toys « Real Moms Real Views

E-Z Bat! {Monkey Business Sports Giveaway}

The NEW E-Z Bat from Monkey Business Sports will have kids swinging with success every time. The E-Z Bat holds the ball, and kids fling it off. The better the swing, the farther the ball sails!

We are big baseball fans in our home. It’s my hubby’s favorite sport. So when Monkey Business Sports offered to send us their E-Z bat we were thrilled. Our little guy is about to turn two and he loves anything that has to do with baseball. When our E-Z bat arrived we took out little guy outside and his daddy began to teach him just how to use it. I was amazed at how quickly he picked it up and in no time at all he didn’t need his dad’s help. He could hit the ball all on his own. How the bat works is you slide the ball onto the foam bat, and then hit away. The ball flies off and lots of smiles were found in our backyard. We love that it is teaching him the coordination of hitting the ball so when he starts t-ball he will have a basic concept of what to do. It is a new favorite when we are outside hanging out in the backyard.

Today Monkey Business Sports is giving away…

An E-Z Bat to one lucky RMRV reader!

Want to enter to win? Here’s how:

1st Entry {Mandatory}: Visit Monkey Business Sports and tell us another item they have!

Additional Entries {Please leave one comment per entry}:

1 Entry per day: Follow AGE on Twitter and tweet the following (leave us the tweet link):

Enter to #WIN an E-Z Bat from Monkey Business Sports @agiveawaydaily

1 Entry: Like Monkey Business Sports on Facebook.

1 Entry: Leave a comment on Monkey Business Sports Facebook Wall telling them RMRV sent you

2 Entries: Follow RMRV by google friends connect.

5 Entries: Blog about this giveaway and leave us the link.

You have until September 14th @ 11:59 AM EDT to enter the giveaway. All giveaways are open to USA only. Winners will be chosen by random.org and will be contacted by email after the giveaways close. The winner will then have 48 hours to claim their giveaway by email. If the winner does not claim their prize within their 48 hour period, a new winner will be chosen. *All entries received after the cutoff time will be deleted prior to choosing a winner. Opinions expressed in this post are strictly our own. Thanks Monkey Business Sports for providing the Sample E-Z Bat for this review and the item for this giveaway.

Hollie September 7, 2010 PRODUCT REVIEWS WITH GIVEAWAYS toys

Kids & Bubbles! {Little Kids Bubble Toys Review}

What could be more fun to a kid than BUBBLES?

My little guy recently learned how to say Bubbles and he requests them every time we go outside. They have become his favorite outdoor activity.

Little Kids sent us a big box of fun products that they make to test and review. So we decided to have a fun backyard party with all of my nieces and nephews. Little Kids was super generous and sent enough for each child to have their own.

Some of the fun bubble toys we got to test out were:

No-Spill® Mini Bubble Bucket®

This bubble tumbler is super cute and features 3 wands that the kids were able to pull in and out and blow bubbles with. Again the No-Spill feature is included and a must-have feature I must say. We had bubbles blowing all over the backyard. It also features a cute little bucket style with handle so it can easily be totted around the backyard.

The Original No-Spill® Bubble Tumbler®

I can’t say enough about the No-Spill feature of Little Kids bubble toys. With quite a few nieces and nephews under the age of 4…this is a lifesaver. They are able to enjoy the fun with bubbles and mom doesn’t have to worry about them spilling them all over themselves or the house. Such a clever concept and one you will definitely want to get for your little ones.

Big Bubble Friends: Cow

This Big Bubble Friends Cow was the hit of the party. We loaded him up and away the kids went opening his mouth to hear him “Moo” and find lots of big bubbles flowing out. We heard mooing the rest of the afternoon and lots of giggles. This one was my little guys favorite too!

Buy your own LITTLE KIDS BUBBLE TOYS online today, or you can pick them up at your local retailer!

Keep up with Little Kids on Twitter and ‘Like’ them on Facebook!

