Gift Reviews, Toy Reviews
Scooby Doo Adventures, The Mystery Map.
I adore Scooby-Doo, I can recall watching him on a tiny ‘black and white’ television about 30 years ago! I also remember cowering under the bedclothes at night as my sister and I would pretend the scary characters were real to frighten each other.
My son is 4 yrs and he has recently been enjoying Scooby-Doo, although a much more child-friendly version – Scooby-Doo Adventures, The Mystery Map.
This is a super movie for young children. It has Scooby and all the characters but the content is delivered in a way as to enthral, not frighten a younger audience. Taking its inspiration from the Muppets, the characters are incredibly life-like puppets. The DVD also includes bonus features and Scooby games.
The original features from Scooby-Doo are still present, the characters have all their usual attributes and really do look almost like they do in the original TV series. Scooby still enjoys his Scooby snacks and there is lots of singing and dancing to have your little one up on the floor jumping around like my son was! The plot itself is pretty great, the gang try to solve the mystery of the Phantom Parrot and follow a treasure map which even kept my older children intrigued. To be honest, I rather enjoyed our family afternoon with everyone snuggled on the sofa watching this together!
This is an entertaining DVD which would be great to keep in your ‘bottom drawer’. Perfect as a gift for almost any age of child and also perfect if you would like a ‘lie-in’ on a Sunday morning, this will keep the children entertained for sure!
Scooby-Doo Adventures, The mystery Map is out now on DVD. Available from Amazon and other good stores.
Gift Reviews, Toy Reviews
Book-Tail Reading Companions.
Reading to my children was first stressed to me by my health visitor. She recommended reading with your child from the age of 6 months. At the time I thought this was a bit crazy, but I complied and I am so glad I did. My children now adore reading and it’s a bit of a struggle to have them put the books away when they should be sleeping!
They have several book-lights and bookmarks but I have to say these ‘Book-Tails’ are simply perfect for younger children.
My 4 year old son has one and he simply adores it. The ‘head’ sits at the top of the book and the ‘tail’ at the bottom, thus keeping your place in the book.
![BookTailsWeb02[1]](http://pamperedpresents.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/BookTailsWeb021.jpg)
Book-Tails are available in 6 designs, suiting both boys and girls and they really are beautiful. Soft and furry, they make the perfect addition to any book and very reasonably priced at £5.99. A lovely gift to give and receive.
For further information visit www.thatcompanycalledif.com
![IMG_0912[1]](http://pamperedpresents.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/IMG_09121-702x1024.jpg)
Gift Reviews, Toy Reviews
Makie Doll.
Dolls, I adore them and get so much pleasure from watching and listening to my girls play with their dolls. They started out with Baby Born and not have moved on to Barbie, Bratz and Monster High. This ‘role play’ plays an important part of our children’s development and I am forever encouraging this type of play.
Aside from the numerous dolls available to buy on the market today, can you imagine designing your own doll completely from ‘scratch’ and having this doll created conforming to your design and arriving boxed on your door step within 2 weeks?? Sounds a bit far- fetched doesn’t it? I thought so too, but was wrong.
![makie-logo-silhouettes[1]](http://pamperedpresents.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/makie-logo-silhouettes1.png){kind=logo}
I was so intrigued with the concept of the Makie Dolls and must have spent the entire evening on the website ‘playing about’ with different creations.
![IMG_0912[1]](http://pamperedpresents.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/IMG_09121.jpg)
This activity is so much fun and, best of all, free! The Makie Doll website enables you to completely create your doll from the smallest detail such as the distance between the eyes, the shape of the nose, the jaw-line and obviously the basics as well – skin and eye colour, hair style and colour, clothes, etc. If desired, this doll can be MAKE REAL!!
![38e318cc-aaff-4144-8be0-10f4e1fe1231_image_cropped[1]](http://pamperedpresents.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/38e318cc-aaff-4144-8be0-10f4e1fe1231_image_cropped1.jpg)
I was so excited with this and couldn’t wait to try out this doll making experience. What a gift to present to a little girl – or even a boy as male macho dolls can also be created! I believe this will be a craze that will ‘catch on’ like wildfire and every one will want their own Makie Doll. Celebs are no exception as you can see, Jessie J is a fan!
![securedownload[5]](http://pamperedpresents.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/securedownload5.jpg)
A Makie Doll can be given as a gift in the form of a boxed code. This will allow the child to design a doll and have it delivered within 2 weeks.
I am completing a blog detailing my ‘tester’s’ experience with her Makie doll, and will post videos of the initial box arriving with the code, using the code and designing her doll online and the arrival and unveiling of her doll. As this is a process that will take place over 2 weeks, the post will be added to, until it is complete so ‘watch this space’ and try and contain your excitement!
Part one : The arrival of the gift box.
Part two : Creating the doll.
Part three : The doll.
As you can tell, the doll was a huge hit!
