Thursday, July 29, 2010

Anniversary Bash #9: Maukilo {Review & $75 Gift Certificate Giveaway} Buy once. Play forever.

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

Lately I've been trying to find the time to sort through items around our house to sell in a garage sale. The random extra furniture, the tiny baby clothes and infant gear that we no longer have a use for and the knickknacks that don't have anywhere to be displayed due to Little Sister B's tendency to touch and grab absolutely everything. It all just needs to go.

Along with that, I've spent a good deal of time reevaluating the collection of toys that my daughters have amassed over the years. And what I've found is this: we have a lot of junk. Flimsy, plastic things that require a lot of batteries, break at the first sign of being dropped or bent and have an educational value of... well, not much. I want my kids to be surrounded with items that spark their imagination, inspire them to learn and play and are crafted well enough that they'll last forever.

As it turns out, what I want is just what the creators of the award-winning Maukilo want as well.

Owned by the well-known and loved German toy company HABA (we are big fans, you can check out our HABA review from back in March), Maukilo.com is able to offer the full 1,500 items that HABA sells in the United States, more than any other site out there. In total, however, Maukilo carries more than 40 brands that meet their high standards for quality and fun and live up to their motto: "Buy once. Play forever."

And forever is truly how long my daughters have been playing with the beautiful, creative and unique toys that we were fortunate to review.

Beginning with the fact that no time outside is complete now without our HABA Bucket with valve, both Big Sister E and Little Sister B are head-over-heels for this simple yet innovative item.

An easy-to-carry nylon bag, the HABA Bucket with valve is perfect for kids of all ages for multiple reasons. First, the three strong handles make carrying this extremely easy no matter what size hands are grasping it. Second, the bucket itself holds quite a bit of water, meaning it isn't going to have to be refilled over and over all the time. Third, it is easily collapsed for storage or to put in a beach bag to bring along to the ocean, lake or pool.

However, the best feature is, of course, the inclusion of the uncomplicated valve to let the water slowly run out. Big Sister E has no problem turning the knob to start and stop the stream and the small amount of water that is let out is enough to satisfy them but isn't so much that it drains the bucket out right away. In fact, I couldn't be happier sitting on my porch swing for at least an hour as my girls fill up cups or scoops (Big Sister E's favorite is the Spielstabil Ice Cream Scoop, it's adorable!) over and over with water.

For added fun, we have also been having a great time with the HABA Spilling Funnel, an item that would be perfect to bring along the next time we head to the beach. Simply fill one side with sand and one side with water and it drains out the bottom in a thick mixture that can be used to decorate, build, draw and more. Creating a sand castle will never be the same again!

When I do manage to tear the girls away from the entertainment HABA provides with sand and water, another of Big Sister E's favorite things to do outside is to be a star explorer with her Terra Kids Binoculars by HABA.

Made out of a synthetic rubber, these binoculars are just the right size for little hands and really do work with the twist of a button. Complete with their own neoprene carrying case that clips right on, these binoculars can be taken along for any adventure!

But who wants to go on a journey on an empty stomach? Even though both of my daughters have always enjoyed role playing with pretend food, they were both even more excited to do so with the HABA Biofino Fish and the HABA Shopping Net Fruits.
Having never seen anything like the HABA Biofino Fish before, both of my girls were amazed by it from the moment they saw it. Where else would they have played with a soft, cushy fabric fish that has removable bones? They each love reaching in and out of the Velcro closure to play with the plastic skeleton inside and this unique fish has definitely been caught and "cleaned" many times since its arrival.

I don't know who liked the HABA Shopping Net Fruits more - me (due to the beautiful wood, non-toxic colors and finishes and adorable cotton bag) or my kids (the apples, pears, strawberries and plums are just the right size). This bag and its high quality contents are welcome in our kitchen for play shopping, cooking or eating anytime!

Finally, when it is time to pack to leave for our next adventure or just to clean up when we're through playing, both Big Sister E and Little Sister B can't get enough of the Paulina Suitcase Set of 3.