{Opinions expressed in this post are strictly our own. We were not paid for this post. Thanks Little Kids Inc. for providing the sampling of bubble toys for this review. }

Hollie September 6, 2010 PRODUCT REVIEWS toys

MP3 For Baby! {Lulla-Bear Giveway} CLOSED

Lulla-Bear is every parent’s dream. Enjoy naptimes, bedtimes, and playtimes every time. Lulla-Bear is an Infant MP3 Player ready to play right out of the box.

Lulla-Bear includes over 90 minutes of pre-loaded childhood classics, including lullabies, play songs and nature sounds loaded onto its 3 storage banksIn addition to pre-loaded music, you can load Lulla-Bear with your digital music or stories via the on board USB cable, which is included. Simply connect the Lulla-Bear to your computer with the USB cord and you can customize your own play list.

We had the opportunity to test out our own Lulla-Bear. My little guy {hearts} music so when this arrived I knew he would be very excited. We opened it up and the Lulla-Bear was ready to use right out of the box. I loved that it came ready to go. It would make a perfect gift for a birthday or Christmas morning. The bear is very soft and very cuddly. I am even able to add our own music from our computer files. I simply plug in the USB cable and I can customize my own play list with really not a lot of effort. I was able to have his songs playing on the bear in under 5 minutes. He absolutely loves it and so do I. I highly recommend the Lulla-Bear.

You can purchase your own Lulla-Bear on Amazon!

Today, We have one Lulla-Bear to giveaway!

Want to win it? Here’s how to enter:

{1st Entry–MANDATORY}–follow us by google friends connect.

Extra Entries:

1 Entry per day–Follow AGE on Twitter and tweet the following:

Win a Lulla-Bear MP3 for baby @agiveawaydaily

1 Entry: ‘Like’ Real Moms Real Views on Facebook & leave a comment on any of our posts on our Facebook Wall.

2 Entries–Subscribe to Real Moms Real Views emails or Reader.

5 Entries: Blog about this giveaway and leave us the link.

You have until August 25th @ 11:59 AM EDT to enter the giveaway. All giveaways are open to USA only. Winners will be chosen by random.org and will be contacted by email after the giveaways close. The winner will then have 48 hours to claim their giveaway by email. If the winner does not claim their prize within their 48 hour period, a new winner will be chosen. *All entries received after the cutoff time will be deleted prior to choosing a winner. Opinions expressed in this post are strictly our own. We were not paid for this post. Thank you MomSelect for providing me with the Lulla-Bear for this review and giveaway.

Hollie August 18, 2010 PRODUCT REVIEWS WITH GIVEAWAYS Baby, toys

Let’s Gather & Grille! {Step2 Playhouse Giveaway} CLOSED

This is the best time to be a kid! Enjoy this summer with outdoor toys designed to spark creativity and imaginations from Step2!

They sell playhouses, slides, swings, sandboxes, water tables, wagons, and so much more!

We recently had the opportunity to review the wonderful Gather & Grille Playhouse!

I have to admit when we got the box (it was huge) and I felt quite overwhelmed but then after pulling out the directions and seeing that there were not as many pieces as I had imagined, I felt easier about the installation process.

We waited until the evening hours so we would have some shade to work in and set out to put it together. The instructions were pretty easy to understand (that’s always my job) and I loved that they had step by step pictures. We were able to have it put together in around one hour fifteen minutes. It came with stickers too…and my hubby just loves that part I highly recommend you have two people when putting this playhouse together because two pairs of hands sure makes the job go quicker as you need one person to hold the piece while the other screws it together.

Ah-www father & son bonding over playing in the playhouse…PRICELESS!

Out little guy plays in it everyday. Sometimes it’s a chore getting him to come out and come in the house for lunch, dinner, or even bedtime. He loves to ring the doorbell and go in and out and in and out. The grille is another favorite spot of his. He loves making us burgers (we did have to add our own food to the playhouse as it only came with 5 piece accessory set). I do wish that it had at least come with some burgers and hot dogs for the grill.

This is definitely a toy made to last outdoors and for years and years to come. I am sure all of our kids will enjoy playing in this playhouse. Our little guy even has a handful of cousins his age so they enjoy playing in it too when they come over. A classic toy sure to put a smile and spark the imagination of any child.

You can purchase your own Gather & Grille Playhouse at Step2 for $399.99 with Free Shipping!

