Summer of Toys: Moon Dough

On those days, when we’re not out at Disneyland or splashing in our community pool, I try to offer my son diverse learning and play experiences.  Apart from coloring, baking, and pretend play, my son really enjoys play dough.  Conventional dough dries out when left out and can get stuck in carpets and such.

Thanks to Team Mom, we had an opportunity to check out Moon Dough, an innovative new molding compound that never dries out.   Moon Dough comes in one of four playsets and is offered in eight colors.  It’s also hypo-allergenic and wheat-free.  The dough is soft and feather-light (like marshmallow) and can be molded with hands or the playset (we prefer the playset).

My son adored the Barnyard that he received to mold his dough into cows, pigs, sheep, and horses.  The set came with three dough colors and 2 farm-themed molds (fence and hay bale).  Once the dough is compressed into a ball, children put it into the barn silo and turn the crank.  Out come adorable 3D animals.

There were a few things we found that worked really well to create the best looking animals.  First, we made sure to compress the dough deep down into the silo (which acts as the mold for the animals).  Then we turned the crank slowly so that the animals came out with their features well-defined.

While I like the fact that the dough doesn’t dry out or get stuck in carpet I don’t like the mess it creates.  I find it to be quite crumbly and needed to vacuum after my son played. The sets that come with the Moon Dough will appeal to children and the prices are affordable and range from $9.99 to $19.99.

Moon Dough is available at Toys R Us, Target, Amazon, and retailers nationwide.

No compensation was received for this post.  A product sample was provided via Team Mom to facilitate this review.

Backyard Discovery

You can have a great moment of discovery in your own backyard…Jeff Corwin, Wildlife Biologist

I was on the phone with a friend the other day, and we were talking about the guilt we feel when we actually have to spend a day at home.  My son wakes up every morning asking “where we’re going today.”  I gently explain to him that everyday isn’t Disneyland (particularly since our passes are about to be blacked out for the summer…but I digressed) and that it’s ok to stay home every now and then.  I’m convincing myself as much as I’m convincing him that exciting adventures can happen at home.

You may remember that I spoke at the L.A. Bloggers Brunch in April.  I had an opportunity to connect with both familiar and new companies including Backyard Safari Outfitters.  The company “equips young explorers with all the essential field gear necessary for scoping out local “wildlife.”  With over 30 products, children can collect frogs, get a closer look at bugs, get a peak “under the sea,” or bird-watch.  Each Backyard Safari Outfitters kit includes a fold-out Field Guide which includes essential field tips, illustrations, and scientific facts.

I struggle to come up with a whole day’s worth of activities, particularly now that my son is in preschool half of the week with a formal schedule.  While it’s definitely easier to “get out of the house,” there are adventures to be taken right in our own backyard.

When I came home from the L.A. Bloggers Brunch with the Bug Vacuum, my son would not. stop. playing with it. He wanted to pick up everything he found on the floor to examine through the built-in microscope.  It’s definitely my son’s favorite from the three toys we received.

The Mega View Periscope can only be described as totally cool. It’s ginormous, but gives children expanded views over backyard fences and high bushes.  You can obtain views of up to four feet.  Flip it upside down for under-water viewing.  The Cargo Vest makes it official (my son loves pretend play).  It’s handy for storing gear, pocket field guides, and more.

Backyard Safari Outfitters is now available at Toys R Us, Walmart, Barnes and Noble, Amazon, and Target.  Prices vary and range in price from $19.99 and up.  For more information, visit their website, follow them on Twitter or keep up with them on Facebook.

No compensation was received for this post.  Product samples were provided via Team Mom to facilitate this review.

Bat (Rain) Gear!

It’s days like Monday that remind me it’s still rainy season!  We don’t get a ton of rain in Southern California, but when we do, it’s like we don’t know what to do with ourselves.  For many states, going out in the rain is normal.  They just don their rain gear and do what they need to do!

