Tomorrow is Cyber Monday…are you ready?  Did you brave the Black Friday crowds and score some great deals?  I still have much in the way of shopping to do. I find that children are actually incredibly difficult to shop for.  Surprising right?  Considering the sheer number of toys, games, books, clothes, and electronics on the market today.  As a parent, I prefer to invest in quality, educational toys with lasting value.  Like this Dress Up Pirate from Growing Tree Toys.

I find the fact that this “toy” can teach my son how to button, snap, tie, and zip pretty innovative.  My son is just starting to get good at undressing himself (we’re still working on getting dressed). He can snap and zip/unzip well but isn’t able to button/unbutton or tie at this point.  And while it sort of resembles a doll, it’s more like a stuffed toy.  My son enjoys trying to figure out the buttons and the ties.

Along with the buttons, snaps, ties, and zippers, the Dress Up Pirate is made with different colored and textured fabrics (felt, suede) to stimulate a child’s senses.  Oh, and he rattles (too cute!). I think the only two senses we’re missing on taste and smell.

Over the summer, we visited my in-laws and traveled to the south.  My son had his first “real” experience with pirates, one that left him fearful of the one-eyed men that say “argh!”  This pirate is anything but scary.  Consequently, my son likes his pirate and carries him around the house with him.

Growing Tree Toys offers wide variety of educational toys from well-respected manufacturers such as Plan Toys and Creativity for Kids.  Apart from the fact that shopping on the site is very easy, given the fact that you can shop by age, manufacturer, or type of toy, you’ll enjoy a few other features that set the company apart from others.  Each toy includes information about Developmental Benefits and Types of Play involved.  For example, the Dress Up Pirate offers physical, logical, spatial, and intrapersonal developmental benefits and children who play with this toy will utilize dramatic and manipulative  play.  Now you know exactly how your child will benefit from each toy you purchase.

Every day Growing Tree Toys offers an incredible deal of the day with savings of 40-60% off.  Be sure to check it out!

For more fabulous Holiday Gift Ideas, visit The Mommy-Files

Disclosure: I did not receive compensation for this review. I did receive a product, courtesy of the company in order to facilitate my review.