Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Traveling With Children: Entertainment {My Busy Kit Review & Giveaway}

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

This product is featured as part of a week of Traveling With Children necessities.

Aside from eating, I knew the main thing that would be necessary for traveling with Big Sister E would be entertainment. Kids are happy when they are occupied with something that can hold their attention and keep them busy, right? Particularly when stuck on an airplane or in a car, it's beyond important to have just the right combination of things to color, play, create and discover. Any parent knows that without that, the boredom can lead to all sorts of whining, crying and misbehaving.

But who wants to go to a bunch of different stores to buy a million and one little trinkets that may or may not really be all that interesting to children? It would be nice if someone could have tested a huge variety of things beforehand and could tell you all the ones that kids really like. And wouldn't it be nice if they could all be found together in one portable, colorful, fun package?


I made sure to keep the My Airport Busy Kit I packed hidden from Big Sister E until the perfect moment arrived to pull it out and show it to her while we were flying. Not only was she getting a little fidgety, but I was beginning to feel the effects of traveling and was looking for a way to keep her happy while I could lean my head back and relax for a while.

You can imagine that when she saw the shiny, clear tote bag (made out of phthalate-free vinyl) being brought out and caught a glimpse of the array of fun items inside, I was definitely not needed any longer. I think the hardest decision was which cool thing to play with first. The markers? The stickers? The measuring tape?

Created for ages 3 and up, the My Busy Kit was stock full of age-appropriate activities and goodies that could be used in any number of ways depending on Big Sister E's creativity and imagination. She had a great time coloring in the activity pad or on the wooden shape sticks, finding out that the scissors cut a neat pattern and discovering all the variety of ways to play with Wikki Stix.


The founders of My Busy Kit, Lorraine Akemann and Annabel Heinemann, are moms that are familiar with keeping kids occupied, as between them their five children have traveled around the world and survived in part due to their innovative bags. Not only inventors, these entrepreneurs also give back to their community and write a successful blog, Keeps Me Smiling, that includes a variety of great hints and ideas to share stories and recommendations to make life a little better. What inspiring women!

Whether you are looking for a way to keep your child occupied on a plane, in a car, at a restaurant or just on a rainy day at home, My Busy Kit takes the guesswork out of figuring out what to bring and neatly packages it all together for you. A huge bonus (and eco-friendly plus) is that the cute bag is reusable, so you're easily able to refill it with items that have run out or your child's personal favorites.

Ready to avoid some squirming and complaining from your child the next time they have to sit or wait? Thanks to the generosity of My Busy Kit, one person will have a great surprise to pull out the next time it is needed, because...

One lucky person will win a My Airport Busy Kit of their own! ARV $19.95!


To enter to win a My Airport Busy Kit: Visit My Busy Kit and tell me which of their products is your favorite AND where it would most come in handy for the child in your life.

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 if you suggest an item (not currently included) that you think should be added to the My Busy Kits.
1 Extra Entry (per method) if you follow Keeps Me Smiling on Twitter, become a fan on Facebook and/or subscribe to the RSS feed of the Keeps Me Smiling blog.
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!

My Busy Kits provide endless creativity & imagination! WIN one @thxmailcarrier from @keepsmesmiling! http://bit.ly/9dwshs #win #giveaway

2 Extra Entries (per follow method) if you follow me with Google Friend Connect (see sidebar), 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 My Busy Kit. Please leave an address where it can be found.

Giveaway will end on March 25th 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. Giveaway open to U.S. residents only.

A huge thank you to My Busy Kit for providing a My Airport Busy Kit for me to review as well as for one lucky giveaway winner. What a great bag of entertainment! The opinions shared are my own and if you really need to see more, click here to see how I roll.

588 comments:

«Oldest   ‹Older   1 – 200 of 588   Newer›   Newest»
Christine Jensen said...

I would pick the My Busy Kit for Boys and it would be great for long car rides!

kissyjensen at gmail dot com

Christine Jensen said...

Following Keeps Me SMiling on twitter as @stickyprints

kissyjensen at gmail dot com

Jennifer said...

I like the My Busy Kit for Girls and it would come in handy when we go on the 12 hour road trip to grandmas

Jennifer said...

I think they should add one for other travel options like railroad, boat, car, etc.

Jennifer said...

I follow via google friend connect #1

Jennifer said...

I follow via google friend connect #2

Jennifer said...

I subscribe via email #1

Jennifer said...

I entered your Petit Couture giveaway

Jennifer said...

I entered your EvoraKids giveaway

Jennifer said...

I entered your Chic Monkey Boutique giveaway

Jennifer said...

I entered your ABC Neckties giveaway

Jennifer said...

I entered your Mrs. Smith's giveaway

Jennifer said...

I entered your CARES giveaway

one frugal lady said...

My busy kit for girls would be great too! I could use this for entertainment for my toddler girl! I have 4 month old twins, so we are always at the doctors office for them!
onecheaplady@yahoo.com

one frugal lady said...

facebook fan of my busy kits!
onecheaplady@yahoo.com

one frugal lady said...

I follow you via google friend connect! #2
onecheaplady@yahoo.com

one frugal lady said...

I subscribe to thanks, mail carrier via e-mail! #1
onecheaplady@yahoo.com

one frugal lady said...

I subscribe to thanks, mail carrier via e-mail! #2
onecheaplady@yahoo.com

one frugal lady said...

I entered the nuddle blanket giveaway!
onecheaplady@yahoo.com

one frugal lady said...

I entered the petit couture giveaway!
onecheaplady@yahoo.com

one frugal lady said...

I entered the chic monkey boutique giveaway!
onecheaplady@yahoo.com

one frugal lady said...

I entered the ABC neckties giveaway!
onecheaplady@yahoo.com

one frugal lady said...

I entered the fibers.com giveaway!
onecheaplady@yahoo.com

one frugal lady said...

I entered the ultimate pillow giveaway!
onecheaplady@yahoo.com

one frugal lady said...

I entered the mrs. smith diaper bag giveaway!
onecheaplady@yahoo.com

Sylvia said...

I like the My Busy Kit for Girls
sylviawhit@gmail.com

Unknown said...

We take quite a few roadtrips a year. My boys would like the magnifying glass and the wiki sticks.

Kim said...

also love: My Busy Kit for Boys (age 3+) we'd use it on flights!

Kim said...

google follower 1

Kim said...

google follower 2

Kim said...

email subscriber 2

Kim said...

feed subscriber 1

Kim said...

entered petit couture contest

Kim said...

entered natura contest

Kim said...

entered mrs smiths contest

Kim said...

entered Cares contest

Anonymous said...

I just the My Little Suitcase....

Take care,
Donna

Anonymous said...

Add an action figure.

Take care,
Donna

Anonymous said...

I follow your blog.

Take care,
Donna

Anonymous said...

I subscribe to e-mail.

Take care,
Donna

Anonymous said...

I've entered Nuddle giveaway.

Take care,
Donna

Anonymous said...

I've entered DevaCurl giveaway.

Take care,
Donna

Anonymous said...

I've entered HearthSong giveaway.

Take care,
Donna

Anonymous said...

I've entered Chic Monkey Boutique giveaway.

Take care,
Donna

Anonymous said...

I've entered the Fibers.com giveaway.

Take care,
Donna

Anonymous said...

I've entered the Natura giveaway.

Take care,
Donna

Anonymous said...

I've entered the Mrs. Smith's Diaper Bag....giveaway.

Take care,
Donna

debijackson said...

I'd pick the busy kit for car rides with my grandsons. jacksond@nhr3.net

debijackson said...

email jacksond@nhr3.net

debijackson said...

twitter

debijackson said...

facebook

debijackson said...

eden fantasy gw entry

Family-Friendly Product Reviews said...

