Chuggington Fire Patrol Rescue Day is March 31!

*PR Press Materials and Complimentary Sample Provided

Sound the alarm! We're celebrating the newest action-packed Chuggington DVD, “Fire Patrol Rescue,” out today, and officially making this“Chuggington Fire Patrol Rescue Day.”

My three year old son loves Chuggington, and is really into all things traintastic!  It's his perfect combination when the Chuggers team up with Firechugger Asher, because if there's one thing that rivals his love of trains, it's his obsession with being a fire fighter.  It's even what he dressed up as for Halloween last October.  Our local fire station has an annual Halloween party and he was so cute dressed up and sitting in their truck!

He was very excited when this special Chuggington set arrived for us to review!  He had to put on the hat right that very second and also an official sticker badge.  Then it was time to tear into the Limited Edition DVD and most importantly, check out the Die Cast Asher that's included!

Chuggington DVD Fire Patrol Description:

Meet Fire Chugger Asher!  In this latest collection of Chuggington adventures, Wilson sets out on fire patrol duty with his new friend Asher and learns how to use a fire hose in the a rescue!  Also, there is a friendly contest of Chug Patrol versus Speed Fleet; Hodge finds himself in a high rise jam; and all the Chuggers practice emergency drills at the roundhouse.  In these 6 exciting episodes - plus New Chugger Spotlights, a Bonus Badge Quest Episode, and coloring sheets - Wilson, Asher, Brewster, and the other discover the importance of community service and working together. 

Running Time: 62 Minutes
Available in stores and online at retailers such as Amazon, Target, & Walmart.

This is such a fantastic set for your Chuggington fan.  My son really enjoys watching his Chugger friends, and since he's such an active guy it's always a good idea to also have something to keep his hands busy.  He's been watching this DVD while also playing with Asher.  It helps bring the fun to life and it's really cute to hear him acting out the the Blazin' Wilson episode and repeating some of the lines while playing.

As always, I also love the positive messages and important life skills that Chuggington episodes always include.  It's also nice how this particular DVD includes some basic safety tips presented in a fun and age appropriate manner for your littlest ones.

This is definitely going to be a high watch DVD for our family, and it's already been requested as one we bring along in the car for my kids to enjoy while on longer rides.  To extend the fun further, I also have a free coloring sheet you can download below.  It's great for giving to the kids to work on while discussing some of the fire safety tips, provided below.

Click Here to Download this Chuggington Fire Patrol Rescue Coloring Sheet

In honor of “Chuggington Fire Patrol Rescue Day,” and to help keep your family and young trainees safe all year-round, here are some important tips from Firechugger Asher and the National Fire Protection Association:

Asher says, “Plan ahead!”

Create a home escape plan so every member of your family knows what to do and where to go if there’s a fire. Designate a meeting spot, such as a tree or mailbox, that’s a safe distance from the home. And practice your home fire drill both at night and during the day.

Asher says, “Stop a fire before it starts!”

Keep matches and lighters out of sight and out of reach from children. Store them up high, preferably in a locked cabinet or drawer. It’s also important to teach kids that lighters and matches are tools for adults only and that they should tell a grown-up if they see these items lying around.

Asher says, “Cool it in the kitchen!”

Always keep an eye on the stove while you’re cooking, and use a timer as a reminder that the stove or oven is on. Create a “kid-free zone” around the stove as well as areas where hot food and drinks are prepared. And make sure to keep anything that can catch fire, including oven mitts and towels, away from hot appliances!

Asher says, “Sound the alarm! “

Smoke detectors are a key part of a home fire escape plan. Make sure to install smoke detectors on every floor of the home, especially inside and outside bedrooms. Don’t forget to test all smoke alarms at least once a month!

Asher says, “Stay low and stay out! “

If, during a fire, you have to escape through smoke, get low, go under the smoke and close the doors behind you as you leave each room. It’s crucial to remind children that, once outside, they should never go back inside for anything, including pets or toys. It’s best to wait to call the fire department until you get outside and are a safe distance away from the fire.

Asher says, “Follow these blazin’ safety tips and you’ll be in control and ready to roll if there’s ever a fire.”

