Melissa & Doug Sunny Patch Summer Fun from Gummy Lump {Review & Giveaway}

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

As the beginning of fall has started to loom in the distance, my kids and I have been reminiscing about the summer fun that they've had: swimming pools, sprinklers, climbing at the playground, picnics, and pulling out all of the great toys that stay buried in the garage all winter long.

Among those, some of the very favorites and most-used are the outdoor toys. Sometimes I think that I could turn my girls loose outside for hours and they would be perfectly content picking up leaves, playing in our sandbox or at our sand table, or simply strolling around out there enjoying the sunshine.

However, this summer we made an effort to get rid of the items that we weren't overly thrilled with - the toys that were poor quality or the shoes that didn't fit or the items that were just not entertaining or unique. Sure, a bucket and shovel are fun, but when it comes to open-ended creativity, imagination and inventiveness, that's when we know to turn to Gummy Lump and their huge selection of Sunny Patch Toys by Melissa & Doug.

With so many high quality, well-designed educational toys and children's products, I had no doubt that Melissa & Doug and Gummy Lump would be able to bring a smile to my girls' faces this summer... and when the Happy Giddy Flip-Up Sunglasses, Happy Giddy Flip Flops and the Seaside Sidekicks Sand Cookie Making Set arrived, they were instant favorites.

Having selected Happy Giddy to adorn her sunglasses and flip flops, I wasn't surprised when Big Sister E was thrilled to see just how cute these items were in person. With the bright colors and the addition of the adorable Happy Giddy bug, she wanted to wear these accessories immediately.

Just the right size for the kids, the Happy Giddy Flip-Up Sunglasses contain UV-rated lenses that provide the protection their eyes need, while the unique design is the perfect fashion statement. Big Sister E got a huge kick out of wearing them with the lenses down...

...as well as flipped up.

What kid wouldn't have fun with these adorable sunglasses? On sale at Gummy Lump now for only $3.99 and available in multiple cute Sunny Patch characters, these are so much fun to wear out in the sun, give as a gift or even pick up multiple pairs for birthday party goodie bags.

The only way to make them better? Pair them with the matching flip flops, of course!

Available in sizes 6/7 up to 12/13, these colorfully striped Happy Giddy Flip Flops add charm and style to any outfit. The base is thick and durable and the thong strap is secure and comfortable for little feet. On sale for $6.39 (and also available in multiple Sunny Patch character designs), these are just right for a way to add fun and style all the way down to your child's toes.

When it comes to traditional sand play, Melissa & Doug is known for turning it up a notch with toys that last and inspire for quite some time. Right out of the package, the bright colors and cute smiles of the Seaside Sidekicks Sand Cookie Making Set were calling out for a fun time in the sand.

Much more than just a shovel or two, this set comes complete with three cookie cutters, a rolling pin, a crab-topped "sprinkle" shaker, a cookie sheet, a spatula and two shell-shaped dishes that had my kids delighted right from the start.

As it contains multiple pieces, this collection has been great for Big Sister E and Little Sister B to make cookies over and over, whether together or separately... and they've been having a blast! They tend to place the cookie sheet in the middle and then take turns with the rest as they bake and re-bake over and over again.

Even though the dry sand in our table doesn't hold the shape of the cookies as well as it would if we were playing in wet sand on the beach, the girls have still loved the unique twist that this set has been able to add to our play. The pieces are cute, high quality and just so much fun!

To top it all off, when we're done all of the pieces (minus the cookie sheet) store in a handy mesh bag, making it great for travel as well as allowing the excess sand to fall right off.

As with our past Gummy Lump experiences, we've been really happy with these Sunny Patch items and the amount of imaginative play that they have provided. Designed for kids to just let their personal style and creativity take over, these high quality pieces are bright, colorful, fun to use, and are even on sale (the Cookie Making Set is only $11.99 right now)!

Whether you're playing at home or at the beach, Gummy Lump's selection of Melissa & Doug Sunny Patch toys and accessories will provide enjoyment for years to come. We've had a great time dressing up or pretend baking recently and I know that we will do the same next summer and the following summer and more!

Thanks to the generosity of Gummy Lump, one person will be prepared to end this summer on a high note as well as be prepared for next year's entertainment, because...

One lucky person will win their choice of $25 worth of Melissa & Doug Sunny Patch items from Gummy Lump!

