Fun Toys that Encourage Creativity & Imagination

A product was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.

Pretend play is the heart of childhood and one of the greatest ways a child learns. With imaginative play, kids are free to be anyone and do anything. They believe that anything is possible – because with pretend play, it really is! It is also one of my favorite activities to watch my children do because their personalities just come alive and I learn so much about them!

I am always looking for new toys to encourage my children's creativity and imaginations. Check out two of my new favorite pretend play products on the market:

One of my favorite things when my babies were little was carrying them in a baby carrier or wrap. My daughter watched me do that with her little brother and now she gets a chance with her baby thanks to the HABA’s Luca Baby Carrier and is LOVING it!

HABA’s Luca Baby Carrier is the perfect accessory for little “mommies” playing house. This cushioned carrying seat is for 15 inch HABA dolls and others of that size, and is made of washable polyester.

It rests comfortably around the child's neck with a simple and safe hook and loop fastener and it features an elastic front pouch for a secure hold. My daughter has never been prouder than she is when she is "wearing" her baby like her mommy did for her! Her proud smile is priceless!

For ages 18 months- 4 years. MSRP: $19.99. Available online at www.HABAusa.com


My children have been begging to take baths lately because they all want to play with the new Yookidoo® Submarine Spray Station!

With this fun spray station, your children can make bath time a nautical adventure! Its circulating pump system attaches to the bottom of the tub and draws water up through the yellow submarine into the diver shower head. Kids can squeeze the sides of the diver to make a gentle stream to create their own in-tub washing station, car wash or rainstorm.

This smart toy also encourages exploration of cause and effect and improves fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and problem solving skills. My children love spraying off the toys, watching the water spin the shapes on the station, and it has made my youngest scream a little less when he is getting washed! :)

For ages 2-6 years. MSRP: $29.95. Available online at www.Amazon.com

* Disclosure - This product was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.*

Fall 2015 Springfield Boutique Dolls & Giveaway

A product was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.

I bet as your daughter started school this fall, you updated her wardrobe with new outfits and shoes to help her get ready for the school year. But what you might have forgotten is that it’s also a great time to spruce up a doll’s wardrobe, especially the 18” adorable Springfield® Dolls ($21.99) – Ella, Paige, Alexis, Madison and Savannah. The doll collection known for its silky hair and sparkling eyes now has a brand new and Boutique Collection of cute clothes at a budget friendly price, exclusively at Jo-Ann Fabric Stores.

Trendy tops, pants, skirts and even gowns reflect the fashion tastes of upcoming fashionistas. This month, Jo-Ann Stores (bricks & mortar stores, not the website) will start to stock perfectly packaged outfits like a “Paris printed White T-shirt, floral printed leggings and pink patent shoes” at $14.99.

For those unfamiliar with Springfield Dolls, they have been around since 1996! The “girls” have sparkling lifelike eyes that open and close and boast silky, long, rooted hair that can be brushed and styled. Each doll is soft and huggable with moveable arms and legs, making dressing and undressing easy.

Our favorite doll from the Fall 2015 Springfield Boutique Dolls is the Madison doll. She comes in a gift box and has a heart print on her brightly colored nightgown:

Madison is a gorgeous African-American doll with brown eyes, curly black hair in a yellow nightgown. We also received a super beautiful outfit: a purple gown with gold glitter design on purple tulle, white gloves and black patent shoes! My daughter loves dressing up in fancy play dresses so she LOVES that she can now dress her doll up fancy like her too!

This doll is so huggable, lovable and beautiful and my daughter loves her new friend and dressing her in her new outfit! I know my daughter and Madison will make memories together and go on many adventures for years to come!

Buy It:

You can purchase these new Boutique dolls and the outfits only at the 850 Joann stores in 49 states.

Win It:

Springfield Dolls is generously offering (1) doll of winner's choice to a lucky winner!

Enter here for a chance to win:

(1) Springfield Doll 
of winner's choice

a Rafflecopter giveaway

* Thank you to Springfield Dolls for their product for review! Disclosure - This product was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.*

Let's Play School Doll from Nenuco

A product was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.

When school gets down for summer break in a couple months, your children can continue their education by teaching and learning with their new Let's Play School doll from Nenuco!

Nenuco is introducing this 16.5" doll who loves to learn and is sure to get everyone’s attention with its emphasis on math, science and role-playing!

This adorable playset comes with everything your child needs to be the best school teacher. It even includes lesson plans to create a daily schedule from lesson time, to play time to potty time! Ring the bell and class time begins! Teach Science, Math and more! The set includes an adorable toddler girl doll in fashionable school outfit, desk, lesson board, lesson plans, teacher glasses, stickers, marker and more!

Nenuco Let’s Play School features so many activities to have a full day planned out for your students. From lesson plans, to snack time, to potty breaks and nap time…you can plan your day…your way. Have fun teaching your students and being the best Teacher.

What's In The Box?
Includes 16.5" Nenuco Toddler Doll in cute outfit, Desk, Lesson Board, Lesson Plans, Teacher Glasses, Stickers, Marker and more!

This doll is so much fun and educational at the same time! It is so fun to watch your children transform from students to teachers as they teach their doll everything they know! Fun and forever memories will definitely be made!

Buy It: You can purchase the Nenuco Let's Play School doll for $36.55 from Amazon.com

* Thank you to Nenuco for their product for review! Disclosure - This product was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.*

Disney's Sofia Doll and Vacation Palace

A product was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.

Do you have a little girl in your life who loves Disney's Sofia? Then I have the perfect gift ideas for you to give for Easter, end of the school year or just because!!

Disney Sofia The First Flower Girl Doll - 10"

Your little "Sofia the First" fan will love this Target-exclusive 10" Flower Girl doll; she is inspired by the hit animated series from Disney Junior, "Sofia the First." This beautiful Sofia doll is elegantly dressed in a never-before-seen gown inspired by the flower-girl fashion she wore at her mom's royal wedding.

The floor-length gown is shimmery pink with glittery details and a purple bow detail. A silvery tiara sits on top of her beautiful curls, which can be brushed and styled with the included brush.

Disney Sofia The First Vacation Palace

A perfect gift to give along with the Sofia Doll is the Disney Sofia The First Vacation Palace!

Girls can join Princess Sofia on her family vacation at sea, aboard this delightful 2-in-1 royal ship. Then she can journey upstairs to the very top level and steer the royal ship from the captain's wheel. But that's just the beginning. Sofia can also embark on mermaid adventures - just like in the Disney Junior series.
Whether she's a princess steering from above or a mermaid exploring down below, there are endless ways to play out Sofia's action-packed family vacation at sea.

Get 2-in-1 fun when Princess Sofia goes on vacation with her family to their floating palace! She encounters adventure, enchantment, and fun above and below the water. Girls can re-create their favorite scenes from the Disney Junior series with this colorful two-in-one playset that takes girls from aboard the “floating” palace to under the sea - all neatly on a tabletop (or other flat surface). Simply lift up the “floating” palace to reveal an underwater mermaid cove.

Princess Sofia small doll is included for play right out of the box - and doubles the fun with a fantastic twist! Remove her princess skirt to reveal a magnificent mermaid tail, also in her signature purple. Girls will love re-living her magical transformation from princess to mermaid - and back - over and over. The doll also works with the Magical Talking Castle (sold separately), unlocking phrases for interactive play. Collect other Princess Sofia dolls and accessories (sold separately) to expand the storytelling possibilities.

The little girl in your life will have hours and hours of playing with these Sofia dolls and accessories!

* Disclosure - This product was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.*

New Dolls from JAKKS Pacific

A product was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.

If you have a child who is looking forward to a new doll this Christmas, JAKKS Pacific has two very cute dolls for any child this holiday season!

Under the Sea Surprise Ariel

With 15 phrases, lights, sounds and memorable music, Under the Sea Surprise Ariel is ready to delight this holiday season. Whether you brush her long hair with her special seahorse comb or splash around with Flounder, the fun never ends! Also, press her seashell necklace for five seconds and Ariel will speak French!

Little girls can play with Princess Ariel like never before! When Ariel is placed in water, Ariel’s fin lights up, creating a magical rainbow of color. Ariel also sings and says 15 phrases from favorite movie moments in both English and Spanish.

SRP: $37.99
Age: 3+

Cabbage Patch Kids

Cabbage Patch Kids celebrates its 30th anniversary this year! To celebrate the occasion for these iconic toys, Jakks Pacific will introduce Cabbage Patch Kids Celebration Kids. Dressed in bright party attire with streaks in their hair, these kids are ready to party! Always fashionable each girl comes with a sweet cupcake comb and each boys comes with a stylish pair of glasses.

