LeapFrog Tag Junior Review + Giveaway (Closed)

by Kate on December 15th, 2009  |  5 Comments  |  Giveaways, Reviews, Toddler

LeapFrog JrThe LeapFrog name is no stranger to many parents. Browsing through their Baby Toys, I am reminded just how familiar my family is with LeapFrog – we have a number of the toys for wee ones, so I was interested to try the Tag Junior Book Pal. Like most kids, Toddler Boy loves to read books. And by read, I mean, he loves when we read to him and he loves to memorize and “read” to us. Because of the interaction when we read together I was a little skeptical about the Tag Junior, imagining it to be an impersonal gadget that might take some of the joy out of reading. (I honestly thought it might be the book equivalent of turning on a DVD to occupy Toddler Boy.) I was wrong.

About LeapFrog Tag Junior

LeapFrog revolutionized how kids learn to read with its LeapPad® Learning System, then did it again in 2008 with the Tag Reading System. Now LeapFrog offers younger children a learning toy that helps them develop a love for books. Tag Junior brings stories to life in a way that is just right for two- to four-year olds, encouraging little ones who are just discovering books to build a lasting interest in them.

Video Review

My Favorite Features of the Tag Juniortoddler using leapfrog junior

  • Truly interactive. I expected the Tag to simply read the text of each book.  I was pleasantly surprised to see the level of interaction and detail in each book. As you can see in the Tag Junior video review, each book audio contains details, activities, sound effects and audio fun well beyond the text of the book. It actually gives me ideas for ways to involve my son when reading books to him.
  • Set up is easy. The best way to explain it is that the Tag Junior operates like an iPod but instead of music for you it stores books for your child. To set it up, you follow simple directions and add a program to your computer, connect to LeapFrog and download book audio. The program is pretty user friendly (assuming you don’t try to set up a Tag Reader rather than a Tag Junior like someone I know. ::cough, me, cough::).
  • Personalize. In a quick step you can set up the Tag Junior to greet your child when they turn on and turn off the Tag. Not surprisingly, Toddler Boy loves hearing his name. The Tag Junior can hold up to five books of your choice at a time.
  • Great size. Perfect size and shape for a little one’s grip and small enough to throw into a diaper bag or back pack.
  • Learning Path. You can check out what your child is doing with the Tag Junior, like see what books he prefers and reads the most, online at the LeapFrog Learning Path. It’s pretty cool!
  • Recommended for children 2 to 4 years old.

To Buy or Not to Buy

To Buy… I have been really, really impressed with the extent of interaction and amount of activities for each book in the Tag. It’s really exceeded my expectations. I think it’s pretty cool, and more importantly it truly engages Toddler Boy beyond simply telling a story.

Or Not to Buy… In my ideal world, the LeapFrog Junior would have ear phones. Not for every day use, but for on our upcoming plane trip. This is just the type of thing that will be perfect on the plane to entertain Toddler Boy, but it might disturb others. On the positive side, it does have volume control. And, not surprisingly, the books compatible with Tag Junior are more expensive than average books at $10.99 a piece.

LeapFrog logoShop! Check out the Tag Junior and the compatible books at LeapFrog. The Gift Packs including a Tag Junior and two books are good deals and perfect for the holidays. The Tag Junior is currently on sale at LeapFrog.com and use the code MERRY10 for an additional 10% off! Order by December 21 and Ground Shipping orders will arrive by December 24.

Win! A LeapFrog Tag Junior!

How to Enter: Visit LeapFrog and tell me another educational toy you’d like to give this holiday season.

Bonus Entries – please leave a separate comment for each that you do:
* Fan LeapFrog on Facebook and leave a comment on the Discussion Tab telling them I sent you!
* Follow The Shopping Mama on Twitter and Tweet. You may do this once a day: LeapFrog Tag Junior Giveaway @TheShoppingMama http://bit.ly/6ZK7PA
* Fan The Shopping Mama on Facebook
* Blog about this giveaway including a link to this post and LeapFrog (leave five comments including your link)
* Follow The Shopping Mama in Google Friends Connect
* Subscribe to The Shopping Mama in email or a reader

The Fine Print & Disclosure: Giveaway ends December 29. Open to US mailing addresses only. Thanks to LeapFrog for providing a sample product for the purposes of this review and the giveaway prize. The opinions expressed are my own and uninfluenced by receipt of product. Others may have a different experience.

