Category Archives: Product Reviews
Snap Ships – A New Way to Play
Snap Ships – A New Way to Play!
What fun! These Snap Ship toys are sure to be a holiday 2020 favorite toy, at least in my house that’s for sure.
My son received these to demonstrate for Play Monster during the Toy Insiders Sweet Suite this year and he absolutely fell in love with them! What’s better than actually loving something you have to talk about and demonstrate?
These two Snap Ship toys are just a fraction of the available options and we’ll certainly be getting more. Each one has 3-in-1 options of what you can create, and they come with a separation tool to deconstruct the toy easily and rebuild.
The fun didn’t stop at building. There’s a comic series about each character that allows the builder to really feel the characters personality and incorporate it into their play. We thought it was hilarious how tiny the little men are but they actually bend to fit into the ships cockpits.
These things have great weight to then too after they’re built, not cheap lightweight stuff like others. They feel really stable and you can really feel comfortable playing with them.
The absolute best thing about them is the price. Most are under $20 and available right on Amazon. They’re actually an Amazon #1 New Release right now too so do yourself a favor and buy some now for the Holidays before they’re sold out!
Here are the two my 8 year built all within 30 minutes each on his own which is long enough to keep him busy without needing my help and great for me lol.
It’s so cool that they come with a display stand which can stay attached to the box to keep it to build other variations or remove it and display it on its own.
Each have 3 build options as I mentioned before so it’s not a 1 trick pony.
We also built the Sabre too.
After building them both my son had fun battling them and they stayed intact which is always a plus in my book.
Overall, great new toy and we’re excited to buy more to build, especially the larger models.
The Best Pest Control in New Jersey
The Best Pest Control in New Jersey? Four words… Surf Termite & Pest Control.
Supporting small business is what’s been on my mind lately with everything going on, so I have been making a personal effort to shout out and use small businesses whenever I can and I don’t know about you but I’ve noticed more bugs inside of my home lately. It could be because I’m actually home more since I’m working from home, or it could be because of the change of weather or less people out and about in the world to mess with nature. But I’m NOT OK with it!
We’ve always had an issue outside my home since we purchased it 9 years ago with reoccurring yellow jackets and hornets. In New Jersey they’re a nuisance to begin with, but even more so when you have young children like I do. My boys have had to come inside and stop their fun playtime as a result of swarming yellow jackets seemingly out of nowhere.
I’ve had to have an exterminator come once every year to knock out their newly formed nests whether it’s in my gutters, my window siding, or even the house siding… it’s always something and ALWAYS annoying. Those are outside though, and I guess although annoying, they live here to. It’s the inside that gets me the most. A message to all mice and bugs, do not come in my house! What’s the saying? “Who ya gonna call? Ghost Busters!” Well I have a new song… “Who ya gonna call? Surf Termite & Pest Control!”
I seriously needed it when my bathroom was being remodeled and after 9 years we found the real source of the annoying nuisance yellow jackets – UNDER MY TUB! Can you believe it? The poor contractors lifted out my 50 year old cast iron tub only to release a dust cloud of angry yellow jackets into my home. Yup. In… to… my… home. Thankfully they’re long gone now, but it was terrifying.
Just last week my husband saw a few centipedes crawling up our steps to upstairs late at night and just hearing that skived me out… I’ve seen many more spiders, huge hornets, and tons of ants this year already and Summer just started. Sometimes we can handle it on our own, but how do you know when it’s time to call an exterminator or pest expert?
For me, it’s when I’ve tried so many things already and none have been successful for more than a day. Sometimes the money I spend on all of these so claimed “top items” will wind up more than a professional service. And the sad part is, even with high hopes and the number one name brands at the big box stores, I am here to go on record that, they do not always work. It’s especially bad this year and calls for something more than store bought bug spray or traps.
That’s where the experts come in, and if you’re in South Central or South Jersey, you’re in luck!
Servicing the Jersey Shore for over 30 years, Surf Termite & Pest Control is a family-owned and operated company with experience in safe, humane and effective elimination of pests, unique to the Jersey Shore environment.
Owner and operator Steve Wrzesnewski personally knows and creates a plan for every single customer’s needs so your experience and satisfaction are guaranteed.
