Power Blox

I recently had the opportunity to review a new STEAM product geared for kids.   STEAM stands for any education item on the market that will promote science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics. 

Presenting the E-Blox.  E-blox are not ordinary building blocks at all since they can bring the creations to life in some way.  Let me explain.  These E-blox consists of tin-plated blocks that connect to a battery block which power the electrical component blocks.   Essentially an electronic circuitry is integrate into the construction you do but because of how these blocks are made off there is no wires to bundle and hide. 

I have received the Power Blox Standard Set which contains 45 pieces in the box.  This set allows you to lit up the your creations with a unique power block.

This set is geared for children 8 and up.   You will need a 9 volt battery which will be inserted in the power block before you can have lights.  It contains 10 LED lights which will dazzle your creation as you build them.  And apparently you can also connect to your existing building bricks to create endless possibilities and develop more creativity.   The Power Blox are a great way to stimulate the creativity and imagination as well as encourage the development of a scientific brain.

Finally a convenient storage case is included in the box.  It also has a studded top lid which allow your child to build on it.  This storage case and it's special lid makes it ideal for trips whether by car or by air.   This will keep your child entertained when going on long car rides or travelling out of the country.

There are more Power Blox products available on their website.  They also have another line called Circuit Blox which offers new possibilities and experiments to be made.  You can purchase their products from their online store.  Note that all prices are in US money.

Disclaimer:  I have received the Power Blox Standard Set from KidStuff PR and E-Blox.  I was not monetarily compensated for this review.  Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way.  All opinions expressed here are only my own.

Stem Toys to Encourage Coding from TechWillSaveUS

As you might have realized by now Christmas is just around the corner.   So the kids in your life might have already given you a list of things they might want.   Growing up I always got some education product in my gifts.  When I had kids of my own I also made sure that they would get an educational item or two in the midst of their items.

So when I was approached by KidsStuffPR to review products from TechWillSaveUS, I was curious of what they might have.  Turns out that their products are all based on STEM learning and highly so I decided to get the Micro:Master Pack which is geared for children 11 years old and up.

The Micro:MasterPack is composed of the micro:bit as well as the micro:craft, micro:bot, and the mocro:mods kits. Together they introduce creative coding to the child using them and over thirty projects can be made from them.

Let me present you the different components of the set.

Micro:Bit - This is the starter set of the pack.   It encourages kids to code and encourages creativity and invention.   It is very simple to use - start to code on one of the three coding platforms (computer, phones or tablets), upload the code to the micro:bit and voilà...  Simple and quick.   My own daughter who is 11 has made numerous little messages on this item and enjoyed it.   You can write message on it or simply upload an image. 

Micro:Craft - This add-on kit for the Micro:Bit will allow you to create even more things with it via
your crafting skills.  It contains copper tape, crocodile clips, a buzzer, and some cables.  Inside the box you will also find a little notebook to help you design your projects.  On their website, you can find a ton of projects that can be done with this add-on kit.  It allows you to incorporate crafting with coding.   Design your creation, make it, code it and watch it comes to life.

Micro:Mods - This is another add-on kit for the Micro:Bit product.   It contains a casing (to make a watch), some velcro straps, split pins, glue pads, and a LED strip.   One example you can do with this kit would be to program the rainbow colors in your LED strip.   You can then stick this LED strip on yourself or a backpack to be more stylish.

Micro:Bot - Finally, the Micro:Bot is another add-on kit for the Micro:Bit kit.  This will allow your child to build and code three different robots.  This contains 2 servos, 2 wheels, 1 battery pack, 7 jumper wires, 2 wagos, 5 glue pads, and 5 crocodile clips.  You will also need other items that are easily found at home like markers, ball, craft knife, golf club, tape, screwdriver, glue, kitchen foil, paper and a sponge.   You can choose to make a ArtBot, a GolfBot or a RoomBot. 

If you worry about the fact that your child might not be able to code - don't!   The website - microbit.org- possesses numerous tutorials and information that will help him/her to make.   At first I wished that there were more instructions in the boxes but I quickly realized that their website was self-explanatory and easy to use.