SRP: $39.99
Age: 3+

* Thank you to JAKKS Pacific for their product for review! Disclosure - This product was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.*

Springfield Collection Dolls & Giveaway

A product was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.

With holiday shopping HERE, parents are trying to stretch the family budget to find a delightful present for their emerging fashionistas -- like the popular 18" doll. But when the trend is to spend $110 for a doll plus $24+ for one outfit, moms are searching for fun and more affordable alternatives.

That is why I am so excited for you to Say hello to Abby, Emma, Maria, Madison & Olivia -- The Springfield Collection® Dolls with the silky hair and sparkling eyes. Their reasonable price tag, vast collection of trendy accessories and online clubhouse, known as SF Style Club, make these dolls a fave with savvy girls and their smart moms.

The line includes five gorgeous, quality-made dolls, each with her own unique personality and story." Selling at just $21.99 per doll -- and available at major retailers like AC Moore, Michael's and Jo-Ann Fabrics -- these are definitely the must-have gift for any girl on your list this Christmas!

Ideal for youngsters ages 4 years old and up, each of the five personalities have long eye lashes, lifelike eyes that open and close, a soft cloth body, smooth vinyl head and jointed arms and legs for hours of pretend play.

I was so excited to receive Emma, the brown hair doll from the Springfield Collection!

Emma is one of the Springfield Collection Dolls® and has a soft, huggable body, with long, silky brown hair for styling. She’s an 18-inch doll with a soft cloth body and a smooth vinyl head and limbs. Her long-lashed, sparkling, lifelike brown eyes open and close, and she’s posable with jointed arms and legs for hours of play and pretend. Shoes and accessories are sold separately. so don't forget to add them to your order!

Emma -- this sweet brown-eyed brunette arrives in a bright pink dress. She loves to swim and she owns more than one dog!

• She has a soft body and jointed arms & legs
• Emma has long, silky, brown hair
• She is wearing her own cute, pink dress and arrives in a giftable box
• The story on the box helps you get to know your BFF! Each doll in the Springfield Collection® has her own unique story and personality.

I also really LOVE the dress and shoes that came with our Emma Doll! They are SO CUTE and I just love the color! I cannot wait for my daughter to open this doll for Christmas and befriend, dress and cuddle Emma!

Who needs jewelry when your Springfield Collection® doll has on this pretty purple cotton dress? This trendy, short-sleeved dress has a skirt with netting overlay and a pearl necklace print on the bodice. Hook-and-loop closure in back.

And don't forget to become an SF Style Club member to receive a FREE membership bracelet and card. Visit SFStyleClub.com to dress the dolls in your own creations, create your own style gallery, share your looks with friends and family and much more. The more points you earn through online play, the more special surprises you unlock!

Buy It: You can purchase the Emma Doll for $21.99 and other accessories from Springfield Collection's online store.

Win It: Springfield Collection is generously offering (1) Doll of Winner's Choice + Outfit and Shoes to a lucky winner!

Enter here for a chance to win:

(1) Springfield Collection Doll of Winner's Choice 
+ 
Outfit and Shoes 
(outfit and shoes chosen by the sponsor)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

* Thank you to Springfield Collection for their product for review! Disclosure - This product was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.*

Pinypon Snow Ski Lodge & Snow Car & Tow

A product was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.

Yesterday I talked about the great toy company, Famosa, and their great Sleep With Me Baby Doll and Cradle (make sure to enter the giveaway!!!) Today, I am excited to introduce another great item from Famosa: Pinypon Snow Ski Lodge & the Snow Car & Tow.

Established in 1957 by a group of artisan doll makers, Famosa has become a leading European toy company and doll manufacturer based in Spain. The company has a stellar reputation as a developer of innovative, safe and high quality products that foster all around development for young children. Families who grew up in Spain or Mexico likely have fond and warm memories of playing with their Famosa toys. Famosa currently operates in over 95 countries, reaching a wide range of consumers. In 2010, Famosa was acquired by Sun Capital Partners and its U.S. operations were established in October 2011, based in Mt. Laurel, New Jersey. The company markets brands including Pinypon, Nenuco, Nancy and Feber.

Santa loves snow; he's surrounded by it every week of the year! So imagine his enchantment with the new Pinypon Snow Ski Lodge playset ($39.99) and the accompanying Pinypon Snow Adventure Car & Tow ($12.99). Pinypon was introduced to the U.S. market in 2012 and little girls everywhere are smitten with the pint-size doll line, outfits and accessories.

