Teenymates Perfect Stocking Stuffer for Your Football Fan

Now you can hold the NFL in the palm of your hand!
Just one inch tall, TeenyMates have burst onto the scene as the official pocket-size players for all your favorite NFL teams. But don’t let their size fool you. TeenyMates are BIG FUN for kids, collectors and sports fans of all ages. Trade and play and collect ‘em all! Now available from Party Animal Toys. PLUS - Keep a lookout for more leagues coming soon.

If your kids love football these great collectible figures are perfect.  Collect all the teams and also puzzle pieces to complete your very own pint sized football field.

I was worried about how my Chicago Bears lovin' son would feel about opening a package and finding a less appealing team but even when we discovered a "yucky Packers guy" in one of our packages, all the boys that it was great because 'they would lose for sure'.

Although we already have the full field (courtesy of Party Animal Toys) we are still missing many of the other teams so the boys will be getting some Teenymates in their stockings this Christmas.

Disclosure: Teenymates were provided to our family for review purposes but we have not been compensated for a positive review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own honest, personal feedback.

Gift Ideas for Teens from Best Buy

There a countless number of things about having teenagers in my house that scare the bejesus out of me.  While I'm not sure my kids could possibly have any more attitude, I know they will get bigger, they will have more friends and they will likely eat everything that isn't nailed down.  But after doing some research for gift ideas for teens at Best Buy, I have to say I'm a little excited about my potential teens (hey they actually have live long enough to get there).

There are so many fun things for teens.  I know all parents probably don't agree but I would love to be the house my kids and their friends like to hang out at.  This just gives a parent a little extra security and insight into the life of a teen.  If I had the room I'd have all three of these super fun gift ideas in my house, partly in hopes of enticing my kids and their pals to my house but partly because when they did chose to hang out somewhere else...I could play!!!  Seriously, how fun do these look!?!?!

Triumph Sports USA - 4-in-1 Rotating Game Table

This table features air-powered hockey, billiards, tennis and football for hours of fun. The rotating design allows for easy access and the leg leveler helps keep the table steady.

Harvard - Escalade Sports Single Shootout Basketball Game

Bring the excitement of arcade hoops to your home with the Escalade Sports Harvard Single Shootout Basketball Game. This durable game features everything you need for an exciting shootout: accurate scoring, a countdown clock, 3 mini basketballs, and an air pump. When you're done, fold it up and store where convenient.

Game Room Dartboard Set

Upgrade your game room with this Trademark Games 15-3402 dartboard set that includes 6 brass tournament-style darts for reliable use and a wood dart cabinet that provides a durable design. Chalk and an eraser let you easily keep score.

Ok so maybe you, like me have a basement with 5 foot ceilings (well not literally they MIGHT be 6' but still won't be hosting and basketball shootouts anytime soon) or you don't trust your teens throwing sharp pointy things at your walls. 

Maybe some tech gear would be more up your alley.  Best Buy has the full collection of cell phones, MP3 players, laptops etc that your kids will be wishing for.  Since every teen will have a different preference on these items you'll probably want to consult with them before buying.  The only thing worse in the teen world than having last years fashion, is having last year's tech gadget!  

Or if your teen is all set with their phone, video game system etc consider gift cards they can use with their devices. 

CinemaNow - $5 Movie Download Card

Microsoft - Xbox LIVE 12-Month Gold Membership

Nintendo - Nintendo Points Card for Nintendo Wii

PlayStation Network Code for PlayStation 3 and PSP

Apple® - iTunes $25 Code

And there's one gift that'd I'd want to give to my kids if they are driving...OnStar FMV and Geek Squad OnStar Installation.  I suppose this might be more for me as it'd be the gift of peace of mind.  But still something I would like my teens to have.

You can also check out some deals going on now at Best Buy:

Buy any 3 tablet accessories and save (up to $75, save $10; up to $100 save $15; up to $150, save $30). No coupon is necessary for this offer.

10% off of  Headphones, Speakers and Health & Fitness Products through 12/29 with the coupon below.

You have even fewer excuses to shop early with BestBuy.com: 

• Best Buy is offering Free Shipping on all products on BestBuy.com through 12/27. Now through 1/2/13
• Shipping deadline for holiday arrivals in time for Christmas is 12/19.
•  Best Buy can accommodate orders purchased on BestBuy.com through store pick-up until 3PM on Christmas Eve- perfect for last-minute shoppers!
• Best Buy will price match products of both our in-store and online competitors throughout the season. The standard price match policy is valid on any gift purchased between 11/4-12/24 and runs through 1/24.  Online Price Match must be done at time of purchase. Check out bestbuy.com for more information.

