Little Tikes Make Summer Fun! Review and Giveaway!!

Happy summer 4BabyAndMom'ers! We're still in the process of rebranding, and launching the new, improved site but the fun part is- all of our content will travel to our new site! The only teaser we can give you right now is that it will be "I.L.C." and will have a whole new feel to things.

We were hoping that we could get it all up and running by the first of July, but it looks like there will be some delays. To not hold up this product review and giveaway, I figured I would post it now. I need all of your help though, sharing it on social media, as our current link is www.4babyandmom.blogspot.com . Don't worry, as always, you'll get extra entries for it.


Now, onto the good stuff.

My 2 year old is obsessed with Jake and the Neverland Pirates, and calls them, "Oh-ho's". It's hysterical and adorable all at the same time. Our new house doesn't have a pool, and I live in Florida. It's hot. All. Year. Long. Finding fun, safe, and creative ways to keep cool- aside from stalking Pinterest- are getting harder to do. The big kids want a slip and slide, if I do a wading pool the frogs will mate in it, and well, that's just gross. I found this Anchors Away Pirate Ship, and *KNEW* the baby just had to have it! Sure enough, as soon as he saw the box, he started screaming for me to put it together. ..Ok, well, he started screaming, "Oh-ho's!!", and jumping up and down.

Set up was easy. After I called customer support. They're so nice and easy to talk to. They don't make you feel like a moron, (even though you might feel like one for calling to ask them where to find the screws that are in the box), which is always nice. In my defense, they do kind of tuck it away with a piece of the ship that's wrapped separately. Anywho.

After I found the said pieces, I put it together with the help of an excited 11 year old, 8 year old, 2 year old, and a power screw driver. Once it was together, we filled it in seconds, and the fun began. My little guy began exploring, and experiencing the water table, twisting and turning all of the gadgets on the flag pole, making it "rain" with one of the cups with holes in the bottom, and freaking out about the "oh-ho's" and boats. His new favorite was the "sharkie" or "fish". Ignore my annoying voice, but enjoy the cuteness that is my baby.



All in all, this is by far his favorite toy, and I love watching him problem solve. My only negative experience was the cannon that is on the corner has a button to squirt water with. The cannon is not designed for toddlers, or easily frustrated kids. The big kids have no problem with it, but every time Zackie tries to push it, it pops off, or doesn't work quite right, so he gets frustrated with it. I know as he grows, he'll learn how to use it better, but for now I try to redirect him when he wants to play with it.

We also had an opportunity to review the Little Tikes Easy Store Picnic Table with Umbrella which is perfect for our afternoon lunches, or even when we grill outside. My little man loves to sit at it, and pretend he's a big kid! I love that it was super easy to pop together, and if we ever chose to take it apart for a BBQ at a friends house or the beach, all it takes is 5 minutes and it's all packed up.

Now YOU have the opportunity to WIN either an Anchors Away Pirate Ship, or an Easy Store Picnic Table from Little Tikes.

Here's How to Enter:
Leave a comment telling us which toy YOUR child would love to win and why! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway





 

 

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Neighborhood #ToyStore Day - November 10th

I grew up in a small town. In that small town, there was a small, independently owned toy store. I remember shopping there when I was little.. about preschool age. I know that sometime in the years between preschool and elementary school that the store closed down. I really am striving to give that "old school" feeling to my kids, and trying to support more local shops, than big box stores.

This Saturday is the third annual "Neighborhood Toy Store Day" brought to you by The American Specialty Toy and Retailing Association (ASTRA). Here's some information from their press release:

Families and independent retailers across the country are celebrating the joy and wonder of shopping at a neighborhood toy store, thanks to the third annual “Neighborhood Toy Store Day” on Saturday, November 10, 2012.

The American Specialty Toy and Retailing Association (ASTRA) established Neighborhood Toy Store Day to introduce families to the fun of shopping at local toy stores and to celebrate each retailer’s commitment to the community. Participating stores will host local in-store events for families, such as face painting, craft projects, live performances or special discounts. “Neighborhood Toy Store Day provides families with an enjoyable and exciting way to support their local toy store,” said Kathleen McHugh, President of ASTRA.

“Local toy stores add charm and character to neighborhoods across the country and provide children with a wide variety of unique and quality toy options typically unavailable at big box stores. Retailers look forward to this special day as a way to celebrate with the community and the customers they value.”

“We are excited to participate in the third annual Neighborhood Toy Store Day,” said Linda Hays, owner of Hopscotch Toys in McMinnville, Oregon. “Local toy stores take pride in providing knowledgeable staff and maintaining a carefully curated selection of toys that are just right for the community they support. This year, Hopscotch Toys will celebrate Neighborhood Toy Store Day with face painting, game demos and a Christmas letter station, complete with elves to help children compose their perfect letters to Santa.”

