Checking Our List #9: Gummy Lump Review & Giveaway (Winner's Choice!)

Kaelyn is at an age where she loves to engage in pretend play. Her creativity and imagination never cease to amaze me and it's something I want to help encourage in any way I can. I am always on the lookout for good quality toys that are fun and educational. That's why I love Gummy Lump and their large selection of top of the line toys!

Dedicated to providing only the highest quality and most unique toys for children ages 0-6 years old...Gummy Lump offers a large selection of children's products from the brands parents know and trust. With everything from puzzles and wood blocks to wooden doll houses and play kitchens...you're sure to find something perfect for every child on your gift list this Christmas!

As I browsed through the Gummy Lump website, I was amazed with the large selection of products they offer. Everywhere I looked there were quality brands like Melissa and Doug, Kidkraft, Haba, and more! It's great to have such a wonderful selection of toys all in one place, and finding what you need couldn't be easier with their user-friendly website. I can easily shop by age, category, and brand with their conveniently located tabs along the side of the page.

I couldn't have been happier when I learned we were going to have the opportunity to review the Melissa and Doug Pretend Play Workbench. With Kaelyn's love for imaginative play and imitating mommy and daddy growing stronger each day, I knew this would be something she'd really enjoy. I was right!

Features/Benefits:

• Sturdy wooden workbench
• Functioning vise
• Tool rack
• Wooden tools
• Hardware
• Storage Shelf
• Great size for children - 24" x 26" x 18.5"
• For ages 3 years and up
  

When it arrived, I couldn't wait to get it set up. Upon opening the box I saw that there were quite a few pieces to put together and thought it might be difficult and take a long time to put together. I couldn't have been more wrong! With the step by step instructions included, as well as the clearly labeled pieces...my hubby had it put together in no time without needing any tool other than a screwdriver to put it together!

Once it was all put together, two things caught my attention right away. First was the size. It couldn't be more perfect! I pictured it being larger than it is, so this was a great, and much appreciated surprise. Not only is the 24" x 26" x 18.5" size just right for young children, but the fact that it doesn't take up a lot of space is fantastic as well!

The second thing that instantly impressed me was the quality. This is definitely a toy made to last...which is great considering the use I know it will get over the coming years. I was amazed that there are no rough or sharp edges, and that it's so sturdy. I love wooden toys like this!

Of course, I couldn't help but think it was one of the cutest play workbenches I've ever seen! The features it has are just adorable. There's a great tool shelf along the top which makes it easy to keep them contained when not in use.

The vise on the front is pretty neat too. This was something Kaelyn was drawn to right away because it's not just there for looks, it actually functions. What a neat addition to an already amazing toy!

I really love the large workspace on this workbench as well. It's great when both kids are standing next to it wanting to play. There are holes for the included hardware. This is not only a great place to keep them when no one is playing with it, but Kaelyn also loves to pretend she's hammering the nails into the holes.

There is a really great storage shelf on the bottom. This is probably one of my favorite features, as it gives us a place to keep all of the play nuts, bolts, screws and other pieces. There are many pieces that come with this toy and I love that the manufacturer thought to add something like this.

Kaelyn has had an absolute blast playing with her new Melissa and Doug Wooden Workbench! I've really enjoyed observing her imagination at work as she pretends to fix and build things just like her Daddy does. With all that it offers, it not only provides hours of fun, but also has educational value as well. It's helping to teach her about tools, problem solving, hand-eye coordination and so much more!

Although recommended for ages 3+, Kaden has even enjoyed playing along side his sister at the workbench. Because there are some smaller pieces, we do keep a close eye on him, but it's been fun to see him so interested and observing the way Kaelyn uses the tools.

The kids aren't the only ones who think this wooden workbench is great...I, too, have enjoyed a fair amount of time playing with them. There was a Wooden Model Instruction Booklet included with ideas on different projects you could construct with the included building pieces.

This is something I could see appealing to a little bit older children (as well as adults) especially. It offers step by step diagrams for the different projects. In just minutes, Kaelyn and I put together this great airplane. Isn't it fun!?

The sky is the limit when it comes to constructing different creative projects. Though there are 6 really fun ones to follow in the booklet, the things you can create are limitless. Your imagination can take you wherever you want it to go.

With all this workbench has to offer, there's something for all ages. Whether your little handyman/handywoman is just starting out and using the tools to hit the nails, or is a little older and wants to construct and build things...there's really something for everyone.

Overall, we've been very impressed with the Melissa and Doug Wooden Workbench Toy! The quality is fantastic, and it's already provided hours of fun and a lot of learning. Whether you have a girl or a boy, I would think this would make a terrific gift this holiday season.

Of course, the Melissa and Doug Wooden Workbench is just one of many great products found at Gummy Lump. I think the Melissa and Doug Folding Wooden Princess Castle would be a lot of fun for Kaelyn to have at some point too!

No matter what age you're looking for, or what your child's interests might be...there's sure to be something educational, fun and one that will encourage creativity.

Buy It: You can purchase the Melissa and Doug Pretend Play Workbench on sale for $79.99 (was $99.99!) at GummyLump.com.

Win It: Gummy Lump has offered one very lucky reader their choice of either the Melissa and Doug Pretend Play Workbench OR the Melissa and Doug Folding Wooden Princess Castle!!

Mandatory Entry - Visit Gummy Lump and leave a comment letting me know another product you love.

Extra Entries: (Only valid after the mandatory entry has been completed. Leave 1 comment for each extra entry)

1. 1 extra entry- Enter the Gummy Lump Giveaway at Thanks, Mail Carrier (Melissa and Doug Shopping Cart and choice of 2 Food Sets!)

2. 1 extra entry- 'Like' GummyLump.com on Facebook

3. 1 extra entry- Follow GummyLump on Twitter

4. 5 extra entries- Add a "Play Food" sidebar text link on your blog, linking back to www.GummyLump.com

5. 5 extra entries- Become a GummyLump.com affiliate through Google Affiliate Network

6. 5 extra entries- Place an order on the Gummy Lump website and leave a comment with your order number.

7. 3 extra entries- Grab our Checking Our List Holiday Gift Guide Button and leave a comment with the URL where it can be found.

8. 3 extra entries- Blog about this giveaway (linking to this post and Gummy Lump) and leave THREE comments with the URL to that post.

9. 1 extra entry- Follow me on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway (You can tweet once a day for one extra entry every day)! You can copy and paste:

#WIN a Melissa & Doug Wooden Workbench OR Folding Wooden Princess Castle from @GummyLump (ARV $80 Each) #momsbalancingact http://bit.ly/911QTO

10. 3 extra entries- Post my blog button or blog URL to your blog and leave a comment with the URL to your blog. (If it already is, leave me a comment letting me know)

11. 2 extra entries- subscribe to A Mom's Balancing Act via e-mail (found along the side column) and leave TWO comments letting me know.

12. 2 extra entries- 'Like' A Mom's Balancing Act on Facebook

13. 2 extra entries- Follow my blog publicly on Google Friend Connect

14. Enter any of my other Holiday Gift Guide giveaways running now. Leave me a comment on which one(s)....ONE entry for EACH giveaway you enter!!

Leave one comment for each entry you complete. Be sure to leave your email address with your comments or make sure it's visible in your profile so that I have a way to contact you if you win!

This giveaway will end December 3rd and is open to the US Only!

**The products for this review and giveaway were provided for free by Gummy Lump. All opinions found here are my own and were not influenced in any way. The opinions of others may differ from my own**