Shimmer Stars, Shiny Stuffed Friends

January 17, 2020 by Samantha 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

Filed Under: toys Tagged With: stuffed animals, toys

Bedtime Made Easier Thanks To Snuggle Monsters, Sleepylights, & Emoji-Notes #GiftGuide

December 20, 2019 by Samantha 3 Comments

Do your kids give you trouble when it comes to bedtime? So many parents dread bedtime, as it is fights, tears, and kids not wanting anything to do with going to sleep. Sometimes, they are afraid of the dark, of monsters under the bed, or other childhood fears related to bedtime, and it can be a trying time for both parents and children.

To make bedtime a bit more palatable, we have a few suggestions you might want to try. These are great gifts for the holiday, check them out and see what you think will work best for your family .

Continuum Games introduces four Emoji-Notes Color & Shine craft kits at $19.99 each. These kits allow you to color your nightlight as you’d like and write your own messages. When your child is ready for a change, they can wipe it clean and color it again. This is a light up message board, night light and craft kit all in one. The kits join distributor Continuum Games’ line of Lumenico SleepyLights™ ($29.99) that offer soft lighting for a goodnight and sleep-tight bedroom atmosphere.

If the kids are looking for something so snuggle up with, or perhaps need a monster to help them fight off the baddies under the bed, check out Snuggle Monster Hide & Seek Bedtime available at $29.99 each. They come in Purple, Pink or Blue Monster shades, and have a storybook as well as fun night time activity designed to help parents get their kids to bed at night. Introduce your child to their very own snuggle monster and read them the story about how snuggle monsters are super silly creatures that hide in the closet or under your bed during the day because their eyes are made for nighttime and sunlight is like dark to them. At night, it is your child’s job to find them and let them know it is okay to come out and play. Each night, mom and dad hide the monster somewhere in their child’s room. Yes, very “Elf on the Shelf” like, and you know how the kids love those. When it is time to go to bed, parents let their child know it is time to find their snuggle monster. That’s where the child can search for and find their nighttime pal Snuggle Monster before going to bed. Parents have a transition tool (one fun activity before bedtime) they can use to help get their child to bed with no fuss.

The boxed set features a nighttime storybook, lovable plush monster as a sleep companion and a hide-and-seek game. Watch the nighttime ritual turn the nighttime struggles into snuggles. Fun and easy, and worth it to get the kiddos to bed without tears.

Filed Under: gifts, Holiday Gift Guide, review, toys Tagged With: bedtime, bedtime toys, get kids to sleep, gift guide, holiday gift guide, toys

Aquabeads For Creative Holiday Gifting #HolidayGiftGuide

December 17, 2019 by Samantha Leave a Comment

Aquabeads arts and crafts products are new and improved as they allow for a quicker drying time to create even more incredible designs in less time. The new sets feature an innovative Flip Tray and Bead Receiver to set art work aside for faster drying while continuing to create additional masterpieces. This is a great gift for kids of all ages- my son is 12 and he still enjoys playing with Aquabeads. The pieces are small, so supervise small children.

Kids can make Aquabeads creations from included templates or their own imaginations. They place beads onto the layout tray, then spray with water to fuse the beads together, letting them set with time. Once dried, the creations can be shared with friends and family.

Kids can get started with the Beginners Studio. They can create designs even faster than before using the flip tray to let one creation dry, as they work on another. With more than 840 shining jewels and solid beads in 16 colors, there are plenty of options for creative play. Beginners Studio includes the case, flip tray with bead receiver, sprayer, bead pen, template sheets and instructions to ensure kids have everything to get started. As kids collect studios for more fun, they can connect them for easy storage and travel. Beginners Studio, Ages 4+/ $19.95

Kids can double the fun with the Deluxe Studio as they can now create fun 3D designs with 2 flip trays This Deluxe set contains more than 1,300 jewel & solid beads in 24 colors, a container, and two flip trays and bead receivers, rainbow bead pen, easy trays, sprayer, template sheets & instructions. This set connects to the Beginners Studio or Glamorous Designer Set for even more fun. Deluxe Studio, Ages 4+/ $29.95

Just in time for the premiere of Disney’s Frozen 2 on November 22^nd, kids can craft their favorite Frozen characters of Arendelle with included templates featuring Anna, her sister Elsa and friend, Olaf! To play, place beads onto the layout tray, then spray with water to fuse the beads together and bring the artwork to life. Once dried, the character creations can be shared with fellow movie fans, friends and family. Aquabeads Frozen 2 Character Set for ages 4+/$9.95.

