Thursday, July 14, 2011

Anamalz Eco-Friendly Wooden Animals {Review & Giveaway}

anamalz logo{This giveaway is now closed. Congratulations, Jenine!}

My kids love animals of all kinds. Big ones, small ones, cute, fuzzy ones, creepy, crawly ones... they are constantly pointing them out when we see them outside, in books, on television, and more. Whether it is something sweet like a puppy walking down the street or not-so-sweet like a snake crawling up your arm...

pet snake...they just seem to happily love them all. Shudder.

So when it comes to toys, my girls have had a wide variety of endless adventures pretending to ride animals, own animals, be animals, and more. Their new favorite animals, though? The kind that are eco-friendly, unique, able to be posed, and are altogether fun: anamalz.

anamalzDesigned in Australia, anamalz are a collection of award-winning, handcrafted wooden toys made from sustainable maple wood and textile products, giving them the ability to be bent into a variety of poses. Make them look up, make them look down or twist them into your own position - kids are engaged with them immediately!

Knowing that Big Sister E and Little Sister B were going to be excited to check out these eco-friendly figurines, when a Triceratops, Crocodile, Moose, Orange Tree, and Playmat arrived, it was all that I could do to not want to simply admire the cuteness of them and display them on a shelf.

Considering that the only thing these toys require is creativity, all that we needed to do was lay out the playmat to be ready to jump into the anamalz imaginary land.

Measuring approximately 32 x 24.5", the all-new Playmat is the perfect backdrop for the anamalz to have a place to roam and play. The plush, extremely soft green pasture takes up the majority of the space, while a river separates it from the dirt field in the distance. With multiple padded rocks to cross over the water and three push-along wooden fish that swim through, the simplicity of the playmat is what makes it just right for nearly any adventure.

It didn't take long at all for Big Sister E and Little Sister B to position the soft orange tree in place, bring the inhabitants in... and become completely entertained by them.

As cute and modern as the anamalz were to look at, once the girls had possession of them, they were pretty much irresistible. The combination of the smooth wood and the soft fabric and the bendable body parts allows them to be moved and posed into any number of ways and it only adds to the amount of fun that kids can invent.

It seemed that each time the girls realized that they could pose the anamalz in different ways, it was as though the stories just kept coming. They went for long walks...

...often met with friends...

...stopped to take plenty of drinks of water from the river and eat delicious oranges from the tree...

...and, when they were tired, the anamalz knew that it was time to lay down for a little rest.

As the kids traded the anamalz back and forth, I couldn't help but notice how much more they seemed to be enjoying them than traditional, static figures. The wood/fabric design stands out and each hand-painted (with child-friendly water-based paint) face is so endearing and sweet. How could they not feel as though these were more than just a toy, but were in fact new friends?

The addition of the playmat and the orange tree were just what was needed, as the bright orange fruit was included in many of the anamalz adventures and the playmat tied it all together. The girls loved helping the fish swim under the iridescent water...

...and, even better, at the end of our play sessions, the playmat easily turns inside out and becomes a handy bag for storage. Just reach into the opening at the end...

...and tuck the fabric into itself. Then store your anamalz and accessories right along inside and you're ready for travel or just to put these characters away until next time.

Design, quality, entertainment, and function? I love it!

There are four lines of anamalz (Prehistoric, Wild, Farm, and Australian) that retail between $8.95 and $12.95 each, three types of trees (Orange, Apple, and Wild) that have a price tag of $16.95, and the new Playmat that retails for $39.95, so you're able to pick and choose your favorite anamalz pieces for your collection.

Designed for children ages 3 and up (although at 2, Little Sister B has been perfectly fine with them), anamalz can be found online (Amazon has some great deals) and in stores at specialty shops, Barnes & Noble, and more across the United States and around the world.

As an added bonus, an anamalz purchase gives children access to the online experience on the company's website - allowing them to animate their pal, download wallpaper, play games, find tips on improving the environment, and more. What a great way to extend the play that these creatures already provide!

For a unique item that children (and adults) are sure to enjoy, anamalz don't require batteries or make noise or flash lights. Instead, their eco-friendly, simple attractiveness takes the classic wooden toy and gives it a fresh, modern twist. It seems as though each time we have taken these out, they spark a new, imaginative tale and we have had a blast over and over again!

And, thanks to the generosity of anamalz, one person will be able to bring home new friends for the child in their life as well, because...

One lucky person will win their choice of any three anamalz!

