Family * Travel * Food

Bike Sizing Guide - How to Get the Best Size Bike for Your Kids


Having a bike as a kid has always been some of our very fondest memories. Learning how to ride, falling off ten times, and trying again, hurting yourself and crying after, has always been a natural part of any kids’ life. That excitement when any parent buys their children a brand-new bicycle with that “wow factor”, is unparalleled to any other memory one can have in their growing up days.

For children to acquire the skills to ride, there are many advantages, and there are tons of reasons why children should learn how to ride a bike. Besides it is just pure fun, it keeps them physically active, it benefits their mental abilities and learning capabilities coupled with multi-tasking while holding the bike steady and trying to steer and pedal it all at the same time. It works the brain. 

Other good things about having one, together with those mentioned here, is that it can be a fun family bonding activity too. The good news is, it is not just advantageous for the children and their families but also the environment. Bicycles don’t pollute the cities, as much as automobiles do. One nice thing is that you can even buy bicycles online. So, with so many amazing and exciting things to look forward to, every kid should have a bike. Let’s see how we can get your one and make sure he fits on it. 

Choosing a Good Bike for Your Child

The easiest thing to do is to ask your kid which bike he likes that way you can provide them with continued enthusiasm for the piece, plus you’re sure he will use it and look after it. Depending on his age, he may just choose the best one. However, this may not always be the situation and they can be indecisive, in which case, you should consider a few factors before you purchase one. Below are a few of these:
  1. In terms of the weight, the lighter it is, the better. For instance, if your child weighs 16kg, which most 3-year olds do, the bike should be in and around that heaviness too. If you buy something even 10% heavier, it may not be easy for them to balance it. This is why parents are advised to use a balance-bike first till the child learns how to ride, then as they grow older, perhaps at 4 years of age, they use one without the balance wheels.
  2. In terms of the steering bars, those with ball bearings tend to be easier to turn and handle. You can also buy a plain bearing model but it will be slightly difficult to handle if they are still a child. The handgrips, too, must be secure and have a good grip. Ones with a bulb at the end will avoid them slipping off them.
  3. A hand-brake is a useful element to have on the bicycle, unlike the balance bikes which use your shoes to stop. Make sure their hands can reach the brakes properly and pull it. 
  4. Pneumatic tyres are the better option regarding the wheels, explained in depth here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bicycle_tire as they are lighter and more manageable. They are about 12-inches. Any type of wheel must be able to spin easily and freely. 

The Most Important Component – The Size

The size of the bike is a very imperative aspect. Firstly, look for a comfortable saddle, and one that does not have a slippery cover, secondly make sure it is easily adjustable then, put your child on the device and adjust it to make sure he can touch both feet flat on the ground. As they get older and taller you can raise the seat further up. One must always look for an upright riding position similar to the Black Mountain Pinto kids bikes, which are lightweight, easy to handle, and have stabilisers included on them. If your child is still little, he or she only needs one gear. 

A lot of online resources and kid’s bike stores provide a sizing guide for those looking to buy one. They commonly start with the balance types which are usually any kid’s first one, and are about 2’11” to about 3’5”, and go up to any age. If the wheel size is 12” it is usually for ages between 3 to 5 years old, if the wheels are thicker such as the 26” ones, they would suit a 9 to 12-year-old.

Also stay clear of any fancy varieties with supplementary items on them that will distract the child, unless it’s to ride around the house or compound then things such as baskets in the front or back are fine, keep it simple. 
SHARE:

Away From The Screen – Toys Your Son Will Love

We all know that tech plays an important role in our lives. For some, our entire working lives are based around it. It makes life a little easier and helps us to connect and reconnect with friends and family. Technology is great for our kids too, from lessons in coding to how to design and create a video game or even edit a video, becoming immersed in technology can help our children find future roles and careers that they’re truly passionate about.
image credit
However, as wonderful as technology is, it can sometimes take over. With many parents struggling to coax their children outside for some fresh air, or simply entertain themselves without the help of a screen. So, if your child has a birthday coming up or you just want to spoil them, maybe you should embrace fun and entertainment away from the screen and consider the following gifts and toys for 9 year old boys.
image credit

Board and card games

Not just for rainy days, board games can be played with family and friends when they come to visit. You’ll find traditional games like Monopoly have been adapted to complement their favorite TV shows, and games like Top Trumps are always harmlessly competitive between good friends.

