Build a Bear Alvin and Wii Giveaway

A fun Christmas tradition to entertain your children is going to Build a Bear Workshops. Children will love “building” their own friend and parents will love the reasonable cost. Here is how it works:

To make their stuffed teddy bear or flamingo, or monkey – there are dozens of choices– “guests” (i.e. kids of any age including anyone feeling young-at-heart) do a circuit of eight bear-making stations.

• Choose Me: guests choose the furry friend they’re going to make.

• Hear Me: guests choose a pre-recorded sound that will be inserted in the stuffed animal; or they can make their own message (for about $8).

• Stuff Me and Heart Stuff: “master Bear Builders associates” (aka store staff) fill the teddy with stuffing. “Heart Stuff™” is a special step: each Guest chooses a satin heart, makes a wish, and puts it inside the stuffie.

• Stitch Me: before the stuffed animal gets its final stitch, the “master Bear Builder associate” inserts a barcode, so that if the stuffed animal gets lost, it can be returned to Build-A-Bear Workshop and its owner can be identified.

• Fluff Me: the guest brushes the animal at the bear spa

• Name Me: the Name Me computer asks guests questions about their new stuffed animal, and this info goes on a personalized birth certificate (English or Spanish).

• Dress Me: of course, there are fashions for all occasions. Pawsonal Shoppers assist.

• Take Me Home: guests get the customized birth certificate, and a Buy Stuff Club® card. The stuffed animal travels in a Cub Condo® carrying case.

Prices for your child’s furry friend are reasonable — $10 to $25– as are prices for outfits. Most major cities have a Build-A-Bear Workshop ®  Every year they have new characters to build and cherish and this year I am excited about Alvin and the Chipmunks. Nolan is a big fan of them.

GIVEAWAY:

ALVIN BUILD A BEAR

BUILD-A-BEAR WII GAME

Build-A-Bear Workshop ® wants to provide one of Bookroom Reviews Readers with your own Alivin!  YEAH!  NOTE: due to availability they will not be able to get him to you until after Christmas.

In addition, I will send the winner the fun Wii game, Build-a-Bear Workshop: A Friend For all Seasons. Rated E For everyone.

The store that lets children design and build their own teddy bears migrates to the Wii for the first time in Build-A-Bear Workshop: A Friend Fur All Seasons. Up to four players can join in the action by creating their own unique furry friends and sending them off to compete in a number of mini-games. Gamers can help their bears hop through a sack race, use the Wii Remote to toss around a flying disc, or get acrobatic on a trampoline, and each mini-game rewards players with medals that can be used to buy new outfits and accessories. ~ Christopher Brown, All Game Guide

TO ENTER: VISIT BUILD A BEAR.COM AND LET US KNOW WHAT OTHER CHARACTER YOU WOULD LIKE TO BUILD FOR YOUR FAMILY

ANOTHER ENTRY: FOLLOW US ON TWITTER AND TWEET THIS CONTEST AND LEAVE THE LINK IN A SEPARATE ENTRY

ANOTHER ENTRY: SUBSCRIBE TO BOOKROOM REVIEWS AND LEAVE COMMENT IN SEPARATE ENTRY

THIS CONTEST WILL END DECEMBER 20TH AND WE WILL E-MAIL THE WINNER WHO WILL HAVE 48 HOURS TO RESPOND. THANKS FOR ENTERING AND GOOD LUCK!  U.S. only please.

BUILD A BEAR PROVIDED THE PRODUCT FOR REVIEW AND GIVEAWAY

Bella Sara Miniatures and Treasures

Team Mom sent me some adorable trading cards from Bella Sara of baby horses a few months ago. They are not only trading cards, they are cards that can come to life online. They are extremely popular with girls. And now Bella Sara™ has expanded the line with a Treasures Series and Miniature Horses Collection. The Miniatures are tiny and cute, my son had fun playing with the tiny horses. My only concern would be their size. If you have a baby crawling around you need to keep them up high. I think children with love to collect them. Below is more information from the BellaSara.com website along with information about a contest Bella Sara is hosting.

Treasured Moments

See what treasures will be revealed with Bella Sara Treasures, the eighth series in the popular Bella Sara trading card line. The series features the inspirational treasures that the horses from Bella Sara’s land of North of North cherish and protect. Each horse has her own unique treasure to share. You can discover rare jewels, amazing natural wonders, historical artifacts and fantastic magical items.

Treasures bring a new element at BellaSara.com with more printable activities including bonus codes, coloring pages, wallpapers, a poster and jigsaw puzzles. Discover 27 brand new horses as well as 23 of your familiar friends and their treasures. Every Treasures card pack comes with five collectible cards, a card checklist, a mini-game, Bella Sara tattoos and stickers. In stores March 3, 2009, Bella Sara Miniatures Series 1 Collection will be available for an approximate retail price of $1.99; Bella Sara Treasures Card Pack $2.99. The entire Bella Sara collection is available throughout North America at BellaSara.com, Barnes & Noble, Amazon, Borders, Kmart, Target, Toys “R” Us and Wal-Mart stores, as well as regional chains, booksellers and toy, hobby and equestrian shops.

Miniatures

Imagination is now in the palm of your hand with the Bella Sara Miniatures Series 1 Collection, the first line of Bella Sara velvety horse miniatures. Featuring soft horse figurines, the Miniature Series is an another dimension of Bella Sara which can also be experienced through trading cards and in online and video game virtual worlds.

–20 different horses to collect
–20 different bonus codes to enter
–A checklist containing full-color images of every horse in the series

Show off your new petite pal to all of your friends by setting your beautiful horse in the included stand. Use your miniatures as board game pieces and bring the whimsy and magic of North of North to any game. Each miniature pack comes with one horse figurine, a bonus code that will reveal an animated horse statue for your cottage, and a full-color checklist. The fun never ends as the second series of miniatures will be available in October.

You’ll also have the chance to win an exciting treasure hunt party for you and your friends with a special Bella Sara contest that will take place February 27th through April 30. Grand-prize winner in each age group will have his or her treasure featured on a winners’ page at BellaSara.com, receive a full set of Treasures cards, and win a Bella Sara treasure hunt with prizes for friends and family*. Two runners-up in each age group will receive a Treasures Value Box, a Bella Sara novel, and Treasure Trot.

Disney On Ice Tour Deal

This year, Disney on Ice is celebrating the past 100 years of Disney magic, by touring with four separate shows. DISNEYLAND ADVENTURE includes Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Buzz Lightyear, Baloo, Cinderella and Snow White, and the Incredibles in a laugh-out-loud fun ride. 100 YEARS OF MAGIC brings 65 beloved characters from 18 Disney stores to life, MICKEY & MINNIE’S MAGICAL JOURNEY takes a journey into four well-known Disney stories with music, beauty and laughter, and WORLDS OF FANTASY provides a magical Disney fantasy on ice with dazzling skating and special effects, along with a free Disney Princess Pre-Show an hour before show time.

All four Disney On Ice shows feature exciting action, romance, comedy, athletic world-class skating, beloved Disney characters, and favorite Disney songs to which kids can sing and dance along. Their rich colors, costumes, bigger than life atmosphere, music, lighting, choreography and humor all contribute to making the experience one that builds childhood and family memories for years to come.

Thanks to Mom Central, I have the opportunity to share some great deals with you for Disney On Ice shows:

Offer #1: Get 4 tickets for just $44 by entering the code “MOM” at select ticketing channels*. Offer good on all performances, minimum purchase of 4 tickets required; additional tickets above 4 can be purchased at $11 each. Offer not valid on Gold Circle Seating, Front Row and VIP seating or combinable with other offers. Other restrictions may apply.

Offer #2: A select amount of Front Row and VIP seats have been reserved for you to buy before they go on sale to the public – just enter the code “MOM” when purchasing those seats.
Dates and cities where families can use the national MOM code are as follows:

• Houston – Disney On Ice presents Mickey and Minnie’s Magical Journey from April 15-April 19

• Dallas/Ft Worth – Disney On Ice presents Mickey & Minnie’s Magical Journey from March 18-March 29

• Sunrise/Miami – Disney On Ice presents Worlds of Fantasy from March 26-April 5

• Toronto – Disney On Ice presents Worlds of Fantasy from March 18-March 22

• Kansas City – Disney On Ice presents Mickey & Minnie’s Magical Journey from April 1-April 5

• Denver – Disney On Ice presents a Disneyland® Adventure from March 12-March 15

• Phoenix – Disney On Ice presents a Disneyland® Adventure from April 9-April 12

• Chicago/Rosemont – Disney On Ice celebrates 100 Years of Magic from Sept 8-Sept 13

To learn more about Disney On Ice shows touring the country this year, visit http://disney.go.com/disneyonice/ and visit ticketmaster.com to use the 4 tickets for $44 code, MOM.