Little Passports: A Global Adventure for Kids Giveaway! (Closed)

by Kate on December 14th, 2009  |  5 Comments  |  Giveaways

little passports logoLittle Passports makes me wish I was born 25 years later. Seriously, I can’t even tell you how much I would have loved this as a child. And, hopefully you have a special young one in your life who can benefit from the genius that is Little Passports.

About Little Passports

Little Passports is your child’s ticket to an exciting global adventure. Inspire a love and understanding of the world as your child learns about a country’s geography, history, culture, and language in a fun and memorable way.

A Global Adventure

Little Explorers Explorer-Kit-smWith a Little Passports subscription, your child travels the globe without leaving the comfort of home. Sam and Sofia are the Little Passports tour guides, and as they travel the globe on their magic scooter they send your child monthly packages filled with goodies from their destinations. Sam and Sofia truly travel the world (Japan, Brazil, France, Egypt, for example) exposing your child to traditions, festivals and culture along the way.

The adventure begins with the First Month’s Explorer Kit containing a suitcase with a letter from Sam and Sofia, a world map, a passports, stickers, activity sheets and a boarding pass code to access educational games online.

Little Passports Monthly-Adv-Kit-smEvery month your child will receive a personalized package from Sam and Sofia about the new country they are visiting with a souvenir (like a musical CD, traditional toy, puzzles, or arts and crafts project), a passport stamp and suitcase sticker, a photo from the country and more. (For a sample of the fun, check out the Japan adventure letter and the Worldwide Activity Sheet.)

Great Holiday Gift

Suggested for children between 5 and 10 years of age, a Little Passports subscription is a great last minute holiday gift. And, with multiple subscription options, you can find a plan that works for your budget. I just love the idea that your child can learn about geography and foreign countries in an engaging and entertaining way. I bought a subscription for my nieces, and I’m not the only one keen on Little Passports. Real Simple Magazine included Little Passports in its Gift Guide and they recently won a Parents’ Choice Award for Toys.

Shop! Little Passports is available in 3-month ($38.85), 6-month ($71.70), one year ($131.40) and month to month ($10.95/month) subscriptions. And, shipping is included! Check out the Gifting page for more information about holiday gift giving deadlines. You can even print the gift card so your little traveler knows the adventure is on the way.

Win! A Six-Month Little Passports Subscription! (A $71.70 value.)

How to Enter: Visit Little Passports and check out the subscriptions and destinations. Leave a comment here telling me one country not listed you’d like to see Sam and Sofia visit.

Bonus Entries - please leave a separate comment for each you complete.
* Follow Little Passports on Twitter
* Leave a comment telling us what Little Passports subscription you’re most likely to buy
* Follow The Shopping Mama on Twitter and Tweet. You may do this once a day: Win a 6-month @LittlePassports subscription – great gift for kids to learn about the world from home @TheShoppingMama http://bit.ly/5CPOfk
* Update your Facebook profile with a link to this giveaway
* Blog about this giveaway including a link to this post and Little Passports (leave five comments including your link)
* Follow The Shopping Mama in Google Friends Connect
* Subscribe to The Shopping Mama in email or a reader

The Fine Print: Giveaway ends December 29. Open to US mailing addresses only. Thanks to Little Passports for providing the giveaway prize.

PishPosh Mommy Diaper Clutch Review

by Kate on December 14th, 2009  |  5 Comments  |  Reviews

pishposh logoPishPosh Mommy recently launched their 2010 collection and it includes two new posh items to help mamas stay organized. You may remember my original PishPosh Mommy review where I raved about the Quick Zip – a self-contained tote with maximum storage that turns any purse into a diaper bag. The idea, of course, is to maintain your pre-baby purse style and achieve with-baby function. Expanding on that mission, the PishPosh Diaper Clutch is a stylish way to carry a few diapers and wipes without compromising your style.

About PishPosh Mommy

Motherhood is bliss and we wouldn’t change anything. But why should we give up style for function?

We are dedicated to developing and designing products that are functional and add organization to the hectic lives of chic, trendy moms who do not want to lose their sense of style or sanity.

