15
Jul

Disney/Pixar’s Brave Playtime {Mattel Giveaway}

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If your family hasn’t yet seen Brave, what can you possibly be waiting for? It’s fantastic in every way, and we plan to head to the theater to see it again soon on the big screen. Brining the character’s home, Mattel has a few new Brave toys up their belts and have given us two for Cool Baby Kid readers to check out for themselves in a cool new giveaway.

My five year old tested both and especially loves the Castle & Forest Playset. We re-created Merida’s dash into the forest with the playset having two distinct play areas. The mini-Merida or “small doll” rides her trusty horse Angus and can be expanded with the Disney/Pixar Brave Small Doll Playset. My daughter loves these size dolls and carries them with her just about everywhere. And the Disney/Pixar Brave Gem Styling Merida Doll (complete with reversible cape and bow/arrow) fits right in with the other Disney Princesses. This is she and her friends about to color with my daughter.

Product Details

Brave Gem Styling Merida doll gives girls the chance to decorate Merida’s signature blue gown or red hair with “gems.” They can even flip her reversible cape to reveal a beautiful sparkly print. $20.99, Age: 3+

Brave Castle & Forest Playset brings Merida’s magical world comes to life. When closed the play set is outdoor “forest” where Merida can venture with Angus. Open the play set to play out Merida’s life within the kingdom. $26.99, Age: 3+

Product samples were provided for review purposes; all opinions are 100% my own.

Cool Giveaway

Enter to win both products featured by commenting on this post. For extra entries (leave a seperate comment for each):

Determine to win? Check out even more entry possibilities. Contest ends 7/29/12.

Filed Under: Giveaways Galore, Picks & Tips · Tagged With: , ,
22
Jun

EcoAquarium: A Self-Cleaning Frog Aquarium {Coupon}

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When our daughter had “monsters” in her bedroom, we bought a fish (and Little Mermaid tank) to keep her company. It actually helped, but then my son was left animal-less until we were introduced to EcoAquarium, a perfect solution for a family that knows very little about pets and their upkeep.

EcoAquarium is brought to us by Wild Creations a toymaker based in Myrtle Beach who was recently named one of the most successful small businesses in the country by a trade publication and ranked by Inc. Magazine  as the 259th fastest-growing private company in it’s recent Inc. 500 issue. How exciting for a small business and lucky for us to have connected with this cool pick!

Essentially the Classic EcoAquarium is a self-contained home for two African Dwarf Frogs that arrives with everything you need to get started (except food which they are given 2x per week).  Their specially conditioned Wild Creations Living Gravel™ acts as a natural biological filter converting excess food and waste to soluble nutrients that are then used by the aquarium plant. Simply put, easy maintenance.

Our son named his frogs Reddie and Pinky, and these color-themed frogs have been living happily in his room for a few weeks now. We’ve found the company extremely responsive and with FAQs and even resources for teachers, the possibilities of brining nature inside are endless. Ready to give a smile to little one with Wild Creations? Check out our cool coupon below.

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

Cool Tip

Use code “COOLBABY”for $3.99 off any purchase greater than $22.99.  This covers the cost of food for your frogs for a whole year!

Filed Under: Big Kids Corner, Deals, Discounts, Editor's Picks · Tagged With: , ,
18
Apr

New Top Pick: Bigjigs Wooden Playsets & Railway *Contest*

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With two preschoolers and a review blog since 2007, that I’ve tested and spotlighted a nunber of toys is a bit of an understatement. Every once in a while something blows me away and stands out from the crowd. Such as the case with the Bigjigs King Arthur’s Castle playset (pictured). We put it together quickly; the process was fairly simple with the exception of one piece which still hanging out with the knights, horses and Merlin included with the set.

Explaining the castle to a friend, I said simply, “It’s just made really well.” Obvious quality construction and materials, the wooden playset, like other Bigjigs products such as their wooden puzzles and Bigjigs Rail train set, will withstand busy fingers and hard play from our preschoolers. No cheap plastic here!

