TAG, You’re It!

Why fix it if it ain't broke? My daughter enjoys reading books (or, rather, have them read to her, since she's two), so why add unnecessary gimmicks and gadgets to a tried and true kid activity?

As a parent and an educator, though, I am giving the LeapFrog Tag Reading System an A+ for pre-readers, beginning readers, and readers who need a confidence boost.

The Tag Reading System is easy for parents to set-up.  First, you install the program on your computer. Then plug in the special TAG Reader pen and visit the LeapFrog website to download the story files that correspond to the books and games you own.  With the TAG Reading System, you receive an included fun book about Ozzie Otter and his pet, Mack.  You can store several files on the TAG Reader at one time.

When your child presses the TAG Reader to the books, it can read the whole story, read a single page, read a single word, or allow your child to play identification and comprehension games. Children can earn online rewards by completing the games.

Although the LeapFrog TAG is most appropriate for 4-8 year olds, my two year old loves playing with the system and it really encourages her to interact with the book independently and with an adult reader. Older kids can use the reader's single word function when they are stuck on difficult words. And because many of the books have games at different levels, the TAG system suits a wide range of ages and abilities.

As a former classroom teacher, I know that students struggle with the type of reading comprehension that is not only required on tests but is also necessary for a deeper appreciation and enjoyment of literature. The unique intersection of words, visuals, and interactive technology makes the LeapFrog TAG Reading System a great learning tool for improving a child's understanding of character, setting, plot, and theme. This sort of approach can help turn reluctant readers into lifelong learners.

While nothing will ever replace good old-fashioned literature in my book, the LeapFrog Tag Reading System is a wonderful reading supplement.

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WANT IT: Get the LeapFrog® Tag Reading System (Amazon - $50)

WIN IT: Check out the LeapFrog Tag Reading System and leave us a comment by 11:59 PM EST, December 3 letting us know what TAG book or game you like the best or what book you would like to see LeapFrog add to the TAG library next. Open to ALL readers.

Click here to find out how you can receive up to two extra entries.

This sweepstakes is part of our 12 Days of Giveaways. Remember to come back everyday for a new giveaway. Better yet, subscribe to our e-mail digest so you'll never miss a hip review, chic sweeps, or fabulous deal.

Our Green House Coupon Code 10% OFF (Deal of the Day)

Our Green House has some of our favorite eco-friendly products for the whole family.

In our Hottest Toys for the Holidays Guide we featured the twirling dragon, a unique wooden pull toy ($28.50), and the Alphabet Puzzle with animals embracing the earth ($44).  My teething son loves the wood and organic cotton teether and rattle ($17.50), with its soft rattle sound and highly chewable wood ring and cloth knots. And my toddler won't take a bath without her the genuine, original natural rubber duck ($8).

They have a large selection of natural toys, organic toys, and toys Made in the USA.

And they also have organic clothing, organic baby bedding, and natural and safe feeding options, like glass bottles and BPA-free and Phthalate-free plastic bottles and sippy cups by Adiri (the breast-shaped bottle), Born Free, and Green to Grow.

But Our Green House isn't just for children, it is for everyone who cares about the planet. They've also got natural gifts and recycled gifts (including Recycled Gift Wrapping Paper), for earth lovers of every age.

And get your home ready for guests with natural and eco-friendly home products, like cleansers by Mrs. Meyer, Imus Ranch, Seventh Generation, Biokleen, and others. For a big eco-boost, upgrade to organic bedding and an organic mattress.

Discount: Click and use Our Green House Coupon Code "MAMA" for 10% OFF

Best Buy Coupon Code Free Shipping (Deal of the Day)

Free standard shipping on all orders totaling $99 & up at BestBuy.com. Valid 11/20-11/22

Be a Radio Flyer!

Radio Flyer's Turbo Turtle is another hit from a fantastic toy company.

My appreciation for Radio Flyer runs deeper than just nostalgia for the Radio Flyer Classic Red Wagon--they continue to come out with fun, innovative toys. And their new ride-on, Turbo Turtle, is a wild ride for toddlers an preschoolers.

The best part about the Turbo Turtle is the spinning indoor-outdoor caster wheels. Unlike many ride-on toys that seem to have the turning radius of a Mac Truck, the Turbo Turtle can spin on a dime.

