Fun in the Sun #1: Barbecue Grill & Cooking Set Review & Giveaway

I could sit and watch my kids play for hours on end. Nothing is better than seeing their imaginations at work while they're learning and having fun. Kaelyn is especially into pretend play and doing the things she sees us do...cooking, cleaning, etc. I am always on the lookout for great quality toys that encourage open-ended, creative play like this which is why I am such a big fan of Magic Cabin!
Magic Cabin began in 1989 as a small doll company and has since grown to include a large selection of kid-powered, simple toys that are sturdy, safe and fun. It is their belief that children's lives are enriched by ample time for open-ended, creative, imaginative play and have been guided by that notion since the beginning.

Offering everything from doll toys to games and crafts...Magic Cabin is a site I could browse for hours on end if I had the time. Their selection of high quality toys is absolutely amazing, which is why I was excited to learn that we were going to have the opportunity to review another of their great toys.

With summer nearing we'll be grilling out a lot more. As much as Kaelyn enjoys pretending she is like mommy and daddy...cooking, baking, etc, I knew the Barbecue Grill Cooking Set would be perfect.
Features/Benefits:

• Recommended for 3+ years old
• Certified for safety and quality
• Developed with a child's development needs in mind
  
• Relaistic looking with opening hood
  
• Collapsible side table
• Wheels for easily mobility
  
• Made from Plywood, MDF, and nontoxic paint
• Includes 9-piece wooden barbecue cooking set

When the grill and cooking set arrived, I was excited to see what the kids thought. As I pulled the grill out of the box, I will admit that I couldn't help but wonder how difficult it might be to put together. There were quite a few pieces to assemble, however...with user-friendly instructions, thankfully I found it to be very simple and had it put together in no time!


Seeing it put together, I was immediately impressed with the size. I thought it was going to be on the larger side, however...measuring just 25"H x 19-1/2"L x 14"W, it's absolutely perfect. Not too big, yet large enough to still feel real to the kids. I love it! It also doesn't take up a lot of room which is nice too.

Made from Plywood, MDF, and nontoxic paint...I am comforted to know that it's safe and great quality. I could tell right away that it's very durable and sturdy, which is a must when it comes to toys that are used on a regular basis. They need to be able to withstand the wear and tear of play...and the Barbecue Grill and Cooking Set definitely does! I know this will be something that will last us for a very long time which is something I really appreciate!

The moment Kaelyn saw this wooden toy grill put together, she said "I have a grill just like Daddy's!". She was very excited that it looked so much like his. It really is very realistic looking, and offers a lot of great features as well. The hood opens and shuts and there's a great side table to put plates and condiments. When not in use, the side table collapses down flat. There are four dials along the front that even click and sound like they're actually be turned on.



There's also a storage shelf underneath, and a two sided grill that can easily be switched by flipping it over. Kaelyn enjoys using the grill side most since it most resembles Daddy's grill, however...she has also liked playing with the side with burners as well.


And, what would grilling be without food? This grill comes with a great 9-piece wooden barbecue cooking set that includes: Mustard, Ketchup, Tongs, 2 Steaks, 2 Fish, and 2 Kebobs! Kids have everything they need to BBQ up a great dinner for guests. Kaelyn absolutely loves to use the tongs and Kaden likes to put the food on the Kebobs! It's fun and they are working on their hand eye coordination which is fantastic! Both kids love to 'make' us meals on the grill. I think the Ketchup and Mustard were an especially fun bonus.




We have been thrilled with the Barbecue Grill Cooking Set! The quality is fantastic and it encourages open-ended, creative play. Thanks to the handy wheels and handle, the grill has been very easy to move around which has made grilling even more fun for Kaelyn.


She plays with it in the house, but also has moved it out by Daddy's grill when it's nice out. It's such a fun toy for any time of the year, and one I would highly recommend to others with young children.
Of course, this is just one of SO many great products offered at Magic Cabin. With summer just around the corner, they have a great selection of outdoor toys. Whether it's sand & water toys, ride on toys or something else...they have it all!

Buy It: You can purchase the Barbecue Grill Cooking Set for $129 at MagicCabin.com.

Win It: One very lucky reader is going to win a Barbecue Grill Cooking Set of their own!

Mandatory Entry - Visit Magic Cabin and let me know another product you'd love to have.

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

1. 1 extra entry- Enter the Grow-With-Me Trike/Scooter at Thanks, Mail Carrier

2. 1 extra entry- Follow Magic Cabin on Twitter

3. 1 extra entry- Like Magic Cabin on Facebook

4. 3 extra entries- Grab our Fun in the Sun Button and leave a comment with the URL where it can be found.

5. 3 extra entries- Blog about this giveaway (linking to this post and Magic Cabin) and leave THREE comments with the URL to that post.

6. 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 Barbecue Grill & Cooking Set from @MagicCabin! ARV $129! http://bit.ly/lDuY53 Ends 6/17

7. 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)

8. 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.

9. 2 extra entries- 'Like' A Mom's Balancing Act on Facebook

10. 2 extra entries- Follow my blog publicly on Google Friend Connect

11. Enter any of my other Fun in the Sun 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 June 17th and is open to US and Canada!

**The products for this review & giveaway were provided for free by Magic Cabin. All opinions found here are 100% mine and were not influenced in any way. The opinions of others may differ from my own**