Monday, March 9, 2015

3 Bikes That Toddlers Will Go Gaga Over - Spring and Summer 2015

Some toddlers are super-easy to please – you know the type, erupting into fits of adorable giggles at the slightest funny moment. Whereas other toddlers are hard-pressed to be less-than-easy to please, staring you down with the most cynical expression as you struggle to get the hint of a giggle. However, one thing I discovered in doing my research on toys is that bikes usually get a smile – regardless of what kind of kid you have.

While scouring the inter webs, I researched and hand-picked three of the best bikes for toddlers. These bikes are what your kiddo will go gaga over – and by that I mean giggling, smiling from ear to ear, and being oh-so, un-contained, and undeniably cheerful. Which is exactly what you want your little lady or gentleman to be.

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KaZAM Classic Balance Bike

My favorite bike on the entire list – this classic is a traditional balance bike with a twist. Instead of simply raising their feet off the ground on a kick-off, toddlers can cool their heels on a wide, comfortable footrest. This gives them the sense of having pedals and moving forward, without actually pedaling actively. Great for learning stability and balance!

Additionally, this bike features adjustable handlebars, as well as an adjustable seat. Plus, the tires are inflated with air, making them a softer, safer option, compared to the thick, all-rubber brands.

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Radio Flyer Classic 12 Inch Cruiser Bike

Beautiful in an array of awesome colors, such as traditional pink and blue, the Radio Flyer Classic is exactly that – a classic. This is the kind of reliable, durable bike you might see on long lost episodes of Leave It To Beaver or The Brady Bunch (fantastic old shows, by the way).

Equipped with a real ringing bell and an adjustable grow-with-me seat, this bike is a cinch to assemble, and versatile enough to ride from a young age, well into childhood. Plus, there are some options of this classic that feature silky streamers attached to the handlebars.

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EZee Glider Kids Balance Bike

Sleek, smooth, and awesome, this balance bike, like the aforementioned balance bike, has no pedals. However, unlike the above mentioned balance bike, this one is equipped with stirrups that give kids the sense of having pedals without using them to propel forward.

Instead, kids kick off and draw their feet up – this moves them forward, but still puts the focus on balance and stability.

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Find summer 2015's "top 5" among the best toddler balance bikes - cute little video:


3 Adorable Sprinklers to Beat the Summer Heat in 2015

How do you make a gaggle of youngsters giggle and scream in delight all at once… well, in my humble opinion, you grace them with a few of the best sprinklers for kids. Sprinklers that are guaranteed to combat the sweltering heat of the summertime sunshine.

I spent countless summer days basking in the dousing cold of an awesome sprinkler, when I was a kid. Giggling, screaming, and running were all a part of the summer experience, and a good sprinkler system provided all of that.

Plus, the best sprinklers are those that inspire imagination, setting off a gaggle of giggles before the water is ever turned on.

The following three sprinkles are what I would consider the best of the best. They are adorably themed and detailed with colorful designs that grab and hold the attention of your kiddos.

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Melissa & Doug Sunny Patch Blossom Bright Sprinkler

Vibrant, bold, and beautiful, this sprinkler is everything a group of youngsters could want to beat the heat of summer sunshine. A spout is nestled at the base, making it easier to hook your sprinkler up to a garden hose for instant sprays, sprinkles, and sporadic, streaming jets of cooling, refreshing, giggle-inducing water.

I love the flowers! They are beautiful in shades of pink, both light and dark, and the grass is a vivacious green. The flowers move wildly when the water flows out. 

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Melissa & Doug Sunny Patch Grub Scouts Sprinkler

Another sprinkler great from Melissa & Doug – the Grub Scouts don their scouting hats for a wriggle above ground.

These wiggling worms are vibrant green, poking from their respective dirt holes in a plastic ground.

This sprinkler is used the same as the aforementioned Blossom Bright Sprinkler. Hook the spout to your garden hose and gather your youngsters for cool down fun.

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Banzai Sprinkle ‘N Splash Play Mat

The best for babies – this sprinkler is actually a mat that sits flush to the ground, jetting gentle streams of cooling water straight up. Kiddos sit in the middle of the mat, amidst décor of friendly sea creatures, such as starfish, blowfish, and an octopus.

As the streams of water come down, they leave refreshing sprinkles to splash your baby’s cheeks. This is perfect for toddlers who are too young to run around in the sprinkles of a stand-alone sprinkler. Plus, parents can sit on the mat with their kiddos to enjoy the sprays.

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Here is a brief video that I made, to give a look at the top 5 best picks in toy sprinklers for kids this summer:


Realistic Baby Dolls for Nurturing, Loving Youngsters - Top Picks for 2015

My childhood was brimming with stuffed animals and baby dolls, but I never had one that was super-special – one that I wanted to keep by my side at all times, and I always envied those youngsters who had a favorite of their baby doll and stuffed animal collections because I simply could not choose one that was end-all, be-all for me.

Your kiddo may be the same as I was, or they may be looking for their true baby in a plethora of the best baby dolls for kids. Either way, I have hand-picked and short-listed a phenomenal 3 – each with realistic features and detailed compositions for those loving, nurturing youngsters in your life.

Those 3 too-cute baby dolls are:

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Melissa & Doug Jenna Doll

Jenna is everything a kiddo could want in a baby doll. She has super-soft skin that is supple and smooth to the touch – just like a real baby’s, and she has a gentle expression that makes her oh-so-adorable and huggable.

Your nurturing youngster will love taking care of their new baby, as Jenna has eyes that open and close for naptimes.

She also sucks her thumb or a pacifier, and arrives in a pretty-pink, super-frilly ensemble.

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Disney Frozen Deluxe Elsa Baby Doll

If Disney princesses were ever real babies, they would definitely resemble Elsa. She is one half of the frozen sisterly duo, and she is as cute and sweet as ever.

While her snowy powers have yet to evolve into what later makes her a reigning snow queen, this adorable princess is still decked in a beautiful, bright-blue garb with shimmering snowflakes on her lacy dress.

She also dons the signature braid and a cutesy tiara on top of her head. Her expression is completely worry-free and happy – basically a far cry from the Elsa we see towards the middle of the Disney movie.

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Adora 20 Inch Woof Baby Doll

I have never, ever, ever seen a baby doll who looked half as realistic and adorable as Woof. He is the type of WOW realistic that makes adults and kids alike take a double glance. His bright eyes are gorgeous and shimmering with life, and he is hand-painted with soft, gentle features and beautiful detailing. His lifelike attributes are too-cute and smooth, and his cheeks are flushed with a healthy glow that exudes life.

Plus, his midsection is super-cuddly and plush for nighttime cuddles.

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Here is a fun little "best of" video - 2015's top picks in baby dolls for little ones: