Reviews
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Festive season fun from Hasbro (Giveaway!)
If you love your kids as much as I love mine, then you’re probably wondering how on earth you’re going to score those cool mom points, this Christmas. I mean, cool mom points are totally necessary. Cool mom points are what keeps us young. Well, my friend, I bring you glad tidings of great joy! Our pals over at Hasbro has guaranteed us a ton of festive season fun – and cool mom points – and we don’t even have to bake anyone cookies to get ’em! Plus we’re giving a whole hamper away! Aaack! Here are some of my favorite Hasbro Christmas gift ideas and a chance for you to win!
TransformersYour little boy would give you an endless supply of hugs and kisses if you make sure that Santa (cough) drops off some Transformers merch under your Christmas tree. Plus, it would be a total score if you included tickets to the latest movie in the Transformers franchise, Bumblebee, that will be launching in December. The cool gear on offer includes the:
Bumblebee Showcase Helmet that captures the cool swagger of the loyal Autobot scout.
Power Charge Bumblebee action figure that converts from robot mode to classic Volkswagen Beetle mode in 17 steps so kids can amp up the power in 2 modes.
Bumblebee DJ Stryker figure that brings a whole new beat to the game by interacting with fans and allowing them to create their own original tunes.
NerfMy older boys are going to freak out when they learn about the much-anticipated nerf Rival range. Designed for kids older than 14, these high-powered blasters are durable, and its battle-tested accessories enhances the action-packed NERF experience. Some of the cool gadgets you’ll find in stores are:
Nerf Rival Apollo XV-700 blaster, known for accuracy.
Nerf Rival Artemis XVII-3000 blaster or Nerf Rival Nemesis MXVII-10K blaster, which offers a massive 100-which offers a massive 100-round capacity to outlast the competition.
Nerf Zombie Strike Survival System Scavenger Blaster keeps battlers ready for any zombifying challenge that comes their way.
Nerf Nitro Double clutch Inferno Blaster is a 2-barrel blaster allowing kids to launch two cars at the same time.
YelliesIf you’re looking for a unique Christmas gift for your kid, you need to check out Hasbro’s Yellies – the cutest, fuzziest collectible pets that respond to your voice. Each Yellies! pet has its own unique look and personality and is full of fun surprises. Voice and sound-activated, they respond to talking, yelling, clapping, singing, or even music. Look out for the first wave of Yellies! spider collectables. Find your favorite and remember the louder you yell, the faster they go!
My Little PonyMy Little Pony is always a winner with my girl and it helps that the range has a variety of toys and activities available – all well priced! Some great gift ideas include:
The My Little Pony Equestria Girls fashion dolls, each dressed in a stylish outfit, complete with fashion accessories that match their character personalities.
Singing Rainbow Dash has cool movable sunglasses and a microphone attached. Press her Cutie Mark to hear her sing “Time to Be Awesome” from My Little Pony: The Movie and more including 15 entertainment-inspired phrases.
My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic Plush Figures – the larger-sized soft and floppy plush pony figure is a huggable friend perfect for bedtime snuggles.
Hasbro GamingMy teenage sons love a good board game, and to be honest it’s sometimes the only way I can get all of us to do something fun together! I love the new Hasbro board games. These include the popular Speak Out Showdown version, Hearing Things, Don’t Lose Your Cool as well as Trivial Pursuit Family Edition. Kids will love Pie Face Cannon and Don’t Step In It as well as a new take on an older classic with Blindfolded Twister. Keep your piece of Mzansi with you over the holidays with Monopoly Mzansi, the local version of Monopoly. Hasbro Gaming also offers a series of preschool Mensa approved learning games from Mousetrap to Downfall Machine to Cranium Sculpt-It and more keep kids entertained while developing their sensory and motor skills
Hasbro CollectablesScore those cool mom points by filling those Christmas stockings with some of Hasbro’s super cool collectables. I’m talking mini toys such as:
Lock Stars – the collectable lock accessory lets you hold the key to unlock your collection.
Lost Kitties – an adorable collection of mischievous little kitties, who always seem to end up hiding in a carton, where it’s up to you to find them.
