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Pop On Pals Review

July 26, 2010 By Mom Leave a Comment

Finding toys that keep TJ’s interest for more than a few minutes are vary rare to find these days.  When we received our Pop On Pals Amusement Park I thought it was going to be one more toy that TJ enjoyed for 5 minutes and then on to the next, but I was wrong.  Tj is still enjoying playing with his amusement park.

Pop On Pals, by Spin Master, are little people who can pop in and out of different clothing and accessories as they play.  The Pop On Pals also interact with your toddler in different play sets to help encourage creative play.  The little “chubby” play figure are perfect for toddler hands.  TJ, at 15 months, loved popping his little boy and had very little difficulty with most of the amusement parks features.  I had to help him with the roller-coaster, but other than that he is able to put his Pop on Pal on the Ferris wheel and the other fun areas of the park.  Best of all, after several weeks of having our new play set in the house TJ is still having a blast playing with it.  There seems to be a lot of different activities that he can do with the Amusement Park that it keeps him interested.  I am going to add some more Pop Up Pals pretty soon so he will have more friends to play with!

The Pop On Pals Amusement Park (ARV $34.99) comes with one boy or girl pal and 3 pop on rings.  The only thing that I would change is that I wish the park came with more pals, to really play with the park you need more than one pal.   You can purchase more pals (including pet pals) and play sets at major retailers nationwide including Target, Toys R Us, Sears, and more.

Welcome to a new world of endless “Popabilities!”

This product review was made possible by Spin Master. I was not compensated for this review other than a product sample. All opinions are 100% mine.
Filed Under: Kids, Review, Toys Tagged With: Kids, Review, Toys

Step2 Play Up Toddler Swing and Slide Review

July 21, 2010 By Mom 19 Comments

I have been looking for a while for a swing-set appropriate for TJ. The closest park is a little far for all of us to walk to and then have enough energy to swing and slide.  I visited Step2 to look at all the wonderful new products for the summer and found the Play Up Toddler Swing and Slide.

I contacted Step2 and was extremely excited when they said that they would send us one to review.  Step2 is a wonderful company who is the largest American manufacturer of preschool and toddler toys. The Step2 family also includes Thinkativity and Infantino (you can read some of my Infantino reviews here and here).  I love Step2′s mission:

To be the leading innovator of children’s products that build imaginations and enrich the family’s celebration of childhood.

What a fantastic mission for a company.  Building children’s  imaginations is extremely difficult to do these days with video games and television playing such a large role in entertainment for our young ones.  I can fully support a company that strives to enrich childhood by creating products that build imagination.

I was very excited when the box arrived at our house.  My husband was a little worried about how hard the set would be to put together, but it was relatively easy!  We pre drilled some of the screw holes and that made it a lot easier to put together.

TJ was so excited to start sliding that he couldn’t wait for the entire set to be put together first.  He started as soon as the slide portion of the set was made.  The slide is very short and perfect for a 15 month old.  He had a lot of fun sliding and running back to the small steps to climb up and do it again.  I was pretty nervous letting him do it on his own for the first few times, but now that we moved the set off of the deck and onto grass I feel like he his more protected if he stumbles a little.

Step2 takes safety very seriously.  The swing includes a seat belt to secure TJ into the swing.  I felt comfortable swinging him knowing it was impossible for him to fall out.  The age range of this product is ages 1-4, but I know a lot of 4 year olds and this set is going to be too young for them.  It is perfect for ages 1-2 year olds and some 3 year olds. For older children you would want to check out the Play Up™ Hybrid Gym Set for ages 3-6.

TJ loves his Step2 Play Up Toddler Swing and Slide.  It has been a welcomed addition to our backyard allowing TJ and I to play in an age appropriate “park”.  I love that this swing set encourages imagination and allows TJ to get outside and exercise.  A must have for parents of toddlers!

Here are the higlights of the Step2 Play Up Toddler Swing and Slide:

Toddler-sized climber for ages 1 – 4 allows your children to slide, swing & play! Made in USA.

