Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Melissa & Doug Wooden Railway Set Review & Giveaway



Over the years we've accumulated a lot of toys...some of which are played with daily, and others that have not been taken off the shelf for months (maybe longer). It seems the ones my kids keep coming back to day after day to play with are those that grow with them and provide the opportunity for open-ended and creative play. It's toys like this that Kaelyn and Kaden play with for hours on end...the ones that stand out when it comes to quality, fun and educational value. As I search for toys like this, one name comes to mind instantly...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, games, arts and crafts, and more...Melissa & Doug is one of the leading designers and manufacturers of educational toys and children's products.

We are big fans of Melissa & Doug in our household! From the time Kaelyn was very young we have purchased many of their products and are always impressed with the quality as well as the opportunity for creative, imaginative and open-ended play they provide. That's why I was excited to learn we were going to have the opportunity to review the Melissa & Doug Wooden Railway Set.
When the wooden railway set arrived, I was excited to check it out...so was Kaelyn!

Just from the size of the box, I had a feeling it was going to have a lot to offer...however, upon opening the box I was still amazed to see all that was included. WOW! With over 130 pieces, you not only get the expected track pieces in curves and straights, but also everything else you need for railway fun....multi-piece trains, trees, traffic signs, workers, roundhouse engine, and SO. MUCH. MORE!

As we took the pieces out, I appreciated the fact that many of them were wrapped separately in plastic to ensure that they would not get scratched within the box.

As I unwrapped the pieces and got everything laid out, I could tell each every piece was very durable and well-made. Once again, Melissa & Doug did not disappoint! I can tell this wooden railway train set will be one that provides hours of fun and years of play for my kids.

I have to admit, after seeing all the pieces laid out before me...I was a little concerned that I wouldn't know where to begin. Thankfully, Melissa & Doug included 4 easy to follow diagrams which gives users fun ideas on how to create amazing railways with the pieces provided. Fun for both children and adults!

Kaelyn picked out the one that resembled the picture on the front of the box...so we got started. She had a great time helping me and daddy fit all the pieces together....something I wasn't sure she'd be able to do. The pieces are not complicated at all...and as Kaelyn says "fit together like a puzzle" easily.

Once we had our railway put together, we all had a lot of fun setting up our traffic signs and trees. Of course, we also have had hours of fun moving our trains across the tracks!

What I love about this set, is that users are given ideas of how they can use the pieces...but the opportunity to be completely creative...making railways large and small, curved and straight, high and low...the sky is the limit! With so many pieces Kaelyn has had a blast creating her very own railways! It provides hours of open-ended imaginative play. As she gets older I can see this as being a railway set she still enjoys using, as she will not be limited as to what she can do. I look forward to watching as she comes up with new ways to set up the tracks and can't wait until Kaden is old enough to play with it as well.

We have been more than happy with the Melissa & Doug Wooden Railway Set. The quality is fantastic and the fun and creativity it provides is great! With endless possibilities, this train set is one I can see being a big hit around our house for many years to come. And...being compatible with other popular wooden railway systems, is one that I know we'll be able to easily use as we add to our collection.

Of course, this is just one of so many terrific Melissa & Doug Products. Be sure to check out their website to learn more about Melissa & Doug's large selection of safe, fun, and educational children's products.

Buy It: The Melissa & Doug Wooden Railway Set retails for $129.99.

Win It: One very lucky reader is going to win a Melissa & Doug Wooden Railway Set like the one we received! (Please note - Any household that has won a Melissa & Doug giveaway in the past 12 months is not eligible for this giveaway)

Mandatory Entry - Visit Melissa & Doug and leave a comment letting me know another one of their products you love.