The Littlest Pet Shop – the littlest pets with the biggest personalities!Hasbro products are available from leading retailers including: Toys R Us, Toy Kingdom, Toy Zone, Toy Adventures, Lilliputs Toys, Hamleys, Checkers and Checkers Hypers, Game, Makro A and online at Takealot.com
WIN a TOY hamper compliments of Hasbro!Hasbro is committed to creating memorable experiences for your family. From toys and games to television programming, motion pictures, digital gaming and a comprehensive lifestyle licensing program, Hasbro fulfils the fundamental need for play and connection for children and families around the world.
But hey, I know why you’re here! You want to win an amazing toy hamper, compliments of Hasbro! To enter, simply follow the prompts below:
1. Find the specially marked post on Instagram and follow instruction to grab 1 entry.
2. Find the specially marked post on Facebook and follow instruction to grab 1 entry.
3. Comment below and let me know which gift idea your kid would appreciate, to grab 1 entry.Giveaway open to SA residents only. Winner announced on 21 December and has 24 hours to claim prize.
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Inspiring Christmas gift ideas for teens
Buying gifts for my teen is a bit like extracting teeth. Yep, it’s painful, for the most part. And that’s only because I never know if the kid is actually going to like the gift. But more than that, I hate getting him gifts that are meaningless and just for show. I know, I come across as all hip and stuff (humor me, please), but in reality, my brain is like a spreadsheet (hence the name of this here blog) so I gauge everything according to how useful it’s going to be in the long run. Anyways, long story short (because let’s face it, I was babbling) I found a bunch of seriously cool gift ideas on the Cum Books online store the other day.
My kid is transitioning from young person to young adult (aaaack!) and I need to prepare the kid for the big world. My prayer for him is that he will remain the stable, level-headed guy that he’s somehow growing into and I thought to gift him with things that can encourage this. Here they are:
Man, if I had a teenage daughter, I would totally be getting her this gorgeous Inspire Bible for Girls. If you’ve been following my story for a while, you’ll remember that I have my own Inspire Bible. I love that these Bibles are decided to unlock your creativity, as you spend time getting into the Word of God. I mean, if you struggle to concentrate during your quiet times, this is the best thing! The new Inspire Bible for Girls is aimed at girls aged 8 – 12 years and is jam packed with things like: devotions, written by the amazing Carolyn Larsen, over 800 pages with space for creativity and amazing graphics for colour-in sessions, journaling prompts and Bible facts. Totally worth it at R399.95There are a bunch of really rad, creative Bibles for teen guys too! Check out the Cum Books online store for more.
If your kid loves arts and crafts, she’ll fall inlove with this Bible Journaling Kit. I mean, how cute is this? I want one for myself! The kit comes complete with Bible journaling supplies that is sure to inspire creativity, as she grows in the Word. I’m talking about the good stuff, like washi tape rolls, a black ink block and stamps, column inserts, sticker pages, glitter gel pens metallic gel pens and even a journaling template. Grab it for R549.95
This year, I am getting our boys some Christian resources as part of their Christmas gifts, because the kids need to learn about Jesus, yo! Fortunately, the wide selection of “teen gifts”, at Cum Books, makes it easy to find products that they will actually enjoy.
The 365 Daily Devotions By Teens for Teens immediately sparked my interest. These are written expressly for teen boys or teen girls, by actual teenagers who understand your kids lingo. The unique devotional is filled with personal experiences that are relatable and heart-felt. Through the stories of others, teens see how God works in our lives when we open ourselves to Him. The devotion includes hundreds of teen authors and teens love reading what their peers have written. Price: R189.95
Dave Strehler’s Amazing Stories for Young Believers is another one that immediately caught my interest. How cool is this devotional, you guys?! It contains 366 devotions for kids aged 8 – 12, and tells stories about Bible characters and the great things they did for God. Each day’s devotion gives a practical application based on a specific passage from Scripture, as well as another Scripture verse that reinforces the lesson for that day. A topical index at the back of the book arranges devotions according to themes. Dave is a children’s ministry stalwart, who has devoted more than twenty five years to equipping children and young people, by helping them to understand the Bible and enjoy reading it. Price: R189.95
I think the one I am most excited about is The Action Bible. I love everything about this illustrated version of the Bible! Firstly, it has more than 200 fast-paced narratives in chronological order, making it easy to follow the Bible’s historical flow and reinforcing the build-up to its thrilling climax! Secondly, the stories are illustrated in such a contemporary way that your teen will not be able to resist turning the page to learn more. This compelling blend of clear writing plus dramatic images offers an appeal that crosses all age boundaries. It’s a bargain at R399.95You can also pick up The Action Bible Guess It Game – a guessing game, derived from The Action Bible. I’ve added this one to our family game night and you guys, it’s so much fun! The 99 cards each has 20 questions about people, places or things, from the Bible. You have to correctly guess the identity of the person/place/thing, with as few clues as possible. Great for traveling or family game night, these action-packed cards will help expand youngster’s Bible knowledge in a fun and interactive way. Price: R129.95
WIN a Christmas hamper compliments of CUM Books!CUM Books is one of the largest stockists of Christian and inspirational books, Bibles, music, resources, movies and gifts, in South Africa! CUM Books focus is on spreading the Good News to the homes and hearts of people across South Africa. I’m also especially pleased that we can now shop online – the Cum Books online store is a dream!