Pranks and jokes

Do you have a budding comedian at home? Or someone who likes to play pranks on their older siblings? Prank and joke kits have always been popular and they're a great way to get your child thinking outside the box and creating plans and schemes to pull off the perfect prank! Whoopee cushions stink bombs, hand buzzers, and slime will keep your son busy for hours!

Sports

If your son is football mad, then some simple football equipment for the garden is the ideal gift. A goal where they can practice their penalties, some new football kit, training cones or even a bag to put their boots and kit in. If you're struggling for outdoor space, then consider a smaller trick ball that they can use indoors to practice some cool tricks and skills.
image credit

Bikes

When we were kids, there was nothing better than getting on your bike and heading out. As long as you were back home in time for dinner of course! If your son doesn't have a bike, or they need a new one, then it could be the best gift ever. They can take themselves to and from school, practice cool tricks, go out riding with their friends and just enjoy a little freedom. Remember to get them the additional safety gear too!

Books

If your son much prefers reading and learning new things then topping up their bookshelf with some new reads is ideal. The latest novels from their favorite authors, encyclopedias, annuals, or other books dedicated to their favorite subject. It'll certainly keep them away from their screens for a while.

And finally, LEGOs! 

LEGO or simple building bricks have been loved for generations. When your son plays with LEGOs he’s using his creativity and cognitive skills to figure out what should go where and how to bring his ideas to life. This is a classic favorite that you surely cannot go wrong with.
 photo 7636c3fb-e8d9-4b07-af6b-f1ca33a15bfe_zps9lbkp4mn.png
SHARE:

Build-A-Bear Workshop Opens New Store in Walmart on Centre Pointe Dr in North Charleston, SC


BUILD-A-BEAR WORKSHOP® IS OPENING A NEW STORE AT WALMART SUPERCENTER ON CENTRE POINT DRIVE IN NORTH CHARLESTON, SC

Full-line Workshop to Feature the Build-A-Bear Make-Your Own Experience, Furry Friends and More

Beginning September 19, shoppers at Walmart on Centre Point Drive in North Charleston, SC will be able to make a new Build-A-Bear® furry friend when they are shopping at Walmart. The full-line experiential retail Workshops will be available in a leased space in the Walmart store and offer the signature Build-A-Bear Make-Your-Own experience, as well as an assortment of furry friends and accessories that appeal to kids and adults alike, including Condo Cubs, a brand-new collection of furry friends starting at $10 each.
The Store hours: 10am – 8pm and the address is: Build-A-Bear Workshop at Walmart Supercenter #3367, 4920 Centre Point Drive, North Charleston, SC 29418

About Build-A-Bear®

Build-A-Bear® is a global brand kids love and parents trust that seeks to add a little more heart to life. Build-A-Bear Workshop has over 450 stores worldwide where Guests can create customizable furry friends, including corporately-managed stores in the United States, Canada, China, Denmark, Ireland, Puerto Rico, and the United Kingdom, and franchise stores in Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, Mexico and the Middle East. Buildabear.com is the online destination for unique furry-friend gifts, featuring The-Bear-Builder™, a shopping configurator that helps create customized gift options. Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc. (NYSE:BBW) posted total revenue of $336.6 million in fiscal 2018.
 photo 7636c3fb-e8d9-4b07-af6b-f1ca33a15bfe_zps9lbkp4mn.png
SHARE:

Futuristic Construction Games for Kids

Kids love building things and there are many futuristic construction games they can play and some can be found on Mini&Maximus. They are very enjoyable and parents can play with them too. These games are also very realistic and 3D. If your child wants to go into construction in the future, then here are some popular ones, all of which involve driving round in a wide range of different vehicles.

Construction Stimulator Pro 2017

Construction Stimulator Pro is a building game and you can handle a wide number of vehicles including bulldozers and cranes. This game is one of the best out there and it gives you a massive opportunity to build a name for yourself in the construction industry.


