Giveaway: Celebrate Science with NCircle Entertainment

As parents, we want to raise our children with self confidence and the belief that they can be anything they want to be when they grow up. Sadly, the struggle to attract young women into STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) fields continues.

If your daughter loves math and science, there's no time like the present to let them know that math and science are cool -- and if you have a son, there's no time like the present to let them know that girls can be just as good as boys! You can nurture their interest from the start by introducing them to shows like Sid the Science Kid and the Octonauts, and even the Cat in the Hat.  These shows spark kids' interest in the natural world because the characters they love are curious about how the world works!  Below are 3 great DVD's from NCircle Entertainment to check out -- and NCircle Entertainment will be sending all 3 DVDs to one lucky Bonggamom Finds reader!

The Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot About That!: Space is the Place
Join the Cat in the Hat on a trip into space, and learn why the cosmos is such a cool place! In this new DVD, the Cat and his friends visit each of the planets, the sun and the stars. Young viewers can learn why day turns to night thanks to our friend, the sun.

Sid the Science Kid: What is a Rainbow?
After a rainstorm, the sun comes out and Sid spots a big rainbow in the sky. He races inside to tell his parents, but by the time he brings them outside to see it, the rainbow is gone. Sid and his friends investigate rainbows at school where they discover that rainbows can only form when light passes through water droplets.

Themes explored include: Where does light come from? How are shadows made? How are rainbows created? What causes darkness?

Octonauts: To the Gup-X!
This DVD includes the following exciting adventures: Captain Barnacles leads a mission to rescue Dashi, who is trapped inside a giant whale shark; Kwazii takes to the skies to retrieve a precious book from a school of flying fish; Peso tries to bandage a Great White Shark without becoming his lunch – and much more! Plus, in a special extra feature, Tweak & Tunip tell you everything you ever wanted to know about the Gup-X!


Required Entry

Leave a comment on this post and share a suggestion for nurturing kids' interest in science and math.

Extra Entries
For extra entries, you can do any or all of the following. Please leave a separate comment for each extra entry with a way to verify the entry (i.e. tweet link, blog post link, Facebook id, Twitter id, etc.).

1) Follow bonggamom on Blogger (1 entry)

2) Follow bonggamom on Instagram (1 entry)

3) Follow bonggamom on Pinterest (1 entry)

4) Pin this giveaway on any of your Pinterest boards (1 entry -- you can use the "Pin It" button at the bottom of this page!).

5) "Like Bonggamom Finds" on Facebook and write this on my wall (1 entry):
I entered the NCircle Entertainment Celebrate Science DVD giveaway! Giveaway ends 5/20 at http://ow.ly/wFSjl

6) Tweet this once per day (1 entry per day)

Enter to win a trio of science-themed DVDs from NCircle Entertainment! Giveaway ends 5/20 http://ow.ly/wFSjl

7) Join any open giveaway on Bonggamom Finds (1 entry for every giveaway you join)

The Rules
This giveaway ends at 11:59PM PST on May 20,  2014; I will draw a winner at random, on May 21 and post their name after they confirm acceptance. Continental US residents only. For additional giveaway rules, click here.


Disclosure: I received a product sample to facilitate my review, but have not been paid to review the product or give my opinions. Prize package and product information (in italics) are provided by NCircle Entertainment. The views and opinions expressed here are my own.
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Holiday Gift Guide 2012: Gifts for Preschoolers

When I think of that period of childhood between toddler and kindergartener, I think of the wonder of discovery, the power of imagination and love of learning through play.  At this age girls and boys will play happily together, blissfully aware of gender stereotypes and opposite-sex cooties, so I'm just as likely to recommend a Bitty Twins boy doll or toy fridge for a boy as I am to recommend a soccer ball for a girl.  My Preschool gift suggestions below can be happily enjoyed by either gender:

	Your child love playing on the iPad but you want him to ditch the electronics once in a while and play some classic board games.  Luckily Dr. Seuss Fun Machine Game tiles ($9.99) offer a happy medium.  Kids get to play fun memory games with physical game pieces -- and the iPad acts as the Game Master, calling out the shots! ** Giveaway Alert:  Enter to win a Dr. Seuss Fun Machine Game Tiles set below!
	When my twins were little one of their favorite pastimes was working alongside their dad as he fixed up his motorcycle.  They would have LOVED this play toolbox from One Step Ahead ($29.95) -- it looks just like the grownup version, and even comes with a whirring toy drill!  And if you're looking for a splurge, add  the matching workbench ($59.95), also from One Step Ahead. ** Giveaway Alert: Enter to win both the toy toolbox and workbench from One Step Ahead!
	There's no better present in the world for a child than a book to read, and some quality time to read it with the child!  Unfortunately you can't always be there to read it to her -- but when the book is personalized, like this whimsical Christmas Mouse book from Paper Hat Press ($39.95), she'll know how much you love and miss her every time she opens the book.
	Kids are getting harder to fool these days.  A plate of half-eaten cookies may no longer be enough to convince them that Santa is real!  You don't have to go through the trouble of donning a Santa suit and a pillow -- just head over to the Portable North Pole to get a personalized Santa Claus letter ($14.99), phone call ($3.99) or video (free!).
	Has it really been 4 years since the Leapfrog TAG ($35) was first introduced My boys learned to read with the help of their Leapfrog TAG, and it's still as great as ever.  It has kept up with the times by expanding memory and expanding the selection of books, so it's still a great holiday buy.  Age 3-5 is the perfect time to get them a TAG, because they're already starting to learn to sight read words, and they love the independence that the TAG gives them.

Giveaway: Win a Dr. Seuss Fun Machine Game Tiles set
One lucky Bonggamom Finds reader will receive a set of Dr. Seuss Fun Machine Game Tiles.

Required Entry
Leave a comment on this post and tell me your favorite Dr. Seuss character.

