Category Archives: Age 3-5

Stubby Pencil Studio – Color n’ Kids cards

May 2, 2007Age 3-5, Age 5-7, Age 7-10, Announcements & Stationary, HolidayAlicia

I love the look of a child’s handmade card… but as all parents know, that’s just not reality. Asking Sebastian to make a birthday card for his friend Hunter’s birthday was like asking him to unplub the ever- beloved telvision (torture, in other words).

With the help of Stubby Pencil Studio’s cards, I am finally able to compro
mise with Sebastian when it comes to greeting cards. I pull out one of Sebastian’s Stubby Pencil Studio’s Color n’ Kids cards and feel confident that he will have an awesome card ready in just a matter of minutes.

Stubby Pencil Studio’s Color n’ Kids cards are designed with kids in mind. The simple illustrations are perfect for little hands to color. The cards are blank on the inside so Sebastian writes his own crazy thoughts such as "happy birthday, glad you’re not sick today"… I don’t know where these ideas come from.

Color n’ Kids cards are not only more creative and fun than a grocery store greeting card but are also less pricey. A set of six cards costs less than the price of two greeting cards bought at the store which can cost up to $3.50 each.

Don’t worry, you will find cards to fit your child’s personality. One of Sebastian’s favorite sets is the "Six in Space" set which comes with an "alien" card, a "rocket" card, a "star" card, and three other space related designs.

Where to buy: Stubby Pencil Studio

The Gifted Grasshopper – Bags bursting with books

April 17, 2007Age 1-3, Age 3-5, Age 5-7, Books, Educational ToysAlicia

This is one of my all time favorite gift ideas for kids. I LOVE IT!
I truly hope that The Gifted Grasshopper wins one of the first The Mommy Insider awards being announced around December.

I don’t like shopping at the mall or at large stores where there are a lot of people… especially with the kids. I prefer to shop online whenever possible. The Gifted Grasshopper makes it easy for parents to give their kids a wonderful selection of books just for their age, all in a super cute Gifted Grasshopper tote, grasshopper glasses, and a stuffed animal.

When Sebastian’s Gifted Grasshopper tote arrived, he was so excited. The first thing he did was put on the glasses. He says they make him smarter. How cute. He loves the books that came in his tote. They are unique books that you and I probably wouldn’t find on our own, and the kids love.

Upon browsing the Gifted Grasshopper website I saw that they sell Party Bags! How cool is that? You can choose from three different ‘levels’ of party bags depending on your budget and what you think the kids would like.

The Gifted Grasshopper sells bag’s for baby’s and for kids all the way up to 3rd grade. You can select the size of the gift bag which determines how many books are included and you can also choose the theme. Kindergarten themes include Fairy Tales, Alphabet, and Numbers.

I think The Gifted Grasshopper "bag of books" is a great idea for birthday gifts. Kids have enough toys don’t they?

Where to buy: The Gifted Grassshopper

COUPON CODE: The Mommy Insider readers get 10% off with code SPRINGSALE10!

Blankeaze – the kick proof, twist proof, wearable blanket

April 9, 2007Age 0-1 year, Age 1-3, Age 3-5, Baby & Kids Clothing, BedtimeAlicia

I reviewed 2 Virtues’ Swadleaze swaddling blanket when Madelyn was a tiny baby and absolutely loved it. I was recently sent a Blankeaze to review and love it even more!

Blankeaze is a wearable, twist proof, kick proof blanket. No more checking to see if the blanket is still covering Madelyn at night. YEAH! The super soft fleece is flame resistant and makes for a very cozy sleep time. I put Madelyn’s pajama’s on and then her Blankeaze. I haven’t found her curled up in the corner of her bed since she’s been wearing the Blankeaze at night.