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

1. 1 extra entry - Like Melissa & Doug on Facebook

2. 1 extra entry - Follow Melissa & Doug on Twitter

3. 1 extra entry - Sign up to receive the Melissa & Doug Treasured Toy Club Newsletter

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. 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 @MelissaAndDoug Wooden Railway Set (ARV $129)! #momsbalancingact http://bit.ly/eUQlSX Ends 2/18

6. 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)

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- Become a Fan/Like A Mom's Balancing Act on Facebook

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

10. Enter any of my other current giveaways. Leave me a comment on which one(s)....ONE entry for EACH giveaway you enter!!

11. 1 extra entry- Share about this giveaway on your Facebook status by including a link back to this giveaway.

Leave one comment for each entry you complete above including with each, your e-mail address (or make sure it's visible in your profile) so that I can easily contact the winner!!

This giveaway will end February 18th and is open to the US and Canada!

**The products for this review and giveaway were provided for free by Melissa & Doug. All opinions are my own and were not influenced in any way*

1,086 comments:

  1. My son has the Take-Along Tool Kit from Melissa and Doug and really likes it!
    xjanelle at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  2. I like Melissa & Doug on Facebook
    xjanelle at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  3. I follow Melissa & Doug on Twitter
    xjanelle at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  4. E-mail subscriber
    xjanelle at hotmail dot com
    1

    ReplyDelete
  5. E-mail subscriber
    xjanelle at hotmail dot com
    2

    ReplyDelete
  6. I like you on facebook
    xjanelle at hotmail dot com
    1

    ReplyDelete
  7. I like you on facebook
    xjanelle at hotmail dot com
    2

    ReplyDelete
  8. Follow with GFC
    xjanelle at hotmail dot com
    1

    ReplyDelete
  9. Follow with GFC
    xjanelle at hotmail dot com
    2

    ReplyDelete
  10. Follow you on twitter and tweeted:
    http://twitter.com/#!/jkomaran/status/30005756367478784
    xjanelle at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  11. I entered your Eden Fantasys giveaway
    xjanelle at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  12. Another Melissa & Doug product I'd love to have is the Parking Garage. My son would love it! Thanks

    katiekstewart at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  13. I Like Melissa & Doug on Facebook (Katie Farish Stewart)

    katiekstewart at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  14. I'm following Melissa & Doug on Twitter @katie0stewart)

    katiekstewart at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  15. I'm following you on Twitter (@katie0stewart) and Tweeted:
    http://twitter.com/#!/katie0stewart/status/30009360381906944

    katiekstewart at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  16. My daughter would really like the furnished dollhouse!

    ReplyDelete
  17. I like Melissa and Doug on Facebook :)

    ReplyDelete
  18. I'm a Fan of A Mom's Balancing Act on Facebook

    #1

    ReplyDelete
  19. I'm a Fan of A Mom's Balancing Act on Facebook

    #2

    ReplyDelete
  20. I follow your blog publicly with Google Friends Connect #1

    ReplyDelete
  21. I follow your blog publicly with Google Friends Connect #2

    ReplyDelete
  22. I've added this link to my Facebook status.

    ReplyDelete
  23. I like the Stamp & Sort Mailbox.

    ReplyDelete
  24. I'd love the Deluxe Floor-Standing Wooden Easel

    Jessica.R.Adler at gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  25. I like melissa and doug on fb.

    Jessica.R.Adler at gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  26. I like melissa and doug on twitter. @JRizzleAdlizzle

    Jessica.R.Adler at gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  27. Follow you and tweeted.
    http://twitter.com/#!/JRizzleAdlizzle/status/30021924587307008

    Jessica.R.Adler at gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  28. Like you on fb 1

    Jessica.R.Adler at gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  29. Like you on fb 2.

    Jessica.R.Adler at gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  30. follow you via gfc 1

    Jessica.R.Adler at gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  31. follow you via gfc 2

    Jessica.R.Adler at gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  32. I would love the Multi-Level Solid Wood Dollhouse

    chrissee21@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  33. I liked them on FB

    chrissee21@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  34. I follow them on twitter (jus keep smiling)

    chrissee21@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  35. I like the Surgeon Puppet.