The number one exterminator in Neptune city, they specialize in many different services. They’ll perform a thorough inspection and come up with a treatment plan that works best for your home needs.
What’s even better is the ongoing coverage option they offer. Their Home Protection Plan (H.P.P.) which includes four quarterly service visits annually with preventive treatment of the interior and exterior of your home, and specific attention to the pest control issues appropriate to the season and weather.
They offer FREE Emergency calls during normal business hours and this coverage applies to your entire property including attics, basements, mailboxes, fences, garages, sheds, outdoor play sets and pool houses.
It’s the best best for your money if you’re serious about pest control.
So what kind of pests are covered and more importantly, taken care of?
Pests Covered by their Home Protection Plan:
- Ants
- Bees
- Box-elder beetles
- Carpet beetles
- Centipedes
- Clover mites
- Crickets
- Earwigs
- Ground beetles
- Hornets
- Ladybugs
- Mice
- Millipedes
- Mites
- Pantry pests
- Pill bugs
- Rats
- Roaches
- Silverfish
- Spiders
- Springtails
- Sowbugs
- Wasps
- Yellow jackets
Additionally, they offer a Home Protection Plan Plus (H.P.P. +). This plan covers everything found in the H.P.P. above, plus:
- Carpenter ants
- Carpenter bees
- Cicada killers
- Digger bees
- Fleas
And that isn’t all. They can help with many other pest issues.
Surf Termite & Pest Control offers a comprehensive list of pest management services, including:
- Residential pest control
- Commercial pest control
- Termite treatment and prevention
- Wood-destroying insect inspections
- Documentation for real estate transactions
- Pre-construction treatments
- Wood repair
- Home inspections
- Radon testing
- Structural pest exclusion services
- Humane wildlife removal
- Rodent control
- Tick and mosquito services
They also offer Integrated Pest Management plans (IPMs) – techniques to minimize pesticide use and maximize safety for families, schools and businesses.
Get a free quote and check out their specials!
CONTACT DETAILS
106 Fulham Place,
Neptune NJ 07753
Phone: (732) 988-8865 Email: steve@surfpest.com
Disclosure: This is a sponsored post by Surf Termite & Pest Control. All reviews and opinions expressed in this post are based on my personal view.
Beat Cabin Fever with affordable STEM toys!
This kit, Solar Powered Rovers by Thames Kosmos is so awesome! Myself and my son put 2 of them together so far during our staycation and it’s super fun.
We had to cancel our vacations this year, but that won’t stop up from having fun even if it’s a camp out in the backyard, a night of fun indoors or a safari in our state of NJ.
Most STEM kits cost so much money, but this is a super affordable and fun option that ever parent can surprise they kids with. Take it on the road, camping, or just have fun at home. This one kit contains 5 different options and you can build each and take apart easily. At just $19.95 it’s a steal!
To view or purchase the product click thre link below: https://www.thamesandkosmos.com/index.php/feak/solar-powered-rovers
These toys are great to bring on road trips for added fun on the road or at stops for the night a hotel. What’s great is even though it comes with 5 projects, the options are endless as you can make up your own robotic fun.
*Disclaimer: I was sent this product for review but all opinions are my own.
To purchase this toy, follow the link https://www.thamesandkosmos.com/index.php/feak/solar-powered-rovers
Some additional toy options:
My Discovery Telescope
Have you ever seen a close-up photograph of the Moon, with its fascinating cratered landscape? With this telescope, you can investigate the moon’s surface, search the night sky for constellations and planets, or simply watch the birds at the bird feeder in the backyard! This telescope also lets you see squirrels, deer, and other wild animals up close. And, it’s perfect for pretending to be a pirate sailing the seven seas! This 12x magnification power telescope with durable body and quality optics can be used for terrestrial (land) observations as well as astronomical (night sky) observations. Ages 6+ MSRP: $19.95.
