Cool Baby Kid » Kid

Quick Tips Tuesday: Kids Like Candy? Sugar Free Ring Pops!

giselej — Tue, 18 May 2010 12:00:00 +0000

Cool Tip: For special treats, long trips, birthday parties, or bribes (did I say that?) a little candy can go a long way. Even consumed sparingly, the sugar factor is an issue. Sugar-Free Rings Pops not only serve as a treat and piece of jewelry, but the new sugar-free version eases some parent guilt too. Win a bag by commenting on this post with one Ring Pops flavor offering. U.S. residents only. Expires 6/1/10.

Disclosure/Extra Entries: A sample product was provided for review purposes; all opinions are 100% ours. Read our full disclaimer and frequently asked questions and get extra entries. Also be sure to subscribe to Cool Baby Kid via RSS or email for winner notification and exclusive discounts and additional giveaways.

Travel Tip: Looking to hit the road this summer with the kids? ABC Travel Guides combine travel and education with ABC guides made for just kids. From Manhattan: An Alphabet Book, Travel Guide and Souvenir for Kids to ABC Boston and other cites around the U.S, these unique guides can be purchased on their site or Amazon.com.

Berry Jane: Fun and Playful Leggins {Giveaway & Coupon}

giselej — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 10:00:00 +0000

Recently we had the opportunity to check out “leggings for little ladies” by Berry Jane. A quick visit to their website gives you an idea of the playfulness of their the line. They are fun for dress up and for play and can be dressed up or dressed down. The leggins are stretchy and durable as well. Little girls will love to wear them all over town.

Did you ever like to dress up like your favorite TV star or pop singer? Any Madonna wannabee Moms out there? Well, this will do it. These leggins are perfect with boots or a skirt and are known to make wearing pants a whole new experience for little girls. Since they are stretchy and slim fitting I personally would order a larger size. Choose your own fashion statement from variety of different colors for many different personalities such as the basic leggings, peace and love or

urban jungle from this made in the USA line of tween clothing.

Cool Giveaway: Enter to win a $50 Berry Jane gift card by signing up for their newsletter and commenting back here with your impressions of their site. Receive additional entries for follow them on Twitter and/or becoming a Facebook fan. Remember to leave an extra comment for each. Expires 3/30/10.

Disclosure & Extra Entries: A sample product was provided for review purposes; all opinions are 100% ours. Get unlimited contest entries, read our full disclaimer and frequently asked questions. Be sure to subscribe to Cool Baby Kid via RSS or email for winner notification and exclusive discounts and additional giveaways.

Smart Tip: Enter code “COOLBABY” for $10 off and free shipping on your Berry Jane $25 or more order!

Toy Fair 2010: Hasbro Coming Attractions & Beloved Favorites

giselej — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 01:08:00 +0000

On February 13, 2010 I attended the Toy Fair in New York City and caught up with one of Cool Baby Kid’s favorite toy companies–Hasbro. It was a wonderful and exciting opportunity to learn about Hasboro’s innovative Spring and Fall 2010 Toys. Informative, upbeat, creative, and imaginative are just a few of the adjectives I could use to describe the Hasboro staff. They stressed how much they value customer input and described how diligently they are working to improve each toy. Each member of the staff began by describing their own family and how their family memories, values, and traditions are part of their core values of the company. The passion and dedication that they have for their jobs was evident.

After the introductions we had the chance to tour the showroom in small groups led by a Hasboro staff member. We viewed the toys one by one and had a detailed explanation of the toy’s history, uses, safety features, and price. Each staff member showed a true interest for their toy and welcomed feedback and suggestions from everyone. Many of the toys (Mr.Potato Head, Gloworm and My Little Pony) were toys that I remember from childhood. It was neat to see how they improved and changed the toy in so many ways. I would love to write about each and every cool toy from the fair, but instead I will highlight a few favorites:

ALPHIE
(Ages 3 years & up; Approx. Retail Price: $39.99; Available: Fall 2010)

The modern ALPHIE pal from Playskool features important educational activities that help develop early learning skills in preschoolers. Preschoolers can learn the alphabet, rhyming, counting, color and shape recognition, matching, animal names, instrument sounds and much more! I loved this toy because it is educational and fun! Since I am a teacher by trade I am constantly looking for toys that will inspire learning. Alphie does just this and this is a toy that will keep your child occupied for hours. This would be an ideal pick for a preschool age child because many of the skills that Alphie teaches are ones that are should be acquired before kindergarten. Since Alphie is so easy to carry it would be the perfect toy to take to Grandma’s House, a family trip, or a play date.

