Monday, November 1, 2010

Checking Our List #1: Little Tikes Neighborhood Market {Review & Giveaway}

{This giveaway is now closed. Congratulations, Texas Type A Mom!}

If you asked a group of parents to name the top toy brands that their children play with, chances are that the majority of them will list Little Tikes as one of the most loved. Seen in playrooms, toy boxes and backyards across the country, kids all over have enjoyed the fun and playtime that Little Tikes toys have been providing for 40 years.

From small, simple figures to a large outdoor playhouse, my girls can easily be counted as big fans of Little Tikes. So, when we heard about the company's focus on toys that encourage kids to "Get Up and Grow!" and be active while playing, I had no doubt that we were going to be provided with hours of imaginative fun with the Neighborhood Market.

With the ability to be multiple markets in one, the Neighborhood Market can be quickly changed from a fruit stand to an ice cream shop to a bakery (or any other type of shop that your child dreams up) with a simple change of the sale items. With features like clear sliding doors on the display case, a pretend cash register with play money and a credit card, a chalkboard marquee and an awning that can be pulled down when the store is closed, the creative play will last for hours for sellers and shoppers alike.

Big Sister E and Little Sister B were understandably excited for me to get this put together for them, so, after laying out all of the pieces, I was ready to tackle the construction process.

The instructions were slightly vague and the pieces weren't labeled, so there was a time or two that I had to guess which was the front or the back, but in the end every screw successfully went in place. I popped in the second sliding door and dropped the provided food into the case and Big Sister E and Little Sister B crowded right in to make this toy their own.

The verdict? Lots of laughter and giggling. This market is a great size for kids and the fact that it can be utilized from both sides easily allows cooperative play... and twice the fun. The mound of cute accessories that come with it made both girls' eyes light up and they couldn't wait to buy and sell the lemons, oranges, bananas, cupcakes, ice cream, cones and scooper.

The storage baskets inside the case are plenty big enough that all of the food easily fit inside with room to include more of our own and Little Sister B couldn't get enough of sliding the doors open and closed to make her selections. The fact that the doors are clear and move easily in the slots meant that no help was needed - something that she definitely enjoyed.

The cash register doesn't light up or make noise (no batteries to buy!) and most of the buttons are just there for show. However, it does have one that makes it pop open - which is all that really matters - and space for the money to be tucked right inside. And, as kids these days are growing up in a world where cash isn't carried around as much as it used to be, there is of course the ability to slide their credit cards down the side and charge their next ice cream or bakery purchase.

I would trust that a face this cute would have good credit, wouldn't you?

My kids have spent quite a bit of time shopping with their Little Tikes Neighborhood Market and I love the way that they can do so together or individually. They know to take turns on each side and have come up with all sorts of ways to fill, empty and shop for just about anything.

When it comes time to clean up, it's no problem for them to simply stick the items into the display case and pull the awning down to indicate the store is closed. Patrons just have to come back tomorrow when the shop reopens!

With the included handle and two wheels, this market can easily be shifted to different locations inside and outside and I don't see why it couldn't really be used as a lemonade or cookie stand for young entrepreneurs. A name or prices could be written right on the chalkboard marquee at the top!

Little Tikes has come up with another fun toy with their Neighborhood Market. It is sturdy, a great size for kids of a variety of ages (it has all rounded edges and no small parts, so pretty young children can be involved), storage and clean up is built right in (and, in fact, part of the entertainment) and the imaginative role play and cooperation that it encourages is something all parents can appreciate.

A great holiday gift, the Neighborhood Market retails for $99.99 and I recommend setting it up in advance to have it ready for the big morning so that there won't be any waiting around to get the creativity started. Plus, from now until December 31st, 2010, enter the coupon code moms2010 and receive 10% off of your purchase at Little Tikes!

And, thanks to their generosity, one person will be able to see the surprise and excitement register on their child's face when they first see this incredible toy, because...
One lucky person will win a Little Tikes Neighborhood Market
of their own!


