Christmas Gift Reviews: Art and Crafts

It's that time of year again, when I start researching for Christmas gifts. I'm always curious to know what other parents are buying for their children. I read countless reviews on toys that I'm considering to buy because I want to know the pros and cons for each toy. The best way to really discover a toy is to ask other parents and children too. I would love to know what your children favorite toys are. So, each week, I will have a different category to review. Click here for the category list and dates. Please feel free to share your views about toys in each category too.

This week's theme is Art and Crafts.

We normally make most of our crafts from recycled materials around the house. Izzie art supplies mostly consists of crayons, markers, and washable finger paints.

Izzie's favorite markers are the Do-A-Dot Art Markers.


Pros: These markers are large and easy to hold. They are non-toxic and will not dry out when the lid is accidentally left off. In addition, these markers are great to use on magnet pages for pre-writing skills.

Cons: Expensive at $14.99 for a pack of six. I buy them at Michael's with a 50% off coupon.


I've been looking for a wooden art easel for Izzie. I found this one at Ikea that she'll be receiving for Christmas.

Pros: It's inexpensive ($14.99) and it's made out of renewable wood. It has 2 sides (one with a magnetic dry-erase board and the other side is a chalkboard), a place for the drawing paper roll, and a tray to hold materials.

Cons: Not available to be ordered on-line and shipped. I had to travel to pick it up at our nearest Ikea store, which is 3 hours away! Luckily, we made it a weekend trip.

Disclaimer: I did not contact or receive any products from the above companies. These are my opinions, which may vary from your experience with these products.

Please link your child's favorite Art and Craft items too!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Pay It Forward...Giveaway!

I recently participated in a Pay It Forward giveaway hosted by Tired, Need Sleep. She sent a goodie package to the first 3 readers that commented on her post regarding her pay it forward package that her son received. We were so excited to be one of the three readers!

Several weeks ago, Izzie received her package and was thrilled with all the goodies!

She is having so much fun with the adorable finger puppets! She also received a growing giraffe, stencils, and a sticker book. She loves stickers!

Now, it's our turn to Pay It Forward...

Since, I have been hosting Stocking Stuffer giveaways for the past few weeks, I thought I would continue with the theme and giveaway format.

I will randomly choose 3 readers to receive a a goodie package. If you are randomly chosen, please "Pay It Forward* too!

So, if you would like to receive a package of stocking stuffers for your little one...

Please leave a comment for each entry.

1. Mandatory: Agree to *Pay It Forward* to 3 of your readers.

2. Tell me the age of your child(ren).

3. Publicly follow Izzie, Mac, and Me.

4. Grab my new button for your sidebar.

The giveaway will end on Sunday, November 29, at 10pm (EST). Three random readers will be chosen.

Homemade Christmas Gifts: Week 3

I have a huge list of projects that I want to make this year for Christmas. To encourage me to finish at least one project per week, I've decided to share each week what I've made. I would love to see what everyone else is making too...I love sharing and receiving ideas!

This week I started several Christmas projects and unfortunately, I did not complete any! However, I have a good start on the ABC pillow that I'm making for Izzie and Mac.

I found my inspiration and alphabet template here. I am doing a few things differently. Instead of using a decorative pillow and fleece fabric to make a pillow case, I'm using a extra pillow that I currently have and a pre-made pillow case.

This is what the finished product will look like...plus, buttons and a pillow inside.

I had no idea how long it would take to cut out 26 letters! I've measured and marked on the pillowcase where the remaining 24 letters will go, but have not sewn on the buttons.

I would LOVE to see your homemade Christmas gifts too! Please feel free to link below.

Christmas Gift Reviews: Pretend Play and Dress-Up

It's that time of year again, when I start researching for Christmas gifts. I'm always curious to know what other parents are buying for their children. I read countless reviews on toys that I'm considering to buy because I want to know the pros and cons for each toy. The best way to really discover a toy is to ask other parents and children too. I would love to know what your children favorite toys are. So, each week, I will have a different category to review. Click here for the category list and dates. Please feel free to share your views about toys in each category too.

This week's theme is Pretend Play and Dress-Up.

Izzie is at the age where she loves to pretend play. Here are a few of her favorite pretend play props:

If you're looking for a play kitchen this Christmas, I would highly recommend the KidKraft Retro Kitchen.

Pros: This is a well constructed wooden kitchen set that is large enough for multiple children to play with at the same time. I really like the storage compartments for Izzie's accessories and food items. Below the sink, there is a compartment with 2 deep shelves, the oven opens to 2 shelves and a bottom drawer, and the inside the refrigerator there are two large shelves with additional storage below. Izzie plays with her kitchen set, daily!

Cons: It takes up a lot of space.

We normally stock Izzie's kitchen with only wooden food or felt food. However, when I saw the Just Like Home Pizza Decorator and Cake Decorator Playsets, I knew she would enjoy them too, even if they are made of plastic!

Pros: These playsets are very realistic. Each playset comes with a ton of toppings to attach (Velcro) to the top of the pizza/cake. The pizza and cake are Velcro together to create a whole, but can be cut into individual pieces.

Cons: The plates for the cake are too small to hold a piece of cake. There are a lot of small pieces to keep up with. I had to buy small storage containers to place the items in...I really wish that each set came with it's own box for the toppings. With all the small pieces, I would not recommend these playsets to younger children or children who still put items in their mouth.

Dress-Up Clothes

Most days, Izzie is wandering around the house in a princess dress! She really enjoys dressing-up. I buy Halloween costumes for her. I bought several costumes last year on clearance and bought 3 more last week at Target for only $1.70 each (they were 90% off).

Disclaimer: I did not contact or receive any products from the above companies. These are my opinions, which may vary from your experience with these products.

Please link your child's favorite Pretend Play and Dress-Up items too!