Can you believe it's almost November already? This time of year always flies by, which is why I like to start thinking about Christmas shopping early. I've already got a good start on my gift lists, but have a bit more to do for family and friends. In looking for things that are unique, personal and meaningful, I usually turn to online shopping because I can find such an array of great gift ideas. That's why I love RedEnvelope and their great selection of gifts for every occastion.
Offering a unique and wide range of thoughtful gifts for every occasion
and everyone in your life, RedEnvelope is known for their unique gifts
of exceptional quality. Whether it be to celebrate a new beginning,
affirm a friendship, thank a colleague or something else...RedEnvelope
has it all. And, with the ability to personalize many of the items they
offer, it's no wonder people continue to turn to them for unique,
special gifts.
I love to browse the RedEnvelope website. I always find a variety of products that are perfect for the people on my Christmas list, including myself! With everything from women's gifts and men's gifts to ...there's something for everyone. As I looked for great gift ideas, I was drawn to their Christmas Gifts category and came across the Inspire Bracelets.
When the bracelet arrived, I was impressed with the way it came packaged. I love when companies take the time to present items in a personal and unique way. The bracelet arrived in a beautiful red box that displayed the piece very well, making it great for gift-giving as well!
I was even more excited once I opened the box to find the Cross Inspire Bracelet. It is absolutely beautiful! I was really happy with the quality as well as the appearance. It has such a graceful, simple design.
Upon putting it on my wrist, I found that it was easy to clasp and size to my wrist. It is also slightly curved to fit the contour of my wrist so it is comfortable and stays put. I love it!!
I have been thrilled with the beauty, quality and overall design of this gorgeous bracelet. It's something I'm able to wear with anything I'm wearing and I'm always receiving compliments about it as well. At $50, it makes a great gift idea for a loved one or friend. I've already got several people on my list that I would like to get this for.
Of course, the Faith Inspire Bracelet is just one of so many great gift
ideas for all of the people on your list this year. I would highly
recommend checking RedEnvelope out as you start your holiday shopping.
Buy It: You can purchase the Faith Inspire Bracelet for $49.99.
**The product for this review was provided for free by RedEnvelope. All opinions are my own.
For those who read here often, you know that I am a fan of Breeze Comfort and their high quality bras, sports bras and tops. If you're not familiar, they are a brand with women's needs in mind. Breeze Comfort makes innovative intimate bras, sports bras and tops with a technology that promotes positive breast health.
Products range from $30-$60 and use a patented Ventipad. Traditional
bra pads act as a sponge to collect moisture and sweat causing
discomfort, but this technology reduces the "sponge effect" through the
perforated air channels resulting in a more comfortable wearing
experience.
In additional to the unique padding, the sports bras provide support with the padding and some are push-up, which sets them apart from the average sports bra. I have one and absolutely love it! It's super breathable and leads to a more comfortable workout for me.
I have had the opportunity to review their products and am happy to pass along a special promotion they are running for the month of October.
In honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the brand is offering a special promotion where 50% of the proceeds will be donated to Cedars-Sinai Women's Cancer Program when shoppers use a special code (BCCARES). Shoppers who use this code will also be entered to win an additional style!!
Family Fun play tested over 300 submitted toys with kids of all ages, and chose 30 winners of the 21st Annual T.O.Y Awards. It was no surprise to me that HABA, a company loved by parents everywhere won not just one, but TWO!! If you're a frequent reader here, you know how much my family loves HABA toys! Offering classic, timeless, and high quality toys...kids are sure to have fun, learn and use their imaginations while playing with these great toys for many years to come!
Found nationwide in over 1,000 U.S. specialty retail stores, catalogs
and websites, HABA products have been recognized with German and
American awards. They are a
name parents know and trust...one that provides both fun and education
for children of all ages.
My kids love to engage in pretend play, using their imaginations and
creativity. That's why they enjoy dress-up and I knew they'd be
thrilled to learn we were going to have the opportunity to review Henry
Haba-Strong’s Armor, helmet and shield!
When Henry's Haba-Strong's Armor and accessories arrived, I was beyond thrilled. Right out of the package the quality blew me away! These items are incredibly well-made and something I know will withstand a lot of play and use. That's a good thing, as I currently have two children who have not wanted to take it off...and I'm sure my little guy will be following in their foot steps once he's old enough!
My almost 3 year old was most intrigued by this outfit. I mean, what little boy doesn't want to be a knight?! He was begging to put it on, and of course...I couldn't wait to see him in it! As we got on the armor, I was happy with how easy to it is to adjust thanks to the adjustable belt. It makes it easy for children to put on themselves and is great for fitting to children of different sizes (designed for 3-6 year olds).
Kaden loved how padded it was. He said he felt "strong". :)
Of course, what is a knight without his helmet and shield?! I wasn't sure how well Kaden would like having something on his head, but I think that was his favorite part! Henry Haba Strong's helmet really completes the look. I love how soft it is, and the quality is equally as great!
It's completely safe, but looks realistic with the visor able to flip open and shut.
I have to say I was most impressed with Henry Haba Strong's shield. It's brightly colored like the other pieces, and the cotton/polyester material makes it soft and safe. The shield is padded and even has a handle which makes it easy to hold onto while playing.
It's been a lot of fun watching the kids play and engage in pretend play with the Henry Haba Strong items. I love hearing all about their Knight experiences and the way their imaginations and creativity leads them. I can tell Henry Haba Strong's armor will definitely be something my kids will enjoy playing with for years to come.
