Yankee Candle: Top Holiday Picks *Giveaway*

After 41 years in the candle business, Yankee Candle offers the world’s largest collection of candles and home fragrances with over 150 scents. Between filling our own house with Balsam & Cedar to get into the holiday spirit, giving gifts such as “My Favorite Things” votives and bringing Wine Collection scents to holiday parties, Yankee offers a variety of gift ideas and ways to prepare for the upcoming holiday season. Here are some of our top Yankee picks:

My Favorite Things

MSRP: $19.99
Review: Inspired by The Sound of Music, this box set include twelve sample Yankee Candle votives in scents such as "Raindrops on Roses" and "Warm Woolen Mittens" making a perfect gift idea.

Perfect Pillars

MSRP: $19.99
Review: With over 9 hours of fragrance, these Perfect Pillar candles with their brushed metal lid and removable label combine decorating ease and holiday scent.

Holiday 2011 Vintage Collection

MSRP: $24.99
Review:Part scented candle and part greeting card with vintage-style messages such as "May the Peace & Joy of the Holidays Be Yours," these Vintage Collection candles including the classic large jar pictured won't break the bank either.

Holiday 2011 Fragrances

MSRP: $22.99
Review:Shown in a medium jar,Cherries on Snowis just one of the holiday scents which also inclde "Christmas Cookie," "Deck the Halls" and other scents in both tumblers and various size jars.

Disclaimer: Sample products were provided for review purposes; all opinions are 100% our own.

Cool Giveaway: Enter to win a small jar of each of the following Yankee candle fragnances: Cherries on Snow, Mountain Berry and Christmas Rose. To enter, comment on this site telling us your current favorite Yankee candle scent.   For extra entries:

Check out even more entry possibilities if you’re really determined to win. Read the prize claim information; we announce winners on Prizey.net. Expires 11/23/11.

Top Ten Hot Holiday Toy Picks *2011*

Lite Sprites *Wow Wee Toys*

Recommended Age: 6M-4Y
Retail Price: Various
Comments: We absolutely love these color-capturing Lite Sprites. Build a Lite-Topia world with Sprites, Pods, Playsets and even Lite Pets.

LeapPad Explorer *LeapFrog*

Recommended Age: 4-9Y
Retail Price: $139.97
Comments: This starter bundle includes a $40 app card and is the perfect way to get started with our #1 toy pick.

Squinkies *Blip Toys*

Recommended Age: 4Y and up
Retail Price: Various
Review: Though a hot holiday pick from 2010, Squinkies with an all new boy line, Disney, Marvel and more, are as hot ever!

Hearts for Hearts Dolls *Playmates Toys*

Recommended Age: 6Y and up
Retail Price: $29.99
Review: A standout toy from Time to Play, i was immediately drawn to Hearts for Hearts Girks, beautiful dolls from six countries with a portion of proceeds to WorldVision helping empower girls around the world.

Voice Rockrz Mic & First Act Musical Instruments

Recommended Age: 3 and up
Retail Price: $24.99
Review: Between voice altering microphone Voice Rockrz and other musical instruments including cool kids' guitars, First Act Discovery is music to little ones' ears.

Playskool Heroes *Hasbro*

Recommended Age: 3 and up
Retail Price: $29.99 (pictured)
Review: Action figures and playsets for the young boys' age group such as Marvel Super Heroes (pictured) were hard to come by before the advent of Playskool Heroes and Transformers Rescue Bots which are chunkier for little hands.

Appmates *Spinmaster & Disney Consumer Products*

Recommended Age: 4+
Retail Price$12.99 (single)
Review: If your kids have taken over the iPad like mine, why not harness their inner Lightening McQueen with Appmates, an innovative, interactive toy/tech gadget which revolutionizes iPad play.

Laugh & Learn Apptivity Case *Fisher-Price*

Recommended Age: 6M and up
Retail Price: $14.99
Review: Genius! Encase your iPhone or iPod Touch so the little one stays on a chosen app without the ability to call your contacts. This was another Time to Play Holiday Showcase standout that I fell in love with instantly.

Chuggington Wooden Railway Trainee Roundhouse

Recommended Age: 3Y an up
Retail Price: $119.00
Review: The Trainee Roundhouse Set is a perfect starter for what promises to be years of Chuggington Wooden Railway fun. The Over & Under Start Set at $59.99 is a great lower price point starter as well.

Cool Tip: If you’re visiting from our segment on WBRE PA Live! thanks so much for stopping by and be sure to subscribe/follow Cool Baby Kid for more cool picks, tips and giveaways!