I would pick the My Busy Kit for Girls...this would come in handy during the long wait at the Dr.'s office!

Family-Friendly Product Reviews said...

I entered the Natura giveaway.

Family-Friendly Product Reviews said...

I entered the outdoor playball giveaway.

Unknown said...

oh wow what a great idea. i am taking 2 kids (3yr & 10) on an flight to Florda this summer and boy am I ever dreading the flight that is estimated to be about 8 hours! Yikes! I hope I win!
I like the little pig flash loght in the girls kit the best. :)
lynnnjoe@hotmail.com

Unknown said...

i would like to see an etch a scetch. one of the mini ones
lynnnjoe@hotmail.com

Family-Friendly Product Reviews said...

I follow Keeps me smiling on Twitter (@melissaaggie98)

Family-Friendly Product Reviews said...

I follow Keeps me smiling on FB (Melissa Johnson Cleaver)

Family-Friendly Product Reviews said...

I follow Keeps me smiling in my google reader.

Family-Friendly Product Reviews said...

I follow and tweeted:
http://twitter.com/melissaaggie98/status/9942043973

Family-Friendly Product Reviews said...

I subscribe via email. melissaaggie98@att.net
Entry #1

Family-Friendly Product Reviews said...

I subscribe via email. melissaaggie98@att.net
Entry #2

Family-Friendly Product Reviews said...

I'm a google friend.
Entry #1

Family-Friendly Product Reviews said...

I'm a google friend.
Entry #2

Family-Friendly Product Reviews said...

I subscribe to your feed.
Entry #1

Family-Friendly Product Reviews said...

I subscribe to your feed.
Entry #2

Unknown said...

i follow keep me smileing on twitter
@LynnAnnMatthews
lynnnjoe@hotmail.com

Jennifer said...

I follow Keeps Me Smiling on Twitter (@jkgorcery)

Jennifer said...

I follow you on Twitter (@jkgorcery) and I tweeted: https://twitter.com/jkgorcery/status/9942292554

Ellen C. said...

The kit for boys would be great to keep my son busy while we go to doctor appointments. Thanks for the chance.

sweetascandy579 at yahoo dot com

Unknown said...

i am a keeps me smiling fb fan
lamatthews
lynnnjoe@hotmail.com

Unknown said...

i subscribe to the keeps me smileing blog
lynnnjoe@hotmail.com

Unknown said...

i entered the fibers giveaway
lynnnjoe@hotmail.com

Unknown said...

i entered the ultimate pillow giveaway
lynnnjoe@hotmail.com

Unknown said...

tweet!
http://twitter.com/LynnAnnMatthews/status/9943448309
lynnnjoe@hotmail.com

Unknown said...

i follow you on friend connect
lynnnjoe@hotmail.com
entery #1

Unknown said...

i follow you on friend connect
lynnnjoe@hotmail.com
entery #2

Unknown said...

i subscribe to your rss feed
lynnnjoe@hotmail.com
entery #1

Unknown said...

i subscribe to your rss feed
lynnnjoe@hotmail.com
entery #2

Unknown said...

i subscribe via email
lynnnjoe@hotmail.com
entery #1

Unknown said...

i subscribe via email
lynnnjoe@hotmail.com
entery #2

Unknown said...

your button is here
http://mommyofalittleblond.blogspot.com/
lynnnjoe@hotmail.comn
entery #1

Unknown said...

your button is here
http://mommyofalittleblond.blogspot.com/
lynnnjoe@hotmail.comn
entery #2

Unknown said...

your button is here
http://mommyofalittleblond.blogspot.com/
lynnnjoe@hotmail.comn
entery #3

Unknown said...

I just blogged about your My Busy Kit contest at http://shortnsweetsreflections.blogspot.com/2010/03/traveling-with-children-necessities.html

Unknown said...

I just became a fan of My Busy Kit on Facebook

Unknown said...