To enter to win: Visit Little Tikes and tell me which other of their amazing toys you would love to own.

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 head over to A Mom's Balancing Act and enter to win this amazing Little Tikes Neighborhood Market there as well!
1 Extra Entry (per method) if you sign up for the Little Tikes newsletter (found in the lower left of their homepage, follow them on Twitter and/or Like Little Tikes on Facebook. 1 more Extra Entry if you leave the following message on their wall: The Little Tikes Neighborhood Market looks like so much fun! I just entered to win one at Thanks, Mail Carrier! http://bit.ly/bdnj3W
1 Extra Entry (per giveaway entered) - Enter any (or all) of the Holiday Gift Guide giveaways (Checking Our List giveaways ONLY) 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!

Checking Our List 1: WIN a Little Tikes Neighborhood Market ($100) for imaginative fun! http://bit.ly/bdnj3W #thxmailcarrier #win #giveaway

2 Extra Entries (per follow method) if you follow me 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.
3 Extra Entries if you have our Checking Our List {Holiday Gift Guide 2010} 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 Little Tikes. Please leave an address where it can be found.

Giveaway will end on November 26th 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 Little Tikes for providing a Neighborhood Market for me to review as well as 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.

1990 comments:

«Oldest   ‹Older   1 – 200 of 1990   Newer›   Newest»
Anonymous said...

Would love The Little Tikes 3-in-1 Trike.

Anonymous said...

i entered at A Mom's Balancing Act also

Anonymous said...

i follow little tikes on twitter
twitter name is DayLeeDana

Anonymous said...

i like little tikes on facebook
fb name albertdana arsenault

Anonymous said...

i follow you on twitter and tweeted
http://twitter.com/#!/DayLeeDana/status/29374909547
twitter name is DayLeeDana

Anonymous said...

#1 follower gfc

Anonymous said...

#2 follower gfc

Anonymous said...

#1 subscriber by email

Anonymous said...

#2 subscriber by email

Anonymous said...

#1 i like you on facebook
fb name albertdana arsenault

Anonymous said...

#2 i like you on facebook
fb name albertdana arsenault

Anonymous said...

#2 your button is on my blog
http://givemethe411.blogspot.com/

Anonymous said...

#3 your button is on my blog
http://givemethe411.blogspot.com/

Anonymous said...

i signed up for little tikes newsletter

dmraca at gmail dot com

BeeBubbaBella said...

I would love to own the Jump N slide bouncer
Christine M

Alison said...

I would love to get the Ride & Relax® Wagon. (alidear at hotmail dot com)

BeeBubbaBella said...

I receive the Little Tikes newsletter
Christine M
beebubbabella@gmail.com

BeeBubbaBella said...

I follow LIttle Tikes on Twitter
Christine M

Alison said...

I entered to win at a mom's balancing act. (alidear at hotmail dot com)

BeeBubbaBella said...

I like Little Tikes on FB
Christine Mayfield

Alison said...

I "like" little tikes on fb. (alidear at hotmail dot com)

BeeBubbaBella said...

I posted on their wall http://www.facebook.com/#!/LittleTikes/posts/489132196947
Christine M

Alison said...

I posted the message on LT's fb wall. (alidear at hotmail dot com)

Alison said...

I like your page on fb (alidear at hotmail dot com)

Alison said...

I subscribe to your blog via email (alidear at hotmail dot com)

BeeBubbaBella said...

I follow you and tweeted http://twitter.com/BeeBubbaBella/status/29376158386
Christine M

BeeBubbaBella said...

I follow you on GFC #1
Christine M

BeeBubbaBella said...

I follow you on GFC #2
Christine M

BeeBubbaBella said...

Im an email subscriber #1
Christine M

BeeBubbaBella said...

Im an email subscriber #2
Christine M

BeeBubbaBella said...

Im a FB fan #1
Christine M

BeeBubbaBella said...

Im a FB fan #2
Christine M

Jus and Kat said...

I like the Super Chef Kitchen.

Jus and Kat said...