 
I have been compensated for this post, however all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Best Buy Has Great Gifts for Kids

When we think Best Buy, we often think of toys for the big boys but you'd be amazed at all the great stuff you'll find for even the littlest one on you holiday gift list this season.  

Of course they have lots of great electronics, as you might suspect, even for the young tech lover.  Some that we love in our house are the InnoTab 2 from VTech and the LeapPad 2 from LeapFrog. Both of these are great for little hands who want to play with a tablet but aren't quite ready to handle the more expensive technology just yet.  We own both of these kid friendly tablets and have blogged about both, but I think its a matter of personal preference on which I'd go with.  Check my post on them (Innotab 2 and LeapPad 2) or click on the product titles below for product details from BestBuy.com to learn more about which would be right for you.

Vtech - Innotab 2S Interactive Learning Tablet

Make learning a fun, interactive experience for your child with this Vtech Innotab 2S 80-156800 tablet that features a 5" color touch screen for simple navigation and wireless connectivity for downloading hundreds of apps

 

LeapFrog - LeapPad2 Explorer

Help your child have fun while developing his or her skills in reading, art and more with this LeapFrog LeapPad2 Explorer 32610 tablet that features a 5" touch screen for simple control. Front and rear cameras let you capture clear photos and videos.

If you're giving electronics of any kind, tablet, MP3 player etc, you'll want to be sure to grab some headphones or earbuds to go with it.  Personal electronics are great to keep the kids busy, especially when you need them to settle down and be quiet for a bit but that point is sort of lost if the noise is just now coming from another source.  Grab a pair of comfy ear buds like these from Skull Candy and you'll be able to enjoy the quiet! There are tons of types of earbuds and headphones available and I'm sure style and fit preferance vary a lot but I LOVE Skull Candy ear buds and clearly my kids do too because I can never find mine.  If you're buying headphones be sure to use the coupon at the bottom of this post to get an additional 10% until 12/29/12.

Skullcandy - Ink'd 2 Earbud Headphones

Enjoy your music with these Skullcandy Ink'd 2 S2IKDY-101 earbud headphones that feature Supreme Sound technology for rich, high-quality audio. The in-line microphone and controls offer easy operation of volume and other features. 

For me, buying for my kids is never hard.  It's actually the stopping shopping that I have a problem with, seriously you should see the stack of boxes in my bedroom thanks to my online shopping this year.  But it can be harder to buy for kids you don't know as well.  You can count on video games like Skylanders Giants, Just Dance 4 or Halo 4 being big hits but it's so hard to know if they already have them or even what game system they have or use.  You can always go with a gift card, trust me older kids will never turn their noses up at the chance to pick out their own gifts.  But if you're the type that links to have wrapped gift to give, I found a few fun gifts at BestBuy.com that would be fun to give to any kid.  I especially love these for grab bag type gifts because they are gender neutral and can be given to anyone.

Laser Laces - Shoelaces

 Give your shoes, boots or skates a stylish look with these Laser Laces fiber-optic shoelaces that feature on, flash and double-flash glow settings for a colorful light display. Two battery packs ensure long-lasting use.

Wild Creations - Extreme Drinking Straws

You can also check out some deals going on now at Best Buy:

Buy any 3 tablet accessories and save (up to $75, save $10; up to $100 save $15; up to $150, save $30). No coupon is necessary for this offer.

10% off of  Headphones, Speakers and Health & Fitness Products through 12/29 with the coupon below.

You have even fewer excuses to shop early with BestBuy.com: 

• Best Buy is offering Free Shipping on all products on BestBuy.com through 12/27. Now through 1/2/13
• Shipping deadline for holiday arrivals in time for Christmas is 12/19.
•  Best Buy can accommodate orders purchased on BestBuy.com through store pick-up until 3PM on Christmas Eve- perfect for last-minute shoppers!
• Best Buy will price match products of both our in-store and online competitors throughout the season. The standard price match policy is valid on any gift purchased between 11/4-12/24 and runs through 1/24.  Online Price Match must be done at time of purchase. Check out bestbuy.com for more information.

