*Giveaway Closed*

Congratulations, Audra!

Comment #34 Chosen by Random.org

Thank you to everyone who entered and a huge thank you  to Goblin Kids for sponsoring this great giveaway and for giving our readers the opportunity to win a gift card towards some great safe kids’ products!

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Goblin Kids, not that isn’t kids dressed up for Halloween, but a toy company that has offered to sponsor a $25 Gift Card Giveaway for the next two weeks! They has some fabulously cute toys! By the way, I asked Saza Carruthers, Owner of Goblin Kids how she came up with the name for her company and this is what she said,

I wanted to associate the name of my company with my childhood (since I grew up in Europe and was starting a business specializing in European toys). The first thing that came to mind was that children’s stories and fairy tales commonly had goblins in them, much more so than here, so I thought it was a cute idea for a name that had some ties to Europe.”

Goblin Kids

Goblin Kids specializes in safe toys, often of European origin, that are made from natural materials such as fabrics and wood, coated with water based, non-toxic paints and lacquers. They carry a large selection of educational toys that encourage the development of fine motor skills as well as other early learning skills.

They have a large number of Haba toys (a popular German toy company). The Sakrada building blocks http://www.goblinkids.com/sakrada-building-blocks-from-haba.html are very popular and make a great first block set for toddlers.

Goblin Kids say another very popular brand is Jellycat, a British manufacturer of stuffed animals. They just recently started carrying their Cordy Roy line which has become an instant hit. A very popular one is the Dachshund http://www.goblinkids.com/cordy-roy-dachshund-15-from-jellycat.html.

You can find the rest of them at http://www.goblinkids.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=cordy+roy&x=0&y=0.

Kathe Kruse is another German manufacturer that offers a great selection of hand crafted plush dolls, all made in Germany. It’s a bit pricier of a brand since all their toys are hand crafted (to a large degree) and made in Germany, amazing quality. Their new line of 18″ cloth dolls made of 100% cotton and wool is adorable. The dolls’ clothing is removable and reversible to let children create their own combinations. They also have long hair that’s fun to braid and play with. Don’t they look wonderful? The 3 that they have released so far can be found at:

Cloth Doll May 18″ from Kathe Kruse

Cloth Doll April 18″ from Kathe Kruse

Cloth Doll June 18″ from Kathe Kruse

Soooo…….you wanna win?

TO ENTER:

Leave a comment telling me what you’d like to buy with the $25.00 gift card from Goblin Kids.

Extra Optional Entries: (Leave 1 comment for each extra entry.)

1 Entry: Follow @fashionablebaby on Twitter (include your Twitter name in comment!)

1 Entry: Follow http://twitter.com/GoblinKids on Twitter (include your Twitter name in comment!)

1 Entry: (per day) Tweet about this contest. Leave 1 comment for each tweet with the link to tweet.

GIVEAWAY! Enter to $25 Gift Card Giveaway from Goblin Kids! @fashionablebaby http://bit.ly/25-gift-card-giveaway-from-goblin-kids Please RT!

1 Entry: Become a fan of The Fashionable Bambino on Facebook

3 Entries for: Become a fan of Goblin Kids on Facebook.
1 Entry: Subscribe To The Fashionable Bambino’s RSS Feed
5 Entries: Blog about this contest and link back to this post and Goblin.

(Note: You must leave 1 comment per entry. Extra entries will not be counted unless you leave a comment for each one.)

Sometimes our spam catcher is a little over zealous and will snag your comments if you leave multiple comments very quickly, one after another. I recommend waiting a minute between each comment. If the spam catcher gets you anyway, don’t worry! Your comments have still been submitted, they are just being held for moderation. I approve them as quickly as possible. If you are very concerned about this issue, you may email me and let me know what the problem is.

Details

Contest runs from February 22th-March 8th. Last chance to enter is March 8th at 11:59pm ET. A winner will be contacted on or before March 15th, 2010 and asked for full name, along with their mailing address. Goblin Kids will be providing the $25 Gift Card to the winnner. If no response is given within 48 hours, a different winner will be chosen, so please be sure to check your email. Must be 18 or older to enter. Contest only open to the USA!

