Tips for Toddlers

Parents Critter Conga Review

Stefanie — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 20:56:20 +0000

When a new toy to review arrived at our house a few weeks ago from Team Mom, I sure got a surprise when I opened the box!

Inside, staring back at me, were two big eyes. It took me a moment or two to realize what exactly this was…

It’s the Critter Conga from Parents!

We immediately pulled the Critter Conga out of the box and started to play.

Inside the Leopard Conga Drum and the functional Tambourine Lid, there are an additional 10 instruments.

- 2 Snake Drumsticks

- 2 Giraffe Maracas

- Crocodile Clacker

- 3 different whistles

- Monkey Rain Shaker

- Drum Toy

My daughter loved playing with all the different musical noise makers, especially the drum itself which can be played with the 2 snake drumsticks.

My friend was over with her 9 month old son and he got a kick out of the Giraffe Maracas.

We had a great time playing around and the BEST part of all was when we were done, everything fit so nicely inside the Conga Drum and was secured by the tambourine lid.

A mother’s dream…fun and storage all in one!

I loved how this toy was nothing like I’ve seen before. It’s not just 1 toy, its 12-in-1, inside a cool container.

The Critter Conga is great for toddlers as this toy is not only fun, but improves motor skills and memory.

Like all Parents toys, the Critter Conga is very well made and sturdy (can definitely take a beating) and completely safe -all Parents toys are 100% phthalate free.

Parents Critter Conga is recommended for ages 18+ months and retails for $30 at www.costco.com - made by www.Parents.com

Amazon December Toy Sale!

Stefanie — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 18:55:26 +0000

The Amazon toy sale has been going on for over a week now, but I am seeing prices still dropping.

If you are not aware, every year before Christmas Amazon.com has a super sale on toys.

Princes are much, much lower than in stores, and you get free shipping over $25 (or free with prime) and no tax! It is the only place I buy our Christmas toys!

Take a look at some of these great deals-

Rose Petal Cottage - $33.99 Shipped Reg. $79.99

Cherry Blossom Market - $20.99 Reg. 59.99 (I bought this one!) Eligible for free super saver shipping

Playskool Busy Ball-Tivity Center - $10.99 Reg. $34.99 eligible for free super saver shipping

Fisher-Price Go Baby Go Crawl and Cruise Musical Jungle - $30.99 Reg. $74.99 Shipped Free

Check out more Hot Christmas Toy Deals at Amazon!

and other great deals at DealMommy.com

Toy Buying Safety Tips

Stefanie — Sat, 06 Dec 2008 23:03:58 +0000

ShopSmart, from the publisher of Consumer Reports, shares 4 safety strategies to make sure your holiday gifts are free of lead and other dangers:

Know what toys to avoid. Steer clear of no-name toys and, regardless of your child’s age, don’t buy toys with small magnets, even if the magnets seem safely contained within the toy. Don’t buy metal jewelry, especially the cheap stuff, for young children or allow them to play with key chains or items with metal charms. If you have an infant or toddler who still puts almost everything in her mouth, don’t buy squeezable soft plastic toys or books. Unless it says “no phthalates” on the package, there’s no way of knowing if they contain the chemical or not.

Buy according to a kid’s age. Look for manufacturer’s recommended age ranges on toy packaging. Age grading is more than a friendly hint. It can alert you to a possible choking hazard, the presence of small parts, and other dangers. And think twice before buying a toy with small parts for a child older than 3 who has a younger sibling. Keep all small round or oval objects, including coins, balls, and marbles, away from kids under

Check for recalls. Before shopping, go to www.cpsc.gov, a government Web site, to see whether the toys you plan to buy (and the toys already in your home) have been recalled. Also, sign up for free e-mail notices of recalls at www.cpsc.gov/cpsclist.aspx. And if a product you buy comes with a registration card, fill it out and send it in so you will be notified directly by the manufacturer if the item is recalled. It’s up to retailers to take recalled toys off store shelves but, once a recalled toy is in your home, it’s up to you to keep it away from your family or return it ASAP.

Watch where you shop. Be leery of drugstores, airports, and dollar stores. They’ve been known to carry flimsy plastic toys with dangerous sharp edges or small parts that can break off easily. Thrift stores, consignment shops, yard and garage sales, and eBay often have toys in excellent condition, but check to see that they’re well made and have no small magnets or parts. Wash the toys before giving them.

Tips Courtesy of the January 2009 edition of ShopSmart.