BABY ALIVE BOUNCIN’ BABBLES
(Ages 3 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $24.99 /Available: Fall 2010)

With her big eyes open wide and a loveable smile on her face, BABY ALIVE BOUNCIN’ BABBLES doll can’t wait to play with her “mommy!” Hold her hands and watch this adorable, energetic tot bounce up and down while giggling and making playful baby sounds. BABY ALIVE BOUNCIN’ BABBLES will also “chuckle” and “coo” just like a “real” baby when “mommy” comes near. The Baby Alive Bouncin’ Babbles is so cute that many parents will want to pick it up and play with it. A few bloggers couldn’t resist the urge to do so! Your little one will love the way it interacts by laughing and making sounds. The perfect fit for any “little mommy.”

EASY-BAKE DELUXE DELIGHTS
Cake and Cookie Kit
(Ages 8 years & up; Approx. Retail Price: $29.99; Available: Fall 2010)

Set to debut in October 2010, this deliciously new bake-set offers girls the opportunity to show off their creativity with edible works of EASY-BAKE art. The EASY-BAKE DELUXE DELIGHTS Cake and Cookie Kit comes with a microwave container and lid for baking tasty sweets and loads of accessories that a pastry chef in training will need. I must admit that I wish my four year old was old enough to play with this. I was amazed and how much Hasboro had added to this toy. I remember making brownies in my easy bake oven…now they can make cake with fondant. It includes a wide variety of supplies and with a price less than $30 it is an outstanding value.

FURREAL FRIENDS GOGO, MY WALKIN’ PUP
(Ages 4 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $59.99/Available: Fall 2010)

The Furreal friends pets will give your child all of the joy and excitement that pets brings without the hassle of a live pet! They would also be great “practice” for a pet. Gogo was so cute and so much fun to walk! I loved how the pet responded to touch. This will be a great toy to play with independently or share with a group of friends! Although it seems early to plan for the holidays of 2010, this may want to be a toy on your list!

OPERATION: Toy Story 3 Edition
(Approximate Retail Price: $19.99; Ages: 6 and up; Availability: Spring 2010)

Bring BUZZ LIGHTYEAR back to full flying speed by removing all 13 of his malfunctioning parts without touching the sides of his spacesuit and setting off the laser sounds. The new edition of operation has all of the fun of the old game with a new twist! The Toys Story 3 Edition will bring hours of family fun to your home! Another great feature of this game is that it helps to improve coordination and fine motor skills! I also liked how it reinforced math skills with the money component of the game.

Written by Alicia, Cool Baby Kid Contributor

Stay in Touch: Subscribe to Cool Baby Kid via RSS or email for more toy picks as well as special discounts and giveaways.

HIT Entertainment Video Roundup: New and Noteworthy

cecelia — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 10:15:00 +0000

Does your child love Thomas the Train? Does your child love the water? Well, this is the DVD for you. Join Thomas and friends on some great adventures through puddles, ponds, and even a little splashing game. This DVD has fantastic animation. HIT Entertainment really outdid themselves with the CGI Animation; it feels like you are in the movies. The characters are so realistic. My toddler loved that Thomas looked as though he was taking to him. He loved to meet the new engine, Charlie, and have a sloppy car race with Sir Topham Hat. The Splish, Splash, Splosh Thomas the Train DVD includes great music your children will enjoy, and of course, lessons that make parents proud. Included on this DVD is a game with the Crane and a counting game with Thomas, both educational and enjoyable for your children. The Splish, Splash, Splosh may be one of my favorites yet from the Thomas collection. It gives my son hours of fun, and I have to admit, I did enjoy watching these adventures myself. I recommend to parents who have toddlers and to anyone who know a child that loves Thomas the Train.

If your child is a Bob the Builder fan, the Best of Bob the Builder is a must. This DVD has hours of adventures, never before seen stories, and bonus feature games. Your child will enjoy 10 of the best episodes of “Bob the Builder” over the past 10 years. Bob and all his friends, Roley, Scoop, Lofty and Muck, Dizzy, and more have loads of fun and learn some important lessons along the way. My favorite episode is when Dizzy goes camping. My son loved that one. I think this episode would be great to have your toddler watch or bring along for their first camping trip. If your child is a builder, then “The House that Lofty built” is the episode for them. My son started to take out his blocks and build his own house after that one. I would recommend this DVD to all the “Bob the Builder” fans for hours of enjoyment.