In addition to fostering a sense of community, shopping locally provides a number of economic benefits to a neighborhood. According to the 3/50 Project, for every $100 spent in local, independently-owned stores, $68 returns to the community in the form of taxes, salaries, charitable contributions and more— in contrast with only $43 when consumers spend their money at a national chain.

“On November 10, we hope that more families will discover the special touches and unique value often found only at local toy stores,” added McHugh. “Shopping locally is a win-win for families – they can find unique toys and receive top notch customer services while supporting the community in which they live.”

About ASTRA Founded in 1992, the American Specialty Toy Retailing Association (ASTRA) is a non-profit organization that provides leadership and resources to grow the specialty toy industry. As the largest association serving the specialty toy industry, ASTRA members include independent toy and children’s product retailers, specialty toy manufacturers and industry affiliates. For more information on ASTRA, please visit www.yourneighborhoodtoystore.org.

I really encourage you all to visit your local toy store and check out the vast selection of toys available, from tots to teens.  To thank us for sharing this information with you, we received these toys to review and share with you. Be sure to check our Holiday Gift Guide (which will be released very soon!) for more great gift ideas!

Playmobil Future Planet E-Rangers` Headquarters with a detachable roof and changeable transparencies in the command canter. The balance Racer can be turned into a propeller or a jet-car racer. Kids will love the LED spotlight / KO - Flash Cannon (which really works, but requires batteries), functional solar cell with fan,  This playset is geared for kids from 7-12. Watch the Future Planet movie here, and see how the E-Rangers battle the Dark Force. Kids will enjoy reenacting the scenes, or coming up with their own story lines. It retails for about $129.

Mine Shift is a two player game that encourages players to strategically maneuver through the mine to gain access to the gems. How can you forge ahead through the jeweled walls of the mine shaft? Shift them! Rotate a game tile a quarter turn to move the mine wall and allow your gemstone access. Or rotate tiles to prevent your opponent from moving. There are walls everywhere, but strategic miners can successfully make their way through to the other side. With 27 game board tiles, the set-ups are unlimited for a brand new game every time you play. This product is geared for players 8 and up, and retails between $20-25.

This nanoblock Electric Guitar is one of MANY intricately designed pieces from the latest and greatest mini building block company around. Nanoblock products are made from teeny-tiny building blocks that when put together, produces an extremely detailed figure. Choose from their "Mini Series", the "Sites to See", Deluxe, Instruments, and Holiday series to find that perfect gift for the person on your list that has everything, loves puzzles, or loves to build. Whether you're looking for a kid about 8, or an adult who's 78 and loves to build things with little pieces, nanoblock might have the perfect product to build. Rated on a scale of 1-5 (1 being the easiest to build), each piece is uniquely challenging and fun. The electric guitar is priced at about $12, and is recommended for kids about 10-12. My little man is only 9, and while he loved the Eiffel Tower he built last year, as soon as he took it apart, he lost most of the pieces. A bigger (more mature?) kid might keep the pieces together. My advice, glue them together, or buy for an older kid who can take care of it, or for an adult who LOVES puzzles. (My husband and I LOVED the Eiffel Tower.)

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Amazon Holiday Toy List 2012!

The Amazon Holiday Toy List 2012 and super amazing "Lightning Deals" are now available. Lightning deals are posted daily, and are unbeatable deals that everyone needs to check out. Quantities are limited, so be sure to check back daily!!

What's on your child's Holiday Toy List, this year??

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Who Needs a Vacation? Backyard Safari Outfitters Brings Adventure Straight to Your Yard!

My kids are always searching for an adventure, and despite having a girl, they are always into "something" in our back yard. Both of the kids like to play in the mud, chase little lizards, and play with rolly-polies. The only bugs Abbie really doesn't like is spiders, mosquitoes and ants. (In her defense, neither do I.)

With only one car at the moment, many of my goals for summer vacation had to be rescheduled onto a jam packed weekend. I was struggling to find new things to occupy the kids with in our house or our backyard.

When a gigantic box showed up on my doorstep, I honestly had no idea what to expect inside. Thanks to Team Mom, our family was given the opportunity to review a great collection from Backyard Safari Outfitters.

As we pulled the stuff out, the kids eyes lit up like the 4th of July! Alex loved the cargo vest, because it made him look like a real explorer. Abbigaile thought the bug vacuum was a dust buster- until I told her what it was for. Alex took it from there, eager to see what kind of bugs he could suck up with it. The periscope sparked both of the kids interests, and although we have yet to experience using it underwater, the kids have enjoyed playing pretend with it. Whether they were camping under their bed, or the picnic table in the backyard, their imaginations ran with stories and tales of pirates and submarines.

Aside from allowing pretend play to soar, the kids have loved learning about new bugs and birds nests, using their new explorer gear. The periscope was perfect to allow the kids to get a sneak peek at our little birds nest in our front tree. I love the way my children's eyes light up when they're experiencing something new.

This summer, if you're looking to fuel your child's desire to explore, or just for a new experience to share with them, be sure to check out Backyard Safari Outfitters at www.BackyardSafari.com.

“If a child is to keep alive his inborn sense of wonder, he needs the companionship of at least one adult who can share it, rediscovering with him the joy, excitement and mystery of the world we live in.” ~ Rachel Carson

Special thanks to Team Mom and Backyard Safari Outfitters for providing these products for us to evaluate and write a candid review about. This post is 100% our opinion.

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$5 Shipping at eBeanstalk Ends Tonight!

Save now on shipping at one of the greatest online toy stores out there! Aside from the user- friendliness, the products offered are some of the best of the best. Shop from newborn through age 12. Visit now for the deal of the day, or to stock up on some fun summer toys because school's almost over- and take advantage of $5 shipping!

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Little Tikes 40th Celebration + 30th Anniversary Cozy Coupe Giveaway!

Since 1970, the Little Tikes Company has been committed to creating safe, high-quality, durable and fun toys for active girls and boys, featuring a series of bestselling learning and riding toys that encourage kids to “Get up and Grow” while learning through active, creative and social play. From the old classics to modern toys, your kids will love playing outside when you have Little Tikes toys in your backyard.

For 30 years, this kid-powered ride on has been a kid-powered favorite. Little ones love being behind the wheel while adults love the durability. Now, with new redesigns and interactive features, the Cozy Coupe is better than ever!

Our family loves Little Tikes products, from toy chests, to picnic tables, to inflatable jumpers, or ride on toys; whenever we are on the search of durable kids toys, our first choice is Little Tikes. Both of my children had a Cozy Coupe, and drove it non-stop; from the local park, to up and down the driveway, they loved their Cozy Coupe. Alex had a classic red and yellow coupe, and Abbie had his for awhile, then we got her a pink one. She thought she was the queen in that car- and hated to share with any friends. She HAD to drive. No if, and's or buts about it!!

The new 30th Anniversary Edition Cozy Coupe is super cute, and looks just like the infamous Little Tikes logo, with big eyes and all! Perfect for your active toddler, this Cozy Coupe has a retail value of $49.99.

With spring in the air, and the summer-time right around the corner, you may want to visit the Little Tikes website to shop around for great outdoor toys to keep your tots busy, use their imaginations, and most of all- have FUN!

Right now if you use the coupon code FRSH0322 at checkout, your order $200 or more will ship completely free! (see site for details)

Thanks to our friends at Little Tikes, right now you can enter to win your child their own sweet ride: the Little Tikes 30th Anniversary edition Cozy Coupe.

CONGRATULATIONS!!

Please refer to our WINNERS PAGE for more information on how to claim your prize. 

This giveaway is open to residents of the US. This giveaway will end on April 30, 2010 at 11:59pm EST. The winner will be chosen using Random.org, and all winner information will be posted on our WINNERS PAGE and on this post. Any unclaimed prizes will be redrawn accordingly and at the discretion of 4BabyAndMom. Disclosure:  I received no monetary compensation for this post, and any opinions expressed are 100% my own. Your experience with this product and company may differ.

**THERE WAS A TYPO IN THE ORIGINAL TWEET- THIS GIVEAWAY ENDS ON 4//30 NOT 4/25. I APOLOGIZE FOR ANY INCONVENIENCE.***

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Ahhhh.. Enjoying the last days of 2009

So the kiddies are playing with their new bicycles, and the array of toys that Santa left. We've scoured for missing pieces of board games, and swept up pegs to Lite Bright, and eaten leftovers until we had no room in our bellies.

Last night we baked some cookie-press cookies.. We made Christmas trees with M&M mini's, flowers with jam in the middle, swirly ones with cherries, and boxes covered in colored sugar crystals. The kids had a blast making them, and the cookie press that we used was super easy.

Tonight, we're planning on making some more cookies and trying out the new cookie cutters that we got to review from CheapCookieCutters.com.  For you crafty mommas out there, be sure to enter the YouCanMakeThis giveaway, as it's truly packed with awesome patterns for you to make.. (I'm trying to muster the space to set out my sewing machine and get to work on something this week!)

Although the time together with my family is wonderful, I am missing my normal "schedule" and cannot wait for life to go back to normal again- and more importantly, for the kids to come down from their sugar high!

I hope you are all enjoying what Santa left for you and your kiddo's, and wish you all a very safe and Happy New Year!

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Spin Master Toy Review for Boys and Girls!

Some really great toys and products found their way into our homes this holiday. SpinMaster, a Canada based toy company, manufactured a good deal of the items at the top of most wishlists: Bakugan, AirHogs, Tech Decks, and Moonsand--just to name a few.