 
I have been compensated for this post, however all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Sifteo Cubes Interactive Game System Review

Sifteo Cubes are a very cool interactive, tactile game platform that make you the talk of the town.  We recently received a set of Sifteo Cubes (and one add on cube) to test out.  I first opened it after the boys had gone to bed.  It took a just a couple minutes to set up as you need to put batteries in the main unit and each of the cubes.  After that the hardest part will be deciding which game to play first.  Sifteo comes preloaded with 4 games and additional games are available for download.  I played, all by myself, for hours that first night.  You'll be addicted to tilting, turning and tapping in no time. I really liked Chroma Splash which is a shape matching game.  It feels similar to a lot of the match and destroy type games available online but with the ability to turn and tilt the cubes before matching them up together the possibilities and sometimes the challenge are far greater than anything else I've seen online.  I also had a lot of fun with Sandwich Kingdom which is a little more like your traditional video game but to create your path you have to manipulate the cubes to keep yourself going.  The kids also liked Sandwich Kingdom.  But Johnny loved Cube Buddies which was fun to watch him play.  It's sort of a puzzle/logic game but done with fun creatures you create by swapping their features back and forth between cubes...you'd have to see it to really understand.  And Code Cracker and Word Caravan are great educational games that are still fun. 

Sifteo Cubes are recommended for ages 7 and up which I think is fair because some of the games involve math and a lot of logic and reasoning.  But Bryan (not quite 5) enjoyed helping manipulate the cubes with my help and instruction.

The best part of Sifteo is that because you're constantly moving and the games feels like its constantly moving and changing, it keeps your attention much longer.  As I said, I played for several hours the first time without even realizing it.  The next day I tossed the cubes in the bag that is included and brought them with to help entertain the boys during Timmy's Robotics competition (an all day event).  Johnny spent literally all morning playing with them quietly on the floor.  And no fewer than 4 people stopped to ask what it was that he was playing with.  Each person checked it out, asked more questions and then made sure to get the full name so they could purchase it or look into it more.  It really is a cool system unlike anything anyone has seen!
 

Here's some great info on Sifteo Cubes but be sure to check them out online for more info:

• Sifteo Cubes website

• Sifteo on Facebook

• Sifteo on Twitter

How Sifteo Cubes Work

Sifteo Cubes respond to your moves. Neighbor Sifteo Cubes side-by-side or top-to-bottom and watch them interact for totally unique gameplay. You can also shake, tilt, flip and press cubes for endless combinations. Your cubes operate as a single game interface, and can be played single player or multiplayer, depending on the game. Expand your play possibilities by downloading more games (using the Sifteo Desktop Software) and adding additional cubes.

The ultra-compact Sifteo base runs the show. It stores your games, plays game music and sound effects, and wirelessly talks with the cubes. Purchase additional games using the Sifteo Desktop Software (you will need a Mac or PC with a USB 2.0 port) and they'll be synced automatically when you plug the Sifteo Base into your computer. Then toss your cubes and base into the included soft carrying case, and play on the go!
Big tech in a little package. Cutting-edge technology powers the capabilities of each sturdy 1.7-inch Sifteo Cube and the Sifteo Base.

• Modern, playful user interface
• Touch sensitive screen
• Proximity sensors to detect nearby cubes
• Precision 3-axis accelerometer responds
  to motion

 

What's Included:

• 3 Sifteo Cubes
• Sifteo Base with speaker and USB port, pre-loaded with 4 included titles
• 4 included game titles: Chroma Splash, Cube Buddies, Code Cracker, and Word Caravan
• Free download of Sandwich Kingdom, an adventure quest where players explore the four corners of a playful fantasy world (limited time only - a $10 value!)
• Micro USB cable
• 5 AAA Batteries
• Soft carrying case

pictured is Sifteo Cubes Game System and one add on cube

  Also available for Sifteo:

Sleuth and slide—ninja style!  

Turtle Power! The highly anticipated game Ninja Slide, brought to you by Sifteo in partnership with Nickelodeon, is now live! 

Play as a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle to outsmart the enemy mastermind and save the city. Can you think like a ninja?

My boys LOVED this!!

Thanks to Sifteo for the chance to check out this product which is now a family favorite!! 

Tech Toys and Gotta-Have Gadgets from Verizon #VZWSM

Check out the plethora of fun "Tech Toys and Gotta-Have Gadgets" Verizon has compiled, that is sure to help you - and your readers - find a gift for even the toughest-to-buy-for people on your list. 

Here's one of the fun things I loved from their list! 

Crayola® ColorStudio™ HD

There are dozens of coloring and painting apps for iPad. But there's only one that's amazing enough to be called "Crayola".

Using the the ColorStudio HD app with iMarker creates the the most amazing coloring book ever, with all your favorite Crayola crayons, paints, pencils, markers and more in a convenient no-ink, no-mess, kid-safe package.

