the wonder forge :: i can do that! games {giveaway}

There were tears in my house when bedtime was finally enforced here tonight.  Three year old Michaela did not want to put away her new Richard Scarry's Busytown Eye found it! game from The Wonder Forge's line of I Can Do That! Games for preschoolers.  I couldn't really blame her, we were having SO much fun even I had lost track of the time!

I'm not sure which is more exciting for her, the 6 foot long game board, searching for objects in all the Richard Scarry illustrations,  or playing together as a team in order to win the game.

As a parent I appreciate all those things as well as the fact that she is learning how to identify objects even though they may not match exactly to the image provided for searching.  For example, in one round we searched for all the kites we could find.  This included traditional diamond shaped kites, but we also found some box kites and one kite that looked damaged from a crash landing.  I just loved that she is learning to use some reasoning skills in such a fun way.

This game is for ages 3 and up and includes some counting (up to 10), object identification, teamwork and fun!  I easily felt that this was completely age appropriate and that when played as a family game older children would enjoy it as well because of the detailed searching involved.

Richard Scarry's Busytown Eye found it! game :: $19.99

{ * GIVEAWAY CLOSED :: CHECK THE SIMPLE WINNERS TAB TO SEE IF IT WAS YOU * } 


A SIMPLE GIVEAWAY!

One SIMPLE reader will win a Richard Scarry's Busytown Eye found it! Game like the one shown above. Here is how to enter:

• Check out I Can Do That! Games and come back here telling me which other game(s) you thought were interesting! (Required)
• "Like" The Wonder Forge on Facebook
• Follow The Wonder Forge on Twitter
• Facebook :: Daily - Leave a link :: Post a status on your facebook hyper linking SIMPLE and The Wonder Forge and this giveaway
• Twitter :: Daily - Leave a link :: "I found it!" Win a Richard Scarry's Busytown Eye found it! game from @wonderforge over at @simplereviews http://tiny.cc/2oj08 #giveaway RT!
• "Like" this review on Facebook below
• Sign up for our daily emails
  
• Publicly follow SIMPLE via Google Friend Connect

The winner will be randomly chosen on June 23, 2011. Please reference Giveaway Rules at the top of the page before entering.

*I was provided with the game shown above in order to conduct this review using personal experience.  The opinions provided are my own.*

geo toys :: puzzles {giveaway}

GeoPuzzles are jigsaw puzzles that make learning world geography fun! The pieces of a GeoPuzzle are shaped like individual countries, so children can learn as they put the puzzle together!
My 4 year old is really into puzzles and is really good at them.  He just loves them.  Knowing that we didn't have any geography puzzles, I found GeoToys that has Puzzles.  These puzzles are fantastic and are very durable.  The pieces are large and go together easy.  My son does them over and over.

GeoPuzzles help to build fine motor, cognitive, language, and problem-solving skills, and are a great introduction to world geography for children 4 and up. Designed by an art professor, jumbo sized and brightly colored GeoPuzzles are available for all 5 major continents.

We were provided with the Europe and World puzzles.  Each puzzle is made of recycled materials.  My son is doing well with them and is learn the US right now. He can name quite a few of them!

GeoPuzzle Europe :: $14.99
Geo Puzzle World :: $14.99

A SIMPLE GIVEAWAY!
One lucky SIMPLE readers will win a GeoPuzzle of your choice!  Please enter by using the app below.






*I was provided with these 2 puzzles to conduct this review. These opinions are my own*

ballpark classics :: our field. your dreams.

For all you baseball fanatics out there, here is YOUR game!! And it comes from Ballpark Classics! I have reviewed this game previously here on SIMPLE, but today I have a deal for you!!

With Father's Day right around the corner, I couldn't think of a better game for you all to look at! We have this game and could play it endlessly! And don't just take my opinion for it, this game was at the Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards and SO many famous people as well as many others loved the game. I followed Ballpark Classics on twitter that week so I could see who all was playing the game. :)

So don't delay. Here is a coupon code for you to get this game for 15% off! Deals like this don't come around often for Ballpark Classics, so if you have been thinking about it since the last time I reviewed it, now's your chance!

