Well, well, well! How fast has the time gone!? We are on the final stretch to Christmas, guys, and it feels like 2019 just came and went in a flash. This blog was so highly requested, so today I’m bringing you some more hot toys for your little ones. We have had so many private messages and emails from you all about some of your recent purchases after reading our toy blogs and it makes me super happy we have helped some of you crush that Christmas present-buying stress!

Let’s get into it!

 FOR THE TECH PRINCESS




 iFrogz Little Rockerz Wireless Headphones - $60

The iFrogz Little Rockerz Wireless On-Ear Headphones from Telstra let your child look like a princess while enjoying listening to nursery rhymes, music, or audiobooks. Suitable for ages 3 years old and up. Bluetooth connectivity for enjoying wireless audio playback from your paired compatible device  On-ear controls enable simple music management Soft, comfortable earpads provide optimum listening comfort Maximum volume output of up to 85dB, making it safe for little ones to use.

What we thought
The girls absolutely loved this one. They’re both very musical, and it’s nice to see them enjoying time away from their screens. They were dancing around creating routines like their own little silent disco – so cute! Plus, peace and quiet for this tired Mumma! Winning. Shop HERE


FOR THE SMARTPHONE USER






POPSOCKETS - Priced from $15.95

Nine out of ten Australians own a smartphone, so Australia’s newest smartphone accessory must be the perfect fail-safe Christmas stocking stuffer. Enter PopSockets - small contraptions, which “pop” onto the back of your device and leave you wondering how you ever managed life without them. These are available in patterns to suit every personality, these are sure to be Christmas 2019 favourite gift for all the family. You can easily grip your phone and take selfies effortlessly without worrying about dropping your phone; stand your device upright while playing games or watching videos, and even wrap your headphones around the PopSockets. PopSockets are loved around the world by millions of people and have been popular with celebrities like Gigi Hadid, Kendall Jenner, Tyra Banks, Serena Williams, Reese Witherspoon and Victoria Beckham. PopGrips & Swappable PopGrips PopSockets now have two types of Grips – Swappable PopGrips and the original PopGrips. Swappable PopGrips allow you to swap out the tops, allow for wireless charging, and have all the same perks as their original PopGrips. PopWallet The new Pop Wallet is a phone wallet, a grip and a stand. It can hold up to three cards and can be used with a wireless charger. The wallet can hold up to 3 credit cards or 6 business cards, depending on the card thickness. Wireless charging compatible when the wallet is removed. PopMounts The PopMount allows you to go hands-free whenever you're on the road. PopMounts come in air vent attachments or adhesive attachments. Simply attach it to your air vent or stick it anywhere in your car and slide your PopSockets grip into the mount for a secure hold on your phone- google maps just got a lot simpler, and so did your morning commute.

What we thought

The Pop Socket is a parent’s life saver, because oh my goodness, the girls love playing with Mummy’s phone, and I’m surprised they haven’t smashed the screen yet! Having the little grippy part is super helpful when they’re taking their selfies and messing around with our devices! Shop HERE


FOR THE GAMERS




XBOX 1S $27 per month with Telstra

 Gaming for the whole family has never been better value, now that you can bundle an Xbox One S console plus month to month access to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, with access to over 100 games and online multiplayer – with no upfront costs. Also a hot tip for parents from Telstra – if Santa’s gifted an Xbox One for the family, open it up and download the games to update console first before wrapping it up again, so when the lucky family member opens it up on Christmas day, they won’t need to wait hours to pre-install the game and can play straight away! Xbox One S All Access +$27 per month over 24 months when you maintain a mobile or internet plan. Telstra Plus members get a bonus Xbox One Chat headset. To redeem visit telstra.com/rewardsstore Xbox One Wireless Controller +$3.70 per month over 24 months when you maintain a mobile or internet plan. Shop HERE


FOR STEM EDUCATION




Merge Cube $25

Simply download the Cube app, and point your phone at the Cube to watch it transform. Use the MERGE Cube to hold virtual objects in the palm of your hand. Use your smartphone or tablet to experience handheld augmented reality. Hold a galaxy, examine fossils and ancient artefacts like an archaeologist, watch as a volcano erupts before your eyes, and explore hundreds of STEM learning experience. Available from Telstra.


