Every child loves to see their name in print and if there’s a way to make seeing your name in print more exciting, it is seeing your picture along side it. Proud Canadian company Mini Me Books has gotten it just right with their creation of The Octopus Book.

There are three available options, all of which are fantastic and only get better as you put a few more dollars into it. The first, with personalized text including the name of the child and their parents, sells for $32.99. For $39.99, you can personalize the names of the characters, and upload an image of your child. Finally, for $49.99 you can personalize text and photo for your child and 2 adults. My son has the $49.99 edition of The Octopus Book and I can tell you very honestly that it’s worth every penny and you will love it as much as your child will! The quality is second to none – better, in fact, than many of the thousands of books that fill my house and classroom from bookstores and other sources. The pages are thick and shiny and the paper is certified to the environmental and social standards of the Forest Stewardship Council. The binding is sturdy and tough, and the integration of the uploaded photographs is professional and…perfect. This does not look like a homemade book. It’s one that we have read daily since it arrived and will continue to read for many years.

Sure, it’s more than you’d spend on an average book at the store…but this is no average book. If you’re able to make the investment for your child, I assure you that you won’t regret it. I highly recommend it.

Save 10% on your Mini Me Book purchase with the code TOP10.

Win it! We’re giving away a personalized Mini Me Book valued at $49.99 to one lucky TOP reader! To enter, leave a comment on this post letting us know what little person in your life would be the lucky recipient before 11:59 mst on October 10, 2008.

CONTEST CLOSED & WINNER EMAILED

Gumdrop Lane is an online store that I was delighted to stumble upon because owner Erin Ruane hand selects some of the cutest clothing from the greatest brands available and puts it all together in a shop with fantastic customer service and very reasonable prices. Gumdrop Lane offers both new and used clothes for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers from newborn to 4T. Yep! Erin has done your used clothing shopping for you by selecting only the very best. Be sure to check out the outlet where you’ll find some great pics for just a dollar. What a great time & money saver!

She carries a wide variety of brands and they’ve all got something special about them. (Search by brand in the drop down menu at left after clicking on “all finds”).

T-o-o-o Cute is a brand that was new to me. I checked out the adorable bubble suit (the top of which you see at right) and was hugely impressed with the softness of the fabric and quality of construction and it’s an absolutely adorable summer style.

T-o-o-o Cute’s layette and loungewear is made of only the softest 100% pima cotton in the sweetest of colors. Each piece showcases one of a world of whimsical characters, either intricately embroidered or beautifully heat transferred. As Erin says, “the entire collection is designed for your wee one’s comfort and for your continuous delight.” So true – it’s almost T-o-o-o Cute for words! (But not quite.)

You may also like to check out Erin’s used finds for some great deals on great quality clothing that just happens to have been pre-loved.

Save 15% store wide (even on sale & used items!) with the code TOP. Woo hoo!

Win it! Leave a comment here after visiting Gumdrop Lane and choosing your favorite T-O-O-O Cute outfit and you could win it! Leave your comment by midnight on September 10/08 and follow the rules (i.e. No “I want to win – anything will do.” because you won’t win…) and one winner will be randomly drawn to receive their choice. Good luck!

CONTEST CLOSED & WINNER EMAILED

Be sure to treat yourselves too, Mom. Buy fashionable wholesale clothing at an affordable price.

Helmets for people under the age of 18 are the law in my neck of the woods, but it’s not that way everywhere. Even here, the law doesn’t always supersede stupidity. It doesn’t happen often on bikes but I regularly see kids on scooters, rollerblades & Ripstiks with their craniums bare for the smashing. With my background working with the brain-injured, it makes me cringe every time. (Wanna know what makes me cringe more? Helmet wearing kids bike riding with their soon-to-be-useless-bare-headed parents. Now I’ll step off my soapbox and tell you about a great solution for the raging stupidity!)

Tail Wags helmet covers are fun new accessory that has kids excited to wear their helmets! There are over 30 animal characters to choose from. From tigers and bears to turtles and dinosaurs, children love playing dress-up with Tail Wags helmet covers whether there’s a helmet around or not! My son wears his monkey on his head around the house, on his bike helmet and his hockey helmet and this winter we’ll be bringing it to the ski slopes as well because Tail Wags fit them all – even equestrian helmets!

Designed by Canadian mom Karyn Climans and made exclusively in Canada, Tail Wags not only encourage little ones to develop the helmet habit but they also help to increase the visibility of the wearer on the slopes, roads and skating rinks. Tail Wags are made from warm high quality fleece and are designed with a slit at the back to allow the wearer to access the helmet’s goggle clip. They’re made from top quality materials, are resistant to colour fading and tearing, and are sturdy enough to be worn under all kinds of conditions.

Check out the promotional video at the Tail Wags site or on YouTube.

Tail Wags helmet covers are available online and in retail stores worldwide for $40. Wouldn’t it make a great accompaniment to that new bike & helmet or skates & helmet that you’re buying? I think so.

Save 10% on your Tail Wags helmet cover order with the code opinion.

Win it! We’re giving away an adorable & gender neutral lion helmet cover from Tail Wags to one randomly selected winner. To enter, leave a comment on this post listing your two favourite animal characters from the Tail Wags line before midnight on September 9, 2008.

CONTEST CLOSED & WINNER EMAILED

From the time my first baby was born and the nurses hovered over us every 30 minutes taking his temperature and mine, I knew a child’s temperature was kind of a big deal. I also knew that my kid freaked out any time I approached with the evil silver stick – and that was just when I was headed for his armpit. Since I wasn’t about to take an anal temperature, I went for the digital ear thermometer, even though they’re slightly less accurate and not meant for kids under one year of age. I used it happily through two children until I discovered the Temporal Artery Scanner from Exergen. Good people, let me tell you – never spend a penny on another thermometer. I sure won’t. This thing is freaking awesome. Not only is it incredibly fun to use for both the taker and the take-ee (heh), it’s not at all invasive and it’s more accurate than any other thermometer on the market. With a simple scan from the center of the forehead to the hairline at the temple, you’ve got an accurate temp in just seconds.

(Watch this educational video if you want more info. Or just trust me – it’s cool and you want one. So do the people you’ll be buying baby gifts for.)

Check here to see where you can get yours in stores and online. FYI…in Canada, this product is called the AccuCare Temporal Artery Thermometer and it’s sold in Shoppers Drug Mart. (The Shoppers website is horrific so don’t bother looking for it on there. Just head to your local store and pick one up!)

Win it! We’re giving away a Temporal Artery Scanner (the US version, but anyone can win and they’re all the same save the name) to one reader! To enter, leave a comment on this post before midnight mst on September 8/08.

Additional entries available. See contest entry information and rules.

CONTEST CLOSED & WINNER EMAILED

Some of our contributors recently shared their back to school backpack tips with you here in response to a reader question. We’ve gotten lots more questions about specific backpacks for various age groups since so we’ve been on the hunt trying to help you out.

In the toddler-preschool category (aka the “don’t really need to carry much but want to be independent and cool with a bag on my back” category) one of the clear winners are the awesomely amazing BlaBla backpacks available from T.O.P. fave Oompa Toys. Available in twelve adorable styles including the ladybug, monkey & tiger shown at right, these packs are absolutely infused with color and imagination. Each backpack is hand-knitted by Peruvian artists using techniques that are passed down from generation to generation.

The BlaBla backpacks are perfectly sized for children from newly walking to four years old and are just the right size for a small library book, a toy, a snack and a love note from Mom. The zippered pocket opens just wide enough to get things easily in & out but not so wide that it all falls out when your child wants it in – a perfect combination for those easily frustrated little ones – and is perfectly straight so even little hands can open and close it independently. And that ladybug? Could it get any cuter?

Win it! If you’d like to win a BlaBla backpack of your choice from Oompa Toys, leave a comment on this post before September 4/08 indicating your top choice of the twelve styles and another fave item from the back to school category.

