Tessy & Tab offers TV Turnoff and Money Manager Kits
A while back, I wrote up Tessy & Tab. A Reading Club, if you sign up for their service, your child will receive two books a month in the mail from Tessy & Tab. The books are for early readers and children ages 2-5. It's a pretty neat little service - Nate loved getting his in the mail and finding out what books had arrived for him. Each book teaches a couple of words and the illustrations are colorful and fun. It's $48 for a year subscription (24 issues).
Now, in addition to the book subscription, they offer themed kits you can order as a bonus. Of particular interest that I thought was cool were two kits in particular - the Money Manager Kit and the TV Turnoff Kit.
The Money Manager kit is $24.95 and comes with three Tessy and Tab books (about money), a Parents Guide to building early financial understanding in your children and a 3-part Save, Spend and Share MoonJar bank. We love the last one and we practice dividing money into each section often.
The TV Turnoff Kit is $19.95 and comes with four books with Tessy and Tab being active, a Parents Guide to managing your kids TV time and a chart on the effects of TV.
Order the kits, the subscription or both on the Tessy and Tab site. Enter MWS408 in the "Referral Source” box when you place your order for the TV Turnoff Kit before 5/31/08 and receive a free Tessy & Tab book called Fire Station Trip. Visit www.tessyandtab.com/firestation to see the real-world inspiration for this book and to print fire safety posters.
Little Tykes Fold Away Playground for my active boys
So we recently got one of these new Fold Away Playgrounds from Little Tykes. I think the intention is for it to be an indoor toy, but it quickly found it's way to our deck out back. The boys adore it so hubby and I were inspired to keep it outside so we could sit and enjoy the night while they play.
For the price and the size, this is a nice little toy. It's $99.99 retail and it comes with a slide, climbing wall, soccer net and a basketball hoop (it comes with one basketball). It folds away easily and compactly too. Buy it on the Little Tykes website or search to find a retailer near you.
I could pick up a crayon or pencil and play all day. Totally therapeutic, I love the smooth feel of crayon across paper, creating visions and displaying messages.
When I first heard of Soy Crayons I wasn't too sure. I mean, soy? We were all raised on wax, right? So how could soy work as well? Then a friend shared Stubby Pencil Studio, and I (I mean, the kids) were turned on to a lot more than soy crayons. The crayons draw bright and smooth. And they last. We've had them for weeks and while the points have dulled, they haven't shrunk too much.
Stubby Pencil Studio also carries the most amazing scented "Smencils." In a word, YUM! Made from recycled newspapers, they are encased in a plastic casing--don't toss the casing. The gourmet casings are so delish you'll soon be craving Cotton Candy or Bubble Gum like never before. (I've also been told that a few sniffs of chocolate fulfilled a dieter's hunger--Weight Watcher's beware!) Also at Stubby Pencil Studio: eco-friendly pencils, colored pencils and novelty pencils.
Of course, you can use all of these fantastic, Earth-friendly products for any project, but since your'e ordering, check out Stubby Pencil Studios orignal artwork: notecards and personalized stationery. Printed on 100% recycled stock, the vivid images are completely chid friendly. My kids loved sending Nana a birthday greeting last week from the Color'n Kids Interactive Cards line--a card they colored and traced on their own. And the Wink 'n Curtsey Personalized line is adorable as well.
While shopping, check out the Gifts 'n Kits section. There are excellent play ideas there, including Made by Me kits that provided a great afternoon family activity for us a few weeks ago.
Enter bonus code MWS08 at checkout by clicking Questions, comments or BONUS CODE to receive a free set of 12 eco friendly colored pencils with any purchase ($5 value). (note - the coupon code goes in at checkout - on the review your payment page - on the left hand side there is a spot to click. It is easy to miss and they are working on a new e-commerce system that will actually be able to accept discount coupons. If anyone misses putting in the code, they can just email and Kate will include the pencils. No worries.)
Plastic has taken such a beating recently. We try and try to avoid it by using reusable bags at the grocery store and refilling aluminum refilling rather buying disposable water bottles.
So why, on the dawn of Earth Week am I sharing a (GASP!) plastic toy? I avoid them year round, yet here in April of 2008 I chose to review an extraordinary plastic toy: toys made by Green Toys are entirely Earth-Friendly!
Green Toys uses recycled milk cartons as the main ingredient in their toys. The same milk cartons that we recycle each week are then separated out from other recycled items and reprocessed into high-density polyethelene (HDPE). One of the safest plastics available.
They're also made in the USA (California, to be exact). Which means less transportation; which as we know equals less energy. Speaking of saving energy, "every pound of recycled milk jugs used in making Green Toys saves enough energy to keep a laptop computer running for a month." (Which makes me feel pretty good as I sit here lounging on my laptop.)
Their packaging is completely recycled cardboard: no plastics, no cellophane, no twisties. Oh, and did I mention they're made in the USA? We all know the bit of safety involved in that. Green Toys passes the USA & California toy tests, AND they voluntarily test for bisephanol-A.