SimCity BuildIt

In SimCity, you can build your very own dream city. In this game, you can become the mayor which will leave you responsible for countless tasks for building the city. It allows you to solve real-life situations too. You can also connect and compete with other players.

Megapolis

Megapolis is an extremely similar and enjoyable game to SimCity BuildIt. You can build and design things from houses to airports. Build yourself a functional and modern city you can enjoy. Megapolis is a variant of the word megalopolis, this means a large city or urban area.

Skyscraper Construction Sim 3D

Skyscraper Construction is a construction game particularly aimed at skyscraper fans.
You can build your own skyscrapers and drive around in a large variety of vehicles. You can manually hand-design buildings by scripting with corresponding coordination for every object.

Big Machines Stimulator 3D

Big Machines Stimulator is an excellent choice of game if you are into heavy machinery. This game allows you to drive around in a large variety of different vehicles, including cranes and earthmovers.

Bridge Construction Stimulator

The aim of this game is to build safe and strong bridges. These bridges need to be built strong enough for heavy vehicles such as trucks and school buses to drive over. It is fun to play and good if you want to go into building bridges.

City Builder 17 Federal Prison

In this game, you need to build a high-security federal prison. You begin with simple tasks and move up to more complicated ones. As the game player, you are responsible for the different features of the construction process.

All of these games are very fun for kids and will lead them into the construction industry if they are used sharply.
 photo 7636c3fb-e8d9-4b07-af6b-f1ca33a15bfe_zps9lbkp4mn.png
SHARE:

Check out the New LEGO Movie 2 Set


Enjoy an epic 360-degree play experience—and prepare for an alien invasion—with THE LEGO® MOVIE 2™ 70840 Welcome to Apocalypseburg! construction toy. An advanced building set, it has over 3,000 pieces and presents an awesome challenge even for master builders.

This THE LEGO MOVIE 2 set features a section of the Statue of Liberty with a chill-out room in the head, café, Scribble Cop’s office with a chair-kicking function, armory, barber’s/tattoo parlor, Lucy’s hideout, Fuse’s workshop, rooftop diner, gym, spa, lookout platforms and loads more! This action-packed toy also comes with 12 THE LEGO MOVIE 2 minifigures to role-play and reimagine your favorite scenes from the blockbuster film.

Check out some of these amazing specs on this new set:


  • This creative toy includes 12 new-for-January-2019 THE LEGO® MOVIE 2™ minifigures: Emmet, Lucy, Batman™, Scribble Cop, Harley Quinn™, Green Lantern™, ’Where are my pants?’ Guy, Larry the Barista, Chainsaw Dave, Mo-Hawk, Roxxi and Fuse, plus a rat figure.
  • This huge Apocalypseburg construction toy has removable modules for easy play and features a section of the Statue of Liberty, café, Scribble Cop’s office, armory, barber’s/tattoo parlor, Lucy’s hideout, Fuse’s workshop, rooftop diner, gym, spa and more!
  • The Statue of Liberty section of this THE LEGO® MOVIE 2™ playset features a buildable torch, opening Lady Liberty head with a chill-out room including a buildable telescope, and 3 lookout platforms.
  • The Coffee Unchained café features a service counter, cash register, buildable coffee machine with 2 coffee pumps, table and seat, and an outdoor table with a parasol and 2 seats.
  • Scribble Cop’s office features an opening jail door and chair-kicking function.
  • Armory features a mannequin, goggles, 3 minifigure helmet elements and 2 buildable weapons. 
  • Barber’s/tattoo parlor features a barber’s chair, buildable tattoo machine and hair-cutting tool elements.
  • Lucy’s hideout features a buildable bed with a secret compartment containing various fun elements including a love letter from Batman™. The room also features weapon storage and assorted elements including new-for-January-2019 barbed wire.
  • The removable roof of Lucy’s hideout has a buildable seat, engine truck front and water tower.
  • Fuse’s rooftop workshop features a buildable tool chest with a buildable fire extinguisher.
  • Rooftop diner features a buildable V8 engine deep-fat fryer, table, oven, ketchup and mustard dispensers, plus frying pan and food elements.
  • Train-carriage-shaped gym features a buildable punching bag with alien invader decoration and a weightlifting bench.
  • Truck-shaped spa features a buildable hot tub and shower.
  • This THE LEGO® MOVIE 2™ toy building set also includes Chainsaw Dave’s surfboard rack with 2 surfboards, lookout area with a buildable telescope, an opening sewer and various ladders. 
  • Weapons for THE LEGO® MOVIE 2™ characters include Lucy’s crossbow.
  • Accessory elements include Emmet’s 2 coffee mugs, Lucy’s quiver, plus 6 new-for-January-2019 Skeletron head elements (1 as a basketball; 1 on a signpost; 1 as engine decoration; 2 as hair mannequins; and 1 on the armory mannequin).
  • Recreate fun-packed scenes from THE LEGO® MOVIE 2™ with this awesome Statue of Liberty toy.
  • This new-for-January-2019 toy measures over 20” (52cm) high, 19” (49cm) wide and 12” (33cm) deep.