E*Trade’s Super Bowl Baby Commericial 2009

Didn’t you love the E*Trade baby commercial last year!  It was my favorite.   This year I read they are bringing back the baby and adding some baby friends.  I found this video on You Tube of outtakes from the commercial, and they are hilarious.   Check it out below.  What was your favorite Super Bowl commercial last year?  Oh yeah, Go Cardinals!  We Love You Kurt Warner!  What an amazing story and a wonderful example he is!  We have been fans for years.

[vodpod id=Groupvideo.2025208&w=425&h=350&fv=%26rel%3D0%26border%3D0%26]

Win a Cool Pet Camera, Five Winners!

I just watched Marley and Me last night and have the adorable dog from the movie on my mind.  I would have loved to watched the pictures from his PET CAM!  By the way, I loved Owen Wilson in this movie, normally I hadn’t noticed much about him in his past movies, but I was pleasantly surprised by the depth he brought to his character and relationship with Marley. Jennifer Aniston, not so much.   Owen Wilson had a truly heartbreaking scene at the end.  It was good and of course I sobbed like a baby, but the book is better! Isn’t it always?  And on to the very cool PET CAM…

Have you ever wondered what your pet was up to while you weren’t around?   Are you curious what life looks like to them?  Uncle Milton Explore It!  Pet’s Eye View Camera is a small digital camera that you clip to your pet’s collar.  It takes still photos that you upload onto your computer in order to see what your pet has been doing.

Some of the cool features include an automatic timer that can be switched to 1, 5 and 15 minute intervals, flashing red light to let you know when the battery is low and also a rechargeable battery that charges when you plus your camera into any USB port on your computer.

This camera is small and very easy to operate so would be great for children (8 and over) who are interested in photography or technology.  It is also great for people who love their pets and would like a great idea for scrapbook projects or photo additions to their pet devoted websites.

From an idea standpoint, this is very cute and innovative.  I also think it would be neat to clip it on your baby’s clothes.  It is also extremely easy to use and set up.  You purchase The Pet Cam here for $39.99, on Amazon, Target and the other stores listed on the the Uncle Milton website.

UNCLE MILTON has very generously told me they want to give FIVE of my readers your own PET CAM to have and try out on your pet!  HOW COOL IS THAT!

TO ENTER: LEAVE ME A COMMENT ABOUT YOUR LOVABLE PET(do you have a Marley?)  AND WHY YOU WANT TO WIN.

FOR SECOND ENTRY: STUMBLE, TWITTER OR SUBSCRIBE AND LEAVE THE LINK IN A SEPARATE ENTRY.

THIS CONTEST WILL END JANUARY 22ND AT MIDNIGHT AND RANDOM.ORG WILL PICK THE FIVE LUCKY WINNERS. I WILL E-MAIL THE WINNERS.  GOOD LUCK AND THANKS FOR VISITING!  I HAVE OTHER GIVEAWAYS EVERY WEEK, MAKE SURE YOU KEEP CHECKING IN. U.S. AND CANADA ONLY PLEASE.

Gift Guide for Boys

Hot new toys that boys would love to see under the tree this year!

My older son was a K’NEX fanatic when he was younger.  They make the BEST gifts for boys   The kits keep them busy for hours and I think they learn so much from building them.  This year they have the coolest kits just in time for the holidays.  You can buy them at the K’NEX website and retail stores everywhere.

K’NEX® fans can now build a fleet of trucks or a sprawling amusement park with the new Collect & Build product line. K’NEX offers the Road Rig Series (for ages 5+) and Amusement Park Series (for ages 7+) to satisfy the desire in kid-builders everywhere for expanded creativity and new challenges.

