Chuggington Toys and App Giveaway

Disclosure: The below will be provided for me in order to facilitate my review. All opinions are my own and honest. I am disclosing this in accordance to FTC Guidelines. Please see “Disclose” tab for more information.

Christmas Sale on all StoryToys books & apps

chug patrol app

StoryToys, a leading publisher of interactive books and games for children, is delighted to announce the release of “Chug Patrol: Ready to Rescue,” a 3D interactive storybook for children produced in collaboration with Ludorum, the children’s entertainment specialist behind the hugely popular television show “Chuggington.” The show is a global sensation in 175 territories worldwide.

“Chuggington” is an action-packed, animated train series for children. It follows the adventures of three young trainees – Wilson, Brewster and Koko – as they take on exciting challenges that test their courage, speed and determination. The “Chug Patrol: Ready To Rescue” app is available starting September 5 in the Apple App Store, Google Play and Amazon Appstore for $4.99 on smartphones and tablets.

 StoryToys is launching a two week Christmas promotion that runs from December 19 – January 3.

StoryToys 3D interactive pop-up books are available in the Apple App Store, Google Play and Amazon.
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Mega Bloks Skylanders Swap Force

Disclosure- I received the below in order to facilitate the review. All opinions are my own and honest.

flynn

Mega Bloks are at it again with their newest video game tie in for Skylanders :Swap Force.  Mega Bloks are the makes of brick based construction sets for little ones much like other block building sets, but the key difference is the figures are a bit different.  They are less block y and more movable.  Each figure has multiple points of articulation, they can move any which way you want.  Arms and legs have ball joints making more realistic motion available.  So Flynn can break dance, bust a move or just fight some bad guys.  Each set sports at least one figure which is nice.  The one we are looking at today is: Flynn’s Rescue Ship.

skylanders blocks

Flynn’s ship sports 3 figures, the main ship itself as well as a separate flying mast which can be used to transport characters back and forth to and from various other sets or just the living room table.  The ship itself has two levels of play available, above and below deck.  Above deck has a working crane, and landing area.  Below deck has a firing launcher from a hide away spot and an intricate looking engine.  Along with the figures and vehicles, there are also a ton of accessories to complete the setting, like wenches, hammers, chests to plunder, barrels to break while looking for loot and even a stand for one of the figures, Magna Charge.  The stand helps keep the wheeled figure from falling over while also looking like he/she is ripping up the ground getting ready to speed off.  Also since Magna Charge is a Swap Force character he can easily be separated in two and swapped with other Mega Bloks Swap Force figures to further extend play time.
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Great Toys for Christmas

Disclosure- I received the below in order to complete reviews.  All opinions are my own and honest.  For more info, see the “I Disclose” tab.

Looking for last minute holiday toys and gifts?

So many people wait until the last minute- but that’s OK- there are some great finds and sales to be had this week.

Some of my favorites are;

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Playmates Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Ninja Control Shellraiser

My son loves this new vehicle, which has all the bells and whistles and has been dubbed “so cool”.   The Turtles figurines can really ride on it, and it fits in really well with the rest of the set if you have a little collector.  Side note- daddy had a lot of fun playing Turtles with my 6 year old as well.  He played with the “old school” version when he was a kid, and we still have some of the oldies floating around the house.  “Drive the Turtles into their next battle with this new, full-function remote control vehicle. From rail-riding to street-surfing, Donatello’s customized combat creation packs a powerful punch. With the green team all aboard, the Turtles will cream the Kraang with a frenzy of fast-firing sewer covers!  This vehicle comes with full-steering remote-control action, as well as the ability to control the rapid-fire sewer-cover cannon. Compatible with most Turtles basic action figures (sold separately).”  $49.99, most toy stores and online as well.