PishPosh Diaper Clutch

pishposh diaper clutch frontThe PishPosh Diaper Clutch is simple and straightforward in its design, but has a few stylish touches that set it apart. For example, I love the pleating on the front and back of the clutch – such a nice, subtle touch that reflects the quality craft(wo)manship. The clutch is available in three colorful fabrics and has coordinating solids on the flap and inside. I received the Valencia Diaper Clutch; it’s a rich brown color with loads of abstract purple (a very in color this season) and pink flowers, a brown flap and lavender interior. The Clutch itself really couldn’t be cuter. In fact, you could carry it on its own as a clutch purse and no one would know it’s designed for diapers.

pishposh mommy diaper clutchThe Diaper Clutch comfortably holds 3 to 4 diapers and a wipes case. I used it one time to go to the grocery store with Baby Girl and carried 2 diapers, a flat wallet and keys. The Clutch doesn’t have much boning or padding so it’s not particularly sturdy for use on its own, but it perfect for throwing into your regular non-diaper bag clutch and for making quick diaper change runs.

To Buy or Not to Buy

To Buy… The Diaper Clutch coordinates with other PishPosh Mommy products, including the Quick Zip and PishPosh Pad, and even fits inside the other Carry Alls – very cool. The Diaper Clutch is a great buy when your kids are a bit older but still in diapers. You know the phase when you don’t need to carry 100 and one things just to go to the post office and only need diapers. Just stock your Diaper Clutch, throw it in your purse and you’re all good.

Or Not to Buy… One improvement I’d love to see is a small interior pocket or zipper, because, I guess I’d love to really use it as a clutch. Also, I wish the PishPosh Pad was included rather than sold separately.

Shop! You can find all the posh products to turn your stylish purse into a baby-friendly bag at PishPosh Mommy. The Valencia Diaper Clutch is $24.99. Gift Sets including a Carry All, Diaper Clutch and PishPosh Pad is $64.99 – a great buy for a set valued at $74.98 if purchased separately.

Thank you to PishPosh Mommy for providing a sample product for the purpose of this review. The opinions expressed are my own. Others may have a different experience.

Holiday Airplane Travel with Kids

by Kate on December 13th, 2009  |  5 Comments  |  Life, Shopping

I cannot believe it’s already mid-December. Seriously, where did the time go? We leave in a matter of days to fly with the kids from Florida to visit my family in Ohio. It means two planes, a layover and a drive from the airport to my mom’s house. I know how exhausting and frustrating a long day of travel can be for me – as an adult who knows what’s going on – so I can only imagine how weird an experience it must be for the little ones who are merely being carried, strolled and walked along. With that in mind, I’ve been on the hunt for some good products for baby and kid airplane travel.

CARES Restraint System

CARES logoOnce a child reaches the age of 2, you must purchase a separate plane ticket. (And, frankly, if you can swing it financially you might find it necessary and more comfortable before that age.) But, the seatbelts on planes are not designed for little passengers. CARES – which stands for Child Aviation Restraint System – is a harness specifically designed to secure children who weigh 22 – 44 pounds in their own airplane seat. Notably, it is the only harness type child aviation safety restraint  ever certified for airplane travel by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

CARES_girl_smWe received on for review and Toddler Boy will be using it when we travel for the holidays. At only a pound, it is easy to carry so I’ll just throw it in my diaper bag and carry it on board. We will need his car seat when we arrive in Ohio, but we’ll check it through so we don’t have to carry it through airports. (Thankfully, most airlines don’t charge passengers to check car seats or strollers. Yet.)

CARES can be purchased for $75 at KidsFlySafe.com and is also available on Amazon. Expedited shipping is available to receive it before you travel this year! Be sure to check back and read the review to see what we think of the CARES in action.

Air Travel Kid-Friendly Products

There are some other products I’d love to try and am curious if any of you have experience with them.

  • Kid Travel Pillow: there are some really cute animal designs created with little travelers in mind. (Think U-shaped neck pillow meets a stuffed animal.) These seem great for car travel as well as airplane rides.
  • Car Seat Bag: I’d love a bag to protect our car seats that we are checking in with luggage. I know these bags exist and are quite convenient. But, honestly, there’s nothing convenient about carrying / dragging around two car seats so I’m more concerned about protecting the seats.