You will notice in the photograph to the left that the legs have elastic ‘cufs’ near the bottom so the Blankeaze won’t ride up on baby while sleeping. I’ve never seen a mark on Madelyn’s legs from the elastic so it’s not too tight but just right.
In this photograph she is wearing the Blankeaze with the zipper in the back. At night though, I like to put the zipper in the front for easy diaper changing access. Yes, it goes both ways! I wish I had a whole closet full of Blankeaze for Madelyn. They are truly one of those things that I use all of the time and will continue using until she can’t fit in them anymore.

Available in blue and pink, these make a great baby shower gift. The Blankeaze is available in sizes 6 months to 3T.

Where to buy: Moms 4 Life

A Mommy Mention: Ralph Lauren – Create your own

April 7, 2007Age 0-1 year, Age 1-3, Age 3-5, Baby & Kids Clothing, PersonalizedAlicia

I usually only feature products that I have actually purchased or reviewed ‘in hand’ on The Mommy Insider, but I think this line warrants a mention.

I’m not one to spend $35 on a Ralph Lauren Polo shirt just for it to end up with sweet potato stains on it. I don’t think Polo’s have much character and I prefer to dress my kids in cute, patterns, textures, and interesting color combinations. Ralph Lauren Polo’s are however, a classic addition to a child’s wardrobe and are great to wear to picnics, visiting the grandparents, or playgroup meetings.

If you are going to buy Ralph Lauren Polo’s for your kids, why not create your own?
When you visit the Ralph Lauren create your own section, you are able to choose the shirt (or other piece of clothing) color, size, pony color, OR monogram color and letters. You can not have the pony and a monogram. I think that would be super cute. I might even purchase one if I could do that.

You can create your own infant and baby shirts, newborn coveralls, blankets, swimsuits, oxfords, and ballcaps.

Website – this is a link to the ‘Create your own’ baby section

PLAYSKOOL Baby care products excluisvely at CVS pharmacy

April 6, 2007Age 0-1 year, Age 1-3, Age 3-5, Bedtime, Feeding - baby & kidsAlicia

CVS pharmacy has just introduced an exclusive line of PLAYSKOOL Baby Care products –
meaning moms can now stock up on all their baby needs while picking up
prescriptions or purchasing other essentials, all in one place. The fun,
colorful line is filled with high-quality, innovative, and affordable items
that moms use everyday.

I LOVE it! I run to CVS when I need just a few things. At CVS, I don’t have to tote the kids around a huge store or risk having to park 1/2 a mile away from the entrance of the store. It’s simply more convenient than the grocery store or ‘super’ store.

With the recent addition of PLAYSKOOL’s exclusive line for CVS, now when I run in to pick up paper towels, or bath wash, I can also grab a new pacifier, sippy cup, bowl with a spoon and other PLAYSKOOL products.. for Madelyn. The selection is great. The product selection includes Orthodontic pacifiers, Wide neck bottles, Easy grip bowl, Cottony cloths (the world’s best baby wipes), Teething keys, Insulated No Spill Cups, Three stage nursers, and more.

The PLAYSKOOL products I have are colorful, durable, and best of all.. dishwasher safe.

Madelyn is just now getting her first tooth and LOVES the PLAYSKOOL Teething Keys. The keys are very colorful and each key has a different textured surface so Madelyn can switch from key to key for a new feel on her gums. The keys are filled with
non-toxic Ice Gel that remains
soft even when placed in the freezer, so it’s gentle on Madelyn’s sore
gums. Ice Gel also stays colder longer than water-filled teethers, and
won’t evaporate over time.

One of my favorite PLAYSKOOL products in this line is the Insulated No Spill Cup. Coasters just aren’t a reality in our house. The boys toss them around like frisbee’s and Madelyn hides them in places unbeknown to me. I am all about insulated cups these days. The PLAYSKOOL Insulated No Spill Cup is perfect for a new sippy cup user and for your valuable furniture. No more "sweat" rings on your tables!

Put together a package of PLAYSKOOL products for your next baby shower gift and you are sure to be super appreciated! 🙂

I recommend that all parents check out the new PLAYSKOOL line at CVS or visit the PLAYSKOOL section on the CVS website here.