Available directly from LEGO Stores & shop.LEGO.com from Wednesday 16th January, 2019
 photo 7636c3fb-e8d9-4b07-af6b-f1ca33a15bfe_zps9lbkp4mn.png
SHARE:

The 2018 Holiday Hess Toy Truck Is Now Available For Purchase

Hess Toy Truck has launched its annual, highly anticipated, Holiday Hess Toy Truck. The brand new model, a Hess RV with an ATV and Motorbike, is a three-in-one toy that features a sleek and modern recreational transport loaded with lights, and a dynamic wheelie-popping pair of team mates, eager for on and off-road action.

For over 50 years, Hess Toy Trucks have remained one of America's favorite Christmas traditions. Each year, a new and unique design is revealed, which is collected and gifted by families throughout the U.S. The Hess Toy Truck is known for selling out before Christmas every year, so hurry and get yours while you can.

The 2018 Hess RV with ATV and Motorbike is now available for purchase exclusively online for $33.99 with free standard shipping and 8 Energizer® batteries included.
The sleek and modern RV, loaded with 60 LED lights, comes equipped with three ramp doors that fold down for access to the ATV and Motorbike inside.  The oversized ATV and touring-style Motorbike are both designed with wheelie popping racing motors.  The 3-in-1 toy features green and chrome accents with a total of 73 brilliant lights, the most ever on a holiday Hess Toy Truck.



Hess also has made available for free download a new science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) curriculum with 8 lessons featuring the 2018 Hess Toy Truck. The curriculum can be used by teachers and parents as a learning tool to help teach core STEM concepts

The Hess Toy Truck, offered exclusively online, remains a highly sought-after collectible and treasured holiday tradition that has been shared among families for generations. To stay up to date, sign up for alerts online and follow Hess Toy Truck on Facebook and Instagram. For more information on Hess STEM, visit www.hesstoytruck.com/stem.
 photo 7636c3fb-e8d9-4b07-af6b-f1ca33a15bfe_zps9lbkp4mn.png
SHARE:

Hess Toy Truck Fans: Save The Dates For New Releases

For decades, Hess has created unforgettable family memories and traditions with its Hess Toy Truck each holiday season. Now, as Hess reaches this milestone anniversary, Hess Toy Truck is celebrating by announcing three new toy releases this year, which will have kids, adults and collectors buzzing with excitement.

The 2018 Hess Toy Truck lineup includes:


  • June 1st - The Mini Collection: Brought back by popular demand (as the 2017 mini collection sold out in just two weeks), Hess Toy Truck will release a collection of three previously unreleased miniature toy truck replicas
  • October 1st - A Special Collector's Edition Toy Truck: This special release created for the company's 85th anniversary, will be offered in the most limited quantity ever, in Hess Toy Truck history
  • November 1st - Holiday Hess Toy Truck: Staying true to Hess Toy Truck tradition, the highly anticipated holiday truck will be revealed on November 1st just in time for the holiday season

Each toy truck will be sold exclusively at www.HessToyTruck.com, and for those social media savvy fans, clues for the designs can be found on the Hess Toy Truck Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages - so keep an eye out for more exciting details to come!
 photo 7636c3fb-e8d9-4b07-af6b-f1ca33a15bfe_zps9lbkp4mn.png
SHARE:

Why Your Child Will Love Magic Sketch!

