Toy Review: Tiny Toes Interactive Dolls by Playmates Next Best Interactive Toy - Holiday 2018 HOT TOY ALERT!

Keep your eyes peeled for what I predict to be the next hot toy, especially for the holidays! Brought to you by toy giants, Playmates, they are introducing the cutest babies this October called, Tiny Toes! Tiny Toes are sweet little babies that can fit in the palm of your hand and interact with your little ones via easy to learn gestures and motions. Tiny Toes responds to touch, light, and gentle motions to awaken with the cutest of responses - there are six sensors in all to make each movement and response totally seamless. Tiny Toes open and close their eyes, respond with endearing reactions, and also have articulating hips, gently posing them into a sleeping position to lull them to sleep, or sit your baby up for play time.

Ticklish Tess loves Unicorns

Laughing Luna loves bunnies.

Giggling Gabby loves pandas. 

Your own little one will beam with delight from their Tiny Toes doll when she blows kisses at you, she burps, plays peek-a-boo and more fun surprises! She toots, too! I know my kiddo is going to love that feature! Launching with an adorable and cuddly theme called Animal Love, each Tiny Toes doll has her own favorite animal or fantasy animal and is depicted in her sweet outfit. Giggling Gabby loves pandas, Ticklish Tess loves unicorns, and Laughing Luna loves bunnies! Tiny Toes are the perfect on the go toy, as they are small enough for the palm of your hand, and they will fit in mom’s handbag, too (when the kids can't hold their toys anymore, you know that noise!). Your kiddo's Tiny Toes will love the new adventures they go on, and I’m sure Tiny Toes will display this affection with laughter, precious movements, and kisses.

Tiny Toes babies are due this October! Check stores like Target, Walmart, and Amazon to bring home these little bundles! Geared for ages four and up, Tiny Toes are remarkably priced at just $14.99 each. Grab all three varieties when you can! 

I first saw these babies at Sweet Suite, and they were in their infancy. I didn't even take a photograph of them, though I wish I did! These babies will go faster than you can say the word "toes!" There is a live pre-order link on Amazon now, but it's double the price. Just keep your radar tuned in! 

Photos provided by Playmates and Amazon. I hope to get my own photos soon! Stay tuned to my blog and YouTube channel!

Toy Review: A New Christmas Friend...that you don't have to move each night...- Hug, Share Holiday Wishes with Reindeer in Here

Parents! Rejoice! Although I love moving around our Elf every night, I do forget, because I'm tired and human, so learning about the latest in Christmas traditions has got my heart ring-ting-ting-a-ling with such a clatter! 

Reindeer in Here is a new Christmas tradition that you and your children will love! Not only does it evoke the spirit of Christmas, but it also teaches such a valuable message. From the creative mind of father and writer, Adam Reed, not to mention President of Thinkfactory Media - the man behind some of my favorite must-see reality TV shows. Reindeer in Here takes you on the magical journey of a very different reindeer’s new special purpose. 

Don’t confuse this new tradition with the adventurous and mischievous Elf on the Shelf who cannot be touched in fear he will lose his magic, Reindeer in Here promotes hugs, play, and making new memories together. Reindeer in Here also promotes a very positive message of togetherness and the wonder of the holiday season, and a very simple and prolific message that: "being different is normal." Each Reindeer in Here comes in a beautifully designed gift box with an adorable plush Reindeer and a special book titled, Reindeer in Here A Christmas Friend, outlining instructions for parents and instructions for the kiddos once they receive their new Reindeer in Here. The book is cleverly and beautifully written in a very fun to read rhyme scheme by Reed, and the book is also colorfully illustrated by artist, Izzy Bean. After reading the story, be sure to go to the Reindeer in Here website and learning more about his friends like Cecilia (like sa-seal-ya who has a permanent smile), Zig and Zag (cross-eyed penguins), and more friends to get to know.

The story takes us back to the beginning of time where the celebration of Christmas first became a tradition with gifts. Santa Claus had no way of telling what little children wanted for their Christmas wishes (of course, modern technology allows him to “see” all, now!). Santa turned to his reindeer for advice, and only one sweet little reindeer stepped forward, and this little reindeer had uneven antlers and looked very different from his brothers and sisters who had larger, more pronounced antlers.

"Although we’re all reindeer, and look somewhat the same, like children we’re different beyond just our name,” says the little Reindeer in Here, which is such a true and precious statement. The book continues to talk about how even though some children may look different, we all have the same heart, and we all want to have our Christmas wishes fulfilled. 