Disney Shopping Friends & Family Sale

Stefanie — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 07:07:59 +0000

Save 25% off your total purchase at DisneyShopping.com from now until December 7th, 2008. You must use promo code FF25 at checkout to receive the Friends & Family discount.

Disney Shopping already has some amazing deals, so this is a good chance to pick up Christmas presents super cheap.

Some of our favorites:

Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Vacuum

Handy Manny 8-Pc. Tool Set

Tiny Toddler Mickey Doctor Set

We have a winner! Uncommonly Cute Baby Tee

Stefanie — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 13:56:16 +0000

Congratulations to Jessica who is the winner of the Uncommonly Cute Baby Tee in “World Peas” Size 12-18 months.

Jessica said:

“I would love to win this for my little one”.

New giveaway starting this week!

Toddler Thankgiving Printables, Crafts, & Activities

Stefanie — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 23:11:53 +0000

Thanksgiving is almost here, and a great way to keep your toddler busy while you are cooking in the kitchen is to have Thanksgiving themed crafts and activities.

Here are some of our favorites featuring characters your children know and love.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Nick Jr. Thanksgiving - Recipes, crafts, and activities

Nick Jr. Thanksgiving Printables - Thanksgiving themed printables featuring Dora, Blue’s Clues, and the Backyardigan’s

My Friends Tigger & Pooh Thanksgiving - Recipes, games, and activities for a Thanksgiving party featuring Pooh, Tigger, and Darby

Sprout’s Thanksgiving Party - Crafts, coloring pages, and recipes from Sprout

FamilyFun.com Thanksgiving - TONS of fun activities, recipes, crafts & more!

Kaboose Thanksgiving Crafts - Thanksgiving Crafts from Kaboose

Homemade Play Dough Recipes

Stefanie — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 02:16:00 +0000

There is no need to go out and buy Play-Doh for your toddler. You can make these 3 homemade versions of play dough with just a few simple ingredients that you probably already have at home.

Play dough may be colored using food coloring or Kool-Aid.

Peanut Butter Play Dough - Edible (not for children with nut allergies)

1/2 cup Peanut Butter

1 cup Powdered Milk

1/2 cup Honey

Mix ingredients thoroughly, shape and eat!

Easy Play Dough

1 cup Flour

1/4 cup Salt

1/4 cup Water

Mix flour and salt in a bowl, then add water. Knead into dough consistency, add more water if needed. This play dough drys out quickly and is usually a 1 time use dough.

Cooked Play Dough - non edible

1 cup flour
1 cup of water
1/2 cup of salt
2 tablespoons Cream of Tarter
1 tablespoon of Oil

Mix all ingredients in a pot and cook over low heat until it forms into a ball. Knead dough and store in plastic container.

Hurry! Britax Marathon in Granite $42.99 Free Shipping!

Stefanie — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 21:51:46 +0000

This is an AMAZING deal that WILL NOT LAST!

Britax Marathon in Granite $42.99 and Free Shipping from Target!

–> Make sure to go through eBates before you make your purchase for 4% Cash Back!

Uncommonly Cute Baby Tee Contest

Stefanie — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 01:14:35 +0000

Are you looking for cool baby clothes for your little one?

Uncommonly Cute has an adorable selection of trendy tees with as much personality as your baby or toddler.

Sizes range from 3 months-6 years and includes newborn, boy, girl, and twin designs.

These tees are super soft and comfy and are already a hit with celebrities and their babies.

WIN IT!

You can win this Uncommonly Cute “World Peas” Baby Tee in size 12-18 months. This design is great for either a boy or a girl. $22 value.

To enter:

Leave a comment on this post.

Extra entries for blogging about this contest or about this site, www.tipsfortoddlers.com. Please leave a comment letting me know where to find your post!

Contest ends Thursday November 27th, 2008 (Thanksgiving) at 11:59pm. Winner will be selected at random and notified by email and posted on this site.

Open to US residents only.

Good Luck!

Save 20% off at Small World Toys

Stefanie — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 18:01:36 +0000

Save 20% off your total purchase (and free shipping over $100) at SmallWorldToys.com

Use coupon code “SALE145” at checkout.

Brands Include:

-Active Edge
-All About Baby
-CrocoPen
-Eric Carle
-Gertie Ball
-IQ Baby
-IQ Preschool
-Karen Katz
-Neurosmith
-Puzzibilities
-Ryan’s Room
-Small World Living
-Small World Express
-Tolo

I especially love the wooden toys and dollhouses by Ryan’s Room and Tolo Baby Toys.