A SIMPLE DISCOUNT:
15% off all games using coupon code: simple11 at checkout
Limit 3 per customer.
Code is case-sensitive.

haywire group :: the cat's pajamas board game {giveaway}

I came across Haywire Group when looking for some new board games to add to our collection. As the parent of a 3 year old I've found that it's hard to find age appropriate games that challenge kids to think but that aren't so challenging as to make it not fun to play.

We've been trying out their The Cat's Pajamas board game and it has become one of our new family favorites. With no reading, and only a small amount of counting involved (up to 5) this game is perfect for the 3+ crowd. My daughter loves that she gets see the silly mismatched pajama sets on the cats and I love that there is color, shape, and pattern recognition involved as well.

The point of the game is to be the first to remove your cat's layers of pajamas and return them to their Nighty Whiteys. :) Each player takes a turn rolling the die and counting out the corresponding spaces around the game board to land on a colored or patterned space.

What makes The Cat's Pajamas even more fun for kids is that it doesn't matter who's turn it was to roll the die, if the game piece lands on a space matching one of the visible pajama pieces on your cat you get to remove that piece. So everyone gets to play at the same time and the game moves along a a good pace keeping the game time within the attentions span limits of young kids.

The Cat's Pajamas board game :: $20.99

{ * GIVEAWAY CLOSED :: CHECK THE SIMPLE WINNERS TAB TO SEE IF IT WAS YOU * } 

A SIMPLE GIVEAWAY!
One lucky SIMPLE reader is going to win The Cat's Pajamas board game from Haywire Group. Here is how to enter:

• Visit Haywire Group and tell me what other game(s) look fun to you (Required Entry)
• "Like" Haywire Group and SIMPLE on Facebook
• Post a status on your Facebook hyper linking SIMPLE and Haywire Group. In order to hyperlink, you need to be following both companies you will be hyper linking. Then enter the "@" symbol and start typing the name you want to hyperlink and choose it from the drop down that will pop up.
• Follow @simplereviews & @haywiregroup on Twitter and send some twitter love. Tweet this (daily tweets allowed) :: #Win The Cat's Pajamas board game from @haywiregroup with @simplereviews: http://tiny.cc/fsmxt #giveaway #contest Please RT!
• Sign up for SIMPLE updates - enter your email address in the left sidebar on SIMPLE
• Publicly follow SIMPLE via Google Friend Connect
• Vote daily for SIMPLE via Top Mommy Blogs (the blinking logo on our home page - just click it)

Winner will be randomly chosen on May 28, 2011. Please reference Giveaway Rules at the top of the page before entering. Good luck

*I was provided with the board game shown above to conduct this review using personal experience. The opinions provided are my own.*

peaceable kingdom :: games {giveaway}

What matters most to Peaceable Kingdom Press is simple: make good, do good, be good. We maintain a personal integrity in all of our relationships, we remain dedicated to producing original high-quality products that are manufactured in socially-responsible facilities, we use recycled and FSC certified paper in 100% of our cards and envelopes, we support our local community by volunteering in the schools and our larger world by donating to charitable organizations that support the lives of children, and we have fun while we work!


Unlike traditional games, these games teach cooperation, not competition. Players work together against an obstacle in the game. All games are 100% green – soy-based inks, FSC paper, corn-based plastic.

What is a cooperative game?
A cooperative game is a game where all players play together against a common obstacle, not against each. In a cooperative game no one feels left out and everyone has fun! Peaceable Kingdom’s cooperative board games use familiar game mechanisms – spinning a spinner, matching cards, moving a token, strategizing a win! The difference is that players play together. Playing together helps kids in many ways – they experience shared decision-making, they build self-esteem, they learn to share, to feel compassion, and to work as team. Playing cooperative games teaches kids to cooperate.


My son loves to play board games. He loves to win, what child doesn't. These are easy fun games that he understands and let him have fun. I love the cooperation games...we received the 2 games pictured here :: Hoot Owl Hoot (part of the cooperation games) and Spunky Monkey's Game.

These are perfect for my son. He and I have played them many times already. We have to play both every time. I just love the quality of these games as well. They are not cheap looking. They are very well made and sturdy! With kids that's what you need. He also loves that we all win instead of just one person on the Hoot Owl Hoot Game. I would love to have more of these games.

