Category Archives: Toys

Ali-Oops! Toy Clips

Age 1-3, Age 3-5, Food and Drink, Toys

Alioopstoyclips_2Madelyn has had a pacifier clip since the day she was born and still uses it at 2 years old.  Little did I know that the same ‘clip’ idea could work on toys and sippy cups as well.  Once Madelyn hit the stage when she  was very entertained by the ‘drop it and mommy picks it up‘ game, I knew I had to do something.  I am a ‘germaphobe’ and can’t stand it when toys, cups, and pacifiers touch the ground.   Toys that touch the ground at restaurants, shops, playgrounds, etc.. are immediately removed from the children’s reach until I can sanitize the item properly.  I know that sounds a little serious but yuck, can you imagine what kinds of germs get on toys that touch the ground?

I was recently introduced to the Ali-Oops toy clip and now Madelyn is minus one game.  She tries with all her might to get her toys of off the Ali-Oops toy clip and to get the clip off the stroller but the strong button snaps make it really difficult.

Ali-Oops toy clips are available in two sizes, small and large.   There are 10+ classic and trendy design choices and at just $10 for the small size or $12 for the large size I think these would make great baby shower gifts.

WEBSITE: Ali! Oops Toy Clips

COUPON CODE: Use this link to get 10% off your purchase!

Classic toys from Schylling

Age 1-3, Age 3-5, Toys

Beep beep, cling cling.. those are all to familiar noises in our house. I’m sure these electronic noises are common in just about any house with children. Sometimes though, just like mom, our kids need a little break from electronic toy overload. That is where the classic toys come in to play.

The Jack in the Box is a toy that despite it’s simplicity, provides long lasting entertainment for children of almost any age. Younger children like to try to make the puppet pop out and enjoy the music, while older children like to make the puppet pop out and scare the daylights out of the younger children. I’m speaking from personal experience.. your situation might differ slightly.

Schylling makes what I think is the best Jack in the Box. The classic designs, cute plush puppets, and easy to turn handle make Schylling Jack in the Boxes a toy that every child should add to their toy collection. There are over 10 designs available including Curious George, a Jester, and a puppy and at just over 5″ tall, these are the perfect size to take to Grandma’s house or play dates.

WEBSITE

20Q the little round gadget that knows what you’re thinking

Age 7-10, Ages 10-13, Electronics, Fun stuff for parents, Gadgets, Games, Toys, Travel

20Q has been around for years and is now available in a smaller, smarter, pastel version.   20Q is an "artificial intelligence" game that tries to guess what you are thinking about by asking questions such as "is it alive", "does it make you feel good", and "is it hard". 
Much to my amazement, 20Q figured out what we were thinking 8 times out of 10.    How does it work, you ask?   By process of elimination.

I thought of an elephant, a balloon, and a piece of grass.  20Q guessed the elephant and balloon between the 15-20th guess but the closest 20Q got to guessing a piece of grass was guessing that I was thinking of a leaf.  That is still pretty good.  I was impressed. 

If 20Q doesn’t guess what you are thinking about (read your mind) by the 20th question, you win!
When 20Q asks the player a question, the player responds by pressing one of four buttons.  Yes, no, sometimes, or don’t know.  Based on your response 20Q asks the player another question.

20Q is a great game to take on vacation as it doesn’t blast annoying beeps and boings, nor does it take up much room being about the size of a child’s palm.  Recommended for ages 8 and up, 20Q is now available in spring colors.

Icon_website2   Learn more about 20Q or buy here

We’re going on an adventure with the Chicco Adventure Backpack

Age 1-3, Age 3-5, Toys

This is a cute activity toy for the adventurous toddler.  The handle and wheels make this a toy that your toddler can tote just about anywhere and if your toddler is anything like mine, she will take it everywhere!  Madelyn loves the music and lights and spends a lot of time on the walkie talkie.. I don’t know who she talks to but they have some very serious conversations.  Buh buh bah duh oh uh whoa ga!

Chiccobackpackblue


The Adventure Backpack is a fun filled activity backpack with music, melodies and lights.  Music plays when the orange button is pressed and melodies play when the magnifying glass is moved.  The compass spins around, the torch
lights up and the puzzle makes 3 different characters.  The different activities and compact design make the Adventure Backpack a great travel toy.   There are two volume settings as well as the option to turn the sound off.  

I have no doubt that this backpack will withstand the many drops and throws it will suffer while in the hands of Madelyn or any other toddler.  The Adventure Backpack is recommended for ages 9-24 months.

Icon_website2Learn more & buy here

Thilde Pocket and Pillow

Age 0-1 year, Age 1-3, Age 3-5, Age 5-7, Bedtime, Nursery & Room Decor, Toys

ThildeParents are well aware that baby shouldn’t sleep with toys, books, or stuffed animals in her crib so what is baby to play with when she wakes in the morning? The toys in her Thilde Pocket, of course!

The Thilde Pocket is 100% cotton denim fabric with lots of little pockets in which parents can stash baby’s favorite toys and books for easy access when she wakes in the morning.  Maybe, just maybe the Thilde Pocket will allow mom and dad to get a little extras sleep in the morning while baby is playing in her crib?!    The Thilde Pocket fastens to the crib with Velcro so baby can’t pull it off and can be fastened to a chair when baby grows out of the crib.

If your baby likes to touch and feel everything around her, she will
love the Thilde pillow.  Great for tactile stimulation the Thilde pillow is colorful, has texture, and makes a light crinkling noise when manipulated. 

Both products are a bit pricey but should last for many years so the cost is well worth it.

These products are Madelyn approved!

Icon_website2
Thilde at Craftsburry Kids