Monday, February 15, 2010

HearthSong {Review & Giveaway} Come Climb Inside the Great Big Outdoor Playball

{This giveaway is now closed. Thanks to those who entered!}

Considering the amount of toys that my girls and I have seen over the years, I would have thought it might be hard to find one that could still really impress us. After all, if you combine the toys from the baby showers, birthdays, holidays, clearance sales, LOTS of garage sales and Grandma visits that have occurred around here, our house actually already resembles a toy store in itself.

Don't get me wrong, my girls love and appreciate the toys that we have and, without fail, are still interested in playing with them each and every day. However, from the time I began browsing the HearthSong website, I knew that I had discovered someplace great.

And when we received a Great Big Outdoor Playball (they even included an Electric Pump) from HearthSong, saying that we were impressed doesn't cover it. We were downright jaw-dropping, eyes-bugging, speechlessly blown away.

A whopping 52" in diameter, the Great Big Outdoor Playball (GBOP) encourages imaginative play and pure enthusiasm that is unmatched in the world of toys. What else is out there that can begin to be compared to something like this? If another toy exists that allows children the opportunity to run and laugh and experience the world from a new perspective while instilling wonder every time that they see it... well, I sure haven't found it.

Unfortunately, it was a little too cold and snowy outside for us to play with the GBOP in the yard but I wasn't going to let that stop us from having a blast with it. As I moved a few pieces of furniture, my husband spent about 20 minutes inflating the GBOP with HearthSong's Electric Pump (each section is separate, making them stronger and so that if there ever was a leak, the entire thing wouldn't deflate).

When it was finally ready, Big Sister E could barely contain her excitement.

She climbed in, she climbed out, she called, "Roll me! Roll me!" over and over and laughed continually the entire time her body flipped and turned inside the GBOP, which easily withstands being actively tugged or pushed around. Big Sister E also took turns rolling the ball (even though it's quite a bit taller than she is) and giving various stuffed animals rides throughout the room, all the while commenting on the fun they were having inside.

My husband thought that Little Sister B might be scared of the GBOP, seeing as it was a mountain compared to her, but, after contemplating it for a while and giving it a few pats, she also ventured in.

Little Sister B loved the GBOP as well and even though we didn't roll her around in it, she still had a great time climbing and exploring. The holes were great to play peek-a-boo through and, because the blue and green plastic was translucent, she had a blast getting up close to look through at me. Later on, she and Big Sister E spent well over an hour going in and out with toys and books and I was informed that their "house" was extremely comfortable.

There are so many HearthSong Exclusives, the toys that you can't find anywhere else, that are unique and exceptional that really show the company's commitment to helping parents provide their children with educational, entertaining, high-quality playthings. Their slogan, Toys You'll Feel Good About Giving, is more than accurate because of the level of enjoyment that they will bring for years to come.

Whether shopping for your own children or for a gift, HearthSong's items actually end up being enjoyed by the whole family, which is a big bonus when making a purchase. Even though the GBOP is recommended for ages 6 and up, Little Sister B and Big Sister E have been in love with it since the first day we inflated it (Mommy and Daddy think it's pretty fun, too) and everyone who has come to our house to see it is amazed.

"The bubble! The BUBBBBBLLLLLLLE!" Big Sister E cries, getting a running start, as soon as she glimpses the blue and green colors while Little Sister B crawls right inside without hesitation. What will their imaginations have it be today? So far the GBOP has been a bus, a train, a rocket, a boat, even a bed... and of course the coolest ball we've seen. Sure, it has the word Outdoor in its name, but that definitely hasn't stopped it from being a year-round toy at our house.

Think the GBOP might be a little too big for your kids? In that case, there is the GBOP Jr. (shown at left), a red 36" ball that can still be rolled, raced, thrown or kicked as well. Or, think the GBOP isn't quite big enough? Coming next month, HearthSong will offer the Incred-A-Ball, a yellow and orange 65" version! I can't imagine what kids and adults could come up with in that one!

