christmas present

Let Kids Create Holiday Magic with the Crayola Magic Scene Creator-Giveaway

November 24, 2017 by Kathryn 115 Comments

When it comes to finding the best Christmas gifts, choosing presents that inspire creativity is a must for me. And that’s why, year after year, I’ll find myself choosing the newest products from Crayola. From simple crayons and markers to fun art gadgets like the Crayola Air Marker Sprayer we reviewed last year, I can always count on Crayola to inspire my boys’ imaginations.

This year, we were given the chance to review the Crayola Magic Scene Creator. This clever portable art device gives my boys the chance to create all kinds of pictures, stories and scenes that come to life with the push of a button. The screen has an innovative light that, when switched on, turns the included Motion Cards into roaring dragons, swimming fish, sparkling stars and more! [Read more…]

Creative Fun is Guaranteed this Christmas with the Crayola Air Marker Sprayer-Giveaway

November 14, 2016 by Kathryn 118 Comments

Almost every kid loves creating unique pieces of art, and if you’ve got a creative child on your holiday shopping list, Crayola has a great new gift idea that you’ll want to see! The Crayola Air Marker Sprayer uses a special electric sprayer unit, Crayola markers and stencils to let kids create colourful rainbow pictures with a unique air-brushed style! Recently I had the chance to test out the Crayola Air Marker Sprayer for myself and I couldn’t wait to see how my boys liked it.

Using the device is as simple as plugging it in, securing a marker in the nozzle and pulling the trigger. The boys liked being able to either freestyle a design onto the paper or use the included stencils to add leaves, flames, letters and animals to their pictures. Zackary especially loved the dragon stencil and had a lot of fun combining different colours to get the look he wanted! [Read more…]

These 6 Gifts from Mattel are Holiday #ListToppers this Christmas-Giveaway #PlayAdvocate

November 19, 2015 by Kathryn 210 Comments

The holidays are quickly approaching and if you’ve started the search for that perfect gift for your little one, Mattel Canada has you covered with must-have gifts that are sure to be List Toppers! From toddler to tween, there’s something new for everyone on your Christmas list! Check out these six amazing recommendations for holiday gift giving.

Fisher-Price® Bright Beats Dance & Move BeatBo
Ages 9M + | $49.99 | Available at Walmart, Toys “R” Us® and Amazon®

Imagine if you were learning to talk and you had this bouncing, bubbly character to help. For kids nine months and older, Beatbo will jam out to tunes while teaching kids about letters, numbers, counting, music and more. He’ll take baby’s first words and remix them into a party hit! Learning to talk has never been this exciting.

Barbie® 2015 Holiday Doll
Ages 3Y+ | $44.99 | Available at Walmart, Toys “R” Us® and Amazon®

As you’re welcoming the holidays this year, what better gift than someone who embraces the season whole heartedly? Barbie®, dressed in her elegant garnet-coloured gown, is ready for the party. An annual attendee, Holiday Barbie® has been attending December parties for more than 25 years. A dress with silver snow flakes and red cascading ruffles makes 2015 Holiday Barbie® a must for the occasion. The 2015 edition of the Holiday Barbie® Doll will also make a great addition to anyone’s collection. [Read more…]

Kids Can Listen to Their Favourite Books Again and Again with the Sparkup Magical Book Reader-Giveaway

December 1, 2014 by Kathryn 109 Comments

Due to the nature of my job, I have to travel fairly often and while I am sometimes able to take my boys with me, other times I have to leave them with family while I’m away. I know that they have a great time while I’m gone, but I also know they miss some of the routines we have established. In fact, one of the boys’ favourite activities, reading a bedtime story together, is something that I miss almost as much as they do!

Whether you’re a parent that often has to travel or you just sometimes find yourself too busy to answer a little one’s request to “read this book again,” a new device has an innovative way to let your children enjoy a special story time when you can’t be there. The Sparkup Magical Book Reader is an innovative recording device that lets parents record a child’s favourite book so that the child can enjoy it whenever he likes! I received a Sparkup Magical Book Reader to test out and I couldn’t wait to get started.

[Read more…]

Kids Will Love Racing and Learning Tricks with Ollie the App-Controlled Robot-Giveaway

November 6, 2014 by Kathryn 173 Comments

For a Christmas gift that really gets kids excited, there’s just nothing better than a remote-controlled device. Last year, the Sphero took the holidays by storm with its innovative app-controlled design that let users control the toy’s movements with their smartphone. This year Orbotix, the company that created the Sphero, is at it again with the brand new Ollie app-controlled robot!

This toy is the newest innovation in app-controlled devices. Ollie is essentially designed in the same manner as a remote control car, but with a minimalist, futuristic design. The toy is controlled using an iOS or Android app via Bluetooth and has a range of up to thirty metres. That means my boys could send Ollie all over the house with ease!

[Read more…]

Keep Your Feet Cozy this Winter with Glerups Slippers

December 19, 2013 by Kathryn 63 Comments

Living in an old house, the boys and I deal with plenty of drafts come winter. I’m a big believer in bundling up when the house gets chilly rather than turning up the heat, but if there’s one thing I absolutely cannot stand, it’s having cold feet. And even a nice warm pair of socks sometimes isn’t enough to beat the chill in this house!

I had heard of Glerups slippers before, but I must admit that I was a bit of a hard sell. I had the mentality that sippers were slippers and I didn’t see the point in spending too much money on footwear I would only use at home. Then I had the chance to review a pair and my whole perspective changed!

[Read more…]

Imagination Takes Off with the Fisher-Price Imaginext DC Super Friends Batcave-Giveaway

December 18, 2013 by Kathryn 133 Comments

It’s hard being a preschooler and wanting to play with toys for older children. My youngest son was introduced to various superheroes by his brother, but most of the toys featuring those heroes are designed for older children. That’s why I love the Fisher-Price Imaginext line. Not only does it feature all kinds of great imaginative and interactive play sets for preschool children, there is even a special DC Super Friends line featuring popular superheroes!

Benjamin has always loved Batman, so I especially favour the Batman-themed play sets. The Imaginext DC Super Friends Batcave set features two figures, accessories and special activation discs that trigger effects in the Batcave for hours of entertainment. There’s even secret walkways, an elevator and a jail! And kids will love helping Batman zoom around to save the day on the Batwing motorcycle. [Read more…]

Plush Toys Get Original with Monster Factory Mini Monsters-Giveaway

December 17, 2013 by Kathryn 80 Comments

As much as I love a classic soft, plush teddy bear, I have a special place in my heart for misfit plush toys. There’s just something so endearing about a more original stuffed animal or monster and my fondness for the unique has resulted in my boys having quite a collection of odd stuffies.

That’s why I absolutely love Monster Factory plush toys. This Canadian-based company has been creating some of the strangest and most endearing plush friends I’ve ever come across and every time I see one, I can’t help but grin.

[Read more…]