Bonus Entries

1) Follow bonggamom on Instagram (5 entries)

2) Follow bonggamom on Pinterest (1 entry)

3) Pin this giveaway on your Pinterest board (1 entry -- you can use the "Pin It" button at the bottom of this page!).

4) "Like Bonggamom Finds" on Facebook and tell me which item on the Preschooler gift guide you would most like to give/receive (1 entry)

5) Follow @bonggafinds on Twitter and tweet this (1 entry):
RT @bonggafinds Check out the Bonggamom Finds Holiday Gift Guide for 2012: gifts for all ages & stages (plus giveaways!)   http://ow.ly/fezLR

6) Follow @bonggafinds on Twitter and tweet this (1 entry):
RT @bonggafinds Enter to win a set of Dr. Seuss Fun Machine Game Tiles for the iPad! Giveaway ends 12/1 at  http://ow.ly/ffYSE


The Rules
This giveaway ends at 11:59PM PST on Dec 1, 2012; I will draw a winner at random on Dec 2 and post their name after they confirm acceptance. Continental US  residents only. For additional giveaway rules, click here.

Disclosure: I have reviewed select items in this gift guide in the past.  Inclusion in this guide was based solely on my personal preferences; no review samples or compensation were received for this gift guide post. Giveaway prize is provided by Wonder Forge Games.  The views and opinions expressed here are my own.


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One Step Ahead Holiday Gift Guide (and a Giveaway for You!)

When my kids were little, One Step Ahead was one of my main go-to-websites and stores for toys and gear. They have practically everything a parent needs from birth and beyond. I would buy bibs, placemats, sippy cups, teethers, rattles, sun hats, diaper swim covers, blankets, you name it! I've always trusted One Step Ahead to sell high-quality items, so when they invited me to check out their Holiday Toy Shop, I knew I'd find the perfect present no matter which young child I was shopping for.  Here are 3 main reasons why:

High quality: One Step Ahead tests and compares toys from all over the world, so you don't have to.  I have never regretted any purchase I have ever made from One Step Ahead; all their products are sturdy and well built.  In fact, One Step Ahead is so confident in the quality of their products that they offer a 100% Lifetime Guarantee.

Low price:  I firmly believe that you get what you pay for.  One Step Ahead products are high quality, so they don't sell for dirt cheap, but One Step Ahead does offer the lowest possible price for that product.  In fact, they have a price guarantee:  if you find the exact same product for a lower price, they'll match it!

Great selection:  At One Step Ahead, you'll find toys and gear to get you all the way through childhood, for girls and boys, for all ages and stages and interests.  From winter toys to hi-tech gear to creative toys, they know what kids love.

Case in point: One Step Ahead sent me their Bosch Junior Toy Workbench and Bosch Toy Toolbox and Tool Set.  They are soo cute, I just had to add both to my 2012 Holiday Gift Guide for Preschoolers!  Kids LOVE playing grown-up, so imagine how your little Bob the Builder will adore these toys!  Everything looks just like the real thing, down to the vise clamp on the workbench and the battery powered drill with sounds in the toolbox.  By the way, the Toy Toolbox and Tool Set are a One Step Ahead Exclusive, so you won't find it anywhere else.  You can even personalize it with your child's name -- how adorable is that?

If your child isn't into DIY, not to worry, One Step Ahead has got you covered.  Here are a few more gift options:

* Sensory Baby $34.95
* ABC Block Party $29.95
* Smooth Touch Fun N Play Tablet $34.95
* Dyson Vacuum $39.95
* Shopping Bags with Fruits & Vegetables $29.95
* Miele Toy Refrigerator $44.95

Check out the rest of One Step Ahead's Holiday Toy Shop to get all your holiday toy shopping done and stay One Step Ahead of the holiday rush!


Win a DIY Toy Prize Pack from One Step Ahead
One lucky Bonggamom Finds reader will receive BOTH the Bosch Junior Toy Workbench ($59.95) and the Bosch Toy Toolbox and Tool Set ($29.95), a total value of $89.90!

Required Entry
Check out the One Step Ahead Holiday Toy Shop and leave a comment on this post telling me which toy your child would love to receive.

Extra Entries
For extra entries, you can do any or all of the following (note the bonus entries for following me on Instagram!!). Please leave a separate comment for each extra entry with a way to verify the entry (i.e. tweet link, blog post link, Facebook id, Twitter id, etc.).

1)  Follow Bonggamom Finds on Blogger (1 entry)

2) Follow bonggamom on Instagram (5 entries)

3) Follow bonggamom on Pinterest (1 entry)

4) Pin this giveaway on your Pinterest board (1 entry -- you can use the "Pin It" button at the bottom of this page!).

5) "Like Bonggamom Finds" on Facebook and write this on my wall (1 entry):
I entered the One Step Ahead holiday giveaway!

6) Follow @bonggafinds on Twitter and tweet this, up to once a day (1 entry per day):
RT @bonggafinds Enter to win a toy workbench & toolbox fr One Step Ahead worth $90!  Giveaway ends 12/4 at http://ow.ly/ffYc4


The Rules
This giveaway ends at 11:59PM PST on December 4, 2012; I will draw a winner at random on December 5 and post their name after they confirm acceptance. Continental US  residents only. For additional giveaway rules, click here.


Disclosure:I received a selection of toys of my choosing from One Step Ahead to facilitate my review, but have not been paid to review the product or give my opinions. One Step Ahead is also providing the toys for giveaway prizes. The views and opinions expressed here are my own.
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Pocoyo "Let's Party" DVD giveaway

Now that my birthday has come and gone, my family's birthday season has ended; the next birthday we celebrate will be the twins' 8th in December. But who needs an excuse to throw a party? Every month there's some kind of "holiday" to celebrate. There's Memorial Day on Monday, of course; in June we've got National Chocolate Ice Cream Day on June 7, Best Friends Day on June 8, Father's Day on June 19, Ice Cream Soda Day the day after that, National Backyard Campout Day on June 25, and so on.