With news headlines stating that the Zhu Zhu pets are unsafe, we thought we would post this list of toy safety tips that just came through today….just in time for the holidays when many children will be receiving new toys as gifts.

Toy Safety Tips by Malcolm Denniss: Technical Director for SGS Consumer Testing Services

1. The most important aspect of buying gifts for children (whether for holidays or birthdays) is to make sure the toy or game is age-appropriate for the child. Nearly every toy or game will list the appropriate age on the box. The guidelines were developed by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission and Toy Industry Association, and take into account the typical ability of children to handle certain toys. Buying toys for children that are younger than the indicated age, even though we think a child may grow into it or is capable may lead to inappropriate play patterns and hazards that a child is not yet prepared for.

2. Children are naturally excited to play with new toys at holiday times, often in a robust and possibly in an overly enthusiastic manner. It is important that parents periodically check their children’s toys for any damage or breakage, which could create sharp edges or a choking hazard. If a toy looks damaged, take it away! If necessary, contact the manufacturer to verify that it is still safe to play with.

3. While toy shopping during the holidays, check recall notices at the toy or department store to verify none of child’s existing toys have been recalled and are still in your child’s room or toy box.

4. If you are buying toys for nephews, nieces, or other children that you may not see on a regular basis, it is always a good idea to check with the parents and make sure you know what they think is appropriate for the child, particularly for very young children where maturity can vary significantly. Be particularly careful when buying for children under the age of three years. This age group often still puts toys in their mouths, so check the front of the toy package to see if the toys have small parts before buying.

5. Teach kids outdoor and indoor play safety. It’s important to teach them to not play ball games near roadways and to always look where they are running if the ball goes outside the play area. Never let them play near roads and areas where automobiles are driving. Do not let them play with flying toys indoors where they can not only knock over fragile decorations but can also hit bystanders.

Photo courtesy of Public Domain Pictures.

Do you have children who love to do puzzles? Then this review is for you!

We received this puzzle to review and our children absolutely love it! It is not just a traditional puzzle, as it adds an element of challenge with its different cuts and sizes of puzzle pieces and the colors used – lots of Blue Ocean! This puzzle will keep children entertained for awhile.

Most children love animals and ours are no exception. With the GeoPuzzle, various members of my crew can be seen taking ownership of each animal in the puzzle and then announcing they will put together that particular section where their animal is located. Each animal rests on the continent in which it lives, teaching children not only the country of origin of the animals, but also the continents of the world. The GeoPuzzle is both entertaining and educational.

The puzzle pieces are made of recycled material, which is great for the environment. However, the puzzle pieces did not stand the test of time in our home (with seven children). A few of the puzzle pieces had their tabs bent before the end of the first day. That could be because a certain young boy, being too young to assist with the puzzle, was found helping anyway. The pieces seem to be pretty sturdy, so my advice is to keep younger helpers (younger than the recommended age) away from the puzzle while older children enjoy their new puzzle, unless you will be present to guide and direct little hands and fingers.

This puzzle has fast become a favorite in our home and continues to be a challenge to our children.

Photo Compliments of The Gould Family. Copyright©2009 by Theresa Gould

More about GeoPuzzle Animals:

GEO Toys GeoPuzzle Animals. Ages 4+, $14.95. GeoPuzzles make learning world geography fun! As children assemble this 68-piece puzzle, they learn which animals are found on which continents. Made in Germany. This puzzle and more may be purchased at www.Maukilo.com

The Fashionable Bambino was offered an invitation to receive a Madeline doll and book to review in celebration of Madeline’s 70th Anniversary. Of course, we obliged them and took them up on their offer. Certain little girls will love the new plush, dressable Madeline. I personally know of a little lady who was immensely surprised and pleased in opening the UPS package that arrived at our door yesterday, especially since she did not know it would be arriving.

The Madeline doll is soft, cuddly and perfect for little hands to carry around easily without any bulkiness. She comes with a removable blue coat that has Velcro closures in front. Her red plaid dress is also removable, as are her bloomers/panties. Her hat, socks and shoes are securely fastened – making it easier to keep track of accessories! No more lost doll socks and shoes! There are more outfits available for this sweet little doll. There is an interesting little surprise marking on Madeline, can any of you guess what it is? I wasn’t the one to find it either!