Makie Doll, a truely amazing concept both adults and children will love!
Visit www.makie.me for further information.
Toy Reviews
Kidz PLAY Game Controller Competition.
How would you like to win a Kidz PLAY Games Controller? I think this would be a lovely surprise – especially during the festive season when money is ‘tight’!
![71es1RdjdIL._SX342_[1]](http://pamperedpresents.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/71es1RdjdIL._SX342_1.jpg)
Kidz PLAY controllers are designed especially for children with buttons and handsets perfect for a smaller hand.
Have your child fill out this quick survey – its really easy and my daughter really enjoyed completing it as well:
http://bit.ly/1bo3HHA to #WIN a PS3 KidzPLAY gaming pad http://amzn.to/19mbgNd!
Visit our facebook page, LIKE and SHARE the Kidz PLAY competition post to be in with a chance of winning.
https://www.facebook.com/Pamperedpresents
Product details.
Rubber handgrips
Dual analogue sticks
Simple action button layout
Requires 3xAAA Batteries
Up to 40 hours gameplay
Sleep mode to save battery life
Low power indicator
ON/OFF switch
(Kidz PLAY)
![hero-2-2[1]](http://pamperedpresents.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/hero-2-21-1024x518.jpg)
Gift Reviews, Homeware Reviews, Toy Reviews
Wikipad.
Say ‘hello’ to the new tablet, the Wikipad, it will wow your socks off for sure!
The Wikipad is a new Android tablet that really does it all. I have 3 children and they have not touched our previous 7” tablets from this entered the house. Built for optimum gaming, this tablet has a detachable gaming controller so it is perfect for ‘mum’ to take out and about, and also the most amazing tablet for children who enjoy gaming.
![hero-2-2[1]](http://pamperedpresents.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/hero-2-21.jpg)
The gaming experience the Wikipad has to offer has to be tried to be believed. Connecting via micro USB, this tablet is super fast and has the added bonus of automatically updating to the latest OS in weeks.
My children all use the Wikipad. The controls are designed expertly and are as easily used in the hands of my 4 year old as well as my 10 year old. The controller’s U shape makes for very easy gaming especially with the likes of driving and shooting games, which would not be as easily played on other basic 7” tablets which are limited with a just a touchscreen.
![tablet-1[1]](http://pamperedpresents.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/tablet-11.jpg)
With Google Play, Tegra Zone and PlayStation Mobile apps the list of games available is almost endless, not to mention the 60+ games already on the Wikipad! My children think they are in heaven!! The pre-loaded games suit all tastes, even Dad – Hockey Nation, Shadow Gun and Dead Zone to name but a few.
Aside from suiting children, this tablet has a lot to offer the entire family. For example, Google Play for music, and with the 16GB memory a host of fun can be stored on the Wikipad. Further storage can be added via the SD slot. I have to mention the 7” screen in further detail it is so great – the 7” screen is a WIDE screen. No more watching movies with that horrible black bar and cropped picture! We can even connect the Wikipad to the TV via the HDMI port.
![hero-2-3[1]](http://pamperedpresents.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/hero-2-31.jpg)
Could this tablet get any better? Do you SKYPE? The Wikipad has a built in microphone and a front facing camera – SKYPING is simple and so easy. No more wasting time setting up extra equipment around the computer to speak to family across the water. We SKYPE regularly now and brag about our Wikipad while SKYPING!
I am left with one problem to report with this tablet – one Wikipad is not going to be enough! You will love the Wikipad and so will your children. I know it will take the place of most other tablets on the market. I have never used such an advanced device that also offers solutions to the problems encountered while gaming with an ordinary touchscreen tablet.
![tablet-4[1]](http://pamperedpresents.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/tablet-41.jpg)
Get yours now, especially if you would like to have it for Christmas.
The Wikipad was launched in September 2013 and is initially available from Game, Play.com and Smyths. Over the next few months, other retailers will have stock also.
RRP £249.99
Gift Reviews, Toy Reviews
Punky Princess.
Punky Princess has taken over our house! My girls love this brand with its signature hot pink tartan check style. Their products are aimed at girls and if you are looking for cool trendy protective covers for your daughters Nintendo, iPhone, iPad, Kindle or similar devices this Christmas, choose Punky Princess.
‘Brand Manager, Laura Unsworth, says: “Our collection has the perfect combination of Christmas essentials, from iPad and smartphone covers to bracelets and charms.
“All of the products in the range are highly durable and attractive, and considering our ever growing sales, it seems that girls really do love them.”’(Punky Princess)
![Play-Thru-Case-GRP[1]](http://pamperedpresents.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/Play-Thru-Case-GRP1.jpg)
Good quality tablet and smartphone accessories are so important as one drop could be ‘fatal’ and very expensive! Punky Princess supply high quality covers and purses that really work. They securely store devices and help prevent costly ‘accidents’. However, they also ‘work’ for kids as well and they really are super looking.
