i-Mat: My Animal World and Voice Pen

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

My, my, how times have changed! Digital devices like smart phones, tablets and flash drives have become the norm for the i-Generation, born after 2003. Kids get their homework assignments online and download eBooks to read on the bus. Now toddlers as young as 18 months have their own device, the soft and colorful foam i-Mat™, and it's changing parents' perspective on what's possible to activate baby's senses.

The first in a series of themed interactive foam mats, the colorful play land is made of four interlocking soft sections that are activated when used with its Voice Pen. Babies and older siblings learn while exploring the illustrated mat with a simple point on the "word bubble." They're instantly rewarded with an animal sound, a word, music or a foreign language translation! Newborn babies can enjoy the mat without the pen—the mat is phthalate-, lead- and heavy metal-free, and no electronics mean no worries for wiping the mat clean.

The i-Mat's secret is the 2 GB memory of the Voice Pen. As new pads are introduced, parents can connect the Voice Pen to any computer with internet access (with the included USB cable), download the new sound file from Creative Baby's website to the i-Mat Voice Pen.

I love how this i-Mat teaches my children three languages -- English, Spanish, and Chinese -- by simply touching the pen to the image.

Beyond learning a new language, the i-Mat grows intellectually with my children. When the child is old enough to hold the pen without help, the brain cells get a great workout as learning games on the mat become more and more challenging as hidden sounds are everywhere! For tots 3 to 6 years old there's advanced programs for the Voice pen such as interactive talking flash cards, posters, wall decals, stickers, books and more.

Both my 2 and 4 year old LOVE the i-Mat and it appeals to both their age groups. The pen is easy to hold for my two year old and the games and languages are advanced enough for my 4 year old son. 

They can easily set it up by themselves, turn it on, and away they go learning about all the animals and playing games!

The i-Mat serves as a fun visual play land with dozens of cute animals that toddlers can't resist nor their older siblings. Animal name clouds stimulate the visual connection of the words with corresponding images and animal names. Point and wait for the sound!

Buy It: You can purchase the i-Mat: My Animal World and Voice Pen for $79.99 from the Creative Baby website.

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

Pimsleur Language Programs

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

Do you know a man that is wanting to travel the world or learn a new language? Then make sure you get them Pimsleur Language Programs for Christmas! It’s the perfect gift for men and those who are hard to buy for because you simply send the recipient a gift-set which includes a digital code and they get to choose any language they would like to learn!

Pimsleur is a totally integrated foreign language program that has recently designed a free app so customers can learn while they're commuting or on-the-go.

Pimsleur Language Programs use the Pimsleur Method, created by Dr. Paul Pimsleur, one of the world’s foremost experts in applied linguistics. This method is scientifically proven to ensure fast language comprehension by taking the learner directly to the heart of the language, eliminating noise, confusion, and information overload.

These programs are available in a variety of configurations, but for this holiday season, they're offering a special gift-set for 30% off of the original price.

The Pimsleur Language Programs gift-set includes Dr. Pimsleur’s hardcover book on How to Learn a Foreign Language as well as a 30-lesson digital component which comes in any one of the 50 languages for $98.50. You save 30% off the regular price!

Everyone has 30 minutes to give in a day! Just give Pimsleur 30 minutes a day and you'll be speaking a new language in no time! Thirty minutes a day is all it takes to develop a near native accent and become proficient in your new language. Plus, Pimsleur’s portability makes it easy for you to find the time. Learn Spanish while you’re driving to work. Speak Italian while exercising. Study French while waiting for a plane. Practice Russian while walking the dog. Learn Mandarin in your living room. Pimsleur digital lessons play on your device of choice—computer, tablet, iPod or smartphone. If you’re more traditional, take their CDs with you on your drive or enjoy them at home.

Dr. Pimsleur's Method® has been trusted for 50 Years by U.S. government agencies, diplomats, corporations, and anyone who wants or needs to learn to speak a language quickly and effectively. Everything about the Pimsleur Method has improved with age, making it the most reliable way to learn a language.

Buy It: You can purchase any Pimsleur Language Programs from the Pimsleur website.

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