For a sizzlin’ good time, gather in this playhouse with an extended area for grilling & hanging out with friends!

Features an outdoor patio area with built-in “grill” and bench for two
Built-in kitchen with sink and fun decals
Electronic doorbell (requires 2 “AAA” batteries, not included)
Dutch door and large windows
Playhouse interior 54″ tall
Includes 5 piece accessory set
Minimal adult assembly required

Today, we have a Gather & Grill Playhouse to giveaway to one Real Moms Real Views reader!

Want to enter to win? Here’s how:

{Mandatory 2 Entries}: leave a separate comment for each entry.

1-Visit Step2 and come back and tell us another item you would love to own for your kids.

2-Become a follow of Real Moms Real Views via Google Friends Connect.

Mandatory entries must be completed before you can do any additional entries-Please leave a separate comment for each entry:

1 Entry per day: Follow Step2 and AGE on Twitter and Tweet the following:

Win a Step2 Gather & Grille Playhouse from @thestep2company over @agiveawaydaily http://goo.gl/fb/do5z0

1 Entry: ‘Like’ Step2 on Facebook.

1 Entry: ‘Like’ us on Facebook and comment on one of our posts on our wall. (you can do this up to 3 times!)

2 Entries: Grab one of our buttons and place it on your blog and leave us the link.

1 Entry-Sign up for Step2’s email newsletter, where you will be notified of new items, sales, and more!

1 Entry: For each non-giveaway post you comment on in our Chit Chat, Product Review, Discounts, or DIY section. (up to 5!)

1 Entry each: Subscribe via RSS reader, or email.

5 Entries: Blog about this giveaway and leave us the link.

5 Entries: Purchase your own product during this giveaway from Step2.

You have until August 23rd @ 11:59 AM EDT to enter the giveaway. All giveaways are open to USA only. Winners will be chosen by random.org and will be contacted by email after the giveaways close. The winner will then have 48 hours to claim their giveaway by email. If the winner does not claim their prize within their 48 hour period, a new winner will be chosen. *All entries received after the cutoff time will be deleted prior to choosing a winner. Opinions expressed in this post are strictly our own. We were not paid for this post. Thanks Step2 for providing the Gather & Grille Playhouses for this review and giveaway.

Hollie August 16, 2010 PRODUCT REVIEWS WITH GIVEAWAYS kids, outdoor toys, toys

The Fun Toy Store with the Fun Name {Gummy Lump Giveaway} CLOSED

What’s Gummy Lump? It’s an online store that sells beautiful wooden and soft toys for children ages 0-6 years. They have got a huge selection of Melissa and Doug toys as well as other great brands. Read the adorable story of how they chose Gummy Lump as their name…you’ll love it!

When we received the Melissa and Doug Fold and Go Stable from Gummy Lump, my girls were so excited. They have been playing with it non-stop. It comes with four horses, a fence, a ladder, and some pretend hay bales. The stable doors move side to side on the inside, and open and close on the outside. After we explained what everything is (not that we know a lot about stables!) the girls’ imaginations have taken off.

They also adore the horses, taking them from room to room to play but putting them to bed at night in their stable (ok, sometimes it’s me who puts them away!). I love this toy because it is so beautifully made, folds up to make room for other things, and we can take it to Grandma and Grandpa’s house. And I think four horses is pretty generous…my girls have two each! So this is a great toy to share among siblings and friends.

The Gummy Lump website also has links to parenting resources as well detailed information on toy safety. In addition, Gummy Lump also lists toys that are great for special needs children, as well as additional resources for their parents.

I’ll definitely come back to Gummy Lump to shop for gifts. You can’t ever go wrong with an educational, fun and safe toy for the little ones. Speaking of gifts, you have the option to wrap your gift in one of their adorable Gift Sacks! I love that it’s so unique, plus it’s reusable long after you’ve given the gift.

Today, Gummy Lump is Giving Away…

…A Melissa and Doug Fold and Go Playset

(choose from six!)

Want to enter to win? Here’s how:

1st Entry {Mandatory}: Visit Gummy Lump and tell us what you would get for the kiddo in your life.