But hey, I know why you’re here! You want to win an amazing Christmas hamper, compliments of Cum Books! We’re giving away TWO hampers, a His and a Hers, and you have until 16h00 today (Friday, 15 December) to enter!
For more deets check out these blog posts:
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JOHNSONS® Vita-Rich Smoothies for your skin! {Giveaway}
So when it comes to skin care, I’m usually not this dramatic. But you guys, when my friends over at Johnson’s Skincare sent me their new JOHNSONS® Vita-Rich Smoothies range, I pretty much freaked out! I mean, to be honest, everything feels tired this time of the year and my skin was in need of a vita boost. The timing was perfect!
The new JOHNSONS® Vita-Rich Smoothies range captures the power and goodness of Peach and Coconut or Honey and Oats, combined with yoghurt concentrate, to help effectively care for your skin. The range was designed to deliver lasting hydration – I’m talking 48 hours’ worth of moisture. Yep, it’s that good!
I love the creamy formula of both the body wash and the body lotion. And the scents? Oh my goodness! Could they be any yummier?! (Like, seriously, I want to taste them.) You can tell that these products are designed to help you experience a sense of comfort and well-being… what better way to treat yourself, after a long day at the office or, you know, the house. Your own house. Where you live. (It’s a job, yo.)I love the “smoothies” concept. The ‘Indulging’ Coconut & Peach range is my fave. As you know, coconut is a super food and coconut oil helps to prevent dryness and flaking of skin. It also delays the appearance of wrinkles. Peach is a good source of antioxidants and Vitamin C.
The ‘Comforting’ Honey & Oats range is also delicious! As you may know, honey is rich in anti-ageing ingredients and is a great moisturiser. Oats is also a popular health food, and is often used in skincare products to help moisturise, exfoliate and cleanse. Oats is also used to help relieve dry, itchy and irritated skin.
The clever addition of yoghurt was a smart move since this healthy superstar is packed with skin-friendly nutrients that help to regulate sebum that can cause breakouts. It’s also packed with Vitamin B2 that keeps the skin hydrated and protected.
WIN 1 of 2 JOHNSONS® Vita-Rich Smoothies hampers!Guess what! As part of my Christmas Crazy campaign, JOHNSONS® Skincare is giving away 2 delicious Vita-Rich Smoothies hampers to 2 lovely My Spreadsheet Brain readers! Aaaack! I know, I want to cry too. To enter the giveaway, score a point by doing any or both of the following:
- Check out the specially marked post on Instagram and follow instruction given there.
- Check out the specially marked post on Facebook and follow instruction given there.
Don’t worry guys, I won’t make you jump through hoops (or ask you to follow everyone and my mom) in order to enter. Buuut, please know that we will verify each entry, so sticking to the rules is kinda important. Oh and about dem rules, here are some more to take note of:
Terms and conditions
The JOHNSONS® Skincare Christmas Crazy giveaway closes on November 29 at midnight.
I’ll be announcing all my Christmas Crazy winners on November 30.
Each winner will be contacted via email and would need to respond within 24 hours, in order to claim the prize. (Since most company’s shut down in December, this kinda is a strict rule, so please do keep your eyes glued to your inbox/my social media, to check if you’re a winner.)
Please note: my Christmas Crazy giveaways are only open to SA residents. -
Oh baby! Nattou plushies are the best Christmas gifts
I remember my baby’s first Christmas. Well, mainly because it was like, last year. But that’s not the point. The point is that I desperately wanted to get my little boy a really meaningful gift that he would treasure for years to come. Something that was baby safe, but not, you know, boring. I’m sentimental and cool like that. And so I ended up getting him a plushie. I call it a “lovey” and I appreciate that I can leave it behind with him, when I’m not around. A really stunning plush toy is a great way to offer your baby some form of comfort in your absence. This is why I love, love, love the new range of Nattou plush toys!