SpinMaster has some great items for kids of all ages, and some were included as top holiday toys by Toys "R" Us, K-Mart, Toy Insider, Time To Play, Fun Fare, Oppenheim Toy Portfolio, NAPPA (National Parenting Publications Awards), New York Times, New York Daily News, Forbes and Bloomberg.

Recently, Spinmaster gave us the amazing oppurtunity to review some of their new products, and my family was totally impressed by what we found. The items we recieved were the Daniella Liv Doll, Flick Trix Finger Bikes, and the Pix O's Super Home Studio.

Liv Dolls

Liv Dolls are Spin Master’s most talked about new toy this holiday season. The next big thing to shake up the doll aisle, Liv dolls offer a unique new combination of amazing design, fun wig play, high end realistic looking fashions, and great online content at a very affordable price. Liv dolls most popular features include:

• 14 points of articulation for greater poseability (versus an industry standard of 5-6) --This is one of the coolest things about these dolls. They can move and pose; your child 's imagination won't need too much help making this doll come to life. My daughter and I had alot of fun posing her for her rock star photo shoot.
  
• · Easy to change wigs so girls can instantly switch hair styles and colors, or even cut and style their doll’s hair--It is super easy (if you read directions . . . if not you will attempt to do it wrong repeatedly until you read the directions and realize how simple it is) Aside from the hair being gorgeous and feeling like real hair, the best part is that it is removable. Unlike the dolls of my childhood, who were forced into uneven bobs and rat nest ponytails, Liv dolls hair is easily remedied. She comes with two looks, more are purchasable separately, or she has a short do that can never get ruined (it's part of her head).
  
• Insert glass-like eyes --Another way to tell these dolls apart from your standard doll. Their faces are stunning, mostly thanks to these glassy eyes. They really make this doll look amazing. I also like the fact that these dolls look like different characters, they don't all look like the same exact doll in different outfits. Each of the four are unique in looks and in personality. Online, each doll has their own "space" and you can change outfits, read her diary, watch videos' and play games with your Liv Girl!
  
• Detailed, realistic fashions--And they aren't under-dressed, if ya know what I mean! No super short and revealing ensembles. The girls wear sneakers and leggings and look like fashion forward teens but are appropriate for a young girl to admire. This is a real selling point for me, I love that they are not dressed in a way that makes me want to sew doll clothes to cover them up.

Flick Trix Finger Bikes

Spin Master continues to be the leader in extreme sports play with its re-introduction of Flick Trix, the

original die-cast finger bike! With exclusive licenses from companies like MirraCo, Hoffman, Haro, Fit, GT, Mongoose, Redline, Hutch and more, these bikes are all about authenticity! Flick Trix also have a
patented front brake play feature and interchangeable parts like wheels, pedals and grips. Each bike
comes with realistic handlebars for display, or kids can install the included “trick bars” to make it easy to
pull real BMX stunts with ease. Ages 8 and up.

--My son flipped over these, he was already in love with Tech Decks (the finger skate boards) and wasted no time ripping into the package and creating some mini bmx's. His words:"The coolest thing about these bikes are that the chains and pedals really work just like a real bike!" My son is ten, and I think the age limit is pretty accurate. There are some very small pieces ( ie: bolts, nuts, washers) and a younger child may lose them before they had the chance to play with the bike.

PixO's Ultimate Design Studio

The Spinmaster Pixos Ultimate Design Station allows young children to make a wide variety of two- and three-dimensional sculptures and designs with no ink or mess. Designed for kids age four and older, the PixOs Ultimate Design Station is a clean and easy way for children to explore their artistic sides as they create original sculptures. Ages 4+

--Remember those old molds that you placed the cylinder plastic beads on, then lined with wax paper and ironed? Once they melted the beads stayed together in whatever pattern you had created with the beads? PixO's has taken that fun craft and improved on it by making it safer. No ironing. No plug. No heat. Just place, spray with water, and let them air dry.

The PixO's Ultimate Design Station came with everything you needed to get started. Beads in 6 bright colors, a handy compartment up top that keeps them organized and releases them one at a time, the handy PixO Placing Instrument that makes picking up and placing a breeze, and a built in drying fan that dries them quicker. PixO's are a great gift for just about any person under the age of 100 and over the age of 4. (Definitely something you'll want to do with your kids. It will be fun and save a mess.)


The products mentioned above were provided to me, at no cost, by Spin Master LTD. I did not accept monetary compensation for reviewing or writing about this experience, and all opinions expressed are my own.

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Toys 'R' Us Receives Daily Shipments of the Season's HOTTEST Toys THIS WEEK!