Magformers Basic Plus 14pc Set
Create 3D structures from 2D nets with Magformers Basic Plus 14Pc Set. Build with 4 Squares, 8 Triangles and 2 Inner Circle Square shapes. Create houses, towers and our ‘magic ball’. Learn to build using combine, roll and pull-up techniques and see what your imagination can create! Build along with the step-by-step instructions and develop color and shape recognition, fine motor skills and problem-solving ability. The original and authentic Magformers. Perfect for brain development, critical thinking and STEM education. Follow the Step-by-step educational idea booklet for ideas and instructions. Each geometric shape contains magnets that never reject, so you’ll always hear the Magformers click. When playtime is over, use the magnetic power to simply stack and store. MSRP: $24.99; ages 3+.
Bicycle® Standard Index Playing Cards
Do you remember learning your first card game? How about winning at an old-fashioned game of solitaire? Or that holiday tradition of Gin Rummy after dinner? Since 1885, Bicycle playing cards have been a part of household gaming. Known for its quality and rich heritage, Bicycle® playing cards have been bringing people together for generations. Every Bicycle® playing card deck is specially crafted so that you can trust Bicycle® cards performance, hand after hand. Great for all card games. Great for all players. MSRP: $3.99.
Solar-Powered Rovers
Want to build fun solar-powered vehicles and devices that move using electricity generated directly from sunlight? With this kit, you can construct five motorized models. Build three types of solar cars, a solar fan, and a solar robot model. Conduct science experiments with each model to learn about gear ratios, solar cells, and more. The ultralight materials, including strong bamboo rods, make your models speedy and durable. A modular gearing system lets you test out three different gear ratios. Experiment with a solar cell, electric motor, gears, and ultralight materials. Build five different solar-powered models. Learn about how solar cells work and about the energy from the sun. Ages 8+ MSRP: $19.95.
Noodle & Boo Baby Items you Need Right Now.
I had the pleasure of receiving some items from Noodle & Boo and Tyler and I had our usual amount of fun unboxing the items they sent us to try out! I know you’re probably an unboxing junky like me and the next best thing to actually unboxing is watching an unboxing video, so before I tell you what’s IN the box, check it out…
Noodle & Boo products are made in the USA with only the finest ingredients, and are safe and gentle enough to be used on newborns and during pregnancy. And did I mention they smell exactly like a baby should smell?
I’m talking about that REALLY want to sniff a babies scalp smell. That innocent I’m only 1 week old smell that every newborn has, because why cover it up to smell like soap? Even if you don’t have a newborn, these products are just as great for toddlers and even the bigger kids like my son who is 8.
They have so many items to choose from, and most are sold in stores like target or off course online on their website too.
As a mom myself, I like to think of myself as a knowledge bank for new moms. Especially with a platform like this, I like to share only the best with you guys and right now, hand sanitizer is a must have. Anyone who is anyone is trying to get their hands on the good stuff, not the no-name “is this really just water” items the grocery and pharmacy stores are stocking these days, and well.. I’ll let you in on alittle secret.. pssst… they’ve got it! And not only is it real true hand sanitizer, it’s baby and kid safe hypoallergenic hand sanitizer, that you don’t have to be worried about touching your baby after sanitizer.
And what’s best is that new moms who may wasnt close family to visit their new bundle of joy during this crazy time can be sure to make them use it before touching the baby and they won’t smell like harsh alcohol. It’s 99% effective and perfect for toddlers too.
I’ve tried them and here are some of my favorites! Clock on photo to go to item page:
12 oz. Hand Sanitizer
Kills 99% of germs
NEWBORN DAILY ESSENTIALS
for complete care from head-to-toe
BABY LAUNDRY GIFT SET
Hypoallergenic and paraben free
REED DIFFUSER
for clean and fresh ambiance
CALMING BUBBLE BATH
for bath time fun & relaxation
The last item smells soooo amazing you can smell it through the package! Great for mom and baby or toddler bath time.
About the brand owner:
Christine Burger, San Fran small business owner who 15 years ago created a company because she couldn’t find safe skin products for her babies, and now sells online and Target, has a major success on her hands. Made in the USA Instant Hand Sanitizer and Ultimate Cleansing Cloths (and many other products), has made Noodle & Boo a Go-To in this pandemic. Recognized for its commitment to formulations made with biocompatible ingredients, each product is formulated to the highest standards.
*Disclaimer: I received items in exchange for my honest review and all opinions are my own.
