RSS Email
You are here: Home / Archives for toys

Bean Bag Chair from One Step Ahead

December 5, 2014 by

What’s on your child’s wishlist this holiday season? There are so many choices this year ranging from technology and gaming to creative play and fashion. Having three children with a wide ranges of age makes shopping enjoyable. Shae is still at the stage where she asks for fun items that are just for her.

Last Christmas we gave her a gaming chair to go along with her new video games but it just was never right. She recently said she wanted something more comfy. One Step Ahead came through with a tear drop bean bag in pink and white chevron. This is exactly what she wanted.

As you can see the pink color is perfect. It matches her doll bed, pajamas, comforter and so much more in her room. A beanbag is every kids just right spot. It’s a place of their very own. A custom seat for whatever their doing. A beanbag transforms any place into a reading nook, study spot, gaming chair, lounge or just a place to watch tv. Shae pulls her into her bunk bed fort along with books and the dogs for super comfy quiet time.
One Step Ahead Bean Bag Chair
The One Step Ahead Tear Drop Bean Bag Chair is available in pink chevron or blue twill. They are light enough to be moved room to room to accommodate specific activities. The clever tear drop design offers some back support with squishy foam beans in its own enclosure. The zip-off cover is washable making is a must for kids.
Bean Bag Chairs
This holiday season One Step Ahead is sharing oodles of fun crafty ideas and activities to get you and your kids in the holiday spirit. Check out their Pinterest page for printable, kid friendly crafts and even fun food inspiration.
Follow One Step Ahead’s board Holiday Crafts & Activities for Kids on Pinterest.


Stop by their Facebook page to see if they have any fun giveaways going on.




Fun with Outdoor Toys

November 25, 2014 by

Our weekends are our time to spend not just as a family but as part of a close knit community that actually gets together to do things as a group. Friday and Saturday nights are our bonfire night. We share the duties with our neighbors, we all pitch in with s’more’s supplies, pie iron ingredients and even toys and games for the kids.

For months we’ve been hijacking one little boy’s light up bow and arrow set. The kids get a kick out of playing it at night so they have an excuse to play in the dark. They’ve made up rules and a point system with prizes of extra marshmallows or who gets to pick the movie when it’s time to go in.
Air Storm Firetek Light Up Bow and Arrow
There’s no more having to borrow anymore. Sabreena, Shae and Shaun are now enjoying their own ZING Air Storm Firetek Bow. This high performance but low tech toy is exactly what the kids love to so outdoors.
Air Storm Firetek Light Up Bow and Arrow

Air Storm Firetek Light Up Bow and Arrow

Maybe it was the introduction of the movie Brave but bows of all kinds are hot. In our community alone about 6 families have some version of a bow & arrow set that they bring out to play with.

This particular one has a light up feature that allows the kids to play at night. It’s bright enough that they can shoot it across the field so everyone goes scrambling. The materials are very kid friendly too. Made of lightweight plastics and foam no one is getting hurt at least not seriously.

Besides the night time light up feature the kids also get a kick out of the whistle as the arrow goes flying through the air. It’s the indicator that it has gone fast and far.

for about $30 (affiliate link) this is a great toy for boy or girl, at least the age of 6 even though packaging says 8. I’d even say a dexterous 5 year old could have lots of fun once they managed the right hand eye coordination.

The fun doesn’t stop there for great outdoor toys. The kids love playing all kinds of hunting, shooting, capture, war games. The Dart Zone Scorpion Gatling Blaster is a fully automatic motorized foam dart gun that has a rapid fire action for high intensity games. I’m a witness to say these sting a bit when you’re hit but that doesn’t deter the rougher boys of the group. The girls weren’t a fan.

Dart Zone Gatling Blaster

Unfortunately like most of our dart gun toys we’ve lost most of the foam darts. The kids have a couple acres to run around and play but they aren’t good about retracing steps to find the casualties.  Finding replacements online is proving to be a touch difficult. Hopefully by spring we can replenish our supply for a season of fun.

The Dart Zone Gatling Blaster is available exclusively at Walmart and Walmart.com for just under $20.