You guys, these gorgeous new characters are just so beautiful… and practical! I fell inlove with the 24cm, 100% polyester plushies, sweetly named Lea Snow Leopard, Adele Elephant and Loulou Panda. They were designed to be baby’s first companion – exactly what I had been looking for – something that would serve as a play thing and a source of comfort.
Adele Elephant has to be my favourite you guys – and that was not an easy decision to make! With super cute pink accents, this bow bedecked cuddly is pretty much what I want for Christmas. But like, for myself.
For Jojo, it’s a toss-up between Loulou Panda and Lea Snow Leopard. Both are dressed to the nines in shades of blue and I simply love their colour palates! I mean, seriously, these plushies are such classic pieces, I can see my kids holding on to them for years to come! And that’s because the Nattou cuddly toys are created with fabrics and materials that are selected for durability, softness and safety.
Rest assured that the design of every Nattou toy – the fabrics, cutting, sowing and even the finishing – has all been meticulously checked, to make sure it meets European safety standards. Yep, this plushie can handle your toddlers tantrums, and then some!I actually appreciate that Nattou puts so much effort into designing soft toys that address the parents concerns. Their products are colourful, engaging and durable enough to accompany your little one, as baby explores the world.
Prima Baby has made these plushies available at Hamleys, Takealot and Kids Emporium for R249.99.
WIN 1 of 3 NATTOU PLUSHIES!But hey, friends, as part of my Christmas Crazy campaign, Prima Baby is giving away 3 plushies to 3 lucky readers! Aaaack! I mean, talk about perfect timing, you guys! To enter the giveaway, score a point by doing any or both of the following:
- Check out the specially marked post on Instagram and follow instruction given there.
- Check out the specially marked post on Facebook and follow instruction given there.
Don’t worry guys, I won’t make you jump through hoops (or ask you to follow everyone and my mom) in order to enter. Buuut, please know that we will verify each entry, so sticking to the rules is kinda important. Oh and about dem rules, here are some more to take note of:
Terms and conditions
The Nattou Christmas Crazy giveaway closes on November 29 at midnight.
I’ll be announcing all my Christmas Crazy winners on November 30.
Each winner will be contacted via email and would need to respond within 24 hours, in order to claim the prize. (Since most company’s shut down in December, this kinda is a strict rule, so please do keep your eyes glued to your inbox/my social media, to check if you’re a winner.)
Please note: my Christmas Crazy giveaways are only open to SA residents. -
Manage those curls with Johnson’s Baby Soft and Shiny
If you frequent these here parts, you’ll know that my girl is the curliest girl in all the world! Yes, that’s me being poignant and poetic (and biased). Truthfully though, my curly girl’s hair has presented itself as a major challenge for this sleek-haired mom. I spent the longest time without a cooking-clue as to what I can and can’t use on her hair.
So when Johnsons Baby sent me their Soft and Shiny range, for tight curls and dry hair, I was keen to give it a go. I had tried the product when she was a bit younger (with a lot less hair to manage and a lot less attitude to deal with). So I was extremely curious to see what the new formulation would be like and if it would work on her growing bush of curls.
I mean, Johnson’s Baby is definitely a name you can trust (hello, more than 100 years of tried and tested, quality product!). The new Soft and Shiny formula promises to provide extra moisture for dry hair. It contains glycerin which is said to help with cleansing and moisturising your kiddies hair, without drying it out. And as you may know, the special Johnson’s Baby NO MORE TEARS® formula is gentle to the eyes, which is especially helpful.I gave it a go on Kari’s otherwise very dry hair. The Johnson’s Baby Soft and Shiny Shampoo and Conditioner worked excellently as a hair cleanser, creating a nice amount of foam and leaving her hair smelling fresh and baby soft. Since her hair is really dry, I do have to use a hair oil or hair mask often, to get that extra dollop of moisture. My Jojo, however, has a mop of soft curls and I’m loving that his curls are more defined after using this shampoo.
The Johnson’s Baby Soft and Shiny Easy Comb Spray makes navigating through Kari’s knots, that much easier! I actually use this on her hair, in the morning, while styling. The spray nozzle distributes product evenly and I love that there is no build up, even after using the product for a few days. It really does make her hair more manageable. This one is a winner!