Additional Entries {Please leave one comment per entry}:

1 Entry: Like Gummy Lump on Facebook

1 Entry: Follow Gummy Lump on Twitter

1 Entry: Follow AGE on Twitter

1 Entry: Like AGE on Facebook

1 Entry per day: Tweet the following and leave us the link: Win a Melissa & Doug Fold & Go Playset from Gummy Lump! @gummylump @agiveawaydaily http://tinyurl.com/2a65dca

1 Entry: Follow Real Moms Real Views on Google Friends Connect, subscribe in a reader or join the email list

2 Entries: Add the Real Moms Real Views button to your blog and leave us the link

5 Entries: Blog about this giveaway and leave us the link

You have until August 18 @ 11:59 AM EDT to enter the giveaway. All giveaways are open to USA only. Winners will be chosen by random.org and will be contacted by email after the giveaways close. The winner will then have 48 hours to claim their giveaway by email. If the winner does not claim their prize within their 48 hour period, a new winner will be chosen. *All entries received after the cutoff time will be deleted prior to choosing a winner. Opinions expressed in this post are strictly our own. We were not paid for this post. Thanks Gummy Lump for providing the Melissa and Doug Fold and Go Stable for this review.

Stephanie August 10, 2010 PRODUCT REVIEWS WITH GIVEAWAYS Baby, kids, toys

Snowboarding In The Summer! {Shred Sled Review}

The Shred Sled® is the first 4-wheel in line, dual-deck board that makes it smoother and easier for kids and adults to start carving up the streets. Instead of pushing off the board like a regular skateboard, riders use their hips, legs and arms to move the board, similar to movements used to propel surfboards and snowboards.

Introducing the Shred Sled! We recently had the opportunity (when I say we I mean my nephew-can you imagine a 7 month pregnant women testing this item out…LOL) to test out the Shred Sled. He was very excited to say the least. When it arrived he had his helmet on and out the door he went. Note: he is just learning to use the Shred Sled so no pro jumps or anything yet…but he is getting better everyday. He even watched their You Tube videos to learn some new tricks. He has had a few falls but that was just because he was getting used to the fell of the board. Everyday he becomes better and better. It features a great grip surface to help him keep his feet on the board, and helps him keep control. He loves the Shred Sled because it feels and moves like a snowboard. It isn’t like a traditional skateboard. He actually has to use his arms, legs, and hips to move it around. So in the summer months when there is no snow around to snowboard on…he can Shred Sled it!

You can keep up with news from Shred Sled on Twitter and ‘Like’ them on Facebook!

You can purchase your own Shred Sled online in three colors (red, blue, black) for $79.99!

{Opinions expressed in this post are strictly our own. We were not paid for this post. Thanks Shred Sled and Team Mom for providing the sample for this review. }

Hollie August 3, 2010 PRODUCT REVIEWS toys

Home Piggy Home {This Little Piggys House Review}

I’ve always wanted a little playhouse for my girls, so I was very excited to review one from This Little Piggy’s House! But you’ll see that this isn’t just your typical kids playhouse!

This Little Piggy’s House is an eco-friendly playhouse made of strong cardboard to encourage playful interaction between children and parents during this important, yet fleeting time in our children’s lives. Their houses were created by a group of architects, graphic designers, digital artists and a park ranger, resulting in a contemporary and architecturally detailed design to fit into any style of home.

The houses come in either brown kraft (pictured above) or white cardboard. I received a white one. The great thing about these houses is that the possibilities are endless. I used several of my favorite fabrics and spray adhesive to give it some colorful accents, and left the rest blank for my girls to add their own crayon designs. The spray adhesive I used (Elmer’s) can be non-permanent, so if we get tired of these colors, all I have to do is peel off the fabric and we can start all over again.

It was easy to apply the fabric to the cardboard. I laid out the individual pieces that I wanted to cover up and cut the fabric a little bit bigger. Then I sprayed the adhesive onto the fabric. The spray adhesive is very forgiving and you just smooth out any creases with your hands. As for the edges, I folded over the excess fabric where I could to create a clean edge, and sometimes I simply trimmed it. I also added a heart monogram with their initials above the mailbox (so the mail carrier knows it’s their house), and some fabric flowers in the back yard.