From their huge selection to their competitive prices to their stellar customer service, visiting HearthSong always continues to amaze me. They accept nothing less than your complete satisfaction and guarantee it with no conditions and no time limits. If, at ANY time and for ANY reason, you aren't happy with your purchase, you can exchange it or receive a full refund. I don't think I have ever seen a company stand behind their products to that degree and it says an awful lot about HearthSong that they not only care about their customers but that they fully believe in the long-lasting value of their collections.

Also, thanks to HearthSong's tremendous generosity, I am really excited that one person will get to bring running, rolling, turning, and spinning joy into their home because...

One lucky person will win a Great Big Outdoor Playball AND Electric Pump of their own! ARV $90!


To enter to win: Check out all of the amazing items that HearthSong offers and tell me which one(s) you would love to own. It will be hard to choose just one! Do me the favor of leaving an email address or making absolutely sure it is visible in your profile, I have to have a way to contact the winner.

Extra Entries (available after the mandatory entry above is completed; please leave a separate comment for each entry in order for them to be counted)

1 Extra Entry (per method) if you request a HearthSong catalog and/or subscribe to HearthSong's emailed newsletter. If you enter your email address when requesting a catalog, that will subscribe you to their newsletter, so you get both entries!
1 Extra Entry (per giveaway entered) - Enter any (or all) of the giveaways running on Thanks, Mail Carrier for the duration of this giveaway.
1 Extra Entry if you follow me on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway by copying and pasting the tweet below and leaving me the link. Tweet daily for an extra entry every day!

Come PLAY INSIDE HearthSong's Great Big Outdoor Playball!! Win one + Pump (ARV $90) @thxmailcarrier! http://bit.ly/a3ETFE #win #giveaway

2 Extra Entries (per follow method) if you follow me with Google Friend Connect, subscribe to my RSS feed or subscribe to Thanks, Mail Carrier by email.
3 Extra Entries if you put my cute button up on your blog. Please leave an address where it can be found.
3 Extra Entries if you blog about this giveaway linking back to Thanks, Mail Carrier and HearthSong. Please leave an address where it can be found.


Giveaway will end on March 11th at 11:59pm CST. Do me the favor of leaving an email address or making absolutely sure it is visible in your profile, I have to have a way to contact the winner. The winner will be chosen by random.org and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to contact me or respond to notification or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is open to U.S. residents only.

A great big GIANT thank you to HearthSong for providing a GBOP and Electric Pump for me to review as well as for one lucky giveaway winner. We are so smitten with your company and products, it's ridiculous! The opinions shared are my own and if you really need to see more, click here to see how I roll.

1285 comments:

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Family-Friendly Product Reviews said...

I'm a google friend. Entry #1

fancygrlnancy said...

entered nuddle kids
bwneyes100 AT hotmail DOT com

Family-Friendly Product Reviews said...

I'm a google friend. Entry #2

fancygrlnancy said...

entered random line
bwneyes100 AT hotmail DOT com

fancygrlnancy said...

entered little billies
bwneyes100 AT hotmail DOT com

fancygrlnancy said...

entered eirofit
bwneyes100 AT hotmail DOT com

Chip said...

I love the Natural Canvas Kid Teepees. I would love to get my kids one of them.

chipdip2010(at)hotmail(dot)com

Chip said...

Signed up for their catalog.

chipdip2010(at)hotmail(dot)com

Chip said...

Entered This Little Piggy House giveaway.

chipdip2010(at)hotmail(dot)com

Chip said...

I'm an email subscriber #1

chipdip2010(at)hotmail(dot)com

Chip said...

I'm an email subscriber #2

chipdip2010(at)hotmail(dot)com

Stephanie said...

Magneatos look very cool too!
tvollowitz at aol dot com

Anonymous said...

My daughter would love the dance with me fairy doll.

TheOutspokenYam said...

half_blue_sky@yahoo.com

Love the Under the Sea Hideaway!