My daughter quickly grasp the way to use the website in a matter of minutes.  She has experience a few things with the items we have received.  She still has a lot more that she can do with them and will continue to explore the projects she can do on the website.

With Christmas being just around the corner and time off from school, your kids will probably enjoy doing a bit of fun projects with the products of TeachWillSaveUs.  And without realizing it, your kids will still learn during this holiday season. 

All these products and many more are only available on their website.  They offer a wide variety of coding products for kids ages 4-6, 7-10 and 11+.  The company offers free shipping in the UK and the US.

Disclaimer:  I have received the Micro:MasterPack kit from KidStuff PR and TechWillSaveUS.I was not monetarily compensated for this review.  Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way.  All opinions expressed here are only my own.

Young Scientists Club Plant Kit

Today I am presenting you the second review of The Young Scientists Club I was assigned earlier this summer.  The plant kit is part of the Set #10 – WH-925-1110 from the Young Scientists Series.

Each set in the Young Scientists Series contain three complete science kits (3 manuals/3 supply bags). You can decide to complete the sets in order to experience the ultimate in science adventure. However, the sets can also be done individually. The Young Scientists Club recommended to start with sets 1, 2 or 3 for kids ages 5 to 8 years old and for children ages 9 to 12 it is recommended to start with set 4 and up.

Each set comes in a specially identified envelope which contains all you need.

For the plant kit, here’s what was included in the envelope.  You will find some 2 beans, a magnifying glass, charcoal, peat pellets, 2 pieces of tubing, cotton, 2 paper towel wicks, wheat or rye seeds, and a seed mixture.  All these will be needed for the experiments contained in the kit.

The instruction guide for parent or teacher will explain all the activities that can be done with plants.  You will find a variety of experiments to do relating to plant.  The first experiment will allow you to observe the baby plant inside a seed.  The second experiment will show how the water travels up to the leaves of a plant by using coloration on a celery stick.  This is a very common experiment that is found everywhere on the internet. The third experiment will allow the young scientist to learn and label the different parts of a plant.  The fourth experiment will encourage the child to look at a flower with a magnifying glass and try to identify the different parts of it.  The fifth experiment will demonstrate the difference between seeds, fruits and vegetables.  The sixth experiment is all about seed germination.  The seventh experiment will guide the child into growing roots from a garlic glove.  Now this particular experiment did not work well for us probably because our garlic clove was not fresh… 

But the experiment that my daughter particularly liked was creating a terrarium inside a jar.   It also demonstrate how the water cycle works. My daughter enjoyed preparing our jar for the terrarium – putting the coal, spreading the dirt and the seeds – before closing the jar.  Now the waiting period had started.  We placed the jar near our backyard window so that the sun can make its magic.

It didn’t take long…  within a couple of days you could see the seeds had sprouted and that the jar was transforming into a terrarium.  You can see how the water cycle works inside the terrarium.

 

We let more days go by and the plants were thriving in their environment – making roots and growing steadily.

At the end of the instruction booklet, you will also have information about weather and how it works.   All the observation sheets are also included in the document.

I find these activities to be fabulous for children who desire to learn more about plant life and see plants growing.   It is a fun kit to have at hand when you desire to keep the kids busy when the weather is not fabulous outdoors.   Learning some science while having fun is always great!

The Young Scientists Club kits are available on their http://www.theyoungscientistsclub.com/retailstore/retail-youngscientist.htmlor on amazon.ca and amazon.com.

Disclaimer: I received this kit for review purposes from KidStuff PR and Young Scientists Club. I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.

Young Scientists Club–Eggs kit

Today I am presenting you the second review of The Young Scientists Club I was assigned earlier this summer.  The Eggs kit is part of the Set #10 – WH-925-1110 from the Young Scientists Series.

Each set in the Young Scientists Series contain three complete science kits (3 manuals/3 supply bags). You can decide to complete the sets in order to experience the ultimate in science adventure. However, the sets can also be done individually. The Young Scientists Club recommended to start with sets 1, 2 or 3 for kids ages 5 to 8 years old and for children ages 9 to 12 it is recommended to start with set 4 and up.

