Christmas gifts for toddlers - PlaySkool Explore N'Grow Busy Ball Popper

Looking for a toy idea for your toddler this Christmas?
The Playskool Explore N' Grow Busy Ball Popper is one I highly recommend.

Designed for ages 9 months and up, it won't take long for your little one to figure out how this toy works. Push the button, put the balls on the track, the balls roll around the track, down in and then POP out the top! Elijah was so intrigued with how the toy worked, he had to study each part first. We showed him how to do it a few times, but after that he knew exactly how to put the balls in and push the button.


It comes with 5 fun colored balls and they really pop! It is designed so that some pop over the top for your child to chase. Elijah thinks that's really silly and will run right after them and put them right back in. Or he will play with the balls by themselves. They are the perfect size for him to hold, carry while crawling or walking, kick or roll. And he loves to do it all!

The Explore N' Grow Ball Popper also plays 8 fun songs. Elijah pushes the button just to hear the songs. He loves to dance to them. The only downside to this toy is that the fan for the ball popper is really loud, which in turn makes the music have to be louder. So this is not a toy you want playing while trying to talk or watch television in the same room.

The Explore N' Grow Busy Ball Popper is played with every day since we gave it to him and will be one of Elijah's favorites for quite some time I'm sure!

I give this toy 8 out of 10 hearts.

Find out more: www.playskool.com

Buy it:

• Walmart (On sale NOW for $17.00 in store and online!)
• Target
• Amazon
• Toys R' Us

**Disclosure**
Product has been provided for review but does not influence or affect the outcome of this review. All opinions are solely those of the reviewer. This review was brought to you in part by the Global Influence Network.

Mom Loves Halloween - Trick or Treat Gifts

You know that old saying, "It was as easy as taking candy from a baby?" Well these Halloween gifts are way easier (and better) than GIVING candy to a baby!

MyPacifier.com, the original personalized pacifier has some darling 'BOO' designs created just for Halloween. Or accessorize your little one with a cute little pirate skull paci! Check them both out, as well as all their designs at www.mypacifier.com


A great accessory for Halloween are these great Calliope Boutique tennis shoes and mary janes are just 'boo-tiful!'. Each one is individually hand-painted and adorable! They have glow in the dark eyes, elastic no tie laces, and are pre-treated for children. Non-toxic acrylic craft paint and a textile medium ensures extra-long life and the shoes are even machine washable!!! They come in infant and toddlers sizes 1-10. For all their styles and tons of other cute gifts check them out at http://www.calliopeboutique.com!

CCC Gifts has adorable custom clothing and gifts! A great selection and all can be personalized with your child's name. Just pick the design you like and then pick what type of clothing you want it on. From different types of t's to toddler A-line dresses, you are sure to find something you like. They also carry cute little baby tote sets. Complete with tote, long sleeve body suit, and bib, these wonderful gifts can even be gift wrapped for a small fee to make giving even easier! Check out their selection at http://www.cccgifts.com.


Prissy Poofs specializes in beautiful gifts for little girls and their line of Spooky Poofs (tutu's) would be a perfect Halloween treat for your little princesses! Witches, Lady Bugs, Kittens, Lions, there is sure to be a style you love! To see Spooky Poofs and all their collections please visit http://www.prissypoofs.com

Mom Loves Story Time Felts

It's fun to look back to our childhoods. Look at the toys we played with, the games, the activities, the adventures. We didn't sit on our parents lap at the computer. We didn't watch TV more than MAYBE an hour a day. We read, we ran around outside. We MADE toys out of bits of things we found around the house and a imagination. We didn't need everything fancy, talking, lights flashing, music, LOUD, like today's children do. 

I have been striving to find all the simple, enjoyable, educational, imaginative, fun toys I can for Elijah. He is a very smart baby, whose favorite activity is to sit with you and read. He will sit on your lap and stare at the pages for hours. Laughing at the pictures, rubbing his hand across the pages as if he can touch the objects. He loves the bright colors. He loves the expressive words. He loves the rhymes. He loves the poems. Elijah loves just listening to the words.

I was very fortunate to have met the most wonderful woman, who knows A LOT about story time and how to make it enjoyable for your children. Lois told me all about her company, Story Time Felts, and was sweet enough to even send us a Nursery Rhyme Felt Board Toggle Book. Elijah loves it!

"Story Time Felts  offers the very finest in felt board stories and visual aids for learning and open-ended play.  Strict attention is paid to the quality as well as the educational value of each product. We carry an extensive line of educational felt board story sets and non-denominational religious felts as well as dress-up dolls,including custom photo dress-up dolls, felt activity books, finger plays, puppets, and audio story and song Cd's and more for preschool through school aged children."