Welcome to the World of Pinypon, a whole new worlds of creative play that features collectable and customizable Pinypon Friends and Playsets. They love fashion, shopping, cooking, animals, travel and more! You can swap outfits, accessories, hairstyles and even faces! Mix & Match to create your own Pinypon Friends. Collect, Create and Play…Your Own Pinypon Way! Create your very own Pinypon World!

Ready for a ton of winter fun? The Ski Lodge is where Pinypon Friends vacation in the winter. They ice skate, ski, ride a snow mobile, build a snowman and get warm in the Lodge. So many accessories and fun details from the ski lift to the ski slope. Fun for all! Includes Pinypon Friends dressed in winter gear.

Pinypon Snow Ski Lodge Set Includes:

• 3 Pinypon Figures + Pet
• Adorable snow gear!
• Lots of activities: Ski, Skate, Snow mobile, Sled, Snowboard
• Includes skating rink (simply add water and freeze)
• Ski Slope and Lodge

And if you love the Snow Ski Lodge, then make sure to get the Snow Car & Tow along with it for your kids this holiday season!

It’s time for cross country snow adventures with the Car & Tow set. It comes with a unique Pinypon Friend in winter attire and her Pet. Head to the slopes for some skiing fun! Includes snowboard, skies, luggage and more. All store nicely on and under the tow.

Snow Car & Tow Features:

• Includes 1 Pinypon Figure + 1 Pet
• Cool car for traveling fun!
• Includes snowboard, skies, luggage and more
• Accessories store nicely on & under the Tow

My children love that they can change these dolls' outfits, pretend they are skiing and skating and play with so many other accessories! 

Buy It: You can purchase both the Pinypon Ski Lodge ($39.99) and Snow Car & Tow (on sale for $9.99!) from Toysrus.com.

* Thank you to Pinypon for their product for review! Disclosure - This product was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.*

Nenuco Sleep with Me Baby Doll & Cradle & Giveaway

A product was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.

Do you know what the "it" toy will be this holiday season? Everyone tries to guess but no one seems to know. That hasn't stopped parents, toy experts and kids making a short list of must-have favorites. One couple, who travel each year from the North Pole to every country around the globe, just announced a big hint. They've given three Ho Ho Ho's to European toymaker Famosa, maker of Nenuco.

I know for sure that the "it" toy in our house and for my daughter this year is definitely going to be Nenuco's Sleep With Me Baby Doll & Cradle. The baby is so cute and it is perfect for that little girl in your life that loves babies, loves to be a "little mommy" and this baby can even sleep next to your child!

This toy is sure to be a hit because little girls cherish role-playing the many tasks of motherhood -- doctor, teacher, stylist and mommy -- to these cuddly baby dolls. Baby dolls allow children as young as 2 to repeat daily parenting routines for babies like eating, bathing and dressing.

With these realistic looking dolls, children learn to be responsible, taking care of their baby indoors or outside for a stroll in the park. At the same time children develop through play their capacity for communication. And it's not just for girls. Boys and girls share playing with dolls while playing house and overcoming old sexist roles. The educational value of doll playing is recommended for all youngsters.

And this Baby Doll is also great for preschoolers that are anticipating the arrival of a new baby or if there's already one in the home. The Sleep With Me 16.5" doll with a cradle will mimic mom's and dad's new sleeping pattern.

This adorable and unique playset includes a cradle that can attach to your bed so your baby can sleep with you. You can keep her close and safe with you all night long. Includes a star nightlight with music, blanket, bottle and pacifier. The cradle can also be used alone for her naps throughout the day.

There are 2 Ways to Play: stand alone Cradle or Attaches to Bed. So cute! Have sweet dreams with your precious baby by your side. 16.5" doll. Suitable for all kinds of beds.

The Nenuco Sleep with Me Baby Doll & Cradle is a great gift set this Holiday season and is great for promoting interaction between child & doll for hours of fun creative play!

Buy It: You can purchase the Nenuco Sleep with Me Baby Doll & Cradle for $29.99 from Kmart.com or from Toys "R" Us.

Win It:  Nenuco is generously offering (1) Nenuco Sleep with Me Baby Doll & Cradle to a lucky winner!

Enter here for a chance to win:

(1) Nenuco Sleep with Me Baby Doll & Cradle
($29.99 value!)
a Rafflecopter giveaway

* Thank you to Nenuco for their product for review! Disclosure - This product was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.*