Monday, February 14, 2011

Guidecraft Nesting Sort & Stack Cubes and Cylinders {Review & Giveaway}

{This giveaway is now closed. Congratulations, Judy!}

When it comes to playing with toys, I love to watch my kids become engrossed with ones that they truly enjoy. Just seeing the wonder and imagination on their face as they figure out how to use them in a multitude of ways and how they are inspired by the whole exploration process... although it also makes me pause sometimes and wonder, "Who are these kids and where did my babies go?"

One company that has never disappointed us when it comes to everything from a simple wooden toy to a complex building toy is Guidecraft. I'm not sure how they have made it so that every dramatic play item or every manipulative toy has been an instant favorite, but they have.

So, as soon as I opened the Nesting Sort & Stack Cubes and the Nesting Sort & Stack Cylinders from Guidecraft, I had no doubt that they would be joining the ranks of our other beloved toys.

Due to the size of the smallest pieces, both the Cubes and the Cylinders are recommended for ages three and up. However, as I pulled each colorful piece out of the boxes, I knew that Little Sister B, at age two, would love sorting and stacking each and every one.

And, wouldn't you know it? I was right.

Except even though when I looked at the graduated sizes and slight variation in colors and immediately wanted to nest them into one another, she looked at them and saw the shapes and how each one had an indented spot in the wooden base. So what did that mean? It meant that each one needed to be taken out and placed back in.

Over and over and over again.

As each cube came off and each cube went on, I could easily see her shape-recognition skills improving. Wherein she started by having to try one cube in multiple places before getting it right, she was soon able to take them out and put them in much easier and without trouble.

We talked about the colors, how some were bigger than others, what made them different or the same, and more and she was perfectly content to continue the routine.

Until Big Sister E stepped in and looked at the cubes and cylinders with a completely different perspective.

The topic of conversation immediately changed to patterns and what that meant as well as how, when nested together, both girls thought the stacks resembled little cakes. Okay.

Apparently licking the cake was in order by Little Sister B, making me a little more thankful for the safe, non-toxic paints that Guidecraft uses. All the while, Big Sister E was blowing out the candle atop hers.

As soon as the first "tower of cake" was built, the stacking couldn't be stopped. We built and we built and we built, only pausing to turn the cubes and cylinders back into short, nested cakes... before returning to the tower cake forms. I have to admit that I didn't realize that Little Sister B possessed the fine-motor skills to get hers as tall as she did - but she proved me wrong with her determination and practice!

Guidecraft has managed to take something classic and simple like nesting blocks and use color, size and shape to make their Cubes and Cylinders into something unique and much more entertaining. Each time that we have taken these out (they have actually hardly been put away), my kids' imaginations have turned them into something new, whether as individual toys or by combining them together or even as including them in with other toys that we own.

Plus, as I know that they are safe and made of only the highest quality, these are both items that could be given as gifts for either boys or girls and last for years to come. Available directly from Guidecraft for $20 each (however, both the Cubes and the Cylinders can be found on Amazon for under $14) the Nesting Sort & Stack Cubes and the Nesting Sort & Stack Cylinders are a classic toy with a modern, fun twist.

And, thanks to the generosity of Guidecraft, one person will get to enjoy these great items as well, because...

One lucky person will win Nesting Sort & Stack Cubes and Nesting Sort & Stack Cylinders from Guidecraft!

To enter to win: Visit Guidecraft and tell me another of their amazing products that you love.

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 Guidecraft on Twitter, subscribe to the RSS feed of the Guidecraft blog and/or become their Friend on Facebook.
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!

#WIN Guidecraft's Nesting Stack & Sort Cubes and Cylinders (ARV $40) - great wooden toys! http://bit.ly/gwQQNk #thxmailcarrier #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.
3 Extra Entries if you blog about this giveaway linking back to Thanks, Mail Carrier and Guidecraft. 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 big thank you to Guidecraft for providing a Nesting Sort & Stack Cubes and a Nesting Sort & Stack Cylinders for me to review as part of my participation as a Guidecraft Mom and for one lucky giveaway winner. The opinions shared are my own and honest if you really need to see more, click here to see how I roll.

933 comments:

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Carrie Cornett said...

School library cart!!! So useful for home school storage :-)

susan said...

I'd love the Kitchen Helper!

susan said...

I follow Guidecraft on Twitter.

susan said...

I'm their friend on Facebook.

susan said...

I follow and tweeted.
http://twitter.com/#!/susanlanai/status/37142242133016576

susan said...

I follow via Google Friend Connect 1.

susan said...

I follow via Google Friend Connect 2.

susan said...

I'm an email subscriber 2.

susan said...

I Like you on Facebook 1.

susan said...

I entered your Remington Style Curling Iron Giveaway.

susan said...

I entered your Sterling Silver Jewelry Gallery Giveaway.

susan said...

I entered your Big G & Hot Wheels Super-Fan Family Prize Pack Giveaway.

susan said...

I entered The Popcorn Factory Super Bowl XLV Commemorative Tin Giveaway.

susan said...

I entered your Hallmark Recordable Storybooks Giveaway.

Mominin said...

The Twist and Sort looks really cool!

Callie said...

I love the doll furniture, the kitchen helper, and the toy boxes.

catherine(dot)alley(at)gmail(dot)com

Callie said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Callie said...

GFC follower of thanks mail carrier!

catherine(dot)alley(at)gmail(dot)com

Callie said...

GFC follower of thanks mail carrier!

catherine(dot)alley(at)gmail(dot)com

entry 2

Callie said...

Get your emails

catherine(dot)alley(at)gmail(dot)com

entry 1

Callie said...

Get your emails

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entry 2

Judy Whatilivefor said...

Their magneatos look like a lot of fun!

judywhatilivefor at gmail dot com

Judy Whatilivefor said...

I follow you via GFC.

judywhatilivefor at gmail dot com

Judy Whatilivefor said...

I entered your Leapfrog DVDs giveaway.

judywhatilivefor at gmail dot com

Judy Whatilivefor said...

I entered your Cool Care Curling Iron Holder giveaway.

judywhatilivefor at gmail dot com

Judy Whatilivefor said...

I entered your Build A Bear giveaway.

judywhatilivefor at gmail dot com

Judy Whatilivefor said...

I entered your Sterling Silver Jewelry giveaway.

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Judy Whatilivefor said...

I entered your Jennlinn giveaway.

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Judy Whatilivefor said...

I entered your Dinosaur Train game giveaway.

judywhatilivefor at gmail dot com

Judy Whatilivefor said...

I entered your Big G & Hot Wheels giveaway.

judywhatilivefor at gmail dot com

Rebecca said...

I would LOVE to win this...I do love their single-sided book shelf and their 'sit and store!'

Anonymous said...

I'd like the DRIVE-TIME SIGNS SET OF 6. They are so fun!

Trudy
onlyjustine at yahoo dot com

Anonymous said...

I entered the JenLinn giveaway.

Trudy
onlyjustine at yahoo dot com

Debbie said...

I love the fraction action board.
dmartinock at comcast dot net

Debbie said...

I entered your 1800 flowers giveaway.
dmartinock at comcast dot net

Debbie said...

I follow you on GFC
dmartinock at comcast dot net

Debbie said...

I follow you on GFC 2
dmartinock at comcast dot net

Debbie said...

I'm an email subscriber
dmartinock at comcast dot net

Debbie said...

I'm an email subscriber 2
dmartinock at comcast dot net

Debbie said...

I like you on FB Debbie Bann Martinock
dmartinock at comcast dot net

Debbie said...

I like you on FB 2 Debbie Bann Martinock
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Debbie said...

Your button's on my left sidebar nofiltermom dot blogspot dot com
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Debbie said...

Your button's on my left sidebar 2 nofiltermom dot blogspot dot com
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Debbie said...

Your button's on my left sidebar 3 nofiltermom dot blogspot dot com
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Katie said...

I love their classroom furniture!
katerwalker@yahoo.com

Katie said...

I follow Guidcraft on twitter (katerwalker)
katerwalker@yahoo.com

Katie said...

I friend requested Guidcraft on FB
katerwalker@yahoo.com

Katie said...

I follow you via GFC (DaKaWa) #1
katerwalker@yahoo.com

Katie said...

I follow you via GFC (DaKaWa) #2
katerwalker@yahoo.com

Katie said...

I subscribe via email #1
katerwalker@yahoo.com

Katie said...

I subscribe via email #2
katerwalker@yahoo.com

Katie said...

I'm a fan on FB #1
katerwalker@yahoo.com

Katie said...

I'm a fan on FB #2
katerwalker@yahoo.com

Becky Barrett Beitzel said...

i love the Hideaway Playtime Kitchen

hiccupapparel at yahoo dot com

Becky Barrett Beitzel said...

i follow them on twitter @beckybeitzel

hiccupapparel at yahoo dot com

Becky Barrett Beitzel said...

i like them on FB @becky barrett beitzel

hiccupapparel at yahoo dot com

Becky Barrett Beitzel said...

I follow via GFC @Amatuer Mommy (it may still state "LoveCubed" I just switched over)

hiccupapparel at yahoo dot com

Becky Barrett Beitzel said...

i like you on FB @becky barrett beitzel

hiccupapparel at yahoo dot com

Heidi Taylor said...

I have to say there are a lot of things i like but the balance beam and the storage unit are my top two -

Unknown said...

I like the Magneatos at Guidecraft.
awhitehead357@gmail.com

Unknown said...

follow with gfc #2
awhitehead357@gmail.com

Unknown said...

entered the beanbag comfy sak giveaway
awhitehead357@gmail.com

Anonymous said...

I would love to have their 36inch multipurpose storage unit. that thing rocks

fellismom2kandh83@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

Follow guidcraft on Twitter

fellismom2kandh83@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

Follow guidcraft on facebook

fellismom2kandh83@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

follow you on twitter and tweeted this


http://twitter.com/#!/DGRSpot/status/37265458910593024

fellismom2kandh83@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

follow you on GFC

#1

fellismom2kandh83@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

follow you on GFC

#2

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Anonymous said...

subscribe to your email
#1

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Anonymous said...

subscribe to your email
#1

fellismom2kandh83@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

fanned you on FB

Felicia W Ellis

#1

fellismom2kandh83@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

fanned you on FB

Felicia W Ellis

#2

fellismom2kandh83@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

grabbed your button

www.dgrspot.blogspot.com

#1

fellismom2kandh83@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

grabbed your button

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#2

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Anonymous said...

grabbed your button

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#3

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Katie said...

I love their rainbow blocks

aclassofherown(at)gmail(dot)com

Katie said...

I entered the comfy sack giveaway

aclassofherown(at)gmail(dot)com

Sara said...

I like their art classroom furniture - all of it!

saraskees at gmail dot com

Sara said...

i entered the build a bear giveaway

Sylvia said...

I would like the 4 in 1 Dramatic Play Theater
sylviawhit@gmail.com

Sylvia said...

I follow with GFC
sylviawhit@gmail.com

Sara said...

i follow on google reader 1

Sylvia said...

I subscribe by email
sylviawhit@gmail.com

Sara said...

i follow on google reader 2

Sylvia said...

I subscribe by email
sylviawhit@gmail.com

Sylvia said...

I fan you on facebook
sylviawhit@gmail.com

Frugal Tumbleweed Acres said...

I like the Guidecraft Harmony Table and Chairs.
gourdsrmylife(at)yahoo(dot)com

Frugal Tumbleweed Acres said...

1.. email subscriber
gourdsrmylife(at)yahoo(dot)com

Frugal Tumbleweed Acres said...

2..email subscriber
gourdsrmylife(at)yahoo(dot)com

Frugal Tumbleweed Acres said...

entered PJ Greetings
gourdsrmylife(at)yahoo(dot)com

Frugal Tumbleweed Acres said...

entered Pear Tree $20 GC
gourdsrmylife(at)yahoo(dot)com

Frugal Tumbleweed Acres said...

entered Build-A-Bear$25GC
gourdsrmylife(at)yahoo(dot)com

Frugal Tumbleweed Acres said...

entered JennLinn giveaway
gourdsrmylife(at)yahoo(dot)com

Frugal Tumbleweed Acres said...

entered Remington Curling Iron
gourdsrmylife(at)yahoo(dot)com

Frugal Tumbleweed Acres said...

entered Sterling Silver Jewelry Gallery $50 GC
gourdsrmylife(at)yahoo(dot)com

Frugal Tumbleweed Acres said...

entered Dinosaur Make A Match
gourdrmylife(at)yahoo(dot)com

Frugal Tumbleweed Acres said...

entered Popcorn Factory $25GC
gourdsrmylife(at)yahoo(dot)com

Frugal Tumbleweed Acres said...

entered Snazzy Baby giveaway
gourdsrmylife(at)yahoo(dot)com

Frugal Tumbleweed Acres said...

entered Mickey Mouse Clubhouse
gourdsrmylife(at)yahoo(dot)com

Abby Mazanec said...

I love the tabletop puppet theater. Perfect for homes with limited storage/space!

susan said...

I entered your Comfy Sacks Giveaway.

Kelly Burgess said...

I was just looking at these on Amazon this morning! I also loved their library book racks.

Rachel said...

I really like so many things, but especially the classic espresso table and chairs set.

TwinMint said...

Ooh, the fraction cups would be awesome for my prek boys.
buddiegurl at aol dot com

Becky said...

I love the nesting sorter and stack cubes and would love to try them with my son! I also like the 1-2-3-4-5 ring counter! And I am now your fan on facebook! Thanks!!

Michelle - Blessed Mom of 5 said...

I love the doll buggy!

Michelle - Blessed Mom of 5 said...

I follow Guidecraft on twitter @soblessedmomof4

Michelle - Blessed Mom of 5 said...

I follow Guidecrafts blog

Michelle - Blessed Mom of 5 said...

I like Guidecraft of FB

Michelle - Blessed Mom of 5 said...

I follow you on twitter http://twitter.com/#!/soblessedmomof4/status/37315413285142528

Michelle - Blessed Mom of 5 said...

I follow via GFC

Michelle - Blessed Mom of 5 said...

I follow via GFC

Michelle - Blessed Mom of 5 said...

I subscribe via google reader

Michelle - Blessed Mom of 5 said...

I subscribe via google reader

Michelle - Blessed Mom of 5 said...

I added your button to my blog www.munchkinfarm.blogspot.com

Michelle - Blessed Mom of 5 said...

I added your button to my blog www.munchkinfarm.blogspot.com

Tina said...

I visited Guidecraft and like their easel and their stacking flower cups. They have so many super neat products! Thanks for the opprotunity to win!

Jacklyn said...

I visited GuideCraft and I really like their Universal Storage System.

jacklyn1208(at)gmail(dot)com

Rebecca said...

I like the sensory stepping stones.

Anonymous said...

I think the Wood tech cell phone and laptop are cool.

Rebecca said...

Follow Guidecraft on Twitter.

Rebecca said...

I follow you on Twitter and tweeted! http://twitter.com/#!/Rebecca435

The Trobough's said...

I love their Art Easel and they have great manipulative toys!

caroline.trobough@gmail.com

Lessons from the Boys said...

The 3 in a row sorter is another toy from Guide Craft that I would like to own.

Willow said...

I like any of their furniture for the classroom!!

Lady Multi-Tasker said...

I don't know how to pick just one thing from Guidecraft that I'd love, anything they have would be so beneficial to our homeschool and play time! Gross Motor, Dramatic Play, Storage Units, Art Equipment, I want it all!

jenn dot mrsdjm at gmail dot com

Lady Multi-Tasker said...

I follow Guidecraft on Twitter!

jenn dot mrsdjm at gmail dot com

Lady Multi-Tasker said...

I subscribed to Guidecrafts blog!

jenn dot mrsdjm at gmail dot com

Lady Multi-Tasker said...

I friend requested Guidecraft on FB!

Lady Multi-Tasker said...

I follow you on Twitter and tweeted about the giveaway!

MommiJenn on Twitter

jenn dot mrsdjm at gmail dot com

Lady Multi-Tasker said...

I follow you on Google friend connect!

jenn dot mrsdjm at gmail dot com

Lady Multi-Tasker said...

I follow you with Google friend connect!

jenn dot mrsdjm at gmail dot com

Lady Multi-Tasker said...

I subscribed by email!

jenn dot mrsdjm at yahoo dot com

Lady Multi-Tasker said...

I subscribed by email!

jenn dot mrsdjm at yahoo dot com

Brenda L said...

If I'm going to dream about what I'd love from them, I'd love the "Market Loft" play loft. It would be a great way to get more play area in my daughter's tiny room.

Lady Multi-Tasker said...

I "liked" you on FB!

jenn dot mrsdjm at gmail dot com

Lady Multi-Tasker said...

I'm wearing your button on my blog!

http://superwomansstuntdouble.blogspot.com/

Jessica Baker said...

I never knew Guidecraft carried such a variety of products! Our girl would love the Magneatos. I love the storage units!

Jessica Baker said...

Follow with google friend connect #1

Jessica Baker said...

Follow with google friend connect #2

Jessica Baker said...

Follow with google friend connect #2

Jessica Baker said...

Follow with google friend connect #2

Jessica Baker said...

Follow with google friend connect #2

Jessica Baker said...

Follow with google friend connect #2

Jerusha said...

I love all the different puzzles they have.

Jerusha said...

I subscribe to you via google reader

Kelly said...

The Gradient sorter is soooo cool!

Jodie said...

Flower Match Garden Patch looks like a fun puzzle

jolata1980 at gmail dot com

Lady Multi-Tasker said...

I'm wearing your button on my blog!

http://superwomansstuntdouble.blogspot.com/

Katie said...

Wow, the puppet theater looks pretty cool, also! Thanks for the chance to win!

Kathleen said...

i've been wanting a set of magneatos forever

kathleenkmccoy at hotmail dot com

Kathleen said...

i subscribe by email 1

Kathleen said...

i subscribe by email 2

Kathleen said...

i follow on GFC 1

Kathleen said...

i follow on GFC 2

Kathleen said...

i entered the hot wheels giveaway

Catie said...

I like the animal train sort and match, too!

Carmen said...

I love the 3d Feel and Find World Icons.

Tiffany@FollowYourBliss said...

We love Guidecraft's St. Louis Cardinals furniture. We have the toybox and the table and chairs set! Would love to have some of their toys!!

Tiffany@FollowYourBliss said...

Just followed your blog with Google Friend Connect! Thanks for the opportunity!

Becky said...

I love their 3 in a row sorter. I also follow you, subscribe, twitter, facebook and your cute little button is on my blog:o)

www.onthewingsofmorning.blogspot.com

Unknown said...

A junior rolltop desk!!!! Where has this been all my life?!?!?!

CJ said...

guidecraft tabletop blocks. Thanks for the opportunity.

Steph B said...

I love guidecraft doll furniture! So great!
sbitter at live dot com

Emily said...

I think the Deluxe Rainbow Blocks look pretty fun!

Rachel said...

Animal Train Sort and Match

Kelly said...

I really think the Magneatos are cool.

Kelly said...

I follow Guidecraft on Twitter.

InnaC said...

Magneatos! They look so fun!

InnaC said...

Friend on FB

Emily S. said...

I would love their canvas two sided book storage. Super great.
emily_schaumann (at) hotmail.com

Emily S. said...

I like you on facebook
emily_schaumann (at) hotmail.com

Emily S. said...

I like you on facebook 2
emily_schaumann (at) hotmail.com

Stacy said...

I have alwayd wanted their kitchen helper
gingeroo616 at aol dot com

Stacy said...

guidecraft twitter follower
@searching4

gingeroo616 at aol dot com

Stacy said...

follow guidecraft blog on google reader
gingeroo616 at aol dot com

Jenni said...

LOVE the library cart! And the big swing easel too... lots of great stuff there!

Stacy said...

entered the comfy sack giveaway
gingeroo616 at aol dot com

Tobey said...

I like the art storage cart

Tobey said...

i like guidecraft on facebook

Tobey said...

i subscribe to you via email

Tobey said...

i like you on facebook

Evi said...

I think I'd love the Magnettos.
Thanks for hosting the giveaways.

Evi said...

I've RSS feed you #1

Evi said...

I RSS Feed you #2

Kristen said...

I like the Block Mates Construction Vehicles.

Kristen said...

I follow on GFC (1)

Kristen said...

I follow on GFC (2)

Kristen said...

entered Big G

Kristen said...

entered Hallmark

Kristen said...

entered Pear Tree

Kristen said...

entered Build A Bear

Kristen said...

entered Popcorn Factory

Genevieve V. said...

We have a couple of the Guidecraft toys now and our little ones really enjoy them. We just recently purchased the Train Sorter and it is a big hit with the whole family. Thanks for this opportunity.

chickn.hawk7@yahoo.com

Susan said...

My heart soars for their classroom furniture. I think my son would really love the blockmates dinosaurs!

Kristin said...

I love the Magneatos!

Kristin said...

Subscribed to their blog!

Kristin said...

I subscribed to your rss feed (1)

Kristin said...

I subscribed to your rss feed (2)

Kristin said...

I'm a fan of yours on Facebook! (1)

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