All that, and they're wonderful toys. Created for hours of fun at pretend play, Green Toys are available as a kitchen set, tea set, sand toys, and gardening set. But to feel them is surprising. The bucket isn't a typical bucket of dollar-store feel. Its thick and sturdy. I'd feel totally safe with a 1-year-old mouthing it. And completely secure in that my 2 or 4 year old will get years of play at the beach.
Brand new last September, Green Toys was a Toy Fair favorite by many a reporter (including this one and TDMonthly.) Available at over 300 stores including Amazon.
Recently I have found myself navigating my days like a nonstop spelling bee. Ever since watching the PBS show "Word World" and becoming entirely addicted to it, my three year old son has a voracious appetite for words and wants to know how to spell just about everything that crosses our path and that pops into his imagination. Including "rhinoceros eating a peanut butter sandwich". He keeps me on my toes!
Which is why I was so thrilled to find out about the line of Word World toys that are now available at Target Stores. These toys keep the learning going long after the tv is turned off and turn your world into Word World. My favorite items are the megablocks kits that have characters whose bodies are molded from their letters (much as the characters on the show). Bear has pieces that spell "bear" , Dog spells "Dog" etc. These are all words that my son is now easily recognizing and spelling on his own, which he is very proud of.
I've never been a parent to push the flashcards. I believe learning should be fun and kids come to read (and spell) when they are ready. But I am amazed at how very much my son has learned, with no real pushing on my part. The way that letters and words are presented on the show and in the toys just feels natural to my son, and so he learns - effortlessly it seems. My 7 year old enjoys watching the show with him and playing with the toys as well. It tests and reinforces her skills as an emerging reader and speller. Truly it is a delight to watch them interact with these toys!
My husband has wonderful memories of action figures. He recalls GIJoe, Stretch Armstrong and Evil Kneival. Repositioning, re-enacting, returning for more and more time to play. Last fall, determined it was time to introduce our 4-year-old to action figures, he assigned me a task: to introduce Carson to the action figure world. Try as I might, I didn't find action figures. At least, I didn't find the types I would want him to play with.
About a week later, I invited my non-believing husband to Toys R Us. Where he sadly agreed they just don't make them like they used to.
My task wasn't over. Still searching for action figures, I found something that can be repositioned, re-enacted, returned to again and again. What's more, Kaskey Kids are non-violent and friendly. Inside a Baseball Guys box are 24 players, a field, scoreboard and an umpire. My baseball fans have spent much of the winter practicing the game of baseball, in our basement. Also available are Football Guys, Hockey Guys and Soccer Girls and Soccer Guys.
I've crossed the task off the list. My husband no longer mopes at the lack of action figures in the world, and the boys love playing baseball again and again and again.
We've been stranded at home a few times in the past few weeks, due to snow days, rain days and sick days. The first few I dreaded. How many hours can I let my kids watch TV? But once we got KEVA Planks, my view of days domestic began its change.
We've been having so much fun with KEVA Planks. Its amazing something so simple could lead to hours of uninterrupted play. KEVA Planks are maple blocks which are all exactly the same size. Essentially, they're simple, lightweight blocks. You're thinking: really? that's it? Just little planks of wood and Julie is raving? Huh?
Uh-huh. These little pieces of wood have been providing hours of family play time. Upon opening the box, the boys dug right in. They enjoyed the colorful pictures of KEVA sculptures (check out this link--you'll be amazed!) And then the building started. Upon recognizing you can do more than just build up, the boys and I created 3-D stars, octagons and a variety of shapes. Carson (4) attempted a castle, while Wesley (2) began laying the planks flat to make a pattern. Later, as a group, we created a marble run (which worked!) And that first evening when Daddy came home, we built a tower taller than the kids, which required step-stool usage.
As a parent and teacher, I love the learning involved. While building the marble racer we employed mathematics, physics, archetectural skills and engineering. While experimenting removing one plank at a time to determine if the ball would still roll or if it would fall, we challenged our thinking by moving planks less than a centimeter and were astounded by changes that occured in the ball's course. And we learned about slope when a ball slowed down or stopped moving. After making towers, the boys worked their skills by removing pieces a la Jenga until the kid-size tower came crashing down.
Later, I was found, alone, creating a family room of furniture for my imaginary Barbies (there are no real Barbies in this house.) The simplicity of KEVA Planks design allows for so much creativity in the minds of youngsters, their parents, and everyone who comes in contact.
If these are familiar, you've probably been to a museum lately. KEVA has recently been exhibited in museums nationwide. We are huge fans of our new KEVA Planks, I know they'll be pulled out often and for years. I'm simply amazed at what can be done with simple wooden blocks.
(check out this link to see KEVA building in action at the entrance to Toy Fair in New York last month, where builders were creating the NY skyline, all from KEVA Planks.)
Its not surprising that something so fun looking could entertain my boys. Especially when we are so into racecars and racing around here. For the holidays, our 4 year old was gifted a racecar starter set while my 2-year-old received a CARS racetrack. Perfect for both. They're noisy, fun to watch and you can play over and over.
But the 4-year-old's starter set was just that, a starter set. And while there are 3 different tracks that could be set up, it didn't do much besides race a car around and around. I'll give it credit for its loop being exciting. However, the pieces were flimsy and the cars often fell off.
