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.

Filed Under: Editor's Picks, Picks & Tips, Top Picks · Tagged With: , , ,
29
Nov

Holiday Gift Idea:LeapFrog Peek-a-Shoe Talking Octopus *Giveaway*

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As a huge fan of anything that LeapFrog makes, I knew which section to head directly to in the toy store to shop for my 10 month old nephew.  My 2 and 3 year olds already play with and love the maracas to the Leapster  Explorer and now our newest addition the LeapPad, so I knew that I would find the perfect gift in the LeapFrog section.

Why We Love It

The LeapFrog Peek-a-Shoe Talking Octopus caught my eye and is a great gift for ages 9 – 36 months and at a reasonable cost of $29.99. It offers unlimited fun for a curious child while teaching them colors and numbers. The reason I always gravitate to LeapFrog when gift shopping is because they are both fun and educational.  The toddler takes the colorful balls and places them in one of the 2 spots at the top of the octopus and then lifts up the shoe to rediscover the disappeared ball.  The game helps to develop hand eye coordination and allows the child to learn basic colors.  The Peek-a-Shoe Talking Octopus is fun and entertaining with a peek-a-boo surprise that every child is sure to love.

Written by Karen, Cool Baby Kid Team

Disclaimer

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

Details

Ages: 9-36 months

Retail Price: $29.99

Purchase at:

LeapoFrog.com, Amazon

Cool Giveaway:  Sometimes I wish I had lots of arms like an Octopus! If you had an extra hand, would would you accomplish with it? Comment on this post to win a LeapFrpg Peek-a-Shoe Talking Octopus. 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 12/11/11.

 

 

Filed Under: Editor's Picks, Education Corner, Giveaways Galore, Toddler & Preschooler, Top Picks · Tagged With: , , , , , ,
28
Nov

My BFF Doll: Design & Buy A Girl’s Best Friend *Gift Idea*

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Why We Love It

I was first introduced to My Twinn through a catalog which I tore open when it arrived. These dolls looked exactly like their owners…how cool! Shortly thereafter I was lucky enough to design a My BFF doll to be my daughter’s new best friend. While I choose similar features to her own, the doll is a companion rather than a twin. At 23 inches tall, she will be able to easily sit at the doll table for a “a spot of tea” as my five year old likes to say.  As you can see (watch the video…it’s cool!) the process allows users to customize the face, hair and clothing giving gift-givers the opportunity to create a unique, one-of-a-kind Best Friend Forever doll for the girly girls in their life. Once we receive the doll, we’ll post an update on the review. In the meantime, happy shopping!

*Update: We received the doll…she’s huge! I was not expecting her to be so big and love that she will really stand out. My daughter’s new BFF can truly travel with her and even gets buckled in the car with a seat belt. I would highly recommend as the quality of the doll is fabulous. We’ll update once more on how she hold up, but so far she’s great!*

Disclaimer

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

Details

Ages: 5-12
Retail Price: $149.00

Purchase at:

MyBFFdoll.com

Cool Tip: Send an animated, dress-up My BFF eCard to say “I Love You” or “Happy Holidays.”

Filed Under: Editor's Picks, Featured, Picks & Tips, Toddler & Preschooler, Tween Hangout · Tagged With: , , , , , ,
28
Nov

Disney Ultimate Dream Castle: Top Toy Pick *Princess Giveaway*

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Why We Love It

Before the Ultimate Dream Castle by Mattel my daughter essentially used her dollhouse as a Disney Princess Castle even though the full size princesses don’t quite fit. Now the girls have a home. From Tiana’s kitchen to Belle’s dining room, each area of the castle is themed for a specific princess. Over 50 pieces and some cool special effects such as a “magical” Lumiere who moves about the table to a magic carpet that gives Jasmine a lift offer added imaginative play. By far my daughter’s favorite room is Ariel’s bath area with bubbling sounds. Appropriately named the “Ultimate Dream Castle,” it takes a fair share of willpower not to attempt to crawl into one of the rooms and sit with Belle and the Beast at the dinner table. After all, girls are princesses at heart. Even as I chirp ”see how Tiana doesn’t rely on anyone to get what she wants” there’s a bit of me that likes being pampered. In the meantime, the Ultimate Dream Castle lets girls’ imaginations run wild.

Disclaimer

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

Details

Ages: 3 and up
Retail Price: $149.99

Purchase at:

 Mattel Shop, Amazon

Cool Giveaway: Which room in the Ultimate Dream Castle would you live in if it were sized for a real-life princess? Comment on this post telling us which room and why(for fun)  to win that princess of your choice from Mattel. 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 12/7/11.

Filed Under: Big Kids Corner, Featured, Giveaways Galore, Picks & Tips, Toddler & Preschooler, Top Picks · Tagged With: , , , , ,
11
Nov

LeapFrog Solar System Adventure Pack *Giveaway*

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To prove my love affair with LeapFrog, check out the number of  toy reviews I’ve conducted over the years on one of my all-time favorite companies. From baby to preschooler and big kids, they are my go-to source for educational toys.  Last season I was first introduced to the Tag United States of America Map and Tag World Map. Since then my children have learned about places all over the world thanks to one of our favorites pasttimes. We have both Tag and Tag Junior located both upstairs for bedtime and downstairs for learning time. And now with the Tag Solar System Adventure Pack we’ve added to our collection of Tag activities. It includes over 40 activities teaching everything from planets to comets like the one we’ve been hearing about in the news recently. The adventure pack even includes  interactive stickers with the most advanced positive reinforcment system to date. As a teacher I’d love have the ability to use iteractive stickers. Maybe someday…

Here’s a quick look at the Tag Solar System Adventure Pack in action:

While one lucky winner is receiving our top pick this holiday season, LeapFrog LeapPad Explorer,  another will be able to learn about everything from seasons to our solar system on a two-sided board which allow users to both learn and play games. Enter our cool giveaway and be sure to visit LeapFrog.com on Black Friday where they’re sure to offer fantastic deals. Last year we loaded up on Tag Books, and it’s one of my first planned stops as I gear up for holiday shopping post-Thanksgiving this year.

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

Cool Tip: Purchase Tag Reader system and LeapFrog Tag Solar System Adventure Pack through our Amazon affiliate links.

Cool Giveaway:Enter to win a LeapFrog Tag Reader and Solar System Adventure Pack by commenting 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 11/25/11.

Filed Under: Giveaways Galore, Picks & Tips, Toddler & Preschooler, Top Picks · Tagged With: , , ,
07
Nov

YBike Extreme: Promotes Balance and Fun *Giveaway*

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The new YBike Extreme is a promising find for promoting balance.  After spending the summer with my three and five year old progressing beyond their big wheels and moving onto their first two wheel bikes, of course with training wheels.  I witnessed their hesitation and fear of falling even with training wheels and often wondered, “How can I possibly remove the training wheels?”  I now have hope thanks to YBike that a safe orderly transition to a two wheel bike may be possible.  The YBike is designed for 3 to 5 year olds and works perfectly on our carpeted basement and although our carpet is plush, the YBike Extreme easily moves across it. We chose the extreme model because our kids are a little older and also because the extreme works well off road.

 The standard model has a wider rear wheel and therefore seems to be a little easier to balance. Assembly was very easy and only took about 15 minutes; no tools required.  Both kids have been experimenting riding back and forth across the basement and are truly enjoying their new YBike.  In a week’s time I have seen their balance improve with longer and faster movements.  I am confident that by next year, they will be able to balance, and I’ll be able to remove their training wheels. My only job will be to teach them to peddle.  Thanks YBike for putting my mind at ease.

Written by Mr. Cool Baby Kid

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

Cool Giveaway: Enter to win a YBike by commenting on this post telling us about your favorite bike riding experience.

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 11/21/11.

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