FOR THE ADRENALINE JUNKIE







The Razor E-Punk electric-powered mini bike $299

The Razor E-Punk electric-powered mini bike! Super compact and totally portable, the E-Punk is perfect for rolling and ripping around the playground, or busting a ride to a buddy’s house. With a rigid steel frame, 8” (200 mm) pneumatic front tire, and speeds up to 9 mph (14 km/h), it’s an epic ride on a mini bike! Compact and portable, E-Punk is easy to transport. Toss it in the trunk, take it to the park or bike path, and bring it back home.’ You can purchase from Big W or Razor’s online store.

What we thought

The girls had so much fun with this one, but playing with them all afternoon with it was exhausting, I won’t lie haha! it’s super compact, too, so we’ll be taking them on our family road trips this summer, for sure. Shop HERE


LALABOOM

3 SENSORY BALLS  WITH  12  PCS  BEADS $ 49.95

 The  three  sensory  balls  enhance  sensory  stimulation,  gross  motor  skills  as  well as  visual  and  perceptual  skills.  Sensory  balls  are  effective  in  massage stimulation  and  heightens  little  one's  sensory  awareness.  It  also  comes  with a  12-piece  snap-together  bead  set  to  further  enhance  creativity. 

What we thought


FOR THE BOOKWORM




Audible Gift membership – from $16.45

 With more than 400,000 titles to choose from, even the fussiest friends and family will find something they love. From bestsellers to celebrity memoirs to much-loved favourites, if they don’t love a book, they can simply swap it for free. Best of all, you can avoid busy shopping malls and excess packaging by purchasing completely online. With prices starting at $16.45, Audible has gift ideas for any budget. Avoid the crowds and sort Christmas early, by heading to audible.com.au/gifts 1-month Audible gift membership. Gift a 1-month Audible membership for $16.45 and give them one audiobook, plus access to Audible’s membership inclusions, for one month.

What we thought
This was a treat for Mumma! Sometimes when the girls are in bed, I want to get stuck into a great book, but I’m just too tired! Audible lets me take in a really good book – with my eyes closed! It’s so meditative, actually, and I’m loving listening to books at night instead of watching TV.


FOR THE MOVIE LOVER




Toy Story 4 Feature Talking Range

year’s biggest family movie, Toy Story 4, has won the hearts of Australians of all ages. Using the most advanced voice command technology, the new 12-inch interactive figures are voice-activated and bring the film’s storytelling from screen to real life. Interactive Woody and Buzz Lightyear not only drop down on cue but also talk to each other. Bonnie’s reluctant new toy, Forky, can walk, talk and dance on cue. Plus the new look Bo Peep interacts with you and her faithful companion Giggles McDimples. Here are the RRPs and where you can find your favourite characters:

1. TS4 BO PEEP 14” WITH MCDIMPLE FEATURE TALKING - RRP $109, Target
2. TS4 FORKY10” FEATURE TALKING - RRP $79. Target
3. TS4 BUZZ LIGHTYEAR 12” FEATURE TALKING - RRP $129. Big W; Target
4. TS4 SHERIFF WOODY 16” FEATURE TALKING - RRP $129. Big W;Target

 What we thought

The girls love Toy Story, and I remember it from my childhood too, so they’re some of my favourite characters for them to play with. It’s so nostalgic! Toys have come such a long way, and the interaction they got from these talking characters was so funny to watch.


FOR THE SMIGGLE AND FROZEN2 FANS






SMIGGLE FROZEN 2 ELSA CHARACTER WALLET $19.95

This pretty Frozen 2 velcro closure wallet is bound to make a statement! The water and ice inspired iridescent design features a stunningly subtle line-art print displaying Elsa and the Nok and is paired with an ice-like sparkly glitter panel and the most gorgeous layered applique feature of Elsa, complete with hair braid! The wallet includes two zipped pockets, a transparent ID slot and four card slots perfect for storing pocket money and travel cards in style.

SMIGGLE FROZEN 2 ELSA BACKPACK $69.95

This sparkly and tactile Smiggle Frozen 2 Elsa Backpack is bound to be the envy of your friends! The water and ice inspired iridescent backpack features a stunningly subtle line-art print featuring Elsa and the Nok. Paired with ice-like sparkly glitter panels, it has the most gorgeous layered applique and an embroidered Elsa complete with hair braid! The bag includes padded adjustable shoulder straps, padded carry handle, four zipped compartments (main with double zip), dual drink bottle sleeves, 15-inch internal laptop compartment and name label, plus a lined media device pocket with headphone access.

