Holiday Gift Guide

Holiday Gift Guide-Dell Inspiron R Series Laptops-Giveaway-CLOSED

December 20, 2011 By Kathryn 515 Comments

Holiday Gift for Families

Every once in a while, a person wants to give a gift that leaves that special someone speechless. And if you have a computer user in the household, you’ll find getting the reaction you want has never been easier thanks to Dell Canada and the company’s ingenious and customizable Dell Inspiron R Series laptops.

The Dell Inspiron R Series is sleek, functional and unbelievably beautiful. The highlight of this whole series is, for me, its customizability. With a choice of 22 SWITCH by Design Studio lid patterns and 3 SWITCH by Design Studio lid colours, your laptop can be as stylish and original as you are! My personal favourite is the Horizontal Pink lid; I adore the feminine colours and sleek stripes! But if you prefer trendy geometric art, bold black and white patterns or even just a solid red, blue or black lid, there’s a SWITCH lid for you too!

The stylish exterior is only the beginning of the features that the Inspiron R Series offers, however. For the ultimate entertainment experience, the Inspiron R laptops offer Wireless Display, which lets you wirelessly project HD video and surround sound to your home theatre. And Dell’s incredibly popular Dell Stage software lets you enjoy convenient, one-click access to your photos, movies, music and more!

Now of course, functionality is just as important as style and entertainment for a dedicated computer user, and the Dell Inspiron R Series offers lots of that too thanks to a 2nd gen Intel Core i3 CPU and hard drives of up to 750 GB! And because Dell knows that every customer is unique, there are tons of hardware customization options for the Inspiron R Series computers so that everyone can have the laptop that’s perfect for them!

Optional upgrades include fun features like an internal Blu-ray drive and power-boosting options such as the Intel Core i7 Quad Core processor for the ultimate performance! I’ll have a detailed review of the Dell Inspiron 15R in the coming weeks, but in the meantime, why not check out the Dell Canada Facebook page for all the latest product info and promotions from Dell Canada? Or send a Tweet to @dellhomesalesca to learn what computer might be best for you and your family!

Dell Canada knows that you are going to love the new redesigned Inspiron R Series laptops, so they are giving one incredibly lucky Mommy Kat and Kids reader the chance to win their very own Dell Inspiron 15R laptop computer and two extra switch lids! This is a giveaway you will NOT want to miss, so check out all the details and enter below!

The Dell Inspiron R laptops can be purchased at www.dell.ca and with prices starting at just $499, the Inspiron R Series is a great economical computer choice as well. The Dell Inspiron R Series is designed to be the perfect multi-functional family computer and is definitely a gift that will wow the lucky recipient. Check out these stylish and powerful laptops for yourself today!

ARV: $499-$649

Holiday Gift Guide-Crock-Pot Designer Series Slow Cooker-Giveaway-CLOSED

December 19, 2011 By Kathryn 191 Comments

Holiday Gift for Cooks

From busy working moms to experienced cooks, who doesn’t love the versatility and convenience of a slow cooker? Crock-Pot slow cookers have been an essential kitchen appliances for households for the last 40 years and this Christmas, the company’s gorgeous Crock-Pot Designer Series slow cooker would make the perfect gift for the house chef!

crock-pot designer series slow cooker

The Crock-Pot Designer Series slow cooker really is something special. While slow cookers have become quite common today, there is nothing common about this one! From the sleek low-profile handles that fold down out of site when not in use to the removable dishwasher-safe stoneware and lid to the one-touch digital control, this gorgeous stainless steel slow cooker is in a class of its own.

My personal favourite feature was the digital control panel. By pressing the button, I was able to choose between Low Heat for either eight or ten hours or High Heat for four or six hours. Best of all, when the time was up, the Crock-Pot automatically switched to the Keep Warm setting! I have never used the warming feature on a slow cooker before; it’s just not something I think to do. But having it come on automatically when my food was cooked was so convenient and kept the food at just the right temperature until we were ready to eat.