 

P’kolino Chalk Table from Maukilo *Toys & Gifts for Kids*

Want to provide your kids a platform to work on their letters, try the P’kolino Chalk Table.  The Chalk Table is sized for small kids at 24″ squared and doesn’t take up unnecessary space.  The bench style chairs easily store beneath the table when not in use and are relatively low and easy to sit on for young kids.  The table has a reversible top with a chalk board side for writing and coloring and a white painted side for hiding any chalk mess or working on crafts.  A storage area beneath the top can be used to store your writing and craft supplies.  The hole in the center allows quick removal of the top for turning or storage.  Table is very easy to assemble with pre-drilled holes and lock screws used to secure the legs of the table and bench.  After that you’re ready to go, assembly time is definitely less than an hour. In summary, if you are on a budget and are looking for a small stylish table the P’kolino Chalk Table may fit the bill.

Written by Mr. Cool Baby Kid

Disclaimer: A product sample was provided for review purposes; all opinions are 100% our own.

About Maukilo (http://www.maukilo.com/)

Maukilo is the leading supplier of quality, timeless toys and gifts. We provide innovative, safe and eco-friendly playthings for all ages. From infant toys to kids toys, they’re fun, educational and last a lifetime. Inspired by European toys and owned and operated by the German based HABA, we’re your best source for baby toys, building blocks (from our wooden toys collection), educational toddler toys and everything in between. With Maukilo you Buy Once, Play Forever.

Cool Tip: Maukilo is a fantastic source for unique gift ideas with free shipping on orders over $65 where you can shop by category such as pretend play. And it’s adorable too! Follow them on Facebook and Twitter for updates and be sure to subscribe to Cool Baby Kid for more cool picks.

Goosie Personalized Flashcards *Top Pick & Giveaway*

Goosie flashcards embody every single Cool Baby Kid cool-factor. Unique, customizable, educational and just plain awesome, these have been numerous of our best of the best lists for years.  When they recently contacted me to check out a new card creation process now that Goosie has partnered with Walgreens, I was overjoyed. Test out one of my all-time favorite products…a no-brainer. I must have been onto something as they were even featured on People.com!

An ingenious mom who realized the influence personalized pictures had during a learning session with her son began to offer custom flashcards that enabled users to upload pictures and text for create one-of-a-kind creations. The new system is so easy even providing pictures to supplement your own. Just enter Goosie at Walgreen Photo Center, choose Signature or Everyday Collection, upload your pics, add text and voila! Using Goosie flashcards to create custom ABC cards is great suggestion, but since mine are learning to read, I used the opportunity to create custom sight word flashcards. The trickiest part of our creations were integrating sight words to match pictures of the kids and our family members. But with phrases “Nonnie & Grampa Mont Love Us,” I was able to accomplish this goal.

Goosie also offers gift certificates for a unique baby gift, toddler birthday gift or preschooler present. I highly recommend both for personal use and as a gift idea and will be absolutely utilizing them again in the future for just that.  It’s just a shame I don’t have a “Best Unique, Educational and Customizable Gift Ideas” guide to include these in.

Disclosure: A sample product was provided for review purposes; all opinions are 100% ours.

Cool Giveaway:Enter to win one of two Signature Collection Goosie flashcard packs ($27.99 value/each) by commenting on this post with who you might use them. For extra entries:

Check out even more entry possibilities if you’re really determined to win. Read the prize claim information as we announce winners on Prizey.net. Expires 10/18/11.

Princess Linens: Personalized Gifts for Babies and Kids

Since 2007 we’ve only reviewed a handful of products and companies multiple times. Some meet multiple cool criteria; such is the case with Princess Linens. After checking out My First Scrubs I later purchased the Green Camo Doodlebag as a personalized birthday gift perfect for kids on the go. Most recently my daughter had an opportunity to sport Princess Linens Pink Stripe Crayon Apron, an inventive and personalizable place to store crayons for easy reach. Paired with an easel, it makes drawing time a breeze and less messy affair. Crayons stay (for the most part) in their place with this “big girl” apron.

I’m amazed at the variety of unique offerings from this site and had a hard time narrowing down a cool picks list to just a few items. For birthday gifts, personalized baby gifts and other “wow factor” ideas, here are a few favorites:

Disclosure: A sample product was provided for review purposes; all opinions are 100% ours. Read our full disclaimer and frequently asked questions.

Cool Giveaway: Enter to win a personalized Pink Stripe Crayon Apron by commenting on this post.  Expires 8/4/11.

Read the contest rules and prize claim information as we announce winners on Prizey.net. Check out even more entry possibilities if you’re really determined to win.

Top Ten Picks of All Time *Giveaway*

Reviewing products for babies, kids and parents since 2007, I’ve amassed a list of editor’s picks, gift guide choices and best of the best posts, but the following ten enjoy a special place among Cool Baby Kid picks. Each of the Top Ten of All Time offer something special, and many are giving you a chance to win their picks. Enjoy!

Pampers

Our family has used and loved Pampers long before I became a Baby Board Pampers Ambassador. Since 2006, two of our children have worn (one is still wearing Easy Ups) a brand with whom we're truly proud to partner.

Keurig & K-Cups

Another product I fell in love with before becoming a Brand Ambassador, K-Cups and the amazing Keurig Brewer has made mornings just a bit easier. My family loves the Green Mountain Coffee varieties, and I'm one happy tea drinker.

