Guidecraft Magneatos Better Builders Series {Review & Giveaway}

While I know that every child is different, over the years we have decidedly found a few favorite toys that have been universally loved enough that they have joined our short list of must-have gifts. These are the ones that have proved beyond a doubt that they are high quality, inspire creativity, encourage learning, and every kid who has played with them has returned time and time again for more.

With that in mind, when we were recently invited to the birthday party of one of our favorite 2-year-olds, it didn't take me long to decide on what we would bring. I wanted something that would work safely for multiple ages (as the birthday boy has an older brother and younger sister), would be original and entertaining, and would allow everyone in the household to try to construct and build all of the structures that their imagination holds.

It was no surprise that I happily wrapped a box of amazingly fun Magneatos from Guidecraft.

Taking building to the next level, Magneatos consist of magnetic balls and rods that, when combined with panels, clips and bendies, can lead to an entirely new dimension of construction.

From their seemingly magical properties (as they jump together when held close enough) to their ease of use (no worries about your child's building toppling over as with traditional building blocks), Magneatos are a one-of-a-kind toy that only requires kid power and imagination.

As we've long been a fan of this Guidecraft exclusive, I was surprised and pleased to hear that they have recently taken Magneatos to the next level with the introduction of the all new Magneatos Better Builder Series.

Featuring super strong magnetic force, unique rod and ball configurations and a myriad of design possibilities, Magneatos Better Builders are the new and improved, wonderfully inventive way to help children discover the principles of science, construction, and engineering while developing their creativity skills.

Eager to see just how amazing Guidecraft had made their new Magneatos, we couldn't wait to open up the Magneatos Better Builders 100 Piece Set and begin enjoying this Oppeheim Platinum Best Toy Award Winner.

Including a handy storage bin (I love that Guidecraft has included this great way to make it easy to keep all of the pieces together!) and a 22-page Activity Guide with educational information about magnet science as well as sample building ideas, the first time we opened this set, we couldn't help but marvel at just how great it truly was.

Just as I suspected, the magnetic force that is the basis of Magneatos had my children (and me) immediately captivated. It's continually fascinating to see them hold so tightly together and the possibilities that these balls and rods provide is truly endless.

The Magneatos Better Builder Series has been tested safe for ages 18 months+ (the magnets are safely and securely embedded in the over sized rods) but I have truly never met a child or adult that hasn't loved them.

The large, plastic pieces are easy for small hands to grasp and the magnets in the balls are plenty strong enough to hold together as connectors, making it possible to build horizontally, vertically or at nearly any angle. Combine that with the varying length and flexibility of the rods, and innovation becomes even more likely.

Even better, my kids have never once realized that Magneatos involve so many educational properties and that each time we pull out this container that they are participating in science. I love seeing their minds at work while they continue to have fun time and time again!

Overall, I don't think that we could have been more pleased with the new Magneatos Better Builder Series and how well they represent what Guidecraft has always stood for: smart, well-crafted products which allow children's minds and imaginations room to truly wonder and grow.

This unique, colorful, high quality toy has a modern look but classic appeal for kids (and adults) of all ages. Whether being used by a beginning or novice builder, the hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills, dexterity, creativity and more makes Magneatos entertaining in a simple, yet complex way.

Designed for ages 2+, the Magneatos Better Builders 100 Piece Set retails for $159.95 (smaller sets sell for $50 for 30 pieces and $99.95 for 60 pieces) and have proven that, yet again, Guidecraft knows what it takes to combine education and fun to please every age and interest. From furniture to art to toys, they have it all!

Plus, thanks to their generosity, one person will be able to bring home magnetic creating and building entertainment, because...

One lucky person will win a Magneatos Better Builders 100 Piece Set!

(Enter with the Rafflecopter form below. If you have any questions or problems entering, there is a video tutorial found here that can help.)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

A big thank you to Guidecraft for providing a Magneatos Better Builders 100 Piece Set 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.

Guidecraft Holiday Spectacular! {All In One Modern Kitchen Review & Giveaway AND $500 Gift Certificate Giveaway!}

{This giveaway is now closed. Congratulations, TonyaHopkins and Denise S!}

My husband and I made the big decision recently to have our kitchen remodeled. It's going to take some time and it's going to take some money and it is most likely going to cause quite a few headaches, but in the end I know it is going to be worth it.

After all, just think of the amount of time spent in the kitchen and what a difference it would make to have one that is well-designed, conveniently laid out, and allows you the most positive experience possible. Who doesn't want that?

With those qualities in mind, why should adults be the only ones who benefit from a great cooking space? Instead of a smaller, lower quality place for kids to play and imagine, maybe it's time to remodel... into something incredible and amazing like the Guidecraft All In One Modern Kitchen.