About 2 weeks after the holidays I spotted a more deluxe set at a more deluxe toy store. Darda's set looked amazing. It was colorful, huge and their were elements to it; elements like interactive cars, several loops and, hold your breath Moms, no batteries or electricity! And so my investigation began.
Turns out, Darda tracks are a lot more sturdy. They're made from the same plastic as football helmets. And while they may bend upon a lot of pressure or a big "boom" (if you will... keep in mind, a house full of boys) they aren't flimsy and our set has stayed together since the first time we snapped it. We have the Jay Jay Jet Plane Sky Tag Set, which means that instead of cars racing on ours, we have the beloved Jay Jay and Tracey. With a suggested minimum age of 4, my husband will be the first to tell you its for a preschooler and his parent. The looping pieces were a bit difficult to align (though now that they are aligned, the show no sign of detatching) but the racetrack and curves were simple for our 4-year-old to attach.
The greatest thing about this set is that it calls for no batteries. Which means its not so loud. (SCORE one for Mom!) Where the lesser brand just needs a racecar pushed between the spinning wheels, Darda's racers have a non-battery-operator motor inside. This means a bit of winding (another area that a preschooler's parent will help.) The racer needs to be pulled back again and again to give it enough momentum to speed through the loops and curves of the raceway. Where upon, in the case of Jay Jay's set, it will meet Tracey, who was also wound (she takes practice because she can't be bumped), bump into her (or in the case of our house of boys, ^^CRASH^^ into her!!) and set her flying through the loops.
In all, its a very fun toy. Its going to last a lot longer than the bigger brand due to the stronger materials and the lack of batteries. I do recommended buying extra motors up front when you purchase your set. Not because you'll need it right away, but because if the motor dies, its not as simple to replace as running to the workroom for another battery. Use promotion code MWS0208 for a 10% discount off of retail ($44.99).
For the younger ones who look starry-eyed at big brothers' racetracks, the Pixar Cars Lightning Fast Speedway Track Set has been a hit for our 2-year-old, as well as his 2-year-old buddies. This set is perfect for travel and for clean-up, as its all one piece. Just pull it open, take out the car and turn it on (yes, this one does use batteries). Then watch Lightning McQueen race around and around and around the infinity raceway. The set comes with a Match-box sized Lightning, but I recommend at least one additional car from the movie. Infact, we've have more Cars cars than I knew the names of racing around the track.
Here's a clever way to rationalize 2 of each toy in your home: you're building an ark!
Noah's Pals by Caboodle! Kids come, of course, in sets of 2. They're collectible wooden toys crafted with fantastic detail. There are over 30 animal pairs available (each one male and one female) and they are categorized into 3 areas: unlimited, vulnerable pals (Limited to 20,000 editions) and endangered pals (limitied to just 10,000).
Of course, you'll want to start your set with Noah, his Ark and some doves, then start collecting. But what's unique about this collection is that collectors receive points when they register their collection and Noah's Pals, and are rewarded with Caboodles (prizes) as your collection grows. Even more unique, a collector isn't just rewarded with another toy they could have bought, but they're rewarded with true rewards: items, like the Dodo, that are available only to collectors who have collected and registered enough. In-other-words, you have to earn it to receive it.
Noah's Pals is doing it all right by me: They're non-commercialized toys that allow for creative and pretend play. They have a fantastic collection program that actually rewards you. And there's more: they donate 5% of their net profits to the Wildlife Conservation Society. The Pals are available at retailers like amazon, and at prices as low as $1.59 per pair, you can start your family with minimal purchases, or buy the whole set at once.
Note: With apologies, these are vinyl toys, not wooden.
My family has been so sick this month. We had been doing really well this winter and then suddenly February hit - we've been through two bouts of the stomach bug already, and get this: my kids avoided it, but I got the flu.
It's been hell. Thank God for my husband, mother-in-law and nanny who have all pulled through and helped out at various times in the past week because having the flu just cripples you and there were days I could not physically manage to take care of my children. (If you've noticed my lack of usual reviews, that's why!)
Thankfully today's day 6 and I'm starting to feel like I can at least semi-function again. (And it's the first day I put on a pair of jeans and not a pair of sweat pants in over a week - go me! I showered today too!) Anyway, all that said, I'm in the process of climbing out of a mountain of emails. And I'm noticing that I'm starting to get a ton of Easter-related mailings which made me realize Easter's just around the corner! Which means this Mommy Easter Bunny has about a month to get her butt in gear and put her kids baskets together. Plenty of time but I like to be prepared.
A couple of cute items I've noticed recently include -
My mailing from Pottery Barn Kids, which always offers the most adorable selection of Easter items - overpriced yes - but totally adorable and impossible to resist. Last year I got my kids wicker baskets with liners from Pottern Barn Kids so we're good there. They don't have the same ones for sale but they have these Sabrina Baskets with liners that are adorable and can be personalized. (Note - if you don't mind not having them personalized and have a Michael's near you, I saw very similar baskets and liners for 1/3 of the cost there recently.) I also love these Easter Canvas buckets.
Two Blue Peas sent me a link of all the Easter items they are offering - love the yellow duck or white lamb blankie for a baby's basket. Use coupon code SPRING for free shipping.
