Gift Reviews, Toy Reviews
Mixy Fashion’s A Snap Bracelet Kit.
In my opinion, there isn’t a child on the planet who wouldn’t love one of these sets. As a mum of 2 girls, my house is coming down with jewellery kits and yet they still can’t get enough of it!
They make their own bracelets, necklaces and rings. I love the Mixy snap bracelet sets as the accessories snap on and off!
![1c79[1]](http://pamperedpresents.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/1c791.jpg)
The design opportunities are endless and they can be made and re made over and over again, providing hours of entertainment.
Various packs are available from Sweet Heart to Rockstar. They all complement each other and are interchangeable so perfect for sharing and playing together. Each pack contains 40 pieces – yes 40!! so very good value – RRP £6
This excellent price also makes these sets perfect for birthday gifts – you are guaranteed the children will enjoy it and it looks way more expensive than it is! A mystery bead is to be discovered in each pack – and this adds to the excitement.
As with all good children’s kits, an excellent instruction booklet is enclosed and this has inspiration for lots of designs.
Suitable from 5 years , available from all good toy shops and online.
Gift Reviews, Toy Reviews
Badge-It.
Badge-It from Bandai is an multi-award winning toy, which allows children to make their own badges quickly and easily. It looks trendy and has survived my household, so its’ definitely sturdy! The badges are metal and they will stand the test of time.
![c61f[2]](http://pamperedpresents.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/c61f2.jpg)
My 8 year old daughter has this Badge-It set, a birthday gift, and the entire family enjoy using it. Hours and hours has been spent sitting around the table designing and making individual little masterpieces.
First, it was images of pop stars from their favourite band, then it progressed to individual drawings. These look great when made into a badge – the perfect way to preserve that special little drawing! Even photos can be converted into a unique badge – we have used this as gifts also for the grandparents and they loved them.
They are a good way of jazzing up a school bag, pencil case and clothes accessories. I have even used Badge-it to make co-ordinating badges for special clothes to cover a stain or a hole – ingenious I thought!
The starter set contains the badge maker and materials to make 15x3cm badges.
Refills can be bought very cheap (£9 for 30 badges) so the fun goes on and on!
Available from www.bandai.co.uk RRP £20.00
Gift Reviews, Homeware Reviews
Bosch Cordless Tacker PTK 3.6 LI
The Bosch Cordless Tacker would make a great ‘Man gift’ as it can be used for small DIY jobs around the home and outside. It does not require a lot of technicial knowledge to use, the instructions are simple and basically anyone could use this.
![$T2eC16N,!zcE9s4g0-K8BRLKGko+o!~~60_35[1]](http://pamperedpresents.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/T2eC16NzcE9s4g0-K8BRLKGko+o60_351.jpg)
We have used it to construct bird houses, hen coops, and even mended the roof on a garden shed. Just press the tacking nose to where you want to tack and press the button – simple. The handle is soft grip so it can be used for longer jobs and does not become uncomfortable to hold. This tacker can really be used on any job if the materials are fairly thin and on soft wood. It would be the ultimate tool for upholstery as the tacks are small enough to remain hidden.
The staples are quite easy to load, (if I can do it anyone can), and with the reload indicator, you will not be caught out half way through a job with no tacks left in the machine.
I like it as its’ small and compact – so no storage problems. Clutter tends to build up in our house as it does in every house, so small is always good!
Available from all good DIY stores.
Gift Reviews, Homeware Reviews
Bee & tea.
Bee & tea are a delightful company comprised of two very talented sisters from England who have started their own business designing and producing beautiful articles for the home.
![2c89[1]](http://pamperedpresents.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/2c891.jpg)
Their love of flowers, home-grown produce and cooking is evident throughout the range and so is their talent. This is the website for you if you are looking for ‘that special gift’, you really will be spoilt for choice.
The range supports English manufacturers throughout, thus environmentally friendly – a big plus for me. The mugs are made in Stoke-on-Trent, and the fabric products come from Lincolnshire.
I have the set of beautiful tea towels (£10 each).
![Tea-Towels-on-line-square-web[1]](http://pamperedpresents.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Tea-Towels-on-line-square-web1.jpg)
They are a perfect size – 48×76 cms and 100% cotton. The designs are printed with sustainable water based inks and they have a tag for hanging – Bee & tea seem to have thought of everything!