They are all made in the U.S.A.,  beautifully and brightly colored, and come with unlimited possibilities! The felt is even washable -- which is a big plus! Not even drool filled, sticky fingers, Elijah could harm the colorfast felt images! He loves the feel of the felts on his fingers. He loves to help mommy move them around the story boards. I have no doubt in my mind by 9 months he will be moving them around without my help. He already tries now. Lois also recommending putting Velcro on the back of the pieces for finger puppet play. Elijah laughs and laughs when he sees the little characters pop up and hears me do the different voices while moving my fingers around. 

"Children are natural storytellers but often their stories remain locked in their heads because they lack the ability to express themselves. Story Time Felts help parents and teachers bring back creativity and imagination to the children in their lives through beautiful felt products such as felt board story figures, activity books, dress up dolls and other educational felt items!

Experts agree that kids these days are too "plugged in," so we offer something that is High Touch, not High Tech! Imagination is rediscovered and fostered with Story Time Felts!"

How true is that? How many times a day are you telling your children -"turn off that TV... get off that computer... put down that video game" - These felts not only help the children turn of the technology and use their imaginations, they help to remind YOU how important it is to turn off and to play with your children. I am loving laying on the bed with Elijah and coming up with story after story using the characters. Even with the nursery rhyme set... Did you ever hear of the time that Humpty Dumpty DIDN'T FALL. He in fact SAVED the kingdom by having such a spectacular view from up there! -- I am having so much fun coming up with these stories myself!

These would be a great present for any children in your life, teachers, your church's Sunday school class or playgroup. They would be a great present for birthdays! You don't have to stand in an Toy isle at Target and wonder which toy the other guests bought, which toys does the kid already have, which toys are appropriate, how much do you want to spend. Story Time Felt is inexpensive, one of a kind, and guaranteed to be a hit.

If you would like to place an order with Story Time Felt , please do so using her name, Lois Graham, when prompted for your Consultant's name.

For more information please visit Lois' Story Time Felt page. She would love to help you with orders, educational home and catalog parties - to earn free felt,  joining her sales team, teacher workshops, vendor events and more. Her contact information is availible there or you can follow Lois on Twitter at: http://twitter.com/LoisGraham

More posts to come on Elijah & playing with Story Time Felt as he grows and can plays along.

Mom Loves Wednesday's Gift - Palumba Toys

Palumba Toys

Palumba Toys are USA made, contain NO TOXINS or unsafe parts, heirloom quality, and crafted with green technology. And they are beautiful! In case you haven't guessed I prefer toys that don't light up, spin, screech, dance, etc...Give me the simple life, right? If you are looking for an idea for someone else's child, take a chance and get them something unique from Palumba's toys! Trust me, most moms would prefer these play inspiring toys to the latest mechanized toy truck!

Take a moment to peruse the beautiful craftsmanship of these toys and you will see that this is a gift that will last many generations! Prices range from $9-$400! Get anything from a wooden iron to a beautiful play fridge.

Mom Loves Tuesday's Gift - Bug Bites Play Food

Bug Bites Play Food

Mom Loves these adorable felt play food sets! Felt is eco-friendly and washable, so your little one can get lots of use out of it. No lead paint to worry about or little plastic parts, just well-made, adorable pieces of food. I love the sushi bento box and the farmer's market set! You can even get a 3 tiered cake decorating set! Because they are soft, young babies will love gnawing on them and older children will love playing kitchen with them. Prices range from under $10 to over $45.

Mom Loves Monday's Gifts - My Little Seat & The Baby Bloak

1. My Little Seat

I recently got to try out my own My Little Seat and I have to say I loved it. When it arrived, I opened it happily and decided we'd be going out to dinner that night.

There are 2 reasons I love My Little Seat. First, I have left restaurants before when I realized there was no highchair for my little man. He's not ready to not be restrained yet! I've also been out to eat where are the highchair's straps are broken! No big deal if you have the compact My Little Seat with you! The second reason I love it is that it allowed my toddler to sit like a big kid with us that night. He really loved feeling all grown up in his own big chair with his own little seat.

You could easily use this at home instead of a highchair, making its $39.99 price tag very reasonable!

2. The Baby Bloak

I'm a bit biased here since the Baby Bloak is my own idea, but I can genuinely say I give it as a gift to all my mom friends. And what better time to give a Bloak then Christmas when the weather is chilly?

The Baby Bloak is a wearable blanket that you could put on and take off in seconds when you are running to the car, into the store, or on other errands. Since coats aren't safe in car seats, many parents try to keep blankets from falling off in the cold. The Bloak lets you strap your baby into the car seat without interfering with straps and without having to be removed! It also makes a great stroller blanket and nursing cover - that's one handy blanket!

