Splish Splash!

I haven't shared this before, but I'm part fish. Yes, you read that correctly. I have always loved the water - as a child, even filling up the bathtub in my dollhouse at home was exciting to me. I used to stand for hours at the sink in my bathroom playing with bathtub toys (that was last week, until my husband made me promise to stop getting water everywhere). My daughter it seems, has also inherited my fish-like qualities and love of the water. She has never hated baths, and actually some of her first smiles came during bath time. She is drawn to puddles, lakes, pools, ponds, and even the dog's water bowl.


Thanks to Team Mom, we recently had the chance to try out some new water lovin' toys - the Aquadoodle Draw 'N Doodle and Bath Blizzard from Spin Master. Let's start with the Aquadoodle Draw 'N Doodle - hailed as the no-mess art solution for toddlers. I've got to say, it's great. I have given these as birthday gifts a couple of times now and everyone raves over them. I had never actually tried one out myself until this week, and I love it as well. You can just fill the pen with water and anywhere you write turns blue. When it dries, it turns back to white and you can start all over again. It also has these really awesome tutorials all along the outline of the map to teach kids how to draw different shapes. I also found some sponges that we had in different shapes, like a teddy bear, and when we wet those and pressed them to the mat, they showed up too. Pretty cool, right?


The Bath Blizzard is a product that I was tempted to try out myself. When you hang it on the bathtub it creates mountains of bubbles that fill the tub and provide endless giggles! It took about a week before I remembered to stop to get 4 "C" batteries to make it work. Once I did, we tested it out during bathtime one night. It really does work, and it's pretty neat. I noticed that the bubbles are bigger than the typical soap sud bubbles, but they were bubbles nevertheless, and that made Little AG happy. My only complaint is that the Bath Blizzard only comes with a strap to hang on the faucet and no suction cups. Since we have a cover over our faucet, it would be more convenient for us if it had a way to suction to it the wall instead. However, it's not a toy we are going to use during every bath time, just on occasion, so it's definitely something I can work around. Overall, it's also a pretty cool toy and it definitely made bathtime more exciting!

I really liked both of these toys from Spin Master. I will continue to give the Aquadoodle as a birthday present when I can because I like it even more now that I've had the chance to see it in action. The Bath Blizzard is really cool too, and is perfect for all water babies (or mamas!). The AquaDoodle retails for $24.99 and the Bath Blizzard retails for $19.99.

Get Girly with Fancy Nancy!

When I was in France this summer I came across some children's books for Little AG that I loved. They were girly and sparkly -- perfect for my little girly girl. Called "Lilo, Trop Chou" (Lilo, too cool) it wasn't until I arrived back in the states that I realized that this book was simply a french translation of the Fancy Nancy series by Jane O'Connor. We love these books, they are fantastic. Fancy Nancy and I share a love of all things girly, and french!

Being a Fancy Nancy fan, I was excited to try out the new board game by Briarpatch. Called the Posh Bedroom game, Fancy Nancy's bedroom is in need of a makeover. Their website says "You will flip over helping Fancy Nancy transform her bedroom from plain to posh! Bring in her boas, ribbons, tiaras and other fancy accessories....the first player to complete the posh bedroom makeover,wins!"

The game is a lot of fun, though it is definitely geared for the older set (the game is aged 5+). I feel like younger kids may have a harder time catching on at first. However, once you get the hang of it, it's a blast playing with all of the fun accessories. And moms, this is one game that you might not mind having to play over and over! My favorite part is, hands down, all of the fun and girly artwork!

The Fancy Nancy Posh Bedroom game can be purchased directly from the Briarpatch website for $20.99. It would make a great gift for Christmas or for all the Fancy Nancy fans in your life!

Win it! The folks over at Briarpatch have graciously agreed to offer a copy of Fancy Nancy's Posh Bedroom Game to one lucky Chic Shopper Chick reader! To enter, follow the easy-peasy rules below:

• Visit the Briarpatch website and come back here and tell me what your favorite item is from there (besides this one!)
  
• Earn extra credit! You may do these for extra entries.
• Blog about this giveaway and send me the link in a separate post.
• Subscribe to my feed and let me know about it in a separate post.
• Stumble my main webpage (not this post please, but www.chicshopperchick.com) and leave me your Stumble Upon name in a separate post.
• Favorite Chic Shopper Chick on Technorati (there is a "Fave this Blog" button in my right sidebar) and let me know about it in a in a separate post.
• Add me to your blog roll. Not just my button in your sidebar, I'd love to be on your blog roll! Let me know about it in a separate post!

That's it! Good luck! Oh, and the official rules and legal jargon are below.