The book Madeline and the Cats of Rome by John Bemelmans Marciano is written in the style the Madeline series is known for with its rhyming story. It shows Madeline’s bravery and commitment to doing what is right – a very amiable trait to present and retain in children’s literature in today’s world. Most adult fans of Madeline will love the old charm that is characteristic of Madeline and children love her no matter what because she is charming and delightful as always.
If you are interested in purchasing either of these products or any of the other 70th Anniversary items that Kids Preferred have available please visit www.liveandlearn.com or www.ticastoys.com

As per the request of Kids Preferred , since they love seeing children with their product…here’s a photo of my daughter with her new Madeline doll just after we opened it:

Photo Compliments of Theresa Gould. Copyright © 2009 by Theresa Gould

Are you cautious about your children’s toys after the lead paint scare in the ever-popular toy – Thomas the Tank? Wouldn’t you love to be assured that your child is playing with a toy that does not have the potential to harm them? Green Toys is a company that provides toys that contain no PBA, no phthalates and no lead paint! Their toys are made out of recycled milk jugs! And the manufacturing, packaging etc. is all done right here in the USA. This company appears to be the perfect eco-friendly counterpart of Little Tikes or any other big toy company.

Green Toys are safe, non-toxic and conform to the requirements of the ASTM Standard Consumer Safety Specification on Toy Safety, F963. Their packaging is even made from 100% recycled materials.

These “green” toys are sturdy, appealing (colorful and bright) and kid -friendly. We have the Indoor Gardening Kit, so I have some practical experience with them.
There are an equal amount of toys for girls and boys; and, as always, brothers and sisters seem to play with each other’s toys, at least while they are small. As they get older, the gender of a toy seems to matter more.

Here is the Recycling Truck ($19.95-$25.00) and Tool Set ($16.95-$25.00) for the boys:

The Tea Set ($19.95-$25.00) and the Jump Rope ($9.99) have appeal for many girls:

The price varies according to the store. Amazon seemed to have the best prices from the 2-3 stores that I looked at. You may check the “Where to Buy” page of Green Toys to find a store near you at the link below: http://www.greentoys.com/buy/index.html

To see the other “green” toys visit http://www.greentoys.com/toys.html

Looking for beautiful, classic, and affordable gifts for the kids on your summertime birthday list? Mudpuppy delivers with puzzles, sticker sets, games, and accessories you’ll be proud to give!

Don’t even bother trying to go out on Black Friday. It’s going to be INSANE!!! Instead, stay home and do your Christmas shopping online. Stay in your PJ’s all day, have fun with your family, and get great deals on popular items, all from the comfort of your home computer. Sweeeeet!

Here’s the most popular toys:

• Spin Master Battle Arena for $29.99
• FurReal Friends My Lovin' Pup – Biscuit for $149.99
• VTech Kidizoom Camera – Pink for $59.99
• Badger Toys Doll Crib with Cabinet for $39.99
• Star Wars: The Clone Wars Ultimate Lightsaber for $34.99
• Jump Smart Trampoline for $49.99
• Fisher-Price Smart Cycle for $99.99
• Air Hogs Zero Gravity Radio-Controlled Sports Car – Black for $29.99
• Fisher-Price Elmo Live for $59.99

Fairfax, VA (June 16, 2008) – Stories passed one from generation to generation are treasured by a few lucky souls. In Virginia, two granddaughters decided to bring their Nana’s charming story character, Nana Star, to life with a picture book series lovingly illustrated, written and published by three generations.

Grandmother Elizabeth Owens, matriarch of the family, created the character Nana Star out of a great love for her little grandson, Vance, with a desire to give him sense of home wherever he was. Today, the whole family hopes to extend that same love and feelings of belonging to children everywhere, in dedication to Vance, who now dances among the stars.
“We developed our grandmother’s vision of Nana Star into a sweet, very simple, very edifying picture book series,” explained Elizabeth Sills, co-founder of the ee (pronounced double e) publishing and production company, the laugh-friendly company®. “The book has a more old-fashioned feel in order to promote traditional values such as kindness, generosity and compassion.” Adds her sister and business partner, Elena Patrice, fondly, “At the same time we wanted to remind children, as our grandmother reminded Vance, of how special and loved they are, no matter what. We hope that the stories cultivate young imaginations and inspire character all at the same time!”