Mom Loves Zip-n-Go - the all weather, portable blanket!

Be sure to enter to win below!

The other day I ran across a great new product (yay for twitter!) The mom behind the product was super friendly and offered to host a fantastic giveaway! I love the zip-n-go Blanket because it's super practical, cute, and compact and its proudly made in the USA!

Jennifer Locke is a mother of two young boys and knows the importance of a product that is easy to use, quality made, and can be put away quickly and neatly. She is the creator of the Zip-n-go Blanket™ (www.zipngoblanket.com) , a weatherproof outdoor blanket that folds and zips to become its own tote bag. This blanket keeps you dry, clean, and hands free! You don't have to worry about keeping track of a separate carrying case or strap. These outdoor blankets are made in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia with quality materials. From the highly water resistant Urethane Coated Nylon Oxford Lining, Premium Velour Anti Pill Fleece, to their YKK® Zippers you can be sure you are getting a superior outdoor blanket that is also machine washable. It is the perfect multi-purpose blanket for babies, picnics, soccer games, concerts, camping and dogs. It is great to keep in the car too, when you wish you had a blanket!

From Jennifer:
"The blanket when laid out measures 5 ' by 6' so you will have plenty of room to stretch out or enjoy a picnic. The blanket comes with a inside zippered security pocket to keep your belongings like keys, wallet, and cell phone. The pocket can be easily tucked under the blanket to hide from view. When the blanket is folded and zipped up it becomes it's own tote measuring 18" x 15" x2". The large outside pocket can easily hold magazines, drinks, snacks, toys, diapers and wipes. It can also be custom embroidered with your monogram or name. From Plaids, Damask, Leopard,Children prints to solids, Zip-n-go Blankets offer 12 colors and styles from which to choose. They are priced at $74.99 and every blanket comes with free shipping to all US locations and APO addresses by USPS Property Mail! They make great Christmas, birthday, and baby shower gifts. It is a gift that will last for years to come! Zip-n-go Blankets are so sure you will love their outdoor blanket, they also come with 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. Zip-n-go Blanket's mission is to keep you dry and clean, while relaxing and enjoying life where ever you might be!"

You have to love it! Jennifer is generously offering up a Zip-n-Go to one lucky reader in either Bright Paisley, Zoo Animals, or Friendly Sea Life!

WIN IT!

Three ways to enter:
1. Leave a comment below telling me where you'd use your Zip-n-Go!
2. Blog about this giveaway and post a comment here with a direct link!
3. Follow this blog! I just added this function!

Mom Loves Tactile Baby - quality handmade treasures!

I'm loving Tactile Baby's line of beautiful, unique toys for infants. I don't know about you, but I'm sick of toys that flash, play music, light up - is it a toy or a slot machine? I want something simple and well-crafted that encourages my son's imagination. That's why I love Tactile Baby!

The etsy shop features wooden rolling toys, felted wool rattles, and knit hats. These wonderful toys and accessories would make great Christmas gifts. With prices starting at $9.00, you're sure to find a gorgeous gift for your budget.

Check it out here!

Mom Loves Baby Wit - clever, funky baby and toddler clothes!

It's that magical time of election year, so let's celebrate with some clever, witty baby shirts from Baby Wit Featuring political, funny, and funky styles, this is the shop for the hip young parent.

Baby Wit is no one trick pony though. They have some great bibs, carriers, and other fun accessories featuring stylish fabrics. No Winnie-the-Pooh here! I especially love the Stephen Colbert onesie and the Seascape Burp and Bib Set. There are tons of great baby shower gift ideas.


My husband is getting this one for Christmas! Check it out here!

Mom Loves Toddler Ideas - for the years past 1!

It seems like there are so many websites devoted to adjusting to the needs of a new baby or helping school age children, but there's a lack of info out there for moms of toddlers. I was thrilled to happen upon this site completely devoted to helping moms of toddlers come up with activities, deal with issues like potty training, and address discipline.

Check out this great post on how to save money on toddler must-haves.

Mom Loves Ellie Bags - a unique diaper bag alternative

As a mom I know the hassle of juggling multiple bags, forgetting your wallet in one, accidentally grabbing a purse instead of the diaper bag. So I was delighted to hear about the Over Tote by Ellie Bags.

From their website:
"Our line of Ellie Bags™ has launched with its signature product, the Over Tote™ System. The System comes with an Over Tote™, Back Up Bag, changing pad, flexible wipes pouch, and bottle/sippy cup holder. We have created, “The smart new way to carry a diaper bag.” We also offer a collection of products that make life simpler for moms (& dads!)"