What we thought

 We’re big Smiggle AND Frozen fans in our household, so it’s not surprising these were popular with the girls. They’ve been using their backpacks for school, and feel like such grown ups getting their wallets out to pay for things. It’s so cute, and a fun way to get them engaging with the family finances. Shop HERE


FOR THE ADVENTURE SEEKER





 Merlin Entertainment Annual pass from $65

From a new wax addition to Madame Tussauds, Virtual Reality Gruffalo at WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo and Summer of Sharks at SEA LIFE Sydney and Auckland, to BRAND NEW exhibits at SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast (Little Penguins) and SEA LIFE Melbourne (Ocean Invaders - Jellies) – there’s something for everyone to enjoy. PLUS, pop up to the Sydney Tower Eye to meet SUMMER SANTA and capture an Aussie Christmas family photo like no other!  The Merlin Annual Pass sale is ON NOW until December 18th. Enjoy unlimited entry to 10 attractions across Australia and New Zealand from just $65 per person. Whether for the family, or a Christmas gift that keeps on giving.

What we thought

We’ve love our Merlin Annual Pass and been to some great attractions this year – we’d highly recommend it for a family looking to get out and adventure more in 2020! Sometimes with our busy lives it’s easy to get caught up in stay-at-home days with the girls playing outside, but when we make the effort to plan out full adventure days, they get so much joy out of it, it’s lovely to watch! Get out there and make memories with your family with the Merlin pass. Shop HERE


FOR THE SUPER HEROES

PJ Masks Super Learning Phone RRP $24.95



 Catboy, Owlette and Gekko are waiting for your call with the PJ Masks Super Learning Phone by VTech. With voice-activated play, your little one can pretend to call their PJ Masks friends and develop listening and roleplay skills with the six exciting activities. Receive fun voice messages from six different PJ Masks characters and choose from five exciting ringtones to personalise your phone. There’s even a photo album where you can see pictures of the PJ Masks. The three great built-in learning games help to develop skills with numbers, counting, matching and memory skills. The PJ Masks Super Learning Phone encourages problem solving and imaginative play. Available now from Big W, good toy stores and online retailers.

PJ Masks Calling All Heroes Activity Folder RRP: $19.99



 The PJ Masks Calling All Heroes Activity Folder is a hard cased, 52pp folder filled with stickers, a press-out sheet, PJ Masks Race Up Mystery Mountain story, a full colour activity section, a colouring and activity section, PLUS a bonus board game and name plaque! Get ready to save the day with your PJ Masks heroes! Available from October 2019 exclusively at Big W.



What we thought

If you read my blog regularly, you’ll know how much we love PJ Masks. The girls loved the activity folder, which I was really glad about because colouring in is one of the things I loved to do as a child. It’s so simple and I think it’s almost meditative for kids to unwind after overstimulation.



...AND FOR STOCKING FILLERS


Baby Secrets Itzy Glitzy (series 4) It’s time to shine with the Itzy Glitzy Baby Secrets!
You favourite babies are back and glittery! Dip your cute baby in the water and reveal if it is a boy or a girl! There are 16 babies to collect, including the Limited Edition Glitter Royal Baby.


 Merbabies Treasure Keypers (series 3) A new series of Merbabies are now available hidden inside a treasure chest! Use the key to open the chest and discover you new Merbaby! Dip in the water to reveal the Merbaby’s gender and spin the tail so they can go for a swim! Each treasure chest includes a Merbaby, charm bracelet with charms, and other accessories for you and your Merbaby! There are even more secrets when you create a Merbabies Treasure Hunt! Use the clue template provided and hide the treasures for your treasure seekers! Available at: Big W and Woolworths.



 Hairdooz Minidooz Mini Hairdooz in a cute nail polish bottle capsule – twist the lid to reveal your minidoo! Minidooz double as pencil toppers. Create your own Hairdooz salon and give yourself a manicure with the cheeky mark nail stickers! Available at: Kmart, Woolworths, Big W, Myer, Toymate, Mr Toys HairdoozNeonz Find your favorite Hairdooz booz with new neon dooz! Spin the new orange bottle to reveal the bright and bold doo. There are 12 Hairdooz Neonz in the Dark doll. to collect, including the rare Glow.