To enter to win: Visit Gummy Lump and tell me another of their amazing products that you think the child(ren) in your life would really enjoy.

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 Gummy Lump on Twitter, Like them on Facebook, sign up for their e-newsletter and/or follow the Gummy Lump blog with Google Friend Connect.
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 Melissa & Doug Sunny Patch toys (ARV $25) from Gummy Lump! http://bit.ly/pzCOqN @thxmailcarrier #win #giveaway

2 Extra Entries (per follow method) if you follow me with Google Friend Connect, subscribe to my RSS feed, subscribe to Thanks, Mail Carrier by email, 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 9th 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 Gummy Lump for providing the aforementioned products for me to review as well as $25 worth of Sunny Patch items 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.

Fun in the Sun #15: Super Parachute Party from Gummy Lump {Review & Giveaway}

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

I think most kids will agree that one of the best aspects of summer (along with swimming pools, flip flops, and the ice cream truck), is the increased amount of time that you have to play with friends.

Although our schedule for the next three months is actually looking fairly busy, that doesn't mean that the girls and I aren't excited about the time that we have planned to spend with our favorite playgroup pals while school is out. Every week we make sure to carve out a day to get together and every week we're just as thrilled hanging out with them doing something wild and adventurous or more standard like running and climbing at a park and playground.

As we've been playing together for a few years now, brainstorming activities and possibilities for the kids to all play together in new and unique ways has sometimes gotten a little more difficult. After all, how many creative ideas can there be that combine teamwork, imagination, social skills, and work for the varying ages of kids in our group?

Thanks to Gummy Lump, we now have one more: the Super Parachute Party by Alex.

As a Gummy Lump Brand Ambassador (which the girls and I have been thrilled about!), we have had the opportunity to get to know and love this company for quite some time.

Whether you're shopping for wooden toys, puzzles, blocks, giant stuffed animals, pretend play or more, Gummy Lump provides only the highest quality, award-winning products for all ages and abilities that the whole family can enjoy. So I had no doubt that the Super Parachute Party by Alex would be just the thing for my daughters and their friends to enjoy for endless play times to come this summer and beyond.

Arriving in its own convenient storage and carrying case, right away the bright colors and eye-catching patterns had the kids (and adults) eager to see what was inside.

Coming complete with the 10' diameter durable parachute and 16 light, plastic balls (similar to what you would find in a ball pit), it didn't take a minute of convincing to get the kids all over to play with this fun set.

The 12 woven handles are securely attached and just right for small hands to grab and hold tightly. Whether shaking, lifting, lowering, or just hanging on, every child was able to hold a handle with no problem to play along with ease.

And the different ways to play with a parachute often seem limitless! Up, down, over, under, with the balls, without them... it all adds up to fun!

Are there kids who don't like playing with a parachute? If they exist, I'm pretty sure I haven't met them yet.


The Super Parachute Party by Alex even includes a sheet with various game ideas and instructions in case you run out of your own or want to try something new. As well as those, we also found that leaving the direction up to the kids has led to some creative ways to turn a parachute into so much more.

And even though the ideal location for playing with this is a large, open outdoor space, if you have a big enough room (with high ceilings) indoors, you could pull this out on a rainy day as well.

But of course once you have a parachute open inside, kids' imaginations start to kick in and you've got the perfect accessory for pretend play, building forts, and much more.

Each time we have played with the Super Parachute Party, I have been impressed with the quality and durability of the set as a whole. When we're done playing for the day, the parachute rolls up easily into a red fabric pouch and fits right into the carrying case with the balls. I can simply store the whole thing away for next time at home or have it hanging from a hook to bring along with us to the park to extend the use once again.

The entertainment it has provided for the kids has been great and the way that it promotes working together and seems to secretly be teaching my daughters about teamwork as well as scientific concepts like cause-and-effect is an added bonus that any parent can appreciate.

Retailing for $49.99, the Super Parachute Party by Alex is just one of the wide selection of toys that Gummy Lump offers that works for a variety of ages and abilities. Making it easy to browse by brand, age or category and find just what you're looking for at a great price, Gummy Lump has everything you need for fun, entertainment, and learning all summer long.

And, thanks to their generosity, one person will be able to be the hit of their next group or individual play time as well, because...

One lucky person will win a Super Parachute Party from Gummy Lump!

To enter to win: Visit Gummy Lump and tell me another of their amazing products that you think the child(ren) in your life would really enjoy.