My daughter can move the Turbo Turtle with her feet or push off and glide and use the ride-on safely both indoors and outdoors.

There is the all-important under-seat storage, because toddlers love to put things in and take them out and hide the remote controller whenever their grandparents want to watch television.

A feature with mixed benefits is the electronic dashboard. My daughter thought it was the coolest, but the sound effects gave me flashbacks to a 1980s arcade where I wasted some of my youth and a lot of my parents' quarters. You are the parent, though, so you have the choice to pull the batteries or keep them in.

And the Turbo Turtle comes ready to ride right out of the box, batteries included, which an essential for stress-free Holiday Gift giving--so you can spend time lighting the Menorah, baking cookies for Santa, and enjoying your family.

Toddlers will love this adorable new addition to the Radio Flyer family.

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Want It: Radio Flyer Turbo Turtle at KB Toys (on sale for $40 with FREE Shipping); Radio Flyer Turbo Turtle from Amazon ($50)

Win It: To win a Radio Flyer Turbo Turtle (ARV $50), just leave us a comment, letting us know your favorite Radio Flyer memory or your Radio Flyer Holiday wish by 11:59 PM EST, December 2. US or Canadian Shipping Only.

Click here to find out how you can receive up to two extra entries.

This sweepstakes is part of our 12 Days of Giveaways. Remember to come back everyday for a new giveaway. Better yet, subscribe to our e-mail digest so you'll never miss a hip review, chic sweeps, or fabulous deal.

Tea Collection Coupon Code and Sale (Deal of the Day)

Tea Collection is offering a One Day Sale:

Just click here to get 25% off Select Daily Tea Sets. (valid from 11.20.08 until 11.21.08 10am PST.) Plus, Free Ground Shipping on any order of $100 or more.

Plus, 10% Off orders of $75 or more at Tea Collection. For First Time Customers Only! Use “AF10” at checkout and expires 11.30.2008.

Craftsbury Kids Coupon Code for 10% Off (Deal of the Day)

Craftsbury Kids is the place to look for unique, handmade toys, clothing, art and decor, and gifts for babies and children.

So it is no surprise we've featured some of their selections in our Guide to the Hottest Holiday Toys for 2008.

This gorgeous Caterpillar Pull Toy ($34.00) is handmade of hardwoods in the USA. Stack, pull, and watch the wheels spin--and you'll still enjoy him as he rests on your shelf.

I think this adorable Plush Matryoshka Doll ($10), made in England, would make a sweet friend for a little one or a beautiful decor accent for anyone who loves these Russian nesting dolls.

Craftsbury Kids also carries one of our favorite teethers--Sophie the Giraffe ($18) is handmade of rubber and food-quality paints in the French Alps.

Craftsbury Kids offers an outstanding selection of heirloom quality wooden toys, original artwork for children's rooms, and unique gifts for that special child in your life.

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Deal: Click HERE to use Craftsbury Kids coupon code for 10% OFF: "MAMA" (ends 12/25)

Build Your Child’s Imagination with Toobeez

One of our hot holiday toy picks for 2008, TOOBEEZ are a toy the whole family will enjoy.

TOOBEEZ can best be described as giant Tinker Toys. The TOOBEEZ building system consists of different sized tubes and connecting spheres.

Construction is easy. Just insert either end of the tube into one of the sphere's 10 keyholes and twist the tube's rotating end to "lock" it in place.

TOOBEEZ encourage creative open-ended play. While TOOBEEZ come with instructions for building dozens of fun structures, the only limit is your imagination. Your kids (ages 4+) will learn spatial relations as well as cooperation as they work together to build forts, castles, playhouses, puppet theatres, obstacle courses, spaceships, airplanes, helicopters, dinosaurs, tents,  lemonade stands, boats, submarines and more!

But design and construction is only half the fun. As parents know, there are few toys as exciting to young children as large boxes, which can transform in a child's mind into planes, trains, automobiles and more. Your children's TOOBEEZ creations will inspire imaginative play, and they are a lot more durable than a cardboard box!

TOOBEEZ can grow with your child. Younger children might need help figuring out how to build more complex designs, but older children will enjoy the challenge of trying to replicate a design or construct something original. And adults will be tempted to play with them too.