My favorite kit would be the My Busy Kit for Boys (age 3+). My grandchildren live in CO and we live in OK so road trips are often. My grandchild, age 7, is a little hyper and I think this kit would help keep him occupied.

Unknown said...

I think an age appropriate BINGO game would be a big hit. They could have the squares filled with common items found while on a trip and a small stamper to stamp the picture when one item is seen. The kit would include a pad (or two pads) of BINGO sheets so more than one game can be played.
It would be nice to have two varieties...one for flying and one for driving.

Unknown said...

I'm following Keeps Me Smiling on Twitter

Unknown said...

I'm following you on twitter and here is my link to tweeting about the contest on my page http://twitter.com/home/nanawinq

Unknown said...

I am a subscriber to Thanks, Mail Carrier on my email account

Anonymous said...

i would choose the my busy kit for boys. this would be for my little grandson. i think he would love this!
polly
cherubpk@aol.com

Anonymous said...

email subscriber #1.
polly
cherubpk@aol.com

Anonymous said...

email subscriber #2.
polly
cherubpk@aol.com

Anonymous said...

follow google friend connect #1.
polly
cherubpk@aol.com

Anonymous said...

follow google friend connect #2.
polly
cherubpk@aol.com

Rachel C said...

The busy kit for girls would be great for trips to grandparent's houses.
rach62803@yahoo.com

Rachel C said...

email subscriber 1
rach62803@yahoo.com

Rachel C said...

email subscriber 2
rach62803@yahoo.com

r said...

entered Nuddle giveaway.
rach62803@yahoo.com

Rachel C said...

entered HearthSong giveaway.
rach62803@yahoo.com

Rachel C said...

entered Chic monkey giveaway.
rach62803@yahoo.com

Rachel C said...

entered ABC tie giveaway.
rach62803@yahoo.com

Rachel C said...

entered pillow giveaway.
rach62803@yahoo.com

Rachel C said...

entered Mrs. Smith's giveaway.
rach62803@yahoo.com

susan said...

I also love the My Busy Kit for Boys and this would so come in handy when we travel (which we do quite often).

susan said...

I'd love to see a kit containing a magna doodle or some kind of drawing item without the mess.

susan said...

I follow Keeps Me Smiling on Twitter.

susan said...

I entered your HearthSong giveaway.

susan said...

I entered your CARES giveaway.

susan said...

I follow and tweeted. http://twitter.com/susanlanai/status/9954112962

susan said...

I follow on Google Friend Connect 1.

susan said...

I follow on Google Friend Connect 2.

susan said...

I'm an email subscriber 1.

susan said...

I'm an email subscriber 2.

Paul, Cristina, Sebastian, Matteo, Luca, and Emilio said...

My buusy kit for boys. We just left all our family in FL and are living in MA so it would be great for the airplane trips!

cmsilvauf at hotmail dot com.

Paul, Cristina, Sebastian, Matteo, Luca, and Emilio said...

I subscribe via rss

cmsilvauf at hotmail dot com.

Stephanie said...

My Busy Kit for Boys looks great too. Going on a trip across the pond this summer with my toddler and this looks perfect!
tvollowitz at aol dot com

cstironkat said...

I like the My Busy Kit for Boys (age 3+)this would keep the boys busy during the 3 hr trip to Grandpas.

cstironkat said...

I tweeted http://twitter.com/cstironkat/status/9962720126

cstironkat said...

I would like to see a book added to the kits.

Dawn said...

I like the My Busy Kit for Girls.

Angie Bailey said...

My fave is the My Busy Kit for Girls (age 3+). This would be great for my niece when she's with her grandparents on the weekends when they want to go for a long car drive because she usually gets restless. 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...

Tweeted. http://twitter.com/theladya/status/9971895208. abailey_crace@yahoo.com

Elena G said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Elena G said...

I like the My Busy Kit for Boys and it would be handy for our road trips.
elena.cacahuete(at)gmail(dot)com

Elena G said...