To enter to win: Visit anamalz and tell me which adorable animal(s) you would most like to welcome into your home.

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 Like anamalz 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!

I want to WIN my choice of 3 Anamalz, the eco-friendly wooden animals kids LOVE! http://bit.ly/qE1NCD @thxmailcarrier #giveaway #win

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, become a fan on Facebook or add Thanks, Mail Carrier to your blogroll.
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 this post. Please leave an address where it can be found.

Giveaway will end on August 4th 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 anamalz for providing a playmat, orange tree, and three anamalz for me to review as well as three anamalz of choice 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.

387 comments:

«Oldest   ‹Older   201 – 387 of 387   Newer›   Newest»
Jenine said...

I blogged about your giveaway here.

feralmoon at gmail dot com

Entry #3

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

I have you on my blogroll page here.

feralmoon at gmail dot com

Megan Earley said...

I'd love the kangaroo or the emu
mearley1979 at gmail dot com

Megan Earley said...

like anamalz on fb
mearley1979 at gmail dot com

Megan Earley said...

entered who nu
mearley1979 at gmail dot com

Megan Earley said...

entered go anywhere booster
mearley1979 at gmail dot com

Megan Earley said...

entered chex mix
mearley1979 at gmail dot com

Megan Earley said...

entered children's place
mearley1979 at gmail dot com

Megan Earley said...

entered edy's
mearley1979 at gmail dot com

Megan Earley said...

twitter follower/tweeted
https://twitter.com/#!/mearley1979/status/93368176980660224
mearley1979 at gmail dot com

Megan Earley said...

gfc follower 1
mearley1979 at gmail dot com

Megan Earley said...

rss subscriber 1
mearley1979 at gmail dot com

Megan Earley said...

rss subscriber 2
mearley1979 at gmail dot com

Megan Earley said...

email subscriber 2
mearley1979 at gmail dot com

Megan Earley said...

fb fan 1
mearley1979 at gmail dot com

Megan Earley said...

fb fan 2
mearley1979 at gmail dot com

Sarah said...

tweet
http://twitter.com/#!/skpowers3/status/93377992994205696

Jenette said...

I love the elephant!

Jenette said...

entered endangerbles cd and plus animal

Jenette said...

gfc 1

Jenette said...

gfc 2

Jenette said...

follow you on fb johnny jenette laub MCGIFFIN

1

Jenette said...

follow you on fb johnny jenette laub MCGIFFIN
2

Jenette said...

button at jenettes.blogspot.com
1

Jenine said...

RT 7/19

http://twitter.com/#!/feralmoon/status/93535327830028288

feralmoon at gmail dot com

Jenine said...

RT 7/20

http://twitter.com/#!/feralmoon/status/93763281105326080

feralmoon at gmail dot com

Jenine said...

RT 7/21

http://twitter.com/#!/feralmoon/status/94252804729876481

feralmoon at gmail dot com

Laura Love said...

The adorable animal I would most like to welcome into your home is the llama.
lajohnson555 at yahoo dot com

Jenine said...

RT 7/22

http://twitter.com/#!/feralmoon/status/94602760477089792

feralmoon at gmail dot com

polly said...

my little grandson would love the stegosaurus
pkeintz@gmail.com

polly said...

follow gfc#1
pkeintz@gmail.com

polly said...

follow gfc#2
pkeintz@gmail.com

polly said...

email subscriber#1
pkeintz@gmail.com

polly said...

email subscriber#2
pkeintz@gmail.com

polly said...

entered peeps & co
pkeintz@gmail.com

polly said...

entered endangerables
pkeintz@gmail.com

polly said...

entered the best of caillou
pkeintz@gmail.com

polly said...

entered rubbermaid
pkeintz@gmail.com

polly said...

entered azo
pkeintz@gmail.com

polly said...

entered itunes
pkeintz@gmail.com

polly said...

entered go anywhere booster
pkeintz@gmail.com

polly said...

entered chexmix
pkeintz@gmail.com

polly said...

entered the childrens place
pkeintz@gmail.com

polly said...

entered edys ice cream
pkeintz@gmail.com

polly said...

entered swimways
pkeintz@gmail.com

Jenine said...

RT 7/23

http://twitter.com/#!/feralmoon/status/94967588068671488

feralmoon at gmail dot com

Jenine said...

RT 7/24

http://twitter.com/#!/feralmoon/status/95239476699336704

feralmoon at gmail dot com

tlcrum06 said...

visited Anamalz & I love the Wild & Prehistoric Anamalz! It's hard to pick...probably...the giraffe, lion & the raptor!

tlcrum06 @ att dot net

tlcrum06 said...

Liked Anamalz on FB as Terri S Crum
tlcrum06 @ att dot net

tlcrum06 said...

following TMC on twitter as tlcrum06
tlcrum06 @ att dot net

tlcrum06 said...

Tweeted!
http://twitter.com/#!/tlcrum06/status/95501668107554816
tlcrum06 @ att dot net

tlcrum06 said...

GFC follower: Terri S Crum
tlcrum06 @ att dot net
#1

tlcrum06 said...

GFC follower: Terri S Crum
tlcrum06 @ att dot net
#2

tlcrum06 said...

email subscriber
tlcrum06 @ att dot net
#1

tlcrum06 said...

email subscriber
tlcrum06 @ att dot net
#2

tlcrum06 said...

RSS via Google Reader
tlcrum06 @ att dot net
#1

tlcrum06 said...

RSS via Google Reader
tlcrum06 @ att dot net
#2

tlcrum06 said...

Liked TMC on FB as Terri S Crum
tlcrum06 @ att dot net
#1

tlcrum06 said...

Liked TMC on FB as Terri S Crum
tlcrum06 @ att dot net
#2

Jenine said...

RT 7/26

http://twitter.com/#!/feralmoon/status/96045749942501377

feralmoon at gmail dot com

Anonymous said...

I love the panda, hippo, and crocodile!

jessicatrandel@yahoo.com

Unknown said...

I just know my little guy would love to have Lion, Cow, and Kangaroo!
ohmiss14 at yahoo dot com ☮

Unknown said...

I'm an email subscriber #2
ohmiss14 at yahoo dot com ☮

Unknown said...

I like you on FB #2
ohmiss14 at yahoo dot com ☮

Unknown said...

I like anamalz on fb
alicia crenshaw

ohmiss14 at yahoo dot com ☮

Jenine said...

RT 7/27

https://twitter.com/#!/feralmoon/status/96299945639952384

feralmoon at gmail dot com

Jenine said...

RT 7/28

http://twitter.com/#!/feralmoon

feralmoon at gmail dot com

noreen said...

We would love to welcome a hippo!

noreen said...

Entered peeps

kelley wood said...

love the monkey :)

Wise Owl Designs said...

I love the Wild Set. The Gorilla, Rhino, Hippo and Elephant. They are all cute!

wiseowldesignsinc at gmail dot com

Wise Owl Designs said...

GFC Follower under Wise Owl Designs

#1

wiseowldesignsinc at gmail dot com

Wise Owl Designs said...

GFC follower under Wise Owl Designs

#2

wiseowldesignsinc at gmail dot com

Wise Owl Designs said...

Email subscriber #1

wiseowldesignsinc at gmail dot com

Wise Owl Designs said...

Email subscriber #2

wiseowldesignsinc at gmail dot com

Wise Owl Designs said...

Facebook Fan Liz Wiseowldesigns

#1

wiseowldesignsinc at gmail dot com

Wise Owl Designs said...

Facebook Fan Liz Wiseowldesigns

#2

wiseowldesignsinc at gmail dot com

Wise Owl Designs said...

Entered the Edy's Giveaway

wiseowldesignsinc at gmail dot com

Wise Owl Designs said...

Entered the JC Penny's Giveaway

wiseowldesignsinc at gmail dot com

Wise Owl Designs said...

Entered the Swimways Giveaway

wiseowldesignsinc at gmail dot com

Wise Owl Designs said...

I have your button on my blog #2

http://wiseowldesignsinc.blogspot.com/

wiseowldesignsinc at gmail dot com

Kira said...

We would love to have the giraffe, lion, and hippo....but who can choose?!?!

Kris said...

I like the cow!
loveforcoupons@gmail.com

Kris said...

I like anamalz on facebook
loveforcoupons@gmail.com

Kris said...

I entered azo
loveforcoupons@gmail.com

Kris said...

I entered peeps
loveforcoupons@gmail.com

Kris said...

I entered i tunes
loveforcoupons@gmail.com

Kris said...

I entered zoe
loveforcoupons@gmail.com

Kris said...

I entered shaun the sheep
loveforcoupons@gmail.com

Kris said...

I entered roary the racing car
loveforcoupons@gmail.com

Kris said...

I entered jcpenney
loveforcoupons@gmail.com

Kris said...

I entered beaducation
loveforcoupons@gmail.com

Kris said...