Additional entries available. See contest entry information and rules.

Up tomorrow…come back for another backpack giveaway for the school aged kiddos!

CONTEST CLOSED & WINNER EMAILED

If you’ve got an early writer or or a frustrated youngster who wants to do exactly what their school aged sibling does, you know that writing is one of those things that only gets easier with practice and the only way you’ll get your kids to practice is if you find ways to make it a little less like work and a little more like fun.

Write Way To Learn, a new mom-run company, makes writing practice fun for preschoolers with their fabulous multi-sensory learning cards. You can shop by level (easy, intermediate or challenging) or by theme. The seventeen available themes vary from family & world, for both of which you can upload your own pics, to shapes & bugs. Each oversized, super high quality, non-toxic card features a word and a corresponding picture and ample space for your child to write the word on the card over and over and over again. The cards can be created using your choice of font, and sign language cards featuring children’s hands signing the word are available. My son’s favourite feature is the “Personalization Pocket” – “a clear pocket that overlays the image area and empowers your child to customize the image by simply inserting a personal photograph, drawing, magazine clipping, etc. It is large enough to hold sizes up to a half sheet of paper (8.5″ x 5.5″). By using this pocket, your child is given yet another method in which to interact with the words he or she is learning on the card, therefore strengthening the learning experience and promoting retention.” I also love that you can choose the printable versions of the kits and make them at home (which is more affordable and therefore accessible to more children) and then tuck them in a sheet protector to make them reusable. They might not be as pretty but they’ll sure work. The learning kits come with the cards, a white board, a set of 4 dry erase markers, an accompanying learning guide and it all comes in a handy travel tote.

If you’re one of the first 100 customers of this great new company you’ll get a free printable learning card set of your choice, so buy yours now! I can think of several preschoolers who’d love to have a few of these kits appear under the Christmas tree. (In 121 days…get shopping!)

Win it! We’ve got a printable “My Animal Friends” kit to give to one randomly selected commenter. To enter, visit the Write Way To Learn site and leave a comment on this post before September 1, 2008 with the themes or products not mentioned in this review that you think your child (or grandchild, neighbour or cat) would like best.

Additional entries available. See contest entry information and rules.

CONTEST CLOSED & WINNER EMAILED

A child’s name is usually the first and most important word they learn to print. When Canadian teacher and parent Lee-Ann O’Neill had a preschooler she, as we all do, was continually dotting out her name for tracing purposes. As an early childhood teacher and a mother, I spend more time dotting than I can keep track of.

Lee-Ann developed a stamp for her daughter and shares it with the rest of us via The Little Stamp Company. Her self-inking “signature stamp” features a large ‘dotted’ font so that children can stamp their own name on paper, colouring pages, artwork etc. and then trace the letters of their name. She offers three custom options for you to indicate your child’s name, select the ink colour, choose whether you would prefer ALL CAPS or Lower Case. (ECS teacher recommendation: Lower Case Please!) The ink Lee-Ann uses is edible and made entirely with FDA approved ingredients. It’s water based, child safe, washable, eco-friendly and lasts for thousands of impressions. My son has probably broken a thousand now (not all on paper so I can attest to the washability!) and his signature stamp is still going strong.

At $24.95, it might be a little more than you’d normally spend on a stamp but in my opinion as both a teacher and a parent, it’s totally worth it. They’ll love the sense of accomplishment & independence and it will save you hours of dotting time.

Save 15% on your signature stamps with the code TOP15.
This code is also among friends in the TOP Shops, where we feature exclusive online shopping discounts just for you!

Win it! Your child could win their own stamp from The Little Stamp Company! One winner will be randomly selected from all comments left on this post before August 29/08.

Additional entries available. See contest entry information and rules.

CONTEST CLOSED & WINNER EMAILED

At our house, getting two kids to bed at our house isn’t always a pleasure, but when my niece is here and we play the new Beddy-Bye Baby game from Briarpatch ($19.99) it makes putting baby to bed seem like, well, child’s play!

Anyone who has spent much time with little girls will tell you that taking care of a baby, real or pretend, is one of their favorite activities. Briarpatch has incorporated this nurturing play into a sweet, simple game that embraces a child’s love and fascination for baby.

Each Beddy-Bye Baby game comes with 48 playing cards including teddy bear, pajamas, baby bottle and Beddy-Bye illustrated cards, a game board, 4 baby carriage tokens and a die that sounds like a baby’s rattle when shaken. A booklet of complete game rules is also included.

To play, each player selects a baby and carriage in pink, blue, yellow, or green. When it’s their turn, players roll the die and move their carriages down the path toward bed while collecting jammies, a bottle and a teddy bear. Like real babies, players may encounter a baby that is fussy, sleepy or playful. The first player to enter the nursery with all three of baby’s things and tuck baby in to bed wins the game. No reading is required and up to 4 people can play. If you have older preschoolers and early school age kids, Beddy-Bye Baby would make an awesome addition to your family game nights!

Win it! We’re giving away a Beddy-Bye Baby game to one lucky winner. We’ll randomly select one person who comments on this post before August 28/08.

Additional entries available. See contest entry information and rules.

CONTEST CLOSED & WINNER EMAILED

The Chatterbox is a new game developed by Kim and David Maksymuik, Canadian parents who were stumped by a lack of resources available to parents to assist them when teaching their young twins valuable life skills. Their mission is to empower families to communicate, work together and master key life skills by providing them with tools and information that will help them learn in a quick, easy, fun and interesting way.

Each box comes with 140 cards covering topics in six life skills categories: family harmony, building character, developing people skills, goal planning, achievement skills and understanding money.

The Chatterbox provides age appropriate questions for children aged 3-6 years, 7-11 years and 12 years and up that are designed to stimulate conversation within the family. The Chatterbox also suggests fun games related to the subject matter addressed on each card and reinforcing tasks to be completed over the next week to facilitate retention and family fun and to ensure that families gain experience with real life skills in addition to the hypothetical ones. We’re sure looking forward to using The Chatterbox as a tool to facilitate our family dinner table conversations when our kids are older!

As of August 1/08, The Chatterbox is available online at Please Mum.com and, if you’re not an online shopper, just head to the local mall and pick yours up at any Please Mum store across Canada!

Win it! Enter to win a copy of this fabulous family game by leaving a comment on this post. Contest closes August 27/08.

Additional entries available. See contest entry information and rules.

CONTEST CLOSED & WINNER EMAILED

Every family has their own values that they wish to impart on their children, and there are those that one would hope are universal. At When I Grow Up, those universal values come to light for all to see.

Bing Crosby in “Pennies from Heaven” said…

A long time ago, a million years BC, the best things in life were absolutely free. But no one appreciated a sky that was always blue and no one congratulated a moon that was always new.

Owner Kat Henderson asks us to take a quiet moment to remember what life was like when we were children…when we appreciated the sky and congratulated the moon. Then ask ourselves, “What do I value most in my life, what do I want to teach my children?”

When Kat thought about these things, she did more than just think. She created the fantastic value statement tees ($22) at When I Grow Up. Currently there are four designs to choose from and they’re all statements I’d be proud for my child to wear. The tees are all made from 100% certified organic cotton, made in the USA and printed with vividly coloured water-based ink.

They’re simple, they’re adorable, and they make some of the more perfect statements found on t-shirts anywhere. We love our compassion tee and get comments on it whenever my son wears it out. Wouldn’t it be nice to see more children in shirts like this?

Win it! Kat is giving one T.O.P. reader a value statement tee in your choice of statement and size. To enter, simply visit the shop to choose your tee and size and then come back to leave a comment letting us know your preferences. Contest closes on August 20/08.

Additional entries available – up to four per person. See contest entry information and rules.

CONTEST CLOSED & WINNER EMAILED

Some of our very opinionated reviewers have been testing out Baby and Kidz Banz sunglasses. Read on to see what they thought of them and, of course, to enter a giveaway!