Budsies Custom Stuffed Animal

January 21, 2014 by

My girls are creative and artistic and imaginative.  Even though there are 12 years between them they can sit for hours with a stack of papers and markers and work on obscure projects that only they understand.  I’ve shared before their goofy and inspired drawings but was able to take them to a new level with Budsies Custom Plush.

art-plush-drawing-stuffed-animal-purchase-2

Budsies is a unique service that brings life to your child’s artwork. Send them a drawing and they will create it into a high quality plush that will be cherished forever.

On Christmas day I presented Sabreena and Shae with their own Budsies. Confusion, excitement and then smiles is how things went after the gifts were opened.  The details are amazing, as well as the construction.  I don’t have to worry about the dangling legs or pompoms falling off because the sewing is strong enough to withstand little fingers and becoming a regular bedtime buddy.

Budsies Custom Stuffed Animal Plush

Budsies Custom Stuffed Animal

The idea of Budsies was born out of an idea to bring a little sister’s drawing to life to last a lifetime. It’s easy to create a Busies of your own child. Submit a drawing online or even from your smartphone via text message and you’re child’s new friend will be on its way 6-8 weeks later.

Every November, Budsies manufactures a duplicate Budsie for each one ordered.  These are then donated to children in need over the winter holidays.

Right now Budsies are on holiday special pricing for $49. Steep but this is a gift that comes from the heart.




American Girl’s 2014 Girl of the Year

January 2, 2014 by

How quickly do you think Isabelle Palmer, American Girl’s 2014 Girl of the Year, is going to dance her way into your hearts.

American Girl’s 2014 Girl of the YearEach year American Girl launches a new doll to celebrate the triumphs, achievements, aspirations and dreams of children all over the world. Isabella Palmer is a dancer with many talents including fashion design for what else, ballet costumes. Isabella has some difficulties when she starts a new dance school but she finds a way to shine and stand out without losing who she is inside.

American Girl’s 2014 Girl of the Year

American Girl Doll of the Year run $120. It’s a steep price for a doll but each one comes with her own extraordinary story of triumph and acceptance. Typically each doll comes with a story book where you and your child learn all about the girl and her life. Isabelle has 3 stories devoted to sharing her tale. I’m guessing the popularity of her dance background might have something to do with it.

A girl needs her accessories and Isabelle’s are amazing!

Isabelle’s Studio– 24-piece set features a beautiful armoire, sewing table, sewing machine, and lots of accessories $275

  • A beautiful white armoire with mirrored doors and ballet-barre handles—it opens to reveal drawers, fabric pockets, and a sewing table
  • A pretend sewing machine that lights up, with a needle that moves at the touch of a button
  • An upholstered stool with a yellow bow tied around the legs
  • A dress form with a copper-colored base—perfect for designing her dance fashions
  • Three fancy hangers to keep outfits organized
  • Three faux spools of thread that fit on the sewing machine spindle
  • Three fabric swatches for her original creations
  • A sewing basket that holds a fabric pincushion, pretend scissors, and a mini measuring tape
  • A sketchbook for planning designs
  • A paper hatbox with diamond graphics for storing supplies
  • Three black-and-white photos to decorate her space—one is signed by her idol, Jackie Sanchez!
  • Two tickets and a ballet program for the Autumn FestivalAmerican Girl’s 2014 Girl of the Year

Isabelle’s Dance Barre–Girls can give Isabelle the perfect place to practice her pliés! $65

  • A ballet barre
  • A foam yoga mat so Isabelle can stretch to warm up
  • Ballet slippers to help her glide on the floor
  • Pink pilates straps—your girl can slip them over Isabelle’s hands or feet to help her hold a pose!
  • A faux water bottle to keep her hydrated
  • A purple support bandage that wraps around her ankleAmerican Girl’s 2014 Girl of the Year

Isabelle’s Performance Set–Isabelle designs this spectacular costume for her Waltz of the Flowers ballet performance $38

    • A sleek unitard
    • A flowy tutu skirt made of layers of mesh and tulle
    • A show-stopping corsage of satin flowers embellished with ribbons, mesh, rhinestones, and sequins
    • Shimmery satin dance shoes with crisscross ankle ribbons
    • A starry rhinestone tiara and jeweled wristband that dazzle in the spotlightAmerican Girl’s 2014 Girl of the Year

 

American Girl Dolls are a special kind of luxury for young girls. The story they share give girls hope for their own dreams and desires. Isabelle Palmer is only around till 12/31/14 or until supplies last.