My sister in law had these Hide N Squeak Eggs by International Playthings for my niece and Cole just loved them last summer - so Santa brought them at Christmas. But in hindsight, these would have been adorable for Easter! They're currently $8.49 on Amazon- it's a great toy, both Nate and Cole still play with them on a daily basis. Can't go wrong for $8.49 and they're just perfect for the Easter theme.
Mamas & Munchkins has an adorable Rabbit PlajaPets Plush Pet for sale - it has interchangeable heads and tails $14 - use coupon code MWS for 20% off.
I'll throw more ideas out there as I come by them - feel free to come and share any basket goodies you've found on our message boards. I'm on a mission to fill my kid's baskets with more unique items and less chocolate. (My Mom *still* tells the story of when I was little, opened up my basket, sat and ate all the chocolate that morning and then threw it up all afternoon. There will be a max of one item of chocolate each in my kids baskets!)
Here's what my kids are getting for Valentine's Day
Valentine's Day stumps me. We JUST had Christmas and Chanukkah, and birthday season is long away, but I want to give something to the boys. Something cute, something that has to do with love. And something that won't give them a sugar high upon opening.
This year they'll each recieve their very own Sok-O, absolutely adorable hand-made sock stuffed animals. Each Sok-O is an original, created by hand using either a pair of socks or an individual sock. Creating their lovable faces and spots, the makers use stitching and buttons.
Possibly the Cabbage Patch Kids of the '00s, the animals are adoptable at Sok-O.com and they're also available at specialty boutiques. They come inside their own home with a Birth Certificate as well as a personality description. (I have to add an edit here: It didn't hit me until a discussion last night {February 13} how right-on the personalities are for our kids. In deciding which to give to which boy, it was such an obvious choice when I truly concentrated on the personalities. Naturally curious vs accident prone. The Sok-O's meshed right with them... and are now being cuddled with at naptime.)
One hug, and the kids will be loving Sok-O beyond Valentine's Day. Receive $5 off your purchase with code MWSTYLE.
When you’re out at a restaurant with your tot, do you find it hard to keep them occupied? We usually bring a backpack filled with different activities, but our daughter is getting bored with the same ones! So when I recently brought the Designer Diner out with us to dinner, my daughter was thrilled and so were we!
The Designer Diner is a funky reversible mat that has a reusable chalk mat on one side and a laminated cloth mat on the other side that is easy to wipe clean. I love how the Designer Diner comes with its own detachable pouch that stays closed with Velcro and that holds the included, 12-piece box of non-toxic colored chalk. The Designer Diner is just the right size at 18” x 11” and stays closed with a gorgeous grosgrain ribbon that ties it together. There are many beautiful fabrics to choose from!
Let your little artist create their own masterpiece again and again! Use code 'MOMMIESWITHSTYLE20' to save 20% off of your purchase.
I See Monkeys - Paul Frank Wall Spots and Furniture from 10Grain Kids
I've said it before and I will say it again - we're total Paul Frank freaks around here. Which is why we were beyond excited about the 10Grain Kids Small Paul by Paul Frank collection that brings our favorite monkey and some fabulous kids furniture together in a perfect mod marriage.
10Grain Kids is known for their simple, clean lined, practical pieces. The collection is well rounded with chairs, tables, a small desk, ride on scooter, and a step stool. But my two favorite pieces are the Log Rocker ($215) which accommodates one to two children on a trip to the moon or treasure island, and the Julius Pad ($199) which is part nightstand and part dollhouse. All of the the pieces in the 10Grain collection are multifunctional and sure to stir the imagination.
We're also super excited about these removable, repositionable Vinyl Wall Spots ($68). They promise to fill any room with plenty monkey business, and without damaging the surfaces. My son is getting some of these monkeys jumping on his bed, as well as on his walls.
Mommies with Style save 10% when you enter the coupon code mws10.
My son loves to build puzzles almost as much as he loves to play with money -- sorting and putting away his coins. So when I saw the Domus bank, I knew he would love it.
A perfect rainy-day activity, Domus, sold by the cool and modern tottini, is a plastic bank that snaps together in just a few minutes. The design was inspired by a variety of traditional European architecture, so the end result is an adorable cross between farmhouse and townhouse. Available in a number of colors (red, yellow, blue, and green) it is a great way to help your child learn about money and how to save.
At an affordable $10, it makes a great gift or fun day activity. Take an additional 10% off with code MWS10 and save even more (and stick that extra $1 savings in your new Domus bank!!!)
The "balance bike" is becoming really popular. This is not your typical $30 first bike you find at Toys R Us that's all shiny metal with a set of training wheels.
The Bugabike, made by Sambama, is a first bike, but it's a balance bike, meaning it has no training wheels or pedals. These bikes are designed to teach your child to use their feet to move the bike around, and in doing so, they are learning the art of balance on a bicycle. It's a simple design and a cool concept.
Made of good old-fashioned wood, these bikes are small and sturdy. They're made for children ages 2-6 years old. Because of it's solid construction, they guarantee it for at least three years - or your money back.
Balance bikes are actually not a new concept - they have been popular in Europe for years but are only just gaining popularity in the US. Why a balance bike? It teaches coordination, builds muscle strength, encourages physical activity and it gives the kids the confidence needed to transition to a pedal bike (without training wheels) when the time comes.
You can buy the bike on Bugabike.com. Bugabike is offering 15% off to Mommies with Style readers. Their cart won't accept coupon codes, so mention Mommies with Style at check out and they will refund you 15% off the sale after purchase.
Because the beach, and beach weather, is too far away
Moon Sand is a rainy day dream. Its hands-on creation is nearly theraputic--it feels good just to let it mold to your fist, then mush and remold. Imagine a day at the beach with kids. You want them to have fun, you want them to get lost in the creation of castles, of dumping and pouring, of being kids. But, ugh, the mess. With Moon Sand, they'll be playing neatly.
I'm not saying there's no mess, I had my kids strip down so as not to track the sand through the house, and then turned on Tommy, our i-robot Roomba, to clean up the pieces. Moon Sand is more smooth than sand is grainy. It feels just the slightest bit wet and doesn't scatter all over the house because it stays together. It sweeps up very easily--unlike playdough and real sand.
The greatest thing about MoonSand? It doesn't need to be replaced often. Unlike playdough, it won't dry out. Some of the kits (like the Castle Play Set) come with and easy-to-carry case, so you can fold up your playing area and store it, or move it, mess free. But, if you'll be in for several beach days this winter, you can leave the Moon Sand out, display the awesome Castle Island without concern that a wave will knock it down, to show Daddy.
Just be sure to keep the little ones away. The only concern with Moon Sand is that it can't be ingested. My poor 2-year-old, I reminded him about every 30 seconds that he couldn't suck his thumb. So much so that when he wanted a break, he looked up and said, "Mommy, I want to suck. Can I wash my hands now?"
The Castle Play Set is currently 30ish percent off at Amazon. And eligible for Free Super Saver Shipping... you know the deal.
I was out playing Santa with Zareen on Black Friday when I bought the MainStreet Firehouse from Step2's MainStreet Village line for Cole.
I had to mention it because it's been one of the hits of the season. Not only does Cole (14 months) play with it, but big brother Nate (4) can't get enough of it either.
For something a little different than the usual Little People set, check it out along with the rest of the MainStreet Village line (they have some adorable "cottages" and things for girls) They carry the line at Toys R Us.
I don't know much about hip hop music but here's what I do know, it's catchy and my kids seem to love it. We discovered Hip Hop Harry for awhile last year; every time it would come on TLC both the boys would be enthralled.
The latest in children's hip hop is this line of toys from Baby Jamz. Founded by Beyonce Knowles father and sister, I can't say that we've seen other toys like it. Traditional music is given a hip hop spin with these toys. (Visit the site to hear their version of Old MacDonald and more)
So far, the line includes a toddler chair, Baby Boom Box shape sorter, a phone, set of keys and a dance mat. The entire line is sold exclusively at Walmart.
With all the cool toys we get to review, it shocked me that I felt stumped on gifts for my boys. So I was so happy to find Plaja Pets--a very cute new product this season.
Plaja Pets are these adorable little collectable friends for kids. With round bellies and heads, they look loveable and squeezable. But aren't all stuffed animals? So here's where Plaja Pets are different: They detatch and switch--they're the automoblox of plush!
Their cute little heads and tails detatch (with a bit of fancy maneuvering--so they won't detatch in a hug, but they will with a pull and a tug) and interior magnets help them to switch bodies.
Of course, you'll need more than one, but this won't break the bank. Plaja Pets come in sets of 2, so even gifting one set will allow for some entertainment and laughter for your little one. The original 6 (featured here) cost only $89.99. That's more than 200 combinations of plushes for less than $90.
Brand new to the Plaja famlly are minis, 2 stuffed plushes for half the price!
My kids just love dominoes which we play a lot at family game night. Looking for more of a challenge and to keep the nights exciting for my husband and me, I came across Eternity Games at a recent trade show. This is dominoes to the extreme.
With 3 game boxes to chose from (Boyz & Girls, Zoki, and Hexa-Zoki), you'll find hundreds of thousands of solvable puzzles. And each game comes with at least a dozen formats to play. Most simply, the players (and you can play alone) will select a format layout and play their pieces off each other--completing the shapes or pictures on each piece by laying them next to each other.
Its thought-provoking and addicting. A bit of a challenge for a preschooler... actually, a bit of a challenge for anyone! Up for the challenge? Try the online version before you buy.
We tried out a bunch of their games, including Word Chase which my son loved. This game helps children learn the most common sight words, in lower case letters, which is the way that they will see them the most. As a blooming reader, this was right up his alley. My eleven year old daughter brought Hail to the Chief to school to share with her class. Her Canadian teacher in particular, was impressed with how this game made learning about the US electoral system fun for all the students. And finally my husband and I had a blast playing Jabber Jot. This game gives you random story elements from which to construct a humorous tale - in about a minute. The funniest story wins the round. It's a game that would be great to play with adult family members at a holiday gathering. One other product that they sell - the Multiplication Rap DVD - was completely responsible for finally making it easy for my dyslexic daughter to learn her times tables.
