13 Sep, 2010
Giveaway alert: give the gift of great play from Tag Along Toys
Posted by andrea tomkins in: Giveaways and product reviews
Toys are important. Scratch that, GREAT toys are important.
There is a lot going on in little brains when children play. We all know it starts when they’re freshly arrived. Mobiles, rattles, squeaky toys … they help develop spongy young brains. But the benefits of play don’t end when kids get a little bit older. Many of us are tempted to enter the world of electronic gadgetry when kids hit 8 or 9 or 10, but the truth is they still love to play with traditional toys, and the benefits of play are just as important at this age as when they were very young.
Fishbowl patron Tag Along Toys is hosting this very sweet giveaway for Ottawa-area residents. Yay Tag Along! I first wrote about them here. To summarize: they know about kids, great toys, and about PLAY.
Did you know (1) Tag Along has a Facebook page. You will definitely want to check it out for special deals and other insider info. (2) Grandparents day is the last Thursday of every month, and this means that grandma and grandpa get 20% off all in-stock toys. (And the next one is September 30!)
Anyway, on to the giveaway!
The first item is a Foam Master Pogo Stick (Borgfeldt):
Healthy exciting fun for girls and boys. A constant item in the toy industry since the first patent was issued in 1920. These precisionmade foam covered metal pogo sticks are built to last for years. Features replaceable non-slip safety handles, footpads & rubber tip. Exercise and perfect your balance indoors and outdoors. Will safely support 80 to 160 lbs.
Age: Ages 9yrs+
Suggested retail: $69.99
We have a pogo (not this brand) – and stilts – and can I say HOLY CATS. KIDS CAN JUMP. It is a sight to behold. Pogo stick jumping is a skill that has eluded me. Yet kids learn do it with grace and ease. It’s one of those things – like riding a bike or learning how to master the monkey bars in the playground – that demands some practice, but it’s figure out is So Incredibly Satisfying. Not to mention a great party trick.
Someday I might get us a unicyle.
Second item is a Karito Doll:
Real Dolls for Real Girls in the Real World… For tween girls ages 6 to 11 who are fascinated by the people, places and things that make us all different. Karito Kids is the brand that lets you embrace and explore the diverse world around you – the dolls, stories and experiences are different in every way. From the way they look to the countries they’re from, the dolls represent what it means to be a real girl today. The unique fashion and accessories as well as the global adventures you can take online and off, remind you that every girl around the world is special. Only Karito Kids lets you make a real difference in the lives of real kids who need our help – it’s good fun for a good cause.
Ages: 7+
Suggested retail: $99.99
We have a doll lover in our house. She’d love one of these. Some girls are into the doll scene, others would prefer the pogo. :) I think dolls are excellent toys; they promote great dramatic play and a lovely nurturing/family-friendly philosophy. So sweet. I love the fact that girls can get a Karito doll that looks like them.
Both of these items were Gold Star award-winning toys this year as determined by NETS (Neighhourbood Toys Stores of Canada). Each year, NETS members vote on the top ten toys they consider “exceptional” with respect to play value. The Gold Star Award top ten list is a great place to get gift ideas because the selection is based on feedback from like-minded parents who shop at NETS. Tag Along Toys is NETS member.
What’s more, the Annual NETS Christmas catalogue comes out in early November. So if you’re looking for more Christmas gift ideas you’ll definitley want to check that out.
This giveaway is for the pogo OR the doll. So I’m doing two draws for two different winners.
If you’d like to win one of these items, here’s what you need to do (please read carefully):
- You must live in the Ottawa area – or know someone who does – because the winner will have to pick up their prize at Tag Along Toys. (They’re located in Kanata at the Signature Centre – 499 Terry Fox Dr.)
- Leave a comment below. Let me know which ONE item you’d like to win, and why.
- Subscribe to the Extra Helping if you haven’t already.
- If you’re on Twitter, good karma comes to those who tweet about this giveaway. If you’re not, emailing your friends to let them know is just as good. :)
- One entry per family please! I want lots of people to have the opportunity to win.
Sound good? I will do a random draw using Random.org at noon EST on Monday September 20, 2010. Please make sure you leave a valid email address. You can’t win if I can’t reach you.
Thank you Tag Along Toys for hosting such a great giveaway!
Now… over to you!