There's no denying that we live in the digital era. Everything from ordering our groceries, asking Siri or Alexa questions for help, and scheduling our doctors appointments can be done instantly from our digital devices. There are some things that can not be replaced by technology and that is good old-fashioned play time. Kids really need to be engaged in hands-on activities that encourage using their imagination to really learn and grow. 


We recently received the Magic Sketch for review, and my son was thrilled when we opened the box. Magic Sketch is a very simply yet super cool art tablet. There is no real assembly involved, so your child can start using it right away. Magic Sketch comes with a battery already installed, and lasts for years. This means your child can doodle and erase as much as they want! 


How does Magic Sketch work?

You simply use any of the included writing instruments or art tools to write or doodle on the the liquid crystal screen. There are templates included that offer a variety of games, drawing stencils, and learning stencils to practice handwriting, math skills, and more. The stamps and roller are very fun for learning patterns and repetition for younger kids. 

When your child is done drawing or writing, they simply push the button on the top and everything is magically erased!  


My son loves Magic Sketch as a tool to use for practicing or working out math problems. It is super convenient to use during his homeschool lessons. He is not big on art, so he enjoys using the drawing templates to trace pictures and shapes as well as creating his own works of art. Magic Sketch is very helpful to encourage fine motor and writing skills in younger children. The templates are easy to take out and replace, so kids can use it independently depending on their age. Another great thing is that you can make your own stencils according to what your child is interested in or learning at the time. 


Perks of the Magic Sketch
  • No messy markers or crayons involved
  • Perfect as a practice tablet for homeschoolers
  • Great for travel and long road trips
  • Kids can entertain themselves and parents don't have to supervise
  • It's waterproof, unlike traditional tablets
  • No recharging ever, and long battery life (7 years!)
  • Makes a great gift for birthdays or holidays 
Where can you get Magic Sketch and what do you get? 


Each Magic Sketch retails for $29.95 and includes:
  • Magic Sketch
  • Protector Guard
  • 1 Roller
  • 3 Stamps
  • 20 Learning Stencils
  • 20 Games Stencils
  • 20 Art Stencils

You can purchase it here and this is expected to be a HOT item for the 2017 holiday gifting season. My child loves his Magic Sketch and I think yours will, too. Any child would love to find this under the tree! Just be warned: Adults LOVE Magic Sketch, too! 


 photo 7636c3fb-e8d9-4b07-af6b-f1ca33a15bfe_zps9lbkp4mn.png
SHARE:

Mark Your Calendar! Mini Hess Toy Trucks Return June 1 Exclusively Online


If you are a Hess Toy Truck collector, you have to mark June 1st on your calendar. Hess Corporation has announced that the Miniature Hess Toy Truck series will return as a limited-production, three-vehicle set – forming the 2017 Mini Collection. Each vehicle included in the set will be a fully detailed, small-scale version of one of the popular holiday Hess Toy Trucks, equipped with working lights and a detachable display base.

The designs included in the 2017 Mini Collection will be revealed when it goes on sale June 1 at 10 a.m. EST. The three-vehicle set will be sold exclusively at www.hesstoytruck.com for $26.99 with free standard shipping and 9 Energizer® batteries included.

To stay up to date with the Hess Toy Truck, sign up for alerts at www.hesstoytruck.com and follow Hess Toy Truck on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
SHARE:

The 2016 Hess Toy Truck Has Been Revealed

Many of you might be familiar with the collectible Hess Toy Trucks that come out every year. The Hess Toy Truck has been a holiday tradition since 1964, and is one of the longest running toy brands on the market. My son has at least a dozen of them and a few are from before he was even born. They are a classic holiday gift for recipeients of all ages. My husband is usually the first one who is on the floor Christmas morning, ready to play!

Introducing the 2016 Hess Toy Truck and Dragster
The 2016 truck features LED lights, a slide-out ramp, and four realistic sounds, including a race starting countdown. The dragster’s innovative weight-transfer design and pull-back friction motor enable launch in either a flat or wheelie position. Together, the duo features green accents, sleek chrome styling, and more than 50 brilliant lights. You can purchase one here for $31.99 plus tax with FREE Standard Shipping & 5 Energizer® Batteries Included. 