TheOutspokenYam said...

half_blue_sky@yahoo.com

entering eden's fantasy

TheOutspokenYam said...

half_blue_sky@yahoo.com

entering erofit

TheOutspokenYam said...

half_blue_sky@yahoo.com

entering devacurl

TheOutspokenYam said...

half_blue_sky@yahoo.com

follow and tweeted

http://twitter.com/KissesForUsAll/status/9173839405

TheOutspokenYam said...

half_blue_sky@yahoo.com

following with google

TheOutspokenYam said...

half_blue_sky@yahoo.com

follow with google 2

TheOutspokenYam said...

half_blue_sky@yahoo.com

rss subscriber

TheOutspokenYam said...

half_blue_sky@yahoo.com

rss subscriber 2

Nadi said...

I like the Disc Golf Challenge game.

treflea4 at gmail dot com

Nadi said...

I follow with Google friend.
1

treflea4 at gmail dot com

Nadi said...

I follow with Google friend.
2

treflea4 at gmail dot com

freddie said...

I like the Firefly Lantern, Inflatable Ice Skating Ring, and the Rocking Seasaw.

freddie said...

Signed up for HearthSong email. dwelchert@yahoo.com

freddie said...

Follow via Google Friend. dwelchert@yahoo.com

Talia's travel blog said...

I love the Wizard of Oz Puppet Collection.

taliastravelblog (at) gmail

Dee said...

The zipline looks really cool!

Angie Bailey said...

I also love the Yackle Ball, Flingshot Monkeys, and Flying Space Monkeys. abailey_crace@yahoo.com

Angie Bailey said...

1. Subscribe via email. abailey_crace@yahoo.com

Angie Bailey said...

2. Subscribe via email. abailey_crace@yahoo.com

Angie Bailey said...

Follow and tweeted. http://twitter.com/theladya/status/9184356275. abailey_crace@yahoo.com

Steph said...

I liked the Connectagons Under The Sea kit.

Crystal said...

My son would love the Cascade Tower.
Thanks!
davidandotis(at)yahoo(dot)com

ShellyH said...

My grand daughter would love that ball! I also like the girls patchwork quilt!

Ravish30 at aol dot com

ShellyH said...

entered piggy's house

Ravish30 at aol dot com

ShellyH said...

entered little billies

Ravish30 at aol dot com

ShellyH said...

entered walking wings

Ravish30 at aol dot com

ShellyH said...

entered randomline games

Ravish30 at aol dot com

ShellyH said...

entered nuddle kids blanket

Ravish30 at aol dot com

ShellyH said...

tweet- http://twitter.com/Ravish30/status/9186753980

ravish30 at aol dot com

ShellyH said...

1. following via google

ShellyH said...

2. following via google

wildcat32 said...

I would love to own the Adventurers Tropical Tree House.
monster6236(at)gmail(dot)com

wildcat32 said...

follow and tweet http://twitter.com/5memb/status/9188015628
monster6236(at)gmail(dot)com

chris said...

my kids love to bowl so the giant bowling game lok slike fun!

Anonymous said...

tweet
http://twitter.com/talonsmom731/statuses/9189061240
talonsmom731 at gmail dot com

Tracey said...

Liz would like the Quick Change Watch craft kit.
traymona[at]aol.com

The Dreamer said...

love the construction utensils!

addeviant006 at gmail dot com

The Dreamer said...

love the construction utensils!

addeviant006 at gmail dot com

The Dreamer said...

follower

addeviant006 at gmail dot com

The Dreamer said...

follower

addeviant006 at gmail dot com

2

The Dreamer said...

button at amomcandream.blogspot.com

addeviant006 at gmail dot com

♥Yaya's Mommy ♥ said...

entered glasses USA
itzacin@gmail.com

♥Yaya's Mommy ♥ said...

entered eden's fantasy
itzacin@gmail.com

Donna said...

I would love to have the Dance With Me Fairy Doll!

Donna said...

I subscribe.