For more safety tips, visit: http://www.nfpa.org/safety-information/safety-tip-sheets



Disclosure: A review copy and PR materials were provided to assist in this review.  The opinions and experiences related within are both personal and unbiased.

Chuggington Snow Rescue on DVD, Now Available!

*Complimentary Review Product Provided
2014 Holiday Gift Guide

Newly released, Chuggington: Snow Rescue on DVD has just chugged into the stores and is also available online.  It's ready for you to bring home for some traintastic fun for the family!  My son is three years old and one of the first favorites he developed was for trains.  He was and is crazy about them!  He is a big ball of energy, but he's been into Chuggington since the first time he first heard, "Honk your horns...choo, choo!"

Ever since we got this for review, he's been watching it whenever I let him!  It's such a hit that it goes from the house, into the mini van's DVD player, and back inside because he can't be without it.  It's his favorite train themed programs, and his sister's pick too, since she ends up watching them with her little brother.

I think the bright and colorful world of Chuggington, the delightfully animated characters, plus the interesting & varied story lines really make it stand out.  With a well rounded group of main characters to choose from, each episode is new and different as they frequently shift around which Chugger is the focus of the story.  When the show first debuted on Disney Junior, and I hadn't seen nearly every episode multiple times, I would find myself finishing a episode even if the kids went off to baths with their Daddy.  I wanted to know how they ended!  


Enjoy this preview clip from this new Chuggington DVD and then look forward to the the following -

Episodes Included:

• Snow Rescue Special: It's wintertime in Chuggington and the Chuggers make special preparations for the magical Winter Parade.
• Iron Chuggers: The Chuggineers compete with the Steam Team for the coveted Iron Chuggers title
• Deputy Chug Patrollers: Koko, Brewster and Wilson have a day off. Meanwhile, Chatsworth is helping with the filming of Action Chugger's latest movie and gets wedged in a tunnel.
• Movie Maker Brewster: Brewster makes a movie about Chuggington for Mayor Pullman which even impresses Action Chugger.
• Toot’s Tall Tale: Toot pretends to be ill to get out of doing track inspection.

Special Features:

• Bonus Badge Quest Episode: Wilson Winter Feed
• New Character Montages: Fletch, Cormac and Tyne
• Coloring and Activity Sheets (DVD-ROM)

I also have some fun resources to share with that will extend the fun after your little Chuggers have finished watching the DVD.  You can turn it on and then make a yummy treat and color in your favorite Chuggers for a fun family activity night!

Click the image above to download some delicious treats from buttery cookies to "Steaming" hot chocolate and even sweet teat that begins with fresh snow!  Plus make a cool train cake, with tips on how to turn box mix into something really special, without a specialty pan!

While your waiting for the "Traintastic" treats to be ready, keep little hands busy with two coloring sheets.  These are great for hanging on your child's bedroom wall afterward so he/she can always see their favorite Chuggington friends!

I hope your family enjoys Chuggington: Snow Rescue on DVD as much as mine has.  My little guy is fascinated by trains.  This program is full of friendly role model characters that help guide the Trainees Wilson, Koko, and Brewster and teach them valuable life lessons.  It's a great show for kids that teaches values, with positive story lines that I never have to be concerned about being inappropriate for my children to watch.  



Disclosure: PR Materials Provided

NCircle Entertainment Holiday DVD Giveaway: Featuring Octonauts, The Snowman, Caillou, & Yo Gabba Gabba!‏

*2014 Holiday Gift Guide

* PR Samples Provided

*Giveaway Sponsored by NCircle Entertainment 

I am so excited to have a giveaway from NCircle Entertainment to share with you! They are providing four brand new holiday-themed DVDs for one lucky winner!  I know these will help bring the spirit of the season into your home.  Featuring favorite preschool characters, they'd be a great surprise for your family the day after Thanksgiving, as a fun way to kick off the Christmas season!  Plus they're perfect stocking stuffers, my son loves the Octonauts and is especially excited for that one.