    Trudy
    onlyjustine at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  36. I entered the Knork giveaway.

    Trudy
    onlyjustine at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  37. I follow you on Twitter and tweeted (Jus Keep Smiling)

    chrissee21@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  38. I'm a fan on FB (Crisc Cumberland)

    chrissee21@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  39. I'm a fan on FB #2 ( Crisc Cumberland)

    chrissee21@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  40. I follow your blog GFC

    chrissee21@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  41. I follow your blog GFC #2

    Chrissee21@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  42. I subscribed to your blog

    chrissee21@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  43. I subscribed to your blog #2

    chrissee21@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  44. I signed up for the Treasured Toy Newsletter

    chrissee21@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  45. Friendly Fish Grasping Toy costana@q.com

    ReplyDelete
  46. Like Melissa & Doug on Facebook costana@q.com

    ReplyDelete
  47. Follow Melissa & Doug on Twitter @costana78 costana@q.com

    ReplyDelete
  48. http://twitter.com/#!/Costana78/status/30031464410128384 costana@q.com

    ReplyDelete
  49. Like A Mom's Balancing Act on Facebook costana@q.com

    ReplyDelete
  50. I love the Trunki!

    kt1969 at comcast dot net

    ReplyDelete
  51. I like M & D on Facebook.

    Katie E.
    kt1969 at comcast dot net

    ReplyDelete
  52. I follow M & D on Twitter.

    @skaketgirl
    kt1969 at comcast dot net

    ReplyDelete
  53. Signed up for the Melissa and Doug newsletter.

    kt1969 at comcast dot net

    ReplyDelete
  54. I follow you on Twitter and I tweeted:

    http://twitter.com/#!/Skaketgirl/status/30041077880721408

    kt1969 at comcast dot net

    ReplyDelete
  55. Email subscriber #1

    kt1969 at comcast dot net

    ReplyDelete
  56. Email subscriber #2

    kt1969 at comcast dot net

    ReplyDelete
  57. I like your blog on Facebook #1

    Katie E.
    kt1969 at comcast dot net

    ReplyDelete
  58. I like your blog on Facebook #2

    Katie E.
    kt1969 at comcast dot net

    ReplyDelete
  59. GFC follower #2

    kt1969 at comcast dot net

    ReplyDelete
  60. I entered your Soup Day giveaway.

    kt1969 at comcast dot net

    ReplyDelete
  61. Entered your Prilosec giveaway.

    kt1969 at comcast dot net

    ReplyDelete
  62. Entered your ViveVita giveaway.

    kt1969 at comcast dot net

    ReplyDelete
  63. Entered the Plow and Hearth giveaway.


    kt1969 at comcast dot net

    ReplyDelete
  64. love the slice and bake cookie set, too!
    huffychic@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  65. like Melissa and Doug on facebook
    huffychic@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  66. follow Melissa and Doug on twitter
    huffychic@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  67. twitter follower and tweeted
    http://twitter.com/#!/huffychic/status/30056019388268544
    huffychic@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  68. Like A Mom's Balancing Act on Facebook

    1
    huffychic@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  69. Like A Mom's Balancing Act on Facebook

    2
    huffychic@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  70. Follow blog publicly on Google Friend Connect
    1
    huffychic@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  71. Follow blog publicly on Google Friend Connect
    2
    huffychic@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  72. entered my wonderful walls contest

    ReplyDelete
  73. tweet http://twitter.com/kgail11/status/30064540506923008

    ReplyDelete
  74. I also like the Multi-Activity Table! Thanks for the chance. bekki1820cb at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  75. Email subscriber. #1
    bekki1820cb at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  76. Email subscriber. #2
    bekki1820cb at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  77. Twitter follower: @bekki1820cb
    Tweeted: http://twitter.com/#!/bekki1820cb/status/30078533434875907
    bekki1820cb at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  78. Melissa and Doug Twitter follower: @bekki1820cb
    bekki1820cb at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  79. Melissa and Doug FB fan: Bekki Orr
    bekki1820cb at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  80. GFC follower. Rebecca O
    bekki1820cb at gmail dot com
    #1