US entries only, winner will be chosen via random.org at the end of the contest. Winners are posted here and on Prizey Fetch, please leave a valid email address or blog address if you'd like to be contacted should you win. Winner has 72 hours to claim their prize. This contests ends at 11:59 pm CST on October 22nd, 2008.

It's Easy Being Green!

While I was in NYC this weekend for the Hot Blogger Calendar Shoot, I managed to get in a little shopping (I'm sure you're totally not surprised). I did go to some stores for me, but I of course had to stop off at this little place you may have heard of -- FAO Schwarz -- to look around for a little gift for my sweet little girl!

When I was there, I found these rather awesome toys made entirely from recycled milk containers -- they are called Green Toys. They are completely BPA and Phthalate free, and they are adorable! Even the packaging is "green" and I love that! Little AG is just getting to the stage where she wants to be like mommy, so she can play for a good 30 minutes with a bowl and a whisk. Really, these toys are perfect for the age she is now, and I get the feeling they will hold up for "pretend" play for years to come.


We love the Tea Set, and it's perfect for Little AG because she can serve "tea" to all of her stuffed friends! My other favorite is definitely the cookware set -- good for boys and girls alike! What about you -- what is your favorite toy from Green Toys?

You don't have to live in NYC to enjoy these awesome toys! They are available nationwide in Toys R Us and Whole Foods stores as well as some other smaller boutiques! I think these would make a great Christmas gift, plus it gives you the opportunity to teach your kids about being responsible consumers!

PS -- Wanna win one? Green Toys is giving away one of their fantastic Tea Sets in conjunction with the release of the 2008 Holiday Gift Guide here on Chic Shopper Chick. Stay tuned for details on how you can win one during the month of November!

CSC Review and Giveaway: K'nex goes to Sesame Street

This contest is now CLOSED. Please see our Contests page for the latest giveaways on Chic Shopper Chick!

"Can you tell me how to get, how to get to Sesame Streeeeeettttttttt?" Oh I just used to LOVE to hear that song! I adored Sesame Street as a child, and I love that this educational program is one that is still around to educate MY daughter in the same way that I was. I loved Big Bird the most, but that was before the Elmo craze really hit. I've got to admit that even now, I love Elmo's voice. I know that it won't be long before Little AG discovers Sesame Street on TV, and it will be a show that I won't resist her watching because of it's fantastic educational component.

Oh, and I can't resist quickly sharing this photo of our local (but fantastic) meterologist who I just feels like resembles the Count. Every time he does the weather, I feel like he should say, "Tomorrow the temperature will be 79! 79! Aah! Aah!" (How great would that be?)


Ok, I'll be serious now. Well, I'll try, at least. Thanks to Team Mom, I recently got a blast from my Sesame Street past when my daughter received a Sesame Street Building Set to review! It is perfect for her because she falls at the lower end of the age range (2 to 5) and is just starting to show interest in putting things together and using more of her creative side. We were so excited to see that we had received the Elmo K'nex set -- and my daughter had a blast giggling with Elmo and this fun set. The best thing about it is that it includes three educational "Play & Learn" activity cards that are meant to be enjoyed by parent and child together. One side of the card features alternate building ideas; the other side includes fun facts and activity suggestions. Our set included 47 pieces, which would normally give me a headache, but thankfully K'nex included the storage container with the playset, which makes it easy to clean up the fun neatly when playtime is over.

The sets come in different options - there are the smaller sets for tiny builders that include 14-15 pieces each. They retail for $10.99. There is the Super Grover and Abby Cadabby set that include 30 parts and retail for $14.99. There are the 46 piece sets which include the Elmo's World Set and the Bert and Ernie Set that retail for $21.99. Lastly, there is the ultimate Sesame Street building experience -- the Cookie Monster and Hooper's Store Building Set which includes 80 pieces and retails for $31.99. All sets are being released for the first time this month -- just in time for Christmas!

I know your kids, grandkids, nieces and nephews will love these great sets just as much as we do! That said, I'm excited to offer you a chance to win one of these sets for the Sesame Street lovers in your life! To enter, follow the easy-peasy rules below.

• Visit the K'nex Website and let me know what you like best about these great new K'nex/Sesame Street sets.
  
• Earn extra credit! You may do these for extra entries.
• Blog about this giveaway and send me the link in a separate post.
• Subscribe to my feed and let me know about it in a separate post.
• Stumble my main webpage (not this post please, but www.chicshopperchick.com) and leave me your Stumble Upon name in a separate post.
• Favorite Chic Shopper Chick on Technorati (there is a "Fave this Blog" button in my right sidebar) and let me know about it in a in a separate post.
• Add me to your blog roll. Not just my button in your sidebar, I'd love to be on your blog roll! Let me know about it in a separate post!

That's it! Good luck! Oh, and the official rules and legal jargon are below.