For our rainy days, we’ve outfitted my son in some very cool Batman Rain Gear, courtesy of Warner Bros. Consumer Products.  My son didn’t know about Batman…but he does now!  He wants to wear that rain gear all over the house…the boots…the rain coat…the rain boots.  Warner Bros. Consumer Products and Washington Shoe Company just released “the ultimate Bat-gadget” this rainy season with a rain collection inspired by the favorite DC Comics Super Hero, Batman.

I grew up with Batman and the design and prints are still reminiscent of Batman “back in the day.”  The hooded rain coat is thick and warm (but not overly heavy).  It has a plastic-ish outer (it’s actually polyurethane) and a polyester/cotton lining to keep the kidlets dry.  The cape, which gives the coat a bit of character, is removable (but why would you want to do that?).  I was totally thinking about using it for Halloween this year…

The rain boots are my favorite piece from this collection.  When we lived in Scotland, I purchased a pair of wellies…because that is the thing to do…and they’re super cute.  The store in Edinburgh where I purchased my wellies also sold children’s wellies.  I was pregnant at the time and came very close to purchasing a pair,but I didn’t know the gender at that time, so I left with my sole pair.  Now my son has his own pair of Batman rain boots (wellies!).  These rubber boots are waterproof (duh!) and super thick and durable (but not clunky or heavy).

The last piece form this collection is the umbrella.  Most kid’s umbrellas are flimsy and cheaply made.  This one is actually sturdy (but lightweight) and generous in size (to keep the littles dry).  It opens easily and won’t pinch itty bitty fingers.

The entire Batman-themed collection includes wellies, aka rain boots (32.95), aka umbrellas ($14.95), and raincoats ($44.95), (You can’t take the Scottish out of me!) and is available at Nordstrom and select specialty stores.

I did not receive compensation for this post.  Product samples were provided via Team Mom by Warner Bros. Consumer Products to facilitate this review.

The collection includes wellies, brollies, and raincoats (You can’t take the Scottish out of me!) and is available at Nordstrom’s and select specialty stores.

Holiday Gift Guide 2009: Sesame Street Neighborhood Collection Building Set by K’Nex

When I look back one year ago, I think of how much my son has developed.  His speech, his fine and gross motor skills… He wakes up singing, has gotten much better at riding his scooter, and does things that constantly amaze us.  A few weeks ago (ish) my son was playing in his room while I took a quick shower.  When I got out I went to his room. He looked up at me and stated proudly, “I made a tower for mommy!”

Last year we reviewed a Sesame Street Building Set by K’NEX.  I remember showing him how to put the pieces together.  Over the last year we’ve played with that set numerous times.  It’s incredible to see how he has developed in one year.

This year we had an opportunity to review the Neighborhood Collection Police Station Set by K’NEX.  It features 2 of my son’s favorite Sesame Street characters…Ernie and Elmo.  While the set does come with instructions on various building options, it’s definitely open-ended and left to the child to create what they wish.  It fosters creativity and imagination.  And…my son will spend a long time playing with it.  He’s actually combined some of the pieces from the first set we received with this set for even more building creations.

The set includes 44 parts which includes Elmo and Ernie.  K’NEX offers 4 Neighborhood Collection Sets that can be combined to build an entire Sesame Street neighborhood. Most children are familiar with the Sesame Street characters, which is definitely why this is an attractive toy for toddlers and preschoolers.  Along with the coordination required to build, the sets encourage the use of a child’s imagination and creativity.  Because they the set has various colors and patterns, it’s a great way to teach children how to sort and arrange the parts accordingly. One of the things we like to do is build according to color. Each set also comes with a Play & Learn activity sheet featuring educational activities that can be done during or after building.

Right now, K’NEX is holding a Make a K’NEXion contest where you have an opportunity to win over $1,000 worth of K’NEX toys and be featured on the K’NEX web site. Simply make a video with your creation making sure you include select K’NEX products. The 10 best videos will be featured on K’NEX and the winning video will receive $1,000 worth of K’NEXToys.  The contest ends on December 7, 2009.

Bella Sara

Last fall, I wrote about Bella Sara, a very popular trading card product that was created specifically for girls.  While I don’t have a little girl (at least not YET!), I definitely want to share with you the latest.  If you’re not familiar with the company, here’s a little more information from the site:

Bella Sara features horse-themed fantasy cards with lovely works of art and positive, affirming messages. Cards can be collected, traded with friends and used to play fun card games.

