Archive for the ‘Toys’ Category

I’m really pleased to see a lot of parents going back to the basics for kids toys this year! Arts & crafts, blocks, dress up items,  stuffed animals or figurines, musical instruments, and puzzles are classic toys that every child should have and play with. Honestly, what could be better than those battery free types of toys that provide hours upon hours of imaginative play?

Speaking of a classic, who hasn’t built a fort with blankets strung across chairs or other furniture growing up? I know I did. I remember having hours of fun with my sisters building and playing inside our own secret little space often crafted with our own bedding and our mothers clothes pins for hanging laundry. This method worked okay but almost always ended up with our sheet falling down constantly!

I had been wanting to get my daughter a tent to play in. She had one but somehow the poles got misplaced during our move. Poles sort of scare me too with a baby boy around. I could just imagine a pole popping out of place breaking things around the house and possibly even seriously injuring somebody. There had to be something better out there and this is when I found out about The Happy Kid Company, A company that specializes in forts for kids.

We were sent a Fun Fort in Hot Pink to review. And here’s why we love it;

• Easy to securely put up & take down with stretchy Velcro adjustable loops
• It has corner pockets that add extra stability or to hide treasures!
• Can be used indoors and outdoors (water resistant)
• It’s washable and super durable
• Included are 6 extra stretchy extension loops
• It’s portable and store able without taking up much space.
• A free matching tote bag is included!
• Can be made into a fort, teepee, tunnel or canopy
• Provides  endless hours of imaginative play

My daughter has been using her Fun Fort to encircle her bunk bed. It’s really easy to put up and take down. She absolutely loves it and I do too. We are both happy that it’s stayed put. We also can’t wait to take it outdoors for play this Spring and Summer!

The Fun Fort comes in Blue, Lime and Hot Pink, and can be purchased for $34.95  from The Happy Kid Company or at Amazon.com! Be sure to check out the other types of forts they offer too! This toy is well worth the investment, I guarantee it.

**Deal Alert**

In honor of the Parents’ Choice Silver Award, The Happy Kid Company will be discounting THE FORTAMAJIG FUN FORT! for a limited time when purchased till the end of the year. Simply visit The Happy Kid Company’s Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/#!/thehappykidcompany for more details.

Win It!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclaimer: I was sent the above product mentioned for review. This review is 100% my opinion and has not been edited or reviewed by anyone. I was not compensated in any other way for this product review.

Air Guitarist can rejoice because playing legendary licks  has never been  easier thanks to  Air Picks. This fun new motion activated toy gives you the opportunity to flat out jam with an item that is literally small enough to fit in your pocket.

Air Picks are pretty neat. They are shaped like an actual guitar pick just slightly larger. Currently there are three picks to choose from Classic Rock, Rebel Rock, Rolling Stones. Fans will rejoice in being able to play songs such as Jumping Jack Flash, Satisfaction, Born to be Wild, Smoke on the Water, and Sweet Home Alabama to name just a few.

Users can select which song they’d like to strum in rhythm with on the back of the pick itself. There’s also a whammy bar button on the back to really mix things up. It’s not completely full proof, you have to “play” correctly in order to really rock out releasing the chords at the right time.

There’s no volume control but I found this not an issue as it’s not too loud or to quiet. I liked that there’s a clip that you use to hook to a belt loop or backpack though can easily remove it too if you so choose. Batteries for this toy are included which is a plus as well. No body likes receiving a battery operated gift and not having the batteries at the ready to use it, especially  during the Holiday.

Overall this toy would totally make a fun stocking stuffer this year for kids ages 6 to 13 years old, especially if they like music too. Air Picks retail at $11.00 each and can be purchased in numerous places such as Think Geek, Amazon.com, Target, and at the at the Ohio Art Toy Store - www.world-of-toys.com!

Disclaimer: I was sent the above product mentioned for review. This review is 100% my opinion and has not been edited or reviewed by anyone. I was not compensated in any other way for this product review.

Do you know any kids, teens, or adults that like to create spectacular imaginative things with blocks? If so, you are going to want to check out Nanoblocks! These blocks are micro-sized building blocks (about 1/8 the size of a traditional LEGO-style building block) that allows building of 3-D objects that can literally fit into the palm of your hand.  Developed in Tokyo, Nanoblock blocks lock firmly together, thanks to their patented design.

I was able to review the Sagrada Familia which comes from the Nanoblocks “Sites to See series. This set is a level 4 difficulty with over 550 assorted pieces in various shapes and sizes. I haven’t completed putting it together yet because I have no doubt it’s going to take a few hours even with the very detailed instructions. I thought I would mention to that you aren’t limited to making the sample creation on the box either. You can make whatever you’d like letting your imagination take you.

NanoBlock’s are sure to be a hit with both boys and girls that love building boxes. Some of the series lines include animals such as penguins, dolphins, and pandas to name a few. And in the “Sites to See” series builders can reproduce popular travel locations such as Kinkakuji Temple, Eiffel Tower, and the The greatest, smallest Giant Banyan Tree on the planet!

NanoBlocks are available in a variety of kit sizes and prices start at $10.00 and up depending on which sets or series lines it’s from. Age recommendation is for ages 8 and up. These would make awesome stocking stuffers this Holiday season too!

You can purchase Nanoblocks at places like Think Geek, Toys R Us, and at Amazon.com.

Disclaimer: I was sent the above product mentioned for review. This review is 100% my opinion and has not been edited or reviewed by anyone. I was not compensated in any other way for this product review.