A Few of My Favorite Things: eeBoo Puzzle Pairs

The gals here at Kid Buy Products are going to take the rest of this week off to finish up all our last minute shopping and spend time with our families, but I wanted to share one last favorite with you just in case you're still looking for your last minute gifts: eeBoo Puzzle Pairs. I'd kind of forgotten about our Puzzle Pairs because Nadia has outgrown them, but over the weekend I got the opportunity to spend some really fantastic quality time with Isaac for the first time in a long time, and we pulled the Baby Animals puzzle out and played with it for a good 20 minutes, and he loved it! The pieces are easy enough for him to put together, and the puzzles are great for developing language skills in toddlers as well as really broadening their vocabulary. We also have the Opposites Simple Puzzle Pairs which Nadia got when she was closer to three, and she loved it just as much as the Baby Animals puzzle she loved at two. Yes, the recommended age is 3+ on all the puzzles, but I think there's a lot of educational value to be gained from as young as 20 months or so.



I'm thinking about running out for a last-minute purchase of either the Rhyming Words Puzzle Pairs or the Simple Words Puzzle Pairs. I've sold a few extra things on Craigslist the last couple of days! If not, both are on Nadia's wishlist to remind when I need a gift idea for her next year!

I used to spend a bunch of time putting the puzzles back together and storing them in their respective boxes after we finished playing which was tricky because they have to fit in just right. Now I store them in those nifty Snap 'n Stack containers I raved about last week. It makes picking up SO much quicker, and Nadia can do the Opposites Puzzle while Isaac finishes his Animal Babies puzzle, but I only have to get out one box!

You can buy eeBoo Puzzle Pairs at many specialty toy stores. I would call ahead, just to be certain. And, at under $20, Puzzle Pairs are perfect for just about any toddler or preschooler on your list!

Happy Holidays!

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Review: Yubo Lunchbox

We have had the opportunity to review many great products here at KidBuyProducts! Some we grow to love over time as they prove their usefulness in a variety of situations or make life a little easier. But sometimes, you pull an item out of a box and you just know- I am going to love this thing! That is the way that I felt about the Yubo Lunchbox- I loved it when I first saw it on the Internet, I loved it more when it arrived at my house and I loved it even more when I used for the first, second and umpteenth time! Click on Read More for the full review of Yubo, my new favorite lunch-toting device!

The Basics
Yubo lunchboxes are designed to be versatile and stylish and eliminate the need for disposable stuff that typically goes into a lunchbox-- You can choose from three different container sizes- a sandwich sized one, a side dish sized one or little round cup ones, then you can mix and match to get the perfect combo for any given lunch. There are also a ton of different options for the faceplates, which are easily changeable and can also be personalized.
Official Review
Design**** and Functionality **** I am giving four stars in each of these categories, but am going to discuss them together because the awesome design and fantastic functionality of the lunchbox are so connected. It's like they read my mind! There are so many great features, it is hard to know where to start. The icepack is very flat and thin and fits right in the bottom, so that the coldness is evenly distributed. I love that the entire lunchbox comes apart so that each piece can be put in the dishwasher and I love that all of the little containers that fit perfectly inside. I am able to pack a full lunch for both kids (excluding drinks) in the Yubo and then once it is time to eat, I just take off the front and back faceplates and use them as little plates. I am not sure if that was the intention when they made them removable, but it works great for us!
Materials and Durability **** Four stars here, without hesitation. The Yubo is made of
BPA-free, recyclable plastic and has held up to my little guy's banging and tossing just fine! As I said, the entire thing can be disassembled and run through the dishwasher. There is also an anti-microbial agent which apparently inhibits the growth of bacteria. I am not entirely certainly what that means, but bacteria is bad, so I like the sound of it.
Price The standard lunchbox runs $21.95 on the Yubo website
and the deluxe version, which includes the icepack and three containers is $29.95. In my opinion that extra $8 is totally worth it for the containers and ice pack that fit perfectly!
Overall****

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Oooh..I want to try that....iCandy Stroller

I wanted to title this post, "Cool Stroller Alert" and put flashing lights and things up there so that no one would miss it. That seemed a bit much, but only a bit. This stroller is cool- very cool!
So here is the deal, if you are a mama of one and can't bring yourself to think of a second because you are so in love with your ______ (Fill in the blank with fancy stroller that you love, probably Bugaboo), and cannot find a suitable double stroller, our friends across the pond have a solution for you: The iCandy. And if you are in to stroller gazing, it is certainly eye candy!
We had the opportunity to play around with the iCandy Pear with the owner of a local store who was just as excited to be showing us the stroller as we were to have found it! (If you are local to Ann Arbor, or even within driving distance may I suggest that you head over to Elephant Ears in Kerrytown and see it for yourself! If not, you can Find A Dealer on the iCandy website)
First, the basics about the iCandy company:

