holiday gift guide Archives - Page 3 of 4

LeapFrog Touch Magic Learning Bus & Rockin’ Guitar: Educational Toys for Toddlers and Preschoolers

December 8, 2012 by Momstart 8 Comments

LeapFrog Touch Magic – Hot Educational Toys for Toddlers and Preschoolers

By: Ashley

Before the weather got chilly, I was able to host a play date with LeapFrog Touch Magic Toys. We had several kids over to play and everyone enjoyed playing with the Touch Magic gear. After watching our friends have a great time with them, and having seen how much fun Atticus has playing with them, I can truly recommend them as great Christmas gifts for toddlers and preschoolers.

LeapFrog Touch Magic Learning Bus

I love toys that encourage learning. When children can learn some of the fundamental reading skills like letters and sounds while playing, it is a wonderful thing. The Touch Magic Learning Bus does just that. There are actually three different modes that children can play in: learning, letter exploration, and music. All three modes allow kids to explore and learn independently. I especially love how the Learning Bus incorporates both letters and musical instruments. That really helps keep kids engaged and having fun. This is recommended for children ages 2-4.

LeapFrog Touch Magic Rocking Guitar

The touch features on the Rocking Guitar are very cool. The actual music comes from “strumming” the strings of the guitar. This gives young children the experience of playing an actual guitar! I also love how there is an applause button that gives little rockers a nice boost of confidence as they play a concert. One of my favorite things about the Touch Magic Rocking Guitar is the variety of songs. This toy actually has 10 different preschool songs. This really helps the toy stay new and fresh to both the musician, and the audience! This is recommended for children 3 and up.

During our play date, all of the kids had a great time playing with the TouchMagic toys. I have to admit that when all of the kids were playing in the room together, it was a little hard to hear the songs and talking on both toys. With just a few kids, and definitely one playing independently, the sound is perfect. These Touch Magic Toys are a great addition to any Christmas list and you can find them pretty much anywhere toys are sold.

About Ashley (Managing Editor at MomStart): Ashley is a mom, wife, sister, daughter, friend, and former teacher working to navigate through the mysterious world of Mommyia. Read more about her adventures at Momicles and follow her @Momicles2010

Disclosure – A product was provided to facilitate this review. All opinions are my own.

Blasting Fun: Koosh Galaxy Launches Soft Cushy Koosh Balls

December 7, 2012 by Momstart 5 Comments

Koosh Galaxy Launches Soft Cushy Koosh Balls – Blasting Fun for Everyone

By: Ashley

You might remember Koosh Balls as those elastic spiky balls from years ago. Well, Koosh has gotten a makeover and thank goodness it has because the new Koosh, is AWESOME. The new Koosh ball is small, soft, and made out of foam… and is perfect for blasting out of the Koosh Galaxy Launchers. Check out this video to see how fast they go. I was really impressed!

There are two things that I absolutely LOVE about the Koosh Galaxy line. First of all, I love the simple mechanisms. A simple pull of a loop, or pull back of a handle, and your Koosh ball is flying across the room. It’s perfect for children young and old. I also love how the Koosh balls are soft enough that no one can really get injured if accidentally bonked. Now that’s not to say you should launch one right into someone’s head (in fact, do NOT do that…), but kids will be kids, and Koosh allows them to play pretty safely.

I am a big fan of the Koosh Galaxy Launchers. I think they are truly a FANTASTIC gift for kids as young as 3, though the recommended age is ages 4 and up.

Disclosure – A product was provided to facilitate this review. All opinions are my own.

Handy Man in Training: One Step Ahead Bosch Work Bench and Tool Set

December 7, 2012 by Momstart 7 Comments

One Step Ahead Bosch Work Bench and Tool Set – Perfect for the Little Handy Man in Training VIDEO REVIEW

By: Ashley

It’s not secret that I am a HUGE fan of OneStepAhead. I think they have an incredible selection of toys that are good for kids. Their products are good quality and pretty much all of their toys have some kind of great learning value. To top it all off, their customer service is amazing!

So, now that I’ve told you all about how much I love OneStepAhead, I can tell you about the cutest pint sized work bench I’ve seen in awhile. The Bosch Junior Toy Workbench is a great hands on, motor skill building, imagination starting toy. This workbench is made for toddlers (recommended for ages 2 and up) but could last through preschool (at least until 4 years old). The height of the bench might start to seem a bit short to older children, but the realistic tools, interactive turning gears, and working vice can keep children busy and entertained. It is currently on sale at OneStepAhead for only $41.97 and regularly priced at $59.95.