![a8e6[1]](http://pamperedpresents.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/a8e61.jpg)
To compliment the tea towels, you can treat yourself to the co-ordinating apron (£18). Another original Bridget Chetwynd design, 100% cotton and oh so pretty. With its comfortable cotton light web adjustable neck loop, this would also make a great gift for mum’s and grandma’s too.
![0893[1]](http://pamperedpresents.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/08931.jpg)
I adore the shopping bag (£17) and it is taken everywhere with me. Strong enough to hold a small amount of groceries, and very pretty compared to the supermarket brand ones. I have just been using it instead of my usual handbag – then I am never caught out when shopping and have to buy a plastic bag! Several of my friends have admired it as it’s so unique. 100% cotton canvas 36x40cms.
Bee & tea have other items on their website – do have a look. The site itself is very well designed and easily navigated. They have a stunning range of mugs and paintings – they are on my wish list!
![Mugs_pyramid_website[1]](http://pamperedpresents.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Mugs_pyramid_website1.jpg)
Available from http://www.beeandtea.co.uk/
Gift Reviews, Toy Reviews
Zinc RED – i Action Camcorder.
This is a great idea – the RED-i Action Camcorder from ZINC.
![zinc_pic5[1]](http://pamperedpresents.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/zinc_pic51.jpg)
It will attach onto just about anything, although designed to capture tricks and stunts kids get up to on scooters. It will fit to the handle bars and even onto a helmet – what a view! Now kids can show off their scooter skills to everyone. No more ‘Oh mum, you should have seen me!’ Mum now misses nothing.
The camera records up to 120 minutes and is compatible with Mac and PC. The download speed is super fast – I know how impatient kids are!
![RED-I300[1]](http://pamperedpresents.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/RED-I3001.gif)
There really are lots of uses for this camcorder, for example, recording sports games as well as scooter and bicycle fun.
With a charging time of 30 minutes, this is a great little gadget and would make an excellent original gift.
Available from: http://zincsports.com/
Gift Reviews, Toy Reviews
Zinc Outlaw Scooter.
Is your child looking for a scooter that stands out from the crowd? This is the one you need! The Outlaw Scooter from Zinc is no ordinary scooter, as it boasts a real flame effect! WOW, how cool is that?
![46-1076095UC1436619M[1]](http://pamperedpresents.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/46-1076095UC1436619M1.jpg)
My son had a Spiderman scooter which was so old it was falling to bits but he wouldn’t part with it – until he spied this one! The flame effect was something new and no-one in the street has one like it, so he is now the envy of the neighbours as he ‘blazes’ up and down.
The Scooter looks the part, orange and black and very well constructed. This is one strong scooter, with puncture proof wheels – brilliant thinking!
There is an anti-slip printed footway which suits British weather well, no danger of him slipping when it is wet. The handles are easy grip with an adjustable handlebar height so it grows with the child thus saving you money.
Very importantly, the Zinc Outlaw has a rear footbrake, so no scooting into walls! This would be the main toy he plays with outside now and it has provided hours and hours of fun this summer. I would highly recommend Zinc Scooters as with my son being no. three in the family, we have seen many come and go, but this one is built to last and will be here to stay.
It is also a great scooter for taking on holiday as it folds away neatly, it would easily fit behind the seat of a car, and into the smallest of car boots. I find this is also good for storage at home too – takes up very little space.
Size H81, W32, D66cm.
Suitable for ages six and over. Available from:
Gift Reviews, Toy Reviews
WOW Packs.
I honestly swear when I opened Cutzee the kitten WOW pack, I said WOW! So did my daughter, and then we both laughed. These Wow packs are amazing!
I have never seen anything like them. So, whats’ it all about??
Wow packs are NEW, so that would explain why I have never see them – they are the very first world’s animated backpacks for kids aged 3-7 yrs. Now, my daughter is 8 yrs and this is DEFINATELY her ‘ back to school’ school bag – so older children will love these too!
![wowpacks300[1]](http://pamperedpresents.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/wowpacks3001.jpg)
They come in 2 characters – Cutzee the Kitten and Snot the Zombie, one for girls and one for boys.
The WOW factor is the controls on the handle – the buttons control the eyes, nose, whiskers and noises – laughing and funny sound effects that will have your friends thinking – ‘Where is that coming from’??
They look fantastic, big enough for a school bag. They would hold A4 books and a lunch box, but also excellent for sleep-overs and for taking on holidays too. No more boring journeys – these packs are so much fun.