Home Chef and Other Meal Delivery Services
I have been a big fan of meal delivery services since they started a couple of years ago. My main go to is Hello Fresh because I love their variety of meals and flexible weekly options. I have done a few posts reviewing the service, and even included some of the meals that you can make yourself within those posts.
I can tell you one thing though, during this quarantine and pandemic going on, these meal delivery services have saved my butt. Literally. Think about it, instead of gearing up mask and gloves to go to the supermarket surrounded by others who potentially can expose you to the virus, only to go up to the produce and meat sections to realize they’re out of almost everything OR prices have gone us drastically due to demand and you are only able to get 1 or 2 packages of fresh meat. It’s a nightmare.
With these meal delivery kits, they come like clockwork. Their sites say there may be delays, but mine have all been coming on time, and very fresh when they arrive. I have been able to have these 3 dinners worth of amazing restaurant quality meals delivered to me without fail during this quarantine and loving every week of it. I’m not gonna lie.. I even had both Hello Fresh AND Home Chef delivered one week because I forgot to shut one off for the week since I bounce back and forth, and it was 6 dinners worth! Think it’s expensive? Think again… no contract cancel any time, and your first box is only $35 if you sign up through an existing member – otherwise it’s $59.95. That’s still less than $10 a person for dinner per day.
Try it for yourself, save $35 on your first box by signing up 🡪HERE🡨
My new kick I’m on is Home Chef, I started it just a few weeks ago. It is the same basic idea as Hello Fresh, a collection of meals that you choose from a list, or if you forget to chose then the meals are chosen for you. The difference I have noticed between Home Chef vs Hello Fresh is that Home Chef does some of the work for you & the ingredients are more on a professional culinary level even though the meals are simple. They’re both $59.95 for a 3 meal 2 person plan, and I am usually able to get 2 1/2 meals out of it for me, my husband and my oldest son (my youngest is too picky to eat anything good…).
With that being said, they do an AMAZING job with outlining the recipe and even a novice cook can feel like a chef.. I guess that’s where the got the name from!
Here is an example of a complex risotto recipe I was able to easily make in a matter of 30 minutes;
This is their Shrimp & Bok Choy with Coconut Risotto and it was A-Mazing!
Simple step by step recipe with the freshest ingredients ready to go. See if you can follow along with the recipe card and keep in mind all ingredients are provided in separate little meal bags for you although you do need to sharpen up your knife skills and chop;
Prepare the Ingredients
Remove any discolored outer leaves from bok choy and trim ends. Cut stems into ¼” slices and coarsely chop leaves. Keep stems and leaves separate. Trim and thinly slice white portions of green onions. Thinly slice remaining green onions on an angle. Keep white and green portions separate. Pat shrimp dry.
Start the Risotto
Place a medium pot over medium-high heat and add 1 tsp. olive oil. Add rice and white portions of green onions to hot pot. Stir occasionally until rice is toasted and opaque, 1-2 minutes. Add 1 cup boiling water from small pot and mirepoix base to pot with rice. Rice should just be covered by water. Stir often until nearly all water is absorbed.
Finish the Risotto
Add ½ cup boiling water from small pot and stir often until nearly all water is absorbed. Repeat this process, stirring often, 18-20 minutes. Taste risotto as you cook, checking for tenderness. When rice has no more “bite” or crunch, it’s done. There may be water left. Stir in coconut milk until combined and bring to a boil. Once boiling, stir constantly until slightly thickened, 1-2 minutes. Remove from burner and stir in green portions of green onions (reserve a pinch for garnish) and ¼ tsp. salt. Cover and set aside.
Cook the Shrimp
Heat 1 tsp. olive oil in a medium non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Working in batches if necessary, add shrimp to hot pan and cook undisturbed until seared on one side, 2-3 minutes. Flip, and cook until shrimp reaches a minimum internal temperature of 145 degrees, 1-2 minutes. Transfer shrimp to a plate. Keep pan over medium-high heat.