The Bosch Toy Toolbox and Tool Set (recommended for ages 3 and up) will make any kid happy because they will be working with tools and a tool box that look just like yours! Just like the workbench, the attention to detail and realistic appearance of these tools is amazing. With a toy hammer, saw, screwdriver, and wrench, your little handyman will be ready to go. When you add in the battery powered toy drill that really buzzes and spins, you make this the perfect toy tool set. The handle on our tool box was a little wobbly, but the tools are all super sturdy and durable making these tools toys that should last a long time.

Make sure you watch the video for an up close look at the workbench and the tool box. I’m always impressed with the toys from OneStepAhead and this is no exception.

Disclosure – A product was provided to facilitate this review. All opinions are my own.

Nickelodeon Winx Club Deluxe Toys and Accessories Christmas Gift Line Up

December 3, 2012 by Momstart 10 Comments

The Winx Club Deluxe characters are a group of fairies that are in charge of different elements. One is the fairy of the dragon eye and another is a fairy of the sun, and another is a fairy of nature. They are such creative colorful dolls and fairies. You can visit your local Walmart, Target, Amazon and any toy store to discover the whole world of the Winx Deluxe Club Deluxe toy line by Nickelodeon

Here at MomStart we’ve picked out a few products to feature for the holiday season, as we received some samples from Nickelodeon to feature in our holiday gift guide.

WINX Club Costume: Based on the hot new Nickelodeon show, your daughter can be Stella, Bloom or Flora! Deluxe costume includes dress, wings and pair of glovettes ($29.99). The wig is astounding the color is brilliant the wings attach to the costume in four places allowing them to stand up straight and the details on the costume are quite fun. She loves the glovettes as much as I would have as a child.

Magic Wings Bloom

Bloom fans will have fun re-enacting the magical Believix transformation moment from the show over and over. It’s so simple: Spin, transform, fly. Your Bloom doll spins as you move the heart on the base. Hear the Believix theme song and watch Bloom’s Believix wings appear and light up. Take Bloom off the stand to fly her to save the world from evil.

Product Features

Brings the Believix magic to life through music, motion and magical transformation
Push lever to hear Believix song and see Bloom transform into a Believix fairy
Wings light up
Bloom can be taken off the stand to fly

Winx Club Doll Concert Collection

Get ready to rock with the Winx Club band, six magical friends who love perform. These fashion dolls come dressed in rockin’ fashions perfect for performing on stage. Winx Club Concert dolls have 7 points of articulation to show off their individual personalities. These dolls also include a Winx “X” on their back allowing for magical transformation from girl to fairy. Wings are sold separately. Complete the band by collecting all six Winx Club band members: Bloom, Stella, Flora, Tecna, Musa and Aisha.

Product Features

Winx Club Concert dolls are dressed in rockin? fashions
Dolls include 7 points of articulation
Includes Winx ?X? on the back of all dolls allowing for magical transformation from girl to fairy (Wings sold separately)
Brush and small accessories included
Available in all 6 characters: Bloom, Stella, Flora, Tecna, Aisha and Musa

Girls can now get dolled up with the Winx Club Glam Makeup Case. This stylish, translucent pink case features wingshaped palettes with 20 pots of play makeup and two glitter gel tubes. Keep all of her beauty essentials in the compartment beneath the extendable wing trays. An onthego primp and play case.Winx Club Glam Makeup CaseHolds all Believix accessories (not included)Includes Winx play makeup so your little girl can look like their favorite characters from the show.

Product Features

Collectible train-case style Winx Club makeup case
20 pots of sparkling, shimmering, makeup + 2 glitter gel tubes
Also includes makeup brush and applicator
Ages 5 and up

Which one does Zoe like most? Well she couldn’t choose. She adores makeup, fancy dolls and the costume well she loves that. We chose to donate all of the Winx items we received from Nickelodeon but you must know that it was a very difficult choice for her. These dolls and accessories appeal to girlly girls.

Putting Together The Friendship is Magic My Little Pony Wedding Castle By Hasbro

November 28, 2012 by Momstart 11 Comments

Zoe and Miles could hardly wait as I opened the Friendship is Magic My Little Pony Wedding Castle By Hasbro. Miles started playing with it before I was even done putting it together. They both love watching the My Little Pony Friendship is Magic cartoon and often watch it when we go to a friends house or when their Memaw and Papaw come over. They watch it on an YouTube app I think. Zoe’s been playing with ponies and sometimes, I repeat sometimes she shares with her brother. She was feeling extra generous yesterday since I let her keep the My little Pony Wedding Castle.

