Oftentimes one of my daughters will be talking (nonstop, most likely) and I find myself getting a little bit entranced by their eyes.
There is something about the wonder and curiosity of children that comes through in the twinkle in their eyes and the excitement over the picture that they've found in a book or the bug they see crawling on the window.
For me, it has always been important to encourage that inquisitiveness and imagination, whether through a walk in nature, singing a song, playing with a sensory toy, and more. And I can't think of a company that has made that more possible than the one and only Guidecraft and, most recently, their 3-D Feel & Find World Icons.
Containing 20 different shapes with matching tiles, the concept of this wooden toy is simple yet fun: match the tiles to the symbols. Whether for individual or group play, children reach into the bag (or, in our case, dump them all out into a pile) and find the multi-colored shape that matches the cutout on the tile.
Just from seeing the bright pictures on the box, Little Sister B was clamoring for a chance to try out the Feel & Find World Icons for herself. Although the recommended age is 3 and up, I knew that at 2½ she would have no problem manipulating the chunky pieces.
Made from eco-friendly rubberwood and stained with low VOC aniline dyes, the mix of colors caught our eye right away and Little Sister B seemed almost mesmerized as she looked at them.
As we began to talk about the easily recognizable icons (based on symbols found in cultures throughout the world) and how to find pieces with the same colors, she instantly went to work finding the tiles to match with the hippo, car, sun, apple, fish, rabbit, leaf, bird and more.
As more and more matches were made, Little Sister B got increasingly faster as well as more excited about her accomplishments. I loved seeing her succeed at pointing out which color was which and figuring out if the piece needed to be turned over or rotated to fit into the indented space on the tile.
After putting the final piece in place, we were both pretty happy about her feat!
We have since played with the Feel & Find World Icons after that initial afternoon and they have proven to continue to entertain and educate both of my girls.
Little Sister B has improved on her time for matching up all of the shapes with the coordinating tiles and Big Sister E has gotten in on the fun in a variety of ways. Working individually or together, we have stacked the pieces into a tower and then stacked them again while talking about patterns...
...we have sorted the icons by color and then sorted them again into piles with categories like Animals or Outdoors...
What initially struck me as a very simple toy proved to be much more! Just by pulling out this canvas bag and loosening the drawstring (I love that Guidecraft has made it so easy to store these tiles!) it has led to discussions about colors, size, differences and similarities, shape, the world and more and has encouraged practice, fine-motor skills, imagination, critical thinking and more!
Yet again Guidecraft has managed to take something classic and give it a twist to make their 3-D Feel & Find World Icons into something unique and entertaining. Each time that we have taken these out, my kids have been excited to put their creativity to work... and do some learning at the same time!
Plus, as I know that everything Guidecraft creates is safe and made of only the highest quality, this is an item that could be given as gifts for either boys or girls and last for years to come. Available directly from Guidecraft for $30 each (also found on Amazon for a little less) the Feel & Find World Icons are a classic sensory toy with a modern, fun twist.
And, thanks to the generosity of Guidecraft, one person will get to enjoy this great toy as well, because...
One lucky person will win 3-D Feel & Find World Icons 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 Like them 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 Feel & Find World Icons (ARV $30) - great wooden toy for all ages! http://bit.ly/n4PCh7 @thxmailcarrier #giveaway #win
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, become a fan on Facebook and/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 September 7th 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 3-D Feel & Find World Icons 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.
1023 comments:
«Oldest ‹Older 1 – 200 of 1023 Newer› Newest»My kiddos would love their Magneatos, as well!
and I added your RSS to my Reader...
and I tried to "Like" Guidecraft on FB, but I guess you have to become friends with them...so I'm waiting for them to accept me! thanks!
I like the Block Mates Farm Animals!
Trudy
onlyjustine at yahoo dot com
I entered the Gummy Lump giveaway.
Trudy
onlyjustine at yahoo dot com
I entered the Gummy Lump giveaway.