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We always love to test out new kid products and Kidz Banz since birth. My first born actually came home from the hospital in some cool black Baby Banz that I had purchased while pregnant. With starting that young, we never had issues with them being ripped off because the kids were used to having them on anytime they went outside. My baby has somehow become a big boy (what’s up with that?) and now loves wearing his Kid Banz when he’s out and about. They’re comfortable on his face and thanks to the comfortable & adjustable neoprene headband they stay on no matter how active he is. They’re even comfortable under his bike helmet, which is saying something. I have no hesitation recommending Banz if you’re looking to protect your kids’ eyes. – Nicole

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I was excited to try Baby Banz for my little girl because I know how dangerous the sun can be to young eyes. Until almost 10 years old, children have no natural filters in the eye to block UV light. I’ve read from several sources that you can actually do more harm to the eye if you put an inferior lens in front of it than putting nothing at all. Behind any tinted lens, the iris opens to allow more light into the eye. If the lens doesn’t protect properly, more UV light gets into the eye potentially causing severe damage. Banz lenses are rated UV400 and block out the entire spectrum of UVA, UVB, and UVC rays from the sun. I knew this was what I wanted for my toddler but had my doubts about the comfort of a hard plastic frame and whether she’d be willing to keep them on. Thankfully she thinks they’re “Cooh Dude!” and they now go with us everywhere. -Cindy

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As a parent of a special needs child, I was so excited to read that Baby and Kidz Banz sunglasses “are Rx-able and are capable of being cold fitted with a prescription lens up to +/ – 8 diopters.” I took the pair I received for review to my local option and, sure enough, my little darling now has cool looking prescription shades that actually stay on. Thanks, Banz, for making such a great product! -Andi

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I am a Banz convert. After reading the Banz site as research for this review, I will never buy a cheap pair of sunglasses again. Not that Banz are costly – they’re only $15 a pair – but the drugstore and dollar store shades just aren’t worth the few bucks you might save (and they might even be more!) Banz were originally designed in Australia for one of the world’s toughest UV environments and they’ve passed the most stringent standards on sunglasses in the world. They’re made of durable polycarbonate (don’t worry – they’re not in contact with food) and are almost indestructible. They’re all fitted with a Neoprene elastic strap that has side adjustable velcro allowing for years of wear as the child grows. My son has been wearing his day in and sometimes day out for the three or so weeks we’ve had them and they’re fabulous. I am here to tell you – don’t waste your money and protect your kids eyes with Banz. They’re the only eyes they have. - Krista

Win it! Banz is giving away a sunglasses & hat combo in the colour of the winner’s choice. To enter, leave a comment on this post letting us know the colour you’d choose if you win AND because we’re nosy, please tell us where you live. (Don’t post your address, please…just the city/state/country/whatever.) Contest closes August 19/08.

Additional entries available – up to four per person. See contest entry information and rules.

CONTEST CLOSED & WINNER EMAILED

With fall (too quickly) approaching, it’s time to start searching out some great personalized items for the kids to take back to school. We’re die hard Olive Kids lovers around here, and preschoolers and school aged kiddos alike will love all of the great personalized items from OK.

My son is an early reader and is loving his personalized bookmark ($9.99). It’s high quality and thick enough that even my dogs couldn’t completely destroy it (and believe me – they tried). My teething baby’s slobber didn’t penetrate it at all so the laminate is obviously well sealed! (Are you seeing a theme here? I live in a zoo, apparently.)

The Olive Kids placemats ($9.99) are a hit at our house too. These aren’t any old disposable placemats. They’re the same high quality as the bookmark and if they can make my crazy kid want to sit still and eat at the table they’ve got my vote!

When your kids head to school, off to daycare or just to a playdate with their backpack in tow, a personalized name tag ($7.99) is not only adorable but can help you get those packs home when they’re abandoned in favour of a good game of tag.

No matter how you feel about personalized goods, kids love them. When they’re high quality like these ones are, they’re sure to be a hit for a long, long time.

Win it! OK is giving away a prize pack valued at $28 including a personalized summer placemat of your choice, a personalized, bookmark of your choice and a name tag of your choice. To enter, visit OK and leave a comment letting us know the patterns you’d choose for each of your three items. Contest closes at 11:59 mst on August 15/08.

Additional entries available – up to four per person. See contest entry information and rules.

CONTEST CLOSED & WINNER EMAILED

We’re back from our Heritage Day long weekend. Our apologies to our American and overseas friends who were looking for us yesterday. It was a long weekend here and we didn’t think to check if everyone else had one too.

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The Opinionated Parents have been trying out Pop’rs, the newest way to get your kids to eat…anything!

Pop’rs come in one ounce shaker jars and are available in eight flavours and are incredibly versatile in their uses. Imagine the Pop Rocks of your youth with a variety of flavours and vitamins added. Some need to be added to food to taste good. Others, like the red Color Burst, taste exactly like Pop Rocks and if you’re anything like me your kids won’t get any and your tongue will be blue for a few hours. (Yes blue. I was confused too…)

Check out their blog for more information, and read on for our writers’ opinions and a reader
giveaway.

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With seven children I have faced more picky eaters than I would have ever liked to have seen. Normally, if you can just get them to TASTE the food you know they will like it, but getting that bite into their little clamped-shut mouths is nearly impossible. Until now!

Pop’rs are just the trick to get those mouths pried open and show those little ones that food DOES taste good. Pop’rs are like the candy Pop Rocks, they explode on your tongue. With 8 choices to choose from, any food can become a tasty, fun treat for your child. I was so happy to see great flavors for the adult child, too, such as Buffalo flavoring, which is amazing on pork.
Butter flavoring on veggies and potatoes may not seem exciting, but when the kids start hearing the crackling they just have to give it a taste, and their mouths a treat.
Across the board, my entire family enjoyed Pop’rs on nearly everything. Potatoes, meat, oatmeal, ice cream, vegetables; you name it, we sprinkled it! – Lisa

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Want a better way to jazz up vegetables than smothering them with cheese sauce? Would you like your kids to devour yogurt without it having to be in a squeezable tube or frozen on a stick? Would it be nice to make less-sugary and more-economical tub oatmeal just as jazzy as the individual packs? Enter: Pop’rs. Pop’rs is like nothing you’ve ever seen or heard of before — I guarantee it. It’s probably something you’ve never even dreamed about.

What are Pop’rs? Imagine Pop Rocks as a food topping. They’re not candy, though….they’re better than candy. They even have vitamins in them! Imagine carbonated, fizzy vitamin granules in a variety of flavors that your kids will love sprinkling on everything.

They currently manufacture eight flavors: Strawberry, Color Burst, Butter, Cocoa, Taco, Cinnamon, Buffalo, and Raspberry. We tried the Buffalo Pop’rs on our broccoli and chicken. Very authentic buffalo flavor, and an amazing, fizzy kick, for sure! Kids will delight in the fact that sizzling noises erupt from their plates before them, as well as within their mouths as they gobble up their meal!

There are a wealth of other ideas for Pop’rs: Butter Pop’rs over popcorn, Strawberry Pop’rs over cereal, even Cinnamon Pop’rs over stewed apples. The possibilities are endless!

-Meg

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I confess, when I was first asked to review Pop’rs®, I was confused. What is it exactly? Flavored sprinkles? How can sprinkles help encourage healthy eating? After trying all eight flavors, though, I’m a believer. Pop’rs sounded like Rice Krispies when added to milk and every flavor tastes like the old pop candy you remember from years ago.

Rachael Ray is also a fan. In her May 2008 magazine, she said Pop’rs “…add pop to anything! We like the cinnamon on buttered toast. FIZZ FACTOR: full fireworks …”

Pop’rs are available in EIGHT FLAVORS: strawberry, raspberry, color burst, cinnamon, cocoa, taco, buffalo and butter.