I also received the Crock-Pot Best-Loved Slow Cooker Recipes cookbook. I have slow cooker recipes in various other cookbooks and I also invent recipes of my own fairly often. But I have always wanted a good cookbook just for slow cooking and this was a great one! It had recipes for everything from quick dinners to beverages.

I am in love with my Crock-Pot Designer Series slow cooker and I can’t wait to really start experimenting with it by testing out some of the recipes in the cookbook. The fill-and-forget cooking style of the slow cooker is perfect for my busy day, but I also love experimenting with fun new meals and desserts. I have a feeling trying recipes like Chocolate Delight and Chinese Cashew Chicken is going to keep me busy and happy for months to come!

The Crock-Pot Designer Series slow cooker is available at Sears stores across Canada and would make a wonderful gift for the person that does most of the cooking in your household. It’s a gift that’s sure to help make dinnertime less rushed while still being very delicious! For more savings, find current a Sears coupons here.

ARV: $89.99

Holiday Gift Guide-Maximum Family Games My First Trainz Set for PC

December 18, 2011 By Kathryn 2 Comments

Holiday Gift for Kids

One of the best-received gifts in most families with school-aged or older children has to be video games. And for games that are fun, educational and family friendly, Maximum Family Games has some great choices this holiday season! Whether you’re looking for a fun new family game for your favourite gaming system or a great computer game to enjoy, Maximum Family Games is sure to have something for you.

my first trainz set box art

We received the PC game My First Trainz Set to review and I was so excited to see what it was like! This game is a model train-lover’s dream come true. Zackary has always liked trains, though not quite as much as cars, and he was eager to see what he could do with the game.

What I loved most about My First Trainz Set is that it wasn’t competitive. Zackary has a bit of an obsession with winning and being first right now, so I really don’t like him playing games in which there is a “winner” since he tends to get way too agitated. My First Trainz Set was the ideal choice for him! Zackary could choose between building tracks around four different rooms or driving one of nine different trains ranging from classic steam engines to modern bullet trains. After watching him for a while, my husband became equally intrigued with the game and sat down with Zackary to build a track.

my first trainz set screenshot

The tracks can be built using objects in the room as landscape or obstacles for the train, so the possibilities really are limitless. Whether you’re running tracks across the bed or using books to make a tunnel, your train’s path can be as simple or complex as you choose! This type of building suits my husband perfectly and he had a great time creating tracks for Zackary’s trains.

My First Trainz Set would make a wonderful gift for any school-aged child and would even be a fun choice for a model train collector on your list! And if you’re looking for something different, Maximum Family Games has plenty of other great computer and video games for children too! My First Trainz Set and other Maximum Family Games titles are available at retailers across North America and can also be purchased online on the Maximum Family Games site. Check out the titles for yourself and enjoy some fun family entertainment on Christmas morning!

ARV: $19.99-$29.99

Disclaimer: The product/s mentioned above were provided free of charge from the company or PR firm in exchange for being featured on Mommy Kat and Kids. Opinions expressed belong to Mommy Kat and Kids and are NOT influenced in any way. Please view full Terms of Use and Policies

Filed Under: Holiday Gift Guide, Infants and Children, Reviews, Tweens and Teens Tagged With: computer games, maximum family games, my first trainz set, pc games, train set games, train simulator, video games

Holiday Gift Guide-Kung Fu Panda 2 Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack-Giveaway-CLOSED

December 18, 2011 By Kathryn 224 Comments

Holiday Gift for Kids and Families

This weekend, families everywhere finally have the chance to own the hottest animated family movie of the holiday season, Kung Fu Panda 2! This hit sequel is available both on a Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack and on a Double DVD Combo Pack for the ultimate holiday gift! Here’s a brief synopsis:

kung fu panda 2 blu-ray box art

DreamWorks Animation SKG, Inc.’s spectacular follow up to the Academy Award®-nominated original debuts on Blu-ray and DVD on Panda 2sday, December 13, 2011. Combining non-stop action, beautiful storytelling and stunning animation, the “winning sequel” (USA Today) delighted viewers of all ages with its engaging story that is both “hilarious and full of heart” (WABC-TV).

