Showing posts with label Educational Gifts. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Educational Gifts. Show all posts

Most 3G2S posts contain commission-yielding affiliate links. When you make a purchase after clicking a link, our family earns a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting our blog.

6 Super Duper Gift Ideas for Children Who Love to Have Fun While Learning (plus a 15% off Promo Code!)


Thank you to Super Duper Publications for providing complimentary product samples for us to base this review upon. All opinions expressed are my own.

The Holidays are upon us, and Super Duper Publications wants to be your go-to place for holiday gifts. Their new, fun and educational items are perfect gifts for any age of child and you are sure to find something they will love.

Teaching children to tell time can be a daunting task, but the MagneTalk Telling Time Game makes learning this skill fun. Kids can learn to tell time both on the traditional clock and a digital clock, so they will have this skill mastered in no time. There are even “sentence makers” so you can have your new time-teller practicing their reading and story-telling skills. We’ve always had good experiences with the MagneTalk products and this one doesn’t disappoint either. Using this has really improved my 6 year old’s clock-reading abilities and it’s been done in a fun way. This product retails for $21.95.

We’ve used Super Duper’s Yogarilla products for a while, so when we saw the MagneTalk Yogarilla Exercises Game, we knew we would love it. In this game, kids copy the magnetic pictures posted on the board by Yogarilla Otis. This helps improve posture and balance, builds proprioceptive input, and more. We all love using our Yogarilla board every day. This product also retails for $21.95.

Word Joggers for Categories is a game that puts a spin on regular BINGO. Each card features items in one of the following categories: animals, food, clothing, home, school, and transportation. Players then take turns drawing from the corresponding decks to get clues as to which animal they should cover with their chips. This builds their vocabulary and causes them to think in another way. The game is fun and has variations for different levels of children. It contains 30 boards and 396 cards and retails for $64.95.

In the Go For the Dough Board Game, kids take turns finding answers to problems based on categories, synonyms, multiple meanings, opposites, rhyming words, and definitions. On their turn, kids read the word on their colorful dollar and then come up with a word that fits their category. If they give a correct answer, they put their dollar in the center and advance according to the dice. Once they deliver their pizzas, they collect the loot in the middle. This game can be played quickly or can be played for a long time. It is fun and fairly fast-paced and is both my children’s favorites of the lot. This one retails for $49.95.

The Hopping Frogs Language Game builds articulation by having children say certain words based on their sound. They use the most commonly mispronounced sounds, P, B, T, D, K, G, and F, and use them in the beginning, middle, and ends of words. Once the child produces their sound or word correctly, they can “hop” the corresponding number (according to their card) of frogs onto their lily pad. The player at the end with the most frogs on their pad wins. As with most of Super Duper’s games, this has variations for more advanced players. The pronunciation portion of this game is not my son’s favorite, but the frog hopping part more than makes up for it, according to him. He loves playing this game and I’m glad we have it. This game retails for $49.95.

Finally, if you’re in need of stocking stuffers, the Electronic Spinner might be a great one to consider. This spinner has a 3-inch diameter and features both numbers and colors (6 total) and lights with optional sound. It is sure to add a flair to any game night with family and friends. This one retails for $10.95.

Super Duper Publications. is one of my favorite sites on the web and these kinds of games are why. Their games are all fun, well made, creative, unique, and almost always have variations based on learning level, so they are great for any age or stage of child. Super Duper Publications has also been kind enough to offer 3G2S readers a 15% off coupon code through December 20th with the Super Duper promo code D39A3S7R. Shipping is also free on all orders of $20 or more for anywhere in the US and Canada.  To shop, visit www.SuperDuperInc.com.

Most 3G2S posts contain commission-yielding affiliate links. When you make a purchase after clicking a link, our family earns a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting our blog.

Holiday 2011: "Curious Critters" Stunning Animal Photo Book


When I first was introduced to the Curious Critters book by photographer David FitzSimmons, I found the cover to be stunning.  When I think of the word critters, cute little furry animals come to mind.  So I was surprised to find a wide assortment of other types of animals in this book.  Reptiles, amphibians, fish, and birds, I am fine with, but close-ups of insects . . . not so much.  My children, on the other hand, absolutely loved this book and found it to be fascinating, insects and all.


I knew our oldest son, who is nearly 8 years old, would find this book to be extremely engaging.  He is especially interested in science and discovering more about the world.  His favorite of all the animals in this book, which are all natives of the United States, was the Eastern spiny softshell turtle.  Our nearly 5 year old daughter's favorite animal was the Bush katydid.


Towards the end of this book, the author included facts about each animal.  The information on each page and at the end of the book is not too lengthy, so it is perfect for a child to read on his or her own.  Still, I think this book would be equally as interesting for adults to read as children.  This book would be a great gift for a single child or an entire family.

To view sample pages of Curious Critters and to find fun critter e-cards, coloring pages, and word searches, visit www.Curious-Critters.com.  This hardcover book retails for $19.95, but is currently selling for $13.57 on Amazon.com with Free Super Saver Shipping.


Thank you to David FitzSimmons for providing a complimentary product sample for us to base this review upon.


Most 3G2S posts contain commission-yielding affiliate links. When you make a purchase after clicking a link, our family earns a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting our blog.

Just Kids Gifts Personalized Children's Book


About two years ago, my husband and I gave our oldest son a personalized storybook for Christmas.  He absolutely loved that he was one of the characters in the book and, to this day, that book is still a cherished keepsake for him.  Our youngest son will be turning 5 in January.  He does not have a natural affinity towards reading books, so I wondered if having a special book made just for him would prompt him to spend a little more time reading?


Just Kids Gifts, a company owned by parents of an 18 month old toddler that sells personalized books, music CDs and DVDs, and photo DVDs for children, offers a vast selection of personalized children's books.  I looked through almost all of them and finally decided that The Train With No Name would be the perfect book for our preschool-aged son.  The reasons why I think this book is perfect for him are because he just loves trains and this book allows you to include names of up to three friends to be mentioned in the story.  I was able to include his big brother and twin sister.  This made the book more fun for everybody and our other two children did not feel left out.

(Click any photo to enlarge)

On the first page, there is a place for a special message to your child.  I took this opportunity to encourage our son to keep learning and reading.

We had our oldest son read The Train With No Name to the twins for a bedtime story.  I think big brother enjoyed reading the story just as much as his little brother and sister enjoyed listening to it.  In fact, when he was done reading it the first time, he said, "I wanna read it again!  Let's read it again!!"


I could not be more pleased with the reaction I received from the children in regards to this book.  Also, I have casually observed our youngest son grabbing a handful of books to sit and look through the past few days.  These personalized books would make a great gift for the holidays, a birthday, or another special occasion for any child, whether he or she is already excited about reading or needs a fun new book to help build that excitement.

To learn more about Just Kids Gifts personalized gifts, visit JustKidsGifts.com and Just Kids Gifts on Facebook and Twitter.  The 32-page hardcover book we received retails for $16.95 plus the cost of shipping and handling.

Thank you to Just Kids Gifts for providing a complimentary product sample for us to base this review upon and for providing an additional product for our contest prize.  This article was written as part of a campaign for the Family Review Network.


What you can win:
One lucky reader will receive one personalized children's book of their choice from Just Kids Gifts.



Limitations:
This giveaway is open to U.S. entries only. You do not need to be a blogger to enter, but you must have a valid email address and be age 18 years or older. If you enter anonymously and do not include a valid email address in your comment entries, I will not be able to notify you should you win this random drawing.


How to Gain Entries:
Browse the selection of personalized books for kids offered by Just Kids Gifts. Then leave a comment telling me the name of the book you would choose to create if you win this contest. You MUST do this to be eligible to win this contest.


Extra Entries:
1)  For 5 extra entries, leave a relevant comment on one of my non-giveaway posts. Then leave FIVE separate comments with the name of the post on which you commented. You will earn 5 extra entries for each different non-contest post you comment on.


2)  For 3 extra entries, follow me on StumbleUpon. Then come back here and leave THREE separate comments with the link to your StumbleUpon profile.


3)  For 1 extra entry, "Like" the 3 Garnets & 2 Sapphires Facebook page, then leave a separate comment here with the link to your Facebook profile.


4)  For 1 extra entry each, follow Just Kids Gifts on Twitter and/or "Like" Just Kids Gifts on Facebook. Then leave a separate comment for each with the link to your Twitter or Facebook profile.


5)  Follow me on Twitter. Then leave a separate comment with the link to your Twitter profile.


6)  Tweet about this giveaway linking back to this post. Then come back here and leave the link to your tweet in a separate comment. You may do this once per day until the end of the contest.


7)  Subscribe to this blog's feed. Or you can follow me through Blogger or subscribe via email (widget is on sidebar). Then leave a separate comment telling me you did so.


8)  Subscribe to A Blog of Goodies' feed (the sister site to 3 Garnets & 2 Sapphires). Then leave a separate comment telling me you did so.


(All entries will be verified prior to awarding this prize.)


Random Drawing:
This contest will be closed on Monday, November 14th, 2011 at 10:00pm EST. A random number drawing will be held shortly after. The winner will be announced here and will be contact via email or through their blog. If the winner does not respond within 48 hours, a new number will be drawn.

Good luck in the drawing!



Most 3G2S posts contain commission-yielding affiliate links. When you make a purchase after clicking a link, our family earns a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting our blog.

The Klutz Guide To The Galaxy

If you have an aspiring astronomer like I do, The Klutz Guide to the Galaxy by Pat Murphy and the Scientists of Klutz Lab is just the gift for them. This galactic tool kit and amazing interactive book features a telescope, sundial, mariner’s quadrant, night-sight flashlight, and a lunatic wheel that tells kids exactly when and where to find the moon. Plus the book is stocked with information and places to document your findings.  Recommended for children ages 8 and up, like all others by Klutz, this book guarantees hours upon hours of fun and engaging educational activities.



My nine year old third grader, Avery, is definitely a galactic nerd. He loves learning about all things space and weather related, so this book was right up his alley. We had fun putting together the cardboard telescope and sundial and checking out the solar system, while learning at the same time. Avery’s favorite part was the telescope, which he thought was fun to both make and use. He has played with this book and the fun stuff inside every day since it came.



You can learn more about The Klutz Guide to the Galaxy at Klutz.com, where you can purchase it as well. It retails for $19.99 and can also be found on Amazon.com, Fat Brain Toys, and Borders.

Thank you to Klutz for providing a complimentary product sample for us to base this review upon and for providing two additional products for our contest prizes.


What you can win:
TWO lucky readers will each receive The Klutz Guide To The Galaxy (ARV $19.99).



Limitations:
This giveaway is open to U.S. entries only. You do not need to be a blogger to enter, but you must have a valid email address and be age 18 years or older. If you enter anonymously and do not include a valid email address in your comment entries, I will not be able to notify you should you win this random drawing.


How to Gain Entries:
Leave a comment telling me who would receive this book if you won this contest. You MUST do this to be eligible to win this contest.


Extra Entries:
1)  For 5 extra entries, leave a relevant comment on one of my non-giveaway posts. Then leave FIVE separate comments with the name of the post on which you commented. You will earn 5 extra entries for each different non-contest post you comment on.


2)  For 5 extra entries, enter one of my other contests. Leave FIVE separate comments here telling me which contest you entered. You will earn 5 extra entries for each contest you enter.


3)  For 10 extra entries, sign up to be a Klutz Insider and receive 25% off your next purchase from Klutz.com. Then come back here and leave TEN separate comments telling me you did.


4)  For 1 extra entry each, if you are a Friend of mine on Facebook and/or if you have "liked" the 3 Garnets & 2 Sapphires Facebook page, then leave a separate comment here telling me so with the link to your Facebook profile.


5)  For 1 extra entry, "Like" Klutz Books on Facebook. Then leave a separate comment with the link to your Facebook profile.


6)  Follow me on Twitter. Then leave a separate comment with the link to your Twitter profile.


7)  Tweet about this giveaway linking back to this post. Then come back here and leave the link to your tweet in a separate comment. You may do this once per day until the end of the contest.


8)  Subscribe to this blog's feed. Or you can follow me through Blogger or subscribe via email (widget is on sidebar). Then leave a separate comment telling me you did so.


9)  Subscribe to A Blog of Goodies' feed (the sister site to 3 Garnets & 2 Sapphires). Then leave a separate comment telling me you did so.

(All entries will be verified prior to awarding this prize.)


Random Drawing:
This contest will be closed on Monday, May 23rd, 2011 at 11:59pm EST. A random number drawing will be held shortly after. The winner will be announced here and will be contact via email or through their blog. If the winner does not respond within 48 hours, a new number will be drawn.

Good luck in the drawing!