Each Nana Star book includes an accompanying audio CD with the storybook and a sing-along song. To make the book a little more interactive, the authors have included a spelling mistake in each book and encourage readers to find it and send them a postcard with the correction. Children are then eligible to receive an 8×10 photo of the Nana Star costumed character and become an honorary member of the Nana Star Little Twinkles Club. The Club is expanded on its website, www.NanaStar.com, where language arts activities for emerging readers are offered.

Currently, young readers can enjoy two hardback books, Nana Star and second in a series, Nana Star and the Moonman. The books’ vintage-inspired illustrations have been drawn lovingly by Elena’s and Elizabeth’s mother (daughter of Nana) Linda Saker. Each story features engaging characters and old-fashioned values that make Nana Star a grand new classic for children. The adventure begins on an ordinary day when something extraordinary happens to a little girl in a blue princess dress with a twinkle in her eye and a heart full of love to share. She finds a tiny star in a pile of leaves and promises to bring him home – high up in the heavens.

Granddaughters Elizabeth and Elena knew that they wanted to make a difference in the world. Before their first book went to press, they created the Nana Star Foundation. The foundation is dedicated to raising funds for terminally ill children and heightening awareness of the problems facing children attending inner-city schools. The small company also donates hundreds of books to such causes as Toys for Tots and First Book.
The reviews from readers, sellers and parenting panels for Nana Star have been overwhelming, topped by a 2007 iParenting Media Award for its all-encompassing website which hosts the Little Twinkles Club.

Meet Nana Star
Lucky parents and children in the Washington DC area have been able to meet Nana Star when she visits schools, hospitals and libraries to the joy of Little Twinkles everywhere. Nana Star (ee’s own Elizabeth Sills) wears her blue princess dress and conducts storytime, singing, a language arts activity and if requested, a hug! Because community outreach is part of ee publishing & production’s corporate citizenship, Nana Star appearances are gratis. A donation to The Nana Star Foundation in lieu of an appearance fee is gratefully accepted. Visit their website, www.NanaStar.com, for details on booking a D.C. area appearance with Nana Star.

Shop Nana Star
The following items are currently in stock and available by calling 1-877-MY-NANASTAR or at amazon.com. For online ordering at the Nana Star website, click here.

Nana Star

First in a series, this book introduces Nana Star and the lost baby star she stumbles upon, making an ordinary day extraordinary.

Book comes with bonus audio CD that includes The Nana Star Song performed by Nashville singer/songwriter Tricia Walker.

Price: $15.95

Buy It: NanaStar.com or Amazon.com

Nana Star & the Moonman

Second in a series, a comforting message about friendship and faith shines through this book for young readers who may not like the dark or are feeling lonely.

The enclosed bonus audio CD includes The Moonman Song perform

Price: $15.95

Buy It: NanaStar.com or Amazon.com

All boxed up for gift giving, a combination of hardcover book, and a soft Nana Star doll or Moonman plush. A 10% discount when you buy th
Nana Star Plushies Moonman and Nana Star, available now.

Moonman Lovey, a soft character doll whose head glows like the light of the moon and plays music

Price: $19.99

Buy It: NanaStar.com

Nana Star, a plush character doll carrying Baby Star on a branch, just like in the story

Price: $21.99

Buy It: NanaStar.com

A third plushie, Blue Wolf, a plush, stuffed animal that softly howls when his foot is pressed, is also expected later this summer.

To learn more about Nana Star, go to www.NanaStar.com.

Plus, you can use code is FASHIONABLE10 for 10% off through 8/31, on either doll that comes with its book. That means you get 10% off the already-discounted combination price! That coupon code is exclusive to only our readers though!!!

The Fashionable Bambino loves Nana Star! She carries her doll around everywhere and is in love with the story. She even likes to sit and look at the pictures all by herself. I think the stories are wholesome and hold great values. We highly recommend Nana Star!