Animal Planet Sea Lab Playset

Disclosure- we received the below in order to facilitate this review.  All opinions are our own and honest.

11 04 14 products 037It is no secret my son is an animal fan.  If it has fur, scales, or feathers, then its for him.  Right now he especially loves playing with sea animals.  The Sea lab play set by Animal Planet fits in with the little guy’s play patterns because it (surprise surprise) has tons of animals with over 29 pieces.  There are whales, sharks, fish and of course two scientists to study the whole lab.  There are lots of lights and sounds to discover and a ton of fun to be had.  The lab folds open for extended play and fun with more then one person.  Then once you are all done all the pieces can fit right back into the lab for easy transportation and storage.  (The best part, in mom’s opinion.)
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Fun Holiday Toys and Gifts

With holiday shopping days winding to a close, you might be really stressed out trying to figure out the best toys to give the kids in your life.  Don’t worry, that’s what we are here for.  Check out some of these toys, sure to please any child.  These are easy to give, won’t break the bank, and are pretty much guaranteed to make kids light up like the Christmas tree or Menorah.

pic4Legos- you really can’t go wrong.  Got a little builder in your life?  These sets are awesome, and inexpensive (especially as LEGO sets go.  No matter if you have a boy or a girl (or want to give a gift for everyone to enjoy), either of these sets will be a hit.  The CREATOR Furry Creatures playset is adorable- everyone here had a good time building it. It comes with all the pieces you need to build a cat and a mouse, even a little piece of cheese.  You can also build this three-in-one set into a puppy dog or a rabbit, or try making them all and see what you like best.  $20 at http://shop.lego.com

Got fans of the Hobbit or Lord of the Rings, or perhaps you yourself are and want to introduce it to your children.  The LEGO The Hobbit Attack on Lake-town is pretty neat, and offers a lot for the price of $30 (larger sets available).  Defend your land from those awful Orcs with Tauriel and her Elven warriors.  Includes 5 minifigures with assorted weapons: Bain son of Bard, Bard the Bowman™, Tauriel and 2 Hunter Orcs. If your kids are anything like mine, it is all about the minifigs, so having this many in one set, for this price, is pretty good (especially when you consider they are about $5 each out of the set).

pic5Jay At Play is making some pretty awesome stuff right now, and great for any kid.  Easy gift giving- and again, the kids will love the gifts!    First, look at the new Tummy Stuffers Wild Ones!  They come in several sizes, and right now you can get a large one with a free small sized Tummy Stuffer for only $20 at https://www.buytummystuffers.com/.  You really, really can’t beat that. You can choose from 6 styles of animal, all in funky, wild colors that the kids will enjoy.  Not to mention, that this is not only a toy, but it encourages kids to clean up- and they really like doing it!  They will put all their toys into that Tummy Stuffer, you wait and see how fast they clean up.  I kid you not- I would not lead you wrong.  They stuff their toys into the mouth of the animal until it is full, which takes longer then you might think.
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Getting Your Big Kid Ready For Christmas

Disclosure- we received the below in order to facilitate this review.  All opinions are our own and honest.

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As the children were nestled all snug in their bed….you noticed their bedding was getting a little shoddy looking.  Or maybe your little one’s Pooh Bear bedspread no longer fits the bill.  Either way, with the holidays upon us, and company coming over you want to replace it sooner rather then later. I was in the same boat as well (I have a tough time admitting that my son is growing up, what can I say), and decided it might be time to pick up something a little more his speed.

spongebob bedding

He loves his new SpongeBob SquarePants Twin Comforter and Sheet Set, it fits his room (and his age) perfectly.  He really likes the colors, and of course, SpongeBob is a hit.  The sheet set is $21.99 sheet set and $32.99 for the comforter, and is available at Kmart and Kmart.com.
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Chomp and Stomp Grimlock

Disclosure- We have received the below in order to facilitate this review. All opinions are our own and honest. For more info, see “I Disclose”.
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Transformers have been around for a while, actually they celebrated their 30th birthday in 2014. Originally, they were  released in 1984 as a toy line. In this time period, the “robots in disguise” have changed quite a bit.   Starting out as vehicles, mostly cars, then expanding into dinosaurs and animals that transform. The newest generation includes a simple transforming set of figures which go from robot to dinosaur/vehicle in one step. The biggest, literately, of these is Transformers: Age of Extinction Chomp and Stomp Grimlock who with a simple push or pull is able to swap forms. Grimlock also sports lights, sounds, and weapons that pop out. Grimlock is actually big enough where a Power Battler figure can ride on Grimlock and unlock a different set of lights and sounds, depending on weather the figure is one of the evil Decepticons or an Autobot. Included with Grimlock is an Optimus Prime figure- although he doesn’t transform, he is still fun to ride around on Grimlock with.
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Toys From Burlington and a Giveaway

gift guideIt’s about that time of year- you know.  Shopping time. “The Holiday Season”.  Time to make the lists, check it twice, and make sure you deliver your child’s wish list in time for the big day.  One good place to check out is Burlington.  While you might think it’s just the best place to go to for coats and jackets for the whole family, they actually offer a lot more.