  • Wide transition area for slide
  • Gently sloped steps with hand grips
  • Unique, sophisticated, fun styling
  • Steering wheel for added fun
  • Swing includes a seat belt for added security
  • Slide length 28″
  • Slide & platform weight limit 70 lbs (31.7 kg)
  • Swing weight limit 33 lbs (15 kg)
  • Minimal adult assembly required

Buy It:

You can purchase the Step2 Play Up Toddler Swing and Slide from Step2 for $139.99.

Filed Under: Kids, Review, Toys Tagged With: Kids, Review, Toys

Crayola’s Chalkboard Floor Puzzles Review and Giveaway

July 13, 2010 By Mom 245 Comments

As a kindergarten teacher I am always searching for creative ways to keep my students engaged in writing and reading. Sometimes the littlest thing will make kids excited about writing.  When I first read about Crayola’s new Chalkboard Floor Puzzles I thought that this might be one of those small ways to keep kids excited about writing.  So what exactly am I talking about?

Crayola had combined puzzle playing with sidewalk chalk in a clever way.  First kids put together a 48 large pieced puzzle, and then they take the included chalk and are able to write directly on the puzzle!  It is a wonderful way to enjoy chalk inside.  The puzzle is a perfect way to keep kids entertained during not so great weather.

TJ is way to young for the puzzle, so I brought it over to my niece and nephews house for my 4 1/2 year old niece to put together.  We had a lot of fun figuring out the playground puzzle.  It is kinda large, large enough for two kids to both write on it at the same time.  The age recommendation on the box is for kids ages 6 and older, but my niece could easily assemble it with just a little help from Aunt Kat.

Here is what our puzzle looks like when completely assembled:

In addition to the Playground Fun puzzle we received, Crayola currently has two other chalkboard floor puzzles in their product lineup a Space Puzzle and a U.S. Map Puzzle.

Buy It:

You can purchase any of the Crayola Chalkboard Floor Puzzles from Lafayette Puzzle Factory at Toys R Us for $12.99.

Win It:

One (1) lucky winner will receive a Crayola Chalkboard Floor Puzzle of their very own!

How to Enter:

Visit Layfayette Puzzle Factory and tell me another one of their products you would like to have.

(You must complete this entry before completing any of the bonus entries)

Bonus Entries:

  • Follow me on Twitter and Tweet: Win a Crayola Chalkboard Floor Puzzle @AMomsImpression http://wyn.cc/fu95s (You may enter daily, just leave a comment with each Tweet’s link)
  • Like A Mom’s Impression on Facebook
  • Blog about this giveaway (Please leave a link to your post)
  • Grab my Button and post it on your blog.
  • Subscribe to A Mom’s Impression by Email (2 Entries, please leave 2 comments: Please remember to confirm your subscription)
  • Comment on any non-giveaway post on A Mom’s Impression. (just tell me what post you commented on)

Please leave a comment about each entry, include a valid email address or you may contact me directly with your contact information.
Open to US and Canadian residents only. This giveaway will end at midnight on July 30. Winner will be picked from Random.org. 
Good Luck!

This product review was made possible by The Layfayette Puzzle Factory. I was not compensated for this review other than a product sample. All opinions are 100% mine.
Filed Under: Education, Giveaways, Review, Toys Tagged With: Education, Giveaway, Review, Toys

Little Tikes Spray & Rescue Fire Truck Review & Giveaway (CLOSED)

June 28, 2010 By Mom 806 Comments

As most of you know by now, I am a huge fan of Little Tikes. Little Tikes understands what it is like being a kid and creates wonderful products that are fun, safe and durable. I have seen Cozy Coupes that are as old as the parents of the kids playing in them. We had the opportunity to review the Little Tikes wagon a few months ago (you can read the review here) and had a wonderful experience with it. When Little Tikes asked if we wanted to review the Spray & Rescue Fire Truck, I was really excited.