US and entries only, cannot ship to PO Boxes. Winner will be chosen via random.org at the end of the contest. Winners are posted here and on Prizey Fetch, please leave a valid email address or blog address if you'd like to be contacted should you win. Winner has 72 hours to claim their prize. This contests ends at 11:59 pm CST on October 9th, 2008.

Let's Twist Again

This Twisty Moby from Wonderworld is really neat. The pieces are created from sustainable harvested wood from rubber trees, making it eco friendly. Plus, it is painted with a water-based, non-toxic paint, so you don't have to worry about your baby putting it in their mouth.

The entire toy changes shape, encouraging your baby to develop their fine motor skills and further encouraging hand-eye coordination. It can also be used as a teether, though I'm sure that is the first place it will end up anyway.

I wish I had seen these when Little AG was at this stage. I was just so overwhelmed that I didn't think to look for things like this. Anyway, wouldn't this make a great add-on to a baby shower gift? You can find this "Twisty Moby" on Amazon.com for $9.99, and it will qualify for free shipping if your order exceeds $25.

Radio Flyer goes Green

I recycle here at home. Hubby does too. We do it faithfully throughout the week, placing our bin out for pickup on Friday mornings and then starting over again. But, do you ever really think about where all of that recycling goes? What is made of it? Well think no more, I've found at least one answer for you.

Ta-da! The wagon has gone green! CSC readers, meet the "Earth Wagon", an environmentally friendly way to give your kids those same wagon-time memories as the ones you cherish (remember the red Radio Flyers?). Each wagon is made of 230 recycled milk jugs. So by purchasing this you not only get a really cool wagon, you divert 230 milk jugs away from land-fills.

Oh, and did I mention it IS a Radio Flyer? That's right! The red has changed to green, but it's still the same durable, built-to-last wagon!

You can find one of these awesome "Green" Radio Flyer wagons at The Green Home for $150.

Word World

I just love toys that are more than just entertainment. A little education never hurt, and if you can do it while you play, then why not?! Well, the folks over at Word World have figured that out, and make the smartest toys on the block!

Little AG received a few Word World toys a couple of weeks ago, and we love them! Take this pull-apart, magnetic "CAT" ($9.99), for instance. All of the letters connect by magnets sewn into the product, but they completely separate as well, so that you will have the letters C A T. When you join them together correctly, not only do they spell cat, it even looks like a cat! I was a little worried about the magnets being too strong and pinching Little AG's fingers, but they aren't at all. It holds together well, without taking your fingers with it (and that's a major plus -- one less boo-boo).

She also received this Word World Barn Set ($29.99)-- which is basically a set of mega-blocks with added educational value! It is 49 pieces of fun! (I know what you're thinking -- 49 pieces! Don't worry, it comes complete with it's own storage bucket.) It has the full alphabet as well as 2 buildable word friends! Little AG really likes the wacky characters, so this is a fun set for us! Even better, this set came with a DVD -- so we have 47 minutes of DVDed Word World fun!

If you've never seen the show, it's really cute. Everything is shaped like the object it is (the Dog looks like a dog) but the letters of DOG make up his body. It's a great way for them to associate the look of a dog with the spelling of dog. Whoever came up with this should get lots of awards, seriously! My favorite episode is with the Duck and Shark, when the Duck isn't afraid of the Shark because he thinks Shark's name is pronounced "Suh-hark". The Shark is nice, of course, and just wants to be friends, and reassures Duck that he's nice and friendly, even when Duck figures out that he is really a *gulp* SHARK.

Cute stuff, very educational, and with all of the other junk out there in the world, this seems like a good buy. Check out the full line of Word World products being sold exclusively at Target!

Smart Snail

How cool is this 3-D number puzzle in the shape of a snail? I think it is smart on so many levels -- first by taking the typical kids puzzle and making it 3-D, second by numbering the pieces so that younger kids can learn and sort-of follow the instructions to complete it, and third -- it's made from sustainable wood and painted with non-toxic, kid-friendly paint. This would make an awesome gift for a first or second birthday party, and it's rather inexpensive at $14.99. You can find it at ImagiPLAY.

Boon Animal Bag

Little AG has a major love for animals. Before I had a child, I would have never believed that they can show tendencies towards things like that until they are much older, but she was infatuated with our dogs starting at 4 months old (coincidentally, buy then, they had lost interest in her). She will pet anything on four legs, and giggles uncontrollably if it shows interest in her.

This interest in animals has transferred over to stuffed animals as well, and as such, we have begun quite a collection. I tried making a bin just for stuffed animals in her toy room, but they end up strewn around the room by the end of the day. She loves them and hugs them and then tosses them over her shoulder. Then, its on the the next one.