 What we thought
 The girls love these little nick-nacks, and they’re a great way to fill out stockings and keep them entertained while you’re prepping the Christmas feast! Plus, I don’t know if it’s just me, but I always find myself playing around with these funny little things the girls have these days! Maybe it keeps me young, who knows haha. You know which Mumma will be doing a Merbaby treasure hunt these holidays?!


Phew! That’s a lot of choice! Hopefully some of these ideas will help tick a few things off your todo list! Don’t forget to DM me on Instagram @madeformadison and let me know if you snap up any of these toys for your little ones.

How is everyone enjoying our must have Christmas gift ideas this year?! I find gift guides so helpful when trying to buy presents – coming up with ideas for so many people is stressful! Today we will be sharing another brand we have trusted to entertain us for years, Spin Master. The kids will think all their Christmases have come at once when they see these toys!

As a Mum, I’m always so surprised at how many new ideas these toy creators have! There’s always something new on the market to entertain your little ones.

Let’s get into what Spin Master have for you this Christmas:


Luvabella

Fall in love with Luvabella Newborn’s natural expressions, realistic body movements and baby babble. Designed with a super soft and snuggly body, Luvabella Newborn is easy to cuddle. When its naptime, slowly rock her to sleep and watch as her tummy gently rises and falls, place a hand on her tummy to hear her heartbeat! Ages:  4 to 6 ~ RRP: $109.99

Macie is at that age where it’s babies this, babies that! She loves her dolls at the moment. This is perfect for little ones getting ready for a new sibling arrival! Not only do the realistic expressions of Luvabella Newborn feel like a real baby, older siblings can play parenting while Mummy looks after the new arrival. Cute!

Kinetic Sand Sandisfying Set



Mix, shape and squish Kinetic Sand like you’ve never done before with the Kinetic Sand Sandisfying Set!  Kids can make mesmerising sand effects using the handy tools and molds including a mobile phone holder, to create SANDtastic videos.   Ages: 3+ RRP: $39.99

This one is great for all ages and genders. We LOVE kinetic sand in our family! If you’re looking for creative play that even Mum and Dad will get stuck into, this is for you.

Bubbles

Is a sneezy sheep who loves to eat! Apply the solution (included) onto Bubbles, scatter the meadow tiles and feed her the number of times shown and watch her sudsy wool grow. However, there will be bubbles and strife if she is allergic to what she eats, she’ll sneeze, blasting her bubbles and plater loses a tile! Ages:  4+ ~ $29.99

Bubbles makes me laugh so much, and the girls just love it. Great for a family night in, everyone can get a bit competitive while trying to get Bubbles’ wool to grow the longest.


Hatchimals HatchiWOW

Just got a whole lot bigger with HatchiWOW reaching heights of 32” and offering a whole new EGGtended play EGGsperience.  Llalacorn is Llama cuteness meets unicorn magic inside the largest rehatchable and glittery translucent crystal Hatchimal egg ever.   Adorable and ready to play in five minutes, Llalacorn has voice recognition providing the ultimate interactive play experience with over 250 sounds and reactions. With a neck that can magically shrink or grow, soft and fluffy Llalacorn expresses her emotions through her movements and comes to life offering various game modes!   Ages: 5 to 8 ~  RRP:  $149.99

You guys know how much we love Hatchimals, and the HatchiWOW is another level. Even this mumma is mesmerised by this! The girls just love the Llalacorn, and the voice recognition is crazy good. The girls are obsessed with watching them hatch over and over again!

So, there you have it Mummas! That’s our toy gift list of the moment, all ready for Christmas. Get ahead of the crowds (or skip them all together and order online!) by stocking up on these great gifts for the little ones in your family. You’ll have hours of fun watching their faces light up with these magical play experiences.

Next up on our toy reviews for Christmas gift ideas is Leapfrog another one of our favourites. The two toys we picked out have been a standout for so many reasons, so if you want to get ahead and stock up on your Christmas gifts early, keep on reading! We love Leapfrog for educational yet fun toys that actually contribute to the girls’ development. As a parent it’s hard to know when to keep them doing educational and developmental play, and when to let them relax with their favourite shows. With Leapfrog, they love every activity, so I can be sure they’re learning and living at the same time.