***If you write a review of a Peaceable Kingdom Press Cooperative Game on Amazon, Peaceable Kingdom Press will donate that game to a teacher/classroom of your choice! Here is the info about that on Peaceable Kingdom Press' Facebook Page

Spunky Monkeys Game :: $15.99

Hoot Owl Hoot :: $14.99

{ * GIVEAWAY NOW CLOSED!! CHECK THE SIMPLE WINNERS TAB TO SEE WHO WON! * }

A SIMPLE GIVEAWAY!

One SIMPLE reader will win a cooperative game of their choice. Here is how to enter:

• Tell us which cooperative game you would want if you won (Required)
• "Like" Peaceable Kingdom on Facebook
• Post a status on your facebook hyper linking SIMPLE and Peaceable Kingdom and this giveaway (and copy that link in the comments section here)
• Tweet (daily tweets allowed, come back here and leave the link in the comments) :: #Win a Peaceable Kindgom Press Game over at @simplereviews: http://tinyurl.com/4ybno5m #giveaway #contest Please RT!
• Enter your email address in the left sidebar on SIMPLE to sign up for daily emails
• Publicly follow SIMPLE via Google Friend Connect
• Vote daily for SIMPLE via Top Mommy Blogs (the blinking logo on our home page - just click it)

Winner will be randomly chosen on May 22, 2011. Please reference Giveaway Rules at the top of the page before entering. Good luck!

*I was provided with the 2 games above to conduct this review. These opinions are my own*

the original tree swing :: classic fun {giveaway}

There are few toys as classically timeless as a tree swing. I'm not talking about the cheap renditions made of hollowed out plastic with seats have a 30 lb. weight limit and that are meant to last for all of 60 seconds. I'm talking about good, old-fashioned tree swings with seats made of solid wood and with real ropes that are built to last. I'm talking about tree swings like the kind made by The Original Tree Swing.

A family owned and operated business, The Original Tree Swing, has a great selection of classic wooden toys including what I consider to be the ultimate of tree swings.

Each Original Tree Swing seat is hand made out of reclaimed Elm (from trees that would otherwise have ended up in the city dump). Once each seat is kiln dried and sanded a light coat of mineral oil is applied to bring out the natural beauty of the wood. Before shipping each seat is packaged with either 20 or 30 ft. of the best 3/4" natural fiber rope available (no oil or chemicals so it's safe for your kiddos).

The Original Tree Swing is meant for ages 3+, but the swing is very sturdy and it's so well made that I didn't have any second thoughts about taking a ride myself (and it was FUN!!!). Weight limits are going to be dependent on where & how you hang your swing, so use common sense and test it out.

I thought it was really nice that The Original Tree Swing even has a link from their site to a great knot tying resource. Also, if you want to increase the life of your Original Tree Swing you can treat the wooden seat with a wood sealer of your choice.

The Original Tree Swing with 20 ft. of natural fiber rope :: $42.99

{ * GIVEAWAY CLOSED :: CHECK THE WINNER’S TABE TO SEE IF IT WAS YOU * }

A SIMPLE GIVEAWAY!
One lucky SIMPLE reader is going to win their very own The Original Tree Swing with 20 feet of natural fiber rope. Here is how to enter:

• Visit The Original Tree Swing website & come back to tell me your favorite product. (Required)
• "Like" The Original Tree Swing and SIMPLE on Facebook
• Post a status on your Facebook hyper linking SIMPLE and The Original Tree Swing. In order to hyperlink, you need to be following both companies you will be hyper linking. Then enter the "@" symbol and start typing the name you want to hyperlink and choose it from the drop down that will pop up.
• Follow @simplereviews & @naturaltoys on Twitter and send some twitter love. Tweet this (daily tweets allowed) :: #Win your very own The Original Tree Swing from @naturaltoys with @simplereviews: http://tiny.cc/xjvdj #giveaway #contest Please RT!
• Sign up for SIMPLE updates - enter your email address in the left sidebar on SIMPLE
• Publicly follow SIMPLE via Google Friend Connect
• Vote daily for SIMPLE via Top Mommy Blogs (the blinking logo on our home page - just click it)

Winner will be randomly chosen on May 19, 2011. Please reference Giveaway Rules at the top of the page before entering. Good luck!