You can check out what she had to say about it in the video below:
This blog post was done in collaboration with Johnson’s Baby.
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Celebrate the festive with a gingerbread house kit!
It’s beginning to feel a lot like Christmas! Whaaat? I mean, it’s October, it’s time to take out the Christmas decorations, right?! Okay, fine, I’ll curb my enthusiasm for a few more weeks. But while we outchere talking about Christmas, I need to tell you guys about the amazing Gingerbread House Kit my missy and I tried out the other day. That’s right… a gingerbread house kit! It’s okay you can “aaack”, I’ll wait.
Have you composed yourself yet? Great.
When Gingerbread House Kit contacted me, asking if we’d like to give one of their kits a go, I was like, heck to the yeah! You guys know how much I love Christmas! I’ve always wanted to build a gingerbread house. I feel like it’s such a festive thing to do, and I have to do all the festive things! Have to!But like, who has the time (or recipe) to build a gingerbread house that is sturdy enough to withstand tiny, prodding fingers? Also, I don’t keep things like icing sugar in my cupboards. (Don’t look at me like that Patricia. It’s a free country.)
Anyways, the gingerbread house kit comes with basically all of that and then some! The all-inclusive kit contains pre-baked panels (that are lekker solid AND yummy… yes, I tasted), assorted candy’s for decoration, icing AND a piping bag (because, guess what Patricia, I don’t own a piping bag either!)
I did make the mistake of not making my icing thick enough… lesson learnt! This is why I don’t bake, yo. But once we had our icing at the right consistency, we were good to go! The kids totally enjoyed adding the décor. We munched down on it soon thereafter (because who has the time to sit around looking at cake) and I must say I was pleased to find that the panels are not dry or hard, even though it is pretty solid.
You can purchase your very own gingerbread house kit online, at the crazy prize of R249. Email Trish for more deets – she is super helpful!
WIN a Gingerbread House Kit!
So how about it… want to win a gingerbread house kit to try out with your kideos? GREAT! JustEllaBella and I are giving TWO kits away! AACK! To enter, simply find the specially marked post (clue: it looks like the pic below) on Facebook and/or Instagram and follow the instruction. (If you do this on both our accounts, that’s FOUR entries, yo!)
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You don’t need fluoride to keep your kids teeth clean {Pure Beginnings}
As we near the end of Dental Health Awareness Month, I am reminded of a time, back when I was a little tiger, when pretty much all of my friends at pre-school had some sort of a rotten teeth or gap situation going on. Mind you, I’m sure that their parents weren’t overloading them with sugary treats. But, hey, let’s keep it real, there were some things we just did not know about back then. Like the fact that the fluoride you find in your regular toothpaste is actually a chemical compound, containing the element fluorine. In its pure state, this element is actually extremely corrosive and poisonous. Not exactly something you’d want to be giving to your kids, right? The truth is this, you don’t need fluoride to keep your kids teeth clean.
I didn’t even know that fluoride was a danger. And then I realized that most toothpastes have a warning printed on the box/tube. Something along the lines of: “If more than used for brushing is accidentally swallowed, obtain medical help or contact a Poison Control Centre right away.” And guys, I’m going to be even more honest, I’m not even that much of a “crusty” mom… like, I seriously don’t think that a little bit of fluoride is going to kill my kid. But if there is an alternative, that is safer for the smallies, then why not simply choose that? Did you know that you don’t even need fluoride to prevent tooth decay. Fluoride has no nutritional value to the human body.
This is why I was a bit more excited (than a normal person would be about toothpaste) when I received a Pure Beginnings press drop. My toddler is actually not a fan of “normal” kiddies toothpastes because she claims that it burns her mouth. So I was curious to see if she would love the Pure Beginnings Organic Kids toothpastes.Considering all the negative effects of fluoride, the Pure Beginnings fluoride-free toothpastes all contain xylitol and are safe to swallow. They hold antibacterial properties and provide tooth and gum protection, freshening the breath naturally. All the Pure Beginnings toothpastes are vegan, contain certified organic ingredients and have been carefully formulated using no colorants.