LeapStory, RRP $69.95



Turn any time into story time with LeapStory. Not just for bedtime,LeapStory helps develop children’s listening comprehension skills by letting themhear stories read to them, whenever they want.While a narrator reads the story, watch different images and animations shine the ceiling and wall. Children can listen to content from four categories: classic stories and poems; myths, legends and fables; sleepy-time stories; and songs. Plus, after you install the LeapFrog connecta application to your computer you can download 60 additional stories,poems and songs for free.Children can choose from a wide range of classic stories like ‘The Three Little Pigs’ and ‘The Little Mermaid’; myths and legends including ‘Robin Hood and The Golden Arrow’, and ‘The Tortoise and The Hare’. learning songs include favourites like ‘Old MacDonald Had a Farm’ and 'Twinkle Little Star’, while the sleepy-time selection features songs like ‘Hush Little Baby’ and ‘Frère Jacques’.You can also personalise your LeapStory by recording your own voice reading your child’s favourite story. Such a lovely idea for families who live far away or travel regularly.

LeapStory will help spark your child’s imagination with stories any time,not just at reading re-schtime. For preschoolers aged 3 years and over, LeapStory is available from November at Big W, Myer,Good toy stores and online retailers.


What we thought
This is just the sweetest toy! We have made a little bedtime routine and added this to our list of before-bed-must-dos. The girls absolutely love it and it’s perfect way to get them relaxed before bed, and a great way to get them understanding the concept of self care. I also have been using this with Macie on the days she is not at preschool and it’s been a great way to change up the learning for her. When the girls get together and sing songs together it’s so cute – though Twinkle Twinkle has been stuck in my head for months now.


RockIt Twist, RRP $89.95,


RockIt Twist takes a new twist on handheld gaming; where how children play is as important ask what they play! Reinventing educational gaming for children ages four to 10, this new system features light-upo controlsa 360 degrees of buttons, spinners, sliders and switches which all trigger different providing a unique game play experience with a twist!RockIt Twist comes with multiple games, digital pets help children learn while they play. Twelve preloaded games, across five game play categories,Help children learn a variety of skills including literacy,maths, problem solving, science and creativity.Children can even play with three adorable digital petsa andnurture them to grow. While a single-player game system, the RockIt Twist can host up to three profiles,so siblings or friends can share. And with no need for Wi-Fi,children can play anywhere and listen to their own music with the built-in MP3 player.Volume controls and a headphone jack are also included.
For even more game play fun, additional RockIt Twist game packs are sold separately
(for RRP $14.95 each) and come in cool themes such as baking, animals and dinosaurs. Each also
comes with both a digital pet to nurture and matching RockIt Pet figurine.

For children aged 4-10 years, the RockIt Twist, will be available from September at
Big W and Target, good toy stores and online retailers.

RockIt Twist Expansion Pack: Trolls Party Time with Poppy, RRP $14.95
Make music and plan the sweetest party ever in the RockIt Twist ‘Trolls Party Time with Poppy’ game pack. Help Poppy prepare Troll Treats, choose a themeand create invitations using the light-up button controls on the four-sided RockIt Twist system (sold separately). Then make music with Poppy and her pals!The trolls Party Time with Poppy games focus on puzzles, patterns, logic skills andcreativity. It also includes Ashley, a virtual RockIt Pet and matching figurine, that you grow by playing nurturing games like catching rain drops and saving butterflies.

What we thought
There’s nothing we can say about this except WOW! This is one cool toy. It’s the perfect size to carry around, too, so it was perfect for our trip to the Blue Mountains! I have to admit I was a litttle naughty and let Madison take it to school one day as she was just too excited and wanted to show her friends! Needless to say I think I know what’s on her friends’ Xmas gift list this year!
Madison loves that she can be solving a maths problem one minute, then play and feed her digital pet the next. She’s quite the multitasker!
The extension pack was a hit, too, as we are big Trolld fans. The extension packs are really well priced and a great way to get more bang-for-buck out of one toy. Madison has already requested more from Santa! I’ll be consulting with the man himself (and Big W) and making sure there are some in her Christmas sack this year!
We take it everywhere now it’s a great size to fit in my bag – and every parent knows how handy portable toys are!

Whether you’re buying gifts for your own children this year or other family and friends, Leapfrog’s extensive range has you covered.

Guys I really can’t believe I’m going to say this....but Christmas is fast approaching! Yes, I’m that person. But with Christmas on the way, you know what that means – more gift guides and reviews!
Our friends at Vtech always deliver the best toys, and as you know we are true ambassadors for this brand. Today we want to check out two of their new toys just in time for Xmas  Tried and tested by Madison and Macie, these are all the Vtech toys you need to know about this Christmas. The perfect gift for little ones in your family.

Kidi SuperStar Lightshow, RRP $89.95






Take centre stage and sing like a star with the Kidi SuperStar Lightshow. Grab the microphone and use Music Magic mode to turn down the main vocal track of your favourite songs so you can be the star.

Easily connect your MP3 player or mobile devices with the included audio cable and play favourite tunes from your own collection or sing along to the eight original songs. Twist the disco light 180 degrees for colourful lighting effects that create a great atmosphere for singing and dancing. Add audience sounds like applause, cheering and laughter so it really feels like you’re onstage at a concert!

Record yourself for up to five minutes and add fun voice-changing effects, then listen to and enjoy your performance. It's your time to shine!

The Kidi SuperStar Lightshow is suitable for children 6+ 
years, and available from November at Big W, good toy stores and online retailers.


Madison seriously feels like a rock star with this one! It’s so cute – she has been performing her own concerts and Macie has been in her cheer squad. It’s so adorable to watch. Her most favourite part is the disco lights, and she can’t get enough of recording herself and listening back to her performances.


Learn & Dance Dino, RRP $49.95



Roar, dance and laugh with the innovative Learn & Dance Dino. This clever dino introduces the STEM basics of coding, movements, cause and effect as well as emotions and fine motor skills. He comes with three emotion tiles (happy, angry, sleepy), three music tiles (hiphop,marching,ballet) Plus three-character tiles (dinosaur, robot, and monster).

Mix and match them to create 27 different  combinations of emotions, music styles and characters such as happy hip-hop dino or angry marching monster.Place the colourful tiles on Dino’s back to customise how you want to play with him. Every time a tile is inserted,Dino moves, sings, dances, talks and encourages children to follow along for gross-motor play.

Experimenting with the emotion tiles helps children build social and emotional skills. Angry
Dino may stomp around or say, "Let's practice calming down," helping children learn that there are many ways to express feelings. When playtime is done, store the tiles in the dinosaur egg.

The Learn & Dance Dino is suitable for children 2-5 Years, and 
available from September at Target and Kmart, good toy stores and online retailers.

Macie has been showing her moves to this Dino! She’s so happy with this toy and as a mum I’m super happy about what this toy teaches. The fact that it helps them understand how to express their feelings and learn to calm down is the highlight for me. I really want to see more of these types of features in kids toys, these days. Mental wellbeing really does start from a young age. I can already see the difference its making to her learning and development, too.

For further information on VTech and its products, visit www.vtech.com.au , or check out
the VTech news on Facebook @ VTechANZ and Instagram @vtech_toys_anz.

Ok guys, this is childhood nostalgia at its best. We recently got to check out two new Elmo toys in celebration of Sesame Street’s 50th anniversary. Headstart has released their new range of Sesame Street toys especially to mark the occasion.
I remember how crazy I used to be for Elmo when I was younger! I still have a soft spot for Elmo to this day and it’s been adorable to see my two girls love and enjoy playing with Elmo and other Sesame Street characters.

The two new additions to our family are:
Tickle and Roll Elmo - laughs so hard that he rolls on the floor! Tickle Elmo's tummy to hear him giggle and wiggle! Elmo says phrases such as "Elmo's toes are too ticklish for that!" and "Oh boy, Elmo loved that!", and then watch as his monster laughs see him roll on the floor. Tickle and Roll Elmo is available from Big W, Mr Toys, Toymate and Toyworld for RRP $39.00.





Elmo’s Got the Moves - Start the party and feel the beat when Elmo takes to the dance floor!  Elmo’s Got the Moves will have kids up dancing in no time.  Squeeze Elmo’s hands to watch him dance and hear him sing! Elmo sings the song ‘Elmo’s Got the Moves’ from Sesame Street! Elmo’s Got the Moves is available from Big W, Mr Toys, Toymate and Toyworld for RRP $59.00.



Please note that Sesame Workshop, the creators of Sesame Street, is a not for profit organisation, which means that proceeds from the sale of Sesame Street products (including these toys) goes into social impact, outreach and educational programs for children around the world, including in Australia.  Recently, this has included an initiative to educate children in South Africa, Nigeria and beyond about safe water, sanitation and toilet hygiene; bringing playful lessons and nurturing care to over a million displaced children in Syria, Jordan, Iraq and Lebanon, and introducing and celebrating gender equality in countries including India and Afghanistan.


Did you have any Sesame Street faves when you were a kid?

If you’ve read my blog before, you’ll know our family are huge fans of Leapfrog. The girls love their toys, and as a Mum, anything that they enjoy while learning is a total bonus. Today I’m sharing our experience with one of their newest toys – the Shapes and Sharing Picnic Basket.


Shapes & Sharing Picnic Basket, RRP $34.95
Fill up on fun with the LeapFrog Shapes and Sharing Picnic Basket Set. A place for fun, learning and sharing, this interactive basket helps little learners explore shapes and colours with food pieces, and more. Over 30 audio responses encourage pretend play, and the 14-piece set helps children build motor skills as they sort, match, stack, empty and fill.  Lift the basket lid to hear sweet instrumental music and fun sound effects.
There’s room for two to play and learn with two place settings for learning and sharing with a parent or friend.  Pack and Go!  Store everything you need right in the basket for a quick tidy-up every time.  Suitable for infant and toddlers from 6 to 36 months and available in Pink or Yellow from June in Big W, Target, good toy stores & online retailers. 




Wow, this was a hit. It was so cute to see the girls playing together and see Madison take on the bigger sister role with Macie. It’s safe and well suited to younger kids, so it’s a really nice way to encourage your older ones to guide the tots and learn leadership skills.
They obviously chose the pink set, and it’s great for interactive learning anywhere we go. So far we’ve taken it to the park, and to the grandparents!


For more information on LeapFrog and its products, visit www.leapfrog.com.au, or check out the LeapFrog news on Facebook LeapFrogAustralia and Instagram @Leapfrogofficial.

You know I’m committed to only sharing things we love on this blog, and  I can honestly say I have loved Vtech since Madison was a baby. We have tried and tested so many of their toys, and every single one is a hit with my girls. The quality of the toys is amazing, and all about educational, interactive learning. Perfect for kids to have independent play while Mum gets jobs done, but they’re also great for full family participation.

Today I want to share two new toys we have been trialling out: 

For Pre-Schoolers 

PAW Patrol Learning Watch – Chase, Marshall, or Skye, RRP $24.95 



The VTech PAW Patrol Learning Watch is a great wearable gadget for children featuring cool sound effects and popular phrases from the show. Like all good watches, along with showing you the time, it also has alarm, timer and stopwatch functions. Join the PAW Patrol and protect Adventure Bay with the four built-in games that help kids recognise patterns, identify animal tracks and pick the right tool for the job, introducing and reinforcing matching, problem solving, animals, basic addition and subtraction. The PAW Patrol Learning Watch includes 12 interchangeable digital clock faces and a glowing light. With the PAW Patrol, no job is too big, no pup is too small. It’s time to join the rescue team! The PAW Patrol Learning Watch, in Marshall, Chase or Skye characters, is suitable for pre-schoolers from 3-6 years, and available from May at Big W, good toy stores and online retailers.

Both the girls loved this, and it’s noticeably helped them improve their time skills. Lots of kids really struggle with telling time on a clock face, especially nowadays when everything is digital! The interchangeable clock styles help them interpret the time in different ways. The games are great for on-the-go, too, and give them all the fun of wearable tech without calls and messages.



Kidizoom DUO 5.0 Camera, RRP $99.95 




Take great photos and videos of you and your friends with the Kidizoom DUO 5.0 dual lens camera. The front and rear lenses can be swapped at the touch of a button, making it simple to take photos, videos, and selfies! Add fun effects, stamps and frames to your photos and videos, or use the auto-portrait feature to take photos automatically. Record your voice and apply funny effects too! Other features include: 4x digital zoom, built-in auto flash, fun learning games, voice changing effects, wacky photo shaker, photo editor, cool built-in games and more. All of this is easily seen on the large 2.4” colour LCD screen. You can also transfer files to your PC to edit and enhance your photos and videos. The Kidizoom DUO 5.0 Camera is suitable for children 3-9 Years, and available in blue and pink now from good toy stores and online retailers, and from Big W in June for a limited time. 

Oh wow, this was a hit! I think I’ve got two future bloggers on my hands, guys! Madison was copying Mummy everywhere we went. I’d find her taking photos of flowers, toys, animals and of course, she’s already nailed the selfie! This is such a great gift for your little blogger mini me!