I always like a “shop by age” feature when looking for gifts since I may be looking outside my kids age ranges or have a hard time remembering exatly what they were into at a certain stage. For a special gift or maybe one from a grandparet, the Rail Name Collection offers personalized letter rails to spell a child’s name or evena  ”Happy Birthday” message. This personalized collection and the wooden playsets like our or the cottage, barn, glacier or others are my top Bigjigs picks.

 

 

Cool Tip

Enter to win a Bigjigs Fairytale Train set on their Facebook page! Be sure to follow them on Twitter and Pinterest as well to stay up to date.

Product samples were provided for review purposes; all opinions are 100% my own.

Filed Under: Editor's Picks, Toddler & Preschooler, Top Picks · Tagged With: , ,
17
Apr

Toy Craze Prediction: Pinypon {plus coupon}

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Our friends across the pond are familiar with Pinypon, and now American girls will be delighted with a world that includes mermaids, travellers and sweethearts. Mini dolls (this is a great starter set) who swap clothes and accessories invite endless possibilities. I like how easily they snap on and off, making it simple to mix and match. My five year old daughter loves mini-toys and bright, colorful Pinypons were an instant hit. The Caravan is as adorable as it gets. Opening up to a swimming pool complete with surf board, lounge chair and more, it also comes with a Pinypon girl and pet making a perfect gift since the line is fairly new in the US. Total immersion into the world on Pinypon can be accomplished with a visit to their website which includes games, puzzles and printables like the one pictured here. 

Pinyponm is available at Toys R’ Us exclusivly both in stories and online. Keep up with the world of Pinypon by following them on the following social medis sites:

Cool Tip

Use one of two current Pinypon coupons like the one below or buy two get one free.

Sample products were provided for review purposes; all opinions are 100% my own.

Filed Under: Featured, Picks & Tips, Toddler & Preschooler, Top Picks · Tagged With: , , , , , , ,
05
Mar

Q&A: What Toys Do Your Kids Love Most?

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Of all of the toys you’ve reviewed, which are the ones your kids still play with? Which do they like most over time?

~Laura P.

Great question! Sometimes we’ll purchase a toy convinced it will be our kids’ new favorite only to languish in the toy box. Without a doubt the toy they play with is their three year old Step 2 Lifestyle Dream Kitchen (pictured). As they play with it nearly every day and imaginative play is something we highly encourage, it’s a worthwhile investment. Another larger ticket item worth the price tag is Mattel Disney Princess Castle. I was surprised with Amazon reviews since the kids play with and love this particular toy.

Other favorite toy notables include:

We’ll follow up with some of their favorite Learning Time products, but in the meantime would love to hear what toys your kids play with the most?

 

Filed Under: Picks & Tips, Q&A, Top Picks · Tagged With: , ,
05
Dec

Top Spinmaster Toy Gift Picks *Mutliple Winner Giveaway*

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Watch our Top Spinmaster Toys Video

Why We Love It

From Aquadoodle to Moon Dough for little ones, to Redakai for the older kids, we’ve spotlighted Spinmaster toys in the past and are happy to highlight some of their coolest picks this holiday season.  With a chance to personally check out the best toy gifts Spinmaster has to offer, it was difficult to limit our video montage to just a few. We love Bizu beads because of their unique take on jewelry making with bracelets and fun animal friends all wrapped into one with just s quick twist. And Liv and her spa world is hard to resist with color-changing hair, nails and more; this was favorite of my daughter’s who could seemigly color change all day. As we said, it’s impossible to share every cool Spinmaster pick but would remiss in leaving out AppBlaster with it’s augmented reality shoot ‘em up feature utilizing the iPhone or iPod Touch. From board games to high tech, girlie gifts and more, our SPinmaster Amazon shop below is a one-stop shop for all things cool this holiday. Enjoy!

Disclaimer

Sample products was provided for review purposes; all opinions are 100% our own.

Cool Giveaway: Enter to win your choice of Spinmaster prizes including board games (Quelf, The Logo Board Game, Stomple) or a Liv Color-Change Doll (2 winners). To enter, comment on this post telling us which Spinmaster page you like/follow. All additional follows or likes will be considered extra entries. Exp. 12/18/11.