Each set comes in a specially identified envelope which contains all you need.

For the eggs set, here’s what was included in the envelope.  You will find some brine shrimp cysts, yeast, tubing, a magnifying glass, an eye dropper, some pH paper and a pH chart as well as rock salt.  All these will be needed for the experiments contained in the kit.

The instruction guide for parent or teacher will explain all the activities that can be done with eggs.  You will find five experiments included in the document.   The first experiment will require you to put a raw unbroken eff in a small bowl with hot tap water.  You will be able to explain why there are bubbles coming out of the egg.  Experiment two will allow you to see the effect of salt in water when you put two raw unbroken eggs in two separate jars – one containing salt water and the other containing regular water.  The third experiment will require the parent to make a hard-boiled egg.  The student will be asked to spins the hard-boiled egg then a raw egg to see what is the difference between the two.  The fourth experiment will show you how a hard-boiled egg that is peeled can be sucked into a bottle which contains a burning piece of paper.   The fifth experiment will demonstrate how the shell of an egg can disappear when you let it sit for a few days.     The last experiment will allow you to hatch the brine shrimp in order to do some other experiments with them.  In the process you will also learn more about brine shrimps.

We have done some of these activities in the past but I think my favorite is always the disappearing shell on an egg.  I just find it fascinating that we can do this and seeing an egg without it’s protection but still being able to hold it is always fantastic in my eyes.

I find these activities to be fabulous for younger children (kindergarten to grade 2) as it will allow them to discover fun experiments with mom or dad while learning some cool things too.  It is a fun kit to have at hand when you desire to keep the kids busy when the weather is not too good outdoors.   Learning some science while having fun is always great!

The Young Scientists Club kits are available on their http://www.theyoungscientistsclub.com/retailstore/retail-youngscientist.html or on amazon.ca and amazon.com.

Disclaimer: I received this kit for review purposes from KidStuff PR and Young Scientists Club. I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.

Young Scientist Club Owl Kit

Ever since my daughter has read the book series “Guardians of Gahoole” she has been fascinated with owls.   She was delighted to learn that during my unit on zoology for homeschool coop the older kids will be dissecting an owl pellet.  However, the place where I ordered them would not send real ones for the kids to dissect.  Instead we ended up dissecting some that looked like the real owl pellets.  It was a disappointment but the kids were able to experience the dissection and learned quite a bit about owls.

So when I got the opportunity to review some products from The Young Scientists Club I was delighted to be assigned the Owl Kit which is part of the Set #10 – WH-925-1110 from the Young Scientists Series.

Each set in the Young Scientists Series contain three complete science kits (3 manuals/3 supply bags). You can decide to complete the sets in order to experience the ultimate in science adventure. However, the sets can also be done individually. The Young Scientists Club recommended to start with sets 1, 2 or 3 for kids ages 5 to 8 years old and for children ages 9 to 12 it is recommended to start with set 4 and up.

Each set comes in a specially identified envelope which contains all you need.

For the owl set, here’s what was included in the envelope.

Four experiments are included in the kit.  The first one was about dividing the animals from one of the pages by groups – herbivores, carnivores, and omnivores.  The second experiment will guide you to make a simple food chain.  Experiment three will guide you to build up a food web using all the animals except the ones used during the second experiment.  Finally, the last experiment was the one my daughter was looking forward to – the owl pellet dissection.

My daughter was excited to start.  But this excitement turn quickly to a comment about the smell and how it was gross to touch it.   I told her to get a mask to isolate the smell from her nose which she promptly went to get.  And then I encouraged her to pursue the dissection as planned.

Tweezers are included which could help you to open the pellet and start “digging” for the bones.  At some point she asked if I could help her doing it.   I jumped at the opportunity because I had never done this before.  It take patience and gentleness to find all the pieces and avoid breaking them.

As we continue digging in the owl pellet, we came to the conclusion that there was more than one animal in there.   Owls would eat rodents, shrews, moles, and birds.   The more we looked for remains, the more we realized that this particular owl had a special taste for rodents.   We found a few skulls belonging the the rodents categories.   My daughter also proceeded to try to build the skeleton of one rodent.