My two piggies love their little house! They’ve curled up in there with books and had tea parties with their dolls. It is great for our playroom, yet it folds back up for when we need extra room (this is also our guest room/office/craft room). So not only is it easy to store, but it literally takes a minute to put together.

I love that This Little Piggy’s House is made of cardboard because when we are done with it, we can recycle it so it won’t take up space in a landfill. But just because it’s made of cardboard doesn’t mean the Big Bad Wolf can easily blow it down. My girls may be girls, but they are very rough with their toys! And it’s held up even to them. When they are too big for the house, we will probably use it as a cute way to store their toys.

This Little Piggy’s House is made in the USA and is available for through their website for $59.99. Once you buy your This Little Piggy’s House, you can decorate it and send in pictures of your own piggy kiddos playing with it to receive 50% off. This Little Piggy’s House donates 5% of their profits to organizations that feed hungry children around the world.

We give This Little Piggy’s House two hooves up!

{Opinions expressed in this post are strictly our own. We were not paid for this post. Thanks This Little Piggy’s House for providing a Cardboard Playhouse for this review.}

Stephanie June 29, 2010 PRODUCT REVIEWS eco-friendly, kids, toys

Baby Floor Fun! {Infantino Twist & Fold Activity Gym Review}

Unique twist and fold action makes using and storing gym easy! Pops up in one simple motion and folds down for easy storage or travel. Comes with 4 linkable toys and bolster pillow for tummy time. Encourages reaching and engages baby’s senses.

I was very excited when Infantino chose me to be a”Test Drive Mom”. What a fortunate opportunity and I am ecstatic about it. I have had the opportunity to try out some of their great products and one was the Twist & Fold Activity Gym.

With my little baby girl arriving this fall this gym is going to be wonderful. Upon first glance of the activity gym I was wowed by the COLORS! They are so bright and fun. Definitely perfect for a baby! Set up is a breeze, you simply feed the legs through the mat and then proceed to push the top until it ‘clicks’. That did make me a little nervous as I was afraid I would break it. But if you don’t get it to click then when you go to move it around the house the legs collapse. Set up time took around 3 minutes once i figured out what I was doing.

It features the cutest little hanging animals that you attach along the top, along with a pillow and mirror for tummy activity. I just know that my little girl will love this activity gym.

Then when you need to clean up or put the gym away if folds nicely to the center and you can attach the Velcro strap. I love how compact it becomes as it will be perfect to throw in the car to take on a road trip or simply to Grandma’s house.

I {heart} the Twist & Fold Activity Gym and highly recommend it to any mom with a baby!This would make a wonderful Baby Shower Gift too!

You can pick up your own at your local retailer for $55.99!

{I am a participant in a Mom Central campaign for Infantino and have received various Infantino products as part of my participation.}

Hollie June 20, 2010 PRODUCT REVIEWS baby gear, toys

Attention Jr. Fire Fighters {Little Tikes Spray & Rescue Fire Truck Giveaway} CLOSED

{………….Roaring Siren………..}

Attention all Jr. Fire Fighters it’s time to go! Jump in your Little Tikes Spray & Rescue Fire Truck and head to the scene. The scene is the hot, hot, hot, backyard and daddy needs a cool down.

We have always been a BIG fan of Little Tikes around our home because they make such great high quality toys. We were very happy when Little Tikes asked us to review their New Spray & Rescue Fire Truck. When it arrived my little guy squealed in delight just from seeing the picture on the box. That left dad no time at all before he was grabbing him by the hand and dragging him to the box because he wanted it opened. Hubs pulled it out and go to work putting it together. In all it took about 1 hour to put together. Definitely worth the time put in, when we saw our little ones face light up as he awoke from his afternoon nap. PRICELESS! And once again Little Tikes did not disappoint! Our little guy {hearts} his new Fire Truck. He climbs in and out and scoots around the room. He hasn’t been able to try out the water feature yet because it has been so rainy here, but as soon as the sun comes out we will fill up the back tank (I love the fact that it is removable…makes for easy emptying and drying when we want to bring the Fire Truck indoors) and let him pump, pump, pump, and spray water like crazy! If you have a youngin’ around the ages of 1.5-5 then this toy is perfect for their summer!