Now all my kids say they are missing is a sword. We now have a great idea for Christmas gifts this year!
If you're looking for a great quality, highly fun toy that encourages imaginative play, I would definitely recommend these products and can see why it was chosen as a 21st Annual T.O.Y Award!
The other winning item is Expedition Dino. This is an adventurous game for dinosaur lovers! Together with Tim the dinosaur explorer, you search the traces of a prehistoric giant. Equipped with a hammer and chisel you excavate petrified bones from the rocks. There is a dangerous dinosaur hiding in between the blocks of rock though, so watch out. For 2 - 5 players, Ages 4 - 99.
Once September arrived, the weather here in the Midwest began to change. It's cooler and signs of winter are just around the corner. This time of year I still like to get the kids outside to be active as much as possible. But when it's rainy or bitter cold, we're usually confined to the house. I still like to find toys and activities that allow us to be active indoors as well which is why I'm thankful for Step2 and their large selection of toys that keep kids active, spark their curiosity, and allow them to engage in imaginative play both indoors and outdoors!
Founded
in 1991 on the simple philosophy of quality, value, and service backed
by commitment to customer satisfaction, the Step2® Company was born.
What began as a company with just 5 employees has grown tremendously
over the last 20 years..becoming the nation's largest toddler toy
manufacturer offering a huge selection of high quality children's products
that build imaginations and enrich the family's celebration of
childhood. In their quest to become the leader in developing innovative
products for family and home, Step2 strives to go 'A Step Beyond'.
With three children, we've owned several Step2 products over the years. We've always been impressed with the quality and have found that they are made to last for years. My youngest is still able to play with all of the Step2 toys that my oldest played with 5 years ago! Whether it's kids furniture, ride-ons and wagons, or something else...Step2 makes it easy to find something that suits the age level and interest of each of our kids.
I always love to learn about the new products at Step2, and as a Step2 Test Drive Mom couldn't have been happier to learn we were going to have the opportunity to review a couple - the Whisper Ride II in blue and pink.
Features/Benefits:
Sleek automotive design
Two cup holders for the child and one for mom or dad
Smooth Quiet Ride™ wheels
Handle folds under for transport
Storage under hood and seat belt included
Honking horn for riding fun
Maximum child’s weight: 50 lbs. (22,7 kg)
Adult assembly required
As with any toy, when the two Whisper Ride II ride-on toys arrived, I wondered if there would be a lot of assembly. Thankfully there was very little, and in about 20-25 minutes we had the wheels and accessories put on, the decals in place and the cars ready to use!
Right off the bat I was thrilled with the durable and high quality materials used. These are not only something that will withstand use outdoors, but also a lot of use in general. I'm comforted to know that these will be toys that my youngest will be able to use and have just as much fun with as my older kids.
Each hold's a maximum child's weight of 50 lbs, so it's also something they will be able to use for quite some time!
I also love the sleek automotive design. They are realistic looking, which is what my kids were drawn to right away. There's even a honking horn...and what kid doesn't love that?!
Of course, the kids were just as excited as I was to check them out. We have used them outdoors (when the weather is warm enough) and indoors as well. In the times we've used them, I've been really happy with the safety features that ensure my kids are safe and secure when riding in them...primarily the seat belt! Even my youngest rides in them belted in and I don't have to worry about him falling out. As a mom, safety is my top priority, so this was definitely appreciated!
In the times we've used these cars, we've also found them to be very roomy which is nice for the kids. There's even a storage compartment under the hood, which Kaden likes to use as his "trunk" and keep all of the toys he likes to ride around with him.
When we've been outdoors with the Whisper Ride II ride-on toys, both kids have wanted to be sure and have their water bottles with them. There are actually two cup holders for the child within in reach while they're "driving" around. I love this feature, as my kids almost always have a drink (and sometimes snack) with them.
There's also a cup holder for the parent right on the handle which I think is great as well!
We have enjoyed pushing the kids around in their Whisper Ride II and have found that it really does live up to its name. It's extremely quiet when pushing and a very smooth ride for the kids as well. They love it because it's more fun than a stroller since they are actually feeling like they're driving a car, and I enjoy it because it's easy to push and manuever without being loud thanks to the smooth QuietRide wheels.
My parents live pretty close, and we like to take things along for the kids to do at their house as well. So one of my favorite features on the Whisper Ride II is the fact that they both have a handle which easily folds under for easy transport. It also allows for us to store them better in the garage or house when the handle is folded under as well.
We have absolutely loved both the pink and blue Whisper Ride II! The quality is fantastic and the features really make it fun for the kids to ride in and engage in creative and imaginative play. Even when we're not outside pushing them around, they enjoy pretending that they are using these cars to go to the grocery store...even the drive-in movies! :)
Here's a quick clip showing the Whisper Ride II in action!
For families with young children, I would definitely recommend the Whisper Ride II! They are the quality you would expect from Step2, not to mention a lot of fun for kids both indoors and outdoors! With the holidays just around the corner, these would make a great gift for any boy or girl. And, while you're over at Step2.com, be sure to check out their other new toys as well!
Buy It: You can purchase the Whisper Ride II for $59.99 at Step.com.
**The
products for this review were provided for free by Step2.
All opinions found here are my own and were not influenced in any way.
The opinions of others may differ from my own.**