Learning is an Art embraces the philosophy that kids learn best when they are doing something fun, especially with family. Playing games is a natural and effective hands on way to teach that is especially effective for kinesthetic learners. And we all know we remember things better when we enjoy them. The games from Learning is an Art have all been carefully chosen by educational experts. You won't find a dud amongst them. I've bookmarked this site for future use. I know I will be shopping there again and again over the years!
I'm loving these products from Cloud b for gift giving this season. In particular, the Twilight Turtle and Twilight Ladybug are two of my favorite products for the season. The "back" of the turtle and ladybug light up to project the image of a starry night sky on the walls and ceiling. The turtle comes in blue, green or amber and the ladybug comes in blue, green and red. And even cooler, the star images that it projects are actual constellations - there are 8 major star constellations that can be identified using a star guide that comes with the product.
Plus, this is just a fun twist on the traditional nightlight - sure to be a hit with the kids.
The Twilight Turtle and Ladybug are a part of Cloud b's "sooth the senses" collection. This also includes the Lavender Lab, which, when squeezed, emits a soft lavender sent. It's designed to sooth and relax as lavender is a calming scent. They recommend putting it in baby's crib and then taking it out before baby sleeps but personally I'd be worried I'd forget to take it out so my own opinion is that this would be good on the shelf and squeezed when you remember, or placed on the pillow of an child of toddler age and up.
There's also the Cuddle Cub, which vibrates (heart beat vibrations) and the Sleep Sheep, a sleep machine disguised as a plush stuffed sheep.
You can buy any of these items on the Cloud b site. Or for the Twilight Turtle and Ladybug, check them out on the Mom4Life site. Go through this link to receive 10% off your purchase of anything on the site and then do a search for "twilight" and they will both come up.
Sufferring from plushy-induced narcolepsy? You know that yawn you stifle at the sight of another generic bear, bunny, etc? Is it too much to ask that your kids toys have a little personality?
One look at the creations called the Deglingos (French for "wild and wacky bunch") and I was smitten. These are the hippest of stuffies. The ones that sit at the back of the bus and throw spitballs at all the goofy characterless bears. And not that I want to raise a ruffian, but I wouldn't mind if my son spent a little more time with these well dressed, witty and creative group of characters.
My son has and adores Big Bos, the wolf, who is the fearless leader of the gang. He's got one leg shorter than the other, a custom tailored pinstriped suit, and the unmistakeable look of lovable trouble. In short, he's irresistable. He just knows he's the coolest stuffie on the shelf.
Other characters in the series that crack me up include a rat, a hedgehog with multifabric fringed frills, and a lobster that looks completely crazed and huggable. All of the toys are made in Europe and comply with the highest safety standards and are tested by an independent lab. The collection uses over fifty fabrics on these animals and their uniqueness gives them a true heirloom feeling. They are also, believe it or not, completely washable.
So, you might already be aware of the MWS obsession, Automoblox. For any of you unaware, this is a big time favorite toy. Every little Alex, Cameron and Sam needs 2. That's right... 2. Because Automoblox aren't just push cars, they're interchangeable puzzle cars. Unclear? Check out my previous review of this hot holiday toy here.
This year, Automoblox didn't let us down. They introduced Automoblox Minis... Miniature versions of their cars. Again, interchangable, again, fun wooden toys to occupy the kids and their parents. The Minis fit in my hand, the perfect size for grasping and vrooming by my 2 and 4 year olds (though they are recommended for ages 3 and up). A few less whistles, the minis are missing the little people who can travel from car to car. But with interchangeable roofs, wheels, tires and fronts and backs, the kids are still getting the "design your own car" idea with this version.
The price is a lot friendlier, too. For less than $20, you can get 2 cars. Cars that, this time, are prefect to fit into your diaper bag for long waits at the doctor's office.
Just like last year, Automoblox are quickly driving out of store parking lots and off in delivery trucks. Which means you need to order now... before its too late for your little minis to park under the tree.
Hubby's bound to love having to put this one together Christmas morning. And despite the age listing on this product (8+), I'm so excited to have Nate unwrap the Double Ferris Wheel from Knex. The last time we were in Toys R Us, we literally spent half our time in the store standing at the Knex Ferris Wheel display.
Both he and his younger brother were fasinated, and despite the older crowd it's apparently targeted for, I thought this would be a fun project for he and Dad to work on together.
It has motorized wheels, spins in opposite directions and is over 3 feet high. I know the kids are going to be fascinated. (Where we'll put it is another matter entirely!)
It's sold for $29.99 on the Knex site but you can also find it in-store at Toys R Us. Watch the commercial on YouTube to see it in action (it feels a little cheesy and informercial-ish but it'll show you guys how it works if you're interested).
Bocce is a summer staple in our house; my husband has been bringing a bocce set to the beach for years. We've had bocce tournaments with all sorts of family members. Last summer, Nate got into it as well - although he only threw the ball about half the time, the other half he was running and kidnapping the "target ball" away in fits of laughter.