Nesting right inside one another, these three roomy suitcases can be used for transport (Big Sister E already determined that for our next vacation she will use the large blue one, my husband and I will use the medium pink one and Little Sister B is left with the small green one) or storage.

Instead of another boring bin on our shelf, anything from doll clothes to magnetic letters has gone inside these suitcases and had a good home. Constructed out of laminated board and metal, these suitcases have proven to be very durable and strong no matter how many times they have been swung around or opened and closed. On top of that, their bright colors and horse-themed designs are just too cute to not bring a smile every time!

Whether purchasing classic wooden building blocks or toys, safe and stimulating baby toys, beautiful children's furniture and room decor or much, much more, Maukilo has nothing but the absolute highest quality. Children of all ages will be entertained and inspired with the open-ended possibilities and any parent would be happy with the non-toxic, natural woods and PVC-free plastic materials.

With such an amazing selection that will endure playtime for years to come, Maukilo even has a full 100% satisfaction guarantee that you will love their products as much as we do. The hardest part really is narrowing down your favorites - the choices seem endless! However, thanks to the extreme generosity of Maukilo, one person will get to do just that, because...

One lucky person will win a $75 gift certificate to Maukilo.com!

To enter to win: Visit Maukilo and tell me one of their amazing items that you might like to purchase with this gift certificate.

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 follow Maukilo on Twitter, sign up for their e-newsletter and/or Like them on Facebook. 1 more Extra Entry if you leave the following message on their wall: Maukilo means high quality and fun! I just entered to win a $75 gift certificate at Thanks, Mail Carrier! http://bit.ly/csdC7R
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!

Anniversary Bash #9: WIN a $75 Maukilo Toys gift card for high quality playthings! @thxmailcarrier http://bit.ly/csdC7R #win #giveaway

2 Extra Entries (per follow method) if you follow me publicly with Google Friend Connect, subscribe to my RSS feed, subscribe to Thanks, Mail Carrier by email or become a fan on Facebook.
3 Extra Entries if you put my cute button up on your blog. Please leave an address where it can be found.
1 Extra Entry if you put my Anniversary Bash button up on your blog. And, for the people who put it up BEFORE the event started (I have a list), 3 more extra entries on top of that.
3 Extra Entries if you blog about this giveaway linking back to Thanks, Mail Carrier and Maukilo.com. Please leave an address where it can be found.

Giveaway will end on August 19th 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 big thank you to Maukilo for providing the aforementioned toys for review as well as a $75 gift certificate for one lucky giveaway winner. The opinions shared are my own and honest and if you really need to see more, click here to see how I roll.

1561 comments:

«Oldest   ‹Older   1 – 200 of 1561   Newer›   Newest»
Gina said...

I would love to get the Aquaplay Basic Lock Set Canal System
gsc418@yahoo

Gina said...

I follow Maukilo on Twitter
gsc418@yahoo

Gina said...

1. I'm a Google follower
gsc418@yahoo

Gina said...

2. I'm a Google follower
gsc418@yahoo

Gina said...

1. Your button is on my blog
http://theishblog.blogspot.com
gsc418@yahoo

heather@actingbalanced.com said...

I would put it towards a scooter for my son!

heather at actingbalanced dot com

heather@actingbalanced.com said...

i follow on gfc
heather at actingbalanced dot com

heather@actingbalanced.com said...

I follow on gfc

meeyeehere said...

BlaBla Doll Baby Boy Henri would be just wonderful for my son!
jacksoncrisman@yahoo.com

meeyeehere said...

I follow Maukilo on twitter@ meeyeehere
jacksoncrisman@yahoo.com

meeyeehere said...

I like them on facebook
jacksoncrisman@yahoo.com

meeyeehere said...

http://twitter.com/meeyeehere/status/19827264590
I tweeted and follow you

meeyeehere said...

