Rambles of a SAHM

Showing posts with label Christmas Gift Guide 2013. Show all posts

Doc McStuffins All Better! Game from Wonder Forge

The delightful people at Wonder Forge sent us this game to facilitate our review.

The opinions expressed are our own and no other compensation was provided.

Make the boo boos go away like Doc McStuffins! Each slap bracelet bandage is a different mystery ouchie. Take turns trying to figure out which doctor tool will make things all better! It’s a fun game of pretending and playful problem-solving!

We at Rambles of a SAHM have come to love the games from Wonder Forge. Not only do they teach specific skills but they foster an expanding imagination. The games can be played and enjoyed just as instructed in the clear directions that come with the game. But the wonderful part is that the games can also be used by children for imaginative play.

Doc McStuffins All Better! game is a simple game designed for preschoolers. The pieces are sturdy and durable for those little hands to manipulate for hours. I would mention that the tiles are small and the guideline of 3+ should be adhered to.

The game uses a spinner that can easily be flicked by your little one. It was so cute to watch my grand try to mimic how I flicked the pointer. By the end of our first game it was mastered!

Another thing that I appreciate about this particular game is that it was designed so that an adult could play with the children. One of the components of the game is wearing a slap bracelet. I'm pleased to say that it not only fits little wrists but it fit my adult one as well.

The wonderful reviewers over at TimeToPlayMag.com have put together a great video that describes exactly how the game is played.

This game would be a perfect fit under the Christmas tree! I can practically guarantee hours of indoor play over the cold days of winter. You can pick this game up at most of the major retailers.

Connect with Wonder Forge on Twitter & Facebook!

Christmas Gift Guide ~ GO-POD

Oh the holidays sure do bring a lot of travel. There is so much you need to take with you when you have a baby. Well, Kidco just made your life so much easier with the GO-POD!

If you travel with your baby at all you are going to LOVE the GO-POD! I find having an activity seat an invaluable piece of equipment in our house. But let's be honest, it isn't the easiest thing to transport to grandma's house.

The GO-POD collapses down and fits into the carrying bag just like the popular camping chairs. The carrying strap makes it easy to transport. By the way it is very light weight yet sturdy.

The two cup holders make a great place for a sippy cup and some snacks. The material cleans up easily with a damp sponge. The sides have nylon toy loops for attaching toys so they won't land on the floor.

If your baby's knees are bent you just adjust the height and there are four different positions! It goes up high for the extra tall babies.

The possibilities are absolutely endless with this product. Not only can you take it to the relatives house, but think about a hotel room or a soccer game for the older siblings. How about a picnic in the park? I'm thrilled to be able to use it for so many different events.

Features include:

Locking Button – Ensures GO·POD is locked in place; safe for baby
Floor Pad – Keeps baby’s feet from touching undesirable surfaces
Four Seat Height Positions – Grows with baby for appropriate leg/feet positioning
Drink and Snack Holders
Five Nylon Toy Loops – Holds baby’s favorite toys
Storage Bag – Includes pocket for wallet, keys, ipod, etc.

Purchase your GO-POD at Bed Bath & Beyond or Amazon

Kidco makes some other great baby gear including baby-gates so be sure to check out their website and connect with them socially on Facebook and Twitter!

Disclosure: The opinions expressed in this review are those of Whitney from Rambles of a SAHM. Products were provided free of cost in order to facilitate this review. This post contains affiliate links. Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or Services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising"

Christmas Gift Guide ~ Joovy Noodle

When I think of top Christmas gifts for kids I think of bikes, ride-ons, wagons, etc. This then leads me to think of helmets. We all want our kids to be safe when riding their toys but we also know we have to figure out how to persuade our kids into liking said helmets and wearing them every single time.

Insert the Joovy Noodle! What makes the noodle so superior to other helmets? Is it the cool neon color? Yes, that does help but really it is the fit! We knew we were going to need a helmet this Christmas since M is getting a bike (Shhh…don’t tell!)

We went to several stores letting M try on helmets only for him to tell us they hurt to wear or they would slide forward and just never fit right. I started thinking are we going to have to special order one?

In the midst of this dilemma Joovy wanted to be included in our Christmas Gift Guide. I searched their site and came across the Noodle. I was thinking what do I have to lose, if it is bad I can send it back and just explain that it didn’t work.

When the helmet came I let M open it up and acted really excited. I explained that this helmet was super cool. I strapped it on his head and turned the dial till it was snug. At first I thought he was going to complain that it was too tight but he never did and it stayed in place never sliding forward the entire day.

I know you are thinking yeah it was new and exciting so of course he wore it. Here is the thing, he wouldn't take it off. As in I went to the grocery store with him wearing it and only at bed did I beg him to take it off. He finally agreed as long as it was by his bed.

He wears this helmet like a hat. He was so upset when no one complimented him on his helmet at the grocery store!

The only down side to the Noodle would be that there is not YET a youth size so in a few years I am hoping the other ones will fit better, Or perhaps Joovy will have one by then!