Filed Under: gifts, Holiday Gift Guide, review, toys Tagged With: gifts, holiday gift guide, kids, toys

Bleacher Creatures Introduces 7 New WWE Plush Figures #GiftGuide

December 17, 2019 by Samantha Leave a Comment

Bleacher Creatures Toys, a division of Uncanny Brands, is proud to announce Series 8, 7 new, officially-licensed WWE plush figures, available now and in time to get for the fans on your holiday shopping list. My John is a huge fan, and he really like the Bleacher Creatures he has currently (his favorite being Sasha Banks)- these are sure to be a hit with him. I’ve wondered when we go to the live events, why they don’t sell them at the kiosks? Fans would certainly buy them, seems like it would be a win-win, yes?

I haven’t given these to him yet, but I can tell you I am sure he’s going to love them when I do. He’s such a big fan- they also carry Becky Lynch, who is a favorite of his as well as also being native to Ireland (and Finn Balor).

Brand New

Becky Lynch – The WWE Raw Women’s Champ wears her trademark “THE MAN” shirt.

Elias Samson – Sports his trusty guitar and calm demeanor.

Rey Mysterio – The smallest World Heavyweight Champion, wears “Greatest Mask of all Time” Lucha Libre mask and gear.

WWE Plush

Newly Designed

AJ Styles – The current WWE US Champion gets new blue gear reminiscent of his most famous looks.

Finn Balor – The first-ever WWE Universal Champion now wears a blue PU jacket and “Blue Steel” trunks.

Seth Rollins – Wears the SFNR shirt he debuted on WWE Raw. Stands for Seth Freak ‘N Rollins!

Randy “Macho Man” Savage – We flash back to the 80’s with one of the Macho Man’s iconic Cowboy looks.

Every Bleacher Creature captures the essence of an icon and turns them into a friend. Our officially-licensed, plush figures encourage fun, inspiration and creativity among fans of all ages. Collect them, hang out with them, give them to friends. With the unique ability to stand on their own, Bleacher Creatures are perfect for play or display.

Size: 10” tall

Ages 3 and up

Officially licensed by the WWE

Retail Price: $19.99

Find the entire line of WWE plush at www.BleacherCreatures.com

Filed Under: gifts, Holiday Gift Guide, review Tagged With: holiday gift guide, toys, wrestling

Spreading Holiday Cheer with Calico Critters #GiftGuide

December 17, 2019 by Samantha Leave a Comment

Do your kids love Calico Critters as much as mine do? They are the perfect toys for kids, and since they use animals instead of traditional dolls, both boys and girls can enjoy them without getting the side eye from those judgmental or less progressive members of the family. (Not that boys should ever be ashamed of playing with dolls- I just love that there is another option for kids, as well as for the boys who want to nurture, but might not love dolls.)

Calico Critters is already decking the halls with lots of family merriment and cheer, with both their traditional collection as well as brand new additions. This holiday season, consider Calico Critters as the perfect gift-giving items for your little holiday helpers. They last as well, so they will stay in great condition from your oldest to your youngest (and likely then some- I still have the Calico Critter I had when I was a kid, and it looks great. My son added it to his collection.)

CALICO CRITTERS VILLAGE RED ROOF SERIES HOME

Sweet Raspberry Home

The Sweet Raspberry Home is the newest addition to the Village, perfectly matching the detail and design of the Red Roof Cozy Cottage and Red Roof Country Home. Kids will enjoy the outdoors with the Hopscotch Rabbit family in the comfort of their home porch. The home comes furnished with baby furniture and Nursery Series Grace Hopscotch Rabbit who’s ready to play. Children can also connect the Sweet Raspberry Home with the Red Roof Cozy Cottage and Country Home for more fun. Ages 3+/ $24.95/ Available Now

Red Roof Country Home

Nestled in the Village is the beautiful and spacious Red Roof Country Home. With four rooms, a terrace, staircase and lights, Critter families can enjoy the beauty of the village in the comfort of their home. Children can create various layouts in a 90˚angle, 180˚angle or closed setting. Connect the Country Home to the Sweet Raspberry Home and Cozy Cottage for an even grander household. The Red Roof Country Home Gift set includes detailed furniture, accessories and lights, as well as Heidi & Bell Hopscotch Rabbits. Ages 3+, $69.95/ Gift Set $99.95/ Available Now

Red Roof Cozy Cottage

Comfortable, cozy and close to the Village! The Red Roof Cozy Cottage is the perfect starter home for children to build their world of imagination. Bell Hopscotch is ready to play house in her quaint home, furnished with a bed, kitchen sink, stove/oven, food, tables, chairs and more! Kids can connect the Cozy Cottage to the Sweet Raspberry Home and Country Home for even more creativity and fun. Ages 3+/ $29.95/ Available Now

CALICO CRITTERS NURSERY COLLECTION

The new Nursery collection features sweet new Baby Critters and specially designed environments – all packed with play for the little ones.