–Sprinkle Color Burst on any flavor of yogurt (and sprinkled on vanilla ice cream, it turns plain vanilla into something a lot like cotton candy)

–Chocolate’s a super flavor on top of pudding (my husband tried it on milk and we both laughed at how much it sounded like “Snap, Crackle and Pop!”)

–Introduce Strawberry to your kiddos’ cereal in the morning.

–Raspberry is a treat with yogurt & ice cream.

–Corn & other veggies take well to Butter (so does popcorn! Yum!)

–Taco can’t be beat on mashed potatoes.

–Buffalo (as in the seasoning used on wings) goes hand-in-hand with broccoli & its kindred spirits.

Like what you hear? Go here to purchase Pop’rs at some VERY reasonable prices and get to popping! -CPA Mom

Win it! We’re giving away a a complete box of Pop’rs – all eight flavors valued at $14.99 – to one lucky TOP reader! To enter, simply leave a comment on this post before 11:59 mst on August 12, 2008.

Additional entries available – up to four per person. See contest entry information and rules.

CONTEST CLOSED & WINNER EMAILED

We get lots of emails asking for product recommendations for gifts, necessities, clothing, gadgets and more. Since we’re full of opinions around here, we’re glad to help. We’re happy to announce that instead of just emailing our readers back with suggestions, we’re going to start sharing some of our writers’ answers with you via our new Ask TOP feature. If you have a question or a shopping conundrum, email us at theopinionatedparent at gmail dot com and we’ll do our best to help you out.

Please be aware that these are not our usual product reviews. Our writers may or may not have seen, touched or tried the items noted in the Ask TOP posts, but have simply taken the time to do some research to help out a fellow parent.

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Reader Kate R. asks TOP…

Can you help me? I’m desperate.

My 4 (almost 5) year old son is starting pre-school and needs a “large” backpack. A preschool back like the wonderful ones at gemgem.com will not work for the school requirements.

Can you help me find a cool young boy backpack? I’d REALLY appreciate it!

Chelle says:

My girl has always loved packing her own bag for our many adventures. We started off with a small soft plush backpack and now she has a couple of special backpacks that she adores.

She especially loves her Deuter Schmusebar Daypack ($35) and her ultra-inexpensive ($16) Kids Dome Daypack From Mountain Equipment Coop. Both are great durable backpacks, just the right size and not character based.

And from Mountain Baby, she loves her Tatonka Kiddy Kids Backpack ($30 – pictured @ left). Designed by the pros, this is a fantastically ergonomic choice for a young child and comes with Tatonki, the stuffed dude in the image.


Sara says:

I have actually been on the hunt for one of these myself so I’d love to share my finds with Kate.

The toddler backpacks ($24.95) from My Sweet Dreams Baby are great. They can be personalized, which would be especially great for some of the more plain styles (and what kid doesn’t love to see their name on their stuff?) The prints are less babyish to me than some I have come across.. This may still be too small for Kate’s little man, although it is larger than the gemgem.com one. The same site also has a slightly larger kid version for $34.95.

Personal Creations has these cool packs (I love the firetruck one) one sale for just $19.98. (pictured @ right)

Lillian Vernon’s “Lilly’s Kids” offers a great less kid-like one ($19.98) with reflective safety strips and it can be personalized if you choose. This one‘s similar, but has a matching wallet.

This one ($19.98) has bungee straps that could come in handy. However, right now it’s only showing purple as an option for color, so that won’t work for your little man! Maybe they’ll be adding more colors soon, though!

Rashmi says:

I know by listening to other Moms that pre-schoolers need backpacks that can fit a big book or two, including a folder for all those forms etc. Most moms also say that teachers prefer bags that don’t have drawstrings, wheels, lights and other such difficult and distracting thingamajigs. (Ed: Amen to that!)

Which is why I feel that the Boys’ Preschool Backpack by Land’s End ($26.50, pictured @ left) is ideal. It’s made for pre-schoolers, yet it’s still big enough to carry a book, a change of clothes, and a little something for recess or show-and-tell. An exterior pocket carries extras. Comfort features include padded c-shaped shoulder straps that fit better, and a padded lumbar panel to cushion his back. The polyester body means it’s easy to clean, and there are two compartments to organize his stuff. The 360° reflective trim improves visibility and you have the option to get it monogrammed as well.

Meg says:

I recommend the Kelty Grommet 100%, all the way! We bought it ($25, pictured @ right) for our son to take to church with him. It’s bigger than a kiddie pack but definitely not too big for him to handle — and it’s cool just like his Daddy’s!

Heather says:

I don’t know how “cool” they are but both of our boys have LL Bean backpacks. The Junior Original Book Pack ($19.50, pictured @ left) is big enough but not too big for a little body. We’ve been using them for a few years and they hold up perfectly. (Christy seconds that recommendation!) Monogramming is available for just $6.

The LL Bean Camp Critter Pack might be too small for Kate’s little guy, but it sure is cute!

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Well Kate…we hope those options give you a good start on picking your son’s first backpack.

As an early childhood teacher, I’d like to give you a few tips to keep in mind as you shop:

*Make sure it’s not larger than your son. He needs to be comfortable. If he’s a very small child, his teacher will understand. If he’s average or large, then it’s not as much of an issue. This is particularly important if he’ll be carrying it for any distance or length of time.
*But…be sure it can hold an average picture book or he’ll either be losing things or bringing home grocery bags on a regular basis.
*Padded shoulder straps are a must – those library books get heavy!
*One or two pockets on the outside are great. Too many will just be frustrating for everyone.
*A water bottle pocket on the side is a great feature to keep your son hydrated without juices, but make sure the pack is water resistant so his books don’t get soaked if it leaks. In my classroom I recommend that water bottles always be placed in a ziplock bag too – just in case!
*Avoid wheels or, at the very least, check if they’re allowed in your son’s school. They’re a tripping hazard in busy hallways.
*If you choose to monogram your son’s bag, you may want to go with initials rather than his full name. He’ll still know which bag is his, but strangers won’t know his first name.

Thanks for asking TOP, and have fun shopping!

Welcome to the week sans giveaways! (I know, that’s not exciting for you. For me, however, it means I don’t need to moderate 6000 comments when I have regular internet access again.)

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Want to see some cute vintage cartoons from around the world? Then visit Bunny Ears!

Bunny Ears is a new Web TV station for young children aged 3+ that brings you an assortment of vintage and contemporary cartoons from all around the world.

Each cartoon is fairly short, about 5 minutes each, and are filled with simple animation and adorable stories! While there isn’t a huge selection up yet, they are planning to bring hundreds of cartoons, that are hard to find elsewhere, right to your computer screen!

Run out of Toronto, Ontario by mom Judy Blumstock, Bunny Ears is advertising free and free to watch. She founded it for her own daughter and now it’s available for everyone’s children.

While you may recognize some characters, such as Chapi and Chapo, there are many others that you and your children will quickly fall in love with!

I can’t help but to love Chapi and Chapo the most, but a close runner up is sweet little Bedtime Bear! Perfect for helping your preschooler with his or her bedtime routine!

Hop on over to Bunny Ears, cuddle up with your preschooler, and settle in for a sweet and funny story! -Gina

Frances England‘s newest release, Family Tree, is a welcome addition to the saturated genre of children’s tunes.

The folksy sound is reminiscent of a small town Lilith Fair, with a definite Sarah McLachlan influence and a few little voices interspersed throughout.

Our playgroup kidlets loved the simple lyrics that they could jam to even the first time it played through. I know my son would hop on the Fast Train to Grandma’s if he could, and we’ll certainly be doing our part to help our animal friends.

Since that wonderful morning that he spent dancing with his friends, my son has asked for “da new guitar cd” over and over again. Thankfully, Family Tree is enjoyable enough that I’m happy to oblige.