Healthy Choices with #PlayFood #giveaway #kidsinthekitchen

September 19, 2013 by

Encouraging the kids to be in the kitchen isn’t a new concept for me. For years I’ve urged the kids to help with prep work, work in the garden, choose dinner menus and to try new foods. Even as toddlers and young children their play kitchens were just extensions of the real kitchen in our home.

Pretend Play Healthy Food Choices #giveaway #kidsinthekitchen

Playing with pretend cupcakes and ice cream is always fun but I’ve been able add teachable moments by incorporating healthy play food and accessories.
This is one my favorite videos of Shae playing in her kitchen 3 years ago, preparing a stir fry meal.

Shae is 6 now but still regularly plays with her kitchen and loves the wide array of food choices she can serve while she plays restaurant. She especially loves to serve sandwiches, wraps and tacos. There are so many combinations with the ingredients that it becomes a game if she can remember everything.

We explain that adding veggies to a sandwich or switching from a big roll to a tortilla wrap makes that meal more healthy. These lessons carry over in real life as she asks for these choices to be packed in her real life lunch box.

Did you have fun in the “kitchen” this week? Did you try a new food or a new kid friendly restaurant? Did your littlest ones use their snacks to count to 10? We invite you to share your experiences, photos, stories or recipes that include your #kidsinthekitchen.

Come join me and my co-hosts, Paula at Frosted Fingers and Sara at Sensibly Sara,  Lisa of HooplaPalooza and Sarah of Play2LearnwithSarah each week linking up a post, new or old, that feature the theme Kids in the Kitchen. It doesn’t matter what you are doing as long as you are doing it together, enjoying it and learning something along the way.

Don’t have a blog? Share an instagram photo or Facebook update.
Linky Rules, #kidsinthekitchen

#KidsintheKitchen Weekly Linky


Give your kids healthy food choices while playing pretend with this giveaway of Play Food from Gummylump.com. Enter to win a Felt Food Sandwich Set and a Felt Food Taco & Burrito Set from LookWhatMomFound…and Dad too! just by telling us what other play food choice your child would love.

Play Food #giveaway
EXTRA ENTRIES:
To receive these extra opportunities for entries, you must fulfill the first REQUIRED entry above. Please note the changes to the entries and frequency, entries that don’t follow rules may be disregarded/ignored/deleted

Your entries must follow the rules or they won’t be eligible for prizes. This contest ends 11:59 pm, Friday, October 11, 2013. The winners will be emailed and will have 48 hours to claim their prize. This contest is open to Contiguous US residents, age 18 or over. For complete rules please read our blog contest rules page.




Save the Bunnies Win Some Toys #Giveaway

March 14, 2013 by

Have you heard? Chocolate Bunnnies are near extinction. Each year so many are needlessly slaughtered for their flavor and satisfaction. Can you wonder how that makes the other Easter Basket fillers feel?
This year take a stand with the “Save the Bunny” campaign. Mattel is here to steer you away from the unnecessary calories and creamy fillings to show you that your kid’s Easter Baskets can be filled with TOYS.

Stuff those baskets with great Mattel toys like Disney Movie Toys, WWE Figurines or Polly Pockets. Each line of toys has something perfect for the kids on your gift giving list. Since you’re reading this post you are getting the chance to win a Hot Wheels 5Pack and a Barbie Madison courtesy of Mattel.

This is a a Rafflecopter giveaway only. <— Click there
Save the Bunnies Campaign, barbie, hot wheels giveaway
Your entries must follow the rules or they won’t be eligible for prizes. This contest ends  Friday, March 29, 2013. The winners will be emailed and will have 24 hours to claim their prize. This contest is open to Contiguous US residents, age 18 or over only. For complete rules please read our blog contest rules page.

I Disclose




@MegaBloks Barbie Build ‘n Style Luxury Mansion available soon

December 7, 2012 by

Barbie is an icon and little girls love to play with dollhouses so what can be so wrong with putting them together?