The film earned more than $650 million at the global box office, making it one of the top five films of the year worldwide. In addition to the smash hit film, the KUNG FU PANDA 2 Awesome Packs feature the exclusive debut of the all-new Po adventure Kung Fu Panda: Secrets of the Masters plus two free memberships to the popular online game universe Kung Fu Panda World. Packed with even more panda-rific bonus features, the KUNG FU PANDA 2 Awesome Packs will be available with expected pricing as low as $25 on DVD and $30 on Blu-ray. Consumers who purchase this DreamWorks Animation signature entertainment experience on Panda 2sday will get both an awesome and affordable holiday gift – over $75 in value.

In the action-filled companion story Kung Fu Panda: Secrets of the Masters, Po and the Furious Five uncover the legend of three of kung fu’s greatest heroes: Master Thundering Rhino, Master Storming Ox and Master Croc. Kids can then follow in Po’s footsteps to become a kung fu master with Kung Fu Panda World, the virtual online game universe where kids create avatars, play games with their favourite characters, win points towards earning a kung fu black belt, chat with friends and more.

Featuring an all-star cast of voice talent including Jack Black, Angelina Jolie, Dustin Hoffman, Gary Oldman, Jackie Chan, Seth Rogen, Lucy Liu, David Cross, Michelle Yeoh, Danny McBride and Jean-Claude Van Damme, KUNG FU PANDA 2 will also be available on a single-disc DVD and in the Kung Fu Panda Collection on either DVD or Blu-ray, which includes both movies, Kung Fu Panda: Secrets of the Masters, two free online game memberships to Kung Fu Panda World, and loads of additional fun.

I really did want to take the time to watch this DVD for myself, but with Christmas so close I just didn’t find the time. Zackary, however, watched it the very first day it arrived and if his uncontrollable laughter was any indication, this is a fabulous movie for school-aged children! Zackary absolutely loved Kung Fu Panda 2 and I was so intrigued by his enjoyment that I have already made plans for us to sit down and watch the movie together over the Christmas holidays.

Kung Fu Panda 2 was released on Blu-ray and DVD on December 13, 2011 and is available at DVD stores and mass merchandise stores across North America. And right now, you can save on select Kung Fu Panda products by clicking here and using the printable coupon! Pick up a copy today and enjoy a fun, family-friendly adventure with Po and his friends this Christmas!

ARV: $49.99

Holiday Gift Guide-Dane-Elec Marvel Classic Heroes USB Drives

December 17, 2011 By Kathryn Leave a Comment

Holiday Stocking Stuffer for Boys

If you have a boy that uses a USB drive for schoolwork, transporting photos or anything else, you may already know about some of the fun new kid-friendly designs available in the world of USB storage. This Christmas, Dane-Elec is offering a brand new 4GB USB drive that is specially designed for boys and it’s sure to be a hit with any superhero-loving kid in the house!

dane-elec marvel classic heroes usb drives

The new Marvel Classic Heroes USB Drives from Dane-Elec are the ultimate super-USB! The drives are actually figurines of Marvel superheroes with a retractable USB drive so that your favourite hero can keep an eye on all those important articles! Boys can choose from Spiderman, Iron Man and Wolverine characters. Best of all, every USB drive comes with a one-month subscription to Marvel Digital Comics, a huge Marvel Comics cover gallery, exclusive Marvel wallpapers and desktop icons!

We received the Iron Man Marvel Classic Heroes USB Drive to review and it really is an ingenious little device. My son has recently become infatuated with Iron Man after watching a few cartoons featuring the heroic Marvel character. He loved having his very own Iron Man figurine and while he is a little young to use a USB drive on his own, we have been spending time together looking through the comics and showing Zackary how a USB drive works.

