Tag Archives: Blocks

Best Classic & Retro Toys For Kids

Social media feeds are filled with posts from desperate parents looking for the latest toy fad their kids have to have, and is impossible to find. Why not go the other direction and take a stroll down memory lane? The very same toys you and the generations before you enjoyed, continue to delight kids today! Let’s take a look at some of the best classic toys.

blocks, toys

You might think of shopping Amazon for the season’s hottest toys, but they also have a large inventory of the top classic toys. Who can forget the appeal of Mr. Potato Head?

Mr. Potato Head

I still remember where I got mine, and how it was one of my favorite toys. The spud is still a hot potato today. Today there are larger sets, a wife, kids and even Marvel Potato Head sets that add to the staying power of this creative toy.

Marvel Potato Head

 

For little ones who are just starting to walk the Fisher Price Corn Popper with it’s popping balls and fun sounds entertain and encourage walking, as well as counting and visual tracking. This classic has been a hit with toddlers for years.

The Chatter Telephone was introduced by Fisher Price in 1961. The ringing rotary dial and friendly interactive design make it the ultimate pretend play toy decades later. I remember my Chatter Telephone that I had as a child, and it was a favorite of mine. My kids had their own and loved it just as much as I did. With eyes that roll up and down, it is funny to think we had an Eye Phone way before Apple was even a company.

fisher price chatter telephone

The Fisher Price Music Box Record Player was another favorite of my childhood, and one my children love as well. This iconic, musical toy has been a hit since it was introduced in 1971. Record player includes 5 playable records and is a great take-a-long toy thanks to the convenient handle.

fisher price record player

The next toy was one of my absolute favorites, I loved it so much I still have mine! My kids were big fans of the Pull-A-Tune Xylophone as much as their mother. With two ways to make music, this is a budding musicians delight. Tap the color bars with the attached mallet or pull it to hear a happy tune.

fisher price xylophone

What child does not love blocks? Amazon has so many different kind of blocks to choose from but one kind that I remember fondly as a child and my kids love today are the wooden ABC blocks.

Browsing Amazon , I found so many classic toys that are as perfect today as they were decades ago. Who didn’t love playing with the Magic Screen Etch A Sketch growing up? Today’s kids will enjoy it just as much!

etch a sketch

The Spirograph Deluxe Design Set is still going strong. First introduced in 1965, the distinctive wheels and rings of the Spirograph cleverly combine the principles of art and mathematics in a way that has inspired and captivated generations.

spirograph deluxe design set

Monopoly is definitely a board game classic! The appeal of building a fortune buying, selling and trading the world’s most favorite properties never goes out of style!

Another toy standing the test of time is LEGO Building Bricks. These creative building blocks let kids design and build whatever their imagination desires.

Lego Classic Blocks

Play-Doh is another creative toy that has kept generations of kids entertained. There are more fun accessories than ever before! Who can forget the thrill and then smell of opening a brand new can of Play-Doh?

Amazingly Barbie, looks as youthful today as when she was introduced in 1959. No matter her real age, the iconic doll shows no signs of slowing down or retiring.

Barbie Do

My kids love wagons, let’s face it, most kids do. A wagon has so many uses and really seems to be a childhood favorite of many. What child would not want to find the Classic Radio Flyer Red Wagon under the tree on Christmas morning?

radio flyer wagon

Let’s not forget the classic baby doll. While there are many dolls that do all sorts of things, the classic baby doll has lasting appeal for kids.

Classic Baby Doll

There is a reason these toys are as popular today as when they were introduced. They have staying power that lasts long after the tree and the decorations have been put away.


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Filed under Baby, kids, Toys

Classic Kids’ Toys That Stand The Test Of Time-#HolidayGiftGuide Giveaway!

lakeshore logo

 

When you think about children’s toys, there are the flash in the pan, flavor of the week toys and there are the classic toys that thrill kids from generation to generation. Parents embrace classic toys because they remind them of their childhood and they know they are a wise investment that will provide their child with years of fun. One of those classics is blocks. Blocks are so great because they are never the same toy twice and the possibilities are limited only by one’s own imagination.