Barney’s Let’s Grow: Lend a Helping Hand is a hit with our travel DVD player. I love how this DVD includes Kelly and Chica from the Sprout network. My toddler really thinks of the comforts of home with these familiar characters. We always take it along for some smooth travel. All your favorites are rolled into one, Barney, Bob the Builder, Thomas & Friends, Fireman Sam, and Angelina Ballerina–which makes this DVD a success with both boys and girls. Let’s Grow: Lend a Helping Hand has your child’s favorite characters going on adventures where they need to help others. With Barney and Baby Bop, your children will learn how important it is to clean up after themselves–LOVE IT!! They will learn about the importance of recycling with Kelly and Chica. They even learn more about correct ways to clean up as well as the importance of working together with Bob the Builder and Friends as they get ready for the Grand Opening–of what you ask–I won’t spoil the surprise. This DVD has more adventures with Thomas the Train, Fireman Sam, and Angelina Ballerina–all with lessons on how important helping others can be.

Written by Debby, Cool Baby Kid contributor

Cool Tip: Purchase Best of Bob the Builder, Thomas the Train Splish, Splash, Splosh and Barney’s Let’s Grow: Lend a Helping Hand on Amazon.com.

Subscribe to Cool Baby Kid via RSS or email for exclusive discounts. Looking for even more baby equipment picks? We’ve got you covered…

Wade Oaks: Kids’ Tess with Knitted Designs {Giveaway}

giselej — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 15:00:00 +0000

Talk about adorable! This one of a kind handcrafted, 100% organic cotton tee will have your little one looking as cute as can be. Best part, this tee is hand made right here by a mom in the USA. Wade Oaks is a company created by a mom who who has a passion for knitting. The tee is soft and the butterfly design is eye popping. The butterfly design is colorful and as soft as a baby’s blanket. I am sure when your child wears this tee, she will get tons of compliments. The boys aren’t left out either with rocket ships, alien designs and more. The tee shirt can be paired up with jeans, shorts, or a cute little jean skirt. You can also machine wash, the tee becoming even softer after each time. There are many designs to choose from with onesies available as well; sizes range from 3-6 months and up. If you want to be original in your gift giving, a Wade Oaks tee is sure to be a hit for a shower or birthday gift.

Written by Debby, Cool Baby Kid Contributor

Cool Giveaway: Enter to win your choice of baby/toddler short sleeve t-shirt by visiting Wade Oaks and commenting back on your favorite design. Receive an extra entry for becoming a Facebook fan, following on twitter and/or following Wadeoaks’ Blog. (International winner pays shipping.) Expires 3/12/10.

Cool Tip: Use code “cbk0210″ for 20% off your Wade Oaks order!

Disclosure & Contact: A sample product was provided for review purposes; all opinions are 100% ours. Also read our full disclaimer and review frequently asked questions, subscribe to Cool Baby Kid via RSS or email for winner notification and exclusive discounts and enter additional giveaways.

Next Direct Kids’ Model Search: $100,000 College Scholarship

giselej — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 10:00:00 +0000

I have a soft spot for the British. After visiting England three times I am convinced they are some of the nicest people on earth, and I was thrilled with the reception we received as Americans. So when an opportunity presented itself to highlight a brand popular across the pond but new to the US, I was thrilled to do so. Next Direct, a fashion, furniture and housewares brand, in celebration of their US launch, is running a Children’s Model Search with the opportunity to win a $100,000 college scholarship and one year modeling contract with Wilhelmina Models. To enter your 4-7 year old, visit their Facebook page beginning today at 7 a.m. EST and upload a picture of your child. Fifty finalists will be invited to Universal Studios on April 24, 2010 where a winner will be chosen.

Cool Tip: Check out the Next Direct collection for the entire family.

Disclosure & Contact: Monetary compensation by Next Direct; all opinions are 100% ours. Also read our full disclaimer and review frequently asked questions, subscribe to Cool Baby Kid via RSS or email for winner notification and exclusive discounts and enter additional giveaways.

Executees: Custom Rhinestone T-Shirts For True Divas

giselej — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 10:00:00 +0000

Say hello to Bridgette, my friend and compadre on Double Duty Divas, a blog promotion and networking site we recently launched, who models tees on the side. “Divas” by the way refer to ourselves as we balance parenting, professional and blogging. One cool way we’re promoting the site is with the pictured personalize tee from Executees who create customized shirts made with CRYSTALLIZED™ Swarovski Elements. Not only does it look super cute, the shirt holds up to washing and is soft and comfy too.

