21
Jun

Zooligans: Fun Kids’ “Animal” Shoes {Giveaway}

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I know my kids well enough to have very specific criteria for shoes. That they are easy to get on and off, have a little room to grow without being big, and of course, that they are cute.

All new Zooligans is a cool pick that meets all criteria and then some. The “Paw Flex” flexible soles not only looks like paw but allows for added flexibility for both comfort and foot protection. Above all though, they are so stinkin’ adorable I wish we owned every pair. Designed for both boys and girls–from bunnies and bears to monkeys and alligators–these unique kids’ shoes comes in sizes 4-12. In addition to various retailers, Zooligans can be purchased on ShoeBuy.com and Amazon.

A great gift, the box even transforms into a pet carrier! Read more about the benefits and how Zooligans are engineered for kids’ feet and check out our cool giveaway of the winner’s choice of shoes below.

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

Cool Giveaway

Enter to win winner’s choice of Zooligans shoes by commenting on this post. For extra entries (leave a separate comment for each):

Determine to win? Check out even more entry possibilities. Contest ends 7/5/12.

 

Filed Under: Giveaways Galore, Toddler & Preschooler · Tagged With: , , , ,
24
Apr

Go Anywhere with One Step Ahead {Giveaway}

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I can’t remember how I was first introduced to One Step Ahead, but I’ve been a fan since my first daughter was born and have ordered (and been happy with) coutless products from them. Recently I had a chance to check out the Kids Anywhere Folding Chair which has already become an invaluable part of our on-the-go repotrie. It’s simple to open and close and provides good support (even with a four year old rocking in it.) For baseball games, beach or even at home it’s perfectly sized for youngsters and can even be carried as a backpack. Though we haven’t used the built-in pouch, this addition is an attractive feature for compact convienence.

 Another innovative product from family favorite One Step Ahead, other top picks we’ve personally tested out include:

A few tips when ordering from One Step Ahead. Take advantage of their Refer a Friend program where you earn $10 when a referral makes their first purchase. Plus, they receive 15% on their order over $85.  They are also having a Spring Warehouse Sale this week with items up to 60% off. Finally, if you’re a Pinner, check out their Pin It to Win It contest with  5 winners receiving a product of their choice and a $100 One Step Ahead credit bonus prize. 

Cool Tip

Enter to win a Kids Anywhere Folding Chair from One Step Ahead by commenting on this post with where you’re likely use it the most. For extra entries (leave a seperate comment for each):

Determine to win? Check out even more entry possibilities. Contest ends 4/24/12.

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

Filed Under: Giveaways Galore, Toddler & Preschooler · Tagged With: , , ,
30
Jan

Neosporine Essentials are Essential for Eczema

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Don’t let the fun alliterative title fool you, Neosporine Essentials are no joke. As a parent of a preschooler newly diagnosed with eczema, I couldn’t have been more excited to review this new line of products. Not only is the entire line of eczema care including daily body wash, moisturizer and anti-itch cream specifically designed for eczema sufferers, they eliminate the need for more expensive products. I was shocked a few weeks ago when scouring Target for eczema lotion and fragrance free body wash to discover how much I’d have to pay for such products. Holy pricey Batman!

Luckily not only do they seem to help my son’s delicate skin in the midst of his first flare up, but the website is also an incredible resource with help for parents and caregivers whose children can’t stop itching from this unfortunate condition. The 1% Hydrocortisone Anti-itch Cream works especially well. My son has itched some spots to the point of bleeding, so with the help of short nails, this cream and even a band-aid or two for more troublesome areas, in just a few days I’ve already noticed a marked improvement.

From NeosporinEssentials.com

Neosporin Essential products “are all fragrance-free, and the National Eczema Association (NEA) has given their Seal of Acceptance to the Daily Moisturizing Cream and Daily Body Wash.” Other tools such as the Flare Discovery Tool that helps identify eczema triggers, their FAQ page and links to additional resources offer parents like myself a one-stop shop for all things eczema. This is a product I can stand behind 100%. Thanks Neosporin!

I wrote this review while participating in a campaign by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of Neosporin Essentials and received a product sample to facilitate my review, and a promotional item to thank me for participating.

Cool Tip:

Download and print these Neosporin coupons before you shop.

 

Filed Under: Baby Picks, Big Kids Corner, Discounts, Picks & Tips, Toddler & Preschooler, Top Picks · Tagged With: , , , , , , ,
09
Nov

Wordless Wednesday: Jake & The Never Land Pirates Holiday Episode

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Cool Pick:  It’s never too early to start preparing for the holidays. Get ready for a new holiday episode of  Jake & the Never Land Pirates titled “It’s A Winter Never Land!/ Hook on Ice” premiering Dec. 2nd at 8:30 EST on the Disney Channel. Be sure to check out Jake and friends on Facebook too!

Filed Under: Editor's Picks, Picks & Tips, Toddler & Preschooler, Top Picks · Tagged With: , , ,
01
Nov

Our #1 Hot Holiday Toy Pick: All New LeapFrog LeapPad Explorer *Giveaway*

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Another LeapFrog innovation scores high marks with the entire family. It’s no secret we’re huge LeapFrog fans. Throughout the years Fridge Magnets to Tag and Tag Jr. have been learning staples with both of our children. Now a toddler and preschooler, they want more than ever to be like mom and dad. The LeapFrog LeapPad allows them to have their own “pads” which are infinitely more durable than their parents’ tech toys begin designed for kids.