Recently I had the chance to take a look at Lakeshore Learning’s Castle Blocks. These enchanting hardwood blocks let kids create a fascinating fortress, spacious palace & more! The durable, stackable blocks come in 12 unique shapes & are printed on every side with a fun medieval theme—so kids can construct castles from all directions! They come in a set of  60 blocks.

Castle Blocks

My kids loved them and have been playing with them since they arrived. Every day there is a different adventure that awaits them, new castles to build and conquer and battles to be won. This is the kind of creative play I like to see in my child, one that has them really thinking about what they are doing. I think with all the technology today, children need a balance or they will miss out on challenging their brains in a creative way.

The blocks are gorgeous, solid wood and decorated beautifully on all sides. They are a true heirloom toy to be handed down from generation to generation.

Castle Blocks

castle blocks 1

Castle Blocks 2

Castle Blocks 3

Castle Blocks 4

Lakeshore Learning has so many toys and games that challenge, teach and entertain kids while they have fun. Right now you can save 20% at Lakeshore Learning. Click HERE  to get a 20% off coupon you can use in-store or online.  Oh and since we think the Castle Blocks from Lakeshore Learning are so great, we are adding them to our 2015 Holiday Gift Guide.

Do you want a chance to win a set of Castle Blocks? If so just read on to the giveaway below.

Lakeshore Learning is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!  One lucky blog reader will win their own set of Castle Blocks  . Thank you to Lakeshore Learning for the review product and for sponsoring this fantastic giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!!  Open to US residents.

 

Lakeshore Learning Castle Blocks Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

Please enter the giveaway using the Rafflecopter widget below.  Good Luck!!!

 

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Filed under Christmas, Giveaway, kids, Review, Shopping, Special Offers

MindWare Toys, Pattern Play Review & Give-Away!!! {Give-Away Ended}

I always thought I had the “Math Gene” until I met my husband.  I mean I always excelled in Math and really loved it, but my husband is a mathematical genius and he has his masters in mathematical sciences so I pale in comparison to him.  We both love toys and games that stimulate our children in learning mathematical concepts in a fun challenging way.  When I was asked to review some things from MindWare Toys, I was in Heaven.  I picked Pattern Play because it is a great introduction to math concepts like sorting, matching, symmetry, congruence and fractions. This high-quality set fits just-so into its wood tray, with vibrant colors and unusual shapes that build spatial skills. Includes 40 exceptionally well-finished wood blocks, a 10.5″-square wood building tray, 40 Pattern Cards and a drawstring canvas storage bag.

This set can be used from toddlers right on up.  It has the capability to be as challenging as you make it.  It truly is a learning toy that will grow with your child.  Your child will learn important math concepts that will be the foundation to build upon throughout their lives.  I may be a little geeky but I love toys like this because there are so many ways to use them and they are so stimulating to your child.  This set is superior quality and is great for the home or classroom.

Mommy Ramblings loves Pattern Play so much, we are adding it to our 2011 Holiday Gift Guide.  Pattern Play makes the perfect gift for just about any child on your gift list.

MindWare is sponsoring a give-away on Mommy Ramblings.  One lucky blog reader will win their own Pattern Play Set.  Thank you MindWare for the review Pattern Play and for sponsoring this great give-away on Mommy Ramblings!!!  Open to residents of the contiguous 48 US States.

MindWare Pattern Play Give-Away on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

Mandatory Entry– Visit MindWare Toys, and let me know another toy they make that you like.  Leave your answer in a comment on this post. (If this entry is not done, all others will be deleted)

Extra Entries: (make sure you leave a separate comment for each entry or they will not count)

1. Like Mommy Ramblings on Facebook and leave me a comment here that you did.

2. Like MindWare on Facebook, leave a comment on their wall about Mommy Ramblings and this give-away. Leave me a comment here that you did.