The Little Tikes Spray & Rescue Fire Truck is the perfect toy for the summer. The little Fire Truck includes a working fire house that kids can use to spray anything they want (including you, so watch out). It is a fun, exciting way to cool down this summer for kids from 1 1/2 to 5 years old.

Assembly

The Little Tikes Spray & Rescue Fire Truck was pretty easily put together. It came with clear directions and a couple of extra parts (great for us since we messed up on the wagon and didn’t have extra parts). The assembly video directions are also available online. The only thing that made assembly a little difficult was that to attach the ladder on the back of the truck, you have to drill some holes through a couple of layers of plastic. My husband did this for me. He mentioned that this product was much easier to put together than the wagon was.

Our Experience

We absolutely love the Spray & Rescue Fire Truck. We have had some pretty wet weather here in Indy for the past couple of weeks so TJ has been enjoying his fire truck indoors. It has been a boredom buster! He loves pushing the fire truck around the house (and after the dog, who runs away and then wants to go outside). He loves to have his mommy push him around the house as he honks the horn and turns the steering wheel. His cousin came over the other day and they took turns pushing each other around the house. My nephew is about to turn two and he had a little easier time pushing himself around than TJ, but TJ is getting there. The pressurized water hose works really well (outside, that is). In order to build up the pressure, you must pump the handle up and down and then there is a button on the hose for your child to use to spray the water. TJ loves to pump the handle up and down.

Here is a short video showing TJ in the house with his Fire Truck.

The Spray & Rescue Fire Truck has been a lifesaver this summer. I highly recommend anyone thinking about getting this to jump on board. You will not be disappointed.

Buy It:

You can purchase Little Tikes toys at major retailers everywhere, or you can purchase them at littletikes.com.

Win It:

One (1) lucky reader will receive a Little Tikes Spray & Rescue Fire Truck of their very own! (ARV $69.99)

How to Enter:

Visit Little Tikes and tell me your favorite toy from their collection.

(You must complete this entry before completing any of the bonus entries)

Bonus Entries:

Please leave a comment about each entry, include a valid email address or you may contact me directly with your contact information.
Open to US residents only. This giveaway will end at midnight on July 20. Winner will be picked from Random.org. 
Good Luck!

This product review was made possible by Little Tikes. I was not compensated for this review other than a product sample. All opinions are 100% mine.
Filed Under: Giveaways, Kids, Review, Toys Tagged With: Giveaway, Kids, Review, Toys

Backyard Safari Outfitters Review (Guest Post)

June 21, 2010 By Mom Leave a Comment

This review was written by Kristen, a good friend of mine, who has a 6 year old son.

JP was so excited to have the opportunity to play with these awesome toys from Backyard Safari!  Included in the package was a Cargo Vest, Bug Vacuum, and Backyard Safari Periscope.

Immediately after opening the box, JP went right for the Bug Vacuum!  He played with it for at least 3 hours, picking up every bug and spider that crossed his path.  JP liked that you could suck up any bugs you wanted and that he did not have to chase after them with his tweezers and bug cage!  He also liked that there was a chamber that allowed you to look at the bugs up close through sturdy clear plastic and through the attached magnifying lens.  The Bug Vacuum also came with an additional nose cone for the vacuum that is specially designed to suck up bigger bugs and insects.  As a mom, I appreciated that the designers made it almost impossible for the bugs to escape from the vacuum once they had been sucked up inside and that no bugs or insects would be hurt by the vacuum.  There are mesh screens that keep fingers and bugs away from the motorized parts.  JP kept his creatures for two days and then finally let them go.

JP wore the Cargo Vest everywhere he went for 2 days!  He loved that there were so many pockets that he could carry all his bug hunting supplies and that he looked like an “outside scientist” when he wore it.

He also enjoyed experimenting with the Backyard Safari Periscope.  JP liked looking over the back of the couch and around doorways to see who was coming.  Because his is only four feet tall, he appreciated the fact that the periscope could extend up to two feet so he could see that much more.