AppBlaster: Facebook, Twitter

Redakai: Facebook, Twitter

Moon Dough: Facebook.com, Twitter

Liv: Facebook

Spinmaster Games: Facebook, Twitter

Cool Baby Kid: Facebook, Twitter

Buy or Gift It:

Filed Under: Adults Only, Big Kids Corner, Editor's Picks, Family Activities, Featured, Gift Guides, Giveaways Galore, Toddler & Preschooler, Top Picks, Tween Hangout · Tagged With: , , , , , , , , ,
02
Dec

Duo Powered Atari Arcade for iPad *Holiday Gift Idea*

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Why We Love It

I’m so excited to be a member of Duo 50, a community of mom bloggers committed to testing and sharing Discovery Bay Games new product offerings with our readers. Having met a representative for DBG at BlogHer ’11 this summer in San Diego, I already knew they were revolutionizing iPad play with Duo-powered products such as Atari Arcade for iPad which we tested, Duo Plink and Duo Pop which looks like fun for the whole family. The premise is simple…while it may be difficult to completely disconnect the family, Discovery Bay Games Duo brings them together to play. If you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em.  The Atari Arcade which connects to iPad utilizing Atari’s Greatest Hits app (sold separately) allowing users to transform their iPad into a Pong playing, Asteroid blasting arcade machine.  If you’re a child of the 80′s like me, Duo powered Atari Arcade from Discovery Bay Games is about as cool as it gets. Gift it!

Disclaimer

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

Details

Retail Price: $59.99

Atari App: .99 or $9.99 for all 100 games

Buy or Gift It:

Discovery Bay Games, Amazon.com

Cool Giveaway: Enter to win a Duo powereed Atari Acrade from Discovery Bay Games by commenting on this post telling us why you’d love to win this particular prize! 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. Contest ends 12/14/11.

Filed Under: Adults Only, Big Kids Corner, Editor's Picks, Giveaways Galore, Picks & Tips · Tagged With: , , ,
30
Nov

2011 Hess Toy Truck and Race Car Review

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Hess Tanker (1964)

We’re starting a new tradition with a company steeped in their own–Hess Truck which dates back to 1964 created as a fun, affordable toy for families. The original tanker (pictured) which could be filled with water sold for $1.29 including batteries. And while the 2011 is also sold with Duracell batteries retailing for $26.99 plus tax, it looks quite different from the original. For the first time both the Truck Cab and Racing Car include flashing light, and to be honest, we couldn’t have chosen a better truck with which to start a new tradition. Finally becoming interested in cars and trucks, and moving away from his sister Princess dresses, our son is enthralled with the Hess Toy truck packed with features. Here’s the low-down:

Truck:

  • Pull-out ramp with automatic hydraulic sound
  • 3 additional sound effects activated by cab buttons (ignition, horn and back-up alert sounds)
  • 34 lights with all-on and flashing modes
  • Flashing light mode activated by cab button, chassis switch and ramp
  • Four-wheel spring suspension
  • Chrome-look detailing
  • 2 Energizer® ‘C’ batteries

Race Car:

  • Engine sound effect activated by gas cap button
  • 10 lights (all-on and flashing modes)
  • Flashing light mode activated by gas cap button
  • Pull-back racing motor
  • Chrome-look detailing
  • 2 Energizer® ‘AA’ batteries

Without a doubt the flashing lights take the cake and delight our son to no end. Personally I thinking the Race Car’s engine sound effect and incredible attention to detail are pretty cool. For any family with truck or car fans, at under $30 it tops our gift guide picks for kids. The Hess Toy Truck is sold exclusively at Hess retail stores while supplies last. For a complete list of Hess Toy Trucks through the years or to find the nearest Hess location visit: www.hesstoytruck.com.

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

Cool Tip: Stay up to date with Hess Toy Truck on Facebook and be sure the little racer in your house checks on the Hess Racer Game app available on iPhone/iPad/Android (12/2) or play directly on Facebook.

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