Follow Keeps Me Smiling on Twitter (@spelena).
elena.cacahuete(at)gmail(dot)com

wildcat32 said...

I would love to have the My Busy Kit for Boys for my son to play with while he is at his sisters events.
monster6236(at)gmail(dot)com

wildcat32 said...

follow and tweet http://twitter.com/5memb/status/9974416095
monster6236(at)gmail(dot)com

Elena G said...

Became a fan of My Busy Kit on Facebook (Elena Shkinder-Gugel).
elena.cacahuete(at)gmail(dot)com

Elena G said...

Follow you on Twitter and tweeted:
http://twitter.com/spelena/status/9974481242
elena.cacahuete(at)gmail(dot)com

Elena G said...

#2 Follow you with Google Friend Connect (Elena Shkinder-Gugel).
elena.cacahuete(at)gmail(dot)com

Elena G said...

#2 Subscribed to your RSS feed.
elena.cacahuete(at)gmail(dot)com

Elena G said...

#2 Email subscriber.
elena.cacahuete(at)gmail(dot)com

Katrina said...

I would pick the My Airport Busy Kit and use it on a plane

ykatrina at hotmail dot com

Elena G said...

Entered the Nuddle, The New Way To Nap + Cuddle Giveaway.
elena.cacahuete(at)gmail(dot)com

Tracey said...

My Busy Kit for Girls would be good for Liz on cartrips and rainy days at home.
traymona[at]aol.com

♥Yaya's Mommy ♥ said...

I follow friend connect #1
itzacin@gmail.com

♥Yaya's Mommy ♥ said...

I subscribe to your feed #1
itzacin@gmail.com

♥Yaya's Mommy ♥ said...

i subscribe to your feed #2
itzacin@gmail.com

♥Yaya's Mommy ♥ said...

i get our emails #1
itzacin@gmail.com

♥Yaya's Mommy ♥ said...

i get your emails #2
itzacin@gmail.com

♥Yaya's Mommy ♥ said...

I have your cute lil' button http://littleyayasandblessed.blogspot.com/
itzacin@gmail.com

♥Yaya's Mommy ♥ said...

#3 I have your cute lil' button http://littleyayasandblessed.blogspot.com/
itzacin@gmail.com

♥Yaya's Mommy ♥ said...

entered Nuddle Blanket
itzacin@gmail.com

Elena G said...

Entered the Chic Monkey Boutique Giveaway.
elena.cacahuete(at)gmail(dot)com

♥Yaya's Mommy ♥ said...

entered Eden's Fantasy
itzacin@gmail.com

♥Yaya's Mommy ♥ said...

entered Great big outdoor play ball and pump.
itzacin@gmail.com

♥Yaya's Mommy ♥ said...

entered Chic Monkey Boutique gift cert.
itzacin@gmail.com

♥Yaya's Mommy ♥ said...

entered ABC neckties
itzacin@gmail.com

♥Yaya's Mommy ♥ said...

entered Fibers.com
itzacin@gmail.com

Anonymous said...

I like the Boys Busy Kit. My son would love the tape measure in the Airplane kit. Great idea!

Wendy
ebeandebe at gmail dot com

selinda_mccumbers said...

My Busy Kit for Boys for a trip to TN!

Rachel C said...

follower 1
rach62803@yahoo.com

Rachel C said...

follower 2
rach62803@yahoo.com

Rachel C said...

entered travel buddies giveaway.
rach62803@yahoo.com

Unknown said...

I think the My Busy Kit for Boys would be a great gift to my Nephew, for him to use while they travel to visit us!

flufffreebies@hotmail.com

wigget said...

i most like the My Busy Kit for Boys which would be great when traveling to grandma's

wigget said...

entered The Ultimate Pillow from Natura giveaway

wigget said...

entered Mrs. Smith's Diaper Bag giveaway

Unknown said...

i entered the traveling buddys giveaway
lynnnjoe@hotmail.com

Unknown said...

tweet of the day
http://twitter.com/LynnAnnMatthews/status/9986378514
lynnnjoe@hotmail.com

Unknown said...

i entered the travleing buddys giveaway
lynnnjoe@hotmail.com

Unknown said...

daily tweet!
http://twitter.com/LynnAnnMatthews/status/9986504345
lynnnjoe@hotmail.com

Anonymous said...