I entered the Little Tikes giveaway over at A Mom's Balancing Act.

Sims Family said...

The jump n slide bouncer would be awesome!

sims.whitney at gmail.com

BeeBubbaBella said...

I entered at a mom's balancing act
Christine M

Sims Family said...

I entered at moms balancing act
sims.whitney at gmail.com

Sims Family said...

I get your emails

sims.whitney at gmail.com

Sims Family said...

I get your emails #2
sims.whitney at gmail.com

Anonymous said...

Great review! This looks great. We would love to have the Clubhouse Swingset for next Spring!

Anonymous said...

Entered at Moms Balancing Act

Anonymous said...

Signed up for the LT newsletter

Anonymous said...

Follow them on twitter @KiddiesCorner

Anonymous said...

Like them on faecbook KiddiesCorner Deals

Anonymous said...

Commented on their wall http://www.facebook.com/LittleTikes/posts/489135991947

Anonymous said...

Follow and tweeted http://twitter.com/#!/KiddiesCorner/status/29377100180

Anonymous said...

Follow via GFC

Anonymous said...

Follow via GFC #2

Anonymous said...

Facebook fan KiddiesCorner Deals

Anonymous said...

Facebook Fan KiddiesCorner Deals #2

Anonymous said...

Cute button in my blogroll

Anonymous said...

Cute button in my blogroll

Anonymous said...

I have your Holiday button under blog events www.kiddiescornerdeals.com

Jenny said...

Cute! I love the Princess Cozy Shopping Cart.

Jenny said...

I liked Little Tikes on FB.

Laura DeLaGarza- Origami Owl Independent Designer said...

We would love to get a cozy coupe.

Kiana N said...

I love the Little Tikes Classic Truck ride one toy!

nafzikg at gmail dot com

Kiana N said...

I signed up for the giveaway over at Mom's Balancing Act also!

nafzikg at gmail dot com

Kiana N said...

I signed up for the Little Tikes newsletter!

Jus and Kat said...

I entered your Pear Tree Greetings giveaway.

Kiana N said...

I like Little Tikes on FB!

nafzikg at gmail dot com

Kiana N said...

I left this comment on Little Tikes FB wall!

The Little Tikes Neighborhood Market looks like so much fun! I just entered to win one at Thanks, Mail Carrier! http://bit.ly/bdnj3W

nafzikg at gmail dot com

Kiana N said...

I added the holiday gift list button to my blog!

http://kidsdogsandticks.blogspot.com/

nafzikg at gmail dot com

Andrea said...

We love the Cozy Coupe

tiggeraj at yahoo dot com

Andrea said...

Entered At A Mom's Balancing Act

tiggeraj at yahoo dot com

Andrea said...

Follow Little Tikes on Twitter: mommyof2Andrea

tiggeraj at yahoo dot com

Andrea said...

Follow you on twitter: mommyof2Andrea

Daily tweet: http://twitter.com/mommyof2andrea/status/29381001158

tiggeraj at yahoo dot com

Andrea said...

Follow via GFC Entry #1

tiggeraj at yahoo dot com

Andrea said...

Follow via GFC Entry #2

tiggeraj at yahoo dot com

Andrea said...

Follow via email Entry #1

tiggeraj at yahoo dot com

Andrea said...

Follow via email Entry #2

tiggeraj at yahoo dot com

Anonymous said...

I would love to own the 8-in-1 play set!

Jessandshelly@gmail.com

Anonymous said...

Entered at a moms balancing act
Jessandshelly@gmail.com

Anonymous said...

I follow little tikes on Twitter @michellemx6
Jessandshelly@gmail.com

J.E. said...

I would love to have the Construction Sandbox for my little man...

jellerman at rocketmail dot com

J.E. said...

I am signed up for the Little Tikes newsletter.

jellerman at rocketmail dot com

J.E. said...

I follow Little Tikes on twitter~ @jmeelle

jellerman at rocketmail dot com

J.E. said...

...and I like them on fB (jemme elle)

jellerman at rocketmail dot com

J.E. said...