Here is a little bit more about each of the DVD included in the prize pack and you can enter using the Rafflecopter widget is at the bottom of this post.  Because we want the winner to enjoy these titles before Christmas this has a quick turn around so don't wait to enter!

Octonauts: The Very Vegimal Christmas

On this very merry DVD, join the Octonauts as they celebrate the holidays! The Vegimals’ plans for a Christmas feast aboard the Octopod are interrupted when the Octonauts become entangled in a gigantic blob of sea snot! The holiday excitement continues when the Octonauts travel to Professor Inkling’s childhood home, an undersea mountain, but soon discover that a rockslide has endangered the local creatures, including Inkling’s nephew, Squirt! Can the Octonauts rescue the creatures and save Christmas in time?

The Snowman

One crisp, winter morning, a young boy wakes up to find a thick blanket of snow has covered the ground as far as the eye can see. Filled with excitement, the boy decides to build a snowman using a tangerine for his nose, coal for his buttons and eyes, and tops him off with a hat and scarf. Later that night, at the stroke of midnight, the snowman comes to life! The young boy and the snowman embark on a magical adventure of discovery where the snowman explores the young boy’s world and in return he takes him flying to his home in the North Pole. Based on Raymond Briggs’ book, The Snowman is a family classic for generations to enjoy.

Caillou’s Holiday Movie

When winter comes to Caillou's house, this curious 4-year-old tackles all kinds of big boy activities like helping Daddy shovel snow, making holiday presents for his family and even discovering how other little boys and girls around the world celebrate the season! Filled with magical moments seen through a small child's eyes, this delightful story will enchant your entire family.

A Very Awesome Yo Gabba Gabba! Live! Holiday Show!

Join DJ Lance Rock, Brobee, Foofa, Muno, Plex and Toodee as they dance, sing and decorate the tree to prepare for the arrival of Santa Claus! Filmed live at New York City's The Beacon Theatre, celebrate the season with the colorful cast of characters singing their hits, including "It's Wintertime," "Every Snowflake's Different, Just Like You" and a holiday version of everyone's favorite "Party in my Tummy!” The DVD includes special appearances by superstar Leslie Hall and the one and only Santa Claus!

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Giveaway! VTech® Switch & Go Dinos® Turbo Bronco the RC Triceratops™

*2014 Holiday Gift Guide

*PR Samples Provided

Giveaway Provided by VTech

We love VTech Switch & Go Dinos!  They are really terrific toys because of their 2 in 1 design, both of which are very popular themes - dinosaurs & vehicles.  It's basically a win win in this household.  My little guy, and to be completely honest - my big guy aka husband Brad, were both pretty excited to get their hands on the VTech® Switch & Go Dinos® Turbo Bronco the RC Triceratops™.

I'll cut to the chase, it's AWESOME!  Was that a subtle enough review for you?  LOL!  The really cool Bronco the RC Triceratops (Ages 3-8 years, MSRP: $44.99) is the first dynamic remote control dino from Switch & Go Dinos Turbo. He transforms from a fierce Triceratops to a sleek race car with the push of a button on his remote control!

Some of Bronco's special features include:

• Use the remote control to move forward, backward, left and right in both vehicle and dino modes. Then charge the turbo boost lever to give him a burst of speed!
• Press the buttons on the remote to turn on his headlights, hear realistic sound effects and learn cool dino facts.
• Bronco’s LCD screen displays cool customizable dinosaur eyes and driver animations, and kids can choose from four different styles.

My son is three years old and can be a little rough on his toys but this is very sturdy and holds up to being run into anything and everything.  While he's not completely proficient at independently using Bronco, the controls are intuitive and easy enough that he has been very successful making him go, speak, and transform right from the start.  I love how it's been something with all the bells and whistles, so to speak, that he's been able to use and have fun with right out of the box.  No frustration here!  He really likes turning on the headlights.

