Holiday Gift Guide 2018 -- Art and Creativity

What is your theme for gift giving to children this season? This year I’m leaning toward creativity. Things the kids can make and do during their holiday break from school. Look at your toy list holistically. Try to match the toy to the child’s interest and abilities. And, an important factor is purchasing age-appropriate toys/kits from well-respected companies that will provide playthings that will last and abide by the safety rules. Here are a few to consider during your 2018 holiday shopping trips.

OnTel Products Make the MagicPad

MagicPad™ features an amazing crystal-clear, light-up screen that not only brings art to life, but also makes learning fun! The kids just insert one of the stencils behind the screen featuring games, art or learning. Once their drawing is complete, press the color-change button to choose from 8 different light effects to see their creation glow! They can also create freely without using s stencil.

The MagicPad’s screen easily wipes clean and is portable for fun on the go.  It also has a built-in stand, so kids can display their creations, or it makes for a perfect nightlight. Each set includes a MagicPad™, 3 Dual-Sided Neon Pens (for six total colors), 30 Stencils, a Glow-Boost Card, Eraser Cloth and a Fun Guide.

Recommended Age: 3+ with a MSRP of $19.99

Availability: Walmart, Target, Walgreens, CVS, Rite Aid and https://www.buymagicpad.com/?mid=9800765

VTech Makes the DigiArt Color by Lights™

Let lights guide the way as you create your next masterpiece with DigiArt Color by Lights™. The light-up board identifies each of the 50 included coloring pages and responds by showing what color to use in each section. Download more pages online for unlimited printing and play. Connect the light-up dots to draw shapes, objects and animals. The art board features a dry-erase surface and a stencil card for more creative play, plus a variety of melodies to enjoy while creating your work of art. Color and create with light!

Ages 3-6 with a MSRP of $21.99

DigiArt Spirals & Sounds™

Create unique spiral art designs with DigiArt Spirals & Sounds™. Place a piece of letter size paper (not included) inside the electronic art board, choose an animal stencil, then use one of the five included gears and the marker to make fun and intricate spiral patterns. Place an animal stencil in the board and press the talk button to hear creative encouragement, fun facts and a silly rhyme about the animal. Roll a gear inside the animal stencil to trigger funny sounds. Switch to music mode to hear 20 cheerful melodies while you create. Let your creativity soar with spirals!

Ages 3-6 years, $19.99 is the MSRP

Kidi Secrets Selfie Journal™ by VTech

Protect your thoughts and dreams with the Kidi Secrets Selfie Journal™. Make a photo journal, write diary entries or record messages and keep them safe. Facial recognition software unlocks the journal only when it recognizes your face. Features front and rear cameras so you can take selfies and pictures of your friends. A full suite of mini-apps includes games, photo and video filters, music and utilities that give you a variety of activities to play. Create new looks for yourself and your friends, care for a virtual pet, decorate photos and videos, play learning games and more! You're the key to this diary!

Age 6 Years+, $49.99 is the MSRP

And of course we can’t forget about making music. This activity enhances the creative side of learning.

Kidi Star Music Magic Microphone™ by VTech

Set out on the path to stardom with the Kidi Star Music Magic Microphone™. Be the lead singer with this interactive microphone that features Music Magic mode, which reduces the main vocal track of your favorite songs so your own voice is center stage! Easily connect your MP3 player or mobile device and sing along to favorite tunes from your collection. The microphone is packed with exciting features like four games, four original songs, a voice changer with four effects and an applause button. Record yourself for up to two minutes and enjoy your performance again and again!

Age 5 Years+, $29.99 MSRP

These are just a few of the many toys that are available for gifts this year. I feel that these toys and others by these companies are perfect for hands-on fun during the upcoming holidays. Check out the company’s websites for more ideas.

VTech -- https://www.vtechkids.com/holiday_gift_guide

OnTel Toys and Products -- https://www.ontelcatalog.com

Photos by Tania Cowling, all rights reserved

Package photo courtesy of pixabay.com jill111 / 1314 images

I would like to thank these companies for providing me samples of their products for my review. There was no payment for my blog post.