Out of the box, I first noticed the screen…the largest among LeapgFrog tech toys such as Explorer. Using the built-in camera we took pictures of each child and used it to create a profile. Now they can click their own pictures and names during sign in so Learning Path can track their progress and achievements. A built in tilt-sensor is immediately apparent even on the home screen as your child’s pet slide across the screen when tilted. Now only can they make over their pet, the Pet Pad app and “trick time” functions as a build-in Scribble & Write, another of our favorite LeapFrog products, helping little ones learn to write their letters.

As an English teacher, the reading apps are my personal favorite. LeapPad turns reading into an interactive experience complete with sounds and dynamic moving pictures. In “Reading Mode” users can choose three reading levels essentially giving them three books in one. Best yet, starting at level one LeapPad will even automatically adjust reading levels as the child progresses. A built-in vocabulary skill builder is the coolest feature ever! Click on an underline word in the text and a screen pops up which shows a picture and definition of the word as the LeapPad reads and pronounces it out loud. Parents or children can also record their own reading voice to playback with the story. The learning possibilites seem endless with this ultra-awesome app. Here are some others’ we enjoyed:

  • With Nemo, Dora, Woddy, Buzz and more all in one game, Pixar Pals quickly became a favorite of my animal-loving daugher who is learning science and reasoning which works great for this Language Arts teacher.
  • Pet Pals 2,  on the other hand, is my son’s go-to game. With an emotional attachment to his furry friend, he hardly realizes addition and substraction are taking center stage as we attempt to win the dog show!
  • School is in session with LeapSchool Reading, my personalfavorite which includes 26 games to help teaching early reading skills appropriate for children ages 4-7.

While a stylus is included, a drawback for some who may be afraid to loose it, the good news is included. LeapPad’s touchscreen also works without it as well. Another favorite feature of LeapPad is the included “Story Studio” app. Users can create a story all about themselves! Using pictures and their own artwork, pages can be added to a virtual book entitled “All ABout Me.” Themed pages include topics such as birthday, feelings and expressions (i.e. “Today I feel…) and my family. Press play to listen to the story!

There are so many features in the new LeapPad with the ones featured only scratching the surface. We’re planning to purchase a second pink LeapPad for Christmas so each child can have their own. My prediction…this will be the hot toy for the holiday this year, and with hundreds of apps including characters the kids love–Disney Princesses, Toy Story and Cars, Dora and Star Wars– as well as plenty of learning games such as LeapSchool Reading, Mr. Pencil and more, there are plenty of gift ideas to choose from.

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

Cool Tip: Purchase LeapFrog LeapPad and learning games from our Amazon affiliate links above and be sure to get your games loaded and connected so when Christmas morning arrives your child is ready to play! Check out even more LeapFrog picks.

Cool Giveaway:Enter to win a LeapFrog LeapPad Explorer plus three game cartridge-(Pet Pals 2, Pixar Pals and LeapSchool Reading–a nearly $175 value! Comment on this post with your favorite LeapFrog product of all time!

Check out even more entry possibilities if you’re really determined to win. Read the prize claim information; we announce winners on Prizey.net. Contest ends 11/15/11.

Filed Under: Big Kids Corner, Education Corner, Featured, Giveaways Galore, Toddler & Preschooler, Top Picks · Tagged With: , , , , ,
26
Oct

SESAME STREET: Ready, Set, Grover – Wii Game

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Any time you can supply a new video game to a preschool child, they seem to go crazy with enthusiasm.  It’s great when you can capitalize on this enthusiasm to help reinforce healthy habits. This game’s message promotes Healthy Habits in the form of physical activity, good nutrition, hygiene, and rest and relaxation.  Ready, Set Grover!  uses several Sesame Street characters such as Grover, Elmo and Abby Cadabby to guide your preschooler through various activities.  I loved the sheer number of games and activities included as part of the game.  It seemed as though we went from one activity to another without duplicating an activity.  The game provides a short audio visual tutorial before each activity to direct your preschooler how to complete the task.  My son took the directions and knew what he had to do to complete the various tasks.  He has played a few Wii games before and really loved Ready, Set Grover! 

The Wii game comes with a Grover Remote cover which is super cute and easier to hold.   The cover also hides unnecessary buttons and therefore aids your preschooler in touching the correct buttons, reducing wasted time and parent intervention.   Another great feature is  the “Parents Page” where parents can check progress on activities and customize specific games for their kids based on their preferences or set limits for play.  This new Sesame Street game has a great message and is really fun for your toddler, so if you allow your toddler or preschooler to play Wii, this is worth a look.

Written by Mr. Cool Baby Kid

Disclaimer: A review copy was provided; all opinions are 100% our own.

Cool Tip: Purchase Sesame Street: Ready, Set, Grover! from our Amazon affiliate link for just $24.99.

Filed Under: Big Kids Corner, Editor's Picks, Education Corner, Family Activities, Toddler & Preschooler · Tagged With: , , , ,
03
Oct

Goosie Personalized Flashcards *Top Pick & Giveaway*

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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.

Filed Under: As Seen In, Baby Picks, Big Kids Corner, Editor's Picks, Education Corner, Giveaways Galore, Toddler & Preschooler, Top Picks · Tagged With: , , , ,
14
Sep

Wordless Wednesday: Paddywhack Lane for Kids

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Cool Tip: While I haven’t personally reviewed the line just yet, how could I help but share these darling costumed kids including this bran new treehouse. Cute, right? Check them out on Twitter and Facebook too.

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