Monday, March 8, 2010

{Plan Toys} Review & GIVEAWAY! *CLOSED*

Well, I've always been a big fan of Plan Toys, the main reason being they offer very imaginative and natural toys. You won't find lots of bells and whistles on their products {which I'm a huge fan of} but instead, simple designs to promote wonder and creativity in your children. After all, when I visit big retailers and look at their toys, 99 percent of them are high-tech, loud-volumed, over-stimulating toys that don't allow for out-of-the-box thinking {or some peace and quiet for Mom and Dad, for that matter!} & creative challenges for your child. Where did all the wonder go?

Well, Plan Toys has brought all that back. And not only are their toys innovative, but they are also created with natural wood ~ non-chemically treated rubberwood, to be exact. Furthermore, their manufacturing process reduces waste & saves energy, as they reuse materials. Just one more {easy} way to live "greener." I really experienced this firsthand, as I noted their shipping box has no extra packaging, and it was all recyclable. I'm actually keeping the original box it shipped in to store the toy, as it has many small parts. But it was so nice *not* to see "a box in a box in a box," if you know what I mean! All I had to do was remove 4 extra papers (added to prevent damage to the toys' parts), toss them into my recycling can, and the toys was ready to use. (Read more about their environmental responsibility here}.

Plan Toys has a whole plethora of new toys out, and we were lucky enough to review one of them recently. We received their new "Tower Tumbling" toy. It features 5 wooden, round discs with a number on one side, and a color on the other. Along with the discs are different shaped "posts" in corresponding colors that match those of the discs. Further, there are a different number of "posts" that also correspond to the numerals on the discs. The concept is to use the posts to stack up the discs. Children can mix and match the posts, and eventually learn to match the colors and numbers of the posts with the discs when building their tower.


My 3yo son really enjoyed his Tumbling Tower! We discovered just how many ways there are to use this toy, and to be frank, your imagination is the limit! We started by building it, and then moved to counting, sorting by colors, rolling the "discs," stacking the pegs, rolling the pegs and linking the pegs. I love aiding my child to think differently than how a toy is "supposed" to be played with ~ and the Tumbling Tower is just the toy to allow for such creativity!



Plan Toys has so many educational and well-conceptualized toys out there, you really ought to check them out, if you haven't done so already. Not only can you search their site for toys by age, but you can also search by developmental concepts, such as social, mathematic, physical or creative {among others!}. With preschool right around the corner for us, I would love to get our hands on the Alphabet A-Z toy next - I just love the way the letters fit perfectly on the animal! And on the back of the cards? Directions for helping them learn how to write the letter! Then for our new babe due soon, I love their new Rattle from their Plan Baby line ~simple, modern, safe & creative all at the same time.



BUY IT!
Visit Plan Toys to see all their wonderful products, and select that perfect birthday gift or special prize for your own child there! (Under the "Plan Toys Catalog," select "Shop Online" to purchase while you're there!).

WIN IT! Plan Toys is giving one lucky Haute Tot & Baby Couture reader their very own Tower Tumbling! {Open to US residents}.

Mandatory Entry!
Simply visit Plan Toys and find & come back to tell me something you learned about your child's development for his or her particular age or a parenting tip you discovered (look under "Parents and Children" for the links). Tell me what you learned in a comment on this post (1 entry). Be sure to leave your email address in the entry so that I have a way to contact the winner! If there is NO EMAIL left, another winner will be drawn. Winner will be chosen via random.org and notified via email. Winner will have 48 hours to claim prize or another winner will be chosen. Entrants can enter through March 29th. Winner to be chosen March 30th, 2010.

Additional Entries!
Once you've completed the mandatory entry, do any of the following for more entries! {Again, please be sure to leave your email address in each entry!}

*Follow our blog publicly on Google Friend (right-hand column, 1 entry)
*Subscribe to our blog (2 entries possible; via google - 1 entry, via email feedburner - 1 entry (must be activated to count as entry)).
*Include our blog in your blog roll and include URL (must leave link to
your blog in comment - 1 entry)
*Become a fan of Adam's Blankie on Facebook (1 entry).
*Follow Adam's Blankie on twitter AND tweet about this giveaway with the following tweet (copy and paste), (1 entry - can be done daily):
"Win the NEW Tower Tumbling Toy from Plan Toys @adamsblankie! Enter at www.hautetotandbabycouture.blogspot.com!"
(Be sure to leave a link to your tweet/s!).
*Post our blog buttons on your blog and include link to blog. (6 entries possible - 3 for Adam's Blankie Etsy shop button and 3 for Haute Tot Couture blog button).
*Blog about this giveaway and include the link to your post (3 entries).
*Enter any of our other giveaways for one entry each (up to 3 entries possible) and leave a comment letting me know which giveaway/s you entered.