• Crayola's multi-activity drawing application for iPad, with iMarker, a custom-built intelligent digital stylus.
• iMarker looks and feels like a Crayola marker, but is safe to use with the Multi-Touch display of your iPad.
• iMarker works with the ColorStudio HD app as marker, pen, crayon and paintbrush, in one.
• Color and interact with animated coloring book pages combining custom-produced sound, touch interaction, and special effects.
• Design unlimited coloring pages using ColorStudio HD's library of backgrounds, music, sound effects and other elements, then print them out to color on paper with your own Crayola crayons and markers.
• Free content updates with new picture sets and animations.
Parents can share their children's work by printing (requires iOS 4.2), email, or Facebook.

 

Disclosure: I am participating in the Verizon Wireless Midwest Savvy Moms program and have been provided with a wireless device and six months of service in exchange for my honest opinions about the product.”

Blankets That Are Puppets...CuddleUppets

 Cuddle, CuddleUppets! Blankets that are Puppets!  My kids sing the song all the time.  But  had NO idea how excited my four year old would be to get a CuddleUppet of his own!
My older boys never really had a real attachment to any THING.  There was only a short period when Johnny had a stuffed toy he wanted to sleep.  Bryan however seems to be collecting more and more things he MUST have to sleep all the time and the CuddleUppet was no exception.

Each night he needs to make sure his Yellow Dog CuddleUppet is in bed with him before he'll settle down.  I was surprised that the blanket is actually a decent size that covers him well.  It's also very soft and snuggly.  If it was big enough for me, I might even steal it, but its the perfect size for younger kids...not moms!

 But the thing that surprised me the most is that the boys actually love playing with it as a puppet.  One morning as I flopped on the couch half asleep I listened as the boys giggled in that way that usually means nothing good.  But as I listened I realized that the older boys were actually taking turns making Bryan laugh by doing puppet shows for him.  Yeah, CuddleUppet you win this moms heart just for that!!

The boys loved the Yellow Dog but look at all the other fun CuddleUppets!  I love the elephant!

Recognized by industry experts such as Dr. Toy, PTPA Media and Traveling Mom as a Top Travel Toy since the product launch in 2012, CuddleUppets are machine washable and cost less than twenty dollars, making them an affordable gift for the holidays and every day!

CuddleUppets are available in eight varieties: Pink Poodle, Blue Elephant, Purple Monkey, Yellow Puppy, Brown Bear Green Crocodile and the newest additions Pink Ladybug and Magic Unicorn. They are available online at http://www.cuddleuppets.com and in major retailers as well as Amazon. 

I received a CuddleUppet courtesy of Jay at Play through The Blogger Connection to facilitate this review. All opinions are my own.

Spell Shot Zapped Edition Review

Cast spells head-to-head on your iPad with SPELLSHOT zAPPed edition! When you download the free app to your iPad (iPad required, not included), you can play your Wizard and iPad together! Choose from 4 Wizards and battle through the Island and Jungle worlds. Your iPad will recognize your Wizard and put incredibly cool battle spells at your fingertips! Who will win the iPad battle of spells? There’s only one way to find out!

Play your Wizard and iPad together with SPELLSHOT zAPPed Edition! Cast spells on your iPad! Works with your iPad (iPad required, not included). Choose from Air Wizard BREEZICUS, Fire Wizard NOXIUS, Tree Wizard LANDOR or Water Wizard STORMICA. Your iPad recognizes your wizard! 2 magical worlds!

Includes 4 Battle Wizards and 4 Spell Cards.

I'm sure it is probably just me but this game seems totally 'mom-proof' to me.  I swear I could not play this to save my life.  I attempted it first with my youngest (4) thinking that while it said '8 and up' for recommended ages that it'd be fine if I played with him. Usually I find that this rating often because reading is required.  We messed with it and I swear I followed the directions but no matter how many times I felt like I did the moves it was telling me to, I was not casting any spells.  But as much as I hate to feel dumb, I've resigned myself to the fact that my (almost) ten year old is smarter than I am.  So I put it away and figured I'd have him give it a try.
I forgot about it for a couple days until I found him and his brother playing it.  I hadn't told him about the trouble I'd had. And he just looked at me like I had three heads when I asked if they had trouble playing it.  I'm still pouting so I haven't touched it since but the older two boys like it.  But for us it's better if they don't play each other.  I probably make it sound like I have the worst kids ever, I know I don't, but they have serious trouble playing with EACH OTHER nicely.  They fight about everything and playing games against each other only insights accusations of cheating, which usually leads to yelling and sometimes even crying.  But that's just that them, can't blame it on the game.  Things go much better in our house if they can be played as a full family or can be played individually. Which Spellshot CAN be done with just one player.  But appearently it was more fun as 2 player because they've tried to play together several times.  Each time lasts slightly longer than the last, probably due to my threats of never letting them have the iPad again.