Donna said...

I subscribe (2)

kelley wood said...

i like`the giant bowling set.

kelley wood said...

http://twitter.com/mysweetcarolina/status/9192536296
follow you on twitter

kelley wood said...

FOllow with GFC

Miss Heidi said...

My top 3 items are-1.World Fusion Block Set: Dragon, Czars & Arches 2.Melody Lap Harp 3.Pocketful of Memories Book. Thanks.

sweet_soul_sistermi@yahoo.com

Jennifer said...

I so want the Natural Canvas Kid Teepees

Jennifer said...

I follow you on Twitter (@jkgorcery) and I tweeted: https://twitter.com/jkgorcery/status/9196696632

Jennifer said...

I entered your Eden Fantasys giveaway

Jennifer said...

I entered your This Little Piggy's giveaway

Jennifer said...

I entered your Franklin Goose giveaway

Jennifer said...

I entered your GlassesUSA giveaway

Jennifer said...

I entered your EIROfit giveaway

Jennifer said...

I entered your My Reward Chart giveaway

Jennifer said...

I entered your Walking Wings giveaway

Jennifer said...

I entered your Nuddle giveaway

Jennifer said...

I entered your DevaCurl giveaway

selinda_mccumbers said...

My son would love the Giant Bowling Game!

Sunnyvale said...

the 3-D home planner would be fun to have

Ames said...

HappyVille Blocks look so fun!

Anissa said...

I like the Connectagons Butterflies and Flowers.

Anissa said...

I entered the Randomline giveaway

Anissa said...

I entered the This Little Piggy giveaway

Anissa said...

I entered the Franklin Goose giveaway

Anissa said...

I entered the Eden Fantasys giveaway

Anonymous said...

I would love to own the giant bowling game.

brandon_ralston@hotmail.com

Pat Connors said...

My pre-teen would love the Connectagons® Butterflies and Flowers

risanjax@metrocast.net

casey aubut said...

Daily Tweet!
http://twitter.com/tally2525/status/9201564350
cassandra@aubut.net

aledol said...

Imagine my place villa mansion

aledol said...

GFC 2

aledol said...

EM 2

aledol said...

http://twitter.com/aleshamom4/status/9203222083

aledol said...

EM news sign up

aledol said...

Snail mail catalog sign up

Bebemiqui said...

I like Ladybug Land!
bebemiqui82(at)yahoo(dot)com

Lisa R said...

The Shock Rocker looks awesome for the summer

sibabe64 at ptd dot net

Lisa R said...

email subscriber 2
sibabe64 at ptd dot net

Lisa R said...

google follower 1

sibabe64 at ptd dot net

Lisa R said...

google follower 2

sibabe64 at ptd dot net

AStarrA said...

http://twitter.com/AStarrAMama/status/9207871753

mogrill said...

The Wobbler looks fun. Thanks for the chance.
mogrill@comcast.net

Jaydensgrandma said...

My grandson would love the Waterfall Bath Toy
joyerast AT hotmail DOT com

Jaydensgrandma said...

signed up for the newsletter
joyerast AT hotmail DOT com

Jaydensgrandma said...

subscribe to Rss feed #1
joyerast AT hotmail DOT com

Jaydensgrandma said...

subscribe to Rss feed #2
joyerast AT hotmail DOT com

Jaydensgrandma said...

follow with google connect #1
joyerast AT hotmail DOT com

Jaydensgrandma said...

follow on Google conntect #2
joyerast AT hotmail DOT com

Jaydensgrandma said...

subscribe to email #1
joyerast AT hotmail DOT com

Jaydensgrandma said...

subscribe to email #2
joyerast AT hotmail DOT com

Jaydensgrandma said...

entered this little piggy
joyerast AT hotmail DOT com

Jaydensgrandma said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Stacy said...

The HappyVille Blocks looks like a bunch of fun.

llinda29 said...

I like Butterfly Nurseries

Kristy said...