 

In the end this was a great experience and I am very pleased with the fact that they have sent a real owl pellet.  We could feel the fur and the bones as we searched the owl pellet.  If you desire you can also bleach the bones but we decide not to do this.  The instruction book also contains some information on owls that the child can read.

It was a fun kit to do on a very humid day.   We had a great time finding the bones and trying to identify them.   It is a great way to get your kids to do something out of the ordinary and learn some fascinating things about owls and the kind of animals they eat.

The Young Scientists Club kits are available on their http://www.theyoungscientistsclub.com/retailstore/retail-youngscientist.htmlor on amazon.ca and amazon.com.

  

Disclaimer: I received this kit for review purposes from KidStuff PR and Young Scientists Club. I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.

The Young Scientists Club–Funtastic Robotics

I was recently approached to review some cool products from the Young Scientist Club.   In the next four months, I will present you four different products offered by the Young Scientists Club for kids to do at home.  These fun products will help to discover the world of science and robotic in a fun way. 

The first product I would like to present to you today is a member of the Funtastic Robotics line of products that The Young Scientists Club offers

INFRA the robot moves when receiving an IR (Infrared) signal from any home remote control. This build-your-own robot kit is one of the products from the Funtastic Robotics series.  This series of projects that your child can do at home will introduce him/her to the exciting world of robotics.The box contains a double-sided 24 in. x 24 inches colorful instruction and activity poster as well as all the components such a computer module, motor, chassis, gears, and colorful unique shaped cover to build your robot. Detailed illustrated instructions for building the robot are included on one side of the poster and learning activities are located on the other side of the poster.  This specific product is geared for children ages 8 and up.  We also received a set of screwdrivers and batteries for the purpose of this review.

I asked my son, Jérémy, to work on this project on a greyish day.   First let me tell you that part of this robot is already build up.  What I mean by this is that the computer module, the motor and gears are already set to be used.  This project will allow your child to put all the parts together, use the screwdriver to assemble the parts and insert the electrical cables in the appropriate places.      The whole process can take 15 to 30 minutes depending of the child.    The instructions are pretty clear on the poster and it is easy to assemble.

Once the robot is assembled, it is time to test it.  For this specific product, we needed to take a remove control we had in the living room and click toward the robot.  The remote control needs to be within range for the robot to work.

Here’s how Infra reacts to the remote control.

As mentioned, the other side of the poster has activities that can be done.  You will be encouraged to calculate the speed of the robot, investigate if a different remote control will affect the mechanism of the robot,  determine if the number of remote controls will affect the result, and you will be encourage to create your own activity.  Here’s a look activities suggested for Infra.

Note that three other robotic projects are also available.  Metali the robot buzzes and lights up when metal objects are detected. Sunny moves upon receiving artificial and natural light signals.  Hurdle the robot will stop, back up, and change direction when sensing an obstacle.

In conclusion, for my son who is 12 years old, this project was easy to put together.   It would be interesting if one day Young Scientists Club decide to put together other robotic projects that a bit more complicated for older children.  The kit is very creative and encourage children to explore new areas of science from the comfort of home.  

The Young Scientist Club Funtastic Robotics kits are available on their website as well as on amazon.ca and amazon.com.

INFRA

 

Other Robots are also available.

SUNNY

 

HURDLE

 

METALI

 

Disclaimer: I received this kit for review purposes from KidStuff PR and Young Scientists Club. I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.

Strictly Briks

Strictly Briks offers a wide range of products to help the building fun play to be even more interesting.  It includes Big Briks, stackable baseplates, standard baseplates, silicone straps and baseplates, unique shapes as well as briks sets.

Instead of having a build a model as seen on the cover of a box kind of product, Strictly Briks will challenge your child to become more creative while building with any shape or height he or she desire.   The building pieces in their kits or special products can be enjoyed with anything they usually play with whether a stuff toy, matchbox cars, or superheroes.   With Strictly Briks you kids can develop engineering, architecture or artistic skills. 

I have received the opportunity to review two of their products.  Without waiting more, let me present you the two items I have received.

