Although we get outside to play during the winter months, there's nothing better than running around in shorts and a t-shirt, enjoying the warm weather. The kids and I have so enjoyed our time outdoors so far, and look forward to many more weeks of summertime fun! Now that both kids are getting older, I keep an eye out for toys that keep them active and encourage them to play together. Thankfully, when it comes to finding high quality toys like this..I know I can count on Melissa & Doug.
Although the Melissa & Doug company has grown tremendously over the past 20 years, their philosophy remains the same. They are dedicated to making each and every customer a happy and permanent member of the Melissa & Doug family and offering products with great value, quality and design. A name parents have come to know and trust over the years, Melissa & Doug offers quality toys that are fun and educational. With everything from puzzles and puppets to play food, Outdoor Fun and Games, arts and crafts, and more...Melissa & Doug is one of the leading designers and manufacturers of educational toys and children's products.
Even before I had children, I was a huge Melissa & Doug fan! As a preschool teacher at the time, I was introduced to many of their wonderful products and since then have never been disappointed with the quality or educational value. They're fun and provide creative, imaginative and open-ended play for children.
With so many great toys for summer, I was excited we were going to have the opportunity to review a couple. Melissa & Doug sent us their Mollie Bath and Ball Set, Bollie Kickball, and Bollie Flying Disk to review.
Now that we've been able to spend more time outdoors, I had a feeling the kids would be really excited when they saw these toys. I was right! Upon opening the box all of us couldn't wait to start playing with them!
I absolutely love the bright colors and the ladybug design. It's very cute and especially appealing to children! The quality of each of the items is also top notch and something I know will hold up to the wear and tear of daily play. Once again, Melissa & Doug did not disappoint!
Both my kids love playing with balls, so the Bollie Kickball definitely stood out right away. Kaelyn commented on the fun ladybug design. Kaden grabbed it right away and ran to the door so we could go out and play in the backyard.
It's made of durable rubber, making it great for backyard fun and playing games in the park. Kaelyn and Kaden have really enjoyed kicking it to one another and chasing after it. Hearing them laugh and seeing the excitement on their face to play with this ball, which adds so much fun to classic early catching and kicking games, is great. With so many uses, it has provided the opportunity for creative and open-ended play every time they play with it. And best of all, recommended for ages 2+, it's been the perfect thing for both Kaelyn and Kaden to do together! We love it!
The Bollie Ladybug Flying Disk has been perfect for Kaelyn!
Recommended for ages 3+, it's a great toy that encourages her to work on throwing and catching. Of course, the bright colors and fun ladybug theme has made it even more fun for her! I love that it's incredibly lightweight and easy to use for children and adults of all ages. Kaden is still a bit young to play, but he still enjoys trying to throw it to us. I know as the years go on, this will provide hours of fun and is becoming a new family favorite among the activities we do outdoors together.
Another classic game to play outside is baseball. Although Kaelyn is still young, she enjoys taking part in activities like this and was tickled to see the Mollie Bat and Ball Set from Melissa & Doug!
Again, the fun design and bright colors are what really caught her interest. Not only that, but the quality is amazing! I love that both the bat and ball are padded...making them very safe for children of all ages to use. They are lightweight and age-appropriate for 3 years+. The lightweight ball was especially nice, as it makes it easy for Kaelyn to pitch as well as hit.
Overall we've been thrilled with all three outdoor toys from Melissa & Doug. The quality is great, and each one provides the opportunity for the kids to be creative and play with them in so many different ways. I love that each one is age appropriate and easy for little ones to use. They're all a very nice size and lightweight, making them perfect for on the go. Whether we're going to the park, Grandma's house or simply the backyard...these are the perfect toys to bring with us. They don't take a lot of space and provide hours of fun for the whole family! I know we'll be getting a lot more use out of them as the summer continues.
For high quality toys that provide fun and educational value...I would recommend Melissa & Doug time and time again. Be sure to check out all of their great toys, perfect for summertime fun!
Buy It: You can purchase the Melissa & Doug Mollie Bath and Ball Set $9.99, Melissa & Doug Bollie Kickball for $9.99. and Melissa & Doug Bollie Flying Disk for $6.99.
Win It: One very lucky reader is going to win their choice of $25 in outdoor fun & games toys from Melissa & Doug!!
Extra Entries: (Only valid after the mandatory entry has been completed. Leave 1 comment for each extra entry)
1. 1 extra entry - Enter the $25 worth of Melissa & Doug Sand Toys Giveaway at Thanks, Mail Carrier
2. 1 extra entry - Like Melissa & Doug on Facebook
3. 1 extra entry- Follow Melissa & Doug on Twitter
4. 3 extra entries- Blog about this giveaway (linking to this post and Melissa & Doug) and leave THREE comments with the URL to that post.
5. 3 extra entries- Grab our Fun in the Sun Button and leave a comment with the URL where it can be found.
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:
Fun in the Sun 2o: #WIN your choice of $25 worth of @MelissaAndDoug Outdoor Fun & Games Toys! http://bit.ly/iFGO4I Ends 7/15
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!!
have your fun in the sun button on my blog www.montana4kids.com 3
erin.sidmore@gmail dot com
like you on fb 1
fb name: savings galore
erin.sidmore@gmail dot com
like you on fb 2
fb name: savings galore
erin.sidmore@gmail dot com
following you through gfc 1
erin.sidmore@gmail dot com
following you through gfc 2
erin.sidmore@gmail dot com
i love the standard unit blocks
ratherbechangingdiapers[at]gmail[dot]com
i like melissa and doug on facebook
ratherbechangingdiapers[at]gmail[dot]com
i follow melissa and doug on twitter
ratherbechangingdiapers[at]gmail[dot]com
http://twitter.com/#!/luvmy_babygio/status/86215421245652992
wuera_mermaid22 at hotmail.com
I love the Trunki!
josiefiorda@yahoo.ca
Melissa and Doug facebook fan - Josie F
josiefiorda@yahoo.ca
I follow Melissa and Doug on twitte
josiefiorda@yahoo.ca
I follow on twitter
http://twitter.com/#!/josiefiorda/status/86299814807093248
josiefiorda@yahoo.ca
email subscriber 1
josiefiorda@yahoo.ca
email subscriber 2
josiefiorda@yahoo.ca
I like you on facebook 1 - JOsie F
josiefiorda@yahoo.ca
I like you on facebook 2 - Josie F
I follow on GFC 1
josiefiorda@yahoo.ca
I follow on GFC 2
josiefiorda@yahoo.ca
Happy Giddy Tunnel
Item #: 6201 is adorable!
Angie
14earth at gmail dot com
tweet
http://twitter.com/#!/asmalltownmommy/status/86449721006231553
justasmalltownmommy at gmail dot com
tweet 6/30
http://twitter.com/#!/jwatson50/status/86518304553975808
janet3rdgrade@yahoo.com
http://twitter.com/#!/luvmy_babygio/status/86482914698731520
wuera_mermaid22 at hotmail.com
I would like to have the wooden rattles
I liked Melissa & Doug on Facebook!
I'm following Melissa & Doug on Twitter!
I'm following you on Twitter and tweeted about this giveaway!
I'm subscribed to A Mom's Balancing Act via e-mail! entry 1
I'm subscribed to A Mom's Balancing Act via e-mail! entry 2
I 'Liked' A Mom's Balancing Act on Facebook! entry 1
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I'm follow your blog publicly on Google Friend Connect! entry 2
tweet 7/1
http://twitter.com/#!/jwatson50/status/86822781915901952
janet3rdgrade@yahoo.com
we'd love trunki sunny
Tweeted:
http://twitter.com/#!/bullittmilner/status/86884160454664192
dod@rogers.com
http://twitter.com/#!/luvmy_babygio/status/86945299846803456
wuera_mermaid22 at hotmail.com
entered sportcraft
entered step 2
entered essential swimwear
tweet 7/2
http://twitter.com/#!/jwatson50/status/87181560201224192
janet3rdgrade@yahoo.com
I'd get the Grub Scouts Sprinkler so that my grandkids could cool off during the summer.
Like you on FB #1
Like you on FB #2
GFC follower #1
GFC follower #2
Like Melissa & Doug on Facebook
Entered the Melissa & Doug giveaway at Thanks, Mail Carrier
http://twitter.com/#!/luvmy_babygio/status/87376886887497729
wuera_mermaid22 at hotmail.com
tweet 7/3
http://twitter.com/#!/jwatson50/status/87511072776527872
janet3rdgrade@yahoo.com
Tweeted:
http://twitter.com/#!/bullittmilner/status/87586610627092480
dod@rogers.com
http://twitter.com/#!/luvmy_babygio/status/87717707755171840
wuera_mermaid22 at hotmail.com
tweet 7/4
http://twitter.com/#!/jwatson50/status/87849314730254336
janet3rdgrade@yahoo.com
tweet http://twitter.com/#!/dropcqueen/status/87865754820685824
dropcqueen at yahoo dot com
tweet
http://twitter.com/#!/asmalltownmommy/status/87898319619231744
justasmalltownmommy at gmail dot com
Tweeted:
http://twitter.com/#!/bullittmilner/status/87947185529954305
dod@rogers.com
http://twitter.com/#!/luvmy_babygio/status/87984480786194433
wuera_mermaid22 at hotmail.com
tweet 7/5
http://twitter.com/#!/jwatson50/status/88252113339158529
janet3rdgrade@yahoo.com
tweet
http://twitter.com/#!/asmalltownmommy/status/88261287099904000
justasmalltownmommy at gmail dot com
Tweeted:
http://twitter.com/#!/bullittmilner/status/88291550626451456
dod@rogers.com
My boys would love the Froggy Catch toys. So cute!
brendalyn25@yahoo.com
I've entered the Melissa and Doug Sand Toys giveaway at Thanks, Mail Carrier.
brendalyn25@yahoo.com
I've Liked M&D on FB.
brendalyn25@yahoo.com
I "Like" A Mom's Balancing Act on FB!
brendalyn25@yahoo.com
I "Like" A Mom's Balancing Act on FB!
brendalyn25@yahoo.com
http://twitter.com/#!/luvmy_babygio/status/88376543646187520
wuera_mermaid22 at hotmail.com
daily tweet
http://twitter.com/#!/jlloyd9105/status/88568155160588288
reljsw at gmail dot com
i entered the fun in the sun finale little tikes cozy truck giveaway
reljsw at gmail dot com
tweet 7/6
http://twitter.com/#!/jwatson50/status/88593670944731136
janet3rdgrade@yahoo.com
I would like to have the Folding Medieval Castle.
elena.cacahuete(at)gmail(dot)com
I like Melissa & Doug on Facebook (Elena Shkinder-Gugel).
elena.cacahuete(at)gmail(dot)com
Follow Melissa & Doug on Twitter (@spelena).
elena.cacahuete(at)gmail(dot)com
Follow you on Twitter (@spelena) and tweeted:
http://twitter.com/spelena/status/88792712068861952
elena.cacahuete(at)gmail(dot)com
Email subscriber. #1
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Email subscriber. #2
elena.cacahuete(at)gmail(dot)com
#1 I like A Mom's Balancing Act on Facebook (Elena Shkinder-Gugel).
elena.cacahuete(at)gmail(dot)com
#2 I like A Mom's Balancing Act on Facebook (Elena Shkinder-Gugel).
elena.cacahuete(at)gmail(dot)com
#1 Follow your blog publicly via GFC (Elena Shkinder-Gugel).
elena.cacahuete(at)gmail(dot)com
Entered the Gummy Lump Summer Prize Pack of Outdoor Toys giveaway.
elena.cacahuete(at)gmail(dot)com
Entered the Rocking Seesaw from HearthSong giveaway.
elena.cacahuete(at)gmail(dot)com
Entered the $25 worth of Melissa & Doug Sand Toys Giveaway at Thanks, Mail Carrier.
elena.cacahuete(at)gmail(dot)com
tweeted https://twitter.com/#!/MissOsMom/status/88800988806381569 ngiraldi at gmail dot com
entered in the Rubbermaid giveaway ngiraldi at gmail dot com
http://twitter.com/#!/luvmy_babygio/status/88815525014155264
wuera_mermaid22 at hotmail.com
tweet http://twitter.com/#!/dropcqueen/status/88967038088912897
dropcqueen at yahoo dot com
tweet
http://twitter.com/#!/asmalltownmommy/status/88968830713475073
justasmalltownmommy at gmail dot com
tweeted https://twitter.com/#!/MissOsMom/status/88986574888517632 ngiraldi at gmail dot com
entered in the little tikes giveaway ngiraldi at gmail dot com
tweet 7/7
http://twitter.com/#!/jwatson50/status/88996517154787329
janet3rdgrade@yahoo.com
entered A Parent Company ~ Go Anywhere Booster Seat Review & Giveaway
janet3rdgrade@yahoo.com
tweet 7/8
http://twitter.com/#!/jwatson50/status/89284156483321856
janet3rdgrade@yahoo.com
Tweeted:
http://twitter.com/#!/bullittmilner/status/89328733005164544
dod@rogers.com
My son would love the alligator sleeping bag.
I entered the Thanks, Mail Carrier giveaway
I follow Melissa & Doug on twitter (I'm @prizealert)
Here's my tweet: http://twitter.com/#!/prizealert/status/89508750192414720
tweet 7/9
http://twitter.com/#!/jwatson50/status/89763770032861185
janet3rdgrade@yahoo.com
Love to have the Multi-Level Solid Wood Dollhouse
cherdon@sympatico.ca
Like Melissa & Doug on Facebook
ID - cheryl hodgkins
Follow Melissa & Doug on Twitter
ID - iamcherdon
I follow you on twitter and tweeted
http://twitter.com/iamcherdon/status/89886134334795777
I subscribe to A Mom's Balancing Act via e-mail with cherdon@sympatico.ca
entry #1
I subscribe to A Mom's Balancing Act via e-mail with cherdon@sympatico.ca
entry #2
'Like' A Mom's Balancing Act on Facebook
ID - cheryl hodgkins
entry #1
'Like' A Mom's Balancing Act on Facebook
ID - cheryl hodgkins
entry #2
Follow your blog publicly on Google Friend Connect
ID - cherdon
entry #1
Follow your blog publicly on Google Friend Connect
ID - cherdon
entry #2
Entered Rubbermaid 8pc Glass Storage Containers Set Ends 7/15
Tweeted:
http://twitter.com/#!/bullittmilner/status/90013807681863680
dod@rogers.com
http://twitter.com/#!/Lovesmytwoboys/status/90034264598523904
tweet 7/10
http://twitter.com/#!/jwatson50/status/90042753353908225
janet3rdgrade@yahoo.com
i would order froggy catch and froggy ring toss!
penguinjo99 at gmail dot com
i follow Melissa & Doug on Twitter
@ wilderlady
penguinjo99 at gmail dot com
i follow you and tweeted:
http://twitter.com/#!/wilderlady/status/90076403466371072
penguinjo99 at gmail dot com
email subscriber - 1
penguinjo99 at gmail dot com
email subscriber - 2
penguinjo99 at gmail dot com
GFC follower - Jo Penguin
penguinjo99 at gmail dot com
entered the rubbermaid giveaway
penguinjo99 at gmail dot com
I'd more than likely chose one of the doll houses and Accessories. I'm a fan of castles and princesses so Castles and Accessories would be perfect for me
Princesssaturn59@aol.com
Entered TMC's giveaway
princesssaturn59@ao.com
Like M&D on FB
princesssaturn59@aol.com
Follow M&D on Twitter
princesssaturn59@aol.com
tweeted http://twitter.com/#!/jkofan
princesssaturn59@aol.com
Follow MBA on Twitter
Princesssaturn59@aol.com
http://contestme.blogspot.com/2011/07/im-back-with-more-mba-give-ways.html posted (1)
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http://contestme.blogspot.com/2011/07/im-back-with-more-mba-give-ways.html posted (2)
princesssaturn59@aol.com
http://contestme.blogspot.com/2011/07/im-back-with-more-mba-give-ways.html posted (3)
princesssaturn59@aol.com
sub via email (1)
princesssaturn59@aol.com
sub via email (2)
princesssaturn59@aol.com
Like MBA on FB (1)
princesssaturn59@aol.com
Like MBA on FB (2)
princesssaturn59@aol.com
Follow MBA on GFC (1)
princesssaturn59@aol.com
Follow MBA on GFC (2)
princesssaturn59@aol.com
Entered Go Anywhere Booster Seat Ends 7/27
Princesssaturn59@aol.com
Entered Summer Grilling Prize Pack Ends 7/22
princesssaturn59@aol.com
entered Anytime Costumes Costume of Choice (up to $50 value) Ends 7/22
princesssaturn59@aol.com
entered Wee Can Too Edible Fingerpaints (Organic, Safe and Fun!) Ends 7/22
princesssaturn59@aol.com
entered BabyBjorn Prize Pack of Feeding Products Ends 7/15
princesssaturn59@aol.com
entered Fun in the Sun Finale: Little Tikes Cozy Truck (ARV $80) Ends 7/15
princesssaturn59@aol.com
entered Fun in the Sun 23: Prime Time Toys Pool Toys Ends 7/15
princesssaturn59@aol.com
entered Fun in the Sun 22: Build a Dream Playhouses ~ Winner's Choice of Playhouse Ends 7/15
princesssaturn59@aol.com
entered Fun in the Sun 21: Go-Go Babyz Infant Cruizer Ends 7/15
princesssaturn59@aol.com
tweet 7/11
http://twitter.com/#!/jwatson50/status/90362590605221889
janet3rdgrade@yahoo.com
We love Melissa & Doug puzzles, like the Farm Chunky Puzzle.
dana.dagman@gmail.com
I entered the $25 worth of Melissa & Doug Sand Toys Giveaway at Thanks, Mail Carrier! dana.dagman@gmail.com
I entered your Fun in the Sun Finale: Little Tikes Cozy Truck giveaway! dana.dagman@gmail.com
I entered your Fun in the Sun 22: Build a Dream Playhouse giveaway! dana.dagman@gmail.com
Love the Sunny Patch Sand toys.
Thanks so much,
Caterina
scottmangano@aol.com
My grandson would love the Bug Collection-Bug House and Net
I like Melissa & Doug on facebook-Joye R
I follow with GFC #1
I follow with GFC #2
I entered Melissa & Doug giveaway at Thanks, Mail Carrier
I would love to have the trunki trixie in pink
hbgarden@aol.com
Like melissa and doug on FB
Julie H
hbgarden@aol.com
follow Melissa adn Doug on twitter
@hbgarden
hbgarden@aol.com
follow you via GFC
hbgarden@aol.com
follow VIa GFC #2
hbgarden@aol.com
like you on FB #2
Julie H
hbgarden@aol.com
email subscriber
hbgarden@aol.com
email subscriber #2
hbgarden@aol.com
tweet 7/12
http://twitter.com/#!/jwatson50/status/90757877618315264
janet3rdgrade@yahoo.com
Another item I'd love to have is their Folding Medieval Castle
http://www.melissaanddoug.com/wooden-medieval-castle
stephy905@hotmail.com
I like Melissa & Doug on facebook
Stephanie La Plante
stephy905@hotmail.com
I follow Melissa & Doug on twitter
stephy905
stephy905@hotmail.com
Blogged #1
http://stephanie-laplante.blogspot.com/2011/07/melissa-doug-giveaway.html
stephy905@hotmail.com
Blogged #2
http://stephanie-laplante.blogspot.com/2011/07/melissa-doug-giveaway.html
stephy905@hotmail.com
Blogged #3
http://stephanie-laplante.blogspot.com/2011/07/melissa-doug-giveaway.html
stephy905@hotmail.com
I grabbed your Fun In The Sun button #1
http://stephanie-laplante.blogspot.com/
stephy905@hotmail.com
I grabbed your Fun In The Sun button #2
http://stephanie-laplante.blogspot.com/
stephy905@hotmail.com
I grabbed your Fun In The Sun button #3
http://stephanie-laplante.blogspot.com/
stephy905@hotmail.com
Daily Tweet
http://twitter.com/#!/stephy905/status/90819539817857024
stephy905@hotmail.com
I subscribe to your blog by email #1
stephy905@hotmail.com
I entered your Rubbermaid giveaway
stephy905@hotmail.com
I would love to have the Magnetic Responsibility Chart.
canadianmommygiveaways at gmail dot com
Entered the Melissa & Doug giveaway at Thanks, Mail Carrier.
canadianmommygiveaways at gmail dot com
Following Melissa & Doug on Twitter as @mommygiveaways.
canadianmommygiveaways at gmail dot com
Blogged about this giveaway. #1
http://canadianmommygiveaways.blogspot.com/2011/07/melissa-doug-outdoor-toys.html
canadianmommygiveaways at gmail dot com
Blogged about this giveaway. #2
http://canadianmommygiveaways.blogspot.com/2011/07/melissa-doug-outdoor-toys.html
canadianmommygiveaways at gmail dot com
Your Fun in the Sun Button is on my blog sidebar. #1
http://canadianmommygiveaways.blogspot.com
canadianmommygiveaways at gmail dot com
Your Fun in the Sun Button is on my blog sidebar. #2
http://canadianmommygiveaways.blogspot.com
canadianmommygiveaways at gmail dot com
Your Fun in the Sun Button is on my blog sidebar. #3
http://canadianmommygiveaways.blogspot.com
canadianmommygiveaways at gmail dot com
Following you on Twitter as @mommygiveaways. Tweet: http://twitter.com/#!/mommygiveaways/status/90991797735657472
canadianmommygiveaways at gmail dot com
Following publicly on Google Friend Connect. #1
canadianmommygiveaways at gmail dot com
Following publicly on Google Friend Connect. #2
canadianmommygiveaways at gmail dot com
daily tweet
http://twitter.com/#!/jlloyd9105/status/91118448649846785
reljsw at gmail dot com
tweet 7/13
http://twitter.com/#!/jwatson50/status/91173729371045888
janet3rdgrade@yahoo.com
Daily Tweet
http://twitter.com/#!/stephy905/status/91181325394001920
stephy905@hotmail.com
My daughter would love the Bake & Decorate Cupcake Set.
Alison F alijdjam@aol.com
I entered the Melissa & Doug giveaway at Thanks, Mail Carrier.
Alison F alijdjam@aol.com
I like Melissa & Doug on FB @alison.b.flores.
Alison F alijdjam@aol.com
I follow Melissa & Doug on Twitter @Alisonslife.
Alison F alijdjam@aol.com
I follow you on Twitter & tweeted: http://twitter.com/#!/Alisonslife/status/91226921769238529
Alison F alijdjam@aol.com
I get your emails.
Alison F alijdjam@aol.com
I get your emails. (2)
Alison F alijdjam@aol.com
I like you on FB @alison.b.flores.
Alison F alijdjam@aol.com
I like you on FB @alison.b.flores.
Alison F alijdjam@aol.com (2)
I follow on GFC @Alisonslife.
Alison F alijdjam@aol.com
I follow on GFC @Alisonslife. (2)
Alison F alijdjam@aol.com