Ellie Bags are available online at www.elliebags.com

Mom Loves the (Oopdoo) hug - because sometimes the pain is in your head

Keep reading to find out how to win your own (oopdoo) hug!

When I first saw the (oopdoo) hug, I fell in love. Not only is it a completely practical idea, it's also adorable. The (oopdoo) is a large fleece wrap made to resemble a large bandage that can be used to hold ice or heating packs, or just to wrap around a little one, or hey a big "kid", for a little comfort.

From their website:

"My son started to complain about aches at bedtime. With the same intensity that he had asked for a bandage for his booboos, he was demanding medicine for his aches. Medicine, however, can do more harm than good and I did not want to give him medicine unless he really needed it. At the time I worked for the company who manufactures Polartec® fabric and had plenty of soft fleece fabric. I made him a wrap that looked like a giant bandage and wrapped it around the part that ached. It worked! He will tell you "it makes me feel better. The (oopdoo)™hug was born!"

The (oopdoo) comes in solids, prints, and designer patterns, so there is one available for every one, child or adult. I think it may be my new go-to get well gift. I was lucky enough to receive my own (oopdoo) and it's awesome! Not only is it much cuter than an ice pack, I know my son is going to love to cuddle up with it. Both of my college-age sisters went ga-ga over it as well! Talk about a fab Christmas gift!

Prices range from 19.99 to 24.99, but you can send a virtual (oopdoo) for free by clicking on this link. While you're there, check them out and get a real one for yourself.

WIN IT!

Katherine, the mommy behind the (oopdoo) hug wants one lucky reader to win their own (oopdoo). You can't pass that up. There are four ways to enter:

Congrats to Loving Heart Mommy, winner of the (oopdoo) Hug!

Mom Loves Fall - Weekend Shopping Guide

This handmade, one of a kind, wrap by Irregular Expressions is the perfect thing to throw on for a walk, an errand, or a date. Long enough to be versatile, it's a sure bet for the posh mom. Price $95



For baby and toddler:
Worthy Goods is worth a look for their adorable, patchwork hats for babies and toddlers. We love the Wascal-y Hunter cap for its just right mix of old school and punk, but be sure to check out all the unique offerings! Priced from $26-80











It might be a tad impractical to let your little one wear this around town, but it screams portrait time! Trinity's Tutus Autumn Harvest Dress is a beautiful tribute to fall. It's moments like these I wish I had a girl! Price $42








For the family:
Nothing says fall like pumpkins, so wake up to pumpkin pie (well, in your shower). Morgan Street's pumpkin chiffon is sure to get you geared up for Turkey Day!









Tis the season to entertain! Whip an apple pie, light a fire, and invite friends and family over for the evening. Whether you're planning a formal fall affair or a casual October gathering, these invites from Snail Mail are sure to bring in the RSVPs.

Mom Loves Wet Happened zippered wet bags

Wet bags are a common accessory for us crazy cloth-diaperin' mamas, but they're set to be a mainstream mom must-have. Why? Well, we all have icky things that we need to cart around in a diaper bag - a pair of pants the diaper leaked through, the burp cloth, a soiled bib, a wet swimsuit. You get the picture. Rather than cart them balled up in your diaper bag, wouldn't it be great to have a bag you can keep them in? Plus, wet bags are reusable!

But the best part of the wet bag is how flippin' cute they are. Gone are the days of boring waterproof, draw string bags. Wet bags now feature designer fabrics, waterproof inners, and handy zippers. And none are cuter or more convenient than Wet Happened wet bags. In a perfect array of sizes and styles these little, reusable bags are about to be a household name. Word on the street is that Targets will be carrying the bags soon! Major bonus for cloth-diapering moms to not have to shop online, but every mom can benefit from these beauties!

Prices start at $17.95. Not bad for a product you can use again and again while saving the planet! Check out the Caribbean and Orchid Groovy!

Mom Loves the BelliDeep Sippy Cup Holder

I might be in love with this sippy cup holder...it's so very practical unlike many of the others I have seen on the market. Why? Because its made of slip resistant silicone, so it doesn't have to be adjusted and it's easy to clean. If you are like me, trips to the store always include a game of "Drop the sippy. Watch mom pick up. Rinse. Lather. Repeat."

It can be used with sippy cups and bottles!!!! So imagine all the use you will get out of it! And it's only $6.50!!!! Think of the hours of back-breaking labor you'll save not bending over, running after, and searching for dropped sippy cups. You can buy one here.

As a mompreneur, my only concern about this product is its name! We need something that shows off creativeness and the usefulness of this product, something catchy, something that sticks around as long as an attached sippy cup!. So heres my challenge moms, help her come up with new name!