Any other products that are must haves for airplane travel with kids? I survived a plane flight alone with two kids six months ago, and the tips and suggestions in the comments on a post prior to travel were helpful for ideas about entertaining the kids. But, on this post I’m really trying to find the best THINGS for travel.

Not Your Average Kid’s Tee: Tyler Trends Review

by Kate on December 12th, 2009  |  5 Comments  |  Baby, Clothes, Reviews

tyler trends logoIt’s no surprise that I like to dress my kids in cute clothes. I mean, obviously. But, it can be hard to find cute clothes that are unique and not found on every other toddler on the playground. Tyler Trends is a great find for that reason – the shirts are simple and modern to appeal to parents’ taste, but feature graphic animals so your kids will dig them, too.

About Tyler Trends

Tyler Trends is a family owned company which sells quality clothing designed for kids inspired by kids. Our main target groups are parents, relatives and friends that want to buy unique quality clothing for children age 0 – 6 years. We believe our customers care for the childrens comfort and enjoyment. The clothing has cute and funny prints of Animal Faces which have been designed by me, Anette Tyler. I have been inspired by my children, Markus and Leah, who love animals, colours and shapes.

tyler trends animals face tees

Our Panda Tee

tyler trends panda teeWe received the Panda long sleeve shirt and Toddler Boy has been sporting it all over town. I love this shirt. Made of 100% fine ring-spun combed cotton, the shirt is very, very soft. It does shrink when washed – as indicated on the website – but the material can’t be beat. I really like the color of the shirt, too. It’s a sophisticated color that balances out the playfulness of the animal design.

To Buy or Not to Buy

To Buy… I love the balance between the modern, clean look and fun animal faces. The unique graphics really appeal to parents and kids and the quality material will please everyone, too.

Or Not to Buy… Tyler Trends tees are more expensive than your average shirt for little ones. That’s really the only draw back.

Shop! Tyler Trends tees and onesies feature six fun designs and can be purchased at TylerTrends.com. The long-sleeve tees are $29, short sleeve tees are $27 and onesies are $25 – 28.

Disclosure: Thanks to Tyler Trends for providing a sample product for the purposes of this review. The opinions expressed here are my own and uninfluenced by receipt of product. Others may have a different experience.
Tyler Trends believes that their customers care for their children’s comfort and enjoyment. Their clothing has prints of cute and funny animal faces that have all been designed by the Norwegian establisher and digital artist, Anette Tyler. Anette was inspired by her children’s love for animals, colors, and shapes.

Great Stroller for Travel: The Abiie G2G BabyDeck

by Kate on December 11th, 2009  |  5 Comments  |  Shopping

With the holidays nearly upon us, in addition to gifts and shopping there’s a lot of focus on travel. And for good reason – there’s nothing better than sharing the holidays and for many people that means traveling to be together. A good stroller + a reliably clean place to change baby while traveling = good! So, check out the new Abiie G2G BabyDeck Stroller.

Stroller Converts to Changing Pad

Abiie StrollerThe Abiie G2G BabyDeck Stroller is a true multi-purpose stroller with a feature I’ve never seen before – a built in changing table! Seriously, how much time have you wasted wandering around and searching out a a changing table only to find it totally nasty and inappropriate for your neighbor’s dog let alone your sweet baby? (If I were my mom, this is where I’d say “If I had a dollar for every time, I’d be rich.”) The BabyDeck takes all the hassle out of changing baby because this stroller transforms into a clean changing table.

Three years in development, the seat of the patented, beautifully designed Abiie© G2G® Baby Deck® Stroller converts instantly into a flat surface with a removable, washable anti-microbial pad and a special compartment for baby wipes.

BabyDeck in Action

Here’s a quick video to see how the BabyDeck transforms.

Abiie Stroller redStroller Features

The BabyDeck doesn’t skimp on features at the expense of the changing table. Indeed, it has many things you’d expect to find in high-end strollers.

  • Weighs only 18 lbs
  • Available in three contemporary colors
  • Full canopy with peepholes
  • Adjustable handle height
  • Superior wheels and double brakes
  • Spacious storage basket
  • Cushioned seat reclines
  • Compatible with most infant car seats

Shop! For more information, visit the Abiie and BabyDeck Stroller websites. The Abiie BabyDeck Stroller is available online at Amazon for $189.

TGIF: Sales, Coupons, Discounts & News (12/11)

by Kate on December 11th, 2009  |  5 Comments  |  Deal & News Roundup, Weekly Features

24 Hour Bumbleride Indie Giveaway

Toni at The Mud Bug is giving away a Bumbleride Indie stroller – the giveaway ends TONIGHT at 6. All you have to do to enter is leave a comment saying WHY you need that stroller. Convince the judges you deserve it and it’s yours. Check out the post and enter to win a fantastic stroller! Good luck!

ShopAtHome.com Double Cash Back & Free Shipping Event

From Monday, December 14 through December 17, ShopAtHome.com is helping you with last minute shopping by offering FREE SHIPPING and DOUBLE CASH BACK. Over 50 top-notch retailers are participating. Here are some highlights:

  • Gap – 20% cash back
  • Old Navy – 20% cash back
  • Piper Lime – 20% cash back
  • Nike – 18% cash back
  • Barnes & Noble – 16% cash back

Certainly you can find something for literally everyone on your list at one of those stores and over 40 more retailers are participating! If you’re stuck on what to get a couple people on your list, go with a Gap.com Gift Card. AND you’ll earn 20-freaking-percent cash back. For more ideas, check out the Gift Card Guide. You must be a registered user to earn cash back so make sure you register!

Free Shipping Sales

land of nod free shippingLand of Nod: Free Shipping on lots of goodies, including everything in the gift categories, toy boxes, puzzles, and their awesome kid seating and play tables. Expires December 15.

SnapTotes: Free Shipping with code falalala09 until December 15.

Keurig.com: Free Ground Shipping on all Brewers.

Baby Star: 20% off plus Free Shipping with code MERRY25. Expires December 24.

Discount Codes

Exclusive Discounts


He Said WHAT? Toddler Talk Volume 1

by Kate on December 10th, 2009  |  5 Comments  |  Life, Parenting

He Said What Crazy Toddler TalkWelcome to a new feature on The Shopping Mama – He Said WHAT? Here’s the deal: like most toddlers my son says ri-dic-ulous things. Like crazy funny things. And I’m always thinking, “I really need to write that down.” So now I”m writing it down and sharing it with you.

Here are some recent gems out of the mouth of my babe.

The Rolling Game

On Saturday my husband, Toddler Boy and Baby Girl were laying on our bed and hanging out. Sounds innocent enough, right?

Toddler Boy: Dada, let’s play a game.
Husband: What do you want to play?
Toddler Boy: Let’s roll Baby Girl off the bed.
(Not that it’s better or worse, but we have a very tall bed.)
Husband: Um, don’t you think she would get hurt if she fell off the bed.
Toddler Boy: Let’s find out!

Dinner Table Talk

I made some beef stew (for the first time ever, by the way, and it was good) and my husband put A-1 sauce on it. Ew, right? He puts freaking condiments on everything. Anyway, he wanted me to try it. I resisted and said “No, thanks.” Husband said, “Just try it.” To prove a point to Toddler Boy, I did. A few moments later, Toddler Boy was eating a fruit bar.

Toddler Boy: Mama, want to try this fruit?
Me: No, thanks. I know what it tastes like. It’s yummy and it’s yours.
Toddler Boy: C’mon, mama, jus’ try it.
Me: No, thanks.
Toddler Boy: Mom, try one bite. It won’t kill you.

More Dinner Talk

This one is great. Toddler Boy wasn’t eating his dinner but wanted some chocolate. Surprise, surprise. My husband said, “Buddy, finish eating your chicken and you can have some chocolate.” A few minutes passed and Toddler Boy didn’t eat his chicken.

Toddler Boy: Can I has some chochit now?
Husband: No. Do you remember what I told you to do to get chocolate?
Toddler Boy (after an extended blank stare): Can I have chocit now?
Husband: No. What do you have to do to get chocolate?
This back-and-forth repeated several times.
Toddler Boy: Dada, you’re wasting my time. Just give me some chocit, please.

At least he said please.

Has your kid said anything crazy lately?

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