JP was excited to have the opportunity to try out these great products as he had been eyeing them in the store and in catalogs for months!  He keeps asking when he can go outside to catch more bugs and take his equipment with him!

Buy It:

You can visit Backyard Safari Outfitters’s website to purchase your own safari equipment for your child.


This review is made possible by Backyard Safari Outfitters in conjunction with Team Mom. I was not compensated for this post other than a product sample for review. All opinions are 100% mine.
Filed Under: Kids, Review, Toys Tagged With: Kids, Review, Toys

Bilibo Review & Giveaway From CSN Stores (CLOSED)

June 18, 2010 By Mom 282 Comments

Last month I introduced you to CSN Stores.  CSN Stores is an online company with over 200 websites that you can purchase products ranging from cookware to kids toys.  Here is a little bit more about CSN Stores taken from their website:

Beyond stellar customer service, our 200+ sites at CSN Stores offer the largest selection of items for most home and office goods. And these items are priced right to be very competitive with other sites, providing our customers with strong savings, too. This combination of benefits is rare among online retailers and is what sets us apart.

Leading brands on CSN Stores’ sites include: La-Z-Boy, Herman Miller, iittala, Kartell, LG, Rachael Ray, Sanyo, Diaper Dude and many, many others. The variety of products is also staggering, with some one million available.

CSN’s product categories cover everything from cookware, ultra modern furniture, bunk bed-office combinations and fitness equipment to gaming chairs, grills, greenhouses and much much more.

When I was offered a review and giveaway I was almost overwhelmed by what CSN Stores have to offer.  I knew that I wanted to get something for TJ so I started looking at toys.  Much to my delight I found that CSN Stores carries the Bilibo.  I had previously heard about the Bilibo from blog hopping a few months back.  What, do you ask, is a Bilibo?  I am so glad you asked.  A Bilibo is whatever your child wants it to be!  The Bilibo is a polyethylene hard shell that can be used in many different ways.  It is up to your child’s imagination.  You could wear it over your head like a mask.  You can put toys in it (which is what TJ mainly uses it for now but he is only 14 months old).  You can drum on it.  You can rock in it.  The list goes on and on.

Here is an overview of the Bilibo from CSN Stores.com:

  • Open-ended kid’s toy intended to inspire creativity and imaginative play
  • High density polyethylene
  • For ages 2-7 years
  • Possible uses:
    • Toddlers can move them around, fill them with objects (like sand or water) and empty them again
    • The shells can be aligned or stacked in many ways, like three-dimensional puzzle pieces two shells are joined to form a sphere; a friendly face with a broad smile
    • Rocking and spinning are great fun on the Bilibo and help develop motor skills and a child’s sense of balance
    • Bilibo shines as a wonderful accessory and is swiftly turned into a cradle for puppets, a turtle shell, a drum, a cooking pot, a ship, or a hill with caves giving shelter for toy animals
  • Indoor and outdoor use
  • 100% recyclable
  • Shock resistant
  • Non-toxic
  • Winner of the Dr. Toy, 10 Best Active Products 2002
  • Designed in Switzerland by Alex Hochstrasser
  • Also available in green, yellow, orange, pink and red

TJ is still a little young to do more than putting toys in it and banging on it, but a wonderful thing about this toy is the wide range of ages that it appeals to.  TJ is going to love this and not get bored with it for years to come.  I love that it makes him use his imagination and creativity.  It is also virtually indestructible (I know I have a 80 pound dog remember).  Overall, I would purchase this toy for any child that I know.  You really can’t go wrong.

Buy It:

You can purchase the Bilibo in blue ,green, yellow, orange, pink and red for $25.99 from CSN Stores.com

Win It:

One (1) lucky winner will receive a Bilibo in their choice of color from CSN Stores.com.