Please note, I was not paid to do this review.
Opinions are strictly my own, and no one or nothing else has influenced me in my review.

This giveaway has ended. Winner: Tabathia.
Thank you!

Have a product you'd like reviewed?
Contact me at adamsblankie@gmail.com
www.adamsblankie.etsy.com
www.gourmetplay.etsy.com


116 comments:

  1. I learned that right now my 2 1/2 yr old is enhancing manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination. Their Lacing beads would be the perfect toy to help encourage this.
    jellerman AT rocketmail DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  2. I follow your blog publicly on Google Friend.
    jellerman AT rocketmail DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  3. I entered your Susan Brown's Baby giveaway.
    jellerman AT rocketmail DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  4. I entered your Smartipants giveaway.
    jellerman AT rocketmail DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  5. I entered your K & K's Chubby Cheeks giveaway.
    jellerman AT rocketmail DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  6. I was looking ahead a bit for a child's development, and I see that the best way deal with your two to three year old is to allow him to venture out when appropriate, but provide consistent guidelines for acceptable behavior..Exploring with limits!

    This is very helpful and so worthwhile to know!
    pumpkinlady430@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  7. I learned that my son should love to climb and chatter (that's dead on) and that a tricycle would be a good thing for him.

    addeviant006 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  8. I learned that children five Years and Older are beginning cooperative play: "They can now understand and follow the rules of games. They can accept problem-solving suggestions from adults and are more willing to compromise in order to get along with their friends."
    june_spirit2628 at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  9. following as june_spirit2628
    june_spirit2628 at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  10. entered the sweet arts design giveaway
    june_spirit2628 at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  11. entered the crunchy clean giveaway
    june_spirit2628 at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  12. entered susan brown's baby giveaway
    june_spirit2628 at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  13. I learned: At two, toddlers tend to be self-centered and are often overly confident. They are not quite ready to get along in peer groups and share with others SO TRUE!!!

    ReplyDelete
  14. I learned that lacing beads would be a great toy to get him to help him develop manual dexterity and hand eye coordination.

    deberniere at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  15. I learned that a 7 month old needs bath toys such as small cups to teach babies pouring, matching, and colors.

    ReplyDelete
  16. I learned that my 2 year-old can use lacing beads to practice fine motor skills.
    sarad13 at ymail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  17. I learned "Running, climbing, and pedaling tricycles are activities that increase strength and mobility of the large muscle groups."
    katiekarr at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  18. Play enhances language skills. :)

    misusedinnocence@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  19. My son would love this! I read that pretend play helps to develop speech, logical thinking and decision-making skills.
    crafts[at]oursideofthemountain[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  20. I follow your blog

    ReplyDelete
  21. I subscribe via google

    ReplyDelete
  22. i learned: PlanToys has a full line of unique, heirloom-quality dollhouses, family figures, and several styles of furniture and accessories.

    ReplyDelete
  23. At 4 months, babies like to hear themselves talk, lol
    darrma2000 @ gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  24. I subscribe via email
    darrma2000 @ gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  25. I subscribe via google reader
    darrma2000 @ gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  26. I learned that my five year old learns math skills by playing with blocks.

    ReplyDelete
  27. I learned that Pretend play helps to develop speech, logical thinking and decision-making skills for my 2.5 year old.

    kissyjensen at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  28. I learned that for a 2-3 yr old, lacing beads to enhance manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination.

    jenpruss at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  29. Following publicly on Google Friend.
    jenpruss at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  30. I learned that by the third year, my toddler is able to hold a spoon or a pencil, and can cut paper with round-tipped scissors
    aleksa91@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  31. i learned that my daughter will soon be able to switch objects from one hand to the other.
    email in profile

    ReplyDelete
  32. i subscribe in google reader
    email in profile

    ReplyDelete
  33. i subscribe via feedburner
    email in profile

    ReplyDelete
  34. your blog is in my blog roll
    www.babyculbygrows.blogspot.com
    email in profile

    ReplyDelete
  35. i have your blog button #1
    www.babyculbygrows.blogspot.com
    email in profile

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  36. i have your blog button #2
    www.babyculbygrows.blogspot.com
    email in profile

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  37. i have your blog button #3
    www.babyculbygrows.blogspot.com
    email in profile

    ReplyDelete
  38. I am a facebook friend

    email in profile

    ReplyDelete
  39. i entered the chubby cheeks contest
    email in profile

    ReplyDelete
  40. I learned that...
    By the middle of the second year, your child may use about ten familiar words, but by the time he is two he will know at least two hundred.

    ReplyDelete
  41. Follow your child´s lead and do not direct them to play the way you want.

    I have to remind myself just because it isn't the way I would do it doesn't mean it is wrong!

    sugardipes1 at aol dot com

    ReplyDelete
  42. follow your blog publicly

    sugardipes1 at aol dot com

    ReplyDelete
  43. susbcribe via feedburner

    sugardipes1 at aol dot com

    ReplyDelete
  44. http://twitter.com/sugardipes/status/10576815124

    sugardipes1 at aol dot com

    ReplyDelete
  45. fan on facebook

    sugardipes1 at aol dot com

    ReplyDelete
  46. entered imagiplay giveaway

    sugardipes1 at aol dot com

    ReplyDelete
  47. entered K & K chubby cheek giveaway

    sugardipes1 at aol dot com

    ReplyDelete
  48. I learned that 4-6 yr olds enjoy playing in groups and have learned how to share.

    ReplyDelete
  49. I learned that "They get great satisfaction from pretending to do an activity just like Mommy or Daddy." This is the only way to get my almost 2 year old through dinner prep sometimes! By letting her help us.

    kuparstwn at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  50. blog follower

    kuparstwn at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  51. subscribe in google reader

    kuparstwn at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  52. Entered Sweet Arts Design

    kuparstwn at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  53. http://twitter.com/sugardipes/status/10620399914

    sugardipes1 at aol dot com

    ReplyDelete
  54. http://twitter.com/sugardipes/status/10668857023

    sugardipes1 at aol dot com

    ReplyDelete
  55. I learned that my eight month old will be a skillful and speedy crawler. Pulling herself up to stand using furniture and is capable of crawling up stairs.
    missyt_2000@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  56. I"m a follower!
    missyt_2000@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  57. I'm an email subscriber!
    missyt_2000@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  58. I'm a fb fan of adam's blankie!
    missyt_2000@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  59. grabbed your button!
    missyt_2000@yahoo.com
    http://randomnessforme.blogspot.com/ (1)

    ReplyDelete
  60. grabbed your button!
    missyt_2000@yahoo.com
    http://randomnessforme.blogspot.com/ (3)

    ReplyDelete
  61. grabbed adam's blankies button!
    missyt_2000@yahoo.com
    http://randomnessforme.blogspot.com/ (1)

    ReplyDelete
  62. grabbed adam's blankies button!
    missyt_2000@yahoo.com
    http://randomnessforme.blogspot.com/ (2)

    ReplyDelete
  63. I learned that when my son is role playing, he is learning to describe actions and differentiate between the past, present or future. tylerpants(at)gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  64. I'm a feed subscriber. tylerpants(at)gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  65. Entered your Susan Brown's Baby giveaway! tylerpants(at)gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  66. Entered your Designer Label Gal giveaway! tylerpants(at)gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  67. Entered your Crunchy Clean giveaway! tylerpants(at)gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  68. I learned to look for toys with approved safety ratings by trusted institutes such as the ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) and the EN71 (European Standard for Toy Safety Requirements.) peanut[at]nyc.rr.com

    ReplyDelete
  69. http://twitter.com/sugardipes/status/10723092764

    sugardipes1 at aol dot com

    ReplyDelete
  70. I learned that my 8 month old needs push and pull toys to develop the large muscle groups

    tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  71. google follower

    tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  72. subscribe via feed

    tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  73. fb fan (michelle barrett)

    tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  74. twitter follower & tweeted http://twitter.com/ChelleB36/status/10732646977

    tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  75. I entered the cruncy clean giveaway

    tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  76. I learned that my 5 yr old would enjoy solitary play, like puzzles and such
    mstlee2000 @ hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  77. I entered the imagiplay giveaway
    mstlee2000 @ hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  78. I follow via GFC
    mstlee2000 @ hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  79. I subscribe via rss feed
    mstlee2000 @ hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  80. http://twitter.com/sugardipes/status/10770000419

    sugardipes1 at aol dot com

    ReplyDelete
  81. In choosing a toy, parents should look for a safety rating from ASTM or EN71

    Sarah
    untenuredteacher at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  82. I subscribe via email

    Sarah
    untenuredteacher at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  83. I'm your FB fan (Sarah Bee)

    Sarah
    untenuredteacher at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  84. I entered the babybyrds giveaway

    Sarah
    untenuredteacher at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  85. I entered the Sweet arts giveaway

    Sarah
    untenuredteacher at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  86. I entered the imagiPlay giveaway

    Sarah
    untenuredteacher at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  87. http://twitter.com/sugardipes/status/10818055522

    sugardipes1 at aol dot com

    ReplyDelete
  88. http://twitter.com/sugardipes/status/10870065611

    sugardipes1 at aol dot com

    ReplyDelete
  89. http://twitter.com/sugardipes/status/10921954613

    sugardipes1 at aol dot com

    ReplyDelete
  90. http://twitter.com/sugardipes/status/10975979533

    sugardipes1 at aol dot com

    ReplyDelete
  91. http://twitter.com/sugardipes/status/11033360509

    sugardipes1 at aol dot com

    ReplyDelete
  92. http://twitter.com/sugardipes/status/11086687900

    sugardipes1 at aol dot com

    ReplyDelete
  93. I learned that riding a bicycle, jumping rope, and climbing on outdoor play equipment help improve mobility and strength in 4-6 year olds. Thanks!

    xmaswoman at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  94. I follow on Google Friend. Thanks!

    xmaswoman at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  95. I entered your Sweet Arts Design giveaway. Thanks!

    xmaswoman at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  96. http://twitter.com/sugardipes/status/11142382357

    sugardipes1 at aol dot com

    ReplyDelete
  97. For my 2 year old niece, Lacing beads would help to enhance manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination

    ReggieM1961 [at] gmail [dot] com

    ReplyDelete
  98. http://twitter.com/sugardipes/status/11247387139

    sugardipes1 at aol dot com

    ReplyDelete
  99. I learned that my 3 year old is in a stage of doing lots of pretend play. I also learned that Pretend play sets like the Doll House and Crane Set enhance your child´s imagination! awesome!
    mainlandmama at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  100. I have both blog buttons on my blog mainlandmama.blogspot.com
    (Adam's Blankie Etsy shop button and 3 Haute Tot Couture blog button).
    mainlandmama at gmail dot com
    #1

    ReplyDelete
  101. I have both blog buttons on my blog mainlandmama.blogspot.com
    (Adam's Blankie Etsy shop button and 3 Haute Tot Couture blog button).
    mainlandmama at gmail dot com
    #2

    ReplyDelete
  102. I have both blog buttons on my blog mainlandmama.blogspot.com
    (Adam's Blankie Etsy shop button and Haute Tot Couture blog button).
    mainlandmama at gmail dot com
    #3

    ReplyDelete
  103. I have both blog buttons on my blog mainlandmama.blogspot.com
    (Adam's Blankie Etsy shop button and Haute Tot Couture blog button).
    mainlandmama at gmail dot com
    #4

    ReplyDelete
  104. I have both blog buttons on my blog mainlandmama.blogspot.com
    (Adam's Blankie Etsy shop button and Haute Tot Couture blog button).
    mainlandmama at gmail dot com
    #5

    ReplyDelete
  105. I have both blog buttons on my blog mainlandmama.blogspot.com
    (Adam's Blankie Etsy shop button and Haute Tot Couture blog button).
    mainlandmama at gmail dot com
    #6

    ReplyDelete
  106. my son would love this and the MUSICAL BAND thanks for the chance to win eaglesforjack@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  107. I am a fan of Adam's Blankie on Facebook (mrstinareynolds)

    ReplyDelete
  108. i follow on twitter and tweeted http://twitter.com/eaglesforjack/status/11285120847

    ReplyDelete