To stay up to date with the Hess Toy Truck, sign up for alerts at www.hesstoytruck.com and follow Hess Toy Truck on Facebook , Twitter, and Instagram @HessToyTruck.
SHARE:

One Simple Step To Keeping Your Kid's Room Tidy

Do you ever feel like you have to keep nagging repeating yourself over and over again for your kids to pick up their toys? Although William does not have a ridiculous amount of toys, it's not unusual to see them everywhere they shouldn't be. It got me to thinking about ways we can eliminate some and keep his room nice and neat. I came across an old plastic storage bin and the light bulb appeared. I told William that he can pick out his favorite toys and as long as they fit in the bin, (with the lid closed) he can keep them out. I had to assure him that the remaining 4 baskets/bins of toys would be neatly tucked away in his closet and he can swap out toys every month or so. I also let him keep all of his LEGO stuff as long as everything stayed in a container. So far this has worked out beautifully. 


It is easier for William to keep his room tidy and there is no guessing where his mini Spider-Man or Buzz Lightyear toy is "hiding". I don't know why I didn't think of this before! I never have to get on him to keep his room clean. Works for me! Find more great tips, visit ParentsNeed.
SHARE:

The Hello Kitty Craze

You see the cute little whiskered face in almost every major store throughout the country and even across the world. It adorns clothing, lunch boxes, diaries, toothbrushes and bed sheets. It is even the theme for an entire hospital in Taiwan! Hello Kitty has become an international craze that continues to take the world by storm. Kids everywhere immediately recognize the unassuming round face and the familiar red ribbon that adorns this cute little cartoon cat.

What is the history of this little cat, and how did Hello Kitty toys become so popular throughout the world? Here is everything you could possibly want to know about Hello Kitty and her rise to fame.

Japanese Origins

Hello Kitty originated in Japan during the 1960’s when a Japanese company called Sanrio developed her character (which is actually known as Kitty White). Previous to selling Hello Kitty products, Sanrio primarily sold small items like pencil cases and other items for elementary-aged children. Once they developed the Hello Kitty character, their sales began to increase.

Rumors Abound Regarding Hello Kitty’s Origins

There are a couple of untrue legends circulating about how Hello Kitty actually originated. One story claims that the cute kitty was developed in an attempt to soften the corporate image of a nuclear power plant. Another story involves a fantastic claim that involves a truce with the devil to create a cute image in his honor in exchange for the healing of a young girl with cancer. Both stories are obviously false and the character was not created in any sinister way.

Emotionless Character

Hello Kitty was made without a mouth intentionally, because the lack of emotion made it more likely for people of all backgrounds to relate to her.  Because she does not seem to portray any emotions, the individual who views her can project their own emotions onto her at any time. It is this strange characteristic that may be part of the reason for her impressive international success.

Hello Kitty Almost Became a Punishment

Back in 2007, the idea was briefly entertained to force police in Bangkok to wear flashy Hello Kitty armbands if they committed minor infractions. This plan was quickly abandoned as it created outrage among both Hello Kitty fans and the Bangkok police ranks.

A Character That Kids and Adults Enjoy

While originally intended for children, Hello Kitty now adorns adult clothing and novelty items as well. Today you can buy Hello Kitty toys, Hello Kitty jewelry marketed to wealthy women, and Hello Kitty themed make up. While it may not be perfectly clear why this cute little emotionless character became so popular, it is clear that she is a character that is able to break through typical cultural, gender and age boundaries.
SHARE:

VTech Kidizoom® Smartwatch Review & Giveaway

**CLOSED** Winner is The Attic Girl- Congratulations! 

The VTech product, gift card, information, and additional gift pack have been provided by VTech. All opinions are my own as always. 
I am continually amazed at how far technology has come and continues to go. Kids in this day and age have so many advantages with this technology. I received the brand new VTech Kidizoom® Smartwatch for my son to test out. The Kidizoom Smartwatch offers so many amazing features all available on your child's wrist.
William was thrilled to play around with his new watch. The first thing that stood out to me is how flexible and comfortable the watch band felt. It was easy to get on and just as easy to take off. William didn't complain about it hurting his wrist or pinching it like he has with other watches he has tried. He wore it to registration night at his school and all of his friends quickly surrounded him to check out his super cool watch. All you could hear was, "Oooh and ahhh".