The Reindeer in Here stays small for your child’s small hand, and his small size just makes it easier for him to hug. You can personalize your book by writing in your child’s name to make it extra special. At the end of the story, your kiddo can even name their new Reindeer in Here. Reindeer in Here arrives at beginning of December and leaves Christmas Eve with Santa Claus. Fluffy and intricately designed, his big blue eyes have that Christmas twinkle in them, and his soft fur is so cuddly! Be sure to stay tuned to our YouTube channel for a magical Christmas video coming soon. 

Reindeer in Here has already received The National Parenting Center Seal of Approval for 2018, among other prestigious awards like the 2018 Hot Diggity Dog Award, two awards in the Book and Preferred Choice categories for Creative Child Awards, and more! You can start your own Reindeer in Here tradition for $29.99 and can be purchased on Amazon, and in stores at Learning Express and in Hallmark stores, or you can go to www.ReindeerinHere.com to see which of your local stores carry this sweet holiday tradition in the making using their easy to use store finder. You should know that Amazon is slighty more expensive, but if you have Amazon prime, it's worth the extra cost to get your new Reindeer in Here in hand within two days!

Big thank you to Reindeer in Here for sending us a new way to get us in the holiday spirit! We are so happy to be a part of this amazing story - being different is normal! I can’t wait to share this magical tale with my little ones … when the time is right, of course. First, we must feast on candy for Halloween!

Video and Toy Review: Pop-Oh-Ver Play Sets Take Pretend Play to the Next Level with Creativity and Clean Up!

Every parent knows the struggle that is keeping a tidy house; I know this struggle all too well. We live in a cozy apartment that is chock full of kids stuff, so any kind of space saving product is welcomed, but many say they’ll save space and the product fails miserably. This is not the case with Pop-oh-ver! Pop-oh-ver is the amazing play set that turns your ordinary kitchen chairs into mini playsets for hours of open play and fun for your kiddos and you! Out of the box, you unfold the play-set, yes, I said unfold, and pop it over your standard kitchen or dining chair. The height ratio from child to the chair is actually perfect, and it’s just the right size for my five-year-old to cook, play, and just be silly! 

He could not wait to dig in!

Have you ever found yourself struggling to store the play food and utensils in the regular kitchen sets? Not only do they take up a ton of space, but they also don’t hold all of the “extra pieces.” I know this because we have a kitchen set that is supposed to fold up to like the size of a box - once folded, where do the extra pieces go? I’m left with a useless playset and a bunch of pieces that I don’t have room to store. This is why I love Pop-oh-ver! The play food is squishy plush, and the pots and pans tuck neatly in within one another. Plus once playtime is over, simply pop off the fabric play set, fold it up, and you can even fold up the play food and accessories within the set using the storage pockets (for the drawers and oven). 

There are two sets to choose from: the countertop set and the stove set (on sale now $39.95 each, popohver.com). The countertop set includes a shelf to store your mixing bowls, canned good toys, and even has drawers at the bottom for more storage. The countertop area is the actual seat of the chair so there is ample workspace. The drawers can hold the utensils like the spoons, wooden spoons, whisks, ladles, and more! Even though the drawers don’t pull out, the fabric allows for expansion, thus, really enhancing my love for this set in particular. You can also toast bread in the toaster, and blend up your favorite smoothie with the blender! My son decided he wanted to make a cookie smoothie and added in one banana for good measure. Kids! 

To really add to the wonder and whimsy of the Pop-Oh-Ver sets is the stove set that has four burners, a microwave, and an oven. Both microwave and oven have working doors with magnetic pieces to keep the doors closed. Inside the microwave and the oven are plastic transparent holders that will keep the play food in place while they “cook.”

True happiness on his face! He loves the Pop-Oh-Ver sets! I do, too! So does our toy box! Haha!

You get a lot of bang for your buck with the sets. If you don’t already have your own collection of play food, check out the fun accessories sets that Pop Oh Ver makes, too. Your Chef in training will be the toast of the town in his or her new Chef’s whites included with the Pop Oh Ver Chef Set ($19.95), and it includes a Chef’s play outfit, utensils, and matching oven mitt. Sharpen your kiddo’s veggie and fruit naming skills with the Pop Oh Ver Pretend Food Sets that come with a variety (enough to make pretend sandwiches or a healthy salad), or you can just get the Fruits and Vegetables set that includes delicious looking apples, bananas, scallions, carrots, and even a play knife to practice cutting the food. Both pretend food sets are $19.95 each and will add to the overall playtime experience. The pretend to play food is squishy and made of high-quality plush, which also makes it super easy to store because you can squish them all together. An essential accessory set that I think should be purchased over anything else is the Pop Oh Ver Pots and Pans set, which includes a variety of pots, a pan, colander, cooking utensils, and an oven mitt. This set is nicer than my own Circulon set! Finally, to add some sweetness to this sweet collection is the Pop Oh Ver Baking Set, also for $19.95, and it includes a baking sheet, an array of pastries, cookies, and cakes. Yum! 