Here is a short clip of our  Bronco the RC Triceratops in action.  It's a bit blurry, but this was the video I could get after several tries.  Guess I'm not meant to be vlogger!  I was having a lot of trouble with the auto focus, but it still gives an idea of how Bronco works and how cool he is.  This is one you'll definitely want to plan to wrap up for underneath the tree and you can skip the lines and order it directly from VTech, it's currently on sale :)

Connect and Learn More About Vtech

VTech Website

VTech Twitter

VTech Facebook

VTech has generously provided an addition Bronco as a giveaway for one of my readers!  Please use the Rafflecopter widget below to enter.  US residents only, no PO boxes.  Winner will be contacted via email and have 48 hours to respond before a new one is chosen.  Must be 18 years or older.

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The VTech product, information, and additional gift pack have been provided by VTech.   The experiences and opinions related are my own personal ones with this product and yours may differ. 

Citrus Lane: October 2014

*Referral Link Included

We have continued to get my son's Citrus Lane box, even though I haven't been reviewing them.  Our six month subscription ended and I wasn't going to renew, but when I went to cancel, we were offered a deal to extend it for three months at $15 a month.  That's a fantastic price so of course, I did it.

Now the reason I wasn't going to continue is mainly because we just have sooooo much stuff!  We're running out of room and my kids must be spoiled because we actually received a couple items we already owned, like this Melissa & Doug Wooden Shape Sorting Clock.  But at $15 a month, well I couldn't pass that up and my son really does like getting his very own package.

This month Citrus Lane's box was a little special, not only was it pink but it also came with cool mustache punch outs.

The idea is, if your family takes pictures using these photo props then you could win a prize.  I think it's a fun idea and a nice way to support a great cause.

We got this fantastic set of Dominoes from Janod, which is an awesome toy company!  I love the artwork and designs of their products.  I mean seriously?  Love this, this, this, and this!  This beautifully illustrated double sided domino game was a big hit with my son.

My son has been wearing this Little Hero's Adventure Cape, Red a ton since it arrived.  It's price is more than how much I spent on the box, with the special offer I received from Citrus Lane. The material is nice and thick and it's definitely much higher quality than the super hero capes I've seen out for Halloween right now.

It's also long enough that it can be used for years and sturdy enough to last that long!  I would've loved it if they'd sent us a notification that this would be included this month, because I seriously would've tried to convince LB that this was his costume if I had known it was coming.

I feel like every little kid needs to have some instruments to shake about, and these Easy Grip Maracas from Hohner Kids were also in our box this month.  We used to take Music Together classes so we already have quite a collection on instruments, but our maracas were wooden and have been well loved, so I was happy to see a new pair for the little guy to enjoy.  These are high quality and BPA free.

The fifth things in our box is this month's bonus snack, there is usually something like this each month.  This time it's Annie's Organic Cheddar Snack Mix, and since we go through their various Bunny snacks quicker than we ought to,this was gone in no time.  Very tasty, from what I could tell from the two little bites I got to try.

October's Nerd Block Jr. for Girls

*Complimentary Review Box Provided

Website: www.nerdblockjr.com 

Facebook: www.facebook.com/NerdBlockjr

Twitter: @nerdblockjr

Instagram: @nerdblockjr

Pinterest http://www.pinterest.com/nerdblockjr/

My daughter and I just got to check out the Nerd Block Jr. for first time!  It's geared toward girls between the ages of 6-11 and each month subscribers receive a box filled with toys, games, and collectibles from some of their favorite brands for $13.99 a month + shipping.  That sounded pretty cool to us & we couldn't wait to check it out.

Parents can choose between a boy and a girl box when ordering, which is really great, because boys and girls often have very different opinions on what is cool.  My eight year old was very excited when our purple box arrived for this review.

I really thought the box design was very well done.  It's a fun color so it definitely stands out!  There wasn't any packing material inside nor was there an information card.  However, the shipping label included what was inside as part of the customs declaration since this box came to us from Canada.  I think the values are divided up so that the total equals the monthly subscription price, as I feel some of the items are actually worth a higher value than what's listed.

As you could see before, the shipping label partially obscured the Nerd Block Jr.'s cool logo but there are other custom touches that make this a fun box to receive.  The logo is also on each side of the box and they've taken the time to also custom print their packing tape.  Once this is cut open and you lift the lid you are greeted with "WOO HOO!" printed underneath.  This extra effort gives me peace of mind that this is a legit and and established brand.