Extra Entries (available after the mandatory entry above is completed; please leave a separate comment for each entry in order for them to be counted).

1 Extra Entry if you head over to A Mom's Balancing Act and enter to win a Summer Prize Pack of outdoor toys from Gummy Lump!
1 Extra Entry (per method) if you follow Gummy Lump on Twitter, Like them on Facebook, sign up for their e-newsletter and/or follow the Gummy Lump blog with Google Friend Connect.
1 Extra Entry (per giveaway entered) - Enter any (or all) of the Fun in the Sun giveaways (Fun in the Sun giveaways ONLY) running on Thanks, Mail Carrier for the duration of this giveaway.
1 Extra Entry if you follow me on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway by copying and pasting the tweet below and leaving me the link. Tweet daily for an extra entry every day!

Fun in the Sun 15: WIN a Super Parachute Party (ARV $50) from Gummy Lump! #thxmailcarrier http://bit.ly/l3GzWE #win #giveaway

2 Extra Entries (per follow method) if you follow me with Google Friend Connect, subscribe to my RSS feed, subscribe to Thanks, Mail Carrier by email or become a fan on Facebook.
3 Extra Entries if you put my cute button up on your blog. Please leave an address where it can be found.
3 Extra Entries if you have our Fun in the Sun 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 July 8th 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 Gummy Lump for providing a Super Parachute Party 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.

Melissa & Doug Trunki Kids Suitcases from Gummy Lump {Review & Giveaway}

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

Months before the vacation that Big Sister E and I took this past April I was already thinking of all of the things that we would need to remember to pack.

As well as the usual swimsuits, sunscreen, and sandals that are typically needed for a warm weather trip, I knew that, as I was going to be the one carrying all of the bags, that I would need to make things as efficient as possible for myself.

In the past I had tried getting Big Sister E to pull a small suitcase or carry a backpack, but it seemed like I always ended up just lugging everything along myself... which, when I was also trying to keep track of not losing her in the airports, wasn't always so much fun.

This trip, however, was different. Because this year I was given a review opportunity that I will be forever grateful for: the Melissa & Doug Trunki Kids Suitcase from Gummy Lump.

Available in six different colors and patterns, it is hard to describe Trunki Suitcases in any way other than really, really cool. A bright and fun combination of a ride-on toy and luggage, these customizable, lightweight, sturdy, carry-on sized suitcases are an innovation that changes traveling with children for the better. Much better.

The day that I was able to show Big Sister E the various kids' suitcases on GummyLump.com, I'm not sure that her eyes could have gotten any wider after seeing the options and hearing that as well as being her luggage, she was going to be able to ride on it. Coolest Mom of the Year Award, here I come!

I wasn't surprised when she selected Trunki Terrance (her favorite color is blue) and then all we had to do was endure a few days of waiting before the fun could begin.

Arriving along with Terrance, Melissa & Doug has also created adorable matching Trunki Saddlebags for storage and padding, as well as Trunki Stickers that are a necessity for turning your child's suitcase into their well-loved friend.

As we checked out the Trunki Blue Saddlebag, right away I could tell that it was well-made and extremely durable. Whether worn as a shoulder pack to carry around small items in the various pockets and compartments or strapped on the Trunki as a padded seat, this bag transforms between duties with ease.

Big Sister E's immediate favorite feature of the Saddlebag was the squeaky horn but she also really liked the idea of having her own special bag to carry her small belongings in wherever we might go.

Snapping this into place on the Trunki is fast and easy and it is such a fun accessory for an already fun product.

Turning to the main event, Big Sister E could barely contain her excitement as we sat down to decorate Terrance using the Fun Face Stickers, Alphabet Stickers and Destination Stickers.

Each set of stickers is cuter than the next! After personalizing Terrance with a face from the 20+ facial features and fashion accessories in the Fun Face Stickers, we decided on spelling out the word "airplane" with the Alphabet Stickers and then filling in much of the remaining open space with the real and imaginary locations on the Destination Stickers.

Even though Terrance had been pretty good-looking to start with, when he was finished being all dolled up, he was near irresistible.

When it came time to pack up her Trunki and leave for vacation, I was extremely impressed with just how much it could hold. Measuring 18.25" x 12" x 8.63", the entire thing appears to be fairly small until it is opened up to reveal the size and depth of both sides.

Filling one side with craft supplies and the other with small toys and snacks, all that was left to do was to head to the airport.

Considering the lightweight, durable plastic construction, Big Sister E had no problem lifting or pulling her Trunki on her own. The extra-wide wheel base kept it from tipping over and the choices between using the carry handles or the pull/shoulder strap made it easy to grab and move depending on where we were or how many people were around.

She was so proud to be able to be responsible for her own luggage, particularly one that was this attractive!

With horn grips, a contoured top and stabilizers to keep things upright, Big Sister E was plenty comfortable holding on when I was pulling her and I had no worries about her toppling off. And boy did this come in handy! Large airports aren't always the most kid-friendly places and having her hop onto Terrance and zip along right behind me ensured that we could move quickly to cover long distances without worry of being separated.

And the comments! I would have thought that we were celebrities with the amount of attention that we received in every location. From other passengers to airport employees to flight attendants and pilots - we received compliment after compliment that left Big Sister E beaming. We had so many conversations with other parents that started with "I LOVE your suitcase!" or "What a GREAT idea!" that I was thinking a Gummy Lump stand would be able to sell Trunkis by the handful!

But as well as being helpful for transportation, Terrance was able to keep Big Sister E entertained far better than any book or toy could have while we passed the time throughout the trip. Whether we were waiting to catch a tram to our gate, passing the time between flights or just standing around at baggage claim, she loved being able to hop on and scoot around on her own.

The Trunki has a sliding latch on each end that pop into place to keep the suitcase closed and even has a key attached to the pull/shoulder strap in case you want to lock them shut for extra safety.

We left them unlocked the entire trip and had no problems with the suitcase coming open at any point, but instead were able to slide Terrance in and out under the seat in front of Big Sister E with ease and open and close him to pull items out.

The Trunki is by far the BEST thing that I have come across for traveling with children in a long, long time. No dealing with bulky strollers, whines to be carried, hoisting heavy backpacks or worrying about entertainment during layovers and delays - this kids suitcase is the precise combination of every solution!

Prior to our next family vacation, I will absolutely be purchasing a second Trunki so that Little Sister B will have one as well... and, as they are designed to hold up to 100 pounds, I know we'll get years and years of use from them! And, when we're not traveling, these are perfect for storing toys, playtime at home, trips to Grandma's house, and more. I can't stress it enough: WE LOVE TRUNKI!

Retailing for $39.99 elsewhere, Trunki Kids Suitcases are only $31.99 from Gummy Lump with the Saddlebags running for $11.99 and the Stickers for $1.59 a pack. We were already huge fans of the high quality, award-winning products for all ages and abilities that Gummy Lump offers, but this review actually gave us a look into their customer service as well.

When Terrance arrived, one of the latches was missing two of the inner clips that holds it in place. Without those, the entire suitcase would fall open on the one end and I worried that we wouldn't be able to use it. Fortunately, Gummy Lump had me in touch immediately with Melissa & Doug to get the correct replacement sent out and we were on our way to a wonderful trip in no time.

I always appreciate companies that care about their customers and that is exactly what you will find at Gummy Lump. You're not another nameless consumer, you're family! No matter what toys, puzzles, blocks, pretend play, giant stuffed animals or more that you end up purchasing, you'll always know that you can turn to them on their website, blog, Facebook or Twitter accounts and receive a friendly response in no time.

And, thanks to their generosity, one person will be prepared for the end of tiring travel with the most fun suitcase around, because...

One lucky person will win their choice of Trunki Suitcase
as well as the matching Trunki Saddlebag and two packs of
Trunki Stickers (total ARV $47.16)!

*If you have won any giveaway from Gummy Lump in the past 90 days, you are not eligible to win.

To enter to win: Visit Gummy Lump and tell me another of their amazing products that you think the child(ren) in your life would really enjoy.

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 Gummy Lump on Twitter, Like them on Facebook, sign up for their e-newsletter and/or follow the Gummy Lump blog with Google Friend Connect.
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!

Kids love Trunki! WIN a Trunki Kids Suitcase, Saddlebag & Stickers from @GummyLump! #thxmailcarrier http://bit.ly/jUc88J #win #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 Gummy Lump. Please leave an address where it can be found.

Giveaway will end on May 26th at 11:59pm CST. Do me the favor of leaving an email address or making absolutely sure it is visible in your profile, I have to have a way to contact the winner. The winner will be chosen by random.org and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to contact me or respond to notification or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is open to U.S. residents only.