I wouldn’t mind seeing more Pop-Oh-Ver sets like a pretend grocery store, a doctor’s office, a vet clinic, or even a baby nursery! The possibilities are endless when creativity and innovation mix together, which is why Pop Oh Ver is the recipient of so many accolades and awards! Pop Oh Ver has won Creative Child Magazine’s 2018 Product of the Year, 2018 Hot Diggity Dog Award, Oppenheim Gold Seal Best Toy Award, and more prestigious children’s product awards! 

Learn more about Pop-oh-Ver here:  https://popohver.com/
You can buy it on Amazon, too: https://amzn.to/2NxQrdk
Watch our cute video: https://youtu.be/R8bPSrnw6Uk

Video and Toy Review: Elastigirl Poseable Doll Wave 2 in DevTech Super Suit! JAKKS Pacific Where's Dash and Baby Jack-Jack for Wave 2? :*(

Incredibles 2 Wave 2 Poseable Dolls are hitting the shelves and you’re either going to be super happy or be kind of bummed. I’m both! With Wave 2 Poseable 11” dolls we have the new Elastigirl wearing her new and improved DevTech suit designed by Alexander Balaki. You’ll also find the new Edna Mode poseable doll in her outfit from The Incredibles 2. Wave 1 Incredibles 2 poseable dolls are also included in the release - Violet and Elastigirl in her family super suit. Nothing new there. Who’s missing?! Dash, of course. Where is Dash? Why doesn’t Dash have a poseable figure? Is one coming soon?

First, let’s talk about the beauty that is Elastigirl in her beautifully, and thoughtfully design DevTech suit. Evelyn Deavor was the one assisting Balaki in the design of this; she brought the technology and he brought the seamless design. The suit keeps Elastigirl totally safe and can withstand her stretching with ease. The suit also protects Elastigirl if she ever wiped out on her elasticycle. With multiple points of articulation, Elastigirl may just be the doll you have been waiting for or the doll you must add to your collection. It’s totally based on preference, and which super suit you prefer. So far, in the range of poseable dolls there is the Toys R Us exclusive Elastigirl that came with classic Mr. Incredible, family suit Elastigirl, and now Elastigirl in her DevTech suit. Which do you like the best? I love the DevTech Elastigirl suit! The colors are amazing, and I am totally dark and angsty —like the 90s. 

In our unboxing video, I also show you Edna Mode in her outfit from The Incredibles 2. Now, let’s go back in time to New York Toy Fair. For Fall 2018, there was a press release stating that Dash would be released as a 2-pack set with Baby Jack-Jack, and the Dash would have a removable mask. This set is supposed to be $16.99. However, upon researching this, I found that Entertainment Earth (my go-to place for many hard to find toys) has canceled this sale. Total bummer! Hopefully, I get some answers when I speak with the rep at Jakks Pacific at TTPM. 

Until then stay tuned! I could only guess that Dash’s head is just way too big for a poseable doll. Honestly, he’s a cute kid, but you can’t really design a doll that is super poseable with a head like that. Mr. Incredible has that Grecian look to him, and Dash would look kind of funny. That’s just me, I guess. 

Video and Toy Review: Save Money in Style with Mr. Banks Talking Piggy Bank STEM Toys

You’ll want to save and save some more with the help of Mr. Banks, the newest vehicle to hit the Real Workin’ Buddies range by JAKKS Pacific. If you don’t already know, Mr. Banks joins a fleet of other buddies that have special purposes to help kids imagine, play, and learn! Mr. Hosey is a real working fire truck that can put out play fires with his working water hose. Mr. Dusty is a kiddo’s biggest helper in the playroom when it comes to clean up because he can clean up a pile of bricks, puzzle pieces, and figures in one swoop. 