Win it! We’ve got a copy of Family Tree up for grabs, autographed and written to your child! To enter, simply leave a comment on this post before noon MST on Saturday, July 5/08.

Additional entries available – up to four per person. See contest entry information and rules.

CONTEST CLOSED & WINNER EMAILED

We’re taking the day off tomorrow to enjoy Canada Day with our families. In honour of Canada’s birthday we’re featuring a fantastic Canadian business from which you can acquire the wares of many others. Enjoy, and HAPPY CANADA DAY!

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You know when you read repeatedly of a shop but don’t take the time to click through and explore? Well, I did that and feel like a moron for not knowing about Apples n’ Oranges sooner.

Owned by Ottawa moms Lara and Vicky, Apples n’ Oranges carries only Canadian brands. I am ashamed to say that I had no idea we Canucks had such amazing style. The selection is fabulous. With 33 brands to choose from, and growing, there’s no need to pay customs fees anymore. My wallet thanks you, ladies!

Apples n’ Oranges is the exclusive online retailer for my newest love, Vancouver based Peekaboo Beans – a functional and fashionable line of playwear that’s perilously close to being too nice to be playwear.

Each piece meets a “no fuss dressing” mission and is easy for children to get on and off when potty training or learning to dress themselves. Every piece mixes, matches and layers with the others and they’re more versatile than any line I’ve seen before – pants become capris, tunics become tanks and skirts become dresses to lengthen their lifespan. They’re also reversible for the inevitable spills while on the go. Made with high quality materials and super comfortable fabrics, there’s extra strength and durability built into the construction and the pieces are pre-washed. The pants feature a wide, flat waistband for comfort and all pieces use flat, seamless stitching for itch free wearing. The shirts are A-shaped and are a longer length than standard to accommodate those adorable kid-bellies. Added safety features are included, such as reflective piping, chin guards, and ironed in personal identification labels.

Peekaboo Beans is everything you want in a kids clothing line – perfect for playdate, playground and playtime…but you’ll want to make time for an impromptu photo shoot before you leave the house. This stuff is just that nice.

Save 20% on your first purchase with the code firsttop.

Win it! Apples n’ Oranges is giving away a Peekaboo Beans top AND bottom of the winner’s choice. To enter, leave a comment on this post with your choice of outfit should you be the lucky winner. (Be specific. As always, you can’t win if you’re too lazy to click through to this awesome shop. It’s bad karma.) Contest closes at noon MST on July 5/08.

Additional entries available – up to four per person. See contest entry information and rules.

CONTEST CLOSED & WINNER EMAILED

I am such a blanket snob since having children. I will admit that I’ve given many brand new blankets gifted to us to the local charity simply because there are better ones out there and why should my child snuggle with anything but the best? (I know, I’m horrible.)

My daughter sleeps under one of the great quilted fleece blankets from Designs by Mimi and Lola that was personalized for her and it surpasses even my blanket snob standards.

Made by a mother and daughter team, the non-pilling double layer premium polar fleece is the plushest of plush and the crafts(wo)manship is second to none. You know when you pick up an item and you can’t help but moan a little? A Mimi and Lola blanket just might make you moan twice.

They’re available in three sizes – baby (27″ x 36″), toddler (38″ x 49″) and kids (51″ x 59″) and they range from a very reasonable $43-$98. They’re machine wash & dry and my daughter’s blanket has yet to show even the slightest sign of wear. To order, see their order page. Matching pillows are also available for just $20-$25.

Save 10% on your order simply by mentioning that you’re a reader of The Opinionated Parent!

Win it! We’ve got a baby size blanket up for grabs, personalized with your child’s name and valued at $48. To enter, leave a comment on this post with your choice of either the awesome pre-designed blankets in their collection or the three colours you’d choose from the palette at the bottom of the collection page. Contest closes at noon MST on July 4/08.

Additional entries available – up to four per person. See contest entry information and rules.

CONTEST CLOSED & WINNER EMAILED

Since having children I, like many parents, have drastically reduced my usage of chemicals of all kinds. For me, that includes sunscreen. I do use it on every family member but I prefer to limit the amount of skin it’s on whenever I can and bathe or shower it off as soon as possible once we’re out of the sun’s rays.

Unprotected exposure to the sun in the first 15 years of life more than doubles the chances of getting skin cancer as an adult. Thanks to some fantastic products we’ve been using from Protect-A-Bub, we’ve been able to protect our little people from the risks of sun exposure a lot more naturally this year.

My two year old is perpetually outside (screaming wildly in his “outside boice,” but that’s beside the point) and is often sporting his UPF 50+ swim suit and hat. At less than $30, the Protect-A-Bub suits are comfortable and breathable and have the highest rating available for sun protection products. Available in sizes from 5 months to 5T and in a wide variety of one and two colour designs, there’s something there for everyone. The coordinating hat isn’t just a fashion statement. It looks adorable with the suit and alone and protects the vulnerable skin of the scalp to the same high degree that the suit does.

One often neglected area of little (and big) bodies are the lips. Our usual facial sunscreen applications do nothing for our vulnerable lip skin and non-SPF lip-stuff simply absorbs the sun and makes the problem worse. Now that my son is sporting his SPF 15 Lip Moisturizer we are a little more lenient about the time spent playing with the sun. It comes in three flavours and is only $2.25.

In addition to our enthusiastic un-sun-kissed two year old we’ve also got an amazing little five month old who is never left behind on our outdoor adventures. Being too young to wear any sunscreen at all, she can usually be found under one of the Protect-A-Bub sunshades. We absolutely love the inexpensive compact shade, but rarely use it on our stroller. (Though when we have, it works great as an extension of the canopy that’s already there.) We use the convenient ties to attach it to her bouncy chair on our deck and in our back yard every day. The shade rests on the toy bar and the ties keep it taut – it’s perfect and allows her to join us outside even in the hottest hours of the day.

With the increased awareness of both skin cancer and chemical exposure on the part of (we hope) all parents nowadays, we’re sure that Protect-A-Bub will be a welcome and awesome resource for parents who, you know, want to leave the house this summer.

Win it! Protect-A-Bub is giving away a compact stroller sunshade just like the one we love so much. To enter, visit the Protect-A-Bub site and browse their great selection. Come back and leave a comment on this post mentioning a product you think would be useful in your life before noon MST on July 1/08.

Additional entries available – up to four per person. See contest entry information and rules.

CONTEST CLOSED & WINNER EMAILED – Congrats Lori!

My two and a bit year old son is an incredible risk taker. Since he learned to log roll repeatedly and quickly at the way-too-early age of four months, much of my time has been spent keeping him from harm. Harm that he is inexplicably attracted to. Now that he is feeling the urge to be more than arms-length from me, it’s becoming more important to teach him listening skills, boundaries and to start a healthy fear of danger.

The Safety Tots software gift pack ($32) from Tick-A-Too is a great help in our quest to teach him what’s safe and what’s not. It’s intended for children 3-8 but my son is old enough to enjoy it with a lot of guidance. He knows the meaning of the words “danger” and “safe” and that’s really all he needs to begin the learning process. In this program, the cute little SafetyTots invite your child to join them as they learn how to safely react to situations that they may encounter. With the help of their “guardian angel”, Betsy The Butterfly, will squeal with delight as they explore the 35 scenarios which are fun and completely non-threatening. The software addresses many safety issues such as drowning prevention, poison control, stranger awareness, firearms safety, drug and alcohol prevention and fire prevention. Though I don’t want my children to go through life afraid, I think a healthy dose of safety education and a guidance toward listening to their conscience can only be good.

The gift pack also comes with 30 colourful accompanying flash cards that are an ideal visual aid for this or any safety related program. Perfect for at home or in the classroom, they depict potentially challenging situations for the SafetyTots (as seen in the software but there’s no need to have used the game to use the cards.) On the back of each card are questions for the adult to ask to help stimulate further discussion about the issue addressed, and like the software there are a wide variety of safety topics covered.