Trudy
onlyjustine at yahoo dot com
I think my son would love the CONSTRUCT-IT EARLY BUILDER 160 PCS
sandy@suddenlysandy.com
Visited their site and another item I love is the MLB sports furniture (Giants)
mummytotwoboys@yahoo.com
Like Guidecraft on Facebook as D Schmidt
mummytotwoboys@yahoo.com
Follow Guidecraft on twitter as mummytotwoboys1
mummytotwoboys@yahoo.com
Follow you and tweeted
http://twitter.com/#!/mummytotwoboys1/status/106411749380603905
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Feed subscriber via Google Reader
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Email subscriber
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Email subscriber
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Like you on Facebook as D Schmidt
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Like you on Facebook as D Schmidt
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mummytotwoboys@yahoo.com
I love Magneatos!!
nafzikg at gmail dot com
I follow Guidecraft on Twitter!
nafzikg at gmail dot com
I like Guidecraft on Facebook!!
nafzikg at gmail dot com
I follow on GFC!!
nafzikg at gmail dot com
I subscribe to this blog via RSS feed!
nafzikg at gmail dot com
That Deluxe Art Center is amazing!
I subscribe via to this blog via email!!
nafzikg at gmail dot com
I am a fan of Thanks, Mail Carrier on FB!!
nafzikg at gmail dot com
I follow Guidecraft on Twitter.
I follow Guidecraft on Facebook.
I follow you via email.
I follow you via email 2
I follow you via GFC 2
I follow you via RSS
I follow you via RSS 2
I like you on Facebook 2
love the magneatos or screw block - the puzzles look awesome too!
gfc -1
gfc -2
email -1
email -2
button on blog -1
button on blog -2
button on blog -3
liked you on fb (#6100!)
liked you on fb
The puppet theater would be fun.
so fun
Like you on FB
natbelinsky@verizon.net
I would love to have the Rainbow Blocks Set
tomokofive at gmail dot com
subscribe to the RSS feed of the Guidecraft blog
tomokofive at gmail dot com
My kids would love the wooden grocery products
careym13 at yahoo dot com
I like you on facebook
follow you on twitter @orangefukurou
tweet
http://twitter.com/#!/orangefukurou/status/106457204739162113
tomokofive at gmail dot com
follow you via GFC (Tomoko d)
tomokofive at gmail dot com
subscribe to your RSS feed
tomokofive at gmail dot com
I have your button on my blog #1
http://orangefukurou.blogspot.com/
tomokofive at gmail dot com
I have your button on my blog #2
http://orangefukurou.blogspot.com/
tomokofive at gmail dot com
I have your button on my blog #3
http://orangefukurou.blogspot.com/
tomokofive at gmail dot com
I like you on facebook #2
careym13 at yahoo dot com
I entered Mabel's labels
careym13 at yahoo dot com
I entered IHOP
careym13 at yahoo dot com
My grandson would like the Construct It Early Building Set
joyerast at hotmail dot com
I entered Pampers
careym13 at yahoo dot com
I entered Tea Collection
careym13 at yahoo dot com
I entered Ultimate Green
careym13 at yahoo dot com
I entered red baron
careym13 at yahoo dot com
I entered swiss colony
careym13 at yahoo dot com
I entered Melissa & Doug
careym13 at yahoo dot com
I entered IHOP GC giveaway
joyerast at hotmail dot com
I follow with GFC #1
joyerast at hotmail dot com
I follow with GFC #2
joyerast at hotmail dot com
I am a fan on facebook-Joye Rast #1
joyerast at hotmail dot com
entered Mable's Labels giveaway
tomokofive at gmail dot com
entered Tea Collection giveaway
tomokofive at gmail dot com
follow you via GFC (Tomoko d) #2
tomokofive at gmail dot com
subscribe to your RSS feed #2
tomokofive at gmail dot com
i like the sweetie pie chairs
I love & wish I had the Deluxe Art Center.
carriedust@yahoo.com
I follow Guidecraft on Twitter; @CarrieDust
CarrieDust@yahoo.com
I follow Guidecraft on FB; Carrie Phelps
carriedust@yahoo.com
I follow you on FB; Carrie Phelps
carriedust@yahoo.com
#1
I follow you on FB; Carrie Phelps
carriedust@yahoo.com
#2
I tweeted about this giveaway; @CarrieDust
CarrieDust@yahoo.com
http://twitter.com/#!/CarrieDust/status/106488956195049473
I publicly follow you on GFC; Carriedust
carriedust@yahoo.com
#1
I publicly follow you on GFC; Carriedust
carriedust@yahoo.com
#2
I subscribe to your email; CarrieDust@yahoo.com
#1
I subscribe to your email; CarrieDust@yahoo.com
#2
We would love the Fraction Cups
sylviawhit@gmail.com
I like Guidecraft on facebook
sylviawhit@gmail.com
I follow with GFC
sylviawhit@gmail.com
I subscribe by email
sylviawhit@gmail.com
I fan you on facebook
sylviawhit@gmail.com
I'd love to have the 36 inch Multipurpose Storage - Red. helenkeeler@comcast.net
I'd love the mission toy box for my son's room. aimeeeldon at hotmail dot com
I follow you via GFC. aimeeeldon at hotmail dot com
We love the 4-1 Flipping Table Top Easel...thanks!