*I was provided The Original Tree Swing shown above to conduct this review using personal experience. The opinions expressed are my own.*

oblo :: what's oblo you may ask? {giveaway}

When I first saw this item at Toy Fair 2011, I immediately thought of my Lili. She is a thinker and loves doing puzzles. And this puzzle rocks! It is challenging and fun all at the same time!

It's something that my husband and I can sit down with her and do together. She isn't quite at the point where she is able to complete it all by herself. She does get frustrated from time to time doing it, but it's great because we are able to work through the challenge areas together.

Here is a little more about it followed by a quick video of the puzzle in action:

"OBLO is the award-winning 3D spherical puzzle that challenges and inspires kids of all ages. OBLO is also an engaging, didactic puzzle ideal for growing minds. It's a colorful layer of spheres that creates a compelling 3D puzzle. The OBLO is both a tactile and mental toy. As children construct and deconstruct its parts, the OBLO develops motor skills and hand-eye coordination as well as engaging children’s curiosity. As they use both of their hands to manipulate the OBLO, it is also a great preparation for learning to write and draw."

Oblo Puzzle Sphere :: $22.99

{ ** GIVEAWAY NOW CLOSED!! CHECK THE SIMPLE WINNERS TAB TO SEE WHO WON! ** }

A SIMPLE GIVEAWAY ::

One SIMPLE reader will have the chance to win this! Here is how to enter:

• Tell me, who would you want to win this for? (Required Entry)
• "Like" Oblo Puzzle Sphere and SIMPLE on Facebook
• Post a status on your facebook hyper linking SIMPLE and Oblo Puzzle Sphere. In order to hyperlink, you need to be following both companies you will be hyper linking. Then enter the "@" symbol and start typing the name you want to hyperlink and choose it from the drop down that will pop up.
• Follow @simplereviews and @oblospheres on Twitter and send some twitter love. Daily tweets allowed :: #Win an @oblospheres puzzle over at @simplereviews: http://tinyurl.com/6a7uqfc #giveaway #contest Please RT!
• Sign up for SIMPLE updates - enter your email address in the left sidebar on SIMPLE
• Publicly follow SIMPLE via Google Friend Connect

Winner will be randomly chosen on May 6, 2011. Please reference Giveaway Rules at the top of the page before entering. Good luck!

*I was provided with an oblo puzzle sphere to conduct this review using personal experience. The opinions expressed are my own.*

A Whole New Way for Kids to Watch and Play!

Disney is launching tomorrow, November 16th, a version of a child size remote/video game for kids aged 2-5. It is called the Mickey Mote - and I was sent this along with two games/DVD's to try out! I think it is very fun and VERY simple for the little ones to enjoy. We have a wii gaming system and have some kid friendly games, but those games are not near as simple at this new Mickey Mote! They are releasing this just in time to add this to your little one's Christmas list. If they love the Disney channel, they will love what this has to offer. Here is a little more info:

"...discover a whole new way to watch and play their favorite Disney preschool DVDs, with the all-new "Mickey Mote". This one-of-a-kind, kid's remote control...packed with Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: Mickey's Numbers Roundup
and Handy Manny: Big Construction Job. The new Mickey Mote will provide hours of fun, engaging and challenging adventures for kids age 2-5. The Mickey Mote is a value for moms and fun for kids!

These DVD's are very fun to watch - either with or without the remote! :)

You can read and learn a LOT more about this over at the Disney site, you can click HERE to be automatically directed to it. Or you can watch this video now to learn more:

And while you are on that page that is linked above, look right below the video that is playing and you will be able to see some great clips from these DVD's. Here is one for you to look at now if you want :)

Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: Mickey's Numbers Roundup
Fun Fact

GET YOUR OWN! There are 9 total DVD's right now available that will work with the Mickey Mote - the two pictured above are examples of what I received! They are available for purchase starting November 16th! You can get your own copy where you currently buy your DVD's or you can find a copy HERE and have it shipped right to you! ONE LAST THING TO MENTION...be sure to grab the coupon on the front of the package if you are purchasing your own at the store. You can instantly save $8 on any two Mickey Mote titles, or inside there is another coupon for $3 off of a single title.

*I was provided with a copy of Disney's New Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: Mickey's Number Roundup and Handy Manny: Big Construction Job DVD's as well as the Mickey Mote free of charge in order to give my unbiased opinion and to conduct this review. What was written above is my opinion!