![0191682HBO01M[1]](http://pamperedpresents.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/0191682HBO01M1.jpg)
The Punky Princess online community is great fun. This safe and secure site allows your children to share fun and products online, make friends and keep up-to-date with new products and styles.
Visit www.punkyprincess.com for your stocking fillers this Christmas. All Punky Princess products can be purchased here and prices range between £9.99 and £20. Perfectly priced and they will definitely be very well received.
Toy Reviews
Ben 10 Transformation Station.
Ben 10 – the ever popular little boy with whom my little boy is obsessed with! He has Ben himself, and countless monsters, even my daughters play with these toys. They are from the Bandai group so very high quality and they will last and last.
![171001208299[1]](http://pamperedpresents.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/1710012082991.jpg)
My son’s latest addition is the transformation Station. I like this as it gives him somewhere to base his play around – before this, Ben and the aliens could have been found anywhere. Kitchen worktop, garden shed, even my sauce-pan drawer has been invaded with these figures. They now all stay around the transformation station which helps keep the house tidy and clutter free.
Ben can be placed within the station where he can transform into his alien form – this is really fun as it is similar to what the children watch on television.
Ben and an alien are included with the set, so this would be an excellent starter set to buy.
Other playset accessories can be purchased to add to the set and these include vehicles and a missile shooting turret.
Product details:
Age 4 yrs upwards
Assembly required
16x35x31cm
Available from all good toy retailers and online.
RRP £33
Gift Reviews, Toy Reviews
Lego Darth Vader Alarm Clock
I would have classed this as a clock for boys but my daughter loves it! She couldn’t get to sleep at night and we eventually discovered this was because the clock in her room ‘ticked’ too loudly!
This Darth Vader alarm clock by Lego looks great. His legs and arms move fully so just like a mini figure. The clock is displayed in digital and lights up in red when you press on the helmet – this is great as my daughter knows what time it is when it is dark. Pressing the helmet also activates the snooze button. The alarm can be easily set and reset so this is perfect for children as it’s not too complicated.
The Lego Darth Vader Alarm Clock stands 9” tall so a really good item and a great gift for not a lot of money.
RRP £19.99 from Sainsbury’s.
‘Wake up with the dark side of the Force!’
Gift Reviews, Toy Reviews
My 1st Years Christmas range.
Christmas shopping for babies is very difficult. Babies will have received lots of baby gifts and their first Christmas is a difficult occasion to shop for, for fear of buying ‘doubles’ or unnecessary items just for the sake of giving a gift.
Within my family there are 11 children and we very cleverly agreed that each adult buys for 3 children. This drastically cuts the cost of Christmas and reduces the ‘clutter’ of toys each child receives. I thought I had ‘drew the short straw’ this year having to buy for the latest arrival – little Bailie!
Bailie’s baby gifts are still being shipped to my sisters’ door, and she does not need teddies, clothes, first tooth/curl holders and all the usual bumph. Fortunately, I didn’t have to look further that ‘My First Years’!
If you are shopping for a young child or even a baby gift, there are loads of gorgeous and unusual gifts on site – very reasonably priced also.
I selected the Hessian Gift Sack. Wow, I had no idea it was so big! This sack will hold lots of toys and teddies and in later years, when Bailie is helping mum around the house, it will hold her laundry! The Hessian sack has a huge heart on the centre with ‘Bailie’ embroidered on it, it is just gorgeous and I can’t wait till Christmas day to give it to her.
The Hessian sacks come beautifully presented in a luxury gift box, adding an extra special touch to this luxury gift.
RRP £20
Dimensions 90cmx60cm.
Have a look at the website. It is very well designed and easily navigated.
The new Christmas range includes a white crockery breakfast set which can also be personalised and also delivered in a luxury gift box.
I can also recommend the 1st Years Christmas bauble. I love these and each of my children have one representing their first Christmas.
Lots of choice and really good value make this site well worth a visit for your Christmas shopping this year.
Gift Reviews, Toy Reviews
Create-A-Bear from Hobbycraft
Calling everyone who enjoys all things homemade – this is the site you need to add to your favourites!
I have had a good look around and now my head is spinning with ideas of all things Christmas. From handmade decorations, bear stitching kits, colour your own playhouse, the list is endless and your kids will love it. Imaginations will run wild and you will no longer hear ‘Mum, I’m bored’ over the holiday season.
Our first project was to stitch one of the ‘Create-A-Bear’ kits. This kit comes in a variety of forms – rabbit, panda, bear etc and little matching outfits can be purchased separately.
These are then coloured and decorated to your childs taste – how creative. My daughter used markers and glitter glue and her bear looks great. He now has pride of place on her bedside table.
Crate-A-Bear kits are very reasonably priced at £12 and the clothes kit at £9.
Available from www.hobbycraft.co.uk