Mr. Banks is in great company, and for $39.99, your kiddo will be saving his and her pennies like a pro. Mr. Banks is designed to look like the most secure vehicle in all the land, an armored truck! Inside the truck are a removable coin sorter and a removable bill tray. Mr. Banks provides multiple uses of enjoyment as he can be used as a bank, and as a real moving vehicle. The wheels really work, and Mr. Banks says over 50 funny, engaging, and unique phrases. Leave Mr. Banks alone for a couple of minutes and he will fall asleep and dream of money, “overfeed” Mr. Banks and he’ll fart and burp, and you can also hear Mr. Banks root your kiddo on to keep saving!

Mr. Banks keeps track of each deposit seamlessly. Coins will be sorted in their appropriate section, and can easily be withdrawn for later use. Bills are a bit different where you have to enter the denomination in before depositing your moolah, but that’s fine with me! This kind of play encourages children to learn the value of money as well as what money actually looks like and means. Until today, I had no clue that my son knew what a $20 bill even was! I was so proud of him, and his delight and enjoyment, as he watched his total amount grow, was so much fun to experience. Mr. Banks will keep track of all of your deposits and withdrawals with the touch of the handy keypad and LCD screen. My son is five years old, and he picked this up so quickly. He did not even want to play with the toy as a truck, he just wanted to deposit and withdraw and see his total rise. It pays to save your holiday money for four years straight! 

With lights, fun sounds, clever interaction, a cool handle for easy transport, and ease of movement, Mr. Banks is the best toy to strengthen Math skills, teach patience, teach the value of the dollar, and more! Also, we tested a Canadian bill, and Mr. Banks happily took the money. Available now in stores like Target and Walmart, pick up Mr. Banks for your holiday toy list! Mr. Banks includes 4 AA batteries and is for ages three and up. 

Big thank you to JAKKS Pacific for sending us Mr. Banks for our review! 

Check out our video to see more!

Video and Toy Review: Wild Republic's Plush Dolls are the perfect treat for Halloween!

Wild Republic is a multi-talented company creating plush dolls, home decor, and even clothing — all with the theme featuring cuddly, cute animals and fantastical creatures like dragons and unicorns! Wild Republic’s nature-themed products are about sustainability and conserving the beauty of our environment, so you know you’re buying a product that was produced with Mother Earth in mind. They also keep your kiddos in mind with their stringent safety testing - that’s a big thumbs up from me!

Green dragon with his flared nostrils!

We were sent a collection of Halloween themed plush toys to review from Wild Republic. We received dragons from their Fantasy collection, and Halloween Huggers! The dragons are available in four different colors: purple, green, red, and teal. Each dragon is different, and are 10” in size! They are the perfect size for a bed time buddy, and are so huggable! The dragon’s wings are have holographic fabric that give them a touch of magic, and their nostrils are flared to make it look like they’re reading to blow off some steam, or flames! Did you know that dragon’s breathe fire? Well, they do! For $9.99, you’ll be able to have your own dragon to conquer moated castles or just keep him as a trick-or-treat buddy! 

Instead of giving out candy to your little ones for Halloween, give them the gift of a cuddly friend! Halloween Huggers are adorable plush dolls available as a spooky cat, a creepy crawly spider, and a bat! All three have extendable arms that when “slapped” at the wrist, they will hug your arm! Like magic! The coolest part of the Halloween Huggers is that they even have glow in the dark eyes. I love that little detail, because your Halloween Hugger will be easy to locate in the dark, plus it really adds a touch of spookiness to these cute plushies! Plush toys in the Huggers line are $7.99, and they also come in Holiday form with a jolly theme. Grab a reindeer hugger or polar bear hugger and give them a cuddle during the winter months! The Huggers line is not just geared toward holidays, but you can snag Huggers in all different varieties and classes of animals like wolves, owls, and even dinosaurs! 

Spooky Cat Hugger

Spooky Cat's Eyes Aglow!

Penguin Hugger

7" Plush Squirrel

Wild Republic create stuffed animals that span a bunch of different genres like fantasy, wilderness, jungle, farm, insects, birds, and more! In different shapes, kinds, and sizes, there is something for everyone! Wild Republic even has a collection of scented plushies called Lil Scents. Included in that collection are cute sloths, and they are only $5.99 and can be hung from your backpack. In addition to plush toys, Wild Republic creates fun toys like buckets of different types of animals, wildlife themed play sets, and more! Check out their website to learn more. 

Big thank you to Wild Republic for sending us so many adorable Halloween and Fantasy themed plush toys for review! Be sure to check out our video to see them up close!

Make sure you visit their website to save 20% off just by signing up and you even get a 20% off coupon for your birthday! How cool is that?!