Construction Toy Enthusiasts can expect a wild ride this holiday season with new roller coaster and other thrill-seeking building sets. K’NEX is introducing four new products to the Thrill Rides Series (for ages 9+), each one guaranteed to provide a rewarding building challenge to even the most experienced construction toy enthusiast

If you’re unfamiliar with K’NEX, think of it as an upgrade from traditional block building sets. The core of almost every K’NEX construction toy rests with a series of rods and connectors, but with the addition of wheels, pulleys and gears almost anything becomes possible. While looking at the finished product on the box can be a bit intimidating, the color-coded instructions make construction totally do-able. Just pay close attention to the age recommendations, because they vary by set.

The Amusement Park series is designed for children ages 7 and up, and includes four designs — Ferris Wheel, Speed Coaster, Octopus Whirl and Drop-N-Swing ($20 each). They are fairly involved — the ferris wheel set alone involves 478 rods, connectors and bricks, including micro parts, and measures over 18-inches tall when fully constructed. This series is great for a school-aged child who loves fairs and carnivals, and is looking for a way to kill some time during the cold winter months ahead. Each requires 2 ‘AA’ batteries, which are not included, to power the ride.

If 478 pieces is too much for your child to handle, consider the Road Rig series. Designed for children ages 5 and up, Road Rigs have roughly half the number of pieces as their Amusement Park series counterparts. There are four kits — Semi-Truck, Pick-up Truck, Dump Truck and Tow Truck ($20 each) — and they’re also powered by 2 ‘AA’ batteries. A K’NEX figure is included to ‘drive’ the truck.

.Getting excited about Science for the holidays? So is Elmer’s Product Inc. Science kits allow for both fun and educational experiences. Elmer’s is introducing the following science activity kits and arts/crafts activity kits for the holidays:

Young scientists everywhere prepare to be amazed  Elmer’s Products, Inc. is partnering with Bill Nye, the popular TV “Science Guy,” for a new line of science-based activity kits. Designed for kids ages 8 to 11 years, the science-based kits focus on hands-on activities leveraging various science principles, such as physical, electrical, and robotic science.  The Paper Recycling Kit is a great educational toy that teaches you how to make your own paper and care about the environment.  How cool is that?  Buy it here on Amazon or major retailers everywhere.

The Sour Candy and Bubble Gum activity kits are great for learning, birthday parties and family fun  Kids ages 8+ can have as much fun chewing on their experiments as they have making it, and can create over 8 different recipes with their own unique flavors.  Yum, this was so much fun to play with and the candy was great tasting and sour.  My teen even enjoyed participating in testing this kit out!  Kids will loBuy it here on Amazon or major retailers.

Boys, love Scooters, however, the NextSport Fuzion Electron isn’t just an ordinary scooter. What makes it unique?

Safety:
4 wheels, instead of the traditional 2, allow for greater stability.
Fusion Steering Technology (FST) stabilizes the rider by forcing the wheels flushed to the ground when in motion.
“Breaks” are based on the momentum of the rider, similar to skateboards, as opposed to reliance upon an actual mechanism.
Ages 7 and up.

Performance:
360-degree rotation for maximum trick execution – allows riders to perform deep carving turns, controlled slides, skatepark transition flows and maximum air.
High-performance features trigger kids’ imagination and challenge their technical limits.

Design:

Compact and lightweight aluminum frame and comes in cool eye-catching silver, blue, black and bright green colors.
First-of-its-kind innovative folding mechanism for usage versatility.

You can buy the FUZION SCOOTER AT AMAZON, Walmart and major retailers.  For more information go to the NEXTSPORT WEBSITE

Unwrap your kids’ happiness this holiday season by giving them what they really want: super powers to fight against evil, a variety of powerful aliens and a virtual pet without the mess. Bandai America Incorporated knows how to fulfill your kids’ holiday wish list and make their eyes light up over the most sought after action figures, vehicles, role-play and tech toys this December. Here’s the busy parent’s shopping list to make this a holiday to remember for the kids:  You can buy these toys at any major retailer and Amazon.

