But when I get an invite that I know is going to mean something to them, I don’t dare decline.  It was pink and glittery and very Barbie official.  Plus, it was for Fashion Week event, something I had never taken part of, and called “Barbie’s Dream Closet”.  Irresistible.

We headed into the city early on a Saturday morning to Lincoln Center which was buzzing with Fashion Week events.  As we entered a very large pink room at the David Rubenstein Center, we were handed glasses of champagne and swept away to have our nails done.  Then my daughter had her hair done while we munched on gorgeous appetizers like smoked salmon sandwiches and grilled cheese dipped in tomato soup.  All the while, we were surrounded by walls and walls of pink shoes, Barbie outfits and real life models dressed up wearing Barbie’s favorite clothes.

Then we wandered into rooms with augmented-reality mirrors where my daughter could try on some of Barbie’s favorite outfits and visualize herself dressed in them.  This was a huge hit withher and she had 5 or 6 of her favorite choices printed to bring home as memories.  Over her head were the models  leaning over balconies from their Barbie like rooms.  Yes, it was incredibly surreal and magical.  Heaven for a little girl like my own. Her head was spinning in delight.

The room was pink and vibrant and full of fashion writers, fashionistas and celebrities.  We got glimpses of Kelly Rutherford and Brooke Shields as they explored the room with their (extremely adorable) children.  My daughter made several outfits for her Barbies, with help from an actual couture designer from the Barbie brand and she tried her hand at designing her own Barbie clothes via marvelous colorful sketches.  Needless to say, we stayed at the event for 3 hours.

For a first Fashion Week event (for both of us!), it was very impressive, truly the ultimate event for my little tween.  We were both given bags of Barbies on the way out.  I received a Collector’s Shoe Barbie and I love it.  Who says we have to grow up?

Disclosure: I was a guest of One 2 One Marketing and opinions expressed are my own.

We’re quite into family night, and the new game Brain Breaks by Cranium is quickly becoming one of our favorites. With more than 200 games that can be played in 60 seconds or less, families race to beat the timer using classic guessing, acting, sketching, sculpting and word-puzzling skills.  For 2 or more players.  Ages 8 and up. Retail: $12.99

Another new family night favorite is Jungle Speed by Asmodee.  In this game, you must rely on your keen sense of observation and quick reflexes. It requires a steady hand — which can be hard to maintain during the many fits of maniacal laughter,  which I can promise my family has had playing this game. Snatch it up and win the game.

We received a set of six jars of nail polish by Expressions Girl at an event a few weeks ago.  They’re scented and come in fruit scents: orange, lemon, blue raspberry, grape, green apple and strawberry.  My daughter loves playing a game where I close my eyes, she places the jar under my nose so I can guess the scent.  Of course, she also likes wearing the polish and it stays on very nicely.  Not for children under 3 years old.

VTech’s InnoTab is a multi-function educational tablet, billed for children 4-9, that combines interactive and animated reading, learning games, creative activities and a rich collection of applications. The InnoTab features a 5” color touch screen LCD, a tilt-sensor for motion game control, a stylus, as well as interfaces for USB, SD card, and a headphone jack, all housed in a compact design for easy portability.  My 7 year-old likes this better than my 8 year-old, who prefers the real thing. Retail: $79.99.

My kids love Hex Bugs. Their new Spider is no exception.   A remote control operated robotic spider – what more could a child want?  For $29.99 each, they come in multiple colors.  It walks in all directions and is a great compact toy to take on any trip.

Ickee Stikeez, tiny, squishy, collectible monster figures, have tiny suction cups for feet. Kids can stick them anywhere, or keep them in their round plastic pods. The ickeez make a great “popping” noise as they disengage from different surfaces – televisions, cellphones, tiles and more.  One three pack is priced at $10.95 and is for ages 4 and up, but I can tell you that my 8 year-old likes these more than my son.  It’s a girl’s thing.