NOTHING, thats why the Mega Bloks® Barbie Build® ‘n Style Luxury Mansion is an awesome gift this season.
Mega Bloks Barbie Build ‘n Style Luxury Mansion
Mega Bloks is already a trusted brand for developing imaginations and motor skills for kids of all ages. Using their little hands and growing minds whatever they imagine can come true. This season Mega Bloks has introduced an entire line paying homage to the classic Barbie and her friends like the included Teresa.

barbie and teresa

The Mega Bloks Barbie Build ‘n Style Luxury Mansion is bright and cheerful and full of everything needed to start playing right away. With 8 build-able rooms your child can decorate them however they see fit. Playrooms, theaters, indoor gardens and luxurious bathrooms are just some of the many ideas that can come to life. Ideal for children aged 4 and up.barbie mega bloks mansion Young girls will be empowered to build ‘n style their very own Mega Bloks Barbie world, with over 300 specially-designed pieces and tons of detailed accessories. Collect up to 19 mini-fashion dolls — including Barbie, Teresa, Nikki and of course Ken — with changeable hair, accessories and clothing styles! There’s lots of great places to shop, like the Fashion Boutique and the Pet Shop. Hang out at home in the personalized Luxury Mansion, relax at the pool or hop in your convertible and head to the beach house!

The Mega Bloks Barbie Build ‘n Style Luxury Mansion along with the rest of the Mega Bloks Barbie will be hitting store shelves on December 12 in North America.

Pre-order the Mega Bloks Barbie collection from preferred retailers today so you don’t miss out on the fun.




One Step Ahead Toys and Games for all plus Giveaway

December 5, 2012 by

If you know me you know how much I love imagination play. My children are evidence to that with their dress up clothes, play kitchens, dolls and arts and crafts.

One Step Ahead is a trusted source for all of your childs play, safety and organization needs. I’ve been a customer of One Step Ahead and Leaps and Bounds since Sabreena was a baby. They were there when I needed child proofing solutions for a kitchen, when I wanted personalized toys and they are there when it’s time to shop for toys and baby gear for babies to be.

Here is my very own Imagination Play and Toy Gift Guide for kids of all ages.

dyson ball vacuum for kids
Dyson Ball Vacuum for Kids
Kids can twist and turn it for almost-real role play and “empty” the pullout bin. It even sounds real, but quieter. With release pedal and spinning cyclone beads.

Step 2 Creative Table
This Step 2® art desk is incredibly sturdy, loaded with storage space, and big enough for two! It has a very roomy work area and holds tons of art supplies, thanks to dual side trays, a wooden overhead shelf, and double book racks built into the base.

Smooth Touch Tablet
Smooth Touch Tablet
This slick learning pad looks like your expensive tablet, except it’s built for curious little fingers! It features 27 touch-sensitive icons that invite kids to explore letters, numbers, colors, shapes, animals, music, and more.

responsibility reward chart
Responsibility Reward Chart
Beautifully embroidered, with stick-on gold stars, chores, and reward tags. 18″ x 24″, with organizer pouch, pockets, and 78 hook and loop pieces (including create-your-own blanks).

Activity Rug
Activity Area Rugs
These gorgeous kids’ carpets are for you! They’re durable, decorative, and a great deal! Each rug measures 39″L x 58″W and has a non-skid backing. In charming themes to match popular kids’ room décor.

Kids Nap Mat
Kid Nap Mat
Our generously-stuffed nap mat is larger than most, with attached fleece blanket and removable pillow. Rolls up compactly; stay-put hook ‘n loop closure and carry strap included.

Kid Microphone
Kid’s Microphone
Does your little pop star dream of making music videos? She can! This clever microphone connects to TVs and DVD recorders, producing thrilling live performances and taped videos. Connects directly to iPods, MP3s, or CD players for great background sound. Includes disco lights and applause.

Here is another recommendation for imagination play and hours of entertainment.
Bosch Junior Toy Workbench and Toy Toolbox and Toolset
This sturdy, toy workbench looks like Dad’s, but it’s packed with hands-on activities for small fry. Pair it with the toolbox with toy hammer, saw, screwdriver, wrench…even a whirring toy power drill. Come on, Dad, let’s fix something!

bosch toolbench or toolbox for kids

Enter to win the Workbench and Toolbox here at LookWhatMomFound…and Dad too! by letting me know what other products you love from Leaps and Bounds or One Step Ahead.

EXTRA ENTRIES:
To receive these extra opportunities for entries, you must fulfill the first REQUIRED entry above. Please note the changes to the entries and frequency, entries that don’t follow rules may be disregarded/ignored/deleted.