Tick-A-Too is a mom-run shop that guarantees the lowest total price. (Wow!) If you find an item cheaper elsewhere, just let Molly know and she’ll match or beat the price. She also offers free shipping or cheap shipping, which is a huge bonus for me!

Win it! Tick-A-Too is giving away a Safety Tots gift pack including the software and cards to one reader. To enter, visit the Tick-A-Too site and then come back and leave a comment on this post indicating what other items you think are cool. Contest closes at noon MST on June 24/08.

Get up to three additional entries into this contest!

1. Blog about this contest using one of the top three images found here. Leave a comment with the direct link to your post (not to your main page, and in a separate comment from your other entry).

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CONTEST CLOSED & WINNER EMAILED (Congrats Melanie!)

Although there are many great reasons to have children, I have to admit one reason for me was having the opportunity to decorate a creative childrens’ space! My inner artist looked forward to painting beautiful murals that my children would gaze upon in awe and wonder.

I have moved four times since my not quite four year old was born. No beautiful paintings on the walls, no murals – just the basics that could be easily moved as we traveled the world. Add another kid into the mix and my days of painting murals have long passed – at least for now.

We have seen some cute wall decorations but when I saw WallaBabies, I squealed with delight! The designs are so retro adorable and NOT a licensed character from a television show! Just looking at the designs makes me (oh, and my kids) so happy. My daughter adores the bugs and my one year old keeps pointing at the bees … b…b…b. The designs are totally a hit!

Putting the wall graphics up was a snap, and took no time at all. In fact I did it myself. No need for my husband this time! The website has a great How To, that walks you through each step with no room for error. We have the Secret Garden Pack which consists of five 13″ x 14″ decal sheets. The perfect amount to decorate one wall beautifully or spread a little more sparsely throughout a whole room.

Now as my kids fall to sleep they are surrounded by clouds, flowers, insects and mushrooms and I can feel guilt-free for not painting them a mural! -Chelle

Win it! We’re giving away the same Secret Garden set that Chelle used and loved. To enter, leave a comment on this post before noon MST on June 19/08.

Additional entries available – up to four per person. See contest entry information and rules.

CONTEST CLOSED & WINNER EMAILED

We’re deep in the midst of a summer cold that’s ravaging it’s way through our house. It came seemingly out of nowhere and quickly spread to every member of our family. I thought we were out of the snotty woods with the end of winter, but I was wrong. I’m thanking my lucky stars I discovered Boogie Wipes before this latest infestation and had some at the ready.

With the snot that abounds, it doesn’t take long before little noses become red and raw and little people become crabby and run from the tissues. Thanks to Boogie Wipes, I’ve now got a two year old that simply shouts “Need a Boogie Wipe – got boogers!”

Perhaps the saddest part of this family cold is our almost-newborn who doesn’t understand why I’m constantly smothering her – or so it seems – in order to rid her precious face of the elevens (a teacher term for the double snots) or why she can’t breathe and breastfeed at the same time. While it doesn’t make it any less sad, I do feel a little less mean because with Boogie Wipes at least I know it doesn’t hurt (they’re alcohol free) and the leftover crusties are super easy to get off. Even in the morning after ten hours of boogeying in bed!

Boogie Wipes contain saline and moisturize while they clean with added chamomile, vitamin E and aloe.

Save 20% on your online order with the code “Boogie Time”

Win it! We’ve got a Boogie Mom’s gift basket to give away! You’ll get several full packs of Boogie Wipes, a ton of individual packets for your pockets and purses and a Boogie Mom tee. To enter, leave a comment on this post before noon MST on June 19/08.

Additional entries available. See contest entry information and rules.

CONTEST CLOSED & WINNER EMAILED

As much as I see kiddie backpacks around the malls and big box stores, I still haven’t seen anything there that I’d want to buy for my kids. The choices are generally licensed characters or…ugly. They’re also either too small, too large or the wrong shape.

I finally found exactly what I wanted in the dino little kid backpack ($35) from new TOP find GemGem. Designed by Dante Beatrix, this backpack is just the perfect size and shape for little backs. The dinosaur is awesome but not too cutesie, and I love that he (she? I’m totally not biased), along with the rest of the backpack, isn’t plastic. The handles and the back panel are padded for comfort, and the whole thing is easy to clean. (It might not be recommended, but I tossed my son’s in the washer and it was perfectly fine.)

Save 10% on your order at GemGem with the code OPIPARENT until 6/31/08.

Win it! GemGem is giving away the same great dino backpack my son has and loves! To enter, go check out the GemGem shop and leave a comment on this post listing a thing or two you’d like to have that are NOT mentioned in this post. Contest closes at noon MST on June 11/08.

Additional entries available. See contest entry information and rules.

CONTEST CLOSED & WINNER EMAILED

PLEASE NOTE – This giveaway was never received by the winner and the owner of this company chose not to respond to our many attempts to contact her. WE DO NOT RECOMMEND THAT YOU SHOP HERE.

We love the Little Capers company (see our review here) so we were super excited to hear that they’ve released a line of Big Capes.

They’re available in five peaceful hero designs and are made of the same shiny way-cool fabric as the capes on their fabulous tees. Which, incidentally, my son adores. The big capes are sized for kids aged four and up and retail for $23.

Get 10% off at Little Capers with the code MAY10 until the end of May. You have just two days to take advantage of this special!

Win it! Enter to win a Little Capers Big Cape of your choice by leaving a comment on this post stating which of the five designs you’d like. Contest closes at noon MST on June 4/08.

Additional entries available. See contest entry information and rules.

CONTEST CLOSED & WINNER EMAILED

See that picture right over there?

That’s my two year old son’s debut at The Opinionated Parent.

As he’d say…”Ta dah!”

I’ve never posted any of my kids here before, but he just looked so cute in his stars birthday tee from Tote and Tee that I couldn’t resist!

The nifty tees at mom-owned Tote and Tee are so incredibly awesome I’m almost speechless. That could also be the cuteness of my kid rendering me so, but nevertheless…

Designer Amy Trusler hand makes each tee in her own home. They’re available in a huge variety of colours and styles and the amazing array of fabrics can be applied in any letter or number to suit the little people in your life. Too bad it’s not cool to advertise “32!” because I’d totally do it if I could get away with it. (I’d look good in this style!)

They also carry the cutest (and softest – -wow soft!) knee socks and tights I’ve ever seen. The socks have a slight roll down at the top so there’s no digging in but they’re just tight enough to stay up.

And these personalized lunchboxes? (The “tote” part of Tote and Tee.) To die for. Figuratively, of course. (I think this one would look great with my imaginary “32″ tee. Alright. I’ll stop now.)

Amy is currently holding her Biggest Sale Ever until the end of May with all socks and tees on sale!

Save a whopping 20% on your order (including sale items!) with the code oparent.
This code is also listed in the TOP Shops!

Win it! One lucky reader will win a $25 gift certificate to Tote and Tee. To enter, leave a comment telling us what you’d purchase with it! Contest closes at noon MST on May 16/08.

Additional entries available. See contest entry information and rules.

CONTEST CLOSED – Congrats Krista Heidinger!

I’m always shocked when I clean our bathrooms thoroughly (not often enough, but that’s another story) and see the mung that lives in the bottom of the toothbrush holders. That’s some serious grossness. With everything I do to keep my family safe from harm, I’m letting them put that crap near their mouths?

I’m won’t be concerned for long because I’m switching them all out for Flipper toothbrush holders. These cute and sanitary individual toothbrush holders adhere to mirror or tile with suction cups and allow for completely hands free operation with no chance of cross-contamination from brush to brush. They’re super easy to use (see the product demo at the right side of the home page) and when they get dirty I just toss mine in the toddler basket in the dishwasher and it’s good for another 10,000 miles.

They make a great razor holder too!