Dane-Elec Marvel Classic Heroes USB Drives can be purchased at select retailers and online, and would make a great stocking stuffer for an older boy or a comic fan on your shopping list. Check them out for yourself today and enjoy tons of great Marvel Comics content and a very cool USB drive!

ARV: $19.99

Filed Under: Holiday Gift Guide, Reviews, Tweens and Teens Tagged With: dane-elec, dane-elec marvel, iron man, marvel, marvel classic heroes, marvel heroes, usb drive, usb drives

Holiday Gift Guide-Tonka XT Ricochet Stunt Pro R/C

December 16, 2011 By Kathryn 4 Comments

Holiday Gift for Older Boys

There are plenty of choices when it comes to buying a remote control vehicle for the holidays but to really impress a child, check out the fabulous Tonka XT Ricochet Stunt Pro R/C! This amazing remote control vehicle uses the same double-sided flip technology as Tonka’s popular Bounce Back Racer, but this is a whole new level of remote control action!

tonka xt ricochet stunt pro rc

The first thing that really sets the Tonka XT Ricochet Stunt Pro apart is its Replay Button. By pressing the red button on the top left side of the controller while driving, you can save your coolest stunts. Then you can replay them by pressing the red button in the centre of the controller!

The tough look and fast speed of the Tonka XT are a bit part of its appeal as well, and with the digital precision steering and the ability to flip the vehicle over , busting wild tricks is fun and easy! Best of all, with the included rechargeable battery pack, the fun can keep going and going.

The tires on the Ricochet Stunt Pro are fairly soft, but because of the speed and power of the vehicle I would definitely not recommend it for areas with fragile objects nearby. We tested out the remote control car in our basement playroom, which has a heavy-duty carpet and unfinished walls, and the open space and low-pile carpet were the perfect combination for getting some really cool moves with the Ricochet Stunt Pro. The whole family had a blast trying to create the coolest tricks and then replaying them again and again!

The Tonka XT Ricochet Stunt Pro R/C vehicle is available at toy stores and mass merchandise stores across North America so check the website for a retailer near you. It would make a great gift for an older boy or even a young-at-heart adult! With a recommended age of eight years or older, it’s not a beginner’s vehicle, but it is definitely a ton of fun! Check it out for yourself today and satisfy your child’s need for speed on Christmas morning!

ARV: $79.99

Filed Under: Holiday Gift Guide, Men, Reviews, Tweens and Teens Tagged With: hasbro, hasbro canada, remote control vehicles, ricochet, ricochet remote control, ricochet stunt pro, tonka, tonka xt, tonka xt ricochet stunt pro

Holiday Gift Guide-Sozo Canada Outerwear-Giveaway-CLOSED

December 15, 2011 By Kathryn 47 Comments

Holiday Gift for Kids

One of the things that I love about outerwear today is that it’s fun! I never liked wearing a toque or mittens very much when I was a child, but when the toque or mittens feature cute animals and kid-friendly colours, who could say no? Sozo Canada offers some of the most adorable animal-themed outerwear I have ever come across and there’s not a child in the world that wouldn’t be excited to put on this gear!

I received the Bull Dog Sherpa Hat and the Bull Dog Mittens in a size medium (7-14 years) to review. Zackary was so excited to see the cheerful puppy on the hat and was even more delighted when he noticed the matching ones on each of the gloves. He wore both items to school the very next day.

The Bull Dog Sherpa Hat was my favourite item and my son seemed to really enjoy it as well. At first it seemed a little small for his five-year-old head, but I think that was just because the pom-poms on the side looked like they should be down lower at first. It’s not exactly like the one pictured here; rather than a velcro chin strap there are two pom-poms hanging down on each side. They were actually a very clever way of keeping the toque over my son’s ears without it having to be tied under his chin like a baby’s hat. And I loved that the lined faux fur kept his head so warm!

