Holiday Gift Guide #19: Collections Etc Traditional Train Set Review & $25 GC Giveaway

Christmas is just around the corner, and if you're like me...there's still some shopping to get done. I have quite a long list of family and friends to buy gifts for this holiday season. Some have been easy to shop for, and others still have me wondering what to buy them. I have been in search for quality gifts that are affordable and thankfully know I can always count on Collections Etc for just that!
A leading catalog company and online retailer, Collections Etc. has been around for over 40 years selling affordable gifts and home decor for the whole family. Offering thousands of products...everything from home decor and garden supplies to toys and clothing... (most of which are $19.99 or less and over 1,500 are $14.99 or less), you're sure to find the perfect gift for everyone on your list this year.

I was introduced to Collections Etc last year around Christmas time. I remember being very impressed with their large selection of unique products, but even more amazed with their incredibly low prices. I have since turned to them many times throughout the year and have always been happy with the items they offer. Just check out some of the great deals I came across...ideas perfect for gift giving and decorating!

Rustic Holiday Apple Pillar Candle Holder Centerpiece ~ $19.99
24 pc Holiday Foil Containers ~ $9.99

Boot Drying Rack w/Built-in Scraper ~ $12.99

As I searched through their Holiday and Seasonal category, I was instantly drawn to the Traditional Train Set and couldn't have been happier to learn we were going to have the opportunity to review it.

When the train set arrived, our whole family was excited to check it out. Upon opening the box, we found all of the pieces and instructions we would need to get it set up for us to enjoy this Christmas season.

The kids were very excited to have a train set to put around our Christmas tree and were very good to help us get it put together. Even with all of the pieces, I was amazed how easy it was to put together thanks to the user-friendly instructions.

There were 16 pieces of straight and curved track to connect together. It's the perfect size to wrap around the Christmas tree. The pictures were taken before we had up our Christmas tree, but once we had it up we were able to enjoy the choo-choo as it chugged its merry way around it.

As part of this set, there's obviously the train which I was impressed with right away. I've seen train sets that have quite large train cars that don't stay on the tracks very easily. Thankfully, the train cars included with this set are absolutely perfect. They're not too small and not too big either. There's an 11 1/2"L locomotive and 3 train cars which easily hook together and move around the tracks.

Probably our favorite thing about this Traditional Train Set is the fact that the locomotive lights up and the tanker and caboose have real locomotive sounds. It definitely makes it more realistic and fun to watch as it circles the Christmas tree. It does require 6 AA batteries that weren't included, but this was no problem since we always have AA's on hand.

Overall we've been very happy with the Traditional Train Set from Collections Etc. The quality is great and it's great for families with children. I love the idea of having a train to chug around the Christmas tree, but also think this makes a fun toy for older children as well! This is a fantastic holiday item to have as part of any household this time of year and I'd definitely recommend it to families I know.

Of course this is just one of many great products offered at Collections Etc. As you finish up your Christmas shopping this year, or are looking for the perfect gift anytime of year that's not only unique but also great quality, I'd definitely recommend checking them out.
Buy It: You can purchase the Traditional Train Set for $14.99 at Collections Etc.

Win It: One very lucky reader is going to win a $25 GC to use at Collections Etc.

Mandatory Entry - Visit Collections Etc. and leave a comment letting me know a 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- Like Collections Etc. on Facebook

2. 1 extra entry- Follow Collections Etc. on Twitter

3. 1 extra entry- Sign up to receive emails from CollectionsEtc.com (top of homepage)

4. 3 extra entries- Grab my holiday gift guide 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 Collections Etc) 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 $25 Gift Certificate to @collectionsetc #momsbalancingact http://bit.ly/vtLrU1 Ends 12/28

7. 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.

8. 2 extra entries- 'Like' A Mom's Balancing Act on Facebook

9. 2 extra entries- Follow my blog publicly on Google Friend Connect

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 28 and is open to US Only!

**The product for this review and giveaway was provided by free by Collections Etc. All opinions are my own and were not influenced in any way.*