Later this month Bella Sara will release the Miniatures Series 1 Collection. This brand new product line “includes 20 velvety horses from the land of North of North for girls to collect, trade, display, and cherish.”  For $1.89, your child can experience Bella Sara in a tangible way and she’ll also receive a full-color checklist and a bonus code that will reveal an animated horse statue for her cottage.  Bella Sara has expanded beyond the trading card and online/video game world and your child will enjoy the ability to see and touch her favorite horse in person.  Be sure to look for the second series in October.  The figurines are highly detailed and soft and little girls will enjoy playing with them.  The only thing I don’t like about this collection is how small they are.

Later this month Bella Sara will also release the eighth series in this line, called Treasures.  Treaures features “rare jewels, amazing natural wonders, historical artifacts and fantastic magical items to explore and cherish.”  Every pack comes with five collectible cards, a card checklist, a mini-game, Bella Sara tattoos and stickers.  Treasures will bring more printable activities to the site including coloring pages, wallpapers, and jigsaw puzzles. The artwork is beautiful and I think Bella Sara is a wonderful hobby for little girls.  It promotes sharing and interaction.  Each card pack retails for $2.99.

Qlubb…Are You In It?

There are a TON of social network sites these days.  From MySpace to Facebook to Twitter …I honestly can’t keep up with all of them.  I am not the most internet-savvy gal on the block, but even I was able to figure out Qlubb…the latest web-based group utility that allows any social group (i.e. play groups, sports teams, book clubs) to connect and share information.  Some of the things you can do on Qlubb include event planning via the calendar function, photo-sharing, and file sharing.

Keeping track of our family’s events is difficult enough.  I can’t imagine how complex it will get when we’re involved in more activities with my son…or when we have another child!  Here is the lowdown on how Qlubb is making it convenient for groups to function (from the site):

Easily organize group events and activities online

Eliminate email back and forth

Eliminate reminders of events and responsibilities

Easily delegate tasks to members

Easily create a secure website for your group

The goal is that you’ll spend more time enjoying your group rather than stressing about the deets!

Signing up is free and super easy (it took less than 5 minutes!).  It’s also secure and doesn’t require user registrations!  This is THE year to get organized so hop on over and check it out!

Award Winning Parents Toys

Christmas is 1 week away and I’ve been frantically shopping at the last minute!  This year I’m buying more “toys” than anything else since all of my friends have children.  If you’ve walked into Toys R Us lately, you know that there are hundreds and hundreds of toys to choose from.  Its actually overwhelming!  

Since I’m a huge fan of open-ended toys that entertain AND educate, I was delighted to receive ABC Artchitect Blocks by Parents Toys.  This year it was rated as one of the best toys of 2008.  We actually own a few toys from this line and my son has really enjoyed playing with them.  My son loves blocks…throwing them, chewing on them, stacking them…  Now we don’t have to worry that he’ll break the TV (or a tooth) with these soft, squishy, phthalate-free blocks.  These blocks are safe, durable, and most of all fun!  The set features 9 different shapes in 5 vibrant colors.  Unlike square, wooden blocks (which also have a place in a child’s toy box) the ABC Artchitect Blocks are beautifully molded as animals and ABCs.  I like the fluid shapes (arches, pedestals, etc.) and capacity for open-ended play.

The entire line of Parents toys is available at Target (and the prices are very affordable).  You can purchase the ABC Artchitect Blocks set for $19.99.  

Profuse thanks to Team Mom for this review opportunity!

Review: The Secret Mountain

My son and I have this nightly reading ritual.  It’s our special time to get in a snuggle and wind down before bed.  I believe that reading is crucial at this stage of his development when his language skills are literally exploding on a daily basis.  It seems like from one day to the next he started saying three and four word phrases like “What is that” and “I don’t want that!”  I strive to read to him for twenty minutes so when the time comes for formal academics, he’ll already be accustomed to sitting quietly to learn.  

