guest that came over for quite some time as well(yes, I was so proud).  It also comes with music sheets for your musical enjoyment.  Available for about $20 on Amazon and Toys R Us.
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Wonderful My First Nenuco Kisses Doll

Disclosure: The ‘My First Nenuco Kisses’ Doll from Famosa  was provided for me in order to 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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Most little girls love to have baby dolls to play with. I know that my girls certainly love to play with their baby dolls. At all times we have a baby doll with us for each girl. I was very happy to add the My First Nenuco Kisses Doll to my daughters Doll collection.

About Famosa:

They were established in 1957 by a group of artisan doll makers, Famosa has become a leading European toy company and doll manufacturer in Spain. The company has a wonderful reputation as a developer of innovative, safe and high quality products that foster all around development for young children. Famosa currently operates in over 95 countries, reaching a wide range of consumers. In 2010, Famosa was acquired by Sun Capital Partners and its U.S. operations were established in October 2011, based in Mt. Laurel, New Jersey. The company markets brands including Pinypon, Nenuco, Nancy and Feber.

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So, You Wanna Throw Stuff?

With technology making its way into every aspect of our lives, kids are spending a lot less time playing outside than we did when we where their age. And even when they do play outside, it’s often in a highly structured activity (like soccer, swimming, and most other organized sports) that doesn’t give kids freedom to explore, create, or just have fun. There are alternatives, however, and this week we bring you four of them.

jumparooJumparoo Frog Pogo Stick (Geospace)
Most pogo sticks bounce up and down on a post, which makes it hard for little kids to keep balanced. But the Jumparoo frog pogo stick has a wide, rounded base, which lets your pollywog bounce around to his or her heart’s content, giggling all the way. It’s great for developing coordination and balance, plus it’s a great workout. Oh, and if that isn’t fun enough, the Jumparoo ribbits with every boing. For kids 4 and up who weigh 28-62 pounds (yes, that means you’ll have to stay off of it—but Jumparoo makes adult-sized pogo, if you want to join the fun). $77.50 at Amazon, or at http://www.geospaceplay.com/

flymax footballFly Max Football (Geospace)
Every child—boy or girl—who’s ever picked up a football has dreamed of throwing a deadly accurate 50-yard bomb. But those of us who are not named Manning, Rodgers, Brady, or Kaepernick have had to settle for much, much shorter and not-terribly-accurate passes. But with the Fly Max Football, you and the kids can actually throw on-the-money passes up to 100 yards. The Fly Max looks like a cross between a small football and a hollow rocket ship with fins. It has a dial that you can set to maximize distance for either rightys or leftys. It also makes a cool buzzy-whistly sound as it files. Made for future first-round draft pics 6 and up—and the grownups who do their laundry and drive them to practice. $19.99 at http://www.geospaceplay.com/
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Sometimes, You Gotta Get Away. Take these with you!

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

So you are taking a trip with the kids.  Whether you are taking a road trip or hopping on a plane, you will need to keep the kids , safe, occupied, and at least a little bit quiet if you plan on staying sane.  Here are some fun new take-alongs for your next trip.

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First up comes the packing.  If you are like most parents, you become a pack mule, dragging luggage, laptops, and lovies all over creation.  Do it as easily as possible with something lightweight and durable, like the Delsey Helium line.  In 3 sizes, with 4 wheels that pivot and turn in all directions (which makes the lugging oh so much easier) it is “featherweight” luggage.  This is easier on your back, as well as great for packing, since we all know the airlines are fairly evil about the weights of baggage and trying to get every nickel out of you that they can.  Take that, TSA!  In both standard and brightly colored styles, it is quite durable.  My bag made it on 16 flights, 9 boats, and almost 20 trains and still looks pretty good.  The split book opening makes packing easy, and it comes equipped with a TSA approved lock.  From $160 and up on http://shop.delsey.us

Norway, Packing, Products (canon small cam) 215The Day Traveler line from Eagle Creek is and has been a favorite of mine- durable, lightweight, and easy to tote around, there are tons of options and your money is well spent- these bags LAST.  My new favorite, won’t leave without it bag is the Site Seeing Tablet Courier, which you can pack a surprising amount into.  Water resistant, so no worries about spilled drinks or rainstorms, lockable, and with RFID blocking technology ( which protects your personal information), it makes it so easy to travel light.  It has 3 pockets that zip of various sizes and depths, and can carry phones, tablet, wallet, sunglasses, and more.  It’s just a perfect size bag for all your travel needs. $45 at http://shop.eaglecreek.com
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EXY Trickstartr Scooter

There are many scooters on the market but few with the durability and versatility to grow along with your little riders. One such scooter is the EXY Strickstartr. This scooter is built for the little stunt men and women in your life. There are 4 ways to ride the Trickstartr. They are the easy way, the hard way, the expert way and the pro way. All of which are easy to switch in a matter of seconds with little more than a shifting of your feet. The easy way is One foot on Tilt Bar, one foot on Deck, the second both feet on the Tilt Bar, the Expert Way place only one foot on the Tilt bar, while holding your other foot slightly to the side and the pro way ride with one foot on the edge of the Tilt Bar, while holding the other leg out. Once you are comfortable with the pro way of riding tricks are fun and a bit easier one of which is jumping from tilt bar to deck to gain momentum.

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