Watch Ya' Mouth Game

They say that “laughter is the best medicine” and this game sure is hilarious. The Watch Ya’ Mouth Game is fun for family night as well as parties (3-10 players). The box comes with plastic mouthpieces (ones like you find in a dentist office) and game cards. The concept of this game is to put in a mouthpiece and read the card. The phrase could be small as two words or as long as 10 words. The mouthpiece changes your speech and the other players need to guess the phrase. Ha, it’s not as easy as you think! And the funny faces that go along trying to read the card makes for gut-busting laughter.

The company’s idea came from this:

“Have you seen the movie 'The Boss' starring Melissa McCarthy? There’s a scene where she’s getting her teeth whitened, wearing the infamous mouthpiece and struggling to speak. From this one scene, the idea for our game was born.”

I found the ‘90’s edition’ fun, but a little hard for our elementary-age players. They didn’t understand some of the phrases. But have no fear, you can write your own cards or order expansion packs (sold separately) that fit the kid’s ages and interest.

I would like to thank the company for sending me this game for my review. We truly enjoyed this opportunity and will keep this in our game arsenal for other occasions.

You can find this game at big box stores and Amazon.com.

Photos courtesy of Tania Cowling, all rights reserved

Diploma Craft for Your Little Graduate

Whether your child is graduating from preschool or kindergarten, it’s time for big dreams and next steps. A diploma is the official certificate that your youngster has made it to the next level of education – it’s a notable memory. This craft is not a true diploma, but a chance for your little graduate to draw and color a self-portrait and present it in diploma style. There are a couple ways to create this project, so choose your art mediums and let’s get started.

Materials:

• White copy paper
• Crayons, markers, or watercolors
• Thin ribbon
• Computer (optional)
• Paintbrush (optional)

Directions:

Step 1 – This craft is not really messy, but you may want to cover your tabletop with newspaper. Young children sometimes color outside the lines and may mark your table on accident.

Step 2 – On a clean sheet of white copy paper your child will color a picture of a graduate. This can be a printed black line copy made with your computer or a self-portrait created by your child.  There are websites that offer coloring pages for graduation (see below). These are only two of the many coloring pages sites you can find online.  For a more creative project, have your kiddo draw and color a self-portrait of him or her on graduation day, wearing a gown and mortarboard graduation cap.

Step 3 – Invite the child to use crayons, markers, or even paint with watercolors. Let this page dry thoroughly before the next step.

Step 4 – Carefully roll the paper into a small circular tube.

Step 5 – Tie the diploma roll with a length of thin ribbon. Any color is acceptable, or you could use the shade that coordinates with your school’s colors.

Step 6 – Role-play and present this diploma craft to your child in a mock commencement ceremony.

A couple websites with graduate coloring sheets:

http://www.preschoolcoloringbook.com/color/cpgraduation.shtml

http://www.familyshoppingbag.com/img/thumb/jump/749/Graduation_Group#.VVShXl6ElFI

Congratulations to your child, Happy Parenting,

Tania  

Photo courtesy of Tania Cowling, all rights reserved

Rainy Days and Mondays: Toys Kids Enjoy

As summer vacation rolls in, so does the rain and heat. There are just some days where your kids can’t go outdoors and play. The kiddos then get bored and can’t think of what to do next. So, this is the time to keep some new toys in your arsenal for fun. Here are a few of my favorite new top finds.

If you are looking for some experiment-type activities that also integrates STEM learning check out these two kits from Horizon Group USA. I like this type play that become teachable moments. 

Discovery Quick Sand

MSRP: $5.00

Age Recommendation: 6+

Experiment with non-Newtonian fluids by creating your own Quick Sand! Make swirling, slimy sand that glows in the dark. Real quicksand in nature acts as a liquid when it is agitated, which causes you to sink. With your homemade quicksand, solid objects will slowly get swallowed up! Try placing a small object on your quicksand and watch it sink.

Available at Michaels, Bed Bath & Beyond

Discovery Rainbow Putty

MSRP: $5.00

Age Recommendation:  6+

Product Description: Experiment with polymers and create your own Rainbow Putty! Polymers are long strings of molecules, and they all act differently. Some can be hard, some slimy and runny, and others rubbery and bouncy. Your Rainbow Putty is a bouncy polymer. Make, bounce, and stretch your putty! Combine as many colors as you like to make rainbow swirl!

Available at Michaels, Bed Bath & Beyond

For the younger kids, VTech provides fun toys that teach skills. If you have an animal lover, like my Matthew, check out this toy.