Cook Vegetables and Finish Dish
Add 1 tsp. olive oil and bok choy stems to hot pan and stir occasionally until lightly browned, 2-3 minutes. Add bok choy leaves and stir constantly until leaves are wilted, 1-2 minutes. Stir in shrimp, garlic and ginger sauce, and ¼ tsp. salt until heated through, 30-60 seconds. Remove from burner. Plate dish as pictured on front of card, topping risotto with shrimp-vegetable mixture and garnishing with toasted coconut and reserved green portions of green onions. Bon appétit!
Keep in mind all images above are copywrite of Home Chef and shown from my online cookbook. Yes, they even give you a cookbook in your online account that stores all of the past recipes you’ve made on their plan so you can remake them yourself by buying the ingredients.
I took it a step further and have ordered a large 3 ring recipe binder and a 3 hole punch and will be adding all of the Hello Fresh, Blue Apron, and Home Chef meal cards to so that I can have them all on hand to make them whenever I feel the need to.
If you want try it please use my invite link to appreciate my work that went into posting this for you!❤🤗
https://www.homechef.com/invite/QbnZwrC2K190R
There are other meal plans as well like FRESHLY if you are not a fan of cooking. They’re pre-made meals and perfect for take and go lunch’s for work or quick dinners. They are microwavable and freezer ready. They’re very tasty but a little expensive in my opinion for the portions although the more you buy the cheaper they get and they do have $20 off of your first order by signing up 🡪HERE🡨 .
Hope you try one of these meal plans out, they are definitely coming in handy during this shut down in New Jersey! Comment your thoughts if you’ve tried any of the meal plans I mentioned or any others that I haven’t.
MamarazziOnline with The Moms and Laura Prepon during Quarantine; You and I as Mothers
Join the conversation by liking and commenting on Just For Moms above!
Such an awesome #MamarazziOnline with The Moms and Laura Prepon
You and I as Mothers; sounds like something I’d want to read! Jersey Native Laura Prepon has published her new book and it’s on shelves now. Being a mom of a newborn is so difficult. But being a mom of a newborn, and a 2 1/2 year old, living in NYC must be the most difficult of all.
Laura is handling it with style and grace. She admittedly threw on the sweater she was wearing just for us, and that she is usually sporting a baby scarf shall these days since she spends most of her time breastfeeding her newborn son who’s name she would not spit out no matter how hard we tried!
We talked about her new baby boy and how much she was already prepared for isolation without even knowing it, about her daughter Ella “marking her territory” when new baby brother came home, and about the importance of routine in her home right now.
Limiting screen time is so hard these days when we are “sheltering in place”, but there are some great options like the Non-profit Child Mind Institute to get you and your children through these tough time. They have online times from 10am-4pm weekdays and cover topics for young children, teens, coping skills, special needs and more during this unreal time.
Here are some awesome screenshots from our zoom “Mom Time” as I like to call it. It actually gives me a reason to do my hair and makeup, and I couldn’t be more grateful for this to occupy my mind during this difficult time 
Melissa was trying out Laura’s side pony and I think she has a new favorite hairdo!
I can’t even lie, any time I see a zoom chat of squares, I immediately think of the Brady Bunch intro. Maybe that’s a good idea for next time!
If you know an essential worker you’d like to recognize during this difficult time – send The Moms Denise or Melissa a message or tag #Mamarazzionline nominating them. Who know’s, maybe they’ll wind up getting to speak to someone awesome like Laura!
Twitter.com/LauraPrepon
Instagram.com/LauraPrepon
facebook.com/laurapreponofficial/
YouTube: https://bit.ly/LPYT2020
#YouandIAsMothers
Link to buy Lauras awesome book: http://bit.ly/LPYouandIasMothers
This is how Shutterfly ruined my Holiday Cards this year
This is why you should NEVER use Shutterfly for Holiday Cards!
So I have used Shutterfly for projects in the past and have never had an issue that I have needed to contact their customer service for, so I did not know how horrible it truly is.
In 2019, with so many options to choose from online for custom cards and gifts you would think companies would try and stand out from the rest with great customer service. Coming from a strong retail background and understanding how important customer service is especially in a field where custom photo work is being done, I will be surprised if Shutterfly is still around in a few years.