Save 20% on your Flipper toothbrush holders with the code “opinionated parent”

Win it! We’ve got a cute little golden retriever Flipper (pictured) to give away. To enter, leave a comment on this post listing your favourite Flipper design that’s NOT mentioned in this post. Contest closes May 9/08.

Additional entries available. See contest entry information and rules.

CONTEST CLOSED

I’m a labeling freak. There are labels everywhere in my house – even the bin that holds the labels is labeled!

Lovable Labels is a Canadian mom-run company that carries a large selection of customized labels as well as some cool stuff to help a mom around the house. Goodness knows I need all the help I can get.

My kids especially love their unique fun stickies that are shaped like butterflies and dinosaurs and are available in lots more cool shapes (pictured at right). Believe it or not, they’re less likely to leave their things lying around the park when they have their own special label on them. And for those days when they do, I’ve got a better chance of getting them back eventually!

Have a child with allergies or medical issues? Check out these cool vital ID wristbands. The kids I know would be much more comfortable wearing those than a metal bracelet. And while you’re looking for things that make your kids ecstatically happy? Personalized notecards and way cool books would be fantastic gifts. Is it too early to shop for stocking stuffers? I think not.

Mention that you heard about Lovable Labels through the The Opinionated Parent during the checkout process and receive 15 FREE Red Regular Sticker Bonus Labels with your purchase. One per family. Expires May 30, 2008.

Happy Earth Day, dear readers. Today, more than ever, we’re thinking about ways to include our children in all of our earth saving activities.

The great new book My Bag and Me (only $8.58 right now at Amazon via that link) is a fantastic addition to any home library.

It’s a rhyming story book that teaches lessons about reusing shopping bags to save the earth, and there’s a (cute!) reusable bag for your child built right in to the book. The story is very short and concise, but within those few pages addresses some great concepts – saving the land and sea, setting an example for others, reminding your parents to be earth-friendly, and that we can all make a difference. I love it, my son loves it, and thanks to this book and bag I’ve got a little helper that ensures I’ll never forget my bags in the car again. (I used to forget them 9 out of 10 times, so that’s great!)

Win it! We’re giving away a copy of My Bag and Me to one reader who leaves an Earth Day comment on this post. Entries must be received by midnight MST tonight to qualify!

CONTEST CLOSED

Additional entries available. See contest entry information and rules.

With a two year old and a newborn, a family trip is not my idea of a good time. Sure, we have fun once we get there, but travel is a nightmare and even when we’re there we’re still missing the comforts of home. Whether it’s an hour from home or a twelve hour flight, Little Jet Set has you covered with everything to keep kids well prepared for your next travel adventure. From travel games and art supplies, luggage and toiletries and everything in between, all of the products are all conducive to travel on the road or in the air.

Little Jet Set was founded by two well-traveled attorneys turned well-traveled moms. Hana Wolf & Nisha Cordero have “been there, done that” and have chosen only the best items in every category for their site.

I’m a huge fan of the nap pack (pictured), a 48″ long soft fleece blanket with attached 11×16″ pillow for nap time on the go. Great for planes and cars, and also perfect for nap time in hotels or at Great Aunt Martha’s place.

No matter what you choose from this great online shop, it’s sure to enhance your travels. A well prepared mom is a happy mom!

Win it! We’ve got both of the pictured nap packs (dino and pink spots) to give away!

To enter, leave a comment on this post by noon MST on April 22/08 with DINO or PINK SPOTS in the first line (not both – separate comments for separate contests please or your entry will be disqualified) and tell us what other product(s) (not mentioned in this review) from Little Jet Set you think are cool.

Get up to two additional entries into this contest!

1. Blog about this contest using one of the top three images found here.

2. Leave a comment with the direct link to your post (not to your main page, and in a separate comment from your other entry).

AND/OR

Subscribe to our RSS feed. Leave an additional comment to let us know that you did this for your extra entry. Be sure to leave a valid email address so we can confirm your new subscription. You may only enter one contest with this entry – only new subscriptions qualify.

Maximum three entries total per person.

CONTEST CLOSED

Started by crafty mom Hilary Seabolt in 2004 when her son asked what kind of food his new stuffed animals were supposed to eat, Lilly Bean Market creates what is by far the nicest and most solidly constructed felt play food I’ve seen to date. She works closely with a small group of Amish and a machine seamstress to ensure that her business remains solely based in the USA.

It’s so great to have an option for the ever popular kitchen play that doesn’t involve plastic, wood with potentially lead laden paint or spit soaked cardboard. It’s amazing – almost so nice that you’ll be tempted to not let your kids play with it because it looks so nice arranged among the toy dishes. But that would be silly. I had Granny’s Breakfast just this morning, and it’s delish. Or, as my son says, “Petend delisus!” (That’s “pretend delicious,” for you non-parental types.)

Lilly Bean Market play food is available individually or as meals. Having played with these myself…I mean, with the kids (ahem), I can tell you you’re going to want to go with at least a meal. Chances are, you’ll get your first order and end up going back for more. I know I will.

Keep an eye on the new items – there are sure to be more cool creations coming soon!

Win it! We’ve got a beautifully boxed brown bag lunch valued at $40 to give away! To enter, leave a comment on this post before April 21 @ noon MST with your favourite item(s) from Lilly Bean Market that are not mentioned in this post.

Get up to two additional entries into this contest!

1. Blog about this contest using one of the top three images found here.

2. Leave a comment with the direct link to your post (not to your main page, and in a separate comment from your other entry).

AND/OR

Subscribe to our RSS feed. Leave an additional comment to let us know that you did this for your extra entry. Be sure to leave a valid email address so we can confirm your new subscription. You may only enter one contest with this entry – only new subscriptions qualify.

Maximum three entries total per person.

CONTEST CLOSED

If you’ve ever given birth in a hospital then you’re familiar with the maternity gowns you’re given to wear…and in my experience they are, to put it nicely…well-worn.

I just had a baby 6 weeks ago and the first gown they gave me was missing a snap so I couldn’t even secure it on my shoulder; they had to go find me another one. I remember when I had my daughter I noticed some of the seam was coming apart and a small hole in the side of the gown. [Ed: If they've been worn by enough people to look like that, I don't even want to think about how many people have bled on them.] I don’t know if all maternity gowns are like this, but the ones that I wore have two slits in the front for breastfeeding. That’s convenient and all, but they don’t have any way to secure those slits. I know the gown has extra material on the front so it “gathers” and the slits are supposed to be “hidden” but it doesn’t work that way. My gown would gape open if I moved or sat a certain way. This made me self-conscious when I had visitors – I kept my arms crossed, or stayed under the
blankets, just in case my gown gaped open at the wrong time!

One mom has come up with her own solution to the hospital maternity gown – Girlie Gowns – they are a line of maternity hospital gowns for stylish mommies to be. After her first experience using a hospital maternity gown (much like what I’ve described) Kimberly Budd decided she was going to make her own gown for her next delivery.

I didn’t get a chance to wear one of these gowns as it was too large for me (they’ve since added a smaller size) but I did get to try it on and see how much nicer it would have been if that was in my hospital bag! For starters it would be nice to have a gown that no one else has worn [Ed: Or bled on] before! They come in 5 stylish prints (I like Sweet Swirls), the back is only open half way so there is easy access if you’re getting an epidural and the wrap around design in the front is secured with Velcro and ribbon ties. The material is thick cotton so it’s very comfortable to wear…a nice way to pamper yourself while you’re having a baby! [Ed: Remember, it's not all about baby. Mom's important too! A luxurious personalized gown would make a great pre-birth shower gift!]

By Michelle

Enter the code OP15 for 15% off your Girlie Gown!
You’ll find Girlie Gowns in the TOP Shops, where we feature exclusive and permanent discount just for opinionated parents like you!

Win it! We’re giving away a Girlie Gown in the winner’s choice of style (value $50). To enter, leave a comment on this post before April 15 telling us which of the five available prints you’d choose if you win.