I have not had personal experienced this issue, but I have read about some people having issues with new or fledgling subscription services.  Things like the custom packaging, professionally made promotional videos, secure payment portals, etc. are important when researching into reputable services.  It shows that the company has also invested in making their service special and is planning for the long run.

Here was our first look, and right away I knew the Hello Kitty vinyl figure was enough to make this a hit!  As I mentioned,there wasn't any kind of additional packaging within the box but judging from the contents it wasn't necessary.  Everything reached us safe and sound.

The October Nerd Block Jr. for Girls included five items and there was a nice range of variety.

We'll start with that Hello Kitty Collectible Figurine: Zombie. The box gives this a value of $4 CAN but on Sanrio's site it's listed as $11.99 and I usually see these kinds of figures at around $10 so that seems on point.  Since that's almost two thirds of the price of the box, we really liked seeing this seasonally appropriate and fun toy inside.  My daughter actually squealed when she saw it.  Normally, I don't think zombies are very cute.  I don't get how they are a thing right now, but it seems that Hello Kitty can even make zombies cute!

These are very fun and cute, perfect for the parent who is not super good at applying Halloween makeup.  Since I'm one of those parents, we were especially happy to see these.  The black and hot pink go perfectly with her costume too.  It's very nice how two come in a package so one can be for Halloween night, with a spare for another event.

This DreamWorks' Dragons: Riders of Berk - Volume 2: Dangers of the Deep has a value listed as $3  CAN on the box label but the list price is actually $6.99 US.  It's sold on Amazon for $5.88 so I think that between the Hello Kitty vinyl figure and this graphic novel you are getting back at least the value of the purchase price for this subscription box.

My daughter wasn't very particularly thrilled about this particular book, even though she did sit down and immediately begin reading it.  I would say this falls more under a gender neutral item & it was actually sent out in both the Nerd Block Jr. for Boys and the Nerd Block Jr. for Girls this month.  The story skewed toward a plot generally enjoyed more by boys.

What I liked that it's a graphic novel so a little different than the normal early reader type book that are sold and are around the same size dimensions and length of pages.  I think a graphic novel has more appeal to both the lower and upper age range this box is targeted toward.

This is the only item that I'm not sure about it belonging.  Yes, Frozen is huge and little girls often love jewelry and anything glittery.  However, these bracelets are on the small size and I'm not sure if an eleven year old could even get them on their wrist.

I'm also finding that my daughter and her friends are beginning to like more sophisticated jewelry, the kind that looks like adult jewelry but in brighter colors and sized for them.   Plastic bracelets don't really cut it anymore.  These seem more appropriate for the preschool through age five crowd.  In fact, that's who we gifted these to, a four year old and she loved them.

Pin trading continues to be popular and my kiddo is no different from tons of others who love collecting.  She has a lanyard from Disney World with Tinkerbell on it.  This blue one appears to be something you get for free from your travel agent when you book your trip through them.  My son has claimed it since my daughter prefers the two she already has.

I think the cute pin more than makes up for this in my daughter's mind so I am glad they made a point to include a Minnie pin.   I did a search for this older pin and it can be found on Ebay for prices between $5.50-$8.99.  That sounds about right compared to the pins we've purchased at Disney World.   I am glad that both a lanyard and pin were included, since I think the pin on it's own might have seemed kind of random. It shows to me, that thought was put into deciding what to include in the box.

Over all, I think the concept of Nerd Block Jr. for Girls is a very neat and I like that it's designed for the age ranges of 6-11.  It's been my experience that it's easier to find quality kids subscription boxes for babies through preschool so this fills a void.  

While my eight year old was generally happy with what came in her box, she was expecting all out girly based on the promotional video and preview pictures on the website.  It came pretty close, with only the book being something she wasn't very interested in.

That being said, I didn't mind that a unisex book was included that because now we also have some things for my son to enjoy.  Plus I think overall the items included will appeal to a wider range of girls than just pink, pink, pink.  My daughter just happens to be that kind of girl.