(She had to pick some toys to giveaway and she picked out three different toys from her room to donate in order to keep the Wedding Castle)

Product Features

Wedding Castle playset comes with Bride and groom
Playset features a spinning butterfly and a bench that swings
The playset features a whole range of accessories for the wedding

Princess Cadence and Shining Armor are getting married at the castle. Ponies from all over Equestria can’t wait to go to the royal wedding. Your Princess Cadence and Shining Armor pony friends are thrilled to share this special day with you. Help them into their clothes and crowns and prepare the beautiful castle for the party – then open the castle door to welcome their guests. Castle playset comes with bride and groom pony figures, butterfly, comb, 2 teacups, teapot, wedding cake, table, bouquet, piano, purse, tuxedo, groom crown, bride crown, dress, 2 rings, necklace, chandelier and sticker labels. For ages 3 and over. Box Contains 1x Bride, 1x Groom, 1x butterfly comb, 2x teacups, 1x teapot, 1x wedding cake, 1x table, 1x bouquet, 1x piano, 1x purse, 1x tuxedo, 1x groom crown, 1x bride crown, 1x dress, 2x rings, 1x necklace, 1x chandelier 1x sticker labels

Zoe and Miles played for an hour while I continued working. I love hearing them play nicely and together. They come up with some of the most creative ideas while they are playing. Only time will tell about the REPLAYABILITY in this toy. I’m thinking Zoe will be playing in her room with the ponies as now she has a boy and a girl to go along with her other ponies. One of the toys she gave up was a My LIttle Pony she received from McDonalds that had only plastic hair.

It was really easy to put together and I only needed to look at the instructions to see where the accessories were supposed to go and how they were to be put on the castle.

Blue Nile Cyber Week Coupon Code & The Extraordinary Days of Christmas Jewelry Giveaway

November 27, 2012 by Momstart 5 Comments

Recently I went on a cruise to the Caribbean and the main focus seemed to be shopping. I got caught up in it a bit and had a great time shopping (window shopping) with my mom, daughter and grandmother. We were looking for deals and one of the deals was for pearls. My husband said if I find them I should get them because they would look great on a blogging trip. I never found them, and came home to this Baroque Freshwater Culture Pearl Strand necklace from Blue Nile.

Facebook Fans of Blue Nile’s Facebook page will experience an interactive, cozy fireplace setting that’s surrounded with presents and holiday features. Each day, you may select and “virtually” unwrap one of six presents in hopes of winning one of 12 extraordinary jewelry prizes from Blue Nile. One extraordinary jewelry prize will be awarded each day, and range from $3,500 to $13,500! Prizes include, but are not limited to, multiple diamond engagement rings (including one from the new Monique Lhuillier line), 2-carat diamond earrings, a sapphire and diamond ring, and a 4-carat diamond bracelet.

All told, $100,000 worth of extraordinary jewelry prizes will be awarded from November 26 – December 7.

The Extraordinary Days of Christmas game details:

· There are six unique presents wrapped and displayed for each Facebook fan on Blue Nile’s Facebook page. In order to participate, fans must “Like” the Blue Nile Facebook page.

· For 12 days, Facebook fans will have a chance to unwrap one present of their liking to win a Blue Nile prize.

· It is a game of chance. Prizes vary from percentage off discount codes to $11,000 diamond rings. We’re happy to say that we will be giving away a cumulative prize value of $100,000 over the course of 12 days.

· One extraordinary jewelry prize will be given out per day, but everyone will win something.

· The campaign will kick off on Cyber Monday (November 26, 2012) and end on December 7, 2012.

BLUE NILE COUPON

The code is: Special20%Off

Please note that this code is good for 20% off silver, gemstone, or pearl jewelry and valid from November 26, 2012 at 8:00 am ET to November 29, 2012 at 8:00 am ET. Please see Terms and Conditions for the discount offer below:

Offer MUST be entered in cart or mentioned over phone at time of purchase. 20% discount applies to silver or pearl or gemstone jewelry, only. 20% off applies to only one item in one category, and does not apply to loose diamonds, Build Your Own Diamond Jewelry, gift certificates, and cleaning product purchases. Offer may not be combined with any other offer and cannot be applied retroactively. Void where prohibited. Offer valid through November 29, 2012 at 8:00amET.

Sample received.

Dancing with M3 Master Moves Mickey by Fisher-Price

November 27, 2012 by Momstart 9 Comments

Master Moves Mickey made me laugh, giggle and want to dance along with the kids. I was really surprised at how much I liked Master Moves Micky. M3, Master Moves Mickey is an interactive toy that you’ll have to see to believe! M3 infuses the original Disney character with funky beats and 15 dance moves – including the Windmill, the “Mouska” Mix, the Spin Cycle, the Insane Handstand and the Ham Sandwich. With names like those you’ll see why I was giggling. Plush he says, “I’m so cool, ice cream doesn’t melt” or something like that.