How to Enter:

Visit CSN Stores.com and tell me what you would purchase from any of their websites.  (You must complete this entry before completing any of the bonus entries)

Bonus Entries:

  • Follow me on Twitter and Tweet: Win A Bilibo from CSN Stores @AMomsImpression http://wyn.cc/mfera (You may enter daily, just leave a comment with each Tweet’s link)
  • Follow CSN Stores on Twitter and Tweet: I entered to win a Bilibo from CSN Stores @amomsimpression http://wyn.cc/mfera (You may enter once, just leave one comment with the Tweet’s link)
  • Like A Mom’s Impression on Facebook
  • Like CSN Stores on Facebook and write on their wall that you entered to win a Bilibo from A Mom’s Impression
  • Blog about this giveaway (Please leave a link to your post)
  • Grab my Button and post it on your blog.
  • Subscribe to A Mom’s Impression by Email (2 Entries, please leave 2 comments: Please remember to confirm your subscription)
  • Comment on any non-giveaway post on A Mom’s Impression. (just tell me what post you commented on)

Please leave a comment about each entry, include a valid email address or you may contact me directly with your contact information. This giveaway will end at midnight on July 5. Winner will be picked from Random.org. 
Open to US and Canadian residents only.  Good Luck.

This giveaway is made possible by CSN Stores.com. I was not compensated for this post other than a product sample for review. All opinions are 100% mine.
Filed Under: Gifts, Giveaways, Kids, Review, Toys, Uncategorized Tagged With: Gifts, Giveaway, Kids, Review, Toys

Infantino Jumbo Wheel Play Space & Twist and Fold Gym

June 15, 2010 By Mom 1 Comment

I am so very excited to announce that I have been chosen as an Infantino Test Drive Mom!  While participating in this program I will be able to test out some of Infantino’s great  new products for babies and toddlers.  We recently received the Infantino Jumbo Wheel Play Space and the Twist and Fold Gym for TJ.  At first glance I was a little worried that TJ would be a little old for these items, but I was pleasantly surprised at how much he enjoyed them.  We especially loved the Jumbo Wheel Play Space.

The Jumbo Wheel Play Space is packed with fun and space for crawling and tummy time activity. Strategic activities such as a detachable mirror, teethers and an easy-to-press flower which plays a 15-second musical tune are placed throughout the mat to encourage reaching, grasping and tummy play time. Play space measures 47” in diameter.

This play mat is very large and allows your child to move around and explore on it.  There is a mirror that TJ just loves looking at himself in.  He also loves making all the crunching noises that occur when you scrunch up the animals ears.  TJ has been really interested in music (much to my husbands delight) and loves to press buttons and hear music.  The Play space comes with a plush flower that will play music when you press on it (his favorite thing about the mat).  The only drawback to the musical flower is that there doesn’t seem to be a way to change the battery when it dies.  I hope that Infantino will change this soon so that musical kids like TJ can enjoy the music for a long time.

The Infantino Twist and Fold Gym is an activity center for infants where your child can be entertained and learn skills like reaching.  The gym also includes a little pillow so that your child can enjoy his tummy time.  I know with TJ it was really hard at first for him to enjoy his tummy time, I wish I had this activity gym when he was first learning.  It would have made tummy time a little bit more enjoyable.

What makes the Twist and Fold Gym unique is that it pops up in one simple motion and folds down for easy storage or travel. When you are carrying an infant in one arm this feature is very helpful.  In order for us to store our old activity gym we had to unhook all the arms (which wasn’t that easy) and then wrap the mat around the arms to store it.  I had a hard time figuring out how to push the the top crossbar, but Infantino sent me the instructions and I figured out that I wasn’t pushing down hard enough on the crossbar for the arms to click into place.  TJ was a little old to enjoy this gym to the fullest, but it would be great for a young infant.

Stay tuned to A Mom’s Impression for more wonderful Infantino reviews.

“I am a participant in a Mom Central campaign for Infantino and have received various Infantino products to as part of my participation.”
Filed Under: Baby, Review, Toys Tagged With: Baby, Review, Toys

Little Tikes Deluxe Ride & Relax® Wagon with Umbrella

June 1, 2010 By Mom 14 Comments

I had dreams of being a mom long before I actually became one.  One of my dreams was to load my kids up in their wagon and pull them to our local park and have a picnic.  My brother, sister and I had an orange wagon that we used for everything.  When we were little my mom and dad pulled us around in it.  When we were kids we would put our kitties in it and haul them around our yard.  For me, it is almost a right of passage for a kid to have a wagon when they turn one.