Yes, the bracelets are a little on the young side but to be honest, I would rather she get something like that, than something too mature.  Plus I know many of her friends are going to be Frozen characters for Halloween so I can see why it was included.  It is a very hot and popular theme this year!

It's been my experience with my own subscription boxes that it's rare that you end up loving absolutely everything in a box so I would say that this box does fulfill what it's sets out to.  I also think the value of the box versus the price of the box + shipping, around $20 total per month, is there.  It's a good buy or gift idea if you want to provide your child or a special girl in your life with a fun and age appropriate surprise each month.  My daughter certainly enjoyed getting it and gives it two thumbs up!  What do you think of October's Nerd Block Jr. for Girls?   Hit or miss?

Chuggington Snow Rescue DVD: Coming December 9th

*2014 Holiday Gift Guide

If you have a train fan like I do, you might be interested to know that on December 9th Chuggington: Snow Rescue will be traveling home to DVD from Anchor Bay Entertainment and Ludorum. This all new winter collection is a must-have for your little conductor this holiday season!

Embrace the spirit of the season with this all new festive winter adventure with beloved characters Wilson, Koko and Brewster. In the most wonderful time of the year, watch old and new friends go on a magical ride in these five specials filled with fun and heartfelt lessons enjoyable for kids and parents alike!  Here is a clip from the DVD to get you in the holiday spirit:


Description:

It's wintertime in Chuggington and the Chuggers are busy making preparations for the Parade of Lights Festival, adorning themselves in glowing colored lights for a special procession through Chuggington! But, when freezing fog traps Koko and a snowy avalanche derails Fletch, that’s when Wilson and the Chug Patrol team must set out on a wild winter rescue!   This action-packed collection features five Chuggington specials, including the all-new Snow Rescue Special airing for the first time this fall on Disney Junior!

Episodes Included:

• Snow Rescue Special
• Iron Chuggers
• Deputy Chug Patrollers
• Movie Maker Brewster
• Toot’s Tall Tale

Special Features:

• Bonus Badge Quest Episode: Wilson Winter Feed
• New Character Montages: Fletch, Cormac and Tyne
• Coloring and Activity Sheets (DVD-ROM)

I know my three year old loves everything Chuggington and would love to find this underneath the Christmas tree!  He loves watching his favorite characters and I like that he's learning important lessons about safety, responsibility, and teamwork.



Disclosure: PR Materials Provided

Giveaway! VTech Sit-to-Stand Smart Cruiser™, Chomp & Count Dino™, Grow-Along Music Center™, & Smart Shots Sports Center™!!!

*2014 Holiday Gift Guide

*PR Samples Provided

Giveaway Provided by VTech

I have an AWESOME giveaway from VTech today; you are going to be as excited as I am.  It's HUGE and the suggested retail value is over $125!   The giveaway package will include four educational toys that are perfect for the toddler years. 

I'll provide the product description for each one, followed by my thoughts on them.  Since there are four products being reviewed at once, I won't be quite as in depth as I was with the VTech Go! Go! Smart Animals™ Forest Adventure Playset™ and Go! Go! Smart Animals™! review but if you have any questions don't hesitate to ask away in a comment.  

Be sure to check out the giveaway at the bottom of this post!

VTech® Sit-to-Stand Smart Cruiser™ (Age 6-36 months, MSRP: $39.99)

Amazon               VTechKids

Description:

Cruise into the learning zone on the Sit-to-Stand Smart Cruiser. This 2-in-1 toy grows with children and transforms from a floor play toy with detachable steering wheel activity panel to an exciting ride-on toy.

The interactive steering wheel features driving, learning and music modes with more than 80 songs, sounds and phrases that introduce animals, opposites and first words. Turn on the engine, move the gear shifter or press the horn to hear realistic driving sound effects.

Children can pretend to drive to six different fun locations with arrow buttons teaching the concept of direction and road safety. Attach the steering wheel to the cruiser and it becomes a fun ride-on toy.

The Sit-to-Stand Smart Cruiser also has a fun front activity panel and under seat storage children can fill with small toys for more fun on the go!