So I was happy to find this kid-friendly Carpet Bocce toy. I wasn't sure how it would actually work on the carpet but it does work beautifully - the game pucks seem to slide effortlessly across the room and they are very easy for little hands to push. I also love that the pucks and target puck are nice and big and baby friendly for my mouthy toddler.
Use coupon code DEC1007 for free shipping on the Carpet Bocce and anything else on the FunSlides site through December 10. They also offer carpet skates (great for older kids), carpet hockey, carpet air hockey and more.
Holiday Pick for the over 5 crowd: Q-BA-MAZE (and a giveaway!)
I'm not sure what the fascination is with marbles, marble-runs and mazes but my almost 4-year-old is a little bit obsessed. Any time we're in a Learning Express, he races over to the sample marble runs and just has to send as many marbles as he can down the various paths and slides.
So the latest new toy I think will be a big hit is the Q-BA-MAZE. It's a plastic construction game with marbles and endless possibilities for runs and ways to send the marbles. As you guys can see, I've inserted another YouTube video so you can see for yourselves how it works. It's definitely an awesome product to have wrapped for the upcoming holidays so be sure to check it out. They don't sell online yet on their own site, but it's carried in-store all over the country so check out their store locator to see where you can find it near you. You can also find it online at ConstructionToys.com.
Also, in the spirit of the holiday season, Q-BA-MAZE is giving away 3 50-packs (retail value $49.95) to 3 Mommies with Style readers. We'll draw 3 names at random from the Mommies with Style newsletter database next Thursday, December 6th. If you haven't yet signed up for our newsletter, do so now so you'll be eligible.
I can't remember the exact year for this story. I had to have been around twelve or thirteen. Those of you who are Children of the '80s may remember this product. It was the hot toy of the year - a robot. It was about a foot and a half high and it did all sorts of various tasks by command. (I know, I know - my description is so generic, it could be just about any old robot.)
The point is, I wanted it so badly. They sucked me in during commercial breaks on Family Ties and Kate & Allie. It's probably needless to say, but I didn't get the robot. My best friend Anna did and I think I still may be green with envy. It's one of those childhood memories that stays with you for life.
This entire story came about again in my memory when I recently saw the Robopanda for sale from Wowwee. This is one of the hot top picks for the season. And what's funny is that I remember the robot I wanted did like 4 things by remote - and I have to laugh when I now check out what's on today's market.
Because the Robopanda is like my 80s robot on steroids. It doesn't require a remote - it's voice activated. It has motion sensors and ten different touch sensors. It tells stories, sing songs and bases its actions on the actions of your child. It has different modes, and moods. It encourages interaction and actually teaches via memory games and more. It's really truly amazing to see how far technology has come in our lifespan - it makes me wonder what our grandchildren will be playing with.
So the Robopanda's not cheap, it retails for $149.99 but it's a monster of a toy with hours of play possibilities. You can find it on Amazon, at Target, Best Buy or Hammacher.com. It's listed as being age-appropriate for 8+, but I certainly think the younger crowd would appreciate it as well. There's something about being a kid and controlling something to move around.
Check out the YouTube video to see a demo of it from a tradeshow.
Just in time for the holidays, Fat Brain Toys has released Dado Squares. These semi-architechtural building toys, like their cousins Dado Cubes, are addictively playable for kids aged 3 to 103. My son had to wrassle my husband to the ground for a shot at building his own spaceship. They collaborated on the matching space station.
What I like almost as much as the freeform fun of building with Dado Squares, is the ease of which they stack so nicely into a neat little cube shaped case. This means that they are very easy for your kids to put away by themselves. And they are delightfully portable. We've brought our Dado Squares to restaurants, doctor's appointments, and friends houses.
Each set contains 35 multi-colored 3 inch squares and retail for $19.95.
If you or your child's grandparents are looking for a place to buy building toys for your kids, Fat Brain toys is the perfect destination. In addition to Dado Squares and Dado Cubes, check out their selection of Wedgits, Erector Sets, Original ABC Nursery Blocks, and Lincoln Logs.
Here I sit, staring outside at the rain fall, enjoying the fact that the kids are at school, and dreading the afternoon. I certainly can't send them out back to run around. And chalk drawing on the driveway won't work. Will it be a movie day? An hour playing Elmo's World on the computer? Or will we get caught up in a few hours of crafting, when I really have a mess of work pilling up in my office.
Actually, it won't be any of the above, because today is the day I am taking out Rody the bouncing horse for horse races. That's right, my kids will be hopping, gallopping and trotting from one end of the family room to the other. We'll make obstacle courses around the furniture and carry buckets to collect items on a scavenger hunt. The basement will become a bouncing horse-track, we can even create tricks on Rody.
Rody, an indoor/outdoor bouncing horse is long-known for all of his adventures in toddler- and preschooler-hood. A popular item in physical therapy, Rody has become well loved in families of all children--because he allows for adventure, fun and exercise, in the safety and warmth of all seasons. Available in 13 colors, I'd blow up a Rody for each child, tie a bow around his neck and you'll have a great holiday gift.