Right before TJ turned one, we were fortunate to receive the ultimate wagon from Little Tikes.  The Little Tikes Deluxe Ride & Relax® Wagon with Umbrella is the Cadillac of passenger wagons for kids.  Wagon technology has come light years since I was a kid.  We had a basic wagon with absolutely no bells and whistles.  TJ’s new wagon features flip back seating, a shade umbrella, an attached cooler for drinks, seat belts, drink holders, removable sides and it also converts into a bench for both kids and adults.  Needless to say, this wagon has it all!

We love our wagon!  TJ loves getting in it and being pulled around the neighborhood when his daddy mows the front yard.  I feel that he is extremely safe and secure in the wagon.  The seat belts do not allow him to stand up in the wagon and potentially fall out.  The umbrella is a very nice accessory when the sun is glaring down, my little man has very sensitive skin and burns easily.  I also like that the umbrella is easy to remove if you feel it is too bulky or if you don’t need the extra protection.  The wagon is roomy.  We had TJ and his two cousins in the wagon on TJ’s birthday and they all fit (there is only two seat belts). The cooler attaches to the front of the wagon and could easily hold a six-pack of soda for a picnic or a long walk.  There is also extra storage space under the seats for all of your picnic needs.  You could easily fit a blanket in the storage area.

One of my favorite features of the wagon is that it converts into a bench for adults as well as kids.  This feature is perfect if you are going to an outdoor concert with the family or if you are watching a sporting event.  TJ and I love to watch dad mow the yard after we go on our ride around the neighborhood.  In addition to the sides folding up to convert into a bench, the sides are also removable so that you can haul yard supplies around if you need to.

While we love the wagon, putting the wagon together was a chore.  Allow yourself a couple of hours and a lot of patience when you assemble your new wagon.  My husband and my dad were both frustrated at several points during the assemble of the wagon. Our wagon actually has the front wheels on backward and we cant fix it. However, the wagon works just fine.  (In Fact, the wagon is very smooth when I pull it down the street). Take your time and organize yourself before you start assembling.

The Little Tikes Deluxe Ride & Relax® Wagon with Umbrella is a fantastic product from a fantastic company.  I would purchase this wagon over and over again.  While the price tag might seem a little much for a wagon (SRP $129.99) with all the features that are included it is well worth it!  TJ will be enjoying his wagon for years to come and any future siblings will be just as happy with it.  This wagon is a perfect product for the summer months and allows families to spend quality time together.

Come back later this month for another Little Tikes review and giveaway!

Buy It:

You can purchase the Little Tikes Deluxe Ride & Relax Wagon on the Little Tikes website.

This product review was made possible by Little Tikes.  I was not compensated for this review other than a product sample.  All opinions are 100% mine.
Filed Under: Kids, Review, Toys Tagged With: Kids, Review, Toys

VTech MobiGo Touch Learning System Review & Giveaway CLOSED

May 31, 2010 By Mom 614 Comments

Summer is here and the kids are out of school.  What are you going to do now?  I hope you have some summer vacations, trips, museum visits and activities planned for you and your family.  A problem that usually arises when families take trips is keeping your child engaged in an activity while traveling.  It is easy to pop in a DVD into a portable player, and it definitely has its place, but I also love to provide kids with an educational option that they love.  Enter VTech’s brand new MobiGo Touch Learning System.  This brand new educational learning system hits stores nation-wide and online at Toys R Us on June 7th, but I have a sneak peak to share with you.