Review:

Every child needs a toy like this!  It's the quintessential ride on vehicle that's small enough give the littlest of kiddos a taste of freedom as they learn how to propel it independently. Both of my kids loved their first ride on toy and would ride it all over our first floor, but this one is so much more!

It's great how it it will grow with your child and that he or she can begin playing with it as a pre-walker.  When we had our first child we were apartment dwellers and I really appreciated multitaskers like this, no need to have a big toy to entertain them before walking that then has to be replaced once they get really moving.  This is one toy your child will get a lot of play out of!

Plus there are so many bells and whistles on the Sit-to-Stand Smart Cruiser!  It sings, teaches, has storage, and promotes both physically active and imaginative play. The wheel also detaches so my little guy likes to take in the car and pretend he's driving right along with me.  

VTech® Chomp & Count Dino™ (Age 12-36 months, MSRP: $19.99)

Amazon               VTechKids

Description:

Children can learn about colors, numbers and food with the adorable new Chomp & Count Dino. Simply place one of the eight brightly-colored play pieces in the dino's mouth and watch as he eats and recognizes each piece.

Play in either food or counting mode and the dino responds with rewarding sounds and phrases all while introducing colors, numbers, shapes and more. Press the question button and kids can answer the dino’s questions to show what they've learned.

Five shape buttons help kids learn shapes and numbers, while spinning the disc on dino’s back will play sing-along songs. The dino can also be pushed or pulled by a string for even more fun melodies.

Review:

This is such a fun interactive toy and there's a lot of play packed into it.  Kids will learn about cause and effect as they feed the dino.  It's so cute to see your child's face light up as they see the dino react to everything they do.  It's not just passive learning as your child can also answer questions posed by the dino.  Besides teaching basic concepts like colors and counting, it also plays music and is also a pull along toy so your child can also have fun taking the dino for a walk.

VTech® Grow-Along Music Center™ (Age 12-36 months, MSRP: $29.99)

Amazon               VTechKids

Description:

Children can pretend to be musicians and sing along to the music with the Grow-Along Music Center. As they sing into the microphone, five colorful lights correspond to children’s voices, or they can play with wacky voice-changing and amplifying effects.

Rock out with three instrument buttons that play guitar, drum and saxophone sounds. Five animal piano keys introduce kids to instruments, colors and animals. Kids can choose between Learn & Play mode and Sing-Along mode to become learning super stars!

Review:

One of the first things my kids liked was music and this up with that high interest toddler activity perfectly.  Again this toy is a great value because it will grow with your child.  The top keyboard comes off so your child can play with it on the floor and then as he or she begins to stand and develop better balance you can progress to placing it back on top for sitting or standing play.  One of the features my kids liked best, was being able to change their voice, the robot was especially fun, and even though I find them to be quite loud enough they thought being able to amplify it was hilarious.  Good thing there is a volume control!

VTech® Smart Shots Sports Center™ (Age 12-36 months, MSRP: $39.99)

Amazon               VTechKids

Description:

Parents can cheer on their little sports stars with the Smart Shots Sports Center. This electronic sports center features a soccer goal and basketball hoop for a fun 2-in-1 experience.

Kick the soccer ball into the net to hear fun sounds or toss the basketball into the hoop and the magic sensor will count up to ten each time a basket is scored.

Three buttons introduce shapes, numbers, opposites, sing-along songs and more. Turn the gears or flip the page to hear fun phrases and sounds. The sports center also features a light-up screen that plays a variety of fun animations and shows numbers, shapes and letters to reinforce learning.

Review:

If your child likes music but needs a little more physical activity, like mine does, then they will really like the Smart Shots Sports Center.  While it still provides music, teaches basic concepts, and has plenty of buttons to push and knobs to turn the real attraction to this toy is the hoop and net.  These are perfectly sized so the littlest sports fans can experience making a slam dunk or goal without frustration.  My kiddo could absolutely loves basketball so this was right up his alley!

Overall:

VTech can be counted on to deliver well designed educational toys that make learning fun and with a lot of variety of activities and interaction.  They infuse play with music, physical activity, and high interest themes.  These newest additions to their toys continue on their tradition of offering high quality toys parents and families can rely on to help enrich their child's life and provide exposure to key early learning concepts.