I have noticed that my son is particularly drawn to books with vibrant colors and varying textures.  Thanks to Team Mom we were able to try out a few of the most lovely illustrated storybooks I’ve yet to come across, by a company called The Secret Mountain.  This Canadian-based company creates artistic children’s books, videos, and audio recordings and utilizes the talents of songwriters, storytellers, singers, illustrators and animation artists.

Of the three we received (Dream Songs, Night Songs, A Duck in New York City, and Down at the Sea Hotel), A Duck in New York City turned out to be our favorite.  This inspirational little book about realizing one’s dreams features upbeat, broadway-like music by Connie Kaldor.  

Each book is accompanied by a music CD, designed to compliment the story.  Music and literature, two of the most imaginative arts, come together in uniquely illustrated keepsakes.  Each storybook retails for 22.95 and would make a lovely Christmas gift for that special child in your life.  

Profuse thanks to The Secret Mountain and Team Mom for this review opportunity!

Trading for Girls

Contrary to popular belief, girls enjoy trading cards just like boys.  I can attest to this since I was an avid collector of a trading card so digustingly popular, I almost cringe.  I collected the oh-so-popular Garbage Pail Kids (although I have no idea why my mother would let me).  Thankfully, parents now have a sweeter, more magical option with Bella Sara trading cards for girls.

Bella Sara trading cards feature beautiful pictures of horses and positive, inspirational messages like “be the first to say you’re sorry.”  Girls will love collecting, trading, and playing games in the online land of North of North.  Each card features it’s own unique activation code that can be used to place each horse in it’s own stable.  I really like the fact that it teaches young girls responsibility since they are then able to care for their horses by feeding, brushing, and cleaning their stalls.

Later this month Bella Sara is expanding it’s family of horses to include the adorable Baby Bella foals (how cute is that?).  There will be 10-day kick-off celebration on the site starting November 6 where girls can win daily prizes, print off birth certificates for their baby foals, read stories and access special codes.

The website is nicely designed and would keep a child occupied for quite some time.  Bella Sara trading cards are targeted towards girls ages five and older.  Each pack of seven retails for $2.99 and can be purchased at big-name retailers like Target and Toys R Us.  You can also download a Target-exclusive coupon directly from the site.

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Let’s Play Clean!

My son has this on again off again relationship with the bathtub.  Somedays he wants to play all day.  Most days he starts crying as soon as he hears the water.  I was so excited when Team Mom gave us the 411 on Bath Blizzard, an innovative way to create a bubble bath for kids.  My son is very intrigued with bubbles (we have bubble time at his play group) so I had a feeling this was going to be fun for him.  With a couple of batteries (well, 4 to be exact), a capful of bubble solution, and some water, you have more bubbles that I thought possible.  I was very tempted to jump right in there with him!  I’ve tried over-the-counter bubble baths…the bubble are pretty much nil by the time my son is actually in the bathtub.  Not only will you have more bubbles than baby…the bubble solution is non-toxic, wheat-free, tears-free, fragrance-free, paraben-free and hypoallergenic.  My son actually cried when his skin started to prune it was time to get out of the bath. 

Bath Blizzard is one of three Kid Kleen products that are being introduced this fall.  This new line of bath activity toys strive to make getting clean fun.  Be sure to look for the Mold M Play Soap and Activity Kit for more bath time fun!

I find myself scrutinizing toys closely these days.  More and more I’m wanting creative, educational toys that don’t require an evening of assembly.  I also like toys that don’t involve a mess (I have enough cleaning up to do after my two boys!).  I love artistic, crafty toys that inspire creativity.  Aquadoodle’s Draw N Doodle Mat allows children to do just what it says without the mess.  Just fill the aqua pen with water and your child can draw to his/her heart’s content.  In a couple of minutes, your child’s designs disappear and the canvas is set for new creations.  Did I mention that there is absolutely no mess whatsoever?  I love it!  When your child is done, just roll it up and store it away.  

Spinmaster is the brain behind Kid Kleen and Aquadoodle.  They have an entire line of must-have toys that you simply must check out!  The above-mentioned products retail for $19.99 and $24.99, respectively.

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