Blind Bags – Baby Party Series

Blind bags add the element of surprise to Calico Critters play! Hidden in each bag is a new Baby Party critter that children can add to their nursery collection. They won’t know which critter is inside until they open the bag. Each bag includes a Baby Critter and uniquely designed party accessories. The collection includes nine new collectable babies to complete the party: Maple Cat baby with a bouquet of flowers, Sweetpea Rabbit baby with party hat and tambourine, Toy Poodle baby playing the piano, Persian Cat baby with a birthday cake, Sandy Cat baby with bowling set, Cuddle Bear baby with horseshoes, Woolly Alpaca baby with a gift, Fluffy Hamster baby with confetti shooter, and last but not least, the exclusive secret style Baby Critter to add more fun to the festivities! Ages 3+/ $4.95 each

Blind Bags – Baby Shopping Series

Blind bags add the element of surprise to Calico Critters play! Hidden in each bag is a new Baby Shopping critter that children can add to their nursery collection. They won’t know which critter is inside until they open the bag. Each bag includes a Baby Critter and uniquely designed grocery and shopping accessories. To add to the surprise, the series includes one extra secret style critter. The collection includes nine new collectable babies to tag along the shopping trip: Hopscotch Rabbit Baby with Bread, Buckley Deer Baby with Shopping Cart, Wilder Panda Baby with Popcorn, Outback Koala Baby with Shopping Bag, Polar Bear Baby with Ice Cream, Sweetpea Rabbit Baby with Eggs and Juice, Tuxedo Cat Baby with Shopping Cart, Silk Cat Baby with Cash Register, and an exclusive secret style baby to join the fun at the Grocery Market! Ages 3+/ $4.95 each

Blind Bags – Baby Band Series

Blind bags add the element of surprise to Calico Critters play! Hidden in each bag is a new Baby Band critter that children can add to their nursery collection. They won’t know which critter is inside until they open the bag. Each bag includes a Baby critter and a uniquely designed musical instrument. The collection includes eight new collectable babies to complete the band: Shiloh Yellow Labrador on xylophone, Daisy Maple Cat playing the Trumpet, Jason Cuddle Bear with cymbals, Henry Sweetpea Rabbit on the drums, Milo Toy Poodle with accordion, Grace Hopscotch Rabbit playing the violin, Joseph Tuxedo Cat on the piano, and last but not least, Luke Hazelnut Chipmunk playing the tambourine. Ages 3+/ $4.95 each

Filed Under: gifts, Holiday Gift Guide, review, toys Tagged With: gift guide, holiday gift guide, toys

Best of Pokemon For Your Collector #HolidayGiftGuide

December 6, 2019 by Samantha Leave a Comment

Looking for some great new toys for your Pokemon fans? Check out these fun options.

POKEMON TAG TEAM MINI TINS

Two Pokémon can be stronger when they join forces, as you’re bound to learn after getting your hands on these new TAG TEAM cards. A TAG TEAM can be stronger than a Pokémon battling solo. Choose from three strong duos—Pikachu & Zekrom-GX, Eevee & Snorlax-GX, or Celebi & Venusaur-GX—in the Pokémon Trading Card Game: TAG TEAM Tin. Each of these fantastic tins contains an amazing pair of Pokémon who work together perfectly as a team—with a GX attack that can leave opponents in the dust. Each tin comes with;

- 1 of 3 foil TAG TEAM Pokémon-GX with special art: Pikachu & Zekrom-GX, Eevee & Snorlax-GX, or Celebi & Venusaur-GX
- 4 Pokémon TCG booster packs
- 1 metal TAG TEAM GX marker
- A code card to unlock a playable deck in the Pokémon Trading Card Game Online

My Partner Pikachu

Engage with Pikachu like never before. My Partner Pikachu features 3 touch sensors that let you and Pikachu communicate in a new and fun way. Watch Pikachu’s arms and ears move, his cheeks and tail light up or hear one of his iconic Pikachu expressions or sound effects. 2 modes of play create over 100 interactions along with 20 sounds and expressions for you to experience. Gotta Catch ‘Em All!™SRP: $19.99, for ages 4+

Pokemon Sword and Pokemon Shield

Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield games are among the fastest-selling Nintendo Switch games of all time. Additionally, the games sold just over 2 million copies in the first two days in the U.S., making it the highest-grossing launch of any Pokémon game.

In Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield, players embark on a journey through the Galar region, where they’ll catch, battle and trade a variety of Pokémon, meet a memorable cast of characters and unravel the mystery behind the Legendary Pokémon Zacian and Zamazenta. (Photo: Business Wire)

“This past weekend, millions of people began their Pokémon journeys through the new Galar region,” said Nick Chavez, Nintendo of America’s Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing. “With such a momentous launch, Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield have proven to be two of the must-have games this holiday season.”

