Play Appeal...And a Giveaway

This Giveaway is Closed.
MaryAnne from Mama Smiles is the lucky winner!

With Christmas a month in the past, it is always interesting to observe which Christmas presents are being loved and which have already been forgotten.  This phenomenon happens each year in our house. It isn't that my children don't appreciate their gifts, it is just that some have more "play  appeal" than others.  This is what is currently being loved at my house.

We all love My Busy Kits, so when the company offered to send me one of their newly designed kits I was thrilled.  I wrapped it up and gave it to Wes as a Christmas present.  Of course, as I expected, he loves it.  We take it with us to appointments where "waiting" will be involved, to dinner at sit down restaurants, and on long car rides.  Busy Kits never disappoint!

All three kids have enjoyed this set of Melissa and Doug Lace and Trace Pet Cards available from Gummy Lump, an on-line shop specializing  in  creative and educational wooden toys for children ages 0-6.  Samantha likes to trace them onto paper, color or paint the animal shapes, and then cut them out.  She even used the cut outs to decorate a school project.  Gracen likes to lace them. It is great fine motor practice for her.  I have also pointed out to her that the down and up motion is good practice for learning to sew (which she really wants to do).  As for Wes, he really doesn't use the cards for their intended purposes.  He likes to lace the strings onto the cards just a little bit.  He then proceeds to pretend that the string is a fishing line and that he is "catching" the animals (doesn't seem to matter that the animals aren't all fish).  He also pretends that the strings are leashes and walks the animals around the house.  What can I say...he has a great imagination!

This Dolphin Explorer Boat has been one of Wes's favorites.  It is made by Sprig, an amazing eco-friendly toy company which makes battery-free, kid powered, expandable toys.  This Explorer Boat is a great bath toy, but it could also be used in pools and water tables. Wes plays with this just about every night. 

Wes loves to read about and play "Astronaut".  Therefore, he had this Explorer Rocket Ship from Back to Basics Toys at the tip top of his Santa list.  It set Santa back a couple of dollars, so I am very happy that he loves it so much.  He plays with it all of the time.  He also incorporates other toys into his play.  For example, he has used his unit blocks to create a launch pad and the surface of the moon .  I have to say ~ I love this toy, too.  It is made extremely well, was easy to put together (or so I am told ~ thanks, honey!), and came with lots of additional play pieces (martians, astronauts, and space vehicles).

According to my girls, we are one of the last families they know to get the Wii.    It may be true, as I am not a huge fan of gaming systems.  However, I have to admit, the Wii is a bit different.  We have all had a ton of fun playing bowling, golf, boxing, and tennis as a family.   The girls and John liked to play Super Mario Brothers.  I stink at it, so I usually just watch them.  They get very excited and quite competitive.  Thankfully, we are all good sports!

And last, but definitely not least, ... American Girl Dolls.  Samantha and Gracen play with them a LOT.  I am thrilled because I think too many little girls are trying to grow up too fast.  I like that my girls still find dolls entertaining and stimulating.  

How about your children?  What are their favorites?

Itty-Bitty Promotion and Giveaway

Promo ~ For the  month of February, My Busy Kits is offering my readers 20% off of their purchases.  To take advantage, simply enter the promo code "bittybookworm" at check out in their Google store.

Giveaway ~ Gummy Lump is offering one lucky reader a set of the Melissa and Doug Lace and Trace Pet Cards.

First Entry Requirement ~Visit Gummy Lump and then come back and leave me a comment about a toy your kiddo(s) would like. 

1. Become a Gummy Lump Fan on Facebook (1 entry). 
2. Follow Gummy Lump on Twitter.
3. Subscribe to Raising Itty-Bitty Bookworms. (1 entry)

*Make sure and leave a comment after this post for each entry so I can give you all the credit you deserve (and don't forget your email address too)! Winner will be announced Monay, February 11, and contacted by email. Winner has three days to contact me at contact@ittybittybookworm.com. After three days another winner will be drawn.*
**Sprig, Gummy Lump, and My Busy Kits all provided the toys for us to review.  However, as always, I blog with integrity and these are our honest opinions.