I entered 7th generation
loveforcoupons@gmail.com

Kris said...

I entered swim ways
loveforcoupons@gmail.com

Kris said...

I follow you on gfc #1
loveforcoupons@gmail.com

Kris said...

I follow you on gfc #2
loveforcoupons@gmail.com

Kris said...

I subscribe to your rss feed #1
loveforcoupons@gmail.com

Kris said...

I subscribe to your rss feed #2
loveforcoupons@gmail.com

Kris said...

I subscribe to your email #1
loveforcoupons@gmail.com

Kris said...

I subscribe to your email #2
loveforcoupons@gmail.com

Kris said...

I like you on facebook #1
loveforcoupons@gmail.com

Kris said...

I like you on facebook #2
loveforcoupons@gmail.com

Kris said...

I entered Caillou
loveforcoupons@gmail.com

crystalgrant84 said...

I like Rambo the black ram, he's wicked cute!


crystalgrant84(at)hotmail(dot)com

crystalgrant84 said...

I entered the Edy's ice cream giveaway.


crystalgrant84(at)hotmail(dot)com

crystalgrant84 said...

I entered the Swimways giveaway.

crystalgrant84(at)hotmail(dot)com

stacey said...

staceylea AT gmail DOT com

We'd love the horse! We have the CD of Anamalz songs and my kids LOVE it. Thanks for the entry!

Anonymous said...

We'd love giraffe, panda, and moose to come live with us!

Khcoombes@hotmail.com

Jenine said...

RT 7/31

https://twitter.com/#!/feralmoon/status/97828929099935744

feralmoon at gmail dot com

zmomma said...

I like the moose! Thanks!

Pamela said...

I really like the moose and the elephant.

Pamela said...

I like anamalz on Fb

Pamela said...

I subscribe via email (1)

Pamela said...

I subscribe via email (2)

Pamela said...

I'm a facebook fan (1)

Pamela said...

I'm a facebook fan (2)

Unknown said...

It's a toss up..... Lion or the Cow. So many cute animalz!
Connie
CGruning at aol.com

Unknown said...

Like Anamalz on Facebook as CGruning
Connie
CGruning at aol.com

Unknown said...

Tweeted http://twitter.com/#!/CGruning/status/97849381637730304
Connie
CGruning at aol.com

Unknown said...

I'm a google friend connect follower
Connie
CGruning at aol.com
1

Unknown said...

Like you on Facebook as CGruning
Connie
CGruning at aol.com
2

Unknown said...

I have your button on my blog
www.peanutbutterandwhine.com (right hand side)
Connie G
CGruning at aol.com
2

Amanda said...

We would love to have the elephant, Emu and Kangaroo to play with in our home! Yay, they are too cute and the farm barn would be too cool!!

Amanda said...

I "Like" animalz on facebook

Amanda said...

#1 I "like" Thank you Mailman on Facebook, very cool site!

Amanda said...

#2 I "like" on Facebook

Amanda said...

I LOVE good quality toys, thanks so much for sharing these great toys.

Jaedyn said...

We like the bear, the lion, and the giraffe. :) But we want them all! Thanks for the awesome giveaway and the review photos are wonderful!

Lindsey
ladyufshalott at yahoo dot com

Ticia said...

My favorites are: llama, giraffe, and lion

Ticia said...

I like Anamalz on FB.

Theresa said...

I would love a cute little panda :)

cc_girly@yahoo.com

Theresa said...

I like Anamalz on Facebook

cc_girly@yahoo.com

Theresa said...

I entered the Edy's giveaway.

cc_girly@Yahoo.com

Theresa said...

I entered the SwimWays giveaway

cc_girly@yahoo.com

Theresa said...

8/1 tweet http://twitter.com/#!/tkups575/status/98023043036745728

cc_girly@yahoo.com

Theresa said...

I follow you via GFC #1

cc_girly@yahoo.com

Theresa said...

I follow you via GFC #2

cc_girly@yahoo.com

Theresa said...

I subscribe to your e-mails #1

cc_girly@yahoo.com

Theresa said...

I subscribe to your e-mails #2

cc_girly@yahoo.com

Amylynn said...

I think I would choose the cow, horse and sheep. Such a tough decision!!!
beadsidemyself at gmail dot com

Amylynn said...

I am a facebook fan of Anamalz
Amy S H
beadsidemyself at gmail dot com

Amylynn said...

I follow with GFC
beadsidemyself at gmail dot com

Amylynn said...