I like the "Deer"-est Friends Wall Stickers

Kristy said...

I receive the hearthsong catalog!

Kristy said...

I get the hearthsong email newsletter!

Kristy said...

Entered piggy house giveaway!

Kristy said...

Entered EIRO giveaway!

Kristy said...

Entered Little Billies giveaway!

Kristy said...

Entered Random Line giveaway!

Kristy said...

Entered Deva Curl giveaway!

Kristy said...

Entered Eden giveaway!

Kristy said...

Follower 1

Kristy said...

Follower 2

Kristy said...

Feed subscriber! 1

Kristy said...

Feed subscriber! 2

Kristy said...

Email subscriber! 2

Jaydensgrandma said...

entered glassesUSA
joyerast AT hotmail DOT com

Jaydensgrandma said...

entered Franklin Goose
joyerast AT hotmail DOT com

Jaydensgrandma said...

entered eirofit
joyerast AT hotmail DOT com

Jaydensgrandma said...

entered little billies
joyerast AT hotmail DOT com

Jaydensgrandma said...

entered walking wings
joyerast AT hotmail DOT com

Jaydensgrandma said...

entered randomline
joyerast AT hotmail DOT com

Jaydensgrandma said...

entered nuddle kids blanket
joyerast AT hotmail DOT com

Jaydensgrandma said...

entered devacurl
joyerast AT hotmail DOT com

Jaydensgrandma said...

entered eden fantasys
joyerast AT hotmail DOT com

Jaydensgrandma said...

entered Petit couture
joyerast AT hotmail DOT com

cstironkat said...

I like the Connectagons® Butterflies and Flowers

Katie said...

The The Wurlybird Flyer looks awesome!
katiekarr at gmail dot com

Katie said...

I entered your Eden Fantasys giveaway.
katiekarr at gmail dot com

fancygrlnancy said...

tweet
http://twitter.com/fancygrlnancy/status/9217959275
bwneyes100 AT hotmail DOT com

Courtney :) said...

I think the dodge tag and giant bowling would be amazing.

Courtney :) said...

I think the dodge tag and giant bowling would be amazing.

smilekisses said...

My daughter would like the Heart Solitare game.
dolniaks[at]consolidated[dot]net

lilpinksocks said...

I have twins and I think they would love the rocking Seesaw!
lilpinksock31(at)gmail(dot)com

lilpinksocks said...

I follow on twitter (lilpinksocks) and tweeted: http://twitter.com/lilpinksocks/statuses/9224189049
lilpinksock31(at)gmail(dot)com

lilpinksocks said...

I follow with GFC #1
lilpinksock31(at)gmail(dot)com

lilpinksocks said...

I follow with GFC #2
lilpinksock31(at)gmail(dot)com

lilpinksocks said...

RSS feed subscriber via google reader #1
lilpinksock31(at)gmail(dot)com

lilpinksocks said...

RSS feed subscriber via google reader #2
lilpinksock31(at)gmail(dot)com

lilpinksocks said...

Email subscriber #1
lilpinksock31(at)gmail(dot)com

lilpinksocks said...

Email subscriber #2
lilpinksock31(at)gmail(dot)com

lilpinksocks said...

I entered the cardboard playhouse giveaway!
lilpinksock31(at)gmail(dot)com

lilpinksocks said...

I entered the Nuddle giveaway
lilpinksock31(at)gmail(dot)com

lilpinksocks said...

I entered the Franklin Goose giveaway
lilpinksock31(at)gmail(dot)com

ShellyH said...

tweet-

http://twitter.com/Ravish30/status/9234524562
ravish30 at aol dot com

Anonymous said...

tweet
http://twitter.com/talonsmom731/statuses/9235972122
talonsmom73 at gmail dot com

wigget said...

i would love to own the Marshmallow Shooter

wigget said...

subscribed to HearthSong's newsletter.

wigget said...

entered Little Billies giveaway

wigget said...

entered RandomLine giveaway

wigget said...

entered Eden Fantasys giveaway

Bethany said...