From the Press Release:

The Most In-Demand Products, Including More Than A Million Zhu Zhu Pets™ Hamsters Plus Accessories, Hit Store Shelves Between Now and December 24



WAYNE, NJ (December 17, 2009) – Toys“R”Us today assured last-minute shoppers, determined to find the toys that top their little ones’ wish lists, that its stores will continue to receive daily deliveries of the season’s hottest toys through Christmas Eve, including more than one million Zhu Zhu Pets hamsters plus accessories, and two million LEGO sets. Offering an unparalleled in-stock position of “must-have” toys further establishes Toys“R”Us as THE one-stop destination for self-proclaimed procrastinators and time-strapped parents seeking that elusive, “gotta-have-it” gift.



Daily Arrivals Make Every Morning Feel Like Christmas for Zhu Zhu Pet-Seeking Shoppers

· Now through Christmas Eve, more than one million highly sought-after Zhu Zhu Pet hamsters plus accessories will be available in Toys“R”Us stores*.

· On Friday, December 18, at least 100 Zhu Zhu Pets hamsters will be available at every Toys“R”Us location nationwide when the stores open at 6am*.

· On Saturday, December 19, to the delight of Zhu Zhu Pets fans, hundreds of thousands of the four newest Zhu Zhu Pets hamsters – Jilly, Winky, Scoodles and Nugget – will make their in-store debut (individual hamsters and exclusive four-packs available). The first 50 customers in line when doors open at 6am will have the opportunity to purchase a Toys“R”Us-exclusive four-pack of the newest Zhu Zhu Pets hamsters*.

· Sunday, December 20 through Thursday, December 24, hundreds of thousands of Zhu Zhu Pets hamsters will be available and ready to find new homes for the new year*.

*Quantities limited per person. Check your local store for details.



Stores Stock Shelves with In-Demand Products Round-the-Clock

Following are just some of the other hot toys gift-givers are clamoring for that will be available in Toys“R”Us stores this week, and all at great values!

· 300,000 Bakugan® Traps and Special Attack packs in addition to hundreds of thousands of other Bakugan® items, including thousands of the top-selling, Toys“R”Us-exclusive Bakugan® Battle Brawlers™ New Vestroia™ Maxus Helios™ 7 in 1

· 500,000 NERF products, including NERF N-Strike® Raider Rapid Fire CS-35™, NERF Vulcan®, NERF Recon® and NERF Swords

· Approximately two million LEGO® sets, including the coveted LEGO® Power Miners and LEGO City® sets

· Nearly 500,000 bikes and scooters, including the mom-favorite Little Tikes® 3-in-1 Smart Trike and the top-selling Razor® A Scooters

· Nearly 200,000 Nintendo® Wii and Microsoft Xbox 360 Consoles and hundreds of thousands of exciting Wii and Xbox 360 games



Plus, daily arrivals of tens of thousands of the following select hot items, among others:

· Bendaroos® Building Sticks 500-Piece Set

· ChixOs™ Pink Design-A-Luxury Loft

· Power Wheels™ Quad

· Tag™ Reading System

· Paperoni® Deluxe Studio

· Harumika™ Runway Showstopper Set

· EyeClops Mini Projector

· Smart Cycle® Extreme

“As THE toy authority, we work throughout the year to identify hot toys, establish and maintain a substantial inventory position, and ensure that the season’s top-sellers and ‘hard-to-find’ toys continue to arrive in our stores nationwide during the critical week leading up to Christmas,” said Karen Dodge, Senior Vice President, Chief Merchandising Officer, Toys“R”Us, U.S. “We pride ourselves on offering our customers the best chance of finding the toys they want in-stock at our stores through Christmas Eve while providing the assistance of our toy-trained staff to help them successfully cross off all items on their gift list.”



This weekend, Toys“R”Us customers shopping for the in-demand toys will also have the opportunity to kick off the final week of holiday shopping by taking advantage of incredible value offerings on Friday, December 18 and Saturday, December 19 while supplies last, including a dozen doorbusters valid from 3pm on Friday to Saturday at midnight, FREE gift cards with select purchases, and savings of up to 70 percent. To accommodate the weekend’s last-minute holiday shoppers, Toys“R”Us stores across the country will open at 6am and remain open until midnight on Friday and Saturday. Extended holiday hours, as well as unbeatable deals and discounts, will continue through December 24**.

**Store hours may vary. Check your local store for details.



About Toys“R”Us, Inc.

Toys“R”Us, Inc. is the world’s leading dedicated toy and baby products retailer, offering a differentiated shopping experience through its family of brands. It currently sells merchandise in more than 1,550 stores, including 849 Toys“R”Us and Babies“R”Us stores in the United States, and more than 700 international stores in 33 countries, consisting of both licensed and franchised stores. In addition, it sells extraordinary toys in two FAO Schwarz stores in the United States. With its strong portfolio of e-commerce sites including Toysrus.com, Babiesrus.com, eToys.com, FAO.com and babyuniverse.com, it provides shoppers with an unparalleled online selection of distinctive toy and baby products. In addition, the company operates ePregnancy.com, an online resource for parents. Headquartered in Wayne, NJ, Toys“R”Us, Inc. employs nearly 70,000 associates worldwide. The company is committed to serving its communities as a caring and reputable neighbor through programs dedicated to keeping kids safe and helping them in times of need.