Be like Miles and Zoe and get down in the house with your favorite mouse! Mickey Mouse dances to a funky beat as he combines over fifteen different dance moves into his own original dance combinations. I watched as the kids had a great time dancing and laughing and you can too. Just check out the video below as Miles and Zoe perfect their moves with Mickey as he shows off his insane handstand and then pops right into a 360!

To keep the music going just press his nose. We were very surprised to find that he comes with 6 “AA” (LR6) batteries. All you have to do to get him off DEMO mode is pull the plastic at the back of his neck.

Dance Fun for Kids Ages Two to Six

Designed for children two to six years old, Master Moves Mickey teaches children valuable gross motor skills through instructional dance lessons. They’ll also get a boost in understanding cause-and-effect relationships by squeezing Mickey’s nose to switch between songs, lessons, and dances.

Get down in the house with your favorite mouse
Mickey combines over moves into original combinations
Mickey moves from his handstand into a 360
Squeeze his nose to hear original tracks and funky beats

We received a sample to review and donate at the end of the review.

LTD Commodities Holiday Gifts for Parents

November 27, 2012 by Momstart 5 Comments

I received an assortment of products from LTD Commodities to review for new parents. Everything they sent me was geared towards parents with babies or newborns, even though LTD Commodities sells a little bit of everything for everyone. LTD Commodities and abc distributing have been committed to selling top-quality merchandise at tremendous value prices. From their humble beginnings as small mail-order businesses, both LTD and abc have grown to become two of the country’s premier business to business merchandisers. And they are proud to say that they remain a family-run company focused on one premise: satisfy the customers with high-quality products at a great value. Here are there Christmas Recommendations.

I received the following items.

“I Promise” Framed Poem

The "I Promise" Framed Poem makes a perfect gift for new parents. The heartfelt and touching "I Promise" verse is accompanied by simple, sweet artwork of a tiny hand grabbing a little foot. Features black and white photography for a modern, sophisticated look. Comes ready to hang in a polystyrene frame with mounting hardware on the back. 9-1/2" x 11-1/2".

Exclusive!
Heartwarming keepsake to hang in baby’s room
Details:
- 9-1/2" x 11-1/2"
- Polystyrene frame

It’s a very sweet frame with a poem I would mind hanging in Zoe’s room.

Stroller Organizer

Trendy prints distinguish this Stroller Organizer. The top section has 4 pockets, while the lower section has a large pocket with a window opening for access to baby wipes and a bottle pocket with an elastic top. An adjustable strap and 2 drawstrings attach the organizer to the stroller. Polyester and nylon. Imported. 15-1/2” x 13-1/2”

· Attaches easily to baby’s stroller

· Keep supplies organized and close at hand

A much needed product that I could have used. I had pockets and shoved everything in the bottom. I love the pink and zebra print pattern

2-Pc. Throw & Bedrest Set

In adorable designs any kid would love, these 2-Pc. Throw & Bed rest Sets are perfect for home, sleepovers or taking on trips. The printed throw is made of soft fleece for extra comfort and warmth and the appliquéd and embroidered bed rest is plumped with polyfill. The throw is machine care. Polyester. Imported.

Makes a great gift set!
Each 2-pc. set includes:
- Fleece throw, 50" x 60"
- Bedrest, 20" x 13" x 11-1/2

Details:
- Polyester
- Throw, machine care

This set is actually completely adorable and I’d love for Miles to keep it. But I know it will have a good home with another child in need because of how soft and adorable it is. We also received another brown blanket that is very very warm soft and perfect for anyone as a throw or to wrap a baby in.

HP Envy Ultrabook Using Windows 8

October 30, 2012 by Momstart 10 Comments

I loved using the HP Envy Ultrabook with Windows 8 on it. The only things I didn’t like was that this computer gets HOT and the mouse, the screen on this ultrabook is not a touch screen so you are dependent on the keyboard and the mouse. The keyboard worked great but I had to get a separate mouse. So I had to dig into my Microsoft hardware to find a USB mouse. (You can dig here, Windows 8 hardware, Pinterest board) and learn more about Windows 8 on the Microsoft News Center.

About my Mouse:

The Microsoft Touch Mouse makes navigating a breeze. It’s so easy to use and I use it with my Windows 7 laptop. Discover how its elegant design quickly handles everyday on-screen actions like scrolling, minimizing/maximizing, and docking with easy-to-learn finger gestures. My favorite feature is making all of the windows on my screen minimize just by flicking my hand down. LOVE IT. It works with swipes, back and fourth and up and down all do different things. Microsoft’s proprietary BlueTrack™ Technology works on more surfaces than both optical and laser mice. It uses high-angle imaging optics to generate an accurate picture of the surface.