Games in the core Pokémon RPG series have sold more than 240 million units worldwide since launching with the Pokémon Red Version and Pokémon Blue Version games in 1996.

In Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield, players embark on a journey through the Galar region, where they’ll catch, battle and trade a variety of Pokémon, meet a memorable cast of characters and unravel the mystery behind the Legendary Pokémon Zacian and Zamazenta. In the Wild Area, which stretches between the Galar region’s different towns and cities, players will explore a vast expanse of untamed wilderness that’s full of Pokémon to battle and catch. By teaming up with three other players locally or online in the new multiplayer co-op Max Raid Battles, players will face off against gigantic and super-strong Pokémon known as Dynamax Pokémon.

For more information about Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield, visit https://swordshield.pokemon.com/en-us/.

Filed Under: gifts, Holiday Gift Guide, review, toys Tagged With: holiday gift guide, pokemon, toys

Great Gift Ideas For The Kids #GiftGuide

December 5, 2019 by Samantha Leave a Comment

Looking for a great toy for the kids that won’t break the bank? We are HUGE fans of Stikbot over here, and have been from the start. They are great for imaginative play, as well as getting kids to get off their gaming consoles now and then. This does require tech, but the use of their minds and imaginations as well as learning a new skill set means it’s not just another useless, mindless, brain numbing app or game- it’s actually pretty cool and gives them something positive to be doing. Not to mention? Kids love, love these.

KlikBots is a line of collectible action figures that kids can use to create their very own stop-motion videos. With their interchangeable pieces, articulating limbs, and action accessories, KlikBots are ready to travel the universe and go on any adventure you can imagine.

KlikBot comes with a free app, Stikbot Studio, that allows users to create and edit stop-motion movies with their characters.

You can get them in single packs as well as “studio packs” which gets you the Klikbot, tripod, and extra bits and pieces.

The Stikbot Studio gets you 1 Stikbot, 1 Stikbot pet and 1 tripod.

There is also a Zanimation Studio, or Studio Pro Stickbot options which comes with 2 Stikbots, 1 Stikbot pet, 1 tripod, 2 prop boxes (blue and green), and 1 green/blue screen stage. Everything your kiddo will need to make stop motion movies like the pros do.

Also available are dinosaurs, pets, safari animals, monsters and mega monsters, and so much more. There are so many “bots” and playsets, your child(ren) won’t get bored. Best part? They are not expensive. You can get them for as little as $4 in just about any store that sells toys. Prices vary depending on what you are buying, but the single packs are a super affordable gift, stocking stuffer, or bribe to get good grades. Not that anyone would ever do that….

Check out the line here, and see what strikes your fancy. Happy holiday shopping!

Filed Under: gifts, Holiday Gift Guide, kids, review, toys Tagged With: holiday gift guide, kids gifts, toys

National Ice Cream day is Sunday, July 21st – fun toys to celebrate

July 17, 2019 by Samantha Leave a Comment

National Ice Cream day is Sunday, July 21st! Among the free ice cream offers you might be getting from Baskin Robbins, Dairy Queen and more, there are these sweet, ice cream themed games and toys that would be an interesting addition to continue the celebration with family and friends.

– Oops Scoops (YULU) – Stack the ice cream scoops on the shaking cone, if the tower topples over you are out of the game.

– Ice Cream Cart (PLAYMOBIL) – Build your Ice Cream Cart and bring the set to life! With figures and accessories included, enjoy this sweet treat.

– Foodie Surprise Ice Cream Food Cart (RedwoodVentures) – Deconstruct the ice cream themed food cart to reveal all supplies and ingredients needed to make your own gummy candy.

Oops Scoops – Get ready to scoop, stack and score with Oops Scoops! This super fun stacking game challenges players to take turns stacking ice cream scoops on ‘Oops’ the ice cream cone. Players compete to build the tallest ice cream tower, but beware, ‘Oops’, the shaking cone, can shiver to make the stacking even more challenging and causing the tower of scoops to topple. Spin the scoop spinner to see how many scoops to add. If the scoops fall on your turn, then OOPS – you lose! The last player left wins the scooping showdown.

Ice Cream Cart from PLAYMOBIL: Indulge in a cool, sweet treat with the Ice Cream Cart! Open the cart’s glass cover to reveal a variety of ice cream flavors. Select the one you want and the owner will scoop it into a waffle cone for you. When all of the customers are satisfied, the owner can close up shop and bike to a new location. Combine this set with the rest of the PLAYMOBIL Summer Villa theme (#9420-9426 – sold separately) to fully bring the story to life! Set includes one adult figure, two child figures, ice cream cart, ice cream flavors, waffle cones, sign, ice cream scoop, and other accessories.

Filed Under: toys Tagged With: toys