You can purchase a Noodle Helment on the Joovy website for $29.99! Also, be sure to connect with Joovy on their social media outlets, Blog, Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest they have a ton of new products coming out and giveaways!

Christmas Gift Guide ~ Mike the Knight Glendragon Castle Playset

My oldest son is into knights and dragons and saving the world. He really enjoys watching Mike the Knight on NickJr when he's at Granny and Poppy's. What could be better than having a play set to use his imagination to make up new scenarios for Mike to be the hero?!!

As the mom I really enjoy listening to Little M play. Just hearing the changing voices of the characters brings a smile to my face. What I find priceless about this product is that both of my boys can play with it TOGETHER! Sure they argue over who's going to be Mike (who wouldn't want to be Mike?) but once that is settled they play nicely together for an extended amount of time.

If you have little ones that love adventure I think you'll find that Mike the Knight Glendragon Castle Playset makes an excellent gift.

Christmas Gift Guide ~ Edible Arrangements

During the holidays I like to give gifts that are practical but also fun to enjoy. This can be hard with friends and family who live far away. Well, now I've got the perfect gift for those who live far from you EdibleArrangements!

Around the holidays we eat a lot of cookies and sweets. In fact we get so many that it’s overwhelming. I want to send something different and fresh fruit is such a great gift that all can enjoy! I knew I loved the concept of getting fresh fruit delivered to my door but I wondered if it would really be fresh and not only look good but taste good as well?

Oh my goodness it tasted sooo good like they went to Hawaii and picked it themselves good! My boys were so impressed with the design that they ate the fruit like candy. I loved the holder and thought it would make a great center piece for Christmas dinner.

I loved that the holder was a nice ceramic sleigh that can be kept as a keepsake and reused year after year. They have a lot of different arrangements to choose from with varying price levels. One of their new products that I want to try or send to a loved one is their apple fruit truffles®! Yummy…

Honestly, you cannot go wrong with Edible Arrangements, your friends and family will be impressed with the design and the fresh taste of summer in the winter months. The dark chocolate pineapple was a hit with us all so I highly recommend that!

Connect with Edible Arrangements on their website, Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest!

Christmas Gift Guide ~ Combi Pod Bouncer

Hi Rambles of a SAHM readers, it's Laura from Tasty Tuesdays and Food Snob St. Louis with a review for a great item from Combi for your Christmas list.

If you are a first time, or even a second or third time parent, you know that choosing baby gear can be incredibly overwhelming. What are the must-haves? What if your baby hates the swing, but loves a bouncer? Which features are the best and why? Even though we just had our second child, I still get frozen with indecision in the aisles at big box baby stores. It is such a relief when we find a product we, and our kids, love. When we opened and put together the Combi Pod Bouncer, we both breathed a huge sigh of relief for many reasons.

First of all is the profile and look of this bouncer. I love that it looks just like a lady bug, and the bright colors fit in perfectly in our play room. Another huge plus is that if it is in our living room, it's light, easy to move and doesn't take up a lot of room.

If you have read anything about newborn development, then you know that bright colors and and contrast (black on white) are good for newborn stimulation and development. The overhead bar on the Combi Pod Bouncer features three plush toys that provide just that. Our little one loves staring at it.

Of course, the big feature of any bouncer is its soothing vibration. The Combi does a great job of soothing our baby with its vibration mode, which is also quiet (another important feature). Additionally, it has a music mode that plays preloaded melodies, or you can plug in your own MP3 player to play your own music.

Source

Other important things to note about this bouncer are the 3-point safety harness, 2 positions of recline on the seat, a head pillow that can be removed, slip resistant feet and a storage pouch. Oh, and it took 5 minutes to put together.

As you can see, big sister is a fan as well.

Combi advertises that this bouncer is lightweight, safe, compact and affordable. I wholeheartedly agree and am thrilled to have it as a part of our nursery.

*I was sent a Combi Pod Bouncer for this review, but have not been compensated in any other way. All statements and opinions are my own.*

Christmas Gift Guide ~ HeartSong Doodle Bag

Hi Rambles of a SAHM readers! It's Laura from the Tasty Tuesdays recipe posts and blogger over at Food Snob St. Louis. I'm here today to share with you a fantastic website for your Christmas toy shopping, HearthSong.

Our oldest child will be 2 in January. I've noticed with her that we've gone through a few cycles of having tons of great toy options for her that challenge her, help her learn and are fun, but then about 3-4 months later it seems that she's outgrown them all. When I go toy shopping for her, I often get confused as to what would be a good age-appropriate toy that will last her longer than just a few months. Unfortunately, the aisles of the toy stores I've been to aren't organized that way (age level and purpose of toy), but rather by certain brands. Lucky for me, and all the other parents out there who have felt the same way, there is HearthSong. The HearthSong website is organized not only by age level, but also by interest category. It makes finding a toy or gift for any child so simple! As I searched though the site, I was very impressed with the variety and quality of items they offer. As part of this review, HearthSong sent me this Doodle Bag for our nearly two-year-old.

The zip-up canvas bag features pockets for crayons and chalk (or other art supplies like stickers), a doodle pad and mini-chalkboard.

Our child loved putting the crayons away in the pockets, drawing, and zipping and unzipping it. I love that it is all in one compact place, and am really looking forward to using it as entertainment in the car as we travel during the holidays.

Once she had enough of the crayon doodling, she quickly started on a masterpiece on the chalkboard wall in our playroom. I know that she will be very excited to be able to draw with chalk in the car on the mini-chalkboard in the back of the Doodle Bag.

If you are looking for high-quality, age-appropriate toys that will foster creativity and imagination in children, I highly recommend checking out the HearthSong website!

*Disclaimer: I was sent the Doodle Bag from HearthSong for this review. All statements and opinions are my own.*

Christmas Gift Guide ~ Dribbles for the Little's this Holiday Season

What is more appealing than a man in a bow tie? How about a little boy in a bow tie?!! I am in love with these adorable bow ties. They are very well made from dozens of fabric patterns. I really like how you can color coordinate while allowing each boy to have their own style.

The bow tie has a band that velcros and then easily slips under a collared shirt. I was pleased that they were so comfortable for my boys to wear. Nothing is worse than getting your kiddos all dressed up just to have them yanking the accessories off right before the big event.

I was very impressed with the quality of the materiel used. She also has something for everyone pattern wise from trendy to classy!

She also makes dribble bibs that are adorable. I also find that they look cute on older teething babies. Or if you have a girl she is making infinity scarfs too! Lots of great choices for holiday wear. Or you can win one!

Giveaway: One reader USA or Canada will win either a bow tie or dribble bib! Giveaway ends 12/17/13 at 12:00 am EST. Fill out the Rafflecopter form to be entered.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Christmas Gift Guide ~ Trish Scully Girls Clothing + Giveaway

Hi Rambles of a SAHM readers. It's Laura from Food Snob St. Louis. I normally stop by here every Tuesday to share a great recipe with you, but today I have a review and giveaway of some fabulous children's clothing as part of our Christmas Gift Guide.

Trish Scully has a variety of beautiful girls' clothing for infant through size 6x. This is actually the 2nd time I've reviewed clothing from them, and every time Baby Snob wears her Trish Scully items, I get comments on how beautiful they are. These outfits are what you would find if you went out to a fantastic boutique to purchase them, but luckily they are all available online.

I was sent a box from their new Monthly Box Subscription. In my box I got this Tartan Holiday Bow Neckline Dress and this top and leggings outfit.

If you participate in the monthly box subscription, this would be an example of the box you would get for $49.99. That is an awesome discount!!

This dress is the perfect holiday dress for your little girl!

I love the 2 tiers and slight ruffle with lace trim.

The clothes are very high quality in the fabric and how they are made. I don't worry about them getting worn out like I do with other brands of children's clothing. Additionally, Baby Snob loves wearing them, as you can hopefully see from these photos. She walks around saying, "So, so pretty!"

The tiers, bows, and fun prints are unlike any other children's clothing line I have ever seen.

The bottom line: I would definitely recommend Trish Scully to friends for adorable, high-quality, girl's clothing. Do you like what you see? You're in luck, because we are giving away a Faux Leather Jacket! To enter, just fill out the Rafflecopter entry below.

*Disclaimer: I was sent a the outfits shown for review. All statements and opinions are my own.*

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Flying Attack Game from Wonder Forge

The wonderful people at Wonder Forge graciously provided us with this product to facilitate our review.

No other compensation was received. The opinions are entirely our own.

SHREDDER'S FOOT CLAN NINJAS are scaling the high-rise on an evil mission. Send the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles flying into action to stop them! Launch the Turtles from the construction-site catapult to knock enemies off their perilous perch. But beware! Whoever plays Shredder has cunning cards that can thwart the Turtles' high-flying heroics!

The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Flying Attack game is recommended for two to five players ages five and up. The game comes disassembled but it only takes a few minutes to set up. One of the interesting twists to the game is that the tower platforms can be assembled in different ways to change up the game strategies.

There are actually two levels of play. The easier of the two is a kind of target practice game. The Foot Clan Movers are placed randomly on the tower and then the player catapults the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles towards the tower with the intent of knocking off the most Foot Clan Movers.

My five-year-old grandson and I played the simple version and had a blast doing it. The catapult was a bit tricky to master with his little fingers, but once he got the hang of it he was on a roll!

One of the interesting side benefits of this game was what happened following our game. My grandson spent quite a bit of time rearranging the tower and then figuring out how to make it balance by placing the Foot Clan Movers in different spots and positions. It was fun to watch the lightbulb come on as he learned about balancing and counterbalancing.

The wonderful reviewers over at TimeToPlayMag.com have put together a short video demonstrating the ways to play both levels of the game. Take a look at it!