Unique Shape Towers

These unique shapes (squares, triangles, and half-circles) can be very fun to use in any kind of building project.  Whether you desire to have a unique construction or simply build a fun tower to display some of your things, this set will allow you to create above and beyond what you can imagine.   This special set contains 36 base plates in a variety of shapes as well as 60 2x2 stackers.   The stackers will allow you to create fun shape towers or help you to build other cool things. 

The beauty of this particular set is that you can have various shapes and colors to play with.  You can create interesting towers which will allow you to display your collection of mini-figures (something I know my kids could do in an instant) or any other collection you might be storing in your room. The price of this specific product is 39.99$ US.

AlphaBriks and MathBriks Set – 200 Briks and a 10”x10” baseplate

As an homeschooler, I can see the benefits for this particular set in an instant.  Why? Well first of all it could help you to enhance spelling or math lessons at home or in the car.    This fun tool will indeed reinforce these skills for your child who loves to learn while manipulating items.  The letter and number pieces fit tightly on baseplates while at the same time are a snap to remove!

However, this is not the only thing you can do with these.   What I find particularly interesting (and what I had in mind when I chose this item…) was the possibilities of use that could be done when my kids are doing animations with their LEGO creations.  It has become an activity that my kids are enjoying – they make up a story and film it while moving their minifigures to “act” the story.  The letters and numbers in this specific set could help them to become even more creative in their storyline and add some fun components at the same time.

Another thing I have verified with our LEGO bricks.  Strictly Briks items are compatible with all major brands, including LEGO, Mega Bloks and K’Nex brand sets.   Minifigures or other pieces can easily snap on the shapes of Strictly Briks.

These kits are great to ad-on your already building bricks that you have at home and will allow you to build more interesting things with them.   Their versatile aspects make these products a great idea for birthdays or Christmas.

Strictly Briks items are available for purchase on their website or amazon.com. 

 

Disclaimer: I received the two Strictly Briks kits for review purposes from KidStuff PR and Strictly Briks. I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.

Science Art Fusion

The Young Scientists Club has recently released some interesting science kits for kids.   Called Science-Art Fusion, this new series of themed kits is sure to encourage your kids to explore science and have fun at the same time.

For the purpose of this review, I have received two different kits:  Science- Art Fusion Sculptures and Science-Art Fusion Space.  Before sharing my thoughts on these kits let me present you what you will find in them.

Science-Art Fusion Sculptures

This kit on Sculptures  is a member of our Science-Art Fusion series which combines art and science to inspire creativity while at the same time introducing basic scientific concepts. We have included a unique Science-Art Fusion poster that has the instructions for each project placed in a framed space which can be covered by taping a photo of your final art piece to create a Sculptures Art Gallery. Each kit comes with a customized art/science tray, introduction sheet, large 24 x 24 inch poster, and components to perform 10 exciting experiments and activities such as creating an animal track, constructing a DNA model, making an atom sculpture, growing salt sculptures, designing a colored ice sculpture, shaping a foil shadow sculpture, and more. Embark on an exciting Science-Art Fusion Sculpture adventure.

Science-Art Fusion Space

This kit on Space is a member of our Science-Art Fusion series which combines art and science to inspire creativity while at the same time introducing basic scientific concepts. We have included a unique Science-Art Fusion poster that has the instructions for each project placed in a framed space which can be covered by taping a photo of your final art piece to create a Space Art Gallery. Each kit comes with a customized art/science tray, introduction sheet, large 24 x 24 inch poster, and components to perform 10 exciting experiments and activities such as making gravity art, building a solar system, creating centrifugal art, performing planet Earth chromatography, drawing constellations, constructing a space rocket, and more. Embark on an exciting Science-Art Fusion Space adventure.