If you are looking for a gift for a child age 18 months up, Swiggle Traks by Pocoyo is new on the market and a great first track set for a child. It’s got a moving bridge, musical motorized vehicle, swigging wheels, swiggle stunts and four different-colored tracks that are available in purple, green, yellow and blue. A battery-operated moving bridge provides even more excitement while the vehicle moves around the track.
Time to get shopping!

Disclosure: I was provided with samples of these toys to facilitate this post.

So, you can only imagine my delight when we walked into a mini showroom, with thousands of dolls from their various collections lining the walls.  I do need to stop and tell here that as much as I adored dolls as a child, my daughter now?  Not so much.  For her, they are ornaments.  They sit on her bed.  They gather dust.  I urge her to use her imagination, I encourage doll parties like I used to have on my own as a child. I’d sit in my room alone with my dolls and treat them like human beings. We had tea parties, we talked about school.  My daughters? That’s not her thing, and you can only do so much convincing.  She’s not that way inclined and I can’t say that buying two American Girl Dolls are getting a lot of attention in her room.

But she came quite willingly to this event and became engrossed as soon as we walked in.  Britt Menzies, the author and another mom, stood behind a table full of dolls and explained the history behind the brand. It all started when her own daughter asked to be painted as a ballerina six years ago.  She conceptualized a multi-faceted brand that originated with the book, StinkyKids and the Runaway Scissors which featured 10 characters. The goal of the book was to teach children to learn from our choices and to remind them to be a “leader of good”.  Eventually they led to an adorable line of dolls, an app and even an off-Broadway show coming to NYC in Spring 2012.  There is a second book, StinkyKids See a Full Moon, that you can also order now.

The dolls are adorable.  You can order them at Target or from Madame Alexander.  These 12 inch soft dolls each have removable clothing, embroidered faces, and personalized tooshies, as well as their own interesting story.  You find out their hobbies, what they want to be when they grow up, special talents, favorite foods and more including what makes them a leader.  Your child, 10 and under, can discover their unique personalities, talents, and hobbies through their trading cards and bookmarks (included).

But what I really like about this brand is that a a portion of the proceeds from StinkyKids is donated directly to Books, Bears and Bonnets, a non-profit organization founded by Britt’s mother Merrily Ansell in memory of Britt’s aunt who died of uterine cancer. Books, Bears, and Bonnets provides whimsical gift boxes to courageous children and adults fighting cancer and other serious illnesses. Britt also organized the 1st Annual ‘Kids Cuts for Cancer’, speaks regularly at school career days, and continues to be the “best wife and mom I can be.” And as she reminds us, “Love Your StinkyKids!!!!…they’re so stinkin’ cute!!!!

Not that anyone needs to remind me of that, but I will tell you one thing.  My daughter was so enamored with these dolls that she came home, got down on the floor and played StinkyKids dolls with her brother.

Head over to their Facebook page to find out what they’re all about and check out the You Tube video I took of Britt herself talking more about the brand.  She told me she started everything six years ago.  I’m so impressed.

Disclosure: I was provided with dolls to facilitate this review, and a copy of the authors’s first book.

1. Moshi Monsters – My children are mad about the Moshi Monsters online games and I was pleased to see that the brand is making a big push to bring them offline, as well.  They are making a push for Moshi Monsters in offline toys and play with plush figures, collectible Moshling figurines, TV programming, and a magazine.  They understand that kids can only manage so much online time a day, and I’m grateful for that.  My kids love the Moshi Monster magazine that I brought home and I can’t wait to introduce them to the rest of the line.  The brand has made waves in the UK, where it originated, and it’s only a matter of time before it comes our way.

Cars AppMates

2. Cars 2 AppMATes – Disney has created a new way to integrate technology and kids with this new line of toys that comes to life digitally when used with an Apple IPad, transforming the tablet’s screen into a virtual playmate. I know that my son will go gaga for this.  The line inspired by Cars 2 features miniature vehicles with special bases that are recognized by the Cars app with no cable or Bluetooth connection required.  All you have to do is download the free Appmates Cars apps from the iTunes app store and place your favorite Appmates character on the screen and play. ($19.99 SRP)

Voice Rockerz

3. Voice Rockerz - My daughter flipped when over the Voice Rockerz which I gave to her immediately after Time to Play.   She loves to sing and dance and has a slight obsession with Selena Gomez.  The interactive microphone ‘magically’ changes a child’s voice as they perform with just a tap of the included accessories – a ring and bracelet – to the Mic target zone. Kids can sound like stars and elevate their performances to new heights with the Mic’s incredible voice effects. Tap the ring to the Mic to activate the Hi-Note voice effect; tap the bracelet to the Mic to change up the show with the Echo-Tastic voice effect; or tap the ring and bracelet in succession to uncover the Robot-Riffic voice effect.  It’s a cool device and well worth the $24.99 SRP.

The DeGeDar Game

4. The DaGeDar game for boys from Cepia features collectible balls and playing cards for more than 100 different characters, each of which comes with a codes to unlock details of the characters online.  Cepia are the creators of Zhu Zhu Pets and it’s their first foray into the digital space. Currently, DaGeDar can be purchased at select Toys R Us and Walmart stores! DaGeDar Balls and Tracks are sold separately and range from $4.99 - $19.99.

5.  Blue Sky Heli – I had a sneak peek at a new Bluetooth 3-channel helicopter, with full gesture controls that easily connect and follow movements from an iPhone, iPad or iTouch.  My husband is admittedly obsessed with electronic airplanes and this one looked unbelievable.  It has sound effects and force feedback vibrations which simulate a real life flying experience, while Gryo Stabilization design makes for easy flying.

And one extra mention:

Hearts for Hearts Dolls

6. Hearts 4  Hearts Dolls - I have to admit, I may more into dolls than my daughter, and these caught my attention.  There are six dolls available, all with their own stories, clothing, and culture.  When you buy a Hearts For Hearts Girls doll, a portion of the purchase price is donated to children’s causes in those countries.  Great concept.

And there was more!  A lot more.   Stay tuned for more to come on holiday shopping for your kids in the upcoming weeks. What are some of the toys you’re looking at to get your kids for the holiday?

Disclosure: I have been given a few items from Time to Play, but not all of them.  All opinions expressed are my own. 

This past Saturday I dragged my husband and kids into the city bright and early, not an easy feat in my house.  For one thing, my hubby is english and he likes to call home on Saturday mornings.  For another, my family just aren’t morning people, none of us really are.  On the weekends, we all like time to CHILL OUT.  But I was invited to what I thought was going to be quite a special event hosted by Disney and I was quite demanding that we get up and out.

And indeed it was worth the early trip in.  It was a an event hosted by the folks behind the new line of Cars 2 inspired toys, the new Disney/Pixar film.  The line is called Ridmakerz.  It’s a car set that kids can easily customize by collecting different cars and accessories.  There’s Lightning McQueen and his friends, Mater, Finn and Francesco, and they come with custom options as tires and wheels, blown engines and hood scoops, side pipes, spoilers and much more.

Built on RIDEMAKERZ’s patented customization system, each custom accessory is designed for easy interchangeability and maximum customization across all characters and across the entire line.   With additional accessories available, there are nearly endless customization options.  Kids can mix and match to create millions of combinations, tricking-out their favorite Cars 2 characters with snap on spoilers, tires, side pipes, rims and magnetic roof accessories, engines, hood scoops and repositionable decals.  My son has really embraced the line.   They make great additions to his play dates and he is really proud of his set of new, innovative cars. They each came in a box that is meant to be each car’s garage.  After my son uses them, he neatly places them back inside their respective garages.

I have to also add that this event was superbly run.  There was a table full of kid-friendly food, a full bar with kid’s drinks (i.e. juice boxes), lots of photo opportunities and the brand’s “ZEO” walked around and introduced himself to all of us. He answered questions and really embraced all the media in the room.  Even better, when I got home, there was a thank you email in my inbox from HIM.  Usually these emails are from publicists.  I thought this was very cool. Here’s his message:

Hi Holly,
I just wanted to drop you a quick note to say Thank You for taking the time to come play with us today! I am so excited about the opportunity we have to empower kids by letting them turn their favorite toys into THEIR toys…expressions of themselves that THEY create. It’s only through people like you that we can let more people know, and that only happens if people like you truly make an effort to see and experience us. You did, so I am grateful.
Thank you and RIDE ON!
Larry

The entire line of Disney•Pixar Cars 2 toy cars from RIDEMAKERZ is designed for kids ages four and up.  For more information, connect with RIDEMAKERZ online at RIDEMAKERZ.com or facebook.com/ridemakerz.

Disclosure: I was provided free admission to this event and free merchandise to facilitate this review but all opinions are my own.

Kids love Captain Jack Sparrow, Barbossa and Blackbeard from the new film that released last month, Pirates Of The Caribbean: On Stranger Tide , and now Lego has made a set of models based around them.

Their new Pirates set includes 3 minifigures: Jack Sparrow, Blackbeard and Barbossa with wooden leg.  It features the Fountain of Youth with skeleton figure, waterfall and translucent elements.  There are 125 pieces and the set comes with a free poster.

MTV debuted their own Lego recreation of the trailer for Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, and it’s really fun. Watch it and tell me what you think.  Like it or not?

Disclosure: I was provided with a set of Pirates of the Caribbean On Stranger Tides legos to facilitate this review.

During the conversation about video games and kids, we talked a lot about making the experience communal.   Video-time should be co-viewing.  When it is, it can lead to more rewards.  Social time playing games together can build relationships and it gives you a chance to connect to your child during playtime.   The conversation got my wheels turning about how my kids play games.  One member of the group said that she plays everything game that her kids play.  Not only does she check them out, but she plays them because she likes playing them.  The truth is that I have never really done that.  I make sure that my kids are playing high-quality games (they’ve been playing computer games since they both turned two), but I haven’t sat down at the computer with them in several years.  And I should.

If you’re wondering how good video games are for kids in the first place, there is a new study out by the East Carolina University’s Psychophysiology Lab and Biofeedback Clinic that reviews that casual, non-violent video games can reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, and improve all aspects of mood by 57%.  With this report, I do feel more positive that my kids can’t lose from a video game experience.

Before the luncheon, I was sent free downloads for three PopCap games: Bejewled, Bookworms Adventures and Plants vs. Zombies (each retails for $19.95 each).  Funnily enough (since I did feel guilty about not playing video games with my kids very often, I did sit down with my daughter and explore each as requested.  First, she and I played Bejeweled.  The game involves rotating gems to make matches in four game modes for every level player from classic to zen and boasts eye-popping graphics and effects.  It kept her engaged and stimulated.  She couldn’t stop playing it.  She loves the glittery jewelry and it’s easy to play.

Next we played Bookworm Adventures.  I’m actually a big fan of Scramble and Scrabble, which this game is reminiscent of, so I became hooked instantly.  My daughter, who is 8, was not as enchanted with this game.  I think she found the game a bit too challenging as it moves fast once you pass higher difficulty levels.  As in Scrabble, players earn more points by creating longer words or words which use less common letters.  I’m kind of worried about the impact this game will have on me, not so much my daughter, but kids of all ages can really play this game and I look forward to playing with my kindergartener who will easily find 2-3 letter sized words.  He’ll love the fact that when you spell a word right, you attack the bad guys.

Finally, we played Plants vs. Zombies, a tower defense game that my daughter was instantly addicted to.  Zombies are creeping on your lawn, and your garden is your last line of defense against these brain-crazy cannibals. You have some pretty peculiar (but useful) plants at your disposal, including pea shooters that spit green balls at the undead, hot tamales that burn everything in their path, and Venus zombie traps. By planting various seeds in strategic locations around your lawn you may be able to hold off the onslaught and keep them from entering your house and eating your brain.  The day after the game was introduced to her, my daughter was clamoring for more.

For the latest PopCap Games news, follow them on Facebook or Twitter.

I’m giving away one of each game mentioned above (PC or Mac version right here on The Culture Mom (estimated value $60 for set of 3 games).  THERE WILL BE TWO WINNERS!

When my daughter found out that Squinkies is now available for the Nintendo DS, she was really excited.  For one thing, she was excited to play the game. For another, the game includes four ultra-rare, lovable Squinkies exclusively available only through purchase of the video game.  She was really happy to add more creatures to her growing collection.

In the game, players become the Squinkies Princess searching for all of her friends in The Land of the Squinkies. As the player completes various mini-games and solves dynamic puzzles, more Squinkies are found and added to the players’ growing collection. With more than 250 friends to collect, players are sure to find all of their favorite Squinkies friends throughout the entire adventure.

Faithful fans are also rewarded with codes in specially marked Squinkies toys which will unlock new content within the game. Fans can collect up to ten different codes for a Squinkies adventure.

The games are simple and my daughter was able to play them skillfully (she’s 8).  She may outgrow the game and toys one day very soon, so I’m enjoying my “little girl” while I have her.

Squinkies for Nintendo DSTM is rated E for Everyone by the ESRB and is now available for $29.99. For more information please visit www.squinkiesvideogame.com.

Also, check out a video about the game here:

Disclosure: This game was provided to me free of charge to assist this review by Activision, but the opinions expressed are my own.

Last month at Toy Fair I came across a lovely collection of pillows and charms called Poofin.  Two moms created the brand as a way for kids to collect the things they care about most.  First, there’s the Poofin Star, a plush, soft star-shaped pillow.  It has a hole for kids to stuff charms, also soft, which have pictures of their favorite things – butterflies, ice-cream, soccer balls and puppies – into.  When they want to show their friends, they can take them out via a zip on the pillow for easy storage.  The goal is to have a customizable collection that defines a child’s interests.  Charms cost $4.99; the star-shaped pillows cost $24.99

The Poofin Star pillow is made from 100% polyester materials using PVC-free printing inks and dyes and a lead-free plastic zipper. All Poofin products are independently tested by TUVRheinland – one of the largest safety testing groups in the world – and are certifiably lead-free and PCV-free. Poofins can be purchased at www.poofin.com.

My son is really psyched about his new Poofin pillow.  He’s already filling it with special memories.  It’s a key to self-discovery.

I’m always looking for toys that send positive messages to my daughter.  She’s turning 8 soon and is more influential than ever.  Go! Go! Sports Girls are ready to teach little girls like my own a strong but subtle message to have healthy life skills, positive attitude and the determination to be strong & pursue their dreams.

My own daughter is a soccer player and so we were excited when we received Cassie the Soccer player Go! Go! Sports Girls doll.   A plush doll dressed in soccer uniform, carrying a soccer ball, there is nothing sassy about her.  It’s nice to have a doll who’s not trying to prove anything.  She’s no barbie doll or Bratz doll; rather she’s innocent and out to prove that matters is being true to yourself.  The SRP of each doll is $14.

Dream Big Toy Company, the creator of the dolls, also feels strongly about giving back. A portion of their profits is donated to organizations that encourage girls to participate in physical activity and develop healthy lifestyles.  They’ve also partnered with Girls, Inc, a fab company who’s goal is to remind girls that girls can do anything and become anything they try.  Membership is free.  Check it out here.

When the Land of Nod catalog came a few weeks ago, my 6 YO delved into and started scoping it out.  I was surprised at how many things he circled, as I am not quite the type to go through catalogs.  One of the things he fell in love with was their bean bags.  For days he asked me when I was going to order it.  Then of course, my daughter started asking for one, so I had to order two.  I stalled as long as I could before I eventually made my purchases.  I have to say, they’re really awesome.  They have comfy brushed cotton twill covers, and they’re personalized, each with their name.  My kids love watching TV in them and find them very relaxing.  I was worried about having space to store them, but they squeeze nicely into the corner in the den.  Their covers are durable and 100% cotton for easy wash.  The cover and insert were delivered separately but came within a few days apart of each other.  The SRP is $105 on their web site.

At the Brooklyn Baby Expo put on by my friends at AChildGrows.com, I brought home a fab bag full of eco-friendly baby items.  One that caught my eye was a new line of toys called B.  I was instantly drawn to the beautiful packaging.  Their boxes are akin to box wrap, simply undo the tabs, flip the package over, wrap it back around the box and it’s ready to give.  Alternatively, the boxes can be used to store markers, collections or other valuables.  The colors on the package are beautiful, too, and very earthy. This toy definitely caught my eye. They have a wide collection of toys on their web site which all include a gift for mom and dad in every box, not promotional materials.  All packaging is recycled and all inks used in packaging are soy-based and all varnishes are water-based.  B. is committed to children and donate 10 cents per toy to Free the Children, the world’s largest network of children.

Lastly, in the same bag, I stumbled across a book called Planet Home by Jeffery Hollander, the co-founder and chief-inspired protagonist of Seventh Generation.  The book is a useful guide to “cleaning and greening the world you care about most”–your home. The book runs through every room in your home: the kitchen, the bedroom, the nursery, kids room, family/living rooms, bathroom, utility rooms, laundry room, and home office, and gives you ways to save money while making the home healthier and more eco-friendly.

The book contains checklists on the safer and less safe ingredients for cleansers, recipes to make your own cleansers, cupboard staples everyone should have that can clean most things without harsh chemicals (i.e., who knew you could polish silver with natural toothpaste?), tips on healthy cookware and a very useful guide to safely prepping and storing foods.  Order the book on Amazon here.  The SRP is $19.99.

Disclosure: Some of these items were provided to me free of charge, such as the Go!Go! Soccer Girl Doll, the Poofin pillow and the items in the Brooklyn Baby Expo bag.  The Land of Nod were not provided to me fro this review and all opinions expressed are my own.

Vamplets

When I was at Toy Fair a few weeks ago, there were a few toys in particular that caught my eye. One was a new line called Vamplets. I’m a True Blood fan, and I’ve read a few books in the Twilight series, but I wouldn’t say I LOVE vampires.  I think they’re intriguing, though, and they definitely have different stories to tell than your average Joe.  That’ s the appeal to these characters – their history, relationships, peculiar needs (darkness versus light, drinking blood, sleeping in coffin, living for hundreds of years).

Vamplets are interesting, to say the least.  They come from the world of Gloomvania, as imagined by the artist and product designer known as G-Ra. They’re quirky, they’re cute, they’re kind of creepy, and they embrace the whole vampire trend that has taken over America. The Vamplets product line consists of collectible hand-stitched plush, accessories and apparel.  There are 6 creatures: Evilyn Nocturna, Cadaverson Nighshade, Lily Rose Shadowlyn, Burton Creepson Jr., Count Vlad Con Gloom and Midnight Mori.

When I met the guys behind the Vamplets at the show, I immediately told them I had to review them.  They really stood out at Toy Fair as something I hadn’t quite seen before.  So, I received a package of two Vamplets in the mail today, which included Count Vlad Von Goom and Evilyn Nocturna.  The guys behind this brand are really creative, the copy describing each doll is clever and tells a story behind each one’s life.  On the packaging, we are wished condolences on the delivery of our baby vampyres, that the burden will bring DREADFUL RESULTS.  Evilyn is “slightly mad & totally bad, you  don’t need a hunch…she’d prefer you for lunch!”  Count Vlad is “so cute but so cruel, descended from drag, blood is always his favorite snack!”    We were sent a disappearing bottle of blood for the Vamplets that we are told to keep on hand at all times, as well as an escape-proof coffin.  We have been warned!

My kids got a kick out of the vampets, feeding them blood from a bottle, but their curiosity was immediately peaked to find out more about these strange creatures.  so we logged onto www.vamplets.com to find out more about them.  There’s a nursery, town hall, funeral parlor and a Hall of Horrors.  Each doll has a code under each one’s diaper that lets you print out and create an undead certificate.  Each Vamplet has its own personality and the site tells you more about their bloodsucking needs.  It also has a forum and blog, shop and list of stores where you can purchase the Vamplets.

Disclosure: I was provided these toys to facilitate my review, but I was not asked to express any particular opinion.  All opinions are my own.