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Peter Rabbit DVD and Gift Set

Based on the classic Beatrix Potter tales that are now a new TV show which has become a favorite for many kids (and will be in your home if you have missed it thus far) the Peter Rabbit set  not only features episodes from the TV series, but also some activities to keep your little bunny hopping. This is great to take along when you travel or to have on hand for sick days or snow days, or even to bring along to grandma’s house.  The included puzzle and crayon pack is perfect for keeping little hands busy instead of getting into trouble in the garden.  Exclusively at Walmart for $20

“Welcome to the Lake District, home to Peter Rabbit and his pals, Benjamin Bunny and Lily Bobtail.  Tag along with this intrepid trio on exciting adventures that teach valuable skills like reasoning, problem solving and the value of friendship. Nickelodeon’s Peter Rabbit, a modern take on Beatrix Potter’s beloved characters and locations – and some new ones as well – will have you cheering along with his pals in the first episodes from the series. Peter Rabbit is a high-stakes, humorous, heartfelt series that will bring back childhood memories for those familiar with the classic series, and help make new ones for a whole new generation.  Plus, this gift set also includes a Color-Your-Own Puzzle and Crayons Pack!”
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Peppa Pig is Here to Bring Holiday Cheer

Disclosure- I received some of these products in order to complete this review. All opinions are my own and honest.

My son loves Peppa Pig.  The TV show is one of his favorites, and he can tune in on Nick Jr. daily.  When the first Peppa Pig toys came out, he was psyched.  Nothing is better then playing with your favorite characters and acting out the mischief they get into (and making up some of your own).  Truth be told, as much as he likes Peppa, he likes Daddy Pig more- he snorts WAY louder.  He also likes her baby brother George, because he throws toys, spaghetti, and hides from Peppa (which really peeves her).  So, the boys have it, according to my son.

Bedtime Peppa ($26.99, available at Toys R Us) This soft and cuddly plush doll from Fisher-Price sings a sweet lullaby and lights up as she counts sheep.  Bedtime Peppa Pig has cheeks that light up red, as well as she will sing lullaby songs, snort, and talk to you when you press her tummy.  She even has her own blankie (which is sewn to her so it can’t be lost, thus avoiding bedtime tantrums).

 peppa pig

 Muddy Puddles Bathtime Peppa ($12.99, available at Toys R Us) Kiddos can clean up in the tub alongside Peppa and George with this fun new bath toy from Fisher Price. Includes a bathtub caddy that sticks on tub walls.

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 If your child is familiar with Peppa, you know the “Muddy Puddles” theme.  There are plenty of shows about jumping in them, making muddy messes, and the toys, books, DVDs, and now new bath toys run the same gamut.  Kids like mud? Who would have thought.   The Muddy Puddles Bathtime Peppa Pig toys are cute- Peppa and George are covered in mud, and need a bath.  When you put them in warm water, the mud “disappears”.  The bathtub has suction cups on the side to stick to the bathtub wall, and a hole in the bottom to drain the water out.

pic1Peek N Surprise Playhouse ($34.99 available at Toys R US) Come over to Peppa’s house for a playdate full of sweet surprises.  This portable, four-room playhouse opens to reveal a home filled with fun transforming furniture – switch the sink from messy to clean, fill the tub for a bubble bath, set the family table for dinner time and much more! The playhouse includes over 15 play pieces and folds closed for easy clean up. Peppa and George figures are included for playtime fun. It comes with 2 piggies, and you can get extra characters to go with it as well. It opens up into a house, but everything (furniture, characters, etc) fits neatly inside and folds shut for easy on-the-go carrying. Yes, it even has a handle to make it extra easy to take along.
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My American Girl Doll

 

Disclosure: The ‘My American Girl’ was provided to me to help facilitate my review. All opinions are my own and honest. I am disclosing this in accordance to FTC Guidelines
American Girl

Everyone has heard of American Girl Dolls, and I don’t think that even counting all the kids I’ve taught that I have met a little girl that wasn’t a big fan of American Girl Dolls. I must say that my daughter is no different than the rest. 🙂

About American Girl Dolls:

At American Girl, they celebrate girls and all that they can be. That’s why they develop products and experiences that help girls grow up in a wholesome way, while encouraging them to enjoy girlhood through fun and enchanting play.