GearZooz™ GearBuddies Lion & Mouse™

•               Go for a friendly spin with the GearZooz™ GearBuddies Lion & Mouse™.

•               Kids can connect the Smart Gear™ mouse and turn the handle to watch the gears spin. Placing the mouse on the lion’s back triggers fun phrases and stories. They can also turn the handle gear to hear a melody, then turn the handle faster and faster to speed up the melody.

•               Press the light-up button to hear fun stories, or roll the lion to hear playful sing-along songs.

•               Then, mix and match with other GearZooz™ playsets (sold separately) for more gear-rific fun!

•                Ages 1½ - 4 years, $9.99

And last in my arsenal is from LeapFrog.

Tad's Fridge Phonics™

•               Make learning the alphabet exciting with Tad’s Fridge Phonics™!

•               This interactive toy introduces children to the letters of the alphabet and the sounds they make, helps build vocabulary and exercises fine motor skills.

•               Kids can place one of the 26 musical letter tiles into the letter slot and press down for three modes of play that reinforce letter names, phonics and word skills.

•               Three frames can be customized with personal photos and images for a unique, personalized play experience. And, with its magnetic base, it’s great for fridge play in the kitchen.

•               Age 2 years+, $19.99

These are only a few of the many toys these companies provide. Check out their websites for more options.

Keep the summer fun (indoors and out) -- Happy Parenting,
Tania

I want to thank these companies for the opportunity to review their toys. I was not paid or coached to write this blog post. The information about the products was provided and these are my own opinions.

Photos courtesy of Tania Cowling, all rights reserved.
Graphics by pixabay.com  CC0 Creative Commons

Dr. Jacobs Naturals -- Natural Soaps for the Family

Today, I would like to discuss the importance of going natural. I personally do not like chemicals of any kind. I don’t want to ingest them, smell them, or put them on my body. Remember your skin is the largest organ of the body and keeping it safe from chemicals is of utmost importance.

I recently had the opportunity to try Dr. Jacobs Naturals. I was given three castile soap products and I have to say, “I’m in love”! I found these soap products easy to use; they rinse off clean, and smell great. I’m also not a big fragrance person, but these products have light, desirable scents made with natural essential oils. A plus!

I enjoyed the Almond Honey for my daily routine – my favorite. BUT, the Peppermint gave me an invigorating lift in the morning. Dr. Jacobs Naturals also sells bar soaps (which some people prefer). I had the opportunity to test the Coco Loco Limeade (so fresh). These bars are also gentle castile soap, but with a loofah exfoliating experience.

Here is a list of what I like about Dr. Jacobs Naturals:

• 100% natural ingredients; no preservatives or coloring
• No synthetic fragrances
• Non GMO
• Paraben and Sulfate free
• Gluten free (a must for people with Celiac disease)
• No palm oil

The soaps are multipurpose; can be used as a body wash, shampoo, and even a shaving product. It can be used on the face and body.

• Aloe Vera and vitamin E for moisture
• Includes Shea butter
• PETA approved
• Vegan and Cruelty Free
• Made in the USA

The products are packaged in attractive dispensers, some with easy to use pumps. There are a variety of scents to choose from. Check out this WEBSITE for more information and ordering.  

Trust me – you will love these products for the entire family. It feels good to do something healthy for the body and the environment.

Until next time – Happy Parenting,

Tania

I want to thank Dr. Jacobs Naturals for the opportunity to try their products. I was not paid or coached to write this blog post. The information about the products was provided and these are my own opinions.

It’s Finally Time for Some Outdoor Play

Spring has finally come and the weather is now conducive for outdoor play.  It’s time for the kids to put down those digital games (not that they don’t have merit) and grab a toy to exercise those gross motor muscles on terra firma.

I’d like to introduce you to a couple toys from SwimWays (Aerobie). I’m sure your children will enjoy these games with friends and family.

Aerobie Pro Ring™

•         For exhilarating flying disc games, the thin design of this flying ring allows the disc to travel longer distances and it features soft edges for comfortable catches.

•      The open center allows each player to personalize their throwing and catching style – catch the edge with your hand or use the center to catch it with your arm or foot.

•                This flying disc was used to set a Guinness World Record for the farthest throw, an amazing 1,333 feet (406 meters)!