I would LOVE to have the Dress Up Carousel!

http://www.hearthsong.com/product.asp?pcode=2696

logan 4301 at yahoo dot com

Bethany said...

Requested catalog


logan 4301 at yahoo dot com

Bethany said...

Email subscriber, Hearthsong


logan 4301 at yahoo dot com

Bethany said...

Follower (Google) 1


logan 4301 at yahoo dot com

Bethany said...

Follower, Google 2


logan 4301 at yahoo dot com

Bethany said...

Entered the Petite Couture giveaway!


logan 4301 at yahoo dot com

Bethany said...

Entered in This Little Piggy's Playhouse giveaway


logan 4301 at yahoo dot com

Tara said...

Looks like fun--also, my son would love this Constructive Eating Utensils and Plate!

tara at mama koala dot com

aledol said...

http://twitter.com/aleshamom4/status/9242079936

aledol said...

http://4tmama.blogspot.com/2010/02/tmc.html
1)

aledol said...

http://4tmama.blogspot.com/2010/02/tmc.html
3)

aledol said...

http://4tmama.blogspot.com/2010/02/4tmama-tmc.html
1)

aledol said...

http://4tmama.blogspot.com/2010/02/4tmama-tmc.html
2)

aledol said...

http://4tmama.blogspot.com/2010/02/4tmama-tmc.html
3)

Jessica said...

I also really like the A Safer Sandbox
jjak2003 at gmail dot com

Jessica said...

I follow through google friend connect 1
jjak2003 at gmail dot com

Jessica said...

I follow through google friend connect 2
jjak2003 at gmail dot com

Jessica said...

I subscribe via e-mail 1
jjak2003 at gmail dot com

Jessica said...

I subscribe via e-mail 2
jjak2003 at gmail dot com

Jessica said...

I requested the catalog
jjak2003 at gmail dot com

Jessica said...

I signed up for their email newsletter
jjak2003 at gmail dot com

Jessica said...

I follow through twitter and tweeted
http://twitter.com/jjak2003/statuses/9244644105
jjak2003 at gmail dot com

Cindy said...

I LIKE THE SPIRO HOP
familytiesandgrowingpains@gmail.com

Gale said...

I follow on Google...would love the ball for my grandbabies!!

AStarrA said...

http://twitter.com/AStarrAMama/status/9251098733

Heavenly Savings said...

I love the Dress-Up Carousel
Kwhiz84(at)live(dot)com

Heavenly Savings said...

Requested Catalog
Kwhiz84(at)live(dot)com

Heavenly Savings said...

subscribe to HearthSong's email
Kwhiz84(at)live(dot)com

Heavenly Savings said...

Follow your blog on Google friend!
Krista W.
www.heavenlysavings.blogspot.com
Kwhiz84(at)live(dot)com

wildcat32 said...

daily tweet http://twitter.com/5memb/status/9254536460
monster6236(at)gmail(dot)com

fancygrlnancy said...

tweet
http://twitter.com/fancygrlnancy/status/9259618072
bwneyes100 AT hotmail DOT com

Wehaf said...

I would love the brew your own root beer kit, the rocking color cone, and some connectagons.

urchiken at gmail dot com

Teresa said...

The dimple dolls are adorable!
mstlee2000 @ hotmail.com

Teresa said...

I entered the little piggy house giveaway
mstlee2000 @ hotmail.com

Teresa said...

I entered the franklin goose giveaway
mstlee2000 @ hotmail.com

Teresa said...

I entered the glasses usa giveaway
mstlee2000 @ hotmail.com

Teresa said...

I entered the deva curl giveaway
mstlee2000 @ hotmail.com

Teresa said...

I entered the eden fantasys giveaway
mstlee2000 @ hotmail.com

Teresa said...

I follow via GFC #1
mstlee2000 @ hotmail.com

Teresa said...

I subscribe via rss feed
mstlee2000 @ hotmail.com

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