pic1Burlington offers style for everyone at up to 65% off department store prices every day. With three times as many gifts in store than in years past, there are plenty of great toys at the right price this holiday season for the children in your life, ranging from Frozen-themed toys to Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle figures and more.
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Pillow Pets New Mystical Styles

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Disclosure- I received the below  in order to facilitate this review. All opinions are my own and honest. Please see “Disclose” tab for more info.

Who doesn’t love Pillow Pets? They have so much more to their line now then the original pillow pets, like new slippers, sweatshirts, blankets, and more. Hey, ANYTHING that will make sleep seem like fun is groovy with me. Need something to keep your little ones in their own bed? Do you need a travel buddy for the car, plane, and hotel? Try Pillow Pets, they make sleep time fun and encourage little ones to get to bed.

new pillow petsHere is what Pillow Pets has to say;

“Since 2003, My Pillow Pets have been bringing smiles to faces of all ages. The concept for the snuggly companions was the brainchild of a San Diego-based mother of two, who had grown tired of picking up stuffed animals strewn about her children’s rooms. What began with the simple goal of transforming a traditional stuffed animal into a functional item for children has grown into an amazing jungle of popular products.
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‘Tis the Season For New Shineys

Looking to stuff a few stockings?  Deck the halls, and put some great presents under the tree?  Check out these fun ideas for the upcoming holiday season.

pic4If your kids are into anime, all things Japanese, or simply cute plush toys, you will want to hear about Rilakkuma.  Rilakkuma is very popular in Japan, and is now available in the USA as well.  The story of Rilakkuma is pretty simple- three friends who live in Tokyo with a hard working woman named Kaoru. They go on adventures together, and make mischief while Kaoru is working. Known as a “mysterious brand”, although I’m not sure why, honestly, Rilakkuma and friends have been “a staple in the Japanese market” for more then ten years, according to David Ringer, CEO/President of AQI.  Now that they are here in the USA, you can find out what they are all about with your kids- and honestly, tweens and teens should be interested in this as well, anime and Japanese crossovers are popular with many kids in that age group.

The friends Rilakkuma, Korilakkuma and Kiiroitori (two bears and a chick) love going on adventures, and encourage your child to be imaginative and creative in thinking up new ones as often as they would like. (They are also fun to cuddle with, and Rilakkuma has a zipper in it’s back for hiding or toting small treasures).

Rilakkuma and friends are currently available at FAO Schwarz and Hot Topic from $8.99 to $199.99 in price.

20141009_200040For adorable stocking stuffers, head to http://www.schleich-s.com/en/US/ and find all sorts of creatures, animals, and your favorite cartoon characters in figurine form.  Schleich, makers of realistic collectable figurines and toys, caries everything from Smurfs to chickens to unicorns and more.  If your child (or collector friend) is into it, they likely carry it.  Some of the most popular items are the riding sets, horses, and Peanuts characters.  The riding sets come with a horse and rider, with details so intricate you know that they were designed by an artist. They also come with harness, saddle, and everything you could need for your duo to ride into victory.  You can buy the horses and humans separately of course as well.  The horses come in breeds, and are again very detailed, as are all Schliech products.  These are both heavier then your average plastic toy and collector quality, nice items that you gift-ee will cherish.
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Win a Frankie the Fox Twilight Buddies Sleep Cuddle Toy

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So, what does the fox say?  This one doesn’t say a thing, thankfully- but it will help your little one drift off to sleep.  One of the latest from Cloud B, trusted maker of bedtime buddies, this super soft and snuggly friend is part stuffed animal, part soothing sound machine, but all calming, routine keeping, rest inducing cuddles.

10 13 14 091Frankie the Fox is a plush that offers tranquil sounds to help calm and comfort children to sleep, a perfect companion for a calm and restful night for both kids and parents.  Every child needs a special lovey when they go off toy bed, why not choose one that will help them drift off to sleep as well?  With all the travel that comes with the holidays, this little guy is perfect, and your child won’t want to be without him.
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