The MobiGo Touch Learning System is an educational gaming system with a touch screen and a slide open QWERTY keyboard.  The system, geared toward ages 3-8, mimics Mom and Dad’s touch screen devices while providing a full keyboard for older kids to learn how to text type (just like a keyboard on a cell phone).  The MobiGo features a wide variety of fun and engaging learning games that parents everywhere will love.  The games that come with the MobiGo when you purchase it include fishing, drawing, math games, spelling and playing musical instruments.  You can also purchase games for the MobiGo for $19.99 that include favorite characters like Shrek, Dora, Toy Story, Disney Fairies and Mr. Men.  The MobiGo also includes a USB cable to connect to your computer to the MobiGo website where kids can upload their scores and earn rewards.  They can even track their progress in curriculum areas and download new MobiGo games.

We were honored that VTech sent us their new gaming system to review even before it becomes available to the public.  I have a lot of experience with educational handheld gaming systems in my kindergarten classroom so I feel like, even though TJ is a little young for this system, I can give it a fair review. Bottom line… I love it!  This system is by far the easiest gaming system for kids to use that I have seen.  The touch screen helps develop skill that our tech savvy world uses every day.  The screen is very similar to how we use our own phones and handheld musical players. One of my favorite features is that this touch screen works with the touch of a finger.  There isn’t a tool hanging from the gaming system that you have to use to touch the screen with (these pencil like tools always find themselves getting damaged).  I love that the keyboard is a fully functional keyboard that looks exactly like a computer keyboard.  I am so thankful that VTech didn’t feel the need to put the keys in alphabetical order.  Our kids need to learn how to type using a computer keyboard most gadgets these days do not have the keys in alphabetical order.  I feel like finally someone decided not to tech-down our preschoolers. While TJ is only 13 months old, he did have some fun with the MobiGo. He loved the Music Maestro game that allows him to pat the drums, flick the guitar strings and tap the piano keys.  He loves all things music.  He also loved flipping the screen up and playing with the keyboard (funny that mommy never lets him do that on her laptop no matter how much he wants to).  Next year he will love the MobiGo (that is if I can drag it away from my kindergartners at school).  I would love to have 3 or 4 of these for my classroom at school.  The MobiGo develops early reading and math skills that my kindergarten kids need to be successful wrapped up in a fun, techy package,  a great combination for engaged learners.

Buy It:

You can purchase the VTech MobiGo Touch Learning System at Toys’R'Us stores nationwide anytime after June 7th.

Win It:

One (1) lucker reader will win a VTech MobiGo Touch Learning System of their own! (ARV $59.99)

How to Enter:

Visit VTech and tell me what product you would most like to own from their website.  (You must complete this entry before completing any of the bonus entries)

Bonus Entries:

  • Follow me on Twitter and Tweet: Win A VTech MobiGo Touch Learning System @AMomsImpression http://wyn.cc/73ok5 (You may enter daily, just leave a comment with each Tweet’s link)
  • Follow VTech on Twitter and Tweet: I entered to win a VTech MobiGo Touch Learning System @amomsimpression http://wyn.cc/73ok5 (You may enter once, just leave one comment with the Tweet’s link)
  • Visit Tricia at Night Owl Mama and enter her VTech MobiGo Touch Learning System giveaway (Leave me a comment that you entered her contest).
  • Follow A Mom’s Impression on Facebook
  • Follow VTech on Facebook
  • Blog about this giveaway (Please leave a link to your post)
  • Grab my Button and post it on your blog.
  • Subscribe to A Mom’s Impression by Email (2 Entries, please leave 2 comments: Please remember to confirm your subscription)
  • Comment on any non-giveaway post on A Mom’s Impression. (just tell me what post you commented on)

Please leave a comment about each entry, include a valid email address or you may contact me directly with your contact information. This giveaway will end at midnight on June 15. Winner will be picked from Random.org. 
Open to US residents only.  Good Luck!