Vera Bradley

Being introduced to Vera Bradley has been one of my favorite partnerships on Cool Baby Kid. Now a Vera devotee, I own purses, overnight bags and have purchased Vera for multiple gifts. Love love love.

Quick Zip Crib Sheets

These are simply amazing; every single new parent needs to ditch their crib sheets and buy the Quick Zip Start Set by Clouds & Stars immediately. With the top sheet able to zip off, there's no need to remove the mattress to change sheets. Brilliant!

Peter Pauper Press

A recent find that we're so excited to share once again, Peter Pauper Press has the most unbelievable selection of gift ideas for children, parents, grandparents and just about anyone. Little Black Books, Memories books and journals are #1.

Bissell Steam & Sweep

When one reviews a product and then uses it every day thereafter, it's a winner. Making our Holiday Gift Guide and Best of 2010 list, this all-in-one sweeper and hard surfaces cleaner has revolutionize cleaning in our house.

Teach My

We started using Teach My Toddler unfortunately missing out on the Teach My Baby stage. Since we began "learning time" has been an almost daily staple of our routine with the best all-in-one learning kit out there.

LeapFrog Explorer

On trips, restaurant outings or just about anywhere we take the kids, the Explorer in their go-to educational toy combining learning with fun. Games, e-Books...Explorer does it all making it our #1 pick for on-the-go learning fun.

Bella Tunno Wipeable Bibs

After an all-out search for a wipeable and washable bib, I was introduced to Bella Tunno and never looked back. Adorable patterns and stylish, practical products such as Oopsie Ditty and Little Linkers make them an all-time fav.

Wonder Bumpers

Like the Quick Zip Sheets, Wonder Bumpers by GoMamaGo Designs are a MUST for new baby. Eliminating the need for potentially dangerous traditional bumpers, these stand upright, help prevent climbing out and give a distinct, unique look.

Cool Giveaway: Enter to win a “Top Ten Prize Pack” including all of the following products given to ONE WINNER. Total prize value over $1,300! Expires 6/10/11. US Only.

  • 6 Month Supply of Pampers Diapers and Pampers Wipes
  • Bissell Steam & Sweep Hard Floor Cleaner
  • GoMamaGo Designs Wonder Bumpers (38 Pack, Wishes of Windsor Excluded)
  • Clouds & Stars Quick-Zip Crib Sheet Starter Set and Mattress Pad (Choice Color)
  • Butterflies Gift Bag filled with goodies from Peter Pauper Press
  • Teach My Kit (Winner’s Choice of Baby, Toddler or Preschooler)
  • Bella Tunno Wipeable Bib (Winner’s Choice of Pattern)

To enter, comment on this post after subscribing to CBK via RSS or email. For extra entries, follow us and be sure to leave a separate comment for each entry. 16 Extra Entries Maximum

New Favorite Site for Unique Gift Ideas *Giveaway*

Reviewing hundreds of products and websites since 2007, some stand out to make our Top Picks list. Others receive an Editor’s Pick designation because one of the Cool Baby Kid reviewers love it. A select few are listed in our annual Best of the Year post. Peter Pauper Press makes all three lists. As soon as I began perusing the site, I knew it was tailor made for me. With inspirational gifts, organizers for mom, a Little Black Disney book and other cool picks, I immediately bookmarked it knowing the site was a keeper.

I had the opportunity to check out The Little Black Book of Walt Disney World and The Little Sweet Book of Cupcakes. These are adorable and packed with information. As new Disney Vacation Club member, we recently visited Magic Kingdom for the day and used the pull-out map in Rona Gindin’s Little Black Book. We plan to use it to plan future WDW vacations as well. The most compact guide I’ve seen, it’s amazing how many ideas and tidbits are offered in just under 250 pages. And speaking of tidbits, The Sweet Little Books of Cupcakes by Nicholas Peruzzi with Courtney Forrester is filled with cupcake recipes and pictures to inspire even non-bakers like myself. It’s compact size and $10.95 price tag make the book a perfect pairing with other cupcake-themed items for a gift basket.

Filled with other unique gift ideas, Peter Pauper Press is a treasure-trove of unique finds. Some of my favorite include:

The last selection includes multiple book themes–Dream, Happiness, Believe and more–filled with quotes and a gift card holder (card not included) for $5.95. Stock up and give the best gift card on the block. LOVE these and love Peter Pauper Press.

Disclosure: A sample product was provided for review purposes; all opinions are 100% ours. Read our full disclaimer and frequently asked questions.

Cool Giveaway: Enter to win two of my favorite Peter Pauper Press products–a little black (or pink) book of your choice plus an Artisan Petites™ Mini-Book.

Check out even more entry possibilities if you’re really determined to win. Read the contest rules and prize claim information as we announce winners on Prizey.net. Expires 5/19/11. To enter, just comment on this post after subscribing to CBK via RSSor email.

Ultimate Baby Gift Guide

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