My Thoughts

I like the idea of combining art and science together because often these are both subjects that can cause homeschool moms to stress a bit.    Each kit contained all the things that is needed to do all the experiments.  If something is not included like for example the play dough, you would find a recipe to make your own at home.   In the Science-Art Fusion Space, you will be able to do the following activities: Solar System Model, CentriPETAL Art, Constellations, Orbits in Space, Gravity Art, Space Rocket, CentriFUGAL Art, Solar System Orbits, Planet Earth Chromatography, and Phases of the Moon.  In the Science-Art Fusion Sculptures your kids will be able to color ice sculptures, do a molecule sculptures, make a DNA model, create numerous sculptures like a red ant sculpture, a salt sculpture, some animal tracks sculpture, an airplane sculpture, a shadow sculpture as well as a floating sculpture.

In all there are plenty of activities within he two sets I have received.  However, my kids are age 8 and up.  When I received the boxes, I was personally a bit disappointed of how simplistic the experiments were for my kids.  But thinking about it more, I can see that they would be perfect for grades kindergarten to 2 in order to explore a variety of things on a specific subject.

On another note, I personally dislike the huge poster as I find it too big to properly have the instructions of an activity on hand.   I would suggest that each experiment be explained on cue cards for the parents to have when making the experiment right.   It would be a quick reference to have in a way and so much easier to deal with than the big poster.

Nevertheless for younger kids in your family these kits are perfect to explore science during the summer time.  

The Young Scientists Club Science-Art Fusion Kits are available for purchase online on their site or on amazon.com.  Amazon.ca do not have all the kits on their site.

Disclaimer: I received the two Science-Art Fusion kits for review purposes from KidStuff PR and The Young Scientists Club. I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.

Build and Imagine Playsets

It is Thanksgiving week-end in Canada and you can’t help but think that Christmas is just around the corner.  With Christmas coming, it is the perfect time of the year to seriously think about the gifts you might want to give to your kids, nieces and nephews.   I was recently approached to review a new prodcut by a company called Build & Imagine.   Laurie Peterson, an award-winning toy designer and mother, founded Build & Imagine after noticing that the kinds of play experiences she enjoyed as a child (involving building, creativity, and experimentation) were poorly represented in the girls’ section of most toy stores. She now develops magnetic building toys with leading female characters and rich narrative details to engage both girls and boys. The company got its jumpstart with a successful Kickstarter project, and will have five themed building sets available this fall.

About the product

If she builds it, she will play … and add an important “A” for art to the vital fields of a STEM education (science, technology, engineering, and math). That’s the mission behind Build & Imagine, an empowering toy line for youngsters ages 4 and up that starts them on a road to innovation. These magnetic construction sets are packed with foundational STEAM learning yet are enchanting for endless hours of imaginative play.

Each Build & Imagine StoryWalls play-set is made of colorfully illustrated magnetic panels that a child joins together any way she likes. The result is a scene that she brings to life with the enclosed dress-up dolls and more than 40 magnetic costumes and props. The illustrated details act as story starters, sparking imaginative play. The sets have received numerous awards from the Toy industry experts including Dr. Toy, Parents’ Choice, The National Parenting Center, Mr. Dad and many others.

Essentially, Build & Imagine sets put the child in the role of architect and storyteller, and offers adventurous leading female characters. The company makes three sets: Malia’s Beach House, Marine Rescue Center, and Day At The Beach.  You can also purchase the whole Coastal Community Collection in one shot if you prefer.

My Thoughts

I have received the Malia’s Beach House to review. I wasn’t sure how the product would be looking and wondered of the quality of it while I waited for the delivery.

The first thing I did when I received the box was to discover the packaging.  I was immediately impressed with the attention done in putting the pieces together inside the box.   First of all the box was sturdy and easy to open.  Then all the pieces were neatly stacked in a special tray which can also be used to store the pieces.  You will find all the pieces necessary to play with Malia and her friend Tyler and build the amazing beach house.

 

The pieces will allow your child to build a fun beach house using the magnetic pieces.  Each wall and floor will connect to each other because of the magnetic part included on the site of each of them.  Malia and her friend as well as the walls and floors are made of wood pieces that are covered with bright images.   Now the girls of the story wears underwear but that is because sticks accessories are included in the packaging for your child to change the way the dress.   The only part that I find a bit more fragile would be the magnetic pieces.   Part of me would prefer them to be a bit more ticker.   Because of this, I would suggest that a child ages 6-8 would be more careful to use it.