A big thank you to Gummy Lump for providing Trunki, Saddlebag and Stickers by Melissa & Doug 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.

Melissa & Doug Sleeping Bags from Gummy Lump {Review & Giveaway}

{This giveaway is now closed. Congratulations, Wise Owl Designs!}

Aside from a good long cuddle in a comfortable rocking chair, peeking in at my kids blissfully sleeping is one aspect of parenthood that I could repeat again and again.

I love to see them tucked in their beds, happily snoozing, hopefully dreaming about something fun that they enjoy. There's just something so... peaceful and calming about seeing them resting and getting energized for the upcoming day that it makes me smile every time.

But what I've always thought was strange? The fact that both of my kids can sleep soundly in not only strange positions, but without a single blanket. Don't they get cold? Even in the middle of winter I'll find the bedding crumpled up in a pile in the corner of the bed while my daughters are lying uncovered in the middle.

I thought maybe that it was just something that I didn't understand about childhood or that maybe they really just stayed warmer at night than I do. But that was before we were introduced to Augie Alligator and I realized that was just that we hadn't previously reached the right level of really cool bedding in order for it to be used.

Available as a part of the new line of Sunny Patch Toys at one of our favorite sites, GummyLump.com, Big Sister E was quite literally jumping up and down when she first caught sight of the picture of Augie Alligator. I have to admit, I was pretty impressed as well... after all, who wouldn't find bedtime more exciting by getting to snuggle into something this unique and fun?

When Augie arrived, Big Sister E could barely wait for me to get him out of the box before she was wiggling and squirming and pleading to get to try him out. After admiring and appreciating the colorful carry bag that Augie arrived in (handy for storage as well as transporting him places), we pulled him out to get the full view.

Just as we had suspected, Augie was pretty darn cool. Stuffed with comfy polyester, this six foot long sleeping bag (72"L x 30"W) is perfect for warmth, play, friendship, and all-around fun. He is squishy soft and huggable and Big Sister E got the biggest kick out of getting to climb inside his mouth to try him out.

"He's eating me, Mommy!" Giggle, giggle, giggle. "Chomp, chomp! Eeek!" Giggle, laugh, giggle.

It was definitely love at first snuggle and Big Sister E and Augie have been best buddies ever since. She brought him immediately up to her bed and sleeps on or inside him every night, easing my concerns over her being chilly. And although she hasn't gone on any sleepovers just yet, I have no doubt that Augie would go along with Big Sister E to keep her company and provide a little extra security for her as well.

Plus, Augie is machine washable, extremely durable and water resistant, he could actually be used outside as well as inside... so the next time we go camping, I know who will be tagging along!

When it comes to wooden toys, puzzles, blocks, giant stuffed animals, pretend play, or much more, Gummy Lump provides only the highest quality, award-winning products for all ages and abilities that the whole family can enjoy... and this sleeping bag is no exception!

Available in a ladybug version, named Mollie, as well as Augie Alligator, these great Melissa & Doug bedtime accessories retail for $23.99, are designed for ages 5+ and are sure to bring a smile to any child for years to come. Plus, thanks to the generosity of Gummy Lump, one person will get to see just how much the child in their life would enjoy taking a snooze with a cuddly friend as well, because...

One lucky person will win their choice of Augie Alligator or Mollie Sleeping Bag by Melissa & Doug from GummyLump.com!

*If you have won any giveaway from Gummy Lump in the past 90 days, you are not eligible to win.

To enter to win: Visit Gummy Lump and tell me another of their amazing products (not mentioned above) that you think the child(ren) in your life would really enjoy.

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 Gummy Lump on Twitter, Like them on Facebook, sign up for their e-newsletter and/or follow the Gummy Lump blog with Google Friend Connect.
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 a Melissa & Doug Alligator or Ladybug Sleeping Bag from @GummyLump for bedtime fun! #thxmailcarrier http://bit.ly/fmCIy7 #win #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 Gummy Lump. Please leave an address where it can be found.

Giveaway will end on April 25th 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 Gummy Lump for providing an Augie Alligator Sleeping Bag by Melissa & Doug for me to review as well as the choice of Augie or Mollie 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.

Gummy Lump: 300 Crafts for Kids in 2011 {Review & Giveaway}

{This giveaway is now closed. Congratulations, Mrs.Smitty!}

I'm fairly certain that if Big Sister E was given the opportunity to do a craft project every single day that she would still never grow tired of it. Give the girl a pair of scissors and some glue and she'll work to come up with some sort of masterpiece showing off her creativity and developing artistic skills.