This product review was made possible by VTech.  I was not compensated for this review other than a product sample.  All opinions are 100% mine.
Filed Under: Giveaways, Kids, Review, Toys Tagged With: Giveaway, Kids, Review, Toys

Guidecraft Big Rigs Review & Giveaway CLOSED

May 10, 2010 By Mom 528 Comments

Flashing lights and songs have filled our house since TJ was a young child.  It seems like most toys these days requires batteries.  TJ love these kind of toys, but I want to spark and encourage TJ’s imagination.  There are so many different video gaming systems and computer games on the market for kids.  (Don’t get me wrong, I think video games have their place and their own value in our lives, but they need to be used in moderation.) Along with television and video games can come a lack of imagination and creativity in our children and a delay in gross motor skills (by not being active). When do kids get to be creative? Playing with toys and manipulatives that require kids to use their imaginations and muscles build creativity and motor skills.  Finding these types of toys can be very difficult these days.

Guidecraft is a wonderful site that creates high quality wooden products for children.  Guidecraft’s products last forever thanks to the craftsmanship that goes into each product.  I have several of their products in my kindergarten classroom because they are durable and last forever even with a bunch of 5 & 6 year olds pounding on it everyday.  Guidecraft have many different products on their site including doll furniture, table and chairs, rockers, classroom furniture, nursery decor, and play lofts.  They also have a wonderful selection of toys and manipulatives.

TJ is really into trucks these days, so we were very excited to try out Guidecraft’s Big Rigs.  We were sent the Big Rigs Crane for review.  I was very impressed with the crane as soon as it came out of the box.  The truck is constructed out of solid wood (caution… it will be heavy, 10 lbs).  This is the kind of toy that will last forever.  You know one of those toys that your grandma still has from when your parents were kids and they bring them out for the grand kids to play with.  I was a little worried about the crane being too advanced for TJ.  He may be brilliant, but he is still a one year old.  I didn’t have to worry though because I was able to take the big crane part and put it away and TJ still had the front truck part to play with.  He was perfectly happy, his dad taught him how to put his stuffed animals on the bed of  the truck and wheel them around the house so he is as happy as a clam.  The crane part is very cool.  It has a little carton that hooks to the crane and you can turn the crank to haul it up and down.  The crane even is adjustable and moves up and down.  Included with the Big Rig is a little wooden man that fits in the drivers seat or in the rear seat to operate the crane. While there are no flashing lights or electronic songs when you push a button, TJ loves the sound that the tires make when he pushes the car across the wood floors (another cool thing is that Guidecraft made the tires on the crane out of rubber so they don’t scratch, for use on hardwood floors).

If you are looking for high quality toys you have to check out Guidecraft.  They have wonderful wooden developmental toys and manipulatives perfect for all ages. All of their products will last a lifetime and will help develop your child’s imagination!

Buy It:

You can purchase Guidecraft products from their website here.

Win It:

Guidecraft is offering one (1) lucky winner a Big Rig Crane of their very own. (ARV $90.00)

How to Enter:

Visit Guidecraft and tell me what product you would most like to own from their website.  (You must complete this entry before completing any of the bonus entries)

Bonus Entries:

  • Follow me on Twitter and Tweet: Win A Big Rigs Crane (ARV $90.00) From Guidecraft @AMomsImpression http://wyn.cc/owyyw (You may enter daily, just leave a comment with each Tweet’s link)
  • Follow A Mom’s Impression on Facebook
  • Follow Guidecraft on Facebook
  • Blog about this giveaway (Please leave a link to your post)
  • Grab my Button and post it on your blog.
  • Subscribe to A Mom’s Impression by Email (2 Entries, please leave 2 comments: Please remember to confirm your subscription)
  • Comment on any non-giveaway post on A Mom’s Impression. (just tell me what post you commented on)

Please leave a comment about each entry, include a valid email address or you may contact me directly with your contact information. This giveaway will end at midnight on May 25. Winner will be picked from Random.org. 
Open to US and Canada residents only.  Good Luck!

This product review was made possible by Guidecraft.  I was not compensated for this review other than a product sample.  All opinions are 100% mine.
Filed Under: Giveaways, Kids, Review, Toys Tagged With: Giveaway, Kids, Review, Toys
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