Rody's faceless cousin, and a well-bounced toy in our home, are the Gymnic Hops. We blew ours up for the boys' birthdays party and the kids were hopping all over the yard. Crafted of a sturdy vinyl, like Rody, the Hops take bounces in stride, and landing on a sharp rock (whoops!) won't pop the ball. Available in 3 sizes, when I blew our's up, I was worried it would be too small. But the 18" was perfect for my 2 year old, and my 4 year old loves balancing and bouncing on it as well.
Sigh. I'll make it through a few hours of rainfall. The kids will, undoubtedly, wear themselves out, and we'll all have a quiet nap hour before dinner. Thank goodness.
Ready to hop until you drop? (Because its so fun you are going to want a turn to bounce!) Save 10% off all Gymnic toys at Maukilo Toys using code MWS10. Offer expires 12/31/07.
A while back, I wrote up Tessy & Tab. A Reading Club, if you sign up for their service, your child will receive two books a month in the mail from Tessy & Tab. The books are for early readers and children ages 2-5. It's a pretty neat little service - Nate loved getting his in the mail and finding out what books had arrived for him. Each book teaches a couple of words and the illustrations are colorful and fun. It's $48 for a year subscription (24 issues). 
I could pick up a crayon or pencil and play all day. Totally therapeutic, I love the smooth feel of crayon across paper, creating visions and displaying messages. 
Of course, you can use all of these fantastic, Earth-friendly products for any project, but since your'e ordering, check out Stubby Pencil Studios orignal artwork: notecards and personalized stationery. Printed on 100% recycled stock, the vivid images are completely chid friendly. My kids loved sending Nana a birthday greeting last week from the Color'n Kids Interactive Cards line--a card they colored and traced on their own. And the Wink 'n Curtsey Personalized line is adorable as well.
Plastic has taken such a beating recently. We try and try to avoid it by using reusable bags at the grocery store and refilling aluminum refilling rather buying disposable water bottles. 
Recently I have found myself navigating my days like a nonstop spelling bee. Ever since watching the PBS show 
My husband has wonderful memories of action figures. He recalls GIJoe, Stretch Armstrong and Evil Kneival. Repositioning, re-enacting, returning for more and more time to play. Last fall, determined it was time to introduce our 4-year-old to action figures, he assigned me a task: to introduce Carson to the action figure world. Try as I might, I didn't find action figures. At least, I didn't find the types I would want him to play with. 
We've been stranded at home a few times in the past few weeks, due to snow days, rain days and sick days. The first few I dreaded. How many hours can I let my kids watch TV? But once we got 
Its not surprising that something so fun looking could entertain my boys. Especially when we are so into racecars and racing around here. For the holidays, our 4 year old was gifted a racecar starter set while my 2-year-old received a CARS racetrack. Perfect for both. They're noisy, fun to watch and you can play over and over. 
For the younger ones who look starry-eyed at big brothers' racetracks, the 
Here's a clever way to rationalize 2 of each toy in your home: you're building an ark! 
Valentine's Day stumps me. We JUST had Christmas and Chanukkah, and birthday season is long away, but I want to give something to the boys. Something cute, something that has to do with love. And something that won't give them a sugar high upon opening. 
When you’re out at a restaurant with your tot, do you find it hard to keep them occupied? We usually bring a backpack filled with different activities, but our daughter is getting bored with the same ones! So when I recently brought the 
My son loves to build puzzles almost as much as he loves to play with money -- sorting and putting away his coins. So when I saw the 
Moon Sand is a 
With all the cool toys we get to review, it shocked me that I felt stumped on gifts for my boys. So I was so happy to find Plaja Pets--a very cute new product this season.
My kids just love dominoes which we play a lot at family game night. Looking for more of a challenge and to keep the nights exciting for my husband and me, I came across Eternity Games at a recent trade show. This is dominoes to the extreme.
I've got a new favorite site to shop for all my educational games. It's called 
Learning is an Art embraces the philosophy that kids learn best when they are doing something fun, especially with family. Playing games is a natural and effective hands on way to teach that is especially effective for kinesthetic learners. And we all know we remember things better when we enjoy them. The games from Learning is an Art have all been carefully chosen by educational experts. You won't find a dud amongst them. I've bookmarked this site for future use. I know I will be shopping there again and again over the years!
Sufferring from plushy-induced narcolepsy? You know that yawn you stifle at the sight of another generic bear, bunny, etc? Is it too much to ask that your kids toys have a little personality? 
Other characters in the series that crack me up include a rat, a hedgehog with multifabric fringed frills, and a lobster that looks completely crazed and huggable. All of the toys are made in Europe and comply with the highest safety standards and are tested by an independent lab. The collection uses over fifty fabrics on these animals and their uniqueness gives them a true heirloom feeling. They are also, believe it or not, completely washable.
So, you might already be aware of the MWS obsession, Automoblox. For any of you unaware, this is a big time favorite toy. Every little Alex, Cameron and Sam needs 2. That's right... 2. Because Automoblox aren't just push cars, they're interchangeable 
Here I sit, staring outside at the rain fall, enjoying the fact that the kids are at school, and dreading the afternoon. I certainly can't send them out back to run around. And chalk drawing on the driveway won't work. Will it be a movie day? An hour playing Elmo's World on the computer? Or will we get caught up in a few hours of crafting, when I really have a mess of work pilling up in my office. 