Most 3G2S posts contain commission-yielding affiliate links. When you make a purchase after clicking a link, our family earns a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting our blog.

Holiday 2010 Giveaway: Replogle Carlyle Globe ($50 Hayneedle GC) [CLOSED]

After years upon years of gift-giving, you might be starting to run out of ideas for unique gifts. When I need inspiration and I do not feel like wandering the mall aimlessly, I hop on a website like Hayneedle.com, a site that sells everything for the home from toys to furniture to sporting goods. While browsing the many departments of home furnishings, it occurred to me that my husband had mentioned awhile ago that we should have a globe in our home so that we can show our children where the places we sometimes talk about are located in the world. So I typed "world globes" into the search box and was floored when it came back with 181 results. The globe that seemed to be the best fit for my family was the Replogle Carlyle Tabletop Globe. Hayneedle agreed that it was such a perfect gift idea that they sent me one for my family to experience.



There were three things that attracted me to this particular globe . . .
  • It is colorful, but still muted, so it looks like it belongs in a home rather than a classroom.
  • This globe has a raised relief to show mountainous regions.
  • It has an illumination that gives it a soft warm glow when switched on.


The only problem we had with this globe is that the included screw for connecting the globe to the wooden base was too long. My husband had to add 3 washers to take up the extra space in order to tighten it securely. Other than that, this globe was perfect for our household. Our 3 year old son especially likes the facial representation of Christopher Columbus located in the Atlantic Ocean region.

To view this or the many other world globes Hayneedle offers to fit all budgets, visit Hayneedle.com . A globe would be the perfect gift for an entire family or for someone's home office. This globe sells on Hayneedle for $74.99 and ships for free to U.S. addresses.


Thank you to Hayneedle for providing us with a complimentary sample product to base this review upon and for providing a gift certificate for our contest prize.




What you can win:
One lucky reader will receive $50 Hayneedle.com gift certificate.


Limitations:
This giveaway is open to U.S. entries only. You do not need to be a blogger to enter, but you must have a valid email address and be age 18 years or older. If you enter anonymously and do not include a valid email address in your comment entries, I will not be able to notify you should you win this random drawing.


How to Gain Entries:
Browse the Hayneedle website. Then leave a comment telling me the name of one item you found that would make the perfect gift for someone you know (aside from the item reviewed in this article). You MUST do this to be eligible to win this contest.

Extra Entries:

1) For 5 extra entries, leave a relevant comment on one of my non-giveaway posts. Then leave FIVE separate comments with the name of the post on which you commented. You will earn 5 extra entries for each different non-contest post you comment on.


2)

For 5 extra entries, enter one of my other contests. Leave FIVE separate comments here telling me which contest you entered. You will earn 5 extra entries for each contest you enter.


3)
For 10 extra entries, register to be a member of The Foundary (Hayneedle's daily deals site). Then come back here and leave TEN separate comments telling me you did so.

4)

For 1 extra entry each, if you are a Friend of mine on Facebook and/or if you have "liked" the 3 Garnets & 2 Sapphires Facebook page, then leave a separate comment here telling me so with the link to your Facebook profile.


5) For 1 extra entry each
, follow Hayneedle on Twitter or The Foundary on Twitter and/or "Like" Hayneedle on Facebook or The Foundary on Facebook. Then leave a separate comment for each with the link to your Twitter or Facebook profile.


6)

Follow me on Twitter. Then leave a separate comment with the link to your Twitter profile.


7)

Tweet about this giveaway linking back to this post. Then come back here and leave the link to your tweet in a separate comment. You may do this once per day until the end of the contest.


8)

Subscribe to this blog's feed. Or you can follow me through Blogger or subscribe via email (widget is on sidebar). Then leave a separate comment telling me you did so.



9)

Subscribe to A Blog of Goodies' feed (the sister site to 3 Garnets & 2 Sapphires). Then leave a separate comment telling me you did so.


10)

Add my button or blog link to your blog's sidebar. Then leave a separate comment with the link to your blog.




(All entries will be verified prior to awarding this prize.)


Random Drawing:

This contest will be closed on Monday, December 6th, 2010 at 11:59pm EST. A random number drawing will be held shortly after. The winner will be announced here and will be contact via email or through their blog. If the winner does not respond within 48 hours, a new number will be drawn.


Good luck in the drawing!