I love the Noah's Ark Rocking Chair
Connie G
CGruning at aol(dot)com
I follow Guidecraft on Facebook as CGruning
Connie G
CGruning at aol(dot)com
I follow Guidecraft on Twitter as CGruning
Connie G
CGruning at aol(dot)com
Tweeted: http://twitter.com/#!/CGruning/status/106568551904714752
Connie G
CGruning at aol(dot)com
I'm a google friend connect follower.
Connie G
CGruning at aol(dot)com
I'm a google friend connect follower.
Connie G
CGruning at aol(dot)com
2
I'm an email subscriber
Connie G
CGruning at aol(dot)com
1
I'm an email subscriber
Connie G
CGruning at aol(dot)com
2
I have your button on my blog:
www.peanutbutterandwhine.com
Connie G
CGruning at aol(dot)com
1
I have your button on my blog:
www.peanutbutterandwhine.com
Connie G
CGruning at aol(dot)com
3
I like the Kitchen Helper.
rhoneygtn at yahoo dot com
Follow Guidecraft on Twitter: rhoneygee
rhoneygtn at yahoo dot com
Follow you on Twitter: rhoneygee
Tweeted: http://twitter.com/#!/rhoneygee/status/106595882048303104
rhoneygtn at yahoo dot com
I'd love their forward book cover facing bookshelf. Been ogling that for well over a year. :)
Just subscribed to your RSS feed! :D
And here's my 2nd entry for the RSS thing. ;)
I'm loving the stacking rainbow pyramid! Thanks for a great giveaway!
How to choose!! I think it will have to be the Rainbow Blocks, love them!
The sand tray would be so much fun.
Also follow on Facebook
I'm in love with the Market Loft, but I'm not rich...YET! :)
spiphibus at gmail dot com
I like guidecraft on fb. :)
VickiRae
I tweeted about this giveaway. :)
http://twitter.com/#!/spiphibus/status/106633024485064704
I think the Fraction Cups are pretty awesome!
hookedonafeline999@yahoo.com
Will tweet! Thank you!
elli.chan at yahoo dott com
My kids are huge Magneatos fans!! jenirvine at wowway dot com
I like Guidecraft on FB
jenirvine at wowway dot com
RSS Mail Carrier follower :)
RSS Mail Carrier Follower :)
jenirvine at wowway dot com
Have your cute button...http://weeexplorers.blogspot.com/
Have your cute button...http://weeexplorers.blogspot.com/
Have your cute button...http://weeexplorers.blogspot.com/
One Guidecraft toy I know my boys would love are the Block Mates Vehicles!
I also subscribe to the Guidecraft RSS Feed.
My students love the screw blocks!
montlyn111@yahoo.com
I entered your Gemmy giveaway too.
I like the gross motor stepping stones.
hardingcl @ yahoo.com
I love the TABLE TOP GREEK BLOCKS. All of there blocks are wonderful.
Follow Guidecraft on Twitter (Turtlekris79)
pkgbest at gmail dot com
Liked Guidecraft on FB (Kristina Best)
pkgbest at gmail.com
I've been contemplating getting the regular feel and find. So hard to pull the trigger.
I also follow you via email - 1.
I love the Kitchen helper!
martibillington at gmail dot com
Follow by email - 2.
Follow you via GFC.
pkgbest at gmail dot com
Subscribe via Email.
pkgbest at gmail dot com
Fan of yours on FB (Kristina Best)
pkgbest at gmail dot com
they have so many wonderful products it's hard to choose just one. But I'll go with their Fraction Action Board.
I would love one of the kitchen helpers!
lyriclizard at yahoo dot com
I subscribe by email.
lyriclizard at yahoo dot com
I subscribe by email.
lyriclizard at yahoo dot com
I am a google friend follower.
lyriclizard at yahoo dot com
I am a google friend follower.
lyriclizard at yahoo dot com
I have your button on my blog.
http://penniesforarainyday.blogspot.com/
lyriclizard at yahoo dot com
I like Guidecraft on FB.
lyriclizard at yahoo dot com
I am a fan of your site on FB.
lyriclizard at yahoo dot com
I like the Wooden Trucks Set.
We have the wooden doll cradle and love it!
macob2 at verizon dot net
Your guidecraft link doesn't seem to work, but I went to their site through google and would love Magneatos!
Thx for the chance to win the icon feelie bag. It looks so cool!
mmstangerjunk (at) comcast (dot) net
I like Guidecraft on FB.
Thx for the chance to win the icon feelie bag. It looks so cool!
mmstangerjunk (at) comcast (dot) net
I love the kitchen helper, I'm putting it on our wish list for Christmas! Thanks for the chance.
I follow you Thx for the chance to win the icon feelie bag. It looks so cool!
mmstangerjunk (at) comcast (dot) net
I would love their Magneatos as my kids are totally in love with magnets right now! Thank you!
I liked them on Facebook
I follow them on Twitter
I like the art activity cart!
The Flower Match Garden Patch also looks like fun.
The Deluxe Art Center looks awesome!
Cherihawthorne (at) yahoo (dot) com
I really like the Sit 'n Read storage Center!!
amysbooksnyarn{at}gmail{dot}com
I follow Guidecraft on Twitter! @AFthfulJrney
amysbooksnyarn{at}gmail{dot}com
My son would love all the puzzles. Thank you.
felipegonzalez1@comcast.net
I think the Magneatos are very cool!
I love Guidecraft's Play Lofts!
We LOVE the canopy reading center!
lillshuck (at) comcast (dot) net
I love the table building blocks
I liked you on facebook
katharine75@yahoo.com
What is there not to love at Guidecraft?? If I had to another product, I really like their Rainbow Blocks.
millerfordfamily@frontier.com
I would love to win these! Another great Guidecraft toy would be their Magneatos!
I love Guidecrafts Animal train sort and match! My boys love it too!
I am a fan of Guidecraft on Facebook.
What's not to love on the Guidecraft site? lol I'm definitely loving the Jr. Hollow Blocks and just know my 3.5 year-old son would love them, too. These are definitely on our Christmas & Birthday Wish Lists!
Would love to win. I have always wanted a book display...I like the red canvas one on their site.
Love the Blockmate Farm Animals
The Country Kitchen would be perfect for my almost 2yo daughter! I think I may have just found some prospective Christmas presents!
I am a new Facebook follower :)
I subscribed to your RSS feed.
I liked Guidecraft on facebook. :)
I follow you publicly with Google Friend Connect!
I love the fold up kitchen
tmhagerdon@comcast.net
Me and my kiddos would love this giveaway! We also like the Fraction Action Board at Guidecraft.
cab98@att.net
I like the fraction action board. I remember playing with something like when I was very small. The World Icon Feel and Find look great too.
Sharlene
rshlight at spiceisle dot com
I also added your cute button to my blog: www.myhomeschooltale.blogspot.com
cab98@att.net
I love your Deluxe Art Center. It looks like a great place to store think as well as a great place for my little ones to set and be creative! The Magneatos look like something my children would enjoy as well.
Love the magneatos!
markntiff777@msn.com
We love the Blockmate farm animals. Subscribed to you on e-mail.
Thanks for a chance to win.
Alison
www.AtTheEndOfTheDrive@blogspot.com
This looks like a great opportunity for both of my girls to learn from!:)
I love the eco friendly fraction cups.
We love the Magneatos!
I started following Guidecraft on Twitter. millerfordfamily@frontier.com
I follow Guidecraft on FB!
I'd like to get the Butterfly Clothes Tree for my girls' play clothing.
rasmith0506 at gmail dot com
Entered your Melissa & Doug Sunny Patch Giveaway
rasmith0506 at gmail dot com
Follow Guidecraft on Twitter
@lilybearlove
rasmith0506 at gmail dot com
Like Guidecraft on Facebook
Rebecca Smith
rasmith0506 at gmail dot com
I'd love to win this. I also like the Magneatos from Guidecraft.
chariscook@hotmail.com
Follow you on Twitter & Tweet
@lilybearlove
http://twitter.com/#!/LilyBearLove/status/106722511881895937
rasmith0506 at gmail dot com
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