I am an email subscriber
beadsidemyself at gmail dot com

Amylynn said...

I am a facebook fan of Thank, Mail Carrier
beadsidemyself at gmail dot com
Amy S H

Kris said...

I entered Jenlinn.com
loveforcoupons@gmail.com

ColleenMarie82 said...

I like the tyrannosaurus -rex, triceratops, and brontosaurus.

inman@mobap.edu

ColleenMarie82 said...

LIKE Anamalz on facebook

inman@Mobap.edu

ColleenMarie82 said...

I follow on twitter and tweeted

http://twitter.com/#!/HalleelujahMom/statuses/98477741074157569

inman@mobap.edu

ColleenMarie82 said...

LKE u on facebook

inman@mobap.edu

Anonymous said...

I'd like the kangaroo:)

Trudy
onlyjustine at yahoo dot com

Anonymous said...

I entered the Peeps giveaway.

Trudy
onlyjustine at yahoo dot com

Anonymous said...

I entered the Rubbermaid giveaway.

Trudy
onlyjustine at yahoo dot com

Anonymous said...

I entered the Zoe B giveaway.

Trudy
onlyjustine at yahoo dot com

Anonymous said...

I entered the Beaducation giveaway.

Trudy
onlyjustine at yahoo dot com

Allison said...

Tweet!
http://twitter.com/#!/AMLewis2003/status/98570183173611521

Allison said...

Follow you on twitter @AMLewis2003. #1
Allibird1 at aol dot com

Allison said...

Follow you on twitter @AMLewis2003. #2
Allibird1 at aol dot com

Allison said...

I entered the Rubbermaid mop giveaway!
Allibird1 at aol dot com

Jenine said...

RT

https://twitter.com/#!/feralmoon/status/98611747899965440

feralmoon at gmail dot com

ColleenMarie82 said...

daily tweet

http://twitter.com/#!/HalleelujahMom/statuses/98828394539646976

inman@Mobap.edu

ColleenMarie82 said...

I entered the Rubbermaid High Chair giveaway

inman@Mobap.edu

Unknown said...

I would like the Lion
phaedracamille@gmail.com

Unknown said...

I like Anamalz on FB as Phaedra S.
phaedracamille@gmail.com

Unknown said...

I follow you on twitter as kainshottie
tweet: http://twitter.com/#!/kainshottie/status/98833486491828226
phaedracamille@gmail.com

Allison said...

Tweet!
http://twitter.com/#!/AMLewis2003/status/98833673331281921
Allibird1 at aol dot com

Unknown said...

Entry 1 - I am a fan on FB as Phaedra S.
phaedracamille@gmail.com

Unknown said...

Entry 2 - I am a fan on FB as Phaedra S.
phaedracamille@gmail.com

Unknown said...

I am entered in the Pampers giveaway
phaedracamille@gmail.com

Unknown said...

I am entered in the Endangerables giveaway
phaedracamille@gmail.com

Unknown said...

I am entered in the beaducation giveaway
phaedracamille@gmail.com

Kris said...

I entered Pampers
loveforcoupons@gmail.com

Kelley said...

https://twitter.com/#!/kelleylk/status/99144133838503938
kelleykjag at yahoo dot com

Allison said...

Entered the Jenlinn.com giveaway!
Allibird1 at aol dot com

Allison said...

Tweet! http://twitter.com/#!/AMLewis2003/status/99198034386239488
Allibird1 at aol dot com

ColleenMarie82 said...

daily tweet

http://twitter.com/#!/HalleelujahMom/statuses/99242482059059200

inman@mobap.edu

ColleenMarie82 said...

I entered the Zoe B organics giveaway

inman@mobap.edu

lilyk said...

I would choose the horse, the panda, and the Aussie pouch.

lilyk said...

I follow anamalz on Facebook under the username likwan.

lilyk said...

I follow you on Twitter and tweeted about this giveaway at https://twitter.com/#!/likwan/status/99336916650037249.

lilyk said...

I follow you on Google Friend Connect under the username lilyk. #1

lilyk said...

I follow you on Google Friend Connect under the username lilyk. #2

lilyk said...

I subscribed by email. #1

lilyk said...

I subscribed by email. #2

lilyk said...

I follow you on Facebook under the username likwan. #1

lilyk said...

I follow you on Facebook under the username likwan. #2

Jenine said...

Thanks so much! I'm conferring right now with my girls to see which they prefer. :)

«Oldest ‹Older   201 – 387 of 387   Newer› Newest»