I subscribe to your feed

meeyeehere said...

subscribe to feed 2
jacksoncrisman@yahoo.com

meeyeehere said...

google follower here!
jacksoncrisman@yahoo.com

meeyeehere said...

follower 2

Mrs. Kaminski said...

My son couldn't get enough of the Gymnic and Rody horse at a friend's lately!

meeyeehere said...

I am a facebook fan too! yay!!!
jacksoncrisman@yahoo.com

Mrs. Kaminski said...

RSS-1

Mrs. Kaminski said...

RSS-2

meeyeehere said...

I subscribe by email too

meeyeehere said...

email 2

meeyeehere said...

cute button up on my blog
http://meeyeehere.blogspot.com/
It's in my top side bar

Snowflake07 said...

I would love to get the BlaBla Prudence Girl Owl Knit Doll for my daughter. The BlaBla line is adorable!
hotpepper71 at bell south dot net

Snowflake07 said...

following on twitter as SnowflakeDay & tweeted: http://twitter.com/SnowflakeDay/statuses/19829179279

Snowflake07 said...

google friend follower (Snowflake07)
#1

Snowflake07 said...

google friend follower (Snowflake07)
#2

Snowflake07 said...

RSS feed subscriber
#1

Snowflake07 said...

RSS feed subscriber
#2

Snowflake07 said...

following Maukilo on twitter as SnowflakeDay

Snowflake07 said...

receiving the Maukilo email/newsletter

Aimee said...

I would love to have the HABA Master Building Ball Track Set

Aimee said...

Follow Maukilo on twitter @pixie13sweeps

Aimee said...

Following & tweeted
http://twitter.com/pixie13sweeps/status/19829765178

Snowflake07 said...

I entered the Hayneedle Giveaway.

cloud10277 said...

I'd get the Plan Toys Adventure Rail and Road Play Set with accessories. It would be a great Christmas present for my son.
cloud10277@hotmail.com

cloud10277 said...

I like Maukilo on Facebook
Tracy P
cloud10277@hotmail.com

cloud10277 said...

I left a message on Maukilo's Facebook Page.
Tracy P
cloud10277@hotmail.com

cloud10277 said...

I entered the Growing Tree Toys giveaway.
cloud10277@hotmail.com

cloud10277 said...

I entered the Shopbedding.com giveaway.
cloud10277@hotmail.com

cloud10277 said...

I entered the 191 Unlimited giveaway.
cloud10277@hotmail.com

cloud10277 said...

I follow you on twitter
@cloud10277
Tweeted:
http://twitter.com/cloud10277/status/19836665979
cloud10277@hotmail.com

cloud10277 said...

Entry #1
I follow with GFC
Tracy P
cloud10277@hotmail.com

cloud10277 said...

I entered the ProFlowers giveaway.
cloud10277@hotmail.com

Elaine said...

I like the HABA Caro Lini Cushion!
Thanks for the giveaway!

Elaine said...

I like Mauliko on Facebook

Elaine said...

I left message on Mauliko's Wall!

Elaine said...

I'm a Facebook fan entry #1

Elaine said...

I'm a Facebook fan entry #2

Elaine said...

I follow with Yahoo RSS Feed entry #1

Elaine said...

I follow with Yahoo RSS Feed entry #2

wigget said...

i might get the Balancing Board

wigget said...

subscriber #2

wigget said...

entered trendy tadpole giveaway

wigget said...

entered domino's pizza giveaway

wigget said...

entered 4moms mamaroo giveaway

wigget said...

entered csn stores giveaway

wigget said...

entered hearthsong giveaway

wigget said...

entered senseo giveaway

Debbie Beedge said...

That Wheely Bee sure is cute!

Debbie Beedge said...

Public GFC follower (1)

Debbie Beedge said...

Public GFC follower (2)

mkjmc said...

The GEOMAG Kids Panels look fun enough for adults to play with

mkjmc said...

Following Maukilo on twitter @mkjmc

mkjmc said...