Haven’t created a business or website recently to promote? They offer other spiffy styles too including tees for brides and weddings, kids and completely personalized styles as well. As extensive catalog of Bella shirts lets customers choose anything from standard long or shirt sleeve tees to hoodies, terry pants and more. Years ago I purchased a pair of yoga pants at the Utica Boilermaker 15K with the Bella label and have yet to give them up even torn and tattered after since they really are my #1 favorite pants for comfort. So if you’re looking for a fancied up personalize shirt or pants for yourself or the kids, Executees is a cool pick we’re happy to spotlight.

Cool Tip: As Valentine’s Day approached, Excutees is ready with various heart designs including my favorite solid heart at the top of their homepage.

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

Musicolor: Combining Creativity & Technology {Giveaway}

cecelia — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 20:00:00 +0000

Musicolor by Delta Creative is a fun and creative toy that will enhance your child’s creativity by turning color into music. We liked it because it was so easy to do together as a fun-filled family activity. The kit includes a model record players and paper records that your child colors. The paper records have numbers on them so it is also a great exercise in following directions. If you color in all the numbers correctly the record will play a song. Some of the songs include: Jingle Bells, Three Blind Mice, and Humpty Dumpty. This innovative tool compares the power of technology with creativity in a unique way. Musicolor had my four year old occupied for almost an hour. She did need prompting to stay in the lines; I would recommend it for children from 4 to 7 years old. Musicolor was nominated for Toy of the Year in 2009 and also in Playthings Toy of the Week in October, 2009. It is available on Amazon.com, Target.com, and Deltacreative.com and a wonderful activity for the winter months.

Written by Alicia, Cool Baby Kid Contributor

Cool Giveaway: Enter to win Musicolor by visiting the Delta Creative site and commenting back here with your thoughts. US residents only. Ends 2/14/10.

Extra Entries: Find out how to earn an unlimited number of entries including becoming a FB fan and read the contest rules and disclaimer.

Subscribe to Cool Baby Kid via RSS or email for winner notification and exclusive discounts. Looking for even more giveaways? We’ve got you covered.

Organic Cottontail Layette Set:: Luxury for Baby {Giveaway}

giselej — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 10:00:00 +0000

For the moms like me who want an adorable outfit for their baby while also wanting to be environmentally friendly the three piece layette set from Organic Cottontail is the perfect choice. The organic pima cotton sets come in a variety of styles including the blouse, footed pant and hat designed for that special little girl. Sizes range from newborn to 12 months. From the moment I took the clothes out of the box I couldn’t get over how incredibly soft the organic pima cotton is; perfect for a newborn’s sensitive skin. This outfit became a clear choice for my daughter to wear when we brought her home from the hospital. I loved the cardigan blouse with the girlie ruffled edges and ribbon ties which pairs perfectly with the footed pants and the cozy knotted hat.

Both the cardigan and hat feature a hand embroidered bunny detail. The look of the baby clothing is reason enough to buy them but I love the fact that the layette sets and other baby items are produced in sweat shop free environments and that the soft pink color (blue and ecru sets are also available) is created using natural vegetable dyes. This is an environmentally conscious company that I feel great supporting. I will definitely be coming back to this website in the future to purchase more cute clothes for my baby.

Written by Erin, Cool Baby Kid Contributor

Cool Giveaway: Enter to win an Organic Cottontail coveralls and hat set (includes two cozy footed rompers and gift box, a $57 value) commenting by visiting their site back here about what you love most.

Extra Entries: Find out how to earn even more entries and read the contest rules including how to subscribe for winner notification. Ends 12/16/09. US Only.

Looking for even more giveaways? We’ve got you covered…

Castle Knights by HABA: Construction Game Fit for a King

giselej — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 17:15:00 +0000

We had so much fun playing Castle Knights and are excited to share this find with you. This is such a great game for kids (over 3) through adults. The concept of the game is to work together to build a castle before the king arrives using teamwork and team spirit to make it happen. This game also builds coordination of the eyes and hands and the ability to visualize in three dimensions. Castle Knights is beautifully constructed of wooden blocks, cards and a strong gameboard and definitely passed the test in our house. A great gift for the holidays for those gamers in your life or if you you are looking for some fun in your own home. Pick it up; you won’t be disappointed.

Written by Tina, Cool Baby Kid Contributor

Cool Giveaway: Enter to win a Castle Knights game by visiting Maukilo.com and commenting back here with your favorite HABA item.

Extra Entries: Find out how to earn an unlimited number of entries and read the contest rules and disclaimer including how to subscribe for winner notification. Ends 12/16/09.

Looking for even more giveaways? We’ve got you covered…