Kidizoom Smartwatch (Ages 4 years and up; MSRP: $59.99) features include:

·         1.4 inch color touch screen
·         Camera for taking photos and recording videos
·         Voice recorder with 5 voice changing effects
·         Special effects including customized photo frames, color filters and distortion effects; fun video frames
·         4 fun games, included
·         Kid-durable design to withstand drops and bumps
·         Splash proof and sweat proof
·         Alarm clock with fun tones and animation
·         Timer and stopwatch in kid-friendly themes
·         50+ digital and traditional analog displays
·         Rechargeable battery
·         4 vibrant colors: blue, pink, white and green
·         Micro USB cable for data transfer and battery recharging
·         Access to Learning Lodge app store to download more games and watch displays

What we liked about the VTech Kidizoom Smartwatch:

  • Makes your kid feel like they have a grown-up watch.
  • A great way to spark imagination.
  • The 3-minute stopwatch is great for timing chores or teeth brushing. 
  • My son enjoys making videos and listening to himself over and over. 
  • A great tool for parents to record reminders for kids. 
  • Very comfortable to wear and excellent to take on the go. 
  • Fairly long battery-life and we LOVE that it is rechargeable. 
Overall, this watch is really neat and my son loves it. He wants to take it to school for show and tell. I am sure his friends will all want one! Be sure to check out the VTech Kidizoom Smartwatch on the Vtechkids.com and stay connected on Facebook and Twitter for product promotions and updates. 

Giveaway: How would you like to win one for your child? Enter below: a Rafflecopter giveaway  

This giveaway is open to US Residents only and will end on September 3, 2014. Please follow giveaway rules in Rafflecopter widget. One winner will be chosen at random and will be contacted via email. Momfiles is not responsible for any lost or stolen prizes. Good luck!
SHARE:

Nominate the Hess Toy Truck to get inducted into the National Toy Hall of Fame

Our family has a love for Hess Toy Trucks – even my before my son was born, his grandpa started collecting a new truck for him every year. I’ve written about being a fan of the Hess Toy Truck before and now I’m asking you to help the toy truck on a very special mission. The Hess Toy Truck is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, a major milestone and a rare occurrence for any toy or toy brand. It surely is a favorite for generations of families out there as it is for mine!

For the 50th anniversary, we should all nominate the Hess Toy Truck to get inducted into the National Toy Hall of Fame. The National Toy Hall of Fame was established in 1988 and is housed at the Strong National Museum of Play, based in Rochester, NY. Only 53 toys have ever been inducted and it’s about time the Hess Toy Truck became one of those special toys.

Nominations are due in July. You can nominate the Hess Toy Truck via an online form on the National Toy Hall of Fame’s website or send letters or petitions directly to the Strong Museum. In order to be inducted, a toy must fit a certain set of criteria (icon status, longevity, discovery and innovation). Based on my family’s love of the toy truck over the years, I know it can be a strong contender. Here’s why:

· Icon-status: The Hess Toy Truck has symbolized the holiday season and family fun for 50 years. Anyone who has lived on the East Coast the past few decades probably has heard the holiday TV commercials every year with the lyrics, “The Hess Truck’s back and it’s better than ever…”

· Longevity: Hess Toy Trucks were built to last. These toys are made of quality, durable materials that my entire family can play with for years to come.

· Discovery: With every kind of vehicle on the ground, the air or space as a new Hess Toy Truck design every year, there are so many ways children can pretend, play and learn.

· Innovation: Through the years, Hess has made history creating one of the first toy trucks with lights and sound, and the first to come complete with batteries.

If you want to nominate the truck like I do, please visit http://www.toyhalloffame.org/nominate. And talk about your love of the Hess Toy Truck on Facebook, Twitter and in the comments section below.
SHARE:
Blogger Template Created For Mom Files All Rights Reserved