Signed up for their newsletter kathypersons@yahoo.com

mkjmc said...

LIked them on FB
Kathy Persons

mkjmc said...

POsted comment on their wall Kathy Persons

mkjmc said...

Entering the Growing Trees Giveaway

mkjmc said...

Entered the Birthday Basket Giveaway

mkjmc said...

Entering the MamaRoo Giveaway

mkjmc said...

http://twitter.com/mkjmc/status/19840317747 tweeted

mkjmc said...

Subscribe by email
kathypersons@yahoo.com

mkjmc said...

Google Friend Connect Kathy persons

mkjmc said...

Fan on FB
Kathy Persons

demmi said...

Rythm and Coos Rattles - set of 3 baby-safe rhythm instruments

WeeMasonMan's Mom said...

We would get the discovery box, I think

http://www.maukilo.com/brands/educo-113/discovery-box-7827.html

omgababy at gmail

demmi said...

I follow you on twitter and twitted http://twitter.com/deweyluck/statuses/19841170166

WeeMasonMan's Mom said...

Follow you on GFC!

WeeMasonMan's Mom said...

Follow you on GFC!

WeeMasonMan's Mom said...

Got your anniversary button up!

omgababy at gmail

WeeMasonMan's Mom said...

Got your anniversary button up!

omgababy at gmail

WeeMasonMan's Mom said...

Got your anniversary button up!

omgababy at gmail

WeeMasonMan's Mom said...

Got your anniversary button up!

omgababy at gmail

WeeMasonMan's Mom said...

Got your anniversary button up!

omgababy at gmail

WeeMasonMan's Mom said...

Entered birthday basket

omgababy at gmail

WeeMasonMan's Mom said...

Entered MamaRoo


omgababy at gmail

WeeMasonMan's Mom said...

Entered Amazon GC

omgababy at gmail

WeeMasonMan's Mom said...

Entered CSN

omgababy at gmail

WeeMasonMan's Mom said...

Entered Hayneedle

omgababy at gmail

WeeMasonMan's Mom said...

Entered Super Water Slide

omgababy at gmail

dannyscotland said...

Just one? AG!! I would just have a field day in the play food section--I love the teatime tin and the gourmet chef cuisine cutting food; the strawberry tartlet, the cheese slices, the little bag of farfalle pasta, the dish sets!!! My head is bursting!!

dannyscotland said...

I follow Maukilo on Twitter @dannyscotland

dannyscotland said...

I liked them on facebook

dannyscotland said...

I wrote on Maukilo's wall

dannyscotland said...

I follow you on twitter and tweeted the giveaway
http://twitter.com/dannyscotland/status/19842191812

dannyscotland said...

I get your email

dannyscotland said...

I follow on google entry 2

dannyscotland said...

I get your email entry 2

dannyscotland said...

your button's on my blog at daydreaming of cloth diapers dot blogspot dot com

dannyscotland said...

your button's on my blog at daydreaming of cloth diapers dot blogspot dot com
entry 2

dannyscotland said...

your button's on my blog at daydreaming of cloth diapers dot blogspot dot com
entry 3

dannyscotland said...

got the anniversary bash button on my blog at daydreaming of cloth diapers dot blogspot dot com

Mary said...

I'd like to get one of the personalized growth charts
marymccannon523(at)yahoo(dot)com

Mary said...

I follow maukilo on twitter
marymccannon523(at)yahoo(dot)com

Mary said...

i subscribe through google reader
marymccannon523(at)yahoo(dot)com

Mary said...

I susbcribe through google reader #2
marymccannon523(at)yahoo(dot)com

Mary said...

I follow with GFC
marymccannon523(at)yahoo(dot)com

Mary said...

I follow with GFC #2
marymccannon523(at)yahoo(dot)com

Mary said...

I like you on facebook
marymccannon523(at)yahoo(dot)com

Mary said...

I like you on facebook #2
marymccannon523(at)yahoo(dot)com

Mary said...

tweet
http://twitter.com/marymccannon/status/19843434174
marymccannon523(at)yahoo(dot)com

Mary said...

I entered the senseo giveaway
marymccannon523(at)yahoo(dot)com

Mary said...

i entered the super water slide giveaway
marymccannon523(at)yahoo(dot)com

Mary said...

I entered the hayneedle giveaway
marymccannon523(at)yahoo(dot)com

Mary said...

i entered the csn giveaway
marymccannon523(at)yahoo(dot)com

Mary said...

I entered the pediped giveaway marymccannon523(at)yahoo(dot)com

Mary said...

I entered the delta giveaway
marymccannon523(at)yahoo(dot)com

Mary said...

i entered the amazon gc giveaway
marymccannon523(at)yahoo(dot)com

Mary said...

I entered the mamaRoo giveaway
marymccannon523(at)yahoo(dot)com

Mary said...

I entered the dominos giveaway
marymccannon523(at)yahoo(dot)com

Mary said...

I entered the purse bling giveaway
marymccannon523(at)yahoo(dot)com

Mary said...

i entered the weboo giveaway
marymccannon523(at)yahoo(dot)com

Mary said...

I entered the trendy tadpole giveaway
marymccannon523(at)yahoo(dot)com

Mary said...

I entered the jewelry payless giveaway
marymccannon523(at)yahoo(dot)com

Mary said...

i entered the proflowers giveaway
marymccannon523(at)yahoo(dot)com

Mary said...

I entered the 191 unlimited giveaway
marymccannon523(at)yahoo(dot)com

Mary said...

i entered the pear tree giveaway
marymccannon523(at)yahoo(dot)com

Mary said...

i entered the shopbedding.com giveaway
marymccannon523(at)yahoo(dot)com

Mary said...

i entered the growing tree toys giveaway
marymccannon523(at)yahoo(dot)com

Mary said...

i entered the william riera giveaway
marymccannon523(at)yahoo(dot)com

mommy2luke2008 said...

My son would love the Green Toys Tugboat Red!!!
maryw1981 at yahoo dot com

mommy2luke2008 said...

I'm following Maukilo on twitter @getinonthewins
maryw1981@yahoo.com

mommy2luke2008 said...

I'm following you on twitter and tweeted
http://twitter.com/getinonthewins/status/19844819877
maryw1981 at yahoo dot com

mommy2luke2008 said...

I follow you on GFC
maryw1981 at yahoo dot com

mommy2luke2008 said...

#2
I follow you on GFC
maryw1981 at yahoo dot com

mommy2luke2008 said...

#2
I subscribe to your emails
maryw1981 at yahoo dot com

mommy2luke2008 said...

#3
I have your button on my blog
http://www.lilbitofus.blogspot.com
maryw1981 at yahoo dot com

mommy2luke2008 said...

I have your anniversary bash button on my blog
http://www.lilbitofus.blogspot.com
maryw1981 at yahoo dot com

mommy2luke2008 said...

I had your anniversary button on my blog before the event started
maryw1981 at yahoo dot com

mommy2luke2008 said...

#2
I had your anniversary button on my blog before the event started
maryw1981 at yahoo dot com

mommy2luke2008 said...

#3
I had your anniversary button on my blog before the event started
maryw1981 at yahoo dot com

mommy2luke2008 said...

I entered the Super Water Slide giveaway
maryw1981 at yahoo dot com

mommy2luke2008 said...

I entered the hayneedle giveaway
maryw1981 at yahoo dot com

mommy2luke2008 said...

I entered the hayneedle giveaway
maryw1981 at yahoo dot com

mommy2luke2008 said...

I entered the giftzip giveaway
maryw1981 at yahoo dot com

mommy2luke2008 said...

I entered the Jewelry Payless giveaway
maryw1981 at yahoo dot com

mommy2luke2008 said...

I entered the trendy tadpole giveaway
maryw1981 at yahoo dot com

mommy2luke2008 said...

I entered the sheet set giveaway
maryw1981 at yahoo dot com

Amo said...

I would love to get the Oopsy Daisy Exotic Butterflies Personalized Growth Chart for my niece!
amoeidson@yahoo.com

Letherton said...

I would get my son the HABA Ikarus Swing.

ethertonphotography@gmail.com

Kim said...

love: Look at the Rainbow 3 Layer Puzzle

Kim said...

follow blog 1

Amo said...

I signed up for the Maukilo newsletter!

Letherton said...

I follow them on twitter

ethertonphotography@gmail.com

Amo said...

I liked Maukilo on Facebook!

Kim said...

feed subscriber 1

Kim said...

feed subscriber 2

Letherton said...

I follow on gfc

ethertonphotography@gmail.com

Kim said...

twitter follow them -kgail11

Amo said...

I follow you on Google Friend Connect!

Amo said...

I follow you on Google Friend Connect!

Kim said...

get their e-news

Letherton said...

I follow on gfc
#2

ethertonphotography@gmail.com

Amo said...

I subscribe by email!
amoeidson@yahoo.com

Kim said...

entered Mamaroo contest

Amo said...

I subscribe by email!
amoeidson@yahoo.com

Letherton said...

I have your button 1

ethertonphotography.blogspot.com

ethertonphotography@gmail.com

Kim said...

entered Amazon contest

Kim said...

entered delta contest

Letherton said...

I have your button 2

ethertonphotography.blogspot.com

ethertonphotography@gmail.com

Kim said...

entered pediped contest

Amo said...

I am a fan of Thanks, Mail Carrier on Facebook!

Kim said...

entered hayneedle contest

Amo said...

I am a fan of Thanks, Mail Carrier on Facebook!

Amo said...

I have your button on my right sidebar!
http://whereawomanshakeshertablecloth.blogspot.com

CindyWindy2003 said...

I would get some baby toys like this Plan Toys Push Along Elephant, carawling(at)hotmail(Dot)com

CindyWindy2003 said...

http://twitter.com/carafferty/status/19848114902
carawling(at)hotmail(dot)com

CindyWindy2003 said...

follow Maukilo on Twitter, @carafferty, carawling(at)hotmail(Dot)com

CindyWindy2003 said...

sign up for Maukilo e-newsletter, carawling(at)hotmail(Dot)com

CindyWindy2003 said...

entered william riera, carawling(at)hotmail(Dot)com

CindyWindy2003 said...

entered shopbedding, carawling(at)hotmail(Dot)com

CindyWindy2003 said...

entered proflowers, carawling(at)hotmail(Dot)com

CindyWindy2003 said...

entered dominos, carawling(at)hotmail(Dot)com

CindyWindy2003 said...

entered amazon, carawling(at)hotmail(Dot)com

CindyWindy2003 said...

entered addison delta shower, carawling(at)hotmail(Dot)com

CindyWindy2003 said...

entered hayneedle, carawling(at)hotmail(Dot)com

SolDucky said...

Okay, that Biofino fish by Haba is SO cool. I also love the Ikarus swing!

SolDucky said...

Maukilo Twitter follower duckybunny

SolDucky said...

Liked Maukilo on FB as sarah linette

Amo said...

I entered the Pediped giveaway!

Amo said...

i entered the CSN stores giveaway!

SolDucky said...

Left message on Maukilo FB wall as sarah linette

SolDucky said...

Entered shopbedding.com giveaway

SolDucky said...

http://twitter.com/DuckyBunny/status/19849217943

SolDucky said...

GFC follower 1

SolDucky said...

GFC follower 2

SolDucky said...

Google reader subscriber 1

Unknown said...

Ooh I love their stuff! I can't choose but I'd get something from the block & building section.
rasmith0506 at gmail dot com

SolDucky said...

email subscriber 1

SolDucky said...

email subscriber 2

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