As I've mentioned with other zAPPed reviews, remember that there is some downloading involved so be sure to set it up before you're ready to play.  And don't for instance take the stuff with you somewhere without Wi-Fi (how dare such places even still exist) in hopes of playing.  And I'm still hoping for the perfectly designed case to keep the zAPPed pieces and cards organized and safe.

For 1 to 2 players.  Ages 8 and up.   iTunes account and adult assistance required. iPad required, not included. App in English language only. Works with iPad 4.x or newer.

If you enjoy using the iPad with nondigital elements as much as we do, be sure to check out the other zAPPed games such as Battleship and our current family favorite the zAPPed edition of the Game of LIFE.

Disclosure: We received a complimentary copy of this game for review purposes from Hasbro.  All opinions expressed are my own honest, personal feedback. I have not been compensated for a positive review.

Battleship Zapped Edition Review

Battle aliens and protect the planet on your iPad with BATTLESHIP zAPPed edition! After you download the free app, you can play your BATTLESHIP game and iPad together. Go on epic missions around the globe to hunt down alien targets – and destroy them! Choose one of the 3 zAPP ships and set it on the screen. Your iPad will recognize your battleship, aircraft carrier or destroyer, and put each ship’s super weapons at your fingertips! Who will win the iPad battle of you versus the aliens? There’s only one way to find out!

Play your BATTLESHIP game and iPad together with BATTLESHIP zAPPed Edition! Hunt aliens on your iPad! Works with your iPad (iPad required, not included). Choose from battleship, aircraft carrier or destroyer zAPP ships. Your iPad recognizes your ship! Each ship has its own super weapons!

Includes 3 zAPP ships and 3 Strategic Battle Cards.

If you don't mind sharing your iPad a little more, check out Battleship zAPPed Edition for the iPad.  For me the iPad is already sort of a family gadget so I am ok with sharing (back away from my laptop though).  I was surprised that it was a 1 player game given that the well known game has always been a two person game.  But once we worked out sharing and taking turns (yes by 9 and 10 years old this should probably not be such and issue but it still is) the boys really enjoyed Battleship zAPPed.

And it should probably go without saying but since I always forget, there is some downloading required so if you have impatient kids (like I do) you might want to go ahead and open this and download the app before asking them if they want to play! 

Now I just need someone to design a great case to hold all our zAPPed pieces and cards.  Right now they are in a ziplock baggie because we are REALLY good at losing juts about anything but especially cards!

My four year old did give this a try and was just frustrated by it so I'd say the 8+ age rating is pretty fair because my almost 9 and 10 year old loved it.

Ages 8 and up.   For 1 player.   iTunes account and adult assistance required. iPad required, not included. App in English language only. Works with iPad 4.x or newer.

I really enjoy using the iPad with nondigital elements.  There are other zAPPed games such as SpellShot Wizards and our absolute family favorite game right now the zAPPed edition of the Game of LIFE.

Disclosure: We received a complimentary copy of this game for review purposes from Hasbro.  All opinions expressed are my own honest, personal feedback. I have not been compensated for a positive review.

Are You Ready For The Holidays?

Photo credit: cohdra from morguefile.com

It's just barely officially fall but I've already got the bulk of my Christmas shopping done. The older boys are getting to the stage where they are asking for smaller but more expensive gifts...think iPods and Kindles.  Because of the budget I TRY to stick to that doesn't leave a ton left for them.  But I have to admit I love the process of Christmas morning.  Time spent unwrapping gift under the tree. So to just have one expensive "Santa" gift, when Santa doesn't even wrap....well that just plain sounds painful to me. 

So I started off helping my budget by purchasing the boys larger ticket items used.  Remember...Santa doesn't wrap.  All his gifts are opened, charged and ready to go.  So in a case of what they don't know, won't hurt them. I got used electronics that are reset and will be loaded with a few things they will love.  CHA-CHING...money saved!

From there I just need to find some smaller items that they will like and actually use that aren't just junk.  Despite swearing at least once a week that I'm going to get rid of every building set they own, I'm thinking of getting Lego City sets.  There are a ton and I can get the older boys a few smaller sets and get Bryan a few bigger ones (since he wants everything he sees but nothing super expensive yet) and they can all have something to unwrap and then DO on Christmas morning. So we don't feel like it's all over too quickly.

 How do you beat the budget blues and

Christmas morning let down??