I left the mssg on Little Tikes fB wall (jemme elle)

jellerman at rocketmail dot com

Anonymous said...

I follow you on Twitter @michellemx6 and tweeted
https://twitter.com/michellemx6/status/29382121054
Jessandshelly@gmail.com

Anonymous said...

I follow on google friend

Anonymous said...

I subscribe to emails
Jessandshelly@gmail.com

Anonymous said...

I like you on facebook
Michelle mu**** ix

Jessandshelly@gmail.com

Anonymous said...

Button is on my blog
Sweettattletales.blogspot.com

J.E. said...

I follow you on twitter~ http://twitter.com/#!/jmeelle/status/29382500436

jellerman at rocketmail dot com

Anonymous said...

Entered th guide craft play kitchen giveaway
Jessandshelly@gmail.com

Laura DeLaGarza- Origami Owl Independent Designer said...

I liked Little Tikes on FB.

Erika said...

I would love their Big Waffle blocks! The little waffle blocks are a classic hit in our house, so I can only imagine how popular the big ones would be!

Erika said...

entered the giveaway at Mom's Balancing Act!

Anonymous said...

I follow through google friend 2nd entry

Anonymous said...

I like you on facebook
2nd entry

Anonymous said...

I subscribe to emails
2nd entry

Anonymous said...

Button is on my blog
Sweettattletales.blogspot.com
Entry 2

Erika said...

I signed up for the Little tikes newsletter!

Anonymous said...

Button is on my blog entry 3

Erika said...

I follow Little Tikes on Twitter

Erika said...

I follow Little Tikes on Facebook

Erika said...

I commented on their facebook wall

Erika said...

I follow you on Twitter / Tweet: http://twitter.com/Erika105/status/29383983962

Anonymous said...

I'd love to have the Little Tikes Classic Pickup Truck for my boys! -Liz I.
chlives at hotmail dot com

Anonymous said...

I like Little Tikes on FB!

Rachel said...

I really want to get the Shoot and Spray Fire Engine for my son, he would love it!

mrs.manley@gmail.com

Rachel said...

I entered at A Mom's Balancing Act.

mrs.manley@gmail.com

Rachel said...

I follow Little Tykes on facebook - Rachel Manley

mrs.manley@gmail.com

Rachel said...

I follow Little Tykes on twitter @FrugalFMF.

mrs.manley@gmail.com

Rachel said...

I receive the Little Tykes Newsletter.

mrs.manley@gmail.com

Kathleen said...

my son would love the double duty engine and workbench

Rachel said...

I left the note on their facebook wall.

mrs.manley@gmail.com

Kathleen said...

i subscribe by email #1

Kathleen said...

i subscribe by email #2

Kathleen said...

i subscribe to RSS feed thru google reader #1

Kathleen said...

I subscribe to RSS feed thru google reader #2

Rachel said...

I tweeted - http://twitter.com/FrugalFMF/status/29384452993

mrs.manley@gmail.com

Rachel said...

I'm your facebook fan - Rachel Manley

mrs.manley@gmail.com

Rachel said...

I'm your facebook fan - Rachel Manley

mrs.manley@gmail.com

Erika said...

I follow you with GFC

Erika said...

I follow with GFC

Erika said...

I subscribe to your RSS feed

Erika said...

I subscribe to your RSS feed

Erika said...

I subscribe to your email

Erika said...

I subscribe to your email

Erika said...

I'm a FB fan!

Erika said...

I'm a FB fan

Erika said...

I have your holiday button on my blog: http://erikajo.blogspot.com

J.E. said...

~1~
GFC follower.
jellerman at rocketmail dot com

J.E. said...

~2~
GFC follower.
jellerman at rocketmail dot com

J.E. said...

~1~
e-mail subscriber.
jellerman at rocketmail dot com

J.E. said...

~2~
e-mail subscriber.
jellerman at rocketmail dot com

J.E. said...

~1~
fB fan (jemme elle).
jellerman at rocketmail dot com

J.E. said...