He loved his gloves just as much and while I was a little worried about him going to school with gloves that weren’t waterproof, he didn’t seem to mind at all. He honestly prefers knitted mittens and the Sozo Canada Bull Dog gloves are nice and long so that his arms stay covered. The tight knit of the gloves keeps his fingers warm and best of all, he loves the gloves and is always excited to put them on! Once or twice he has had to wear another pair of gloves when his Sozo Canada gloves are wet and he just isn’t happy again until they’re back on his hands!

Sozo Canada offers other great outerwear to keep your precious bundles of joy toasty this holiday season in tons of fun styles ranging from dinosaurs to cats to birds. There’s even a sock monkey hat and mittens! Sozo Canada products can be purchased by visiting www.dogreeonline.com. Or email cs-1@dogree.com for information about retailers near you. And don’t forget to check out the Sozo Canada Facebook page for all the latest information about the brand! So check out the styles for yourself and give your child a clothing gift that they’ll actually be excited to wear with some help from Sozo Canada!

ARV: $25

Fun and Festive Treats from the President’s Choice Holiday Insider’s Report

December 14, 2011 By Kathryn 2 Comments

While I love the excitement of giving gifts and the fun of seeing my boys watching for Santa, what I love most about Christmas is the food. For me, the best part of the holiday season is heading out on a huge shopping trip to fill the pantry with snacks and the freezer with tasty appetizers and desserts in which to indulge over the coming weeks.

PC Winter Blend Dark Roast ground coffee When we take off on that giant shopping trip, I always make sure to check the President’s Choice Holiday Insider’s Report before we leave the house and this year, President’s Choice gave me a fabulous head-start on my shopping by sending me a scrumptious assortment of fun products from this year’s Holiday Insider’s Report in a festive cardboard pantry!

This gorgeous variety of products had my heart singing Christmas carols as soon as I saw it! The first thing that caught my eye was the assortment of hot beverages. Three different types of ground coffee and Chocolate Mint herbal tea provided plenty of options for winter warmth. While I had a hard time choosing between the Candy Cane Coffee, Winter Blend Dark Roast Coffee and Dulce de Leche coffee, I think my personal favourite was the Dulce de Leche decaffeinated ground coffee. As much as I love finishing a festive meal with a cup of coffee, I don’t want to be up for hours afterwards! This mild coffee with a hint of caramel let me enjoy a tasty dessert beverage without the caffeine buzz.

PC mini biscotti tray For the kids, there was a four-pack of PC 100% Sparkling Grape Juice. I really dislike soda, but it tends to end up in our house over the holidays regardless of my disfavour. The sparkling juice beverages from PC were the perfect compromise; they let the kids enjoy the bubbly fizz of soda, yet I knew all they were really getting was a delicious cup of juice!

My husband, the resident spicy food addict, devoured the PC Loads of Jalapeno Popper Rippled Potato Chips and pronounced them hot and delicious. I wasn’t brave enough to try them out myself, but I had no problem digging into sweet treats like the tasty PC Mini Biscotti Assortment and the PC Peanut Butter Chocolate Cookies! And of course, nothing could tear either of us away from the PC Big Box Chocolate and Toffee Collection, a collection of eleven traditional English sweets.

PC big box chocolate and toffee collection I also received a gift card to try a few of the holiday’s must-haves from the frozen food aisles, so I gave my family a mini-holiday that started with the PC Shrimp Mini Hors D’oeuvres Collection. Then we dug into scrumptious PC Dine-in Tonight Lasagne made of spinach, ricotta and butternut squash. A meltingly delicious and oh-so-easy dessert of PC The Decadent Molten Chocolate Chip Cookies featuring a chocolaty molten centre finished off our festive meal.

I was so impressed by the assortment of festive products offered in the President’s Choice Holiday Insider’s Report and some of our family’s favourites are on our shopping list for Christmas this year. If you’re looking for easy appetizers, sensational sides, bubbling beverages or decadent desserts for your holiday entertaining this year, look no further than the President’s Choice Holiday Insider’s Report! It has everything you need to have a very merry (and delicious) Christmas!

Buy It: To purchase any of the great holiday items from President’s Choice, visit the website to find a store near you