•                Aerobie Pro Ring measures 13 inches in diameter.

•                Available in assorted colors and sold individually.

•                Recommended Age: 12+

•                MSRP: $9.99

Availability: Dick’s Sporting Goods,  REI, Academy, Olympia Sports, Amazon, Big 5, Meijer, Fred Meyer, Hobby Lobby, Scheels, and Dunham’s Sports

COOP Scatter Dodgeball™

•        A fun twist on the classic game of dodgeball, each player begins with two wristbands of the same color.  At the beginning of each round, players form a circle around the dodgeball while one player rolls the dice. Any player who is wearing a wristband that matches the color face-up on the dice is the thrower and may pick up the dodgeball while the other players scatter.

•                As the other players scatter, the thrower attempts to hit them with the dodgeball.  Players that get hit must surrender a wristband to the thrower. If the targeted player catches the ball, the thrower must surrender a wristband. 

•                The first person to collect all the wristbands wins!

•                Two to six players can play the game

•        Each set includes: 1 foam dice, 1 dodgeball (durable, sting proof ball), 12 wristbands (2 of each color) and game instructions

•                Recommended Age: 5+

•                MSRP: $19.99

•                Availability: Target, Amazon

Take a peek at these new spring/summer toys. I’m sure your kids will enjoy them.

Until next time! Happy Parenting,

Tania

I want to thank SwimWays Toys for the opportunity to view their products. I was not paid or coached to write this blog post. The information about the products was provided and these are my own opinions.

Photos courtesy of Tania Cowling and SwimWays, all rights reserved

Beat the Heat in the Pool With SwimWays Products

Yes, I know most of you are still battling snow and cold, but some of us (me in Florida) are beginning to envision fun in the sun. Everyone will enjoy this weather soon. Think about this---

Your kids can quench the “sizzle” of summer with water. So, whether you have a big swimming pool or wading pool; your kids can spend hours of fun and “beat the heat” this season. These wet and wild toys will make your outdoor time a splash hit!

SwimWays puts the FUN back in water toys and swim gear for kids! The company’s innovative water toys, ranging from water-activated transforming toys to licensed toys featuring kids’ favorite characters, will keep kids entertained all summer long. Here are a couple products to consider.

SquiDivers™  

Featuring an all-new style, SquiDivers are soft and flexible learn to swim dive toys that wiggle and jiggle their way to the bottom of the pool, landing nose down. The soft, flexible tentacles float upright making these brightly-colored dive toys easy for kids to see and grab. Finger holes allow kids to place on finger tips for in or out of the pool fun

Great for every day swimming fun, for practicing underwater dive and retrieve skills during swim training practice, and as a pool party activity! New characters include shark, ray and fish.

Three SquiDivers are included in each pack. Recommended Age: 5+ MSRP: $7.99

Availability: Toys “R” Us (new style) and Target (current style) 

Funny Face Swim Goggles™  

Kids will love to express their personality at  the pool with these selfie-ready novelty swimming goggles, which add some fun to swim lessons and kids pool parties. The goggles feature an easy-button adjustable head strap, leak-resistant design and soft construction for a comfortable fit.

Available in 3 styles, sold separately: stars and stripes, soccer balls and butterflies. Recommended Age: 3+ MSRP: $7.99

Availability: Academy and Swimways.com

And while the big kids are playing in the pool, your baby can enjoy the water while safe in this fun product:

Baby Spring Float Activity Center™  

The Baby Spring Float Activity Center features an interactive play station with a rotating octopus character that holds 6 baby toys - squeaker fish, stacking rings, fish teether, and soft touch star.

Additional features include a removable sun canopy with UPF 50+ sun protection, see-through mesh sides on the canopy so baby can always be seen, fabric-covered inflation and a soft mesh seat with secure leg holes for durability and comfort, a wide base, child safety valves, and dual air chambers.

The float folds flat into three compact circles and a carry tote is included for easy portability Recommended Age: 9-24 months MSRP: $29.99 Availability: Toys R Us, Target, Amazon

I want to thank SwimWays Toys for the opportunity to view their products. I was not paid or coached to write this blog post. The information about the products was provided and these are my own opinions.

Photos courtesy of Tania Cowling and SwimWays, all rights reserved