They offer three models of strollers: The Cherry- This is their small, lightweight one. The Apple- They call this their "multi-mode system" not just for the many different ways the seats can be used, but also because it can be either a 4-wheeled stroller or an all-terrain three-wheeled jogger. And the Pear- This is basically the Apple with a conversion kit that you buy to turn it into a double. Of course, there are a whole line of accessories of the comfort of you and your little one(s) including: fleece footmuffs, parasol, cup holder, matching diaper bag, converter for the Graco Snugride Carseat, a travel bag, etc.
Now some of the unique and fabulous features of the Pear:

* It started out an Apple. Huh? I mean that for your first kiddo you buy the Apple and then if/when you need space for two, all you need is an upgrade kit, not a whole new stroller!

* There are 20 different combinations you can do with the seats, bassinets and carseat adapters for the this stroller--It can even hold two carseats!

* It has an extra large shopping basket- seriously- you could actually put stuff in there!

* The aluminum frame weighs just 22 lbs- not bad for such a multi-functional stroller.

* The handlebar is totally adjustable- makes us tall people happy!

* Did I mention how cool-looking it is!?

Okay, I am done raving. You are probably wondering about the price. Apparently, the iCandy is not allowed to be sold online and I cannot remember the exact price that we saw on it in the store, but I think I can safely say, be prepared to spend close $900 to get the Pear with all of the bells and whistles (bassinets, carseat adapters, etc. ) Expensive? Yep. Worth it? Let me know!

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Review and Giveaway: Snazzy Baby Travel Chair

I'm a HUGE fan of Phil and Ted's Me Too Portable Seat, but am always open to trying new options. The Snazzy Baby Travel Chair looked very interesting and more compact/portable than the Me Too.

My pal Janet reviewed something similar to it called "My Little Seat" last Spring, and this differs in that it doesn't have a back to slide over a chair. It simply has an adjustable strap to wrap around a chair back. I think that this is an advantage because you're not limited by the height of a chair. This also allows one to use it in a shopping cart, in a high chair, or in a booster chair for more restraint and safety.

Click on "Read More" for the full review and to learn how you can win one of your own!

Ratings based on a 4 star scale.

Materials/Durability *** 1/2: This is made of nylon/polyester. It does not contain Azo Dyes, Phthalates or Bisphenol-A and is formaldehyde free. The seat part that the baby sits on is cushioned and has a non-slip bottom that helps keep it in place. It can be machine-washed (gentle) and dried naturally.

The clips and straps seem strong and overall it seems very well-made and I expect it to have a very long life.

Design/Functionality ***: This is designed really well, the seat and carrying case are all-in-one, as it folds up into itself and has a carrying strap. It's super light-weight (7 oz) and measures

~ 6 1/2"L x 5" H x 3" D when it's folded up. And, because it's fabric it can be squished up more if need be...very compact and portable.

One change that I think would be handy is if they maybe color-coded the straps and/or buckles. Attaching it is really easy but the straps can get a little confusing as to what goes where.

The biggest downfall is that the child is down low. This was kind of an advantage since our 14 mo. old is so insistent on feeding herself. This was not an option and made for a cleaner feeding experience, but at this age it is better for them to be at the table level.

That's where the fact it can be used in conjunction with a high chair or booster seat comes in really handy. We used it with a booster at home and it worked great. Especially considering most public high chairs and booster seats either have no straps, the straps are broken, or there aren't enough of them to really keep the kids in place.

As for usage with a shopping cart, I've never opted for any of those gadgets. I can definitely see it being handy for those with super wiggle worms for additional safety. (Note that it's not designed to keep the germs away).

This is designed to accommodate a child that can support their head (~5 mo's) through 35lbs. (Although I doubt my 3 yr. old would allow me to use it on her)!

Style ***: Pretty cut and dry, it's available in red or navy and is purely for function. I personally don't need a lot of cute design options.

Price *** 1/2: I think it's a good value at $35. Less than the seats that attach to a table like Me Too. It's compact, versatile, and simple.

Overall *** 1/2: I don't like that it keeps kids low, but the fact that it can be used in conjunction with a high chair or booster seat sold me on it. The Snazzy Baby Travel Chair is a simple, clever design for safe eating away from home that is perhaps more compatible to different PUBLIC eating scenarios than my beloved Me Too. I emphasize public because I really think it needs to be used in unison with a booster or high chair to get the kiddos up to table level.