Cutzee has fabulous eyes with pretty eyelashes that flutter, and her eyes move from side to side – she is my personal favourite!
The website is very entertaining and perfect for kids to navigate, providing hours of fun – print out a fun colouring sheet, play dot to dot and enjoy the maze, the list goes on. They can even play WOW Packs snap!
Available from Smyths toyshops nationwide and from www.wowpacks.com SRP £29.99
Gift Reviews, Toy Reviews
Zeamu Music.
Have you ever been ironing or doing some other housework while the kids are happily listening to music and suddenly you think, ‘What was that word?’ Surely that artist who is worshipped by millions of kids has not just said that?? Well, I sure have. My girls love listening to music, but you never know what they are about to hear – the radio cannot be trusted and so many of the popular pop songs have inappropriate lyrics.
A friend recently introduced me to Zeamu music and we have never looked back.
![unnamed[1] (2)](http://pamperedpresents.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/unnamed1-2.jpg)
Zeamu music is just for children but its’ cool! They are a British Record Label who have filled a gap in the market quite nicely. Kids LOVE it and mine can’t get enough. The songs are great with catchy tunes and 100% geared towards children up to 11yrs so no nasty words or inappropriate lyrics – at last!
The brilliant thing about Zeamu are the Zeamus! These little animated characters are just fantastic, each different in their own way. The website is fun with lots of music, t-shirts and goodies too, so have a look – you will be impressed. http://www.zeamumusic.com/
The CD is £10.99 and very good value, with 14 tracks. Videos can be watched on the website also, so why not give it a try?
Gift Reviews, Toy Reviews
Lego DUPLO, Jake’s Pirate Ship Bucky.
Lego – I am so glad I kept mine for 38 years – it never goes out of date, but it certainly gets updated!! My son loves Lego DUPLO, so imagine my delight when I discovered the ‘Jake and the Pirate’ range!! He has the Pirate ship Bucky and I swear, that’s the reason I get to do my ironing!
![14547550_130430163000[1]](http://pamperedpresents.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/14547550_1304301630001.jpg)
He has a choice – does he stop Captain Hook from sneaking on board Jake’s Pirate ship Bucky or not? He can keep watch from the lookout, the tower rotates so he misses nothing, fire the cannon – with its unique shooter function, and hoist the sail. This set has something for good and naughty pirates alike. The ship can be built from scratch and the set includes Jake and Captain Hook figures.
Do you escape to the island? Will your treasure ever be found?
The pirate themed DUPLO bricks are great for little hands, suitable for younger children, and full of fun. Bury the treasure chest, the kit includes a shovel, bendable green leaves, flowers, a sword and much more.
This is the ultimate set for younger children – trust me, my 4 yr old is a bit of a challenge and this keeps him entertained for hours – thank you Lego!
The set measures over 11” high, 12” long and 6” wide. The island measures over 9” high, 6”wide and 6” long.
Very good value for money at £39.99, can you really put a price on contentment??
Available from http://duplo.lego.com
Homeware Reviews
Karcher Multi purpose vac WD3.500P
This has got to be the best vacuum I have ever used. I wouldn’t use it very often – having fun is far more important than housework! But when I absolutely have to vacuum, this is the tool for the job.
The main difference in this and your average vacuum is that this one can be used outside as well. The WD3.500 multi-purpose vacuum from Karcher is definitely multi-purpose!
It will lift liquids – yes, I found this amazing. With 3 kids, 3 hens, and now a dog, this function has made a huge difference to our household. Well used to major spills, in the past I would have grabbed a towel, which left me with a huge pile of washing in no time, now I use the vacuum – all the liquid disappears just like dust!
Hubby will even try to smuggle it past me outside as it really will lift rubble as well – screws, saw-dust, remains of botched DIY jobs ( there are lots of those), he will use the multi-purpose vacuum to clean up his mess in an instant, up to 17 litres to be exact.
I love that there is no bag, thank you for that!! Brilliant thinking Karcher, saves me time and money. It also saves me space as the accessories, like the crevice tool, are stored on board, so all in one piece.
With its unique blower function – (I use this to inflate the swimming pool!), a heavy debris function and power tool triggered auto start, this really is the crème de la crème of all vacuums. It even comes with an attachment to unblock sinks – ingenious. In fact, really and truly, who needs a man when you have the multi-purpose vacuum from Karcher??
Available from www.karcher.co.uk for £149.99