Your entries must follow the rules or they won’t be eligible for prizes. This contest ends 11:59 pm, Monday, December 17, 2012. The winners will be emailed and will have 24 hours to claim their prize. This contest is open to Continental US residents, age 18 or over only. For complete rules please read our blog contest rules page.
I Disclose




New Lalaloopsy Mermaid is Here plus #giveaway

May 4, 2012 by

I’ve talked about Shae’s (and my) love for LalaLoopsy dolls. We were introduced to them last year and since then they’ve established their places in Shae’s heart and bed. Recently new Lalaloopsy dolls have emerged; this time for the tub.

lalaloopsy mermaid tub toy bathtime puffer fish

do you see the puffer fish blowing bubbles?

Bath toys are hard to come by for mature 4 year olds. Shae has known her colors, numbers and alphabet for quite some time and while pouring water from cup to cup is fun it loses it attraction after a few minutes. Shae likes drama and Lalaloopsy allows her to create her own stories and scenes with adorably decorated and designed dolls.

Coral Sea Shells™ was sewn from a swimmer’s bathing suit. She’s super-imaginative and she loves to pretend she’s a real mermaid. Her favorite hobbies are swimming with the fish and eating seaweed salad. She has a pet blowfish.
Sewn on Date: March 22nd (World Water Day)

Coral Sea Shells along with other mermaid dolls have been joining Shae in the tub for about 45 minutes of play each time. Whether it’s tub toys, littles, minis or original size Lalaloopsy is something all kids (and some adults) will love.

lalaloopsy little giveaway

Discover Lalaloopsy Land your child and watch their little faces light up over the cuteness. Even better yet, win your own Lalaloopsy Sew Magical Mermaid Doll AND Lalaloopsy Littles doll. Visit the Lalaloopsy Doll catalog and tell me your favorite dolls.

  • Subscribe to LookWhatMomFound…and Dad too! via email or RSS feed
  • SHARE this giveaway on YOUR Facebook wall
  • Like Lalaloopsy  and LookWhatMomFound…and Dad too! on Facebook
  • Follow Mom & Dad  on Twitter and Tweet this giveaway (1 time per day), please leave your twitter link each time, tweet a form of this message: It’s time to enter to win Lalaloopsy Mermaid and Littles dolls #Giveaway from @lkwhtmomfound @anddadtoo http://bit.ly/IGXjOJ 
  • Enter another Giveaway – let us know which one in the comment (one extra entry per giveaway you enter, just leave separate comments)
  • Leave a relevant comment on any other Review/Everyday Life/Thoughts post, let us know where to find it

Your entries must follow the rules or they won’t be eligible for prizes. This contest ends 11:59 pm, Friday, May 25, 2012. The winners will be emailed and will have 24 hours to claim their prize. This contest is open to Continental US residents only. For complete rules please read our blog contest rules page.

I Disclose




Razor Electric Scooter

April 12, 2012 by

electric scooter, razor scooter

For months my 10 year old daughter, Parker, has been begging for a electric scooter. So when Christmas came around we decided to get her the Razor Electric Scooter – E175. It was the hit of Christmas and after charging the battery over night, she was outside riding it all over. The battery last only about 40 minutes and after her sister, all of the other kids in the neighborhood, and my husband got a ride the battery was done.

A month after Christmas my daughter, Peyton had her 8th birthday. We ended up getting another Razor E175 scooter to avoid all the fighting over the first one. Since the top speed is only 10 mph, it was fast enough for the 10 year old daredevil as well as slow enough for the very cautious 8 year old. The one draw back, which we didn’t even notice until we got the second Razor was the battery life. Granted the first Razor did get a lot of use between Parker and everyone else in the neighborhood in one month. However once we had the two of them we realized that the first scooters battery only lasted about half the time as the new did. We even following the suggestion of not getting the battery too cold and stored them inside the house rather than the garage. However, that didn’t seem to make a difference. The kids still love them and we just had to teach them that once the battery dies the scooters still worked the good old fashion way and that they would just have to use a little leg power. All and all the kids really enjoy them and are really happy to finally have electric scooters.

razor electric scooter

This is not a sponsored post, the opinions are all my own.




Next Page »