    ReplyDelete
  81. GFC follower. Rebecca O
    bekki1820cb at gmail dot com
    #2

    ReplyDelete
  82. I like the Latches Board

    candice126 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  83. Love the victorian dollhouse
    hbgarden@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  84. like Melissa and doug on FB
    hbgarden@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  85. I like M&D on Fb - Candice Youngblood

    candice126 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  86. signed up for the newsletter treasured toy club
    hbgarden@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  87. Email Sub 1

    candice126 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  88. like you on Facebook
    hbgarden@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  89. email sub 2

    candice126 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  90. follow via GFC
    hbgarden@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  91. I like you on FB 1 - candice youngblood

    candice126 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  92. entered Knork giveaway
    hbgarden@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  93. I like you on FB 2 - candice youngblood

    candice126 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  94. GFC follower 1

    candice126 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  95. entered shabby apple giveaway
    hbgarden@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  96. entered wilton giveaway
    hbgarden@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  97. entered plow and hearth giveawy
    hbgarden@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  98. Entered Gripsterz and Bandette

    candice126 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  99. entered alpha and omega giveaway
    hbgarden@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  100. entered prilosec giveaway
    hbgarden@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  101. entered eden giveaway
    hbgarden@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  102. entered Fantasy jewelry giveaway
    hbgarden@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  103. entered wonderwalls giveaway
    hbgarden@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  104. entered sanlori giveaway
    hbgarden@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  105. I love the doll house! Might have to put that on the Christmas list for 2010!

    ReplyDelete
  106. Follow you on twitter
    http://twitter.com/#!/ncbound2012/status/30148588948426752

    ReplyDelete
  107. Follow your blog publicly on Google Friend Connect

    ReplyDelete
  108. Follow your blog publicly on Google Friend Connect

    ReplyDelete
  109. I also really like the Melissa & Doug Slice and Bake Cookie Set

    sbabij2 at shaw dot ca

    ReplyDelete
  110. I'm following you publicly on GFC

    sbabij2 at shaw dot ca

    ReplyDelete
  111. I'm following you publicly on GFC

    sbabij2 at shaw dot ca

    ReplyDelete
  112. Melissa and Doug products are amazing. I love the puzzle that teaches spelling.

    ReplyDelete
  113. i also love their U.S.A. Map Puzzle

    ReplyDelete
  114. Signed up to receive the Melissa & Doug Treasured Toy Club Newsletter

    ReplyDelete
  115. entered Wilton Valentine's Day giveaway

    ReplyDelete
  116. entered Knork Flatware giveaway

    ReplyDelete
  117. my son loves their chunky puzzles-Jenprincess88 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  118. My Twins love the cupcake building kit. So cute a hours of fun daily! Thanks for the opportunity.

    christie_wanderer (at) yahoo (dot) com

    ReplyDelete
  119. I follow Melissa & Doug on Twitter

    @wanderingmn

    ReplyDelete
  120. Follow you ion Twitter @wanderingmn

    and tweeted: http://twitter.com/#!/wanderingmn/status/30294630348095488

    ReplyDelete
  121. http://twitter.com/#!/JRizzleAdlizzle/status/30311981193887744

    Jessica.R.Adler at gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  122. Grandkids would love the Multi-Activity Table

    ReplyDelete
  123. Follow Melissa & Doug on Twitter

    ReplyDelete
  124. I receive the Melissa & Doug Treasured Toy Club Newsletter

    ReplyDelete
  125. Follow you on Twitter and tweeted http://twitter.com/#!/sunrae17/status/30315157376737280