I entered the Mrs Smiths Diaper Bag giveaway.

Wendy
ebeandebe at gmail dot com

Ellie Wright said...

The My Busy Kit for Boys is my favorite. It would be great for my 5 year old grandson who has a 45 minute car ride twice a day to and from my house.

eswright18 at gmail.com

Ellie Wright said...

I am following on twitter @eswright18.
eswright18 at gmail.com

Ellie Wright said...

I follow thxmailcarrier on Twitter @eswright18 and tweeted.
http://twitter.com/eswright18/status/9990385838

Anonymous said...

My Busy Kit for Boys would be perfect for Roadtrips- my grandson would love it.granny72@hotmail.com

Nadi said...

My favorite is the My Busy Kit for Girls. I would use it at restaurants, and at the doctor's office where we always have to wait for a LONG time. Thanks for the chance!

treflea4 at gmail dot com

Nadi said...

I follow Keeps Me Smiling on Twitter (as naughtynad).


treflea4 at gmail dot com

Nadi said...

I follow you on Google Friend.

treflea4 at gmail dot com

Nadi said...

I follow you on Google Friend
Entry 2


treflea4 at gmail dot com

Nadi said...

I subscribed via email

treflea4 at gmail dot com

Nadi said...

I subscribed via email
Entry 2

treflea4 at gmail dot com

Nadi said...

I entered the Hearthsong giveaway.

treflea4 at gmail dot com

Nadi said...

I entered the ABC Necktie giveaway.

treflea4 at gmail dot com

Linda said...

I think the My Busy Kit For Boys would be perfect for my grandson when they travel 6 hours to Grandma's house.
lgrieser(at)sbcglobal(dot)net

mogrill said...

I would love the busy kit. Thanks for the chance.
mogrill@comcast.net

fancygrlnancy said...

I would pick the busy kit for boys and it would be good for vacations with trips in the car
bwneyes100 AT hotmail DOT com

Becky M said...

I like My Busy Kit for Boys... this would come in handy while I am trying to cook dinner!
info(at)mijalphotography(dot)com

Becky M said...

google friend #1
info(at)mijalphotography(dot)com

Becky M said...

google friend #2
info(at)mijalphotography(dot)com

Becky M said...

subscribe to rss feed #1
info(at)mijalphotography(dot)com

Becky M said...

subscribe to rss feed #2
info(at)mijalphotography(dot)com

Becky M said...

email subscriber #1
info(at)mijalphotography(dot)com

Becky M said...

email subscriber #2
info(at)mijalphotography(dot)com

Becky M said...

entered Great Big Outdoor Playball giveaway
info(at)mijalphotography(dot)com

Becky M said...

entered Petit Couture giveaway
info(at)mijalphotography(dot)com

Becky M said...

entered Chic Monkey Boutique giveaway
info(at)mijalphotography(dot)com

Becky M said...

entered the Ultimate Pillow giveaway
info(at)mijalphotography(dot)com

Becky M said...

entered Mrs Smiths giveaway
info(at)mijalphotography(dot)com

Becky M said...

entered CARES giveaway
info(at)mijalphotography(dot)com

one frugal lady said...

I entered the random line on the go game giveaway!
onecheaplady@yahoo.com

Nadi said...

I entered the RandomLine giveaway.

treflea4 at gmail dot com

Rachel C said...

entered RandomLine game giveaway.
rach62803@yahoo.com

Rachel C said...

entered potty seat giveaway.
rach62803@yahoo.com

«Oldest ‹Older   1 – 200 of 588   Newer› Newest»