3. Follow Mommy Ramblings on Twitter, and leave me a comment here that you did with your Twitter name.

4. Follow MindWare on Twitter, and leave me a comment here that you did with your Twitter name.

5. Follow Mommy Ramblings by email, and leave me a comment here that you did.

6. Vote for Mommy Ramblings on Picket Fence Blogs (Button is on the side of our blog, “We’re on the Fence) and leave me a comment here you did.  You can do this once a day, just make sure and leave a comment each time you do.

7. Rate Mommy Ramblings on Top Mommy Blogs (button is on the side of our blog) and leave me a comment here that you did. (Can only be used as one entry per give-away.)

8. Tweet this give-away on Twitter and leave me a comment here that you did with your Twitter name. You can do this once a day, just make sure and leave a comment each time you do.

9. Like Blueberry Hill Photography on Facebook and leave me a comment here that you did.

10. Write a review for Mommy Ramblings on Alexa.com (button is on our blog right under the We’re on the Fence button) and leave me a comment here that you did.  Can only be done once per give-away.

Good Luck Everyone!!!  Give Away Ends November 26th at 12am EST.  Winner will be selected by Random.org.


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Timberworks Toys Review & Give-Away Plus 15% Off Discount!!! {Give-Away Ended}

Timberworks Toys recently sent me the Cottage/Bridge Set with extra pieces (wheels and Velcro-T’s) so I could see the full range of structures that can be built with Timberworks Toys.  This set included a durable duffel bag for storage and transport.  The pieces are quite substantial and superior quality, no rough or sharp edges to worry about.  My boys are younger than the recommended beginning age of 5, but they will grow into this set and have fun with it for years.  In the meantime Daddy had great fun building toys for the boys.

Timberworks Toys was born when a mother suggested that her husband make some log building toys for their son.  Dad, being a highly skilled cabinetmaker, started to work during “father-son time” and Timberworks Toys was born! Inspired by the father-son dynamic Timberworks Toys made new pieces to expand the set to build bridges and cars.  Timberworks Toys is now the home of American heirloom-quality wooden toys.  These great toys can be shared from generation to generation celebrating the father and son bond.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=WUtldPSrKBQ]

Timberworks Toys makes great building sets and is offering Mommy Ramblings readers a special discount of 15% on their products.  Just call or email your order and let them know you saw them on Mommy Ramblings and they will apply the discount to your order.  Timberworks Toys also offers free shipping in the US.

Timberworks Toys is sponsoring a give-away on Mommy Ramblings.  One lucky blog reader will win the Beautiful Blocks Building Set.  Thank you Timberworks Toys for the great review set and for sponsoring this awesome give-away on Mommy Ramblings!!!  Open to US residents.

Timberworks Toys Beautiful Blocks Building Set Give-Away on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

Mandatory Entry– Visit Timberworks Toys, and let me know another building set you like.  Leave your answer in a comment on this post. (If this entry is not done, all others will be deleted)

Extra Entries: (make sure you leave a separate comment for each entry or they will not count)

1. Like Mommy Ramblings on Facebook and leave me a comment here that you did.

2. Follow Mommy Ramblings on Twitter, and leave me a comment here that you did with your Twitter name.

3. Follow Mommy Ramblings by email, and leave me a comment here that you did.

4. Vote for Mommy Ramblings on Picket Fence Blogs (Button is on the side of our blog, “We’re on the Fence) and leave me a comment here you did.  You can do this once a day, just make sure and leave a comment each time you do.

5. Rate Mommy Ramblings on Top Mommy Blogs (button is on the side of our blog) and leave me a comment here that you did. (Can only be used as one entry per give-away.)

6. Tweet this give-away on Twitter and leave me a comment here that you did with your Twitter name. You can do this once a day, just make sure and leave a comment each time you do.

7. Like Blueberry Hill Photography on Facebook and leave me a comment here that you did.

8. Write a review for Mommy Ramblings on Alexa.com (button is on our blog right under the We’re on the Fence button) and leave me a comment here that you did.  Can only be done once per give-away.

Good Luck Everyone!!!  Give Away Ends November 26th at 12am EST.  Winner will be selected by Random.org.


518 Comments

Filed under October Last Half, Uncategorized