Get up to two additional entries into this contest!

1. Blog about this contest using one of the top three images found here.

2. Leave a comment with the direct link to your post (not to your main page, and in a separate comment from your other entry).

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CONTEST CLOSED – Congrats Brit!

Many kids have never travelled outside their own city, let alone overseas. Now with the monumental new Compass KidZ line, children will be able to travel to the world and learn about it’s amazing history with the flip of a medallion. Compass KidZ inspires kids ages 8 to 12 to learn about the world and collect Passports and Medallions as they explore. Kids can explore the Compass KidZ website, communicate, earn and share SouvenirZ, trade with PenPalZ, express their opinions and share their experiences with kids just like them from around the world.

A child’s around-the-world adventure begins with their Compass KidZ Medallion Set available in either Italy, Spain or Mexico which retail for $14.99. Each set features an Ambassador, an 11-year-old representative of the featured country that kids can relate with. The Medallion set is their ticket to adventure and includes 2 CKidZ Medallions, a KidZ Passport and 2 FactZ Cards.

Visiting the company’s website lets kids join the CKidZ PenPalZ™ Club, Club Activities and Global ForumZ.

Let’s face it. You’re not going to get a less expensive or more educational trip around the world without having to leave your house.

Get a free Medallion for each Medallion Set purchased at www.learningtreegames.com with the code TOP-CKFREE.

CompassKidZ is listed in the TOP Shops!

Win a medallion set of your choice! To enter the random draw, email theopinionatedparent@gmail.com with COMPASS KIDZ in the subject line before midnight MST on 2/15/08 and tell us the name of the company’s two founders. Include your full name and mailing address and the name of the company’s two founders.

Congratulations to winner Cindi H!

I’ve told you before about EcoBaby Canada and nothing has changed in regard to how excited I am that they exist. Naturally. In Alberta. It’s awesome!

I also directed you once before to the great selection of slings available from Ecobaby Canada and now am so excited to share with you the Child Size Hotsling! Available on the pouch sling page for just $18, your child can carry their own dolls, toys or a random selection of items from your back yard in their very own sling with the perfect fit. Kids love to copy their parents and kids also often get jealous of the attention that a young baby gets. When you’re slinging or nursing your own baby, how great would it be if your older children could simulate doing the same thing with their “babies?” This is a product that makes it easy and fun to do. Truly fabulous!

EcoBaby Canada is giving away a child size hotsling in the colour of your choice to one lucky Canuck T.O.P reader! (Please note that this one’s only open to Canadian readers.) To enter, send an email to theopinionatedparent@gmail.com before midnight MST on 1/10/08 with EcoBaby Kid Sling in the subject line and include which of the four available colours you’d choose for your prize as well as your full name and mailing address. Incomplete entries will not be eligible. Congratulations Angie!

An important note to all readers: Please remember to copy the subject line for our contests correctly as these are filtered automatically and if you make up your own title or submit a typo you may not be entered correctly.

Playaway is one of those ideas that made me wonder why it took so long for someone to invent it and, at the same time, incredibly glad that someone did!

So, what are they? Each Playaway is a pre-loaded digital audio player. They’re about half the size of a deck of cards and hold content that ranges from six to 40 hours of play time. They come ready to listen (with batteries, earbuds and a lanyard) and are completely portable. Kind of like a book on CD without the need for a CD player or a library (though they are in lots of libraries!) For us, they’ve become the ultimate in convenience. I’ve always been an audio book lover for car travel but rarely take time to get to the library & borrow them. Now I’ll be ordering my books from Playaway and sharing them after – since the units run off of AAA batteries & can be replaced as needed, there’s no reason why they shouldn’t be used and used…and used!

Playaway has a selection of 700 audiobooks and there’s something for absolutely everyone! We listened to 100 Gross & Silly Songs which is awesome for kids and kids at heart, and we’re part way through Anne of Green Gables – still one of my favourite stories. I’m especially struck by the intelligent design of the Playaway. It remembers where I was and starts at the right spot ever time. No more flipping through tracks to try to find the right part of the right chapter. Praise the Playaway!

Receive 20% off your first order with the code OpinionatedParent20.

I highly suggest using this code today and giving yourself a reputation as the best gift giver in town! However…

Playaway is also listed in the TOP Shops, where we feature only the most fabulous online retailers offering discount codes exclusively for Opinionated Parents everywhere.

And put it in your super cool wallet!

I love the new wallets from the money-savvy ladies at Learning Cents. (We reviewed their bank in the spring.) The wallets have just been released on the website today (Sept. 5) and can be yours in green, pink or blue camo for only $9.99.

In relation to the other kids’ wallets I’ve seen (and as I teacher I see several on my classroom closet floor every day, usually with holes in them and money falling out) this one is incredibly well made. It’s a tri-fold that closes with a velcro strip that runs the whole width of the closure so it’s very secure, and there’s a sturdy carabiner attached so that when pockets are full of rocks, frogs and other finds the wallet can be attached to coats, belt loops or backpacks. The carabiner is attached to the wallet via a metal grommet so the wallet won’t rip. Obviously these women have real children who wreck stuff. This is one smart design! There’s a zipper pouch for coins inside and plenty of pockets for cards of all kinds as well as an ID card in a see through window just like an adult wallet.

Every child should have a place to keep their spending money when they go out, and this wallet’s the one my kids will have. Though I’d rather have something that’s not camo, the design trumps that and we’ll be putting them in stockings this year!

We’ve got a blue camo wallet to give away! Email theopinionatedparent@gmail.com by midnight tonight with LC Wallet in the subject line and tell us the name of the two co-founders of the Learning Cents company. Congratulations Kristina!

New TOP find Fashion Angels has some really cool products for the tween girl set. There’s no trying to please both genders at this company. Everything’s purely girlie!

Check out this Jet Settin’ Make-Up Artist Sketch Book (pictured) for the fashion conscious young woman in your life. There’s also a larger version and a refill kit available, but I love the portability of the jet settin’ version. I don’t know of many tween girls who wouldn’t love this. And hey – the longer we can keep it on the paper and off their faces the better, right?

We’ve got the pictured kit as today’s featured giveaway. To be entered in the random drawing, email theopinionatedparent@gmail.com with MakeUp in the subject line and list another cool Fashion Angels product available on the site. Contest closes Thursday 7/26 at midnight MST. Congratulations Saundra!

I thought of my classroom when I first saw the Share Square from Moms On Edge. That’s probably because my second child won’t be born until Christmas. For those of you who are parents of more than one, though, I have a feeling this would be a pretty cool addition to your toyroom. It would also be great for a daycare or dayhome.

The Share Square is a colourful pillow with a timer enclosed that helps to stop the fighting over toys and easily teaches the my turn – your turn sharing philosophy. Just set the timer, drop the Share Square in the middle of the chaos and when the timer goes off swap the toy. Simple as that.

Want to reduce the chaos in your home? Email theopinionatedparent@gmail.com with Share Square in the subject line and tell us the recommended age for this product as listed on the site. Contest closes 7/20/07 at midnight MST. Congratulations Ryan S!

(This is the last of seven Moms On Edge reviews.
We’d like to thank them for sponsoring all of these great contests!)

Good Manners Placemats from one of our creative parenting faves Moms On Edge teach good manners and positive behaviour at a time when the family is (hopefully) together to practice. They come in a set of 6 and each placemat teaches a different lesson about good behavior including manners, sharing, safety and more. They’re regular “placemat material” (whatever that is) so they’re easy to clean and very durable. I love the idea of using these at a dayhome or in a home with multiple children and letting the kids teach each other about the lesson under their food and practice together.

We’ve got a 6 pack to give away! To enter, email theopinionatedparent@gmail.com with GOOD MANNERS in the subject line and tell us one of the other topics covered in the set. Contest closes Friday 7/6/07 at midnight MST. Congratulations Betty!