TOOBEEZ educational value has been recognized. Teachers use TOOBEEZ to explain math concepts and to reinforce language arts lessons. (Activity books are available.) Therapists use them to help children with learning disabilities. And companies use them for teambuilding activities.

Want It:
TOOBEEZ Kits start at $24.99 for a 15 piece kit. We recommend the complete 57-piece kit ($99) since there's an unbeatable holiday promotion. If you buy before the holidays, you'll get the 57-piece kit for $99 AND a free 15-piece kit to keep or give to charity. This offer includes free shipping (a $24 value!). Buy online at www.toobeez.com.

Win It:
We have a 57 piece set of TOOBEEZ to give away. To enter, just leave us a comment by 11:59pm EST on December 1, letting us know what you would build with your TOOBEEZ. Would you pretend to be a pirate, a princess, an astronaut, a pilot, a fisherman, a submarine captain, or something else? US Shipping only.

Click here to find out how you can receive up to two extra entries.

Remember to come back everyday for a new giveaway. Better yet, subscribe to our e-mail digest so you'll never miss a hip review, chic sweeps, or fabulous deal.

Babies R Us Coupon Code for Free Shipping (Deal of the Day)

Do your Holiday Toy Shopping early and click HERE to get FREE SHIPPING when you spend $100 or more at BabiesRUs.com offer good 11.19 to 11.20

One Step Ahead Coupon Code (Deal of the Day)

We really like the useful and fun products from One Step Ahead.

Debbie, our organization guru, recommends the Clear Side Storage Unit.

After searching around for a small, firm pillow for my little one, I found a Toddler Memory Foam Pillow.

We found the best price for the Cuddoozle Nursing and Bottle Feeding Pillow, our top pick for a breastfeeding and feeding pillow (especially for c-section mamas) at One Step Ahead.

My little girl also loves her new, affordable toddler slipper socks that I bought her from One Step Ahead.

I always check out their store when looking for products to make traveling with babies and toddlers easier.

And right now, on Mamanista, you can win a 3-in-1 Stepping Stone Play Mat from One Step Ahead (ends November 28)!

SAVE: So, we're excited to share with you this One Step Ahead Discount: Use One Step Ahead Coupon Code for 15% off $85+: BLOGSAVE (now through 12/7/08)

Baby, Get Down!

When space and money are in short supply, I love finding products that have multiple uses.

The 3-in-1 Stepping Stone Play Mat from One Step Ahead changes with your baby as he grows and develops.

First, the play mat begins as a great tummy time spot. There are plenty of textures, colors, mirrors, soft toys, and more attached to the mat--including the all-important baby-safe mirror. Because all the action takes place on the mat, it is a great reminder to play on the floor with your child on his stomach so he can develop his neck muscles. Also, unlike most play mats, the 3-in-1 Stepping Stone Play Mat is padded, so your baby will be comfortable even on tile or hardwood floors.

Once your child starts crawling, you can encourage movement by laying the mat out in a pathway. Each triangle with motivate baby to crawl from activity to activity. I also like to use a play silk to entice my baby to follow along.

Even when baby no longer needs a mat on the floor, the play mat converts into pyramids, with plenty of "object permanence" peekaboo games to play.

All the toys are tethered, so you won't lose them, and the mat is machine-washable. Taking the mat to grandma's? Just fold up the triangles and you are ready to go.

With a new little rugrat and a preschooler, it is nice to have a clean soft place for baby to play--and when they take their naps, mama just may crash on it, too.

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WANT IT: Get the 3-in-1 Stepping Stone Play Mat ($50) and use One Step Ahead Coupon Code for 15% off $85+: BLOGSAVE (now through 12/7/08)

WIN IT: We have a 3-in-1 Stepping Stone Play Mat to give away to one lucky reader. Just leave us a comment by 11:59 PM EST, November 28, letting us know how you like to make tummy time fun or tell us your favorite product available at One Step Ahead. US and Canadian Shipping Only.

Click here to find out how you can receive up to two extra entries.

Remember to come back everyday for a new giveaway. Better yet, subscribe to our e-mail digest so you'll never miss a hip review, chic sweeps, or fabulous deal.