Other than that this ultrabook is awesome! Starts up fast and runs Windows 8 like a charm, thanks to the 128gb SSD. Also has a high quality brushed aluminum casing, USB 3.0 connection, HDMI output, and WiDi connectivity and backlit keyboard. You can boost your comfort level with the sleek HP ENVY 13-2050nr SpectreXT, which has HP CoolSense technology. Plus, scroll and zoom with pinpoint precision using the HP Imagepad. Count on Beats Audio for amazing sound. And when you’re working in low light environments, count on the HP TrueVision HD webcam and backlit keyboard. Hear music the way the artists intended using Beats Audio. At less than 1-inch slim and just over 3 pounds, this ultra-thin and ultra-fast notebook is designed to help you do everything without weighing you down. Integrated Bluetooth helps you sync your HP laptop to other digital devices, like your smartphone or desktop PC, without using cables. Plus, print, e-mail and browse the web wirelessly using built-in Wi-Fi. Edit documents and watch videos on the 13.3-inch diagonal high-definition LED-backlit display. Stream content to your HD TV with Intel Wireless Display, too. The HP ENVY 13-2050nr SpectreXT Ultrabook has plenty of style with the all-metal design and backlit keyboard. You can video chat in low-light environments using the integrated HP TrueVision HD webcam, which is also Skype HD capable. Plus, transfer photos from a memory card to your notebook using the digital media reader. This HP laptop has a solid state drive that’s ready in seconds, so you can count on fast response and reliable data access.

In plainer words. This computer is quite fast. I was able to use all my programs that usually bog down my computer and get my work done more quickly. It’s so thin that I could take it anywhere and did take it anywhere. I traveled to California and didn’t strain my neck and back like I usually do carrying my tank around with me everywhere. Now I read that the reason I had a hard time with the mouse is because of the HP’s mouse technology. “The touchpad is a multitouch that works very well. It supports two-fingered scrolling, pinch and zoom, and two-finger rotation, among other things. Where it is less ideal is when you need to click and drag, as when you want to select multiple items on the desktop or you are scrolling with a scroll bar. This is a necessary tradeoff to enhance the multitouch functionality over the older mode of mouse pad and buttons.”. Plugging in my own mouse that I knew how to use solved the problem just fine for me. I didn’t have the patience to learn the other.

Overall it’s a great computer in my opinion, perfect for travel.

I’m a Windows 8 Champion and receive computers on loan to review from time to time.

Wish Factory: Stocking Stuffers For 2012 Girls

October 27, 2012 by Momstart Leave a Comment

Locker Rockers

Locker Rockers are the must have back to school accessories, with super cool collections to fit the style of every girl. The brand is all about self expression and now girls can express who they are and their personal style by decorating their lockers to fit their personality. With four different themes “Glam Rock,” “Beach Crush,” “Bohemian Spirit,” and “Scribbles Beat” there is a collection that screams every girl’s style!

Pop Grrl Nail Charms

Original Pop Grrl Nail Charms feature the newest innovation of stick-on nails with poppin’ designs, creating a unique 3D look! Girls will be setting the trend at home and school with hottest new fashion accessory. Pop Grrl Nail Charms have a variety of designs, including top licenses that girls love. The new Pop Grrl product lines from The Wish Factory are perfect for any fashonista!

Pop Grrl i-Poppin’ Music Accessories

Music meets fashion like never before with the Pop Grrl i-Poppin’ music accessories from The Wish Factory. Listen to music anytime and anywhere, but never lose that sense of style. Rock out with i-Poppin’ Clip-Ons, Bracelets, i-Shares and Necklaces, all featuring different charm designs to fit every girl’s style.

Cody Singing Doll

Fashion Doll Collection: Cody always knows how to look great with his Aussie style of jeans and a t-shirt, whether he is just hanging out or he is going out, he makes it work. Now you can help him choose his clothes with these 11½ inch fashion dolls. The fashion dolls look exactly like Cody, complete with sculpted hair made to resemble his signature side-swept surfer do. The dolls feature bendable joints and each includes a pair of shoes, sunglasses, microphone, guitar pick and lanyard.

Singing Doll Collection: Just like at a concert, fans will scream when they hear the Cody Singing Doll. At the push of a button on his back, the doll belts out POP Hit “On My Mind”. The 11½ inch doll comes complete with Cody style clothing and also includes shoes, stickers, microphone, guitar pick and lanyard.

We received samples

« Previous Page