    ReplyDelete
  126. I subscribe to A Mom's Balancing Act via e-mail #1

    ReplyDelete
  127. I subscribe to A Mom's Balancing Act via e-mail #2

    ReplyDelete
  128. Daily tweet:

    http://twitter.com/#!/Skaketgirl/status/30341813453725697

    kt1969 at comcast dot net

    ReplyDelete
  129. I love the Trunki and could have used it on our vacation a couple of weeks ago! spitard (at) yahoo (dot) com

    ReplyDelete
  130. follow you on Twitter and retweeted spitard (at) yahoo (dot) com

    ReplyDelete
  131. I follow you on FB #1 spitard (at) yahoo (dot) com

    ReplyDelete
  132. I follow you on FB #2 spitard (at) yahoo (dot) com

    ReplyDelete
  133. entered Wilton Valentine's Day giveaway spitard (at) yahoo (dot) com

    ReplyDelete
  134. entered ViveVita giveaway spitard (at) yahoo (dot) com

    ReplyDelete
  135. Another product I love is their Deluxe Floor-Standing Wooden Easel

    http://www.melissaanddoug.com/melissa-and-doug-deluxe-wooden-easel

    stephy905@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  136. I like Melissa & Doug on facebook

    Star Struck Luck

    stephy905@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  137. I follow Melissa & Doug on twitter

    stephy905

    stephy905@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  138. I subscribe to the Melissa & Doug newsletter

    stephy905@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  139. Blogged #1

    http://stephanie-laplante.blogspot.com/2011/01/melissa-doug-giveaway.html

    stephy905@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  140. Blogged #2

    http://stephanie-laplante.blogspot.com/2011/01/melissa-doug-giveaway.html

    stephy905@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  141. Blogged #3

    http://stephanie-laplante.blogspot.com/2011/01/melissa-doug-giveaway.html

    stephy905@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  142. Daily Tweet

    http://twitter.com/stephy905/status/30355805731561474

    stephy905@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  143. I subscribe to your blog by email #1

    stephy905@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  144. I subscribe to your blog by email #2

    stephy905@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  145. I like you on facebook #1

    Star Struck Luck

    stephy905@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  146. I like you on facebook #2

    Star Struck Luck

    stephy905@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  147. I follow you via google friend connect #2

    stephy905

    stephy905@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  148. I entered your My Wonderful Walls giveaway

    stephy905@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  149. I entered your EdenFantasys giveaway

    stephy905@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  150. I entered your Plow & Hearth giveaway

    stephy905@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  151. I love the Deluxe Kitchen Play Center from Melissa & Doug.

    ReplyDelete
  152. Daily tweet
    http://twitter.com/#!/ncbound2012/status/30362554920341504

    ReplyDelete
  153. I Like Melissa & Doug on Facebook (Dianne B-T)

    ReplyDelete
  154. I Follow Melissa & Doug on Twitter (@wowcheckitout)

    ReplyDelete
  155. I signed up to receive the Melissa & Doug Treasured Toy Club Newsletter.

    ReplyDelete
  156. I follow on Twitter http://twitter.com/wowcheckitout/status/30364361746812928

    ReplyDelete
  157. I am an email subscriber - Entry #1

    ReplyDelete
  158. I am an email subscriber - Entry #2

    ReplyDelete
  159. I like A Mom's Balancing Act on Facebook (Dianne B-T) Entry #1

    ReplyDelete
  160. I like A Mom's Balancing Act on Facebook (Dianne B-T) Entry #2

    ReplyDelete
  161. I entered the My Wonderful Walls giveaway

    ReplyDelete
  162. tweet
    http://twitter.com/#!/jkomaran/status/30369140099260416
    xjanelle at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  163. Tweet
    http://twitter.com/#!/katie0stewart/status/30381608666140674

    katiekstewart at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  164. I love the Deluxe Floor-Standing Wooden Easel! Thanks for the chance to win!
    mrsmchappell at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete