30 Days of Toys! A Toy A Day in November

by Kate on October 31st, 2010  |  5 Comments  |  30 Days of Toys, Shopping

November is all about holiday shopping. And, if you read The Shopping Mama chances are you are shopping for a child of some age so we are putting on our thinking caps Santa hats to bring you 30 Days of Toys. Every day in November we will feature the best toys for the holidays. Our goal is to bring unique, affordable, thoughtful and downright FUN toys. We’ll tell you the recommended age, why we like it and where you can buy it. Short and to the point so you can get to the important stuff. Like crossing people off your “to buy” holiday list.

The point is to provide you with some ideas and options you may not have found or discovered on your own. And we’d love to help with YOUR shopping challenge. If you would like a toy suggestion for a child on your shopping list, please leave a comment with the age, price range (ie stocking stuffer, $20, big “wow” present, etc) and perhaps gender and we’ll find a toy for you!

Happy Shopping!

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You can see all the best toys for the holidays by clicking here.

Dinosaur Train Costumes: Fun for Halloween and Beyond

by Kate on October 30th, 2010  |  5 Comments  |  Life, Reviews

My husband gives me a hard time every year about how much I spend on Halloween costumes (even though it’s a totally reasonable amount, I might add). My theory is that while Halloween is only once a year, kids love to play dress up so really you’re investing in something that can be used year round for as long as it will fit your little one (or their little sibling). We have a new costume to add to our dress up collection – and it’s a good one! My son just received a Buddy the T-Rex Costume so he can dress up like the character from Dinosaur Train.

Dinosaur Train has been in the Halloween spirit all week. In case you missed some of the fun on the Spooktacular episodes of this PBS animated series, you can check out a video from the Henson Company.


Dinosaur Train Costumes

If you want to shop ahead for next year or add to your dress up chest, you can take home Buddy the T-Rex and Tiny the Pteranodon. Each costume includes a jumpsuit, dinosaur hood and shoe covers. The costumes are available for toddlers ages 3-4, and children between the ages of 4-6. My son is wearing the Toddler 3-4 and I’d say the fit is a little small so order up to maximize the dress up opportunities. The suggested retail price is $34.99 and the costumes can be found at Spencer Gifts, boutiques nationwide and Amazon.

If you’re the crafty type, the Jim Henson Creature Shop has directions to Make Your Own Buddy Costume. And, for the sewing-machine challenged, there’s even a no-sew option.

My Buddy

Even though my son didn’t wear this when we went trick or treating the other night, he has worn it around the house every day. He even put on the costume when we got to Skype with my husband today.

As cute as the costume looks from the front, my son is most impressed by the tail. He has been known to chase the tail like a cat chases its tail.

Shop! Head over to Amazon to pick up a Dinosaur Train Buddy or Tiny costume. Or stop by the craft store and make your own. Happy Halloween!


Disclosure: We received a Dinosaur Train costume.

The Science of Aging & Prevention (Since There’s No Fountain of Youth): Eucerin Skin FIRST Giveaway

by Kate on October 30th, 2010  |  5 Comments  |  Giveaways

October’s Skin FIRST Movement Update is all about learning the science of aging and how to keep your skin healthy and, in turn, help prevent premature wrinkling and spots. Those little wrinkles sneak up on me. I think my skin still looks it did when I was 18, and then I take a close look in the mirror. And, holy heck, where is the info on premature wrinkling?!

What Causes Aging?

Skin is composed of two main layers, the epidermis and the dermis, with an insulating layer of fat below, called the subcutis. The dermis provides a network of collagen and other connective tissue elements that act like a scaffold that helps to maintain firm, flexible skin. As you age, the collagen network is diminished and your dermis holds less water.

What does this mean for you? Sagging and wrinkles! So what can you do to help prevent premature aging? :;Yes, please tell ME!::

How to Prevent Premature Aging

Put it out, seriously. Smoking affects more than just your lungs. It results in poor circulation, brown spots and wrinkles. Many of the 4,000 plus chemicals in tobacco smoke can damage our collagen and elastin when absorbed into the skin. These fibers give skin strength and elasticity, so when you’re smoking, you’re getting sags and wrinkles (and giving them to other people too!).

Wear sunscreen. We know you’ve heard this one before but we just can’t stress enough how important it is. Sunscreen is one of the most effective ways to help prevent wrinkles. UVA rays can penetrate into the dermis of the skin and are the primary cause of chronic sun-induced damage like premature skin aging. These rays (or ultraviolet light from tanning booths) are toxic to your skin. They increase production of free radicals and trigger cellular changes that can lead to wrinkles, brown spots, sunburn and dryness, or serious diseases like cancer.

Moisturize. Moisturize. Moisturize. Extreme changes in temperature and humidity can damage the skin. Cold and dry air saps water from our skin, leaving it dry and flaky while hot and humid air can lead to drier, unhealthy skin. Much of this climatic impact on skin can be prevented with moisturizing cream. Eucerin’s new Daily Skin Balance Skin Fortifying Body Lotion and Hand Crème strengthens the skin’s protective barrier against external elements and enhances skin health while providing 24 hour moisture.

Eat Well. You are what you eat. Limit your consumption of low-fiber, high-sugar carbohydrates (hold off on the ice cream, people). A diet composed of fruits and vegetables, lean protein, high-fiber grains, low-fat dairy and poly- and monounsaturated fats that is low in red meat, saturated fats and sugar, will help maintain your skin’s health.

Use these tips to put your SKIN First so you will look your best now and hopefully twenty years from now! Take the Skin First Pledge to gain access to skin health and beauty updates that you can share with your friends.

Shop! You can find Eucerin products in many local stores as well as online at Amazon.

Win! A Eucerin Prize Package, including moisturizing gloves, Eucerin Plus Smoothing Essentials Lotion and Intense Repair Hand Crème.

How to Enter: Watch this short video: Skin Truth by Eucerin on The Doctors and tell us what is the 2nd condition that incidental sun-exposure can cause?

Bonus Entries – valid only after completing the first required entry. Please leave a separate comment for each you do.

Giveaway ends November 12 – open to US residents.

Disclosure: Thanks to Eucerin for providing me with a goody bag and one for the giveaway prizes. Others may have a different experience. Opinions are my own.

TGIF: Coupons, Sales & Discounts

by Kate on October 29th, 2010  |  5 Comments  |  Deal & News Roundup, Weekly Features

Pssst… The Get What You Wish Sale Is Getting Better

Get What You Wish Sale at Hanna Andersson - 20% Off Nearly Every Item!

Starting Monday, November 1 in addition to 20% off most items at Hanna Andersson, you will also get Free Shipping on all orders over $100. I’ll remind you of this sale on Monday, but check out Hanna Andersson Swedish-Inspired Clothing for Kids & Babiesnow and start planning your shopping.

Weekend Sales

Step2: Shop the Scary Sale and get $0.99 shipping and 25% off some great toys for the holidays. Or, use the code S2HALLOWEEN for 15% off your entire purchase of regularly priced items. Expires October 31.

Blurb: Make a book online and save 25% with the code BOOKIFY. Expires November 2.

Gymboree: Triple Play Discounts expire October 31.

Exclusive Discount Codes

basq: Save 20% with SHOPPINGMAMA20 at basqnyc.com. Expires October 31.

Box Creations: Use code 101310 for $10 off your purchase.

The Crazy Dazy: 10% off with code SHOPPINGMAMA.

Private Sale Sites

(Click link for an invitation)

* Totsy: Lots of GREAT toys: Hape (Educo My Rooftop Garden House, $60, pictured right), Green Toys, Steiff, ImagiPlay.

* Zulily: Step2, Paulina Quintana and Good Lad Girls & Boys clothes for kids, HALO SleepSacks, Boot Scoot Bikes and more! Cash Back Tip – click through ShopAtHome.com for 6% rebate on your purchase.

* The Mini Social: Inglesina Strollers, Bambeeno Cashmere (read our review!).

* HauteLook: Kee-Ka Organics, Da-Nang Kids, 191 Unlimited Kids.

Birthday Party Planning: Vote for Your Favorite Birthday Shirts

by Kate on October 29th, 2010  |  5 Comments  |  All Things Birthday, Life, Party Planning

It’s time to kick the party planning into high gear! The big day is only 5 weeks away and since I hope to use a lot of handcrafted products there is no time to spare.

Winning Theme

Thank you to everyone who voted for your favorite party theme. The theme you picked is…

Barnyard Bash Birthday Party

Yee haw! The party will be slightly different than originally envisioned because we moved and no longer live near the Stables where I planned to have the bash. But, weather permitting, there will still be pony rides and a petting zoo – in OUR yard! Crazy.

Barnyard Bash Birthday Party Shirts

I am excited to call on the creative services of my friend Jenny at The Funky Bee to make birthday shirts for the kids. Things to keep in mind when picking your favorite shirt: the theme is Barnyard Bash and invitations will be Around the Barn from Sweet Paper Lane. Also remember that these are sample graphics – the fabric will coordinate with the theme and all will be embroidered with my kid’s names.

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Barn Tee for him and Cow Tee for her (perhaps with black instead of brown for a true cow print look)

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Cowboy Tee for him and Pony Tee for her

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Number 4 Tee for him and Number 2 Tee for her – both in COW print, candle flame optional

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4 Candles Tee for him and Birthday Hat Tee for her – both in COW print with red accents

Vote for Your Favorite

Now it’s up to you! What set of birthday shirts should I customize?

[poll id="8"]

I’d love to know what you voted for and if you have any color or print suggestions.

Gigantic Fun with Schleich Giganotosaurus: Review + Giveaway

by Kate on October 29th, 2010  |  5 Comments  |  Giveaways, Reviews, Toys

When we got the opportunity to share Schleich products throughout the fall, I was really excited. I love the quality and detail of the figures and that they encourage my son to use his imagination. And, when the box of awesome figurines arrived, it was time for my son to be really excited. As you know, he’s kind of a dinosaur freak and he literally squealed when he saw Giganotosaurus.

Meet Giganotosaurus

Potentially more powerful than T-Rex, Giganotosaurus was about forty feet long, weighing in at eight tons. Featuring small spikes and broad spots on its back, this dinosaur was very distinct in appearance. Feeding on plant feeders, Giganotosaurus had three claws at the end of his short arms. Scientists suspect that Giganotosaurus could sprint swiftly thanks to its slim tail which was held up, unlike other dinosaurs.

Prehistoric Fun with Giganotosaurus

I’ve mentioned before that I have to plan our shopping trips to Target around the Schleich toy aisle. If I need to encourage my son to behave a little better, we visit the aisle early and he can pick a small figurine to keep him occupied and then take home. If the bribery purchase in not in the plans, I have to avoid the Schleich display all together because he’ll be desperate to get his hands on something. My point? Most of the Schleich toys I’ve encountered are small, like the size of my hands, but the Giganotosaurus is anything but small.

Like the Schleich Airplane, the dinosaur is larger than average Schleich toys. Giganotosaurus is 8 inches tall and about 12.5 inches from crazy teeth to end of pointy tail. The toy is actually modeled on a 1:40 scale and created in conjunction with the Berlin museum – it even comes with a tiny person so you can see how big the dinosaur would be compared to people. I think the size makes it easier for my son to play with, and I think that because it’s bigger he plays with it more often than some of his smaller dinosaur figures. Like all Schleich figures, the level of detail is impressive and pretty incredible for what is essentially a toy in our house. I can understand why people collect these – they really are cool.

So cool, in fact, that my son likes to have a “Roar off” with him. It’s kind of like a face off, but it involves roaring loudly.

To Buy or Not to Buy

To Buy… Dinosaurs are all the rage these days and the realistic prehistoric animals like Giganotosaurus are a great way to encourage imaginative play. And, it doesn’t hurt that your little one is getting a realistic – not cartoonized – idea of what dinosaurs looked like.

Or Not to Buy… The Giganotosaurus is kind of intense – lots of teeth and spikes. So, younger dino fans might be a little frightened and it might be a bit much.

Shop! Schleich has a lot of awesome Dinosaur action figures in a range of prices. The Giganotosaurus is $33.99 and can be purchased at Amazon and look for it where Schleich toys are sold.

Win! A Schleich Giganotosaurus Dinosaur!

How to Enter: Visit Schleich and leave a comment with another animal toy you’d love to own.

Bonus Entries - valid only after the required entry. Please leave a separate comment for each you do.

  • Follow The Shopping Mama on Twitter tweet this giveaway. You may do this every day, just leave a link every time you do.
    Imaginative prehistoric play with the Schleich Giganotosaurus – review and giveaway @TheShoppingMama http://bit.ly/abYqxP
  • “Like” The Shopping Mama on Facebook. Leave an extra comment if you Share or Like this post on your Facebook.
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Giveaway ends November 12. Open to US & Canadian residents.

Disclosure: Thanks to Schleich for providing sample products for the purpose of this review and the giveaway prize. Others may have a different experience. Opinions are my own.

ShopAtHome.com Shopping Challenge: My Haul from Target.com

by Kate on October 28th, 2010  |  5 Comments  |  Shopping

The Challenge: See how far I can stretch $50 at Target.com by combining coupon codes, free shipping offers and Cash Back through ShopAtHome.com.

You know I was up for the challenge. I love Target – more than anyone should - and I particularly like it when I can save some money and earn cash back just by shopping. I focused on stuff for our new home deals listed on ShopAtHome.com. One for free shipping on select home items, and 10% off select home items when you spend $100.

The Result: I think I did pretty well – I saved $15.23!

Here’s what I purchased:

  • $104.97 Cost of items
  • - $10.48: 10% off for spending $100
  • - $4.75: cash back from ShopAtHome.com
  • = $89.75 for my items! Savings of $15.23!

Unfortunately, I didn’t get enough from the bullseye free shipping to qualify for that so I had to pay shipping. The best part, as far as I’m concerned is that I earned $4.72 cash back from ShopAtHome.com just for having the toolbar installed on my computer. (If you don’t have the toolbar, you can click through the Target deals page at ShopAtHome.com to earn cash back on your purchases.)

I am pretty confident I could have saved more money, particularly if I’d stuck to the free shipping items, but I have a “to buy” list a mile long after the move. The challenge was a good way to cross some of those items off my list and earn cash back at the same time!

Shop! If you’re not already a member, register with ShopAtHome.com so you can earn cash back while you shop online!

Win! You can have a Target.com Shopping Spree of your own. Make sure you enter the $50 Target gift card giveaway – it ends tomorrow!

I received a Target.com gift card to facilitate the Shopping Challenge. I went above and beyond and made a donation to Target from my own wallet.

Meet BIGFOOT: A BIG Toy for the Holiday Season

by Kate on October 28th, 2010  |  5 Comments  |  Reviews, Toys

I will be the very first to admit that when I first saw Imaginext’s BIGFOOT in the Target store I was a little puzzled. Not by the big remote control action figure – because I totally get that. In fact, we bought last year’s holiday Imaginext creature; Spike the Dinosaur was all my son wanted for Christmas and Santa delivered. A dinosaur I get. Kids loves dinosaurs. But, BIGFOOT? I wasn’t convinced. Do kids  want to play with BIGFOOT. It just seemed a little out there. Until BIGFOOT arrived at our door. And, oh my gosh, he.is.pure.AWESOME.

Meet BIGFOOT

Imagine… a little monster with a BIG personality! That’s BIGFOOT! He’s happy. He’s angry. He’s sleepy. He’s fun. He talks and walks and throws a ball, chews and burps and exercises! And kids can bring him to life with an easy-to-use wireless remote control. The symbols on the buttons show you what BIGFOOT will do when you push them — no reading required!

BIGFOOT Specifications

  • BIGFOOT dimensions: 6.5″L x 14.5″W x 12.3″H
  • BIGFOOT includes one (7.2Volt) NiMH rechargeable battery and battery charger.
  • Remote Control requires 2 AA alkaline batteries.

BIGFOOT the Monster… Lives!

First things first, I have to tell you that BIGFOOT makes me giggle. If you watch the video below (and listen carefully), you can hear me trying to muffle my laughter. It’s actually kind of embarrassing because this toy? Is intended for 3 to 8 year olds but entertains me to no end. Although, I know I’m not the only adult who enjoys BIGFOOT. We took the Monster to my husband’s work a few weeks ago and all the Air Force folks were standing around in their uniforms totally cracking up at the toy’s antics.

BIGFOOT is controlled by a foot-shaped remote control with large easy to understand buttons. You can push a button for a short action, or hold it down for extended chanting and action. Some of the coolest motions and actions include throwing a ball, singing, flipping over, walking backwards and mock-lifting weights.

While it’s really miserable when my kids throw a temper tantrum, it’s totally hysterical when BIGFOOT does it. He literally pound and kicks the floor as if he’s mimicking a certain 3 year old in my house.

In addition to moving and walking, BIGFOOT does a lot of talking. He asks if you want to play when you turn him on, announces he’s angry, sings and even snores. Not all BIGFOOT’s phrases are just for fun. When his rechargeable battery is low, he lets you know by moaning, “Looooow Batterrrry.” And, then I know it’s time to plug him in quickly so he can return to action. Because my kids go through phases where they like to take him everywhere. Even to the bathroom.

Video: Watch BIGFOOT in Action

To Buy or Not to Buy

To Buy… BIGFOOT is definitely a winner. The toy has entertained the kids, me, my husband’s coworkers… just about everyone who has played with him is immediately smitten. This is a great toy for Christmas morning – it will delight and entertain and certainly make your child happy. BIGFOOT’s personality is BIG and with so many actions and phrases, you won’t soon bore of his antics.

Or Not to Buy… BIGFOOT is a bit pricey for a toy. It’s definitely an investment toy. Based on our experience with Spike (who my children still play with on a regular basis), I do think it has staying power if you can afford it.

Shop! BIGFOOT the Monster from Fisher-Price’s Imaginext company is available in stores nationwide and at online retailers with a suggested retail price of $112.99. It’s currently on sale at Amazon for $90.99 with Free Shipping. You can also keep up with BIGFOOT on Facebook.

What do you think of BIGFOOT?

Thanks to Fisher-Price for providing a sample product for the purpose of this post.