Now that's a kitchen remodel.

Known and recognized as the name in everything from wooden toys to dramatic play, Guidecraft knows exactly what it takes to make up a kitchen that is going to inspire creativity, encourage learning, and last for generations to come. As the sleek new addition to their line up of kitchens, the All In One Modern Kitchen compiles nearly everything that a child could dream up all in a contemporary, state-of-the-art look.

Arriving in two long, heavy boxes (weighing in at nearly 100 lbs)...

...this kitchen does take quite a bit of assembly simply considering all of the intricate parts and pieces that it includes. Fortunately, Guidecraft makes things incredibly easy by having every item well-labeled and including concise, easy-to-follow instructions.

Although I was able to complete most of the assembly process on my own with just my screwdriver, it did take an extra set of hands for a few portions - namely when it came time to lift the upper half of the construction onto the lower half. All in all, it did take a few hours, but, without a doubt, the result was worth waiting for.

My young chefs were only slightly excited to put their cooking skills to work immediately.

But how could they not be? There are so many amazing features included in the All In One Modern Kitchen and each one shows that Guidecraft left no detail unnoticed. Instead of stickers or painted-on parts, there are knobs that really turn, doors that open and close, and an all-over clean look that just screams Come play with me!

Each appliance (microwave, stove, dishwasher and fridge) has its own door that is held in place by magnets when closed and right away both Big Sister E and Little Sister B liked the act of opening and shutting them to put items inside. The addition of the slide-out rack in the oven and the great movable knobs make each location throughout the kitchen that much more entertaining and realistic.

Heck, there is even a write-on message board on the refrigerator. From scribbles to tic tac toe to doodles and drawings, the kids have been pretty excited about this unique addition. Grocery list, anyone?

The All In One Modern Kitchen also includes various other amenities that give it an edge up on other play kitchens such as storage cabinets and a cordless phone. And what chef could be without a proper prep area?

From the large counter space for cooking to the excess space to hold food, dishes or cooking supplies throughout, there's just not much more that a child could ask for to have endless afternoons dreaming up meals and restaurants and more. All that's left to do is pick up the phone and call a friend to come join them!

From the chic silver backsplash to the beautiful cherry wood to the realistic burners on the stovetop, everything from the looks to the quality and functionality of this kitchen are top-notch. All but a few pieces are wood and with everything being so interactive, there is no way for kids to lose interest. Plus, with the longer length of the All In One (50"W x 16"D x 40"H) there is plenty of room for multiple children to play and not be crowded.

It goes without saying that this kitchen is pretty amazing. (Wait. How come my kids have stainless steel appliances and I don't?) Retailing for $280, it is more of an investment piece than "just another toy" but the amount of time playing, pretending and learning about the way the world works is going to be so much more valuable.

Plus, as with all of Guidecraft's educational toys, arts & crafts and furniture, the level of craftsmanship and quality means that the All In One Modern Kitchen will last for years to come - and could even be passed down to the next generation. The joy, creativity and laughter is exactly what Guidecraft stands for: smart, well-crafted products which allow children's minds and imaginations room to truly wonder and grow.

With everything from developmental toys to building blocks that encourage open-ended educational play, the Guidecraft name is simultaneous with only the very best! And, thanks to their extreme generosity, two people will get to experience that for themselves in a big way this holiday season, because...

One lucky person will win an All In One Modern Kitchen and one lucky person will win a $500 Guidecraft gift certificate!!

To enter to win: Visit Guidecraft and tell me one of the amazing toys that you think the child(ren) in your life 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).

2 Extra Entries (per method) if you follow Guidecraft on Twitter 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!

Guidecraft Holiday Spectacular! WIN a $500 GC or an All In One Modern Kitchen ($280)! http://bit.ly/tSlTNc @thxmailcarrier #giveaway #win

1 Extra Entry (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.
2 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 December 2nd at 11:59pm CST. By entering this sweepstakes, you are agreeing to these official rules. No purchase necessary, void where prohibited by law. 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. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. This giveaway is open to U.S. residents only and must be 18 years of age or older.

A big thank you to Guidecraft for providing an All In One Modern Kitchen for me to review as well as an All In One Modern Kitchen for one lucky giveaway winner and a $500 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.

Guidecraft 3-D Feel & Find World Icons {Review & Giveaway}

{This giveaway is now closed. Congratulations, Lisa M!}

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.

Guidecraft Crystal Bead & Shimmering Water Blocks {Review}

There is something so incredibly classic and simple and wonderful about wooden blocks. They have the ability to spark a child's imagination in endless ways time and time again - the only limit on the towers, castles, houses, cars, and more that can be constructed seem to be the amount of time that there is to play!

