Checking Our List #2: HearthSong ~ 72 pc. Magneatos Set Review & Giveaway

Although the selection of toys has changed a lot over the years, one thing remains the same, and that is a child's love for things like blocks and manipulatives. There are very few children who do not enjoy playing with things such as these. The same goes for Kaelyn. As she gets older, I notice that she is drawn to toys that encourage exploration, problem solving and imaginative play. Discovering new things is what holds her interest and keeps her coming back to play with them again and again. I am always on the lookout for toys like this, which is why I was thrilled to find Magneatos on the HearthSong website!

Since 1983, HearthSong has committed themselves to providing parents with age-appropriate, wholesome, and quality playthings for children. It is their belief childhood is a vital chapter in life and a special time when children can experience as much creative, imaginative play as possible. They guarantee that each item is carefully selected for it's quality and safety...and as their motto states, their products are Toys You'll Feel Good About Giving.

If you visit my blog often, you know that I am a huge fan of HearthSong and their great selection of children's toys! I have been very impressed with the products we've had the opportunity to review in the past, and couldn't have been happier when I learned we were going to be sent the 72 pc Magneatos Set to review!!
Features/Benefits:

• Jumbo-sized pieces perfect for small hands
• Encourages imaginative play, use of fine motor skills, and explore simple problem solving techniques
  
• 72 magnetic pieces - includes long rods, short rods, and balls
• For ages 2 and up

More recently Kaelyn has really begun to show an interest in stacking and building with things. She enjoys coming up with new structures to create, which is why I knew she'd love the fun experiences of constructing with magnetic pieces. I was right! From the moment she saw the brightly colored pieces through the box, she was hooked!

I really liked the nice sized box this set came in. It is the perfect way for a person to store the Magneatos and keep them all in one place when not in use.

Upon pulling them out, I let Kaelyn begin to explore with them. I did not tell her they were magnetic, but instead, wanted her to make that discovery on her own. Right away she looked at me with wide eyes and amazement, and said, 'Look Mom, they stick together'! We talked about magnets and as she continued to play she found that there were certain sides that would not 'stick' together and other sides that would. It was a fun learning experience right from the beginning, and one that has not stopped since!

We've had the Magneatos for quite a while now, and there is not a day that goes by when Kaelyn doesn't pull them out to play with them. The large size of the pieces are not only great for her little hands to construct with, but also safe enough for Kaden to be around too. I don't have to worry that he is going to swallow one of the pieces which is very much appreciated!

Kaelyn loves the open-ended exploration that Magneatos provide. With each day that passes, Kaelyn comes up with new ways to use them. We have had fun making everything from shapes and letters to tall towers and buildings. We even talk about the colors as well. They have become a favorite around our house and of anyone who visits.

It's not very often I come across a toy that both younger and older children can enjoy playing with. That's something that really stands out to me as unique about Magneatos. They're simple and interesting enough for even the youngest of toddlers to enjoy, while engaging enough for older children to want to explore with and discover.

I am truly impressed with these magnetic blocks and the way they allow for creative play and a world of possibilities. Children can literally let their imaginations run wild when it comes to playing with Magneatos, and the best part....they're constantly learning new things, working on important skills and interested for hours on end! This set is fantastic quality and one I see lasting us a very long time.

If you're looking for an engaging toy...one that provides a lot of fun and encourages exploration, creative play and the building of important skills...I would highly recommend checking out Magneatos. I have already recommended them to many people I know and plan to purchase a set for my nephew.

Of course, the Magneatos is just one of the many products HearthSong offers. Be sure to check out their large selection of high quality toys this holiday season!

Buy It: For $59.98 at HearthSong, the Magneatos 72 Piece Set would make a fantastic gift idea for toddlers and older children.

Win It: HearthSong has offered one very lucky reader a Magneatos 72 pc Set like the one we received!

Mandatory Entry - Visit HearthSong and leave a comment letting me know another product you like.

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

1. 1 extra entry- Enter the HearthSong Learning Tower Giveaway at Thanks, Mail Carrier

2. 1 extra entry- 'Like' HearthSong on Facebook

3. 1 extra entry- Sign up for the HearthSong Email Newsletter

4. 3 extra entries- Grab our Checking Our List 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 HearthSong) 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 Magneatos 72-Piece Set ($60 Value!) from HearthSong! #momsbalancingact http://tinyurl.com/2bgbpem Ends 11/26 RT PLS!

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 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 above including with each, your e-mail address so that I can easily contact the winner!!

This giveaway will end November 26th and is open to the US and Canada!

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