~2~
fB fan (jemme elle).
jellerman at rocketmail dot com

J.E. said...

~1~
I have your 'Checking Our List' {Holiday Gift Guide 2010} button up on my blog. jefam.blogspot.com

jellerman at rocketmail dot com

J.E. said...

~2~
I have your 'Checking Our List' {Holiday Gift Guide 2010} button up on my blog. jefam.blogspot.com

jellerman at rocketmail dot com

J.E. said...

~3~
I have your 'Checking Our List' {Holiday Gift Guide 2010} button up on my blog. jefam.blogspot.com

jellerman at rocketmail dot com

J.E. said...

~1~
I have your button up on my blog jefam.blogspot.com

jellerman at rocketmail dot com

J.E. said...

~2~
I have your button up on my blog jefam.blogspot.com

jellerman at rocketmail dot com

J.E. said...

~3~
I have your button up on my blog jefam.blogspot.com

jellerman at rocketmail dot com

Jennifer said...

My little girl would love this and the Picnic on the Patio Playhouse!
jjohnson_86@yahoo.com

Jennifer said...

I follow you on Google Friend Connect #1!
jjohnson_86@yahoo.com

Jennifer said...

I follow on Google Friend Connect #2!
jjohndon_86@yahoo.com

Carol said...

I would like to have the Push & Ride Doll Walker

Mysharona said...

I like the cozy coupe

Megsp22 said...

I looove that they have bundle packages of the outdoor toys! There is a set, the Playground Bundle 5, that would be perfect for my new house!! Love it :)

meagan.paullin@yahoo.com

Megsp22 said...

I follow you on GFC!!

meagan.paullin@yahoo.com

Megsp22 said...

I follow you on GFC!! -2-

meagan.paullin@yahoo.com

Megsp22 said...

I am an email subscriber!

meagan.paullin@yahoo.com

Megsp22 said...

Fan of yours on Facebook!!

meagan.paullin@yahoo.com

Megsp22 said...

Facebook fan -2-

meagan.paullin@yahoo.com

Lindsey said...

I would also love to have the Wooden Kitchen & Laundry Center!
lindseygalvez at gmail dot com

wigget said...

i would love to own the Endless Adventures® Variety Climber™ and Swing Set Extension

Lindsey said...

Entered @ A Mom's Balancing Act as well!
lindseygalvez at gmail dot com

wigget said...

signed up for the Little Tikes newsletter

Lindsey said...

I like Little Tykes on FB.
lindseygalvez at gmail dot com

Lindsey said...

I follow Little Tykes on Twitter.
lindseygalvez at gmail dot com

wigget said...

subscriber 2

Lindsey said...

I follow you on Twitter.
lindseygalvez at gmail dot com

Lindsey said...

Tweet
http://twitter.com/#!/lindseygalvez/status/29392475248
lindseygalvez at gmail dot com

Lindsey said...

I follow you via GFC. 1
lindseygalvez at gmail dot com

Lindsey said...

I follow you via GFC. 2
lindseygalvez at gmail dot com

Lindsey said...

I follow you via Google Reader. 1
lindseygalvez at gmail dot com

Lindsey said...

I follow you via Google Reader. 2
lindseygalvez at gmail dot com

Lindsey said...

I get your emails. 1
lindseygalvez at gmail dot com

Lindsey said...

I get your emails. 2
lindseygalvez at gmail dot com

Lindsey said...

I like you on FB. 1
lindseygalvez at gmail dot com

Lindsey said...

I like you on FB. 2
lindseygalvez at gmail dot com

Lindsey said...

I have your button on my blog. 1
http://notsoeasybeinggreen.blogspot.com/p/if-youre-like-me-youll-love-these-blogs.html
lindseygalvez at gmail dot com

Lindsey said...

I have your button on my blog. 2
http://notsoeasybeinggreen.blogspot.com/p/if-youre-like-me-youll-love-these-blogs.html
lindseygalvez at gmail dot com

Lindsey said...

I have your button on my blog. 3
http://notsoeasybeinggreen.blogspot.com/p/if-youre-like-me-youll-love-these-blogs.html
lindseygalvez at gmail dot com

Lindsey said...

I have your Holiday button on my blog. 1
http://notsoeasybeinggreen.blogspot.com/p/if-youre-like-me-youll-love-these-blogs.html
lindseygalvez at gmail dot com

Lindsey said...

I have your Holiday button on my blog. 2
http://notsoeasybeinggreen.blogspot.com/p/if-youre-like-me-youll-love-these-blogs.html
lindseygalvez at gmail dot com

Lindsey said...

I have your Holiday button on my blog. 3
http://notsoeasybeinggreen.blogspot.com/p/if-youre-like-me-youll-love-these-blogs.html
lindseygalvez at gmail dot com

ShellyH said...

I love their classic cozy coupe red car...fun!

Ravish30 at aol dot com

ShellyH said...

1. gfc blog follower

Ravish30 at aol dot com

ShellyH said...

2. gfc blog follower

Ravish30 at aol dot com

ShellyH said...

1. FB friend

Ravish30 at aol dot com

ShellyH said...

2. fb friend

Ravish30 at aol dot com

ShellyH said...

following little tikes on Twitter @twoclassychics

Ravish30 at aol dot com

ShellyH said...

following little tikes on FB as Shelly H

Ravish30 at aol dot com

ShellyH said...

dt-
https://twitter.com/TwoClassyChics/status/29392867168

Ravish30 at aol dot com

Rachel said...

I would love to own the double-sided easel. My daughter would be entertained for hours with that!

racheldawn24 at yahoo dot com

Rachel said...

I entered the giveaway at Mom's Balancing Act.

racheldawn24 at yahoo dot com

Rachel said...

I like Little Tikes on Facebook.

racheldawn24 at yahoo dot com

Rachel said...

I left the suggested message on the Little Tikes Facebook page.

racheldawn24 at yahoo dot com

Kristen said...

I'd like to have the Big Waffle Blocks and the Rock & Scoot Zebra.

couponboss at gmail dot com

Rachel said...

I follow you with Google Friend Connect (#1)

racheldawn24 at yahoo dot com

Rachel said...

I follow you with Google Friend Connect (#2)

racheldawn24 at yahoo dot com

Rachel said...

I am a fan on facebook (#1)

racheldawn24 at yahoo dot com

Rachel said...

I am a fan on facebook (#2)

racheldawn24 at yahoo dot com

Rachel said...

I have your cute button on my blog.(#1)
http://farleyfunhouse.blogspot.com/

racheldawn24 at yahoo dot com

Rachel said...

I have your cute button on my blog.(#2)
http://farleyfunhouse.blogspot.com/

racheldawn24 at yahoo dot com

Rachel said...

I have your cute button on my blog.(#3)
http://farleyfunhouse.blogspot.com/

racheldawn24 at yahoo dot com

Kristen said...

I entered the giveaway at A Mom's Balancing Act.

couponboss at gmail dot com

Kristen said...

I follow on gfc (1)

couponboss at gmail dot com

Rachel said...

I have your Checking Our List button on my blog. (#1) http://farleyfunhouse.blogspot.com/

racheldawn24 at yahoo dot com

Kristen said...

I follow on gfc (2)

couponboss at gmail dot com

Rachel said...

I have your Checking Our List button on my blog. (#2) http://farleyfunhouse.blogspot.com/

racheldawn24 at yahoo dot com

Rachel said...

I have your Checking Our List button on my blog. (#3) http://farleyfunhouse.blogspot.com/

racheldawn24 at yahoo dot com

Unknown said...

Love the Cozy Coupe

kriswhite82 at gmail dot com

Unknown said...

I entered the giveaway over at A Mom's Balancing Act.

kriswhite82 at gmail dot com

Unknown said...

I follow you on GFC 1

krsiwhite82 at gmail dot com

Unknown said...

I follow you on GFC 2

krsiwhite82 at gmail dot com

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