Checking Our List #38: Collections Etc Review & Giveaway

Like most people, I have quite a long list of family and friends I want to buy gifts for this Christmas. Some have been very easy so shop for, and others still have me wondering what to get. As I search for unique ideas, I am often faced with the same dilemma...either I get quality and pay a lot of money, or find something that's affordable but cheaply made. I don't want to sacrifice quality, but still need to find gifts within my budget. Thankfully, Collections Etc. makes that possible!
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.

Browsing through the Collections Etc. website for the first time, I was very impressed with their large selection of unique products, but even more amazed with their incredibly low prices. Just check out some of the great deals I came across...ideas perfect for gift giving and decorating!

Stainless Steel Insulated Gravy Boat - $14.99
Christmas Tree Tealight Candle Holder - $6.97
Covered Casserole Dish - $14.99
Portable Tool Kit - $19.99

As I searched through the Kids & Toys category, I was instantly drawn to the Baby Doll with 7 Outfits. Kaelyn is very much into pretend play and loves to take care of her baby dolls. I knew this would be just perfect for her, and couldn't have been happier to learn we were going to have the opportunity to review it.

Before the doll arrived, I couldn't help but wonder what the quality would be like. A baby doll and 7 outfits for $14.99 isn't something you see very often...would the quality be less than ideal because of the affordable price?

When the product arrived, I couldn't wait to check everything out. As I pulled this cute baby doll out of the box I was already impressed with her nice size. Measuring 15 1/2", this doll is the perfect size. It's not so small that it seems unrealistic, yet not so big that Kaelyn has a hard time carrying it around and playing with it. Her eyes also open and close. Laying down they're closed and sitting up they're open. This is one of Kaelyn's favorite features!

Along with the doll, there were 6 full outfits with accessories (the baby was wearing the 7th one). I love that each one came hanging on a teddy bear hanger. Kaelyn loves to imitate the things she sees us do, and having something to hang her baby's clothes on has made this doll set that much more real for her. I have walked into her bedroom several times, only to find the clothes all hanging in a row in her closet next to her clothes.

I love that there is such a nice mix between the clothes. Some look more girly, while others look like they're made for a boy. Kaelyn has a lot of dolls, but it's really hard to find a boy doll...let alone boy doll clothes. This is perfect! Depending on the day and her mood, she can dress her baby like a girl or a boy. Such a great idea! The material on the outfits are a bit thin, but still durable enough to last us a long time. Kaelyn has dressed and undressed her baby more times than I can count already and they are still holding up beautifully!


Overall we've been very happy with this toy from Collections Etc. With all that is included, it's so much more than your average baby doll. Kaelyn loves her new doll (and Kaden has enjoyed play with her too) and hasn't wanted to put it down since receiving it. It seriously provides hours of fun and is a gift I know would be great for any little one.

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, consider Collections Etc. and their large variety of affordable products. From seasonal and baking to gardening and goofy, you're sure to find something that's absolutely perfect!

Buy It: You can purchase the Baby Doll with 7 Outfits for $14.99 at Collections Etc.

Coupon Code: When you make a purchase at Collections Etc. enter code 3JPRMB at checkout to receive 10% off (valid through 12/29/10)!

Win It: One lucky reader is going to win a $20 Gift Certificate to 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- Enter the Collections Etc. $20 GC Giveaway at Thanks, Mail Carrier

2. 1 extra entry- Like Collections Etc. on Facebook

3. 1 extra entry- Follow Collections Etc. on Twitter

4. 1 extra entry- Check out the Holiday Items at Collections Etc. and leave a comment on their Facebook Wall letting them know which is your favorite.

5. 1 extra entry- Sign up to receive emails from CollectionsEtc.com (top of homepage)

6. 3 extra entries- Grab our Checking Our List Holiday Gift Guide Button and leave a comment with the URL where it can be found.

7. 3 extra entries- Blog about this giveaway (linking to this post and Collections Etc) and leave THREE comments with the URL to that post.

8. 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:

Checking Our List 38: #WIN a $20 Gift Certificate to @collectionsetc #momsbalancingact http://bit.ly/enV0zu Ends 1/7

9. 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)

10. 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.

11. 2 extra entries- 'Like' A Mom's Balancing Act on Facebook

12. 2 extra entries- Follow my blog publicly on Google Friend Connect

13. 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. 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 January 7th 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.**