POWER RANGERS: For the Hero at Heart
Battling evil has never been so much fun! Get your kids moving in the cold winter months with the innovative Power Rangers Jungle Fury Mega Mission Helmet that connects online to download more than 40 role-playing audio missions. Kids can also create one of the turbo-charged Deluxe Megazords as seen on the TV show – each with its own unique battle action.

DRAGON BALL Z: For the Kid Who Wants to Save the World
The popular Dragon Ball Z franchise has returned with a reinvigorated lineup of collectible action figures and electronic role-play toys, like the Dragon Ball Z Energy Battle Set.

“Must-Have for Boys” – Ben 10 Alien Creation Chamber
Just like when Ben’s Omnitrix malfunctions on the show, kids can discover all-new alien creatures with the one of a kind, never-before-seen Alien Creation Chamber.  This playset allows kids to place five different alien parts inside the chamber, and with the twist of a knob, create their personalized never before seen alien creations.  Each set includes four 3” figures as well as alien recipe cards to create new alien combinations.  The set also includes a special key to unlock each alien separately.  Even more possibilities are available with the purchase of additional 3” figure booster packs, which are sold separately in sets of two, allowing for the creation of more than 100,000 aliens! As an added bonus, kids can use their Alien Chamber as a carrying case and use it to showcase all of their new alien creations to their friends.  (SRP: $34.99; Ages: 4+; Available at major retailers nationwide)

Games For the Holiday!

We LOVE board games!  They are a fun activity to enjoy with your children and we try to plan game nights in ours.  Games are a great Christmas present for both children and adults. Games are also a cheaper source of entertainment.   Below are some classics, twists on the classics and some brand new games.  You can purchase them at retailers everywhere.

MEMORY Disney Princess Edition Game
Approx. Retail: $8.99

Flip the picture cards to find the most matching pairs. All the fun of the classic MEMORY game – with your favorite Disney Princess characters including Cinderella, Snow White, Sleeping Beauty, Belle, Jasmine, Ariel.  No reading required to play!  www.hasbro.com

YAHTZEE Deluxe Edition
Approx. Retail: $15.99

Gold glitter dice, flocked dice tray, leatherette dice cup, giant scoring chips. A real treat for YAHTZEE connoisseurs!

* 1 or More Players.
* Includes Dice rolling tray with felt insert, 5 Dice, Dice Cup, Score Cards, 8 Tokens, 2 Pencils, Label, Instructions (English & Spanish).  www.hasbro.com

HUNGRY HUNGRY HIPPOS Game
Approx. Retail: $16.99

HUNGRY HUNGRY HIPPOS is a frantic marble munching game that kids love. Henry, Harry, Homer and Happy Hippo are hungry. Feed them all of the marbles and see who munches the most.

Includes Hippo Game Base, 4 Hippo Attachments, 4 Hippo Heads, 4 levers, 20 Marbles, Label Sheet, Instructions in English and Spanish.  www.hasbro.com

WARNING: CHOKING HAZARD – Game contains small balls.  Not for children under 3 years.
PLAYSKOOL GAMES GATOR GOLF
Approx. Retail: $20.99  www.hasbro.com

2008 Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Seal
Bring the fun of mini-golf home! Your tots will be tickled to tee off with this goofy, golf ball-gulping gator. With putters that are sized perfectly for little hands, and a ball that’s light enough to pick up and putt with ease, there’s no limit to the fun they’ll have. Kids will giggle with surprise when the friendly gator “gobbles” up the ball, then returns it with a happy swish of his tail. Putt the ball into the friendly gator’s mouth to get a point. Four points wins the game!
• The ultimate mini-golf game for your little puttin’ pro! Kids can play solo or with a buddy, indoors or outdoors.

• Includes gator, 2 putters, 2 balls and instructions.
• For 1 to 2 players.
• Ages 3 and up.
Mickey Mouse Clubhouse LETTERS & NUMBERS Game
Approx. Retail: $9.99  www.hasbro.com

Have a blast with the whole cast of the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse show. Grab a tile and see if you can match the numbers on your board!  Then flip the board over and see if you can pick the right tiles and spell out the names of your favorite Clubhouse characters.  The first player to fill up his or her gameboard is the winner. Will you be the Hot Dog in this game?

Game includes 4 two-sided gameboards (letters on one side, numbers on the other), 60 letter/number tokens, token bag and instructions.  Ages 3 and up.

Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader? DVD
Approx. Retail: $24.99  www.hasbro.com

Class is in session . . .on your TV screen! It’s time to show what you know as host Jeff Foxworthy asks you questions a 5th grader would know. The entire game is on the DVD so there’s nothing to set up. Just press play!  Ages 8 and up.

OPERATION Game
Approx. Retail: $13.99  www.hasbro.com

Doctor, the patient is here to see you! And he’s got a quite a few complaints, including a broken heart, water on the knee and butterflies in the stomach!

Use all your skill and coordination to remove the patient’s “ailments” with the tweezers – without setting off the buzzer and making the patient’s nose light up! When that happens, it’s time to call in a specialist!

* Requires 2 “AA” batteries (not included).
* For 1 or more players.

MONOPOLY Town
Approx. Retail: $15.99  www,hasbro.com

2008 Creative Child Magazine Preferred Choice Award

Join Mr. MONOPOLY as he makes his way around town! Mr. MONOPOLY does all the talking to guide you through town – if he tells you to move forward two spaces, you know what to do! If you make a mistake, he’ll let you know! Play money and building blocks help make counting fun. And building is easy – just add a block when you land on a colored space.
* Includes 2 “AAA” Batteries
* WARNING: CHOKING HAZARD. Small Parts. Not for children under 3 years.

TRIVIAL PURSUIT DIGITAL CHOICE
Approx. Retail: $ 49.99 www.hasbro.com

Customize your favorite trivia game with TRIVIAL PURSUIT DIGITAL CHOICE. Includes an electronic unit containing 600 pre-loaded questions. Download up to 1,800 questions of your choice at no additional charge. Choose from over 100 micro categories at mytpchoice.com Includes electronic unit containing 600 pre-loaded questions, USB cable, 36 scoring wedges, 6 scoring tokens, 1 gameboard, 1 die and instructions..

TWISTER Hopscotch
Approx. Retail: $19.99

It’s a whole new way to hopscotch! How will you hop… In a straight line? A diamond or a zig zag? Why not make up your own way? Set up your path with the durable, non-slip rings and spin your way to hopscotch fun! TWISTER® HOPSCOTCH is easy to learn, quick to set up, and the movable rings let you change your path and customize your game every time you play!

* TWISTER® HOPSCOTCH is ideal for active indoor play! Set up the durable, non-slip rings and follow the directions on the spinner. Change your path for a new game every time!
* Includes 13 rings, 16 ring clips, spinner with arrow and base, carrying case and instructions.
* For 1 or more players.
* Ages 4 and up. www.hasbro.com
The Office DVD Board Game by Pressman Toy

For 2 to 6 Adult Players; $30; Available August 2008 at major retailers nationwide, including Target, Wal-Mart, Borders, Barnes & Noble, and Toys “R” Us.

The Office DVD Board Game from Pressman Toy combines video on DVD from America’s funniest television sitcom NBC’s The Office with a companion game board  allowing fans to interact with their favorite characters and put their show knowledge to the test.  Players go head-to-head answering trivia questions based on video clips, images and facts from The Office using their DVD remote control and moving around the game board.  Trivia Spaces test players’ knowledge.  Challenge spaces let players collect other players’ Schrute bucks. Clerical spaces test players’ speed, skill and resourcefulness. Michael Cards can help or hinder their path.  The first player to collect $1.00 in Schrute bucks wins.  Game play is different every time.

Guess What I Am! ™ by Techno Source

Ages 3+; $17.99; Available October 2008 at major retailers nationwide, including Wal-mart, Target, Toys “R” Us, and KB Toys. Visit www.guesswhatiamgame.com.

Guess What I Am!  is a tabletop game that puts a hilarious new twist on a classic guessing game. Place your face through the space of the mystery card, transform into one of 30 silly characters, and let the guessing begin. Roll the die to ask yes or no questions like “Do I play sports?” or “Do I have fur?” to narrow down the list of possible characters. The game’s guessing exercises encourage role play and also help develop deductive reasoning skills.  Keep track on the tally pad and cross off the characters to figure out who you are. First player to guess correctly wins. It features four games in one and is simple enough for kids to play alone or with their friends.