To celebrate all these parties, I've been given the new Pocoyo DVD, "Lets Party!" -- one for my kids, and a second to give away to one reader! We were first introduced to Pocoyo a couple of months ago, and my kids find him so cute. Pocoyo is quite the international celebrity! His award-winning preschool television series is broadcast in the US, UK, Spain, Ireland, Australia and many other countries. It's not hard to see why; just looking at his little face is enough to generate an Awwwww! or two.


ABOUT THE DVD:

Pocoyo is a curious little boy with a big personality. He explores the world around him by creating great adventures with his friends Pato, Elly, Loula and Sleepy Bird. Join the party with Pocoyo and his friends as they celebrate a birthday party, a welcome home party, a tea party and other adorable adventures that encourage learning through laughter in “Let’s Party.”

“Let’s Party” is available at major retailers and online. SRP $12.99 (ages 2+). The 90- minute DVD includes the following Pocoyo episodes (and Spanish track):

Who's on the Phone
Whale's Birthday
Pocoyo's Puppet Show
Party Pooper
Everybody's Present
Pocoyo's Present
The Great Race
Elly's Tea Party
Pato Underwater
Baby Bird Bother
A Present for Elly
Farewell Friends



Win a Pocoyo DVD
One lucky Bonggamom Finds reader will receive the new Pocoyo “Let’s Party” DVD.




Required Entry
Leave a comment on this post and share the next holiday you and your family are planning to celebrate, and how you will celebrate. This entry must be completed before extra entries qualify.


Extra Entries
For extra entries, you can do any or all of the following. Please leave a separate comment for each extra entry with a way to verify the entry (i.e. tweet link, blog post link, Facebook id, Twitter id, etc.).

1) Subscribe to Bonggamom Finds updates (1 entry).

2) Follow Bonggamom Finds on Networked Blogs (1 entry).

3) Follow Bonggamom Finds on Blogger(1 entry).

4) Write this on the Bonggamom Finds Facebook page (1 entry):
I entered the Pocoyo party giveaway! http://tinyurl.com/bonggaprizes

5) Write this on the Pocoyo Facebook page wall (1 entry):
I entered the Pocoyo party giveaway on Bonggamom Finds! http://tinyurl.com/bonggaprizes

6) Follow Pocoyo (@pocoyo_us) on Twitter and tweet this, up to once per day (1 entry per day, leave a comment with the tweet link for each tweet):
Win a Pocoyo DVD from @pocoyo_us and @bonggafinds http://tinyurl.com/bonggaprizes #giveaways

7) Join any of the open giveaways on Bonggamom Finds (1 entry per giveaway joined)




The Rules
This giveaway ends at 11:59PM PST on June 15, 2011; I will draw a winner at random on June 16 and post the winner's name after the winner confirms acceptance. Continental US residents only. For additional giveaway rules, click here. Good luck!

Disclosure: I received a product sample, but have not been paid to review the product or give my opinions. Product information is provided by the featured company/product and is indicated in italics. The views and opinions expressed here are my own.

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Lights, Camera, Pocoyo -- win a Pocoyo DVD set!

For such an unassuming little fellow, Pocoyo certainly gets around. His award-winning preschool television series is broadcast in the US, UK, Spain, Ireland, Australia and many other countries. He's a social media maven and blogger extraordinaire, with a Facebook page, a Twitter account, a YouTube channel and a blog. And now he's going to Hollywood and he's walking the Red Carpet!

Here's more information:
Hollywood’s big night for celebration is right around the corner--The 83rd Annual Academy Awards® on February 27, 2011! Everyone is excited to watch the movie stars walk the red carpet and receive their awards for great performances! And, Pocoyo, who has himself won many awards around the globe, has a special surprise to share to celebrate the event!

Pocoyo will be starring in his very own advertisements starting this week throughout the month of February on the premiere entertainment channel, E! Entertainment Television! And, if you watch E!’s Pre-Awards Show on the night of February 27th, you will no doubt see Pocoyo doing what he does best, playing and having fun with his friends!


Celebrate the awards with Pocoyo by downloading the awards ballot for the big night to share with family and friends. Don’t forget to tune-in to E! Entertainment Television to see your favorite little boy enjoy the spotlight!


Win a Pocoyo DVD set
One lucky Bonggamom Finds reader will receive a DVD set consisting of the following titles:



* In “Meet Pocoyo!,” Pocoyo and friends explore the world around them. In seven hilarious stories, Pocoyo enjoys making music, blowing bubbles, solving puzzles and even watching an egg hatch.

* In “Super Pocoyo,” Pocoyo explores, discovers, encounters, laughs, questions and celebrates. Join Pocoyo and his friends Duck, Elly, Loula and Sleepy Bird as they play hide and seek, fly an airplane and go on a camping adventure!

* In “Fun & Dance,” whether he is playing with a beach ball or thumping on the drums, the charming Pocoyo loves to have fu with his pals, Pato, Loul and Sleepy Bird. From skipping rope to building textiles, adorable Pocoyo spends his days discovering new things in seven engaging stories.


Required Entry
Leave a comment on this post and share which nominee you think will win the Oscar award for Best Picture. This entry must be completed before extra entries qualify.


Extra Entries
For extra entries, you can do any or all of the following. Please leave a separate comment for each extra entry with a way to verify the entry (i.e. tweet link, blog post link, Facebook id, Twitter id, etc.).

1) Subscribe to Bonggamom Finds updates (1 entry).

2) Follow Bonggamom Finds on Networked Blogs (1 entry).

3) Follow Bonggamom Finds on Blogger(1 entry).

4) Write this on the Bonggamom Finds Facebook page (1 entry):
I entered the Pocoyo giveaway! http://tinyurl.com/bonggaprizes

5) Write this on the Pocoyo Facebook page wall (1 entry):
I entered the Pocoyo giveaway on Bonggamom Finds! http://tinyurl.com/bonggaprizes

6) Follow Pocoyo (@pocoyo_us) on Twitter and tweet this, up to once per day (1 entry per day, leave a comment with the tweet link for each tweet):
Win a Pocoyo DVD set from @pocoyo_us and @bonggafinds http://tinyurl.com/bonggaprizes #giveaways

7) Join any of the open giveaways on Bonggamom Finds (1 entry per giveaway joined)




The Rules
This giveaway ends at 11:59PM PST on February 28, 2011; I will draw a winner at random on March 1 and post the winner's name after the winner confirms acceptance. Continental US residents only. For additional giveaway rules, click here. Good luck!

Disclosure: I did not receive a sample or monetary compensation for this post. Product information is provided by the featured company/product and is clearly indicated as such. The views and opinions expressed here are my own.

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Dinosaur Train pajama giveaway

Get ready, Dinosaur Train fans! PBS Kids is airing a new Dinosaur Train episode on January 17. My kids love watching Buddy the T-Rex and his adopted Pteranodon family go on adventures and learn about natural history and natural science, and they love the paleontologist who appears at the end of every episode and compares the dinosaurs they saw in the program to modern-day animals.


Here's a press release with more information about the new episode and about the Dinosaur Train series:

The hit television series Dinosaur Train ® is roaring into 2011 with an all-new episode premiering Monday, January 17 on PBS KIDS® (check local listings). In the all-new episode, “The Good Mom;” “Diamond Anniversary,” Mrs. Pteranodon meets fellow mom Millie Maiasaura, who is a little too over-protective of her kids. The two moms share some time comparing mothering methods in a play date at the Big Pond. And, Mr. and Mrs. Pteranodon decide to surprise each other with gifts on their anniversary.

DINOSAUR TRAIN, created by Craig Bartlett (Hey Arnold!), embraces and celebrates the fascination that preschoolers have with both dinosaurs and trains while encouraging basic scientific thinking and skills. Each episode includes animated segments with live-action sequences featuring a paleontologist who brings to life the show's natural science and natural history curriculum for preschoolers, giving specific facts about dinosaurs and comparing their features to animals of today.

DINOSAUR TRAIN is a Parents’ Choice Recommended TV series, and the DINOSAUR TRAIN website received a Parents’ Choice Silver Award and was the recipient of a prestigious 2010 Prix Jeunesse Award.

Win Dinosaur Train pajamas
To celebrate the premiere of the new Dinosaur Train episode, Dinosaur Train is giving away a Dinosaur Train footed pajama set (size 4T) to one lucky Bonggamom Finds reader! Available at Kohl’s, these “Dinosaur Train™ Striped Footed Pajamas” are the perfect way to keep toddlers warm and cozy during the winter months The dinosaur appliques and striped pattern on these footed pajamas offer timeless touches, and the footed design keep toes toasty.



Required Entry
Leave a comment on this post and tell me your favorite Dinosaur Train character. This entry must be completed before extra entries qualify.


Extra Entries
For extra entries, you can do any or all of the following. Please leave a separate comment for each extra entry with a way to verify the entry (i.e. tweet link, blog post link, Facebook id, Twitter id, etc.).

1) Grab my blog button and post it up on your blog (1 entry).

2) Subscribe to Bonggamom Finds updates (1 entry).

3) Write this on the Bonggamom Finds Facebook page (1 entry):

I entered the Dinosaur Train PJ giveaway! http://tinyurl.com/4hrxpj4

4) Follow Bonggamom Finds on Networked Blogs (1 entry).

5) Follow Bonggamom Finds on Blogger(1 entry).

6) Follow Bonggamom Finds on Twitter and tweet this, up to once per day (1 entry per day, leave a comment with the tweet link for each tweet):

Win Dinosaur Train footed pajamas on @bonggafinds http://tinyurl.com/4hrxpj4 #giveaways


The Rules
This giveaway ends at 11:59PM PST on February 1, 2011; I will draw a winner at random on February 2 and post the winner's name after the winner confirms acceptance. Pajamas are size 4T. Continental US residents only. For additional giveaway rules, click here. Good luck!



Disclosure: I did not receive a sample or monetary compensation for this post. Show information is provided by the featured company and is clearly indicated as such. The views and opinions expressed here are my own.

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Thomas the Tank Engine Prize Pack giveaway

Remember last week, when I asked you to vote for everyone's favorite engine, Thomas the Tank, to win Toy Property of the year? Your loyalty to Thomas has paid off: Today I'm giving away a Thomas the Tank Engine prize pack to one lucky Bonggamom Finds reader, and if you voted for Thomas at http://www.toyawards.org/, you'll get THREE extra entries into this giveaway!

The Thomas prize pack for this giveaway includes:

* 1 small Thomas toy
* 1 Thomas DVD
* 1 Thomas book
* 1 Thomas viewfinder


This prize was provided in conjunction with Thomas and Friends' nomination in the Property of the Year category of the 2011 Toy of the Year Awards. I think Thomas is a wonderful brand that teaches kids all the right value, so I'm more than happy to cast my vote for him (and do a bit of campaigning for him too!).

Required entry:
Leave a comment on this post and tell me why you or your child loves Thomas and Friends. This entry must be completed before any extra entries will count.


Extra Entries
For extra entries, you can do any or all of the following. Please leave a separate comment on this post for each extra entry, with a way to verify the entry (i.e. tweet link, blog post link, blog comment link, Facebook id, Twitter id, etc.).

1) Vote for Thomas in the Property of the Year category of the TOTY Awards (3 entries, leave 3 comments if you complete this entry).

2) Write this on the Bonggamom Finds Facebook wall (1 entry):

I entered the Thomas the Tank giveaway on Bonggamom Finds! http://ow.ly/3r6Rp

3) Follow Bonggamom Finds on Blogger (1 entry).

4) Tweet this, up to once per day (1 entry per day, leave a comment with the tweet link for each tweet):

Enter to win a Thomas the Tank Engine prize pack on @bonggafinds! http://ow.ly/3r6Rp #giveaway

5) Tweet this, up to once per day (1 entry per day, leave a comment with the tweet link for each tweet):

RT @bonggafinds: Vote for Thomas and Friends to win Toy Property of the year at http://www.toyawards.org/

6) Join any of my other open giveaways (leave a comment with the name of the giveaway you joined, 1 entry per giveaway you've joined).



This giveaway ends at midnight PST on December 30, 2010; I will draw a winner at random on December 31 and post the winner's name as soon as the winner confirms acceptance. For additional giveaway rules, click here. Good luck!

Disclaimer: I did not receive samples or financial compensation for this post or giveaway. Prize is being provided by DKC Public Relations, who reserves the right to substitute any of the items in the prize pack for items of a similar value. The views and opinions expressed here are my own.

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Help Thomas the Tank Engine win Toy Property of the Year!

Are you a fan of Thomas the Tank Engine? You can help Thomas and Friends win Property of the Year at this year's Toy of the Year (TOTY) Awards! The TOTY Awards are like the Oscars of the Toy Industry, and the 2011 winners will be announced at an awards ceremony to be held before the start of American International Toy Fair on Saturday, February 12, 2011 at Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York City.

Property of the Year Award will go to the property that has had the greatest success spreading its brand throughout the industry in 2010. Besides Thomas & Friends, the other nominees in this category are Ben 10 Ultimate Alien (Cartoon Network Enterprises), Chuggington (Ludorum), Dinosaur Train (The Jim Henson Company), Monster High (Mattel) and Toy Story 3 (Disney Consumer Products). Finalists in this category and 10 others were selected by Nomination Committees from a record 500+ toys, games and properties submitted for consideration across 11 TOTY categories.

Looking at the nominees, I think all six brands were hot, hot hot in 2010, but in my opinion Chuggington, Monster High, Ben 10 and Dinosaur Train (which I really, really love) don't have the cross-generational appeal that Thomas and Toy Story 3 have. Thomas, while definitely a child's character, has been around since 1945, so even middle aged men have a soft spot for him. Toy Story 3, while not as old as Thomas, is a worldwide phenomenon that people of all ages love. Impressed as I am with the Disney merchandising juggernaut, I think Thomas should win because Thomas is on clothing, shoes, bags, food, books, CDs, DVDs, party goods, and so many other things besides play sets and stuffed animals.

How about you? What do you think? You can vote for your favorite toy at ToyAwards.org, TOTY's consumer voting website. Now through January 14, 2011, families can vote, download a Holiday Gift Guide, and register to win fantastic prizes. So don't delay -- get on board, and vote for everyone's favorite train!

Psst, here's a secret: I'll be running a giveaway for a Thomas the Tank Campaign Party Package, with four fun Thomas toys, very very soon...... and if you vote for Thomas at ToyAwards.org, you'll get an extra entry into the giveaway!

Disclosure: I did not receive a sample or monetary compensation for this post. DKC Public Relations will be sponsoring a future Thomas the Tank giveaway on this site. Contest information is provided by the featured company/product and is clearly indicated as such. The views and opinions expressed here are my own.

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Super WHY Christmas DVD giveaway

The winter break is fast approaching, and with all those days off from school, kids' brains have a tendency to go on vacation as well. Fortunately there are lots of fun activities you can do with your children to keep their minds active. One of my favorite kids' shows, Super WHY, sent me some tips from their experts about making the most of the season and keep them on track toward becoming "Super Readers". Super WHY was a huge help in getting 3Po and Jammy on the path to reading last summer, so I know firsthand that they really know their stuff! Here are their tips:


* Have your child decipher the special message inside your Christmas cards and read the names of family and friends out loud to you as you address the envelopes. Your “super readers” will enjoy reading the notes inside the holiday greetings that arrive in your own mailbox, too!

* Bring your kids along for some Christmas shopping and let them sound out the signs in the store (i.e. “toys,” “home & garden,” “bedding,” etc.).

* Help your children compose their “wish list” for Santa – and work together to write one for yourself, too!

* Get a cozy fire going or make some hot cocoa and warm up with your child while reading a Christmas classic storybook.


Even though 3Po and Jammy have made it through that first big reading hurdle -- sounding out letters to read words -- these tips are great for kids at their level as well. Your kids can also spend part of the winter break catching up on some Super WHY episodes on PBS, or on DVD. Their new DVD, "‘Twas the Night Before Christmas and Other Fairytale Adventures" is the perfect way to get young Super Readers in the holiday spirit, while keeping their literacy skills strong. Here's more information about the DVD:


The Super Readers are on a special mission to find out why Santa Claus visits children on Christmas. To find the answer to their question, the Super Readers fly into the classic story "'Twas the Night Before Christmas". While in the story, the Super Readers meet Santa and discover that he visits all the children because it makes both him and them happy.

Featuring four Super WHY episodes, “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas,” “The Ghost Who was Afraid of Halloween,” “The Three Feathers” and “The Stars in the Sky,” the engaging and adorable DVD offers even more literacy-focused fun with special features, including interactive games, music videos, printable activities, coloring pages and resources for parents!



Take 20% off a personalized Super WHY sweatshirt from Ty's Toy Box

To keep the “Hip! Hip! Hooray!” holiday cheer going strong this season, Super WHY and the folks at Ty’s Toy Box are offering a special coupon code just for you and your readers!! Just visit http://superwhy.tystoybox.com/ and input the coupon code “POWER” anytime from 12/6 to 12/13 to receive 20% off on the purchase of one personalized Super WHY sweatshirt!


Win a Super WHY DVD for Christmas!
One lucky Bonggamom Finds winner will receive a copy of the new Super WHY holiday DVD, "‘Twas the Night Before Christmas and Other Fairytale Adventures".


Required Entry
Leave a comment on this post and share a tip to keep preschoolers' minds engaged during the winter break. This entry must be completed before extra entries qualify.


Extra Entries
For extra entries, you can do any or all of the following. Please leave a separate comment for each extra entry with a way to verify the entry (i.e. tweet link, blog post link, Facebook id, Twitter id, etc.).

1) Grab my blog button and post it up on your blog (1 entry).

2) Subscribe to Bonggamom Finds updates (1 entry).

3) Write this on the Bonggamom Finds Facebook page (1 entry):

I entered the Super WHY Christmas DVD giveaway! http://tinyurl.com/27ocjoj

4) Follow Bonggamom Finds on Networked Blogs (1 entry).

5) Follow Bonggamom Finds on Blogger(1 entry).

6) Follow Bonggamom Finds on Twitter and tweet this, up to once per day (1 entry per day, leave a comment with the tweet link for each tweet):

Win a Super WHY Christmas DVD from @bonggafinds http://tinyurl.com/27ocjoj #giveaways


The Rules
This giveaway ends at 11:59PM PST on December 20, 2010; I will draw a winner at random on December 21 and post the winner's name after the winner confirms acceptance. Continental US residents only. For additional giveaway rules, click here. Good luck!

Disclosure: I did not receive a sample or monetary compensation for this post. Product information is provided by the featured company and is clearly indicated as such. The views and opinions expressed here are my own.

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Dinosaur Train DVD giveaway

Get ready, Dinosaur Train fans! PBS Kids is airing a new episode on December 6. My kids love watching Buddy the T-Rex and his adopted Pteranodon family go on adventures and learn about natural history and natural science, and they love the paleontologist who appears at the end of every episode and compares the dinosaurs they saw in the program to modern-day animals.

Here's a press release with more information about the new episode and about the Dinosaur Train series:

THE JIM HENSON COMPANY PREMIERES A NEW EPISODE OF THE AWARD-WINNING DINOSAUR TRAIN™ SERIES ON PBS KIDS® IN DECEMBER

HOLLYWOOD, CA (November 29, 2010) –An all new episode of the hit CG-animated preschool series, DINOSAUR TRAIN™, is scheduled to premiere December 6 on PBS KIDS®, where the series ranks in the top 5 children’s programs among kids ages 2 to 5.*

In “Big Stomping Dinosaur Feet;” “Hornucopia,” Daphne, a Daspletosaurus shows Buddy how to make stomping a fun dance instead of a temper tantrum. At the Big Pond, Tank introduces the Pteranodon family to his friend, Stacie Styracosaurus, a fellow Ceratopsian with a crown of elaborate horns on her head.

Encore presentations of “Dinosaurs in the Snow;” “Cretaceous Conifers” will broadcast on December 8, 12, 20, and 24 (check local listings). The episode is also one of eight fun and educational adventures available on the DINOSAURS IN THE SNOW DVD from PBS KIDS and Paramount Home Entertainment, in which Buddy travels to the North Pole, explores nocturnal animals, becomes a detective, celebrates his birthday and more! The DVD also features an interactive game, coloring pages, a dinosaur reference guide and parent information. SRP: $14.99.

In DINOSAUR TRAIN, young viewers join Buddy and his adoptive family of Pteranodons on whimsical adventures through prehistoric jungles, swamps, volcanoes and oceans as they unearth basic concepts in natural science, natural history and paleontology. The Dinosaur Train is a colorful locomotive, customized to accommodate all kinds of dinosaurs, and it has the ability to visit the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous worlds, while the Train’s Conductor, a knowledgeable Troodon, provides passengers with fascinating facts along the way.

DINOSAUR TRAIN is a Parents’ Choice Recommended TV series, and the DINOSAUR TRAIN website received a Parents’ Choice Silver Award and was the recipient of a prestigious 2010 Prix Jeunesse Award.



Win a Dinosaur Train DVD
To celebrate the premiere of the new Dinosaur Train episode, I've been given a copy of the Dinosaur Train DVD "Dinosaurs in the Snow" -- and I'm giving it away to one lucky Bonggamom Finds reader!



Required Entry
Leave a comment on this post and tell me your favorite Dinosaur Train character. This entry must be completed before extra entries qualify.


Extra Entries
For extra entries, you can do any or all of the following. Please leave a separate comment for each extra entry with a way to verify the entry (i.e. tweet link, blog post link, Facebook id, Twitter id, etc.).

1) Grab my blog button and post it up on your blog (1 entry).

2) Subscribe to Bonggamom Finds updates (1 entry).

3) Write this on the Bonggamom Finds Facebook page (1 entry):

I entered the Dinosaur Train DVD giveaway! http://www.bonggafinds.com

4) Follow Bonggamom Finds on Networked Blogs (1 entry).

5) Follow Bonggamom Finds on Blogger(1 entry).

6) Follow Bonggamom Finds on Twitter and tweet this, up to once per day (1 entry per day, leave a comment with the tweet link for each tweet):

Win a Dinosaur Train DVD from @bonggafinds http://www.bonggafinds.com #giveaways


The Rules
This giveaway ends at 11:59PM PST on December 15, 2010; I will draw a winner at random on December 16 and post the winner's name after the winner confirms acceptance. Continental US residents only. For additional giveaway rules, click here. Good luck!

Disclosure: I did not receive a sample or monetary compensation for this post. Show information is provided by the featured company and is clearly indicated as such. The views and opinions expressed here are my own.

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Win a Webkinz Jr. plush pet

I've got some great news! Two days ago I started a Webkinz Jr. giveaway for a Webkinz Jr. gift pack because I had some extra party supplies from my recent Webkinz Jr. party. I guess someone must be reading my posts (oh yay, it's not just my husband and great-aunt!) because Ganz contacted me and offered to add a plush Webkinz Jr. pet to the giveaway prize package!

That's right, my Webkinz Jr. giveaway prize package now includes:
* 1 Webkinz Jr. plush pet (winner's choice of pets from the Webkinz Jr. online catalogue)
* 1 sheet of Webkinz Jr. stickers
* 1 Webkinz Jr. coloring book
* 1 Webkinz Jr. audio cd, "Bebop & the Beats"

I've also extended the giveaway deadline by 2 days so you can get more chances to win. Remember, I'll be drawing 3 winners (that's three, tres, troi, drei, san, tatu, III, три), so your chances of nabbing this great prize pack are excellent. Click here to go to my giveaway post and enter!

Disclosure: I hosted a party for Webkinz Jr. courtesy of Ganz and MomSelect. I was not paid to review the product or give my opinions. Product information is provided by the featured company/product and is clearly indicated as such. The views and opinions expressed here are my own.

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Dora the Explorer "We Did It!" Doll Review and Giveaway

Can you believe it? Dora the Explorer is 10 years old! It seems just yesterday that The Pea was jumping up and down in front of the tv, yelling "Arriba! Abajo!" and singing "We Did It" along with Dora and Boots and Benny. But yes, last month Dora the Explorer celebrated her 10th anniversary -- and to get the party started, Fisher-Price has released an updated version of the popular "We Did It! Dora" dancing doll. We received one of the dolls to review (and we're giving one away!), so keep reading to find out what we thought about it:


The Basics
Fisher-Price's new version of the original We Did It! Dora Doll takes Dora into the 21st century. Dora has longer hair, new clothes, and new dance moves.

Here's what Fisher-Price has to say about the new doll:
In honor of the 10th anniversary, Fisher-Price has taken Dora and her signature “We Did It” dance to the next level as the doll comes to life like never before for an entirely new generation of Dora fans. Fisher-Price introduced its first We Did It! Dora Doll in 2002 and it quickly soared to the top of kids’ wish lists as one of the best-selling toys of the holiday season.

The original Dora doll sang the “We Did It!” song and swayed back and forth to the music. Eight years of technological advances later, Fisher-Price turns the new Dora doll into a truly magical experience. This year, Dora engages kids with her signature songs and dance and moves her arms, swings her beautiful long hair and swivels her body to the beat as she teaches kids the steps to her signature dance and engages them with four modes of interactive play: Teach-Me (where Dora teaches kids the “We Did It!” Dance), “We Did It!” Dance, Freeze Dance, and Say It Two Ways bilingual dance game. The “We Did It!” doll is for children three years and up and retails for $39.99.


The Bongga
Fisher-Price certainly Did It with this doll -- I'm amazed that The Pea liked this doll so much! Not because the doll sucks (quite the opposite), but because she's nine. If The Pea likes this doll, imagine how a 3 year old Dora fan would feel! Here's what we loved the most:

* The Pea loves Dora's silky long hair (I'm glad they decided to have real hair on the doll instead of plastic molded hair!) . It's a lot longer than the older version, so little girls can style it.

* You all know I'm not a big fan of the newer, tweeny Dora version, so I'm so glad this Dora looks like her preschool self, albeit prettier and a bit more feminine -- which I think actually makes her look great. This is one Dora makeover I approve of!

* Dora has some pretty sweet moves! She waves her arms up and down, swivels her hips and turns around. To a grownup she might look a tad possessed, but I think kids really love her.


Ummm... oops. I guess I held my camera the wrong way! Here's a better version......



* There's a lot of variety in Dora's songs and dialogue, so kids don't get bored. Also, each song lasts quite a while so kids don't have to keep pressing the button to restart.

The Blah
Here are some things that I think could be improved:

* There are long periods of time when Dora doesn't move at all, which might make parents wonder if she's broken already -- but don't worry, she's not.

* You can't remove Dora's orange trousers. It would be nice for girls to be able to change Dora's outfit!

* Also, this doll doesn't come with instructions. I know, how hard can it be to press a button, right? But she's marketed as having 4 modes of interactive play, so it would be nice to know from the start how to switch from mode to mode. Even a short blurb on the carton would be nice.

The Bottom Line
Dora is destined to be a hit with preschoolers for decades to come, and this new We Did It! Dora doll is destined to be a must-have item for a whole new generation of Dora fans.


Win a We Did It! Dora Doll
One lucky Bonggamom Finds reader will receive a We Did It! Dora doll.


Required Entry
Leave a comment on this post and tell me your child's favorite Dora the Explorer character. This entry must be completed before extra entries qualify.


Extra Entries
For extra entries, you can do any or all of the following. Please leave a separate comment for each extra entry with a way to verify the entry (i.e. tweet link, blog post link, Facebook id, Twitter id, etc.).

1) Grab my blog button and post it up on your blog (1 entry).

2) Subscribe to Bonggamom Finds updates (1 entry).

3) Leave a comment on my We Did It! Dora video on YouTube (1 entry):

4) Follow Bonggamom Finds on Networked Blogs (1 entry).

5) Follow Bonggamom Finds on Blogger(1 entry).

6) Follow Bonggamom Finds on Twitter and tweet this, up to once per day (1 entry per day, leave a comment with the tweet link for each tweet):

It's Dora the Explorer's 10th anniversary! Celebrate on @bonggafinds by entering to win a We Did It! Dora doll http://tinyurl.com/28zkx7n #giveaways

7) Join any of the giveaways currently running on Bonggamom Finds (1 entry for each giveaway you've joined).


The Rules
This giveaway ends at 11:59PM PST on September 30, 2010; I will draw a winner at random on October 1 and post the winner's name after the winner confirms acceptance. US addresses only. For additional giveaway rules, click here. Good luck!

Disclosure: I did not receive a sample or monetary compensation for this post. I received a product sample, but was not paid to review the product or give my opinions. Product information is provided by the featured company/product and is clearly indicated as such. The views and opinions expressed here are my own.

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Webkinz Jr. "Bebop & the Beats" music Review

These days, whenever my kids log on to Webkinz or Webkinz Jr., the first thing they do is look around for a Webkinz music video to watch. They're short music videos featuring Webkinz (or Webkinz Jr.) characters scampering and playing across the screen, with a grownup singing a catchy little tune. I well remember how crazy I was about music videos in the 80's, but the music videos these days are pretty explicit (both the lyrics and the visuals), so I'm happy they are getting their fill of music videos on such an innocent venue as Webkinz!

I recently had the good fortune of hosting a Webkinz Jr. party courtesy of MomSelect (check out my party post!), and one of the items I was given for our party guests was a Webkinz Jr. cd. It's a collection of 8 catchy songs, each with a preschool theme (abc's, colors, counting, opposites, shapes, friends, jumping and dancing), sung by the Webkinz Jr. band , Bebop & the Beats. They sound a lot like the music in the videos that my kids watch on Webkinz World, which I suppose is why they really enjoy this cd.



Your child can listen to these songs on Webkinz Jr. by logging on to their account and "turning on" (or to be precise, clicking on) the tv in their virtual pet's playroom. If your child doesn't have a Webkinz Jr. account, he or she can watch their music videos on the Ganz Videos Webkinz YouTube channel -- they're all there, exactly as they appear on Webkinz Jr.





I don't think the cd is available for sale, but you can enter my Webkinz Jr. giveaway for a chance to win one of these fun cd's for your child. If you leave a comment on this post, you'll even get an extra entry!

Disclosure: I received a sample cd from MomSelect and Ganz, but was not paid to review the product or give my opinions. Product information is provided by the featured company/product and is clearly indicated as such. The views and opinions expressed here are my own.

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Word World's "Build A Word" iPhone app Giveaway

I was recently invited to review WordWorld’s new “Build a Word” iPhone app, but I don't own an iPhone, so once again I'm giving the game code away to one lucky Bonggamom Finds reader. The WordWorld show on PBS is so adorable, with animals literally built out of words, and I'll bet my kids would love it. Man, I really need an iPhone. Or better yet, WordWorld needs to port this app to other platforms. Hey guys, when are you making an Android version?!


Win a WordWorld "Build a Word" app for the iPhone



Here's more information about the game:
WordWorld, a three time Emmy Award-winning, multi-media franchise, helps children learn English and develop key literacy skills. It is an innovation that is partially funded by the U.S. Department of Education and has been demonstrated by rigorous scientifically-based testing to improve children’s early literacy skills, including: print awareness, letter knowledge and comprehension. WordWorld is just as it sounds: A magical world made of words where fun rules the day.

With the WordWorld “Build a Word” app, children can shake a “Word Builder” and watch letters float across the phone screen. They can then place letters in an outline provided to build words one letter at a time. By pushing the letters of each word together, words magically "morph" into WordFriends! DOG, DUCK, PIG, ANT, FROG, SHEEP, BUG, COW, CAT, and BEE come to life, encouraging children to build early literacy skills. Learning to read has never been this much fun!


Required Entry
Leave a comment on this post and tell me your kids' favorite character on WordWorld. This entry must be completed before extra entries qualify.


Extra Entries
For extra entries, you can do any or all of the following. Please leave a separate comment for each extra entry with a way to verify the entry (i.e. tweet link, blog post link, Facebook id, Twitter id, etc.).

1) Grab my blog button and post it up on your blog (1 entry).

2) Subscribe to Bonggamom Finds updates (1 entry).

3) Write this on the Bonggamom Finds Facebook page (1 entry):

I entered the Build A Word iPhone app giveaway! http://www.bonggafinds.com

4) Follow Bonggamom Finds on Networked Blogs (1 entry).

5) Follow Bonggamom Finds on Blogger(1 entry).

6) Follow Bonggamom Finds on Twitter and tweet this, up to once per day (1 entry per day, leave a comment with the tweet link for each tweet):

Win a Build A Word iPhone app on @bonggafinds http://www.bonggafinds.com #giveaways

7) Join any of the giveaways currently running on Bonggamom Finds (1 entry for each giveaway you've joined).


The Rules
This giveaway ends at 11:59PM PST on September 27, 2010; I will draw a winner at random on September 28 and post the winner's name after the winner confirms acceptance. The prize consists of a code good for 1 free download of Build A Word. For additional giveaway rules, click here. Good luck!

Disclosure: I was given a code for a free Build A World download, which I am giving away as the giveaway prize. I was not paid to review the product or give my opinions. Product information is provided by the featured company/product and is clearly indicated as such. The views and opinions expressed here are my own.

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New Episodes of Sid the Science Kid

Last summer my kids learned a lot from Sid the Science Kid when we reviewed 2 of Sid's DVD's, The Bug Club and Change Happens -- and this summer looks like it could a Sid Summer too. We received another Sid DVD earlier this year -- Weather Kid Sid -- which my kids really enjoyed, a new Sid the Science Kid episode premiered recently, and more new episodes are slated to arrive in the fall! I love how Sid and his friends tackle new problems and make new discoveries with every episode, and teach preschoolers how much fun it can be to learn.

Here's a description of Weather Kid Sid DVD:
Rain, rain, go away; Sid the Science Kid wants to play! Sid s not too happy when rain threatens to squash his play date outside. But the more Sid learns about the rain, the more he understands how important precipitation is. In fact Sid is learning about all kinds of weather patterns and how it affects our world. At school Sid studies the sun and how it lights up our world. At home, Sid s family visits relatives where it s really chilly. Brrrr! It s cold in here... Sid hits the science lab to discover that wind, rain and sun can be fascinating and fun!


And here's a description of Sid's new tv episode, the No School SingAlong Special:
Sid wonders what he could possibly do on his day off from school. But when all his friends come over for a play date, they quickly put their science minds together and decide to put on a show in the backyard! They each take turns rocking out as they sing their favorite science songs for a very appreciative audience of Mom, Dad, and Zeke!

Here's a special preview:


The show debuted on June 21; check your local PBS listings for replay dates.

Disclosure: I did not receive a sample or monetary compensation for this post. Product information is provided by the featured company/product and is clearly indicated as such. The views and opinions expressed here are my own.

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