Happy Shopping!!

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1-800-FLOWERS.COM Creates Toys for Tots Holiday Collection to Help Deliver Holiday Magic to Children Across the Nation

Many families are feeling the financial pinch this holiday season. Unfortunately, with the massive increases in unemployment, this holiday season there are a lot more families going without this season.. without toys, without food, without homes.

The Marines Toys for Tots Foundation is a not for profit organization authorized by the U.S. Marine Corps and the Department of Defense to provide fundraising and other necessary support for the annual Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program.

Now in its 62nd year, Toys for Tots provides joy and a message of hope to economically disadvantaged children through the gift of a new toy during the Christmas holiday season. These gifts offer children hope, recognition and a positive memory they will cherish for a lifetime. Many of the gifts they provide, such as books, games and sports equipment, make a significant contribution to the educational, social and recreational development of these children. In 2008, Marines distributed gifts to 7.6 million children in over 600 communities nationwide.

The Marine Toys for Tots Foundation relies on individual donations from the American public as well as support from corporate sponsors, to include its Four Star Partners Hasbro, Inc; JAKKS Pacific, Inc; Scholastic and Toys "R" Us, Inc.

This year, in an effort to contribute to helping children in need, 1-800-FLOWERS.COM has decided to donate 10% of the Net Proceeds from product orders from its Toys for Tots Holiday Collection to the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation.

From the Press Release from 1-800-FLOWERS 12/02/09:

This holiday, 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc. (Nasdaq: FLWS), the world's leading florist and gift shop, supports the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation through its new Toys for Tots Collection of holiday flowers and gifts. In an effort to help spread the warm and fuzzy feeling to children in need, 1-800-FLOWERS.COM will donate 10% of the Net Proceeds from product orders from its Toys for Tots Holiday Collection to the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. "With 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, we will be able to plant a seed of hope in many more children this holiday season," says Lt. General Pete Osman, USMC (Ret), President and CEO of Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. "With the support of 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, we hope to achieve our goal of delivering toys to children throughout the United States."

"1-800-FLOWERS.COM is excited to team up with Marine Toys for Tots Foundation to help deliver the magic of the holidays," said Jim McCann, Founder and CEO 1-800-FLOWERS.COM. "With the Toys for Tots Holiday Collection, both 1-800-FLOWERS.COM and its customers will have the opportunity to support this important campaign and help children in need." 1-800-FLOWERS.COM has launched a Secret Santa application in support of Marine Toys for Tots Foundation which is accessible via Facebook. 1-800-FLOWERS.COM encourages visitors to share the 1-800-FLOWERS.COM's Secret Santa application and help spread the warm fuzzy feeling this holiday season. In addition to the donation of 10% of the Net Proceeds from product orders from its Toys for Tots Holiday Collection, 1-800-FLOWERS.COM will make an added donation as visitors share the application through December 20, 2009.

According to the most recent U.S. Census, there are an estimated 13 million children in the United States living in poverty. As a result, Toys for Tots conducts many activities throughout the year which help generate toy and monetary donations to aid in the development of underprivileged children in the U.S. 1-800-FLOWERS.COM and Toys for Tots are committed to improving the lives of children in communities across the country, therefore, pairing their collective resources will move both organizations closer to achieving that goal.
For additional information, please visit www.1800flowers.com/toysfortots.

No matter what our financial situation is, every year I take my children to get new toys for the Toys for Tots program. It's important for me to instill the true spirit of giving during the holidays, and all year around. It makes me feel so good to watch our kids drop the toy in the box and to support such a great cause. It only takes a minute, and with drop off locations all over the US, a drop off location is always nearby.

13 million children are living in poverty, 13 million! That number is mind blowing, but knowing that my children and I contributed to making somebody's holiday better warms my heart. The kids might be too young to truly understand it, but they expect it every year, and it's becoming part of our holiday tradition.

Want to Help Contribute?
Visit Toys for Tots and find a drop off box near you to help a child in need have a joyous holiday. Then, visit 1-800-FLOWERS and purchase some of the beautiful gifts and arrangements from the Toys for Tots Collection and enter the promotion code TOYS at the checkout until 12/31 to make your contribution count!

This giveaway is open to residents of the US and will end on December 20th, at 11:59pm EST. One winner will be chosen at random using Random.org. Disclosure: The item reviewed was provided to me, at no cost, by the 1-800-Flowers Inc.to review. I did not accept monetary compensation for reviewing or writing about this experience, and all opinions expressed are my own.