I find that the Malia’s Beach House (and the other sets available at Build & Imagine) are perfect to enhance the storytelling skills in your daughter.   Pretend play is important to develop skills of interaction and cooperation.  Having two characters in Malia’s Beach House makes it possible for your girl to have a friend to play with her while inventing adventure stories for Malia and her friend Tyler.  Mind you, your child can even decide to rename the dolls…  The bright colors and the playful setting will provide perfect creativity during quiet time or anywhere you travel because this can easily be all stored in a small plastic container to bring on vacation, the cottage, the RV, the grand-parents, or the beach for fun playing time.

If you are looking for quality in a toy, I think you won’t be disappointed with Malia’s Beach House.  The sturdy pieces will make playing last longer.   And it is a different kind of building system especially designed for girls which makes things even more interested.  It is a well-known fact that girls are more creative when it comes to storytelling and this set will allow a girl to develop even more skills and creativity in her stories.    I sure hope that Build & Imagine will also develop a line for boys so that they can also go on adventures like camping in the woods and hiking in a mountain, a fire station or police station, a farm and so on.   Mind you these ideas could also be done for girls sets as well…

And to complete the experience of playing with Malia’s Beach House, you can go to the website of Build & Imagine to download a digital story book when you sign up for their email list.  Note that these sets are not recommended for children under the age of 3.  Also two new building activity sets are scheduled to be available in October – the Fairytale Theatre and the Pet Portrait Studio.

Malia’s Beach House and the other sets available at Build & Imagine are perfect for this coming Christmas season as well as for birthday ideas.

Malia’s Beach House  is available for purchase at amazon.ca.

  

The two other sets are also available for purchase on amazon.ca.

 

The three sets are available for purchase on amazon.com as well.

   

Disclaimer: I received the product for review purposes from KidStuff PR and Build & Imagine. I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.

PetSac–Furry Friends with a Full Size Backpack

A new line of adorable backpack has arrived on the market recently.   The PetSac is a new kind of pet that converts rapidly into a backpack just by pulling the tail and taking the backpack out of the body of the animal.    The PetSac backpack is perfect for school, sleepover, and travel.   They are especially made for children ages 3 and up.

We received Catpuccino the kitten which has snow white fur and big blue eyes.    Originally thinking of my daughter I requested that the backpack be of floral pattern.  However, when I received the PetSac I decided it would be a wonderful surprise for a child in poverty during Christmas time when we make special boxes for children in other countries.   Consequently, my daughter is extremely excited to be able to put this furry friend into the Christmas box she plans to make for a kid of her age.

The PetSac pets are made of cuddly-soft premium plus materials.   The dimension of the backpack are 14” H x 11” W x 5” D.   The backpack itself is made of lightweight and durable rip stop nylon which is apparently used in parachutes.   This kind of material can be wiped clean if it becomes dirty.  The backpack contains up to 777 cubic inches of storage space and offers two zippered compartments.    The shoulder straps are adjustable depending of the height of the child.  

I didn’t know what to expect when we received ours.  I was surprise and delighted to see how it was made. The stuff animal is perfect to sleep with and the fact that it contains a backpack inside it is just fabulous.   I can already imagine a little girl playing with it and discovering the backpack at the same time.   How perfect it will be for her to be able to put her belonging in this out-of-the-ordinary backpack that can quickly transformer as a stuffed toy to sleep with.     I almost wish my daughter can be present when this child opens up her Christmas box.   

There are nine animals which you can choose from:

• Blitz the Monkey
• Beans the Bear
• Rocky the Tiger
• Tug the Pug
• Shu Shu the Panda
• Catpuccino the Kitten
• Roary the Lion Cub
• Buddy the Pup
• Spike the Dalmatian

Pattern available are floral, camo, polka-dot,paws, plaid, and jungle.  Depending of your choice of animal you will get a variety of backgrounds to pick (not all the patterns are offered for each animal). 

PetSac can be purchased at a store near you for the price of 19.99$ US.   They are also available directly from the website at https://petsac.com/.

Disclaimer: I received a PetSac for review purposes from KidStuff PR and PetSac. I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.