They Carry:

  • American Girl Characters – historical characters inhabit stories that are set during important times in America’s past.
  • My American Girl Dolls – each child can customize a girl that is just right for her.
  • Bitty Baby – The Bitty Baby line of baby dolls features storybooks, outfits, and accessories that promote nurturing play among girls ages 3 and up.
  • American Girl magazine – a bi-monthly magazine that more than 500,000 girls receive.

Over 23 million American Girl Dolls have been sold through the company’s catalogue, retail stores, and website since 1986.

About My American Girl Dolls:

The My American Girl line of 18-inch dolls, books, accessories, and interactive online experience for girls ages 8 and up lets every girl create a truly special and meaningful doll that’s as unique as she is.
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Kids Wooden Animal Train by Maxim

Disclosure: The Wood Animal Train was provided to me to help facilitate my review. All opinions are my own and honest. I am disclosing this in accordance to FTC Guidelines.
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I love to find toys that are unique for my children. I also tend to look for toys that don’t have to have batteries and help encourage my children to use their imagination. The Wooden Animal Train was a perfect option for us.

About The Wooden Animal Train:

Children will love this fun and colorful pull along giraffe, zebra, and elephant train! This 7 piece set conveniently links with magnets and the animals are removable from the cargo cars. Compatible with Thomas and Friends Wooden Railway, Brio and other fin Wooden Train Sets and Accessories.

Ali’s Adventure Park from Planet Orbeez

Disclosure: The Ali’s Adventure Park from Planet Orbeez was provided to me to help facilitate my review. All opinions are my own and honest. I am disclosing this in accordance to FTC Guidelines. Please see “Disclose” tab for more information.
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Every child loves a little imaginative play. I know that my girls definitely fit in with that category. What better way than to have great imaginative play than with Ali’s Adventure Park.

About Maya Group:

They Maya group works to bring safe, high-quality and original toys to the market – toys that amaze, wow and dazzle long after the packaging has been opened. They are dedicated to applying new, cool technologies to longstanding play patterns.

The Maya group produces toys that both surprise and satisfy. They find out directly from kids how they like to play, so their products remain fresh, relevant, and exciting.

The Science of Orbeez:

Orbeez are superabsorbent polymers – that means they are made of several smaller molecules joined together. With the addition of water they can grow to more than 100 times their volume. If you just place a tiny Orbeez bead in water and watch it swell! The water will be absorbed into the spaces between the molecules. These polymers were invented for agricultural use back in the 1960s to irrigate crops during times of drought. Today you will find superabsorbent polymers in diapers to prevent leaks, in food packages to absorb liquid and in floral vases to hydrate cut flowers.

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Elf Magic- Fun Holiday Traditions

My son loves his Elf Magic Elf, Burke.  Burke was hard to get back to Santa last year, and my little dude was NOT a happy camper.  He made an early return this year, with my son finding him inside of his Trick or Treat pumpkin.

Burke, like us, likes to travel. When we sent our letter to Santa last year, we let him know how much we move around, and asked him to send an elf that would like to see the world as well.  We can’t have an elf that gets car-sick or won’t get on an airplane now, can we?  LOL.  Burke, luckily, is a hardy elf, and enjoys all the new places and spaces we tote him to.

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With Burke in Philly

Last year he joined us for many trips and daily outings, even really exciting things like the supermarket.  I know.  Mind. Blown. Try to contain yourself.  You are a grown up, act like it.

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My son was so taken with his Elf Magic elf that he even took him to our Christmas photo session last year.  Yes, that’s us, and Burke.  I’m not telling my then-5-year-old that the elf isn’t part of the family, that’s just mean.
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