WINNER!

Please read the WINNERS POST for more information on how to claim your prize! Thank you all for participating in our giveaway. Happy Holidays!

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EBeanstalk's $50 Photo Contest - 10 Winners!

EBeanstalk.com is running a contest for YOU this Holiday Season!

We all have pictures of our kids playing with toys, but your picture and cutie-patootie might win you a $50 gift card.

Email the cutest possible picture and the first name ONLY of your child to: EMILY@EBEANSTALK.com, and you'll be automatically entered to win a $50 Gift Certificate to EBeanstalk.com- just in time for the holidays!! There will be 10 winners, and entries will be chosen on their "cuteness-level". EBeanstalk respects your privacy, and will not spam you. Hurry, because the Cutest Kid Playing-With-A-Toy Contest winners will be chosen on 12-01-09.

In the meantime, shop now and receive a 10% discount at ebeanstalk, using the coupon code ebeanstalk100 at the cart! Whether you're looking for learning toys, baby toys, or kids toys- EBeanstalk has something for everyone. If you need some help shopping for your relatives or grandchildren, you can chat live with a representative or search by age on their website.

Ebeanstalk is a website dedicated to selecting great, safe baby toys and learning toys. They rely on the opinions and feedback of bloggers and moms around the country. Also their team of child experts help to pick out kids toys...read our review of the Groovy Girls Macy the Mermaid Doll pictured above, here.

So, go ahead, start sorting through all the adorable pictures of your little one playing with their toys and send it their way! Hurry though, this contest ends soon! Visit Ebeanstalk.com for more gift ideas.

Now, which picture should I use to enter?? The one of Abbie and her Mermaid, or Alex on his Skitter?? Ack, decisions-decisions! Good Luck!

Let me know if you entered to win by leaving me a comment here.

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Groovy Girls Macy the Mermaid Review!

Finding toys that are reasonably priced, durable, and fun for both of my very picky kids is very difficult. When purchasing a toy for the kids, I want something that will keep their imagination flowing, and encourage their pretend play. There is a toy website called ebeanstalk, dedicated to selecting good, safe baby toys. They need help from moms like me to help pick the toys that line their shelves, and asked us to review a new toy. The doll that they sent for us to review is called Groovy Girls- Macy Mermaid from Manhattan Toy, who makes great developmental toys.

Macy Mermaid is a new addition to the Groovy Girls collection of medium sized plush dolls that are perfect for little girls Abbigaile's age (3.5 years old) and up. As soon as Macy arrived in the mail, Abbie fell in love with her! At first she looks like a mermaid doll, but her detachable fin comes off, and both of her big long legs are ready to walk! Abbie loved her knees, (they're plush, so they're creased so they can curve into the fin, and move like ours), and kept giggling as she played every time she swung them back and forth!

She had a little difficulty putting the fin back on, but as the days have passed, I've watched her fine motor skills improve as she carefully and impeccably puts the fin back on, and attempts to velcro it back together.

I was very impressed with the quality of this doll. It's large enough, that she can tote her around, it's dressed more modest than other dolls on the market, and we loved her hair! Made of yarn, like many "old school toys", it brought back memories of when I was a little girl!

I had never heard of Groovy Girls before Macy the Mermaid showed up at our doorstep, but now, I would definitely recommend them to any one looking for a great gift, or a new doll that encourages imaginative play for their daughter.

Watching my daughter play with her, and tote her around everywhere, every single day since Macy joined our family, I have a feeling there will be more Groovy Girls at our home very soon! Groovy Girls would make great reward incentives for good behavior at school, being nominated for "Student of the Month", potty training success, and so much more.

Visit ebeanstalk now to see their great selection of both boys and girls toys.

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Cloud B Twilight Sea Turtle Review and Giveaway!

My kids used to go to bed with no problem. Lately, they've wanted night lights. I hate traditional night lights, I feel that they are a fire hazard, and often kids climb out of bed to play with something that's plugged into a wall. My husband's an electrician, and he agrees traditional night lights are just no good. My son is a science geek in training, and loves the stars, and even has a telescope, so I knew when I found Cloud B and the Twilight Sea Turtle that we were in luck!

We received our beautiful Twilight Sea Turtle, and immediately the kids wanted to tear it out of the package. The green and blue turtle comes with a story book about the endangered species that are illustrated on the shell of this sleepy time turtle. There are three buttons on the rear end of the turtle that control the light features. The single circles of endangered species light up individually every time you push the fish button, the blue and green buttons allow the lights shine through and illuminate your child's ceiling with constellations.