As simple as it seems, this really stood out to me. I do family photos and family holiday cards every year for the past 11 years since my son was born. It is an important tradition to myself and my family, and it is important to me to choose the right card to reflect out year that year as cheesy as it may sound. I searched through all of the online holiday card sites and Shutterfly, as they had in the past, had the best layout for what I wanted this 2019 Christmas year card.
I ordered 25 cards in mid-November, and they came within the 7-10 day time frame. I had realized quickly after that I needed some additional cards, but it was only November 26th, when I did the order for an additional 5 cards, so I figured I have more than enough time as I left all of the local cards for last. Welp… I was very wrong. It is December 19th, and the $5.99 for shipping that I paid for 5 cards bought me just standard UPS Surepost which means it goes out UPS, and is delivered to the post office, which then delivers the package to the customer. In lames terms, it is the cheapest possibly shipping method that has a tracking number assigned.
All that is what is it… I needed them, and I had time, so it was fine.
Unfortunately, there was an obvious hiccup in the shipping. The estimated delivery date came and went and it is now 2 days later. Being in retail, I understand that this happened, and it was in no way a reflection of Shutterfly (aside from their overpriced shipping) and I assumed they would understand when I call to tell them somehow the package was lost and the shipping tracking just stopped 7 days ago without any update.
I went onto their site only to discover they make it very difficult to contact customer service. There is no email, and the chat box seems inviting and simple, however they must have only 1 person running it because it never ever after 2 days every hour attempts, seems to be online.
I was able to dig around and find a phone number, which once I was finally “transferred to a representative” said my hold time would be 4 minutes, I sat on hold waiting. For 15 minutes. Finally, I got Saheid. He said he needed my email address to help me. I gave it to him, and he understood my issue after looking at the order tracking and said the quickest way to get an order in for replacement cards was for me to do the order online while on the phone with him and he would then give me a promo code to cover the order and the shipping. Fine, but I needed fast shipping. They have no overnight shipping available to “replacement orders”. I asked Saheid if I can speak to his manager because I really need these cards by tomorrow (my order was supposed to deliver to me by the 13th!) if there is any chance of them delivering by Chrismas Eve. He told me “I do not see anyone around that I can transfer you to”. Wow. I said, so you do not have a manager? He said no, all that I can do is I can just transfer you to next level support but they are only going to tell you the same thing. I said you know what.. just give me a refund. This is the last time I will ever order from Shutterfly.
I am just baffled by their disregard for customer service. A word of advise to their CEO and all of the leadership they display on their website for careers, if you want to stay in the game, take note from your competition, start caring about your customers first!
Matching Christmas Pajamas for the entire family from Yaffi Fashion
Matching Christmas from Yaffi Fashion!
Gosh it’s finally starting to feel like Christmas now that we got our matching family pajama set from Yaffi Fashion!
You can get yours in time for Christmas too and get 10% off while you’re at it using code LOVEYAFFI10 for all products in Yaffi store.
Pajamas are a big part of our Christmas celebration here on our home. Growing up, my parents always let us open one gift from them on Christmas Eve and it was always our holiday pajamas. I was excited each year to see what they’d look like, and now in my home it’s no different eith my children as I’ve continued the tradition.
Although we broke tradition this year because the moment I saw this set online I just had to have them. When I saw the package arrive (only 4 days after I ordered!) I couldn’t wait to try them on and share with you all.
We put the pj’s on and got right in the mood to decorate for Christmas, and the tree is my boys’ favorite part to do. They like looking through all of the ornaments we’ve collected and made through the years and remember and cherish each moment which I love so much. Even our dog Sadie got in on the action! I think she was secretly wishing she had some matching cozy pjs too!
If you’re wondering where I got this set, click this link YAFFI FASHION and then when you click through what you want, it’ll bring you to three Amazon listing to check out. If you’re a prime member, shipping is even quicker.
Sizing is pretty straight forward for the sets, and I have to say they fit as they say – maybe even alittle bigger which is better to me. I believe the highest size in children’s is 8/9 year old but they actually fit both of my kids fine as you can see in the photos. Me and my husband both has a size medium and I thought they fit well also. If you gave a child bigger than 8/9, you can go for xs or small and it should be ok.