Unfortunately for her, my brain seems to hold only a limited number of project ideas and then starts repeating, making for some not-so-exciting duplicates and the entertainment level decreasing. So, when I heard that one of our favorite sites for toys that encourage creativity, passion and inspiration, Gummy Lump, had started their 300 Crafts for Kids in 2011 on their blog, I knew that it was going to be the perfect way to brush up on some new, fun art times around here.

To get us even more prepared, Gummy Lump sent a box of great kids art supplies that were just calling out for some imagination and originality.

If you're looking for the supplies to make arts & crafts time fun, Gummy Lump really does offer just about everything. From individual items such as the awesome ones that we received to complete craft kits for kids that contain everything you might need (the Melissa & Doug Decorate Your Own craft kits are really fun!) all that's left is coming up with the ideas.

Which, thanks to the 300 Crafts for Kids postings, is no longer a problem. Geared mainly towards preschool-aged children (but with modifications included for children with special needs as well as ideas on how to make that day's activity more challenging and appropriate for older kids), Gummy Lump has a new and entertaining project for each day of the year.

As Big Sister E and I browsed through the fun options listed, we both enjoyed the fact that Gummy Lump includes plenty of photographs and clear instructions for each craft. With the list of supplies needed for each one, it was easy for me to see if we had everything necessary right on hand or whether I would have to do a little searching.

Being that Big Sister E was drawn to all of the Valentine's Day crafts that were posted surrounding the holiday, as soon as we came across the Choo Choo Photo Train I knew that it would be a big hit. Turning to the supplies that Gummy Lump sent, I pulled out the Child Safe Scissors Set, Construction Paper and Glitter Glue and we were all set.

We started with a little cutting...

...moved on to a little gluing and glittering...

...and ended up with a cute Photo Train that Big Sister E was really proud to say that she had created.

Even though ours was slightly different than the Choo Choo Photo Train picture from Gummy Lump (seen at left) we had a blast during the process and the end result is both cute and unique. And, considering how much we enjoyed making this, I knew that Big Sister E and I were going to have a great time completing more of the 300 Crafts for Kids - there are just so many fun ideas!

We have since moved on and made all sorts of cool projects using the Poster Paints, Kids' Paint Brushes, Palm Stampers, Jumbo Stamp Pads and more and, as I suspected, Big Sister E has loved them all. Each day we look forward to seeing which of the 300 crafts will show up next for us to try!

But we're not the only ones that can have fun with Gummy Lump...

As well as checking out the list and step-by-step instructions for all of Gummy Lump's great crafts, you'll want to head over to their Facebook page as well! Simply share pictures of your own completed projects and you'll be automatically entered into their weekly giveaway to win even more great art supplies! And heck, just by Liking Gummy Lump, you'll receive a coupon for savings off any purchase on their site... and who doesn't like a discount?

If you've never visited Gummy Lump before, you're missing out! Their wooden toys, play kitchens and food, kids' games and more have never failed to impress us in the past, but now, having used their high quality art supplies and gotten so many entertaining ideas from their list of crafts, we're even bigger fans. Don't miss the opportunity to encourage your child's imagination in 2011 with a long list of projects to choose from!

And to be sure that one person is prepared and ready to create, build and explore Gummy Lump's 300 Crafts for Kids...

One lucky person* will win a collection of art supplies** from
Gummy Lump! ARV $50!

*If you have won any giveaway from Gummy Lump in the past 90 days, you are not eligible to win.
**Art supplies included are: artist's smock, set of 2 child safe scissors, poster paints, large paint brushes, palm stampers, jumbo stamp pads, construction paper, origami paper and glitter glue.

To enter to win: Visit Gummy Lump's 300 Crafts for Kids and tell me at least one not mentioned above that you think the child(ren) in your life would really enjoy.

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 Gummy Lump on Twitter, Like them on Facebook, sign up for their e-newsletter and/or follow the Gummy Lump blog with Google Friend Connect.
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 an Arts & Crafts Prize Pack (ARV $50) from @GummyLump for fun and inspiration! #thxmailcarrier http://bit.ly/enSdkg #win #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 Gummy Lump's 300 Crafts for Kids in 2011. 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 Gummy Lump for providing a set of art supplies 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.