It is not a squishy-lovey type toy, but my daughter was carrying around the turtle non stop for the first three or four days. My son loves hitting both the blue and green buttons and seeing the whole room in stars. The only thing that would make this turtle even cooler is if it was offered with a sound button to play rolling waves, or whale sounds or something of the like. The simplicity of the turtle makes it easy for Abbie to love and operate, and the illuminated sky in their room makes bed time that much easier.

Want it?
Head over to Cloud B and view their many sleepy time animals and pick out your favorite one!

Win it!
Our friends at Cloud B have offered one lucky reader the chance to win their very own Twilight Sea Turtle!

Here's How! (mandatory entry)
Head over to Cloud B and browse their selection of tools that help babies and children fall asleep. Fan Cloud B on Facebook, and then come back here and tell me which product you love best!

Extra Entries:

• Follow 4BabyAndMom AND Cloud_B on Twitter and tweet about this contest. Please re-post "Twilight Sea Turtle Review and Giveaway~Ends 5/18 http://bit.ly/PHsb @4BabyAndMom @Cloud_B" on your tweet!
• Follow 4BabyAndMom and add our button to your site, include link in your comment!
• Subscribe to our Email feed!
  
• Blog about this contest and include a link to 4BabyAndMom. Post your blog link in your comment, please. (3 Extra Entries for this one!)
  
• Email at least three of your friends and CC: 4BabyAndMom {at} gmail {dot} com
• Fave this post on Technorati, Stumble this post, or DIGG this post, include link if possible.

This contest ends on May 18th, 2009 at midnight, EST. Winner will be chosen at Random, using Random.org. Winner will be announced on May 20th. Special thanks to Cloud B for sponsoring this great giveaway!

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25% off EVERYTHING in stock at Kazoo Toys!

Are you looking for the perfect gift for a special child in your life? How about a reward for potty training or great behavior at school? Whether you're searching for an infant or pre-teen, you'll find a huge selection of kids things at KAZOO TOYS!

Kazoo Toys carries a large variety of toys that are made in the U.S.A. as well as many educational, building, developmental, and pretend play items from birth-12 years old. Their prices are great- there's something that fits everyone's budget; plus, right now they are running the Mother of all sales from now through Mother's Day (May 10th)!

Head over to KAZOO TOYS right now to receive 25% off everything in stock, in the entire store- and best of all, you don't need any crazy coupon codes! Also, while supplies last, Kazoo Toys is offering a free watch with any Corolle Doll purchase! After your purchase, come back here and tell me what you got.. but don't forget to tell Kazoo Toys that you read about them on 4BabyAndMom!

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Mischievous Monday, Remind Me Not to Buy Cereal with Toys in the Bottom Anymore.

Another week has passed, and I almost made it through without a topic to post. We did some errands in the morning and then headed to the grocery store before heading home about 12:30. Today was Alex's last day at home before he goes back to school tomorrow, and with our groceries in tow, I get an epiphany.

"Who wants to go on a PICNIC?"

"MEEEEEEEEE!" pipes two voices from the depths of the minivan.

"But Mommy, we need a basket with two openings.. Do we have a basket?"

"I think we can find something."

We head home and unpack the groceries, make sandwiches, pack some tostitos, and cookies, juice, cups, and plates in a shopping bag, and start basket hunting. I know I have baskets, several to be exact, but none have an opening like a picnic basket, none except....

"I FOUND A PERFECT PICNIC BASKET, MOMMY!" as all of the sporadic toys that find their way into the living room bounce onto the tiled floor, fleeing from the bottom of the toy basket that rescued them from the vacuum or toss pile.

We quickly clean them up, and throw our food, blanket, and miscellaneous picnic stuff into this basket and head to the park. We set up the blanket, and enjoyed the best bologna and cheese sandwiches ever. The kids had a blast listening to Nature, and discovering all of the new and different sounds we could hear if we really listened. We cleaned up, threw the basket back into the car, and then played at the park for awhile.

We come home, and notice that the mailman dropped off a late Christmas present from my Aunt that lives in upstate NY. The kids dove into the presents and within seconds were both occupied cooking with a new pot and pan set and serving it on princess plates, and playing with this year's Hess truck.

I knew they were sitting on the couch, and playing in the living room, so I figured I'd jump online for 5 minutes and look for an email from an old friend. The computer is within eye and earshot of the living room, and in order to leave the living room, they'd have to either walk past me, climb over the back of the couch, or fly. Not even three minutes after I sat down, I hear some crinkling and laughter from my son's bedroom. What?! How'd they get in there?! Why do they find mischief in the bedrooms?!?

I open the door, thinking I've caught them before all havoc broke loose and discover this:

Yeah, that's Rice Krispies.. EVERYWHERE.

Why, you ask, would a child do that?
"I just wanted to get the toy out of the bottom for me and Abbigaile to play with."

This was the first- AND LAST- box of cereal I will buy with a toy in it.

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