You can pick up the Little Tikes Spray & Rescue Fire Truck online at Little Tikes or at your local retailer.

Today, Little Tikes is hooking up one lucky reader with a…

Little Tikes Spray & Rescue Fire Truck!

Want to enter to win? Here’s how:

1st Entry {Mandatory}: Visit Little Tikes then come back and tell us another product of theirs that you would love to own!

Additional Entries {Please leave one comment per entry}:

2 Entries: Subscribe to Real Moms Real Views emails.

2 Entries: Follow Little Tikes on Twitter.

2 Entries per day: Tweet the following and leave us the link:

Win a Little Tikes Spray & Rescue Fire Truck from @littletikes over @agiveawaydaily http://goo.gl/fb/1Iivz

2 Entries: Like Little Tikes on Facebook and tell them Real Moms Real Views sent you!

You have until June 14th @ 11:59 AM EDT to enter the giveaway. All giveaways are open to USA only. Winners will be chosen by random.org and will be contacted by email after the giveaways close. The winner will then have 48 hours to claim their giveaway by email. If the winner does not claim their prize within their 48 hour period, a new winner will be chosen. *All entries received after the cutoff time will be deleted prior to choosing a winner. Opinions expressed in this post are strictly our own. We were not paid for this post. Thanks to the Little Tikes for providing the Spray & Rescue Fire Trucks for this feature.

Hollie June 4, 2010 PRODUCT REVIEWS WITH GIVEAWAYS kids, toys

Spark Their Imagination This Summer {Kidscraft Playhouse Giveaway} CLOSED

Summer is such a fun time for running and playing outside. But, right now it is still rainy and there is not much to do indoors, so I am always looking for fun ways to spark my little guys imagination. He has a lot of cousins he likes to play with so when I was offered the chance to review the KidsCraft Cottage I jum ped on the opportunity. I knew this bunch of kiddos would love the opportunity to color and create a cottage. When it arrived we went to work putting it together (the hubs and I) while the little one was asleep. The next morning he was very excited when he walked out and found a new cottage waiting for him. He quickly opened the door and window and played in it clear until breakfast. We invited his little cousins over and I broke out the crayons. They were all so very excited to get to draw on it. I loved watching their little minds as they busily worked on the cottage. They did this for at least an hour. When they were done, there was still plenty of space left for them to color later. I love that Kids Craft helps kids use their imagination everyday!!!

WIN IT…WIN IT…WIN IT…

Today, we have one KidsCraft Playhouse (shuttle or cottage)

to giveaway to a Real Moms Real Views reader!

Here’s how you can enter to win:

1st Entry {Mandatory}: Visit KidsCraft USA and come back and tell us one interesting thing you learned about the company!

Additional Entries {Please leave one comment per entry}:

1 Entry: Follow KidsCraft on Twitter.

2 Entries: Like KidsCraft on Facebook.

1 Entry per day: Tweet the following and leave us the link: Win a KidsCraft Shuttle or Cottage @kidscraftusa @agiveawaydaily http://goo.gl/fb/roUWz

1 Entry each: Follow Real Moms Real Views on Google Friends Connect, reader, or email.

You have until June 3rd @ 11:59 AM EDT to enter the giveaway. All giveaways are open to USA only. Winners will be chosen by random.org and will be contacted by email after the giveaways close. The winner will then have 48 hours to claim their giveaway by email. If the winner does not claim their prize within their 48 hour period, a new winner will be chosen. *All entries received after the cutoff time will be deleted prior to choosing a winner. Opinions expressed in this post are strictly our own. We were not paid for this post. Thanks KidsCraft for providing the playhouse for this review and giveaway.

Hollie May 26, 2010 PRODUCT REVIEWS WITH GIVEAWAYS toys

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GRAB OUR WEEKLY LINK UP BUTTON

E-Z Bat! {Monkey Business Sports Giveaway}

Today Monkey Business Sports is giving away…

An E-Z Bat to one lucky RMRV reader!

Kids & Bubbles! {Little Kids Bubble Toys Review}