Snazzy Baby is offering one lucky Kid Buy Products reader the chance to win a Travel Chair or set of Baby Knee Pads of your choice. To enter the giveaway, all you have to do is visit their web site and tell us the product and color you'd like. All comments must be received by midnight on Wed. December 30, 2009. Winner must be 18+ and a resident of the United States. You can read the rest of our giveaway rules HERE. Good Luck!

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A Few of My Favorite Things: Snap 'n Stack Organizers by Snapware

As my daughter gets older and older, her toys get smaller and smaller. I'd like to say I hate them, but honestly, it just gives me the chance to reorganize! I love baskets and bins, and my new favorites are the Snap 'n Stack organizers. I picked up my first Snap 'n Stack at Jo Anns last summer after Nadia acquired her first Littlest Pet Shop set. It's sold as a ribbon organizer, but I find it perfect for storing LPS because it has a smaller bin and a larger bin. The animals go in the smaller bin and all the accessories in the larger bin. They both stack together with little clips that are easy enough for my kids to undo themselves, and the organizers have awesome little carrying handles, too. The organization makes it easier for Nadia to understand how to pick up her toys, and for me to get it done quickly when needed.
Last night, on my weekly Target browsing trip, I came across a 4-tier Holiday Snap 'n Stack. Right now, two of the bins are holding Nadia's new princess and playmat set that her great-grandma gave her and her new Playmobil wedding sets. She doesn't know it, but her little brother is giving her some Polly Pockets for Christmas which will fill up one of the other bins. I'm not sure what's going in the fourth right now, but I'm sure she'll I'll find some tiny toys to fit in it perfectly. The rectangular shape of the Snap 'n Stacks make them easy to store either on a shelf or in a bigger bin. Plus, you can mix and match and interchange all the rectangles, too!

Snapware markets these little organizational beauties as craft supply organizers, but for any parent of a child 3+, you know that having bins for all those tiny toys is essential. The only thing that would make them better? The color pink, of course!

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A Few of My Favorite Things: Cranium Cariboo

If you are still searching for the perfect gift for a preschooler or two in your life, I want to share with you my children's current obsession: Cranium Cariboo. I do not use the word "obsessed" lightly - they seriously love this game! In a house full of toys and games and puzzles and books, this is one that the kids go back to time and again. Although the age suggestions say 3 and up, it is my almost 2 year old who is most in love with Cariboo and is supported in learning colors, numbers, shapes and letters with it.
The basic idea is that there is a series of boxes with little bouncy balls hidden under some of them. On your turn, you draw a card, choose a box, matching either color, number, letter or shape, and then use the little key to open the box. If you don't find a ball, play moves to the next player. If you do find a ball, you shriek with joy (in my house anyway), take the ball out and place it in another little tunnel. Once all of the balls have been found, a little box "magically" opens to reveal your treasure: a little, shiny jewel. Yep, that's it. Bet you thought it was going to be more exciting than that, but nope. Sure, it is not the most engaging game for adults, but they love it so much that I am willing to play it any time. A couple of the features that I really like-- First, there are two levels of play- swapping out the cards on top of the boxes and the pile that you draw from lets you choose between beginner and advanced play. Also,I like the fact that everyone wins- Once the treasure is found, we all celebrate!
The best news is that it is on sale at Target right now for just $14.99. Great game, great price.

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A Few of My Favorite Things: Bogs Boots

When it comes time for winter attire each year, I take the mission very seriously! Not only do we live in Michigan, where it actually snows quite a bit each year, Lilly and Max also attend a preschool who will take them outside twice a day no matter what! Okay, if it is really raining or below zero, they will stay in, but other than that, those kiddos are out and about getting the much needed fresh air and exercise that their fabulous playground provides.
This year I took a very patient Lilly to four different stores to try out all of the boot options. Two of the stores that we tried sold these Bogs boots, so when she announced that she loved them the most two times in a row, I knew they were the ones! We may love them for slightly different reasons, but that is okay by me-- her reasons are just as good as mine. She says that she can run the fastest in them and I like the fact that they are completely waterproof and comfort rated to temps all the way down to -30F. She likes the cute pink dots and I like the fact that she can get them on by herself- nothing to snap, buckle, or tie! Okay, about the cost-- As you might have guessed, they are pretty expensive. Kid-sized Bogs are listed on the company site for $67. After clicking around for just a bit, I was able to find them for $58, which I was happy about, but it is still a lot for children's footwear. For us though, it is totally worth it given the amount that she is going to wear them, but if you are only headed out into a couple of inches of snow and only a couple of times this year, probably not the best deal. Even though the snow just started to fall here a couple of days ago, I am already a huge fan of these boots!

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