They don’t only have pajamas, they have other matching adult/child outfits and bathing suits which are really cute too! I actually tried a set for me and my youngest over the Summer and loved how it looked on us. You can check out the swimwear post here.
The material is good quality although in have a sence they may shrink a bit in the wash. That’s another reason I’m glad they run slightly big.
These sets would be PERFECT for family holiday card photos to send to friends and family.
This was such a treat and I can’t wait to wear them on Christmas Eve and take Christmas morning photos.
It doesn’t get any better than this!
You can get matching mommy/baby, dad/ baby, whole family, or even just husband and wife sets. Order yours now to have in time for Christmas!
The Hottest Steam toys are here!
SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING, ART, and MATH. Also known as STEAM.
These days, children are becoming more and more advanced due to early introduction of technology and as such, so are their playtime choices.
As a parent, I understand that limiting screen time is important and with a child under 10, there is still imaginary play time to be had.
If you’re like me, you’ve been searching for items to wrap under the tree this year for your little one that meet the criteria of fun and keep their attention but also secretly teaching them skills.
Here are the top STEAM items this year to add to your holiday list!
smART Pixelator– See how it works HERE!
Wouldn’t it be cool if you could pixelate ANY design using innovative LIGHT TECHNOLOGY? Well you can thanks to the smART Pixelator from Flycatcher Toys! The smART Pixelator empowers kids to design and build 2D and 3D projects using Bluetooth connectivity, easy-to-follow lights, and smART Pixel Beads, Sequins or Pegs. Right out of the box, kids have a choice of creating 50 step-by-step designs using Pixel Beads. A smART Pixelator app and any mobile device also let them engineer their own projects, encouraging customization and experimentation. Additional beads, sequins, pegs, and extension sets, including the smART Pixelator Bracelet Maker, are available to keep the fun flowing. Ideal for kids 7 to 107 years old. MSRP: $59.99
Entertainment at your child’s fingertips! With the Playtime Pad 7” HD Kid Safe Tablet your child now has access to an array of different educational experiences including PBS games, videos, and songs. Including parental controls you now can have complete control over your child’s tablet and entertainment. Sold in a kid-safe durable silicone case this tablet was made for kids for the ultimate entertainment and learning experience wherever they go. Available now on Walmart.com. Ages 2+ MSRP: $79.99.
A robot that defies gravity?! That’s what you get with Air-Walker, a four-legged bot that uses an ingenious system of suction cups and pumps to crawl along smooth, vertical surfaces like windows. You can also build four other models with the same components and learn how suction and mechanical devices can be used in different real-world applications. A vacuum-suction machine sticks to and lifts flat panels, while a robot with just two suction cups rotates around a central pivot point. This hands-on construction kit brings engineering and physics to life as it demonstrates the power of air pressure at work. Ages 8+ MSRP: $39.95
My Robotic Pet – Tumbling Hedgehog
Build your own adorable robotic pet hedgehog! With the 172 building pieces in this kit, you can assemble a real robot that looks like a cute hedgehog. The robot has a built-in sound sensor and is programmed to react to different sounds. After you build it, you can play with it by making different sounds and watching it tumble, roll, spin around, bristle its spines, and scurry around. Clap once, and the hedgehog will roll into a ball and tumble backwards. Clap multiple times, and the hedgehog will count your claps and tumble as many times as you instructed with your claps. You can also get the hedgehog to bristle its spines and act in a playful way with different patterns of claps. The hedgehog’s eyes light up with LEDs. By building the robot, you will gain experience in the inner mechanical workings that enable the robot to move how it does. Learn about gears, motors, sound sensors, LEDs, and the other components of this funny little pet. Ages 7+ MSRP: $39.95.
Lastly, there are the Magformers Amazing Sets. These are so cool because even without knowledge of how they work, somehow children automatically know and start building.
Click and create your own adventure with Magformers AMAZING Sets! Magformers are a magnetic construction toy where the possibilities are endless. Kids now have the opportunity to live out their dreams and become one of their dream professions such as a firefighter, a police officer, and a construction worker through one of the four new Magformers AMAZING sets! Great for children aged 3 and up. Create 50 ideas with the follow-along idea booklet or build your own adventure! Ages 3+ MSRP $59.99
