Friday Favourites : Ritzy Rollerz

One unicorned Ms. Ava Grace almost lost her mind when she got her hands on Tomy's new Ritzy Rollerz® collectible girls toys.

Can't say I blame her.
What little girl isn't all about adorable, customizable and collectible anything?
Each ritzy roller is unique - some with real flowing hair, others with shiny chrome or fur. And each one comes with surprise charms that allow you to customize their wheels and make them truly your own.
When you're not swapping charms, they can be stored in a trunk-like compartment on the back of each one for safekeeping.
Read: no one is stepping on or vacuuming them up. #amen

There are two play sets available, including the Heelz on Wheelz version pictured below. It not only comes with it's own Ritzy Roller® but also with an additional 16 charms; each cuter than the next.
There is a full closet on board with ample storage.
Ramps and decorating opportunities galore.
And of course, a mirror so that your creation can check itself out when you're done.
Obviously.

Heelz on Wheelz Shoe Shop Playset | Ritzy Rollerz® 2-pack

Ritzy Rollerz® are available on Amazon and at Toys R Us Canada nationwide.

Pricing ranges from $11.99 - $29.99

Seeing your kiddo this happy?

That's free. 

Disclosure: This toy was provided to us at no charge in exchange for our honest review. All thoughts are our own.

xo 

Gifting for Children : A LeapFrog Interview

 I was recently contacted with an exciting opportunity to interview Dr. Jody Sherman Levos, math and science development expert of LeapFrog’s Learning Team. Dr. LeVos works on products across all platforms to teach math and science concepts in developmentally appropriate ways using research-based techniques. Before joining LeapFrog, she was a visiting scholar at the University of California, Berkeley, a researcher and instructor, and a math textbook author. She earned her doctorate in developmental psychology (specializing in mathematical and cognitive development) at the University of Alberta, in Canada. 

She answered a few questions about how to properly choose toys for babies, toddlers and young children in the interview below: {And yes, that is me asking questions and as per usual, talking way too fast!}

To reiterate some of the key takeaways were: 
The 4 factors that we should consider as we choose toys for our children include

a. Quality (durability)

b. Age Appropriateness - developmentally are they meeting their cognitive/physical/social-emotional needs?

c. "Fun Factor". Do they come back to these toys again and again?

4. Educational

Always review and consider age guidelines but don't choose strictly on this information. YOU know your child better than anyone else. That said, close attention must be paid to safety standards of course!

Toys that are "too advanced" may cause frustration for your child. 

TIP: Put it away and bring it back out! 

{I know I have done this both with Ava's toys and with toys that used to belong to either Isabella or Julian. It always seems to work. Everything old is new again.}

A neat resource for parents can be found at www.leapfrog.com/best.toys

And lastly, and perhaps most importantly, toys should always allow children to:

PLAY, HAVE FUN and LEARN.

Look out for a fun giveaway from LeapFrog on the blog SOON!

Disclosure: This is a sponsored opportunity provided to me based on my affiliation with LeapFrog as part of the LeapFrog Parent Group. No monetary compensation was provided and all opinions are strictly my own. 

Ava's Favourite Things

Play is the work of children. It's very serious stuff. - Bob Keeshan

It is almost as though a light goes off. At some point, Ava discovered that she could actually play with her toys rather than just try to eat them. 

And it really wasn't that long ago.

I find I am forever looking for that perfect toy, the one that will hold her interest for more than 5 minutes. And ideally, one that doesn't reside in my kitchen cupboards...or make up drawer...or...

Since turning the BIG "2", I am finding it's getting better and better.

Her favorites this week include:

The Ball

Really, any ball will do, but somehow, she enjoys it more when she actually takes it away from her brother and when it is almost bigger than she is. 

V-Tech Playtime Bus with Phonics

Ava's looks a tad different than this one but the concept is the same. This thing is f.u.n. and educational which I love. All of the v-tech toys are so well made. The V-Tech baby range is perfect for this age and really encourages interaction and rewards her for it. And of course, she claps for herself. Don't they all?

The Shopping Cart 

I wrote about our love for this $7.49 baby here and it still remains a toy she plays with almost daily.

She does her "laps" running from family room through living/dining and into kitchen about 4,000 times while simultaneously pushing the cart and laughing hysterically. She's quite the multi-tasker already.

She gets that from me. 

Dominoes

Yes, she is gifted. I kid. But wow, this little box provides me with at least 30 minutes of uninterrupted peace some days. She will pull every one out of the box, stuff them in her pockets, put them all back and start again.

Crazy fun I tell ya.

The Doll

The Carolle doll to be exact. The sweetest, perfect-sized, best smelling baby doll in the history of baby dolls. These dolls are so well made; don't even get me started on the available accessories. Isabella still has hers and she is just as beautiful all these years later.

What are your little one's playing with these days? Please share!

Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of K & Co. All opinions expressed are strictly my own.