Learn more about VTech and their educational toys:

VTechKids.com

VTech Twitter

VTech Facebook

Giveaway: One reader will win a giveaway package containing each of the four products reviewed in this post.  Please use the Rafflecopter widget below to enter.  Entrants must be 21 and older and a US resident, sorry no PO Boxes.

Please make sure you sign into the widget with a valid email or an account associated with one, that you check on a regular basis.  Winners are notified by email and have 48 hours to respond.

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NCircle Entertainment Back-to-School Giveaway - 5 DVD Pack

* PR Samples Provided

*Giveaway Sponsored by NCircle Entertainment

I can't believe the first month of school is already over!  September flew by fast but I think we've begun to get back into our school year routine.  Let's celebrate with a fun giveaway from NCircle Entertainment, the leading independent studio of kids’ DVDs  that provides Education that Educates.

As frequent readers of my blog already know, my kids both love NCircle DVDs.  They feature their favorite characters and my little guy currently just loves singing and dancing along with The Wiggles.  The Octonauts continue to teach the whole family new and interesting facts about marine life and Sid the Science Kid is another educational show we've learned a lot from.  This giveaway package two brand new NCircle DVDs, plus three of their most popular back-to-school themed titles, for a total of five DVDs and a value of over $50!

Here's what's included:

*New Title* The Wiggles: Apples & Bananas

Product Description: APPLES AND BANANAS is a tasty musical treat! Join the Wiggles as they add their special Wiggles magic to favorite nursery rhymes and songs. Sing along with special guest Lee Hawkins to This Little Piggy Went to Market and with the delightful Dennisha Pratt on Miss Polly Had a Dolly. There's the spider-iffic Itsy Bitsy Spider, Dorothy the Dinosaur swings on Shortnin Bread, then we jump on board for The Wheels on the Bus and This Old Man Came Rolling Home! The Wiggles travel across the globe to Ireland for I'll Tell Me Ma and Michael Finnegan, and then over the continent for the delightful French song Sur le Pont d Avignon. With centuries of best-loved songs served up fresh for your child, APPLES AND BANANAS is certainly a-peeling !

*New Title* Octonauts: Deep Sea Mission

Product Description: Dive into adventure with your favorite underwater explorers, the Octonauts, as they explore the world's oceans, rescue the creatures who live there, and protect their habitats - above and below the waves. On this exciting DVD, join the Octonauts as they explore the Midnight Zone, encounter the mysterious Vampire Squid, get help from a strange-looking Spookfish with a see-through head, and help evacuate sea creatures before an underwater volcano erupts!

Sid the Science Kid: The Ruler of Thumb

Product Description: So many chores, so little time! If Sid doesn't fill his chore chart with stickers, he'll never get that new Turbo-Mega-Rocket Ship toy. What's so important about a chart anyway? Sid soon learns that charts are great science tools for comparing and contrasting things like snacks, pets and even chores! When playing with a rolie polie bug, Sid discovers another amazing science tool - the magnifying glass! Now, Sid can see a whole new world through his magnifying glass and finds that bigger is better! Sid learns all about science tools like rulers and magnifying glasses and how they help us. In fact Sid even finds out how to measure a giant blue whale!

Cat in the Hat: Show & Tell Sure is Swell!

Summer is over, and fall is now here. Let’s go back to school; the best time of year! Our favorite part about going to class? Why show and tell, how great you should ask. But what should we show, oh what can it be? Tune in with the Cat to find out and see!

Animal Atlas: Animal ABC’s

Animal Atlas ABCs introduces preschoolers to the vast and amazing animal kingdom and the ABCs! Filled with songs, rhymes, and puzzles, Animal Atlas ABCs is preschool entertainment that encourages child development and an appreciation and awareness of animals everywhere. Specially designed to fascinate and delight your child.

GIVEAWAY TIME!

One reader will win a Back to School DVD package with the FIVE titles described above from NCircle Entertainment.  Please use the Rafflecopter widget below to enter. Subscribers, please click over to enter!

You have until October 8th at Midnight EST to enter. Giveaway open to US residents only.

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