My little Missy enjoyed the lovely Vanilla Mint toothpaste, designed for kids 3 years and older. The yummo Berry toothpaste is designed for kids who are just starting out on their toothy journey. It’s actually recommended that you start cleaning your little one’s mouth from 4 weeks old already!Pure Beginnings believes that using natural alternatives are a better, safer and more effective choice for you and your family. And at R36.95 per tube, I would say it’s definitely worth it! The cute characters on the tubes have become household faves. Our Missy specifically asks for the monkey or the birdie, when its teeth brushing time. I’m just happy that she’s excited about brushing her teeth again!
Have you tried the Pure Beginnings Organic Kids oral care range? What’s your fave?
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Bath Time with Pure Beginnings
Bathing my kids has become a mission, you guys. I mean, for starters, there are two of them under the age of four. And secondly, they are both crazy-busy! Bath time with us usually means Kari trying to wash her Barbie dolls hair, with her favorite Pure Beginnings shampoo, while Jonah puts a bar of soap in his mouth as he simultaneously attempts to sit on his sisters head and make a poo. I’m not even joking, this has really happened.
But, with all the scooping of baby poop out of the bath, I’m so glad that I don’t have to worry about what’s in my kids bath products too. We’ve been using the Pure Beginnings Organic Baby products and I’m totally smitten with this fantastic smelling, all natural, locally produced, organically certified product!
The Pure Beginnings Baby Wash and Shampoo comes in a squish top bottle (which has been especially helpful in monitoring how much wash Kari puts on her Barbie). I love the mild, clean aroma and, I know this is a weird thing to be thankful about, but I appreciate that we can use as much of it as we want, as often as we want. I mean, you guys, when you’re bathing two kideos at the same time, you can’t guarantee that the soap will go where you need it to go. It goes, like, everywhere. Everywhere, you guys. Pure Beginnings is filled with nourishment and none of the bad stuff, so I’m okay with it going everywhere, if you know what I mean.And yes, when I say “bad stuff” I mean things like: Synthetic colorants and fragrances, sulphites, parabens, petrochemicals and phthalates and basically all the other swear words in the organic vocabulary. Nope, none of those in your Pure Beginnings products. How legit?!
Kari has been enjoying the Pure Beginnings Vanilla Mint Toothpaste. It tastes really lekker too… I’ve been told… Okay, okay, fine, I’ll admit, I tasted it! A few times. But that’s only because she often complained about the previous toothpastes that we’ve tried. This delicate Pure Beginnings paste is free of harsh chemicals. It has a mild, pleasant taste, that will have your kid’s pearly whites looking all…er… pearly white!
I love that they’ve extended their range to now include the Pure Beginnings Biodegradable Wet Wipes (with organic aloe) and a Pure Beginnings Baby Bum Cream that also has organic boabab. The wipes are really fresh smelling (yes, it’s a thing) and the bum cream has a creamy consistency, goes on well, and protects your kids bum-bums, while nourishing it. I mean, hello, your kids bottom is delicate and you should avoid using harsh chemicals in that area, at all costs!
And talking about costs, you would expect a quality all organic product, such as Pure Beginnings, to cost a pretty penny. But it really is affordable, yo! You can shop online at Faithful to Nature store or check out the Pure Beginnings website for a stockist near you. -
What my kids are playing with: Thomas & Friends™ TrackMaster™ 2-in-1 Track Builder Set {GIVEAWAY!}
Last week Kari received the sweetest Thomas & Friends Trackmaster set from our friends at Mattel and for a fleeting sec I encouraged thoughts of “but she can’t play with that, she’s a girl!” Fortunately, I quickly pulled myself towards myself (and got over myself) because the truth is that my child can play with any toy she wants! After a chat with Ella, I realized that we the parents are to blame for the stigma attached to gendered toys. And the honest truth is that if I want my girl to grow up in a world with endless (non-discriminatory) possibilities, then I probably should stop discriminating against her toys too.
Ella’s boy, Aidan, actually loves playing with dolls (he reviews the Shimmer and Shine doll set on her blog this week). Did you know that playing with dolls encourages role play? And playing with cars and trains help to develop those motor skills and can teach your child about cause and effect. In fact, ensuring that your kid plays with ALL types of toys is really a bonus because children learn through play and each activity hones a different skill.
Anyways, so when my girly girl received the fantastic Thomas & Friends™ TrackMaster™ 2-in-1 Track Builder Set I must admit, I wasn’t sure how she would respond to it. I mean, I know that it’s a fantastic way to stimulate her gross motor skills and foster those imaginative skills but I didn’t know if my girly girl would be as excited about a train (she’s a clothes and dolls kinda gal). But she let out the cutest little “woohoo!” when she saw the Thomas & Friends box! Apparently girly girls loves trains too!
Thomas & Friends™ TrackMaster™ 2-in-1 Track Builder Set
The Track Master 2-in-1 Track Builder Set from Fisher-Price is so legit! I mean, it has a motorized Thomas train and features two distinct journeys – around a flat track and through a tunnel, or over a bridge and around an elevated track.
Kari had the best time piecing the track together. She has a thing for puzzles (and another thing for losing all the puzzle pieces… another story for another blog post). The jointed track can lie flat or lock in an elevated position and the hinged tunnel transforms into a bridge. The best part, no doubt, was when the motorized Thomas tank was switched on. Very, very cool!You can add this track builder set to your Thomas & Friends Track Master World! Such a great Christmas gift idea! The Thomas & Friends™ TrackMaster™ 2-in-1 Track Builder Set is available at Toys R Us.
We are also so excited about the Thomas the Thank Engine movie, Thomas & Friends: Big World! Big Adventures! The Movie! The thrilling new adventure will see our beloved Thomas leave Sodor for the first time to travel to Africa, South America, USA and China, meeting new friends along the way! The brand new CG-animated movie is set to wow South African audiences on 5 October. For more follow the hashtags #Thomas&FriendsSA #BWBA on social media.
GIVEAWAY
Ella and I are giving away a Thomas & Friends™ TrackMaster™ 2-in-1 Track Builder Set (on my blog) and a Shimmer and Shine doll (on her blog) this week. To enter the Thomas & Friends giveaway, simply follow the Rafflecopter prompts below. To enter the Shimmer and Shine giveaway, check out the post on JustEllaBella for ways to enter.Winners for either competition will be announced on the My Spreadsheet Brain Facebook page and the JustEllaBella Facebook page on Friday 20 July. Giveaway open to SA residents only.
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What my kids are playing with: BabyWombWorld’s Tooky Toy
I’ve been a parent for quite a long time (give or take 17 years, yo) so believe me when I say that it takes alot for a toy to impress me. I mean, sure it’s cute, but can it make me coffee? Kidding! I get it, the toys are meant to be for the kids. Well, that’s what BabyWombWorld founder, Heinrich, realized in 2016 after the birth of his first child. Toys are a great way to help your little one adapt to the big world. Kari and Jo were sent some of the stunning BabyWombWorld’s Tooky Toy to try out and let me tell you, as far as toys go, I would totally keep these for myself.
So what you need to know about Tooky Toy is that they are the most stunning wooden toys ever – timeless, creative and durable. Each piece and set is developed with your child in mind, to encourage imagination, incorporate real-life skills and build fine motor skills. They are eco-friendly manufactured and meet the most stringent international toy safety standards.
BabyWombWorld Tooky Toy My First Farm
Kari simply loved the BabyWombWorld wooden farm set and I don’t blame her… it’s super cool! Designed to foster creativity, the farm set features farm animals, vegetation and even little farmers, all beautifully painted. I think she loves the detachable bright red roof the most. The roof can easily be totally or partially removed so that she can get her little hands into the uber cool farm house. Made out of plywood, MDF and pinewood, I’m happy to report that the materials used to create this magical set is non-toxic. (Price: R695)
BabyWombWorld Tooky Toy Baby Walker
Jojo’s wooden walker from BabyWombWorld is gorgeous and practical! The toy encourages him to walk (he still hasn’t taken his first steps, you guys) and features a bunch of cool, colorful gadgets that also promotes learning. My favorite thing about wooden toys (I mean, besides for the fact that it looks great in pics) is that it is sturdy and won’t crack or break like plastic. The walker is made out of plywood and pine and comes with a bunch of musical and counting instruments, that are attached to the front and sides of the toy. (Price: R900)
I don’t know about you guys, but my children have a better social life than I do. I mean, kiddies birthday parties are pretty much a mini social club for little ones! I usually try to get those birthday gifts a month or two in advance and I do try my best to find gadgets and gizmos that are interesting (books and puzzles are my other faves to give). So I was especially thrilled to find that the Tooky Toy range is well priced, starting at R55. These would make for great birthday and Christmas gifts, right?!
Check out BabyWombWorld‘s selection of fine kiddies gifts and toys on their website, Facebook and Instagram pages.