So how to do you take a toy that is already near-perfect and make it better? By having Guidecraft, already known for their quality and innovation, turn the traditional tan wooden blocks into something colorful and amazing with their Crystal Bead Blocks and Shimmering Water Blocks.

As soon as we pulled out Guidecraft's Bead Blocks and Water Blocks, the oohs and aahs began. After all the bright colors and sounds were evident still in the package!

With eight blocks per package (four rectangle and four half circle), the red, yellow, green, and blue colors stand out immediately. The strong, hardwood frame is similar to traditional blocks and feels smooth and comfortable in any size hands, particularly with the addition of the soft, rounded edges that Guidecraft has perfected.

But one look and the unique aspect of these wooden blocks is blatantly apparent: the acrylic centers are filled with either plastic beads or a mix of water and metal flakes. The result? A very cool set of blocks that makes a fun clinking sound as the beads roll back and forth or have a shimmering, wave-like look when the sparkly water drifts around.

Who wouldn't want to stack and balance things that are just so darn pretty to look at?

Both Big Sister E and Little Sister B realized right away that as well as being able to easily build with these blocks, they were fun to peek through...

...as well as building structures both large and small (the large ones in particular have been awfully impressive).

As well as enjoying the sights of the sparkling water and the sounds of shaking beads while building, these blocks have inspired various other adventures to come from them.

By turning the blocks on their sides, Big Sister E has declared the Bead Blocks to be gardens for animals to eat from and the Water Blocks to be swimming pools. Not only does she build a house, but then the inhabitants are able to eat and swim - even better!

All in all, we love Guidecraft's Crystal Bead Blocks and Shimmering Water Blocks. They are high quality (both the wood and the acrylic centers are extremely durable and strong), well-constructed, entertaining, educational and a unique twist to traditional wooden blocks. Every kid needs a set of blocks to inspire creativity and learning and these do all of that plus more!

Big Sister E has declared the Bead Blocks as her favorite while Little Sister B voted for the Water Blocks, but the consensus has definitely been positive for them both. I have no doubt that we will be adding the beauty of color to our building blocks for years to come!

Retailing for $32 each, the Crystal Bead Blocks and the Shimmering Water Blocks are available directly from Guidecraft on their website, through the shopping link of the Guidecraft Facebook page, or on Amazon for around 20% less (the Crystal Bead Blocks are found here and the Shimmering Water Blocks are found here).

Plus, being that this is an awesome Guidecraft Moms review, that means there is a giveaway for these great toys as well! This month it is being held at Homeschool Creations, but only until July 25th, so head over right away and enter to win!


(I was provided with Crystal Bead Blocks and Shimmering Water Blocks to help facilitate this review as part of my participation as a Guidecraft Mom. I was not compensated or enticed or to do this review in any way and this post is solely my honest opinion of this website, the products and how much we love them.)

Guidecraft Fraction Action Board & Fraction Cups {Review}

There are times when I look at my daughters and am amazed that they have come so far from being the toothless, chubby babies that had to work on mastering the process of sitting up without tipping over.

When will I stop being so bewildered that they can jump and sing and imagine and converse and just be such big kids?

As much as I love to see them play with toys that are designed to bring joy and encourage creativity, I also really like to mix educational value in there as well. Don't all parents want to see the kids grow up to reach their full potential? For us, our recent favorite way to have fun while also reaping the benefits that a high quality math toy can bring is by pulling out the Fraction Action Board and Fraction Cups from Guidecraft.

Although we already know and love Guidecraft for the fact that their innovative, high quality products are open-ended and inspiring, this month it was great to focus a little more on the educational side.

When the Fraction Action Board and Fraction Cups arrived, right away the girls and I were intrigued by the colorful pieces and the fun shapes.

Made from Eco-friendly rubberwood and stained with low VOC aniline dyes, the Fraction Action Board is designed for ages 2 and up and measures 9.5" x 9.5" x 1.25". There are 18 brightly stained wood pieces that fit into nine spots on the board in shapes ranging from a simple circle or square to a more complex hexagon.

Whether used spontaneously or by following along with the provided activity booklet, the Fraction Action Board is great for sorting, sequencing, fraction skills, shape recognition, hand-eye coordination and much more.

As both Big Sister E and Little Sister B are big fans of puzzles, they have really enjoyed taking all of the large pieces off of the Board and discussing how they fit back together properly. By having each shape fit in as a whole, a half, and in thirds, it is just right to be progressively more difficult... but not so much that they can't figure it out.

Even though both girls (ages 2 and 4) are far from the traditional age of learning fractions, I love seeing their minds at work with the Fraction Action Board as well as the Fraction Cups. They both like to talk about what pieces fit together and just how much fun it is to get all the parts of the whole put together!

The Fraction Cups are a set of four eco-friendly rubberwood cups that are also stained with low VOC aniline dyes. Along with the Fraction Action Board, these 10 colorful pieces explore the concepts of whole, half, third and quarter, while also further developing fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.

The provided activity booklet gives great ideas, but these easy-to-hold items lend themselves well to all sorts of creative stacking, building, and cognitive thinking. Any time that Big Sister E mixes up the thirds and the quarters, she likes to talk out loud as she contemplates why the circle isn't whole and what might be the problem. It makes for a great interactive learning experience every time!

Guidecraft's Fraction Action Board and Fraction Cups have remained just as engaging and educational as the first day that we opened the boxes and the simplicity of them is truly what makes them unique and fun. I have no doubt that if I sat Big Sister E down and tried to give her a straightforward talk about fractions that she would be bored and uninterested... but with these toys, she finds it fun and exciting!

Retailing for $25 each, the Fraction Action Board and the Fraction Cups are available directly from Guidecraft on their website, through the shopping link of the NEW Guidecraft Facebook page, or on Amazon for a little less (the Fraction Action Board is found here and the Fraction Cups are found here).

Plus, being that this is an awesome Guidecraft Moms review, that means there is a giveaway for these great toys as well! This month it is being held by Mama Jenn, but only until June 25th, so head over right away and enter to win!


(I was provided with a Fraction Action Board and Fraction Cups to help facilitate this review as part of my participation as a Guidecraft Mom. I was not compensated or enticed or to do this review in any way and this post is solely my honest opinion of this website, the products and how much we love them.)

Guidecraft Twisters and Curves Construction Toys {Review}

There are times where my kids and I enjoy sitting down with a structured game or puzzle and following the directions or using the pieces step-by-step as instructed and have a great time.

However, I find that all three of us also really love the toys that can be pulled out that are open-ended and entertaining - the ones that inspire creativity, boost a child's imagination and lead to an all-around fun time no matter what you decide to do with them.

Because really, how much fun can a toy be that can't keep the excitement and interest longer than a few minutes or must be played with specifically one way every time?

And the company that we know and adore for providing endless imaginative options in building, dramatic play, construction toys, and more that are universally-loved by boys and girls of all ages is the always-inventive and original Guidecraft. This month, this was proven yet again with their unique and colorful Twisters and Twister Curves.

The standard Twisters comes with 66 straight pieces, 24 connectors, and one tool resembling a pair of pliers, while the Twister Curves has the same number of items but with curved pieces instead. As soon as I had the boxes opened, Big Sister E and Little Sister B were immediately intrigued with the red, yellow, blue, and green plastic items that were just calling out for play.

The concept of the Twisters and Curves is very simple: snap the pieces together and twist and turn them for endless building possibilities and crazy creations. There's no wrong way to play!

Designed for ages 3 and up (the connectors could easily be choking hazards), Little Sister B has had a great time popping the Twisters and Curves together into random shapes or sorting them into patterns of the various colors...

...while Big Sister E has gotten more creative and seems to come up with something new each time we have pulled these toys out. Some of her projects end up unnamed, while others are something completely out of her imagination.

At left: a simple construction. At right: an elephant riding a motorcycle. Just nod along.

I have to admit that I've gotten into playing with these construction toys a few times as well and it has been fun putting our heads together to see what a little patience and thought can do for the finished designs. Everything from our happy doggies...

...to our shining suns...

...to our "bagel tower" that turned into a cactus with the addition of the connectors poking out from all over...

...have only inspired us to see what we can come up with next.

Guidecraft's Twisters and Twister Curves have remained just as engaging and entertaining as the first day that we opened the boxes and the simplicity of them is truly what makes them unique and fun. Each time it seems as though they have been connected or turned for all of the possible ways that we can think of... we come up with 10 more. And then 10 more after that.

Retailing for $25, Twisters and Twister Curves are available directly from Guidecraft on their website, through the shopping link of the NEW Guidecraft Facebook page, or on Amazon (for less than $10)! Plus, being that this is an awesome Guidecraft Moms review, that means there is a giveaway for these great toys as well! This month it is being held at 1+1+1=1 but only until May 22nd, so head over right away and enter to win!


(I was provided with a set of Twisters and a set of Twister Curves to help facilitate this review as part of my participation as a Guidecraft Mom. I was not compensated or enticed or to do this review in any way and this post is solely my honest opinion of this website, the products and how much we love them.)