When we got the Animal Bag by Boon, I really felt like our stuffed animal organization troubles were ending! It is made of a pink fuzzy type material and has several mesh zippered windows through which to fill it with stuffed animals! Little AG already loves it -- she likes to pet the fuzzy material (maybe she just likes fur?) and zip and unzip the sections with the big, soft zipper pulls! The other thing is that when it is completely full, it acts as a soft seat for kids (almost like a bean bag without the beans!). Its super cute sitting in the corner of a room, and I am rather tempted to crash onto it myself.

I thought that we were going to fill this thing up and still have half of the stuffed animals left over, but boy was I wrong. We got the basic oval shape Animal Bag in Pink and I scoured the house for every lovie around, and I still have room for more! However, if you really think that your kids may have an excess of lovies, then try the Otto, which has two sections, or the Trio, which has (you guessed it!) three sections! I truly recommend these for anyone with young kids who finds that their house is being overrun by stuffed bears and puppies like mine. It's smart and cute -- and the pink one matches her room, so it doesn't look out of place. Plus, it's multi-purpose use as a seat scores it major points in my book!

The Oval shape like we have retails for $60 on Boon's Website.

Perfect Puzzle

I think I have found my equivalent of heaven online. I had no CLUE that this shop existed, and now I am in trouble because I want to buy one of everything. The shop I am speaking of is Comptoir d'Enfance and it is just chock full of French stuff for kids. Check out this large wooden puzzle of the world, for example! Isn't it soooo cool? (gush gush gush gush) It is made by the French company Vilac and it is a great toy that can be passed down for a long time! It is on sale for $20 right now, down from $30, and it is a great way to expose kids to another language! For those of you thinking "that will just confuse my kid" I can promise you that it won't. Kids have an uncanny ability to distinguish between languages, far better than that of adults, and you may just be fostering a love of foreign languages by introducing something as small as a puzzle. Ok, that was my plug for the night -- but seriously, go check out Comptoir d'Enfance and click around to check out some of their other awesome products, I know you won't be disappointed!

Playhut Megaland

Happy May! I'd like to apologize for not posting as much as I usually do these past few days. Hubby and Little AG are both under the weather, so I have been rather exhausted.

Ok, on to why you come here -- cool stuff!

I decided back in November that Little AG needed a ball pit to play in. I had read that they are good for development (plus I just really think they are cool, and would play in it myself if I could) so I set out on my quest for the PERFECT ball pit for Christmas. After weeks of looking and deciding, I settled on the Megaland set by Playhut. Yes, you read correctly -- I set out looking for just a ball pit, and ended up buying something called "Megaland" which is obviously a bit more than just a ball pit. But, considering how much I got for the deal, I thought it was worth it, and after reading all the reviews about inflatable ball pits I decided this was the best idea. So, for $59.99 she got a ball pit, two tunnels, and two additional cubes to play in. What a steal!

I had read reviews that the 50 balls that it comes with barely covers the bottom of the ball pit, so I bought an additional 200 balls to, ahem, supplement. Well, MegaLand arrived in a rather small, unsuspecting box. I could barely contain my excitement until Christmas Eve when we set it up. So, here is my only caveat: it really is mega. Should I have realized this? Yes. Were there measurements on the listing? Yes. But I was too excited to care.

After much wrangling with the gigantic hampster, er, human, playground (you think I'm joking but I can crawl through the entire thing and sit with her in the ball pit), hubby and I finally managed to find a spot between the sofa, dining room, and back door that the entire thing would fit. It stayed there for about 2 weeks until I broke down and cleaned out our guest room. Now, it no longer takes over our house and Little AG loves it. The balls are more or less all over the playroom and not in the pit, but who cares, I just close the door. It was a great investment and she can use it forever. So, if you are looking for a fun birthday present for your child of any age, check out Megaland at Amazon.com.

Brown Bag Baby

Thanks so much to The Opinionated Parent () for introducing me to these great play food sets made of (safe and non-toxic) wool felt! My favorite is the Brown Bag Lunch, which comes with a sandwich, pickle, and cookie all in a brown (felt) bag! How adorable is that?! And when little AG pretends to eat them (like you and I both know she will) I don't have to worry about all the toxic paint that she is swallowing at the same time! Grab the Brown Bag Lunch set for $40 at Lilly Bean, or check out some of their individual food products -- prices start at just $5.

A Safer Stacker

I am always looking for toys that are entertaining, educational, but also SAFE, and all three of those things come together in this great toy. Little A.G. just adores this Wooden Stacker. It comes with 7 different sized wooden rings and 4 different choices for toppers: a princess, a bear, a soldier, or a robot. The entire thing is made using sustainably harvested wood and is painted with non-toxic paint, so it's good for the earth, too.

Normally $40, currently on sale for $19 at FAO Schwartz.