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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:

J.E. said...

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

J.E. said...

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

J.E. said...

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

J.E. said...

I entered your Smartipants giveaway.
jellerman AT rocketmail DOT com

J.E. said...

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

Elsie said...

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

The Dreamer said...

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

Anonymous said...

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

Anonymous said...

following as june_spirit2628
june_spirit2628 at hotmail dot com

Anonymous said...

entered the sweet arts design giveaway
june_spirit2628 at hotmail dot com

Anonymous said...

entered the crunchy clean giveaway
june_spirit2628 at hotmail dot com

Anonymous said...

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

Kim said...

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!!!

Kim said...

follow blog

Kim said...

subscriber

Madeline said...

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

CallMePretty411@yahoo.com said...

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

Unknown said...

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

Katie said...

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

Misusedinnocence said...

Play enhances language skills. :)

misusedinnocence@aol.com

Anonymous said...

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

Anonymous said...

I follow your blog

Anonymous said...

I subscribe via google

jennifer57 said...

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

Mary said...

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

Mary said...

I subscribe via email
darrma2000 @ gmail.com

Mary said...

I subscribe via google reader
darrma2000 @ gmail.com

betsy said...

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

Christine Jensen said...

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

Jen Mc said...

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

jenpruss at yahoo dot com

Jen Mc said...

Following publicly on Google Friend.
jenpruss at yahoo dot com

Aleksandra Nearing said...

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

lil misses' mama said...

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

lil misses' mama said...

i follow publicly
email in profile

lil misses' mama said...

i subscribe in google reader
email in profile

lil misses' mama said...

i subscribe via feedburner
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lil misses' mama said...

your blog is in my blog roll
www.babyculbygrows.blogspot.com
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lil misses' mama said...

i have your blog button #1
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lil misses' mama said...

i have your blog button #2
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lil misses' mama said...

i have your blog button #3
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lil misses' mama said...

I am a facebook friend

email in profile

lil misses' mama said...

i entered the chubby cheeks contest
email in profile

Linda said...

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.

Linda said...

blog follower

Sugar Dipes said...

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

Sugar Dipes said...

follow your blog publicly

sugardipes1 at aol dot com

Sugar Dipes said...

susbcribe via feedburner

sugardipes1 at aol dot com

Sugar Dipes said...

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

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Sugar Dipes said...

fan on facebook

sugardipes1 at aol dot com

Sugar Dipes said...

entered imagiplay giveaway

sugardipes1 at aol dot com

Sugar Dipes said...

entered K & K chubby cheek giveaway

sugardipes1 at aol dot com

lace said...

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

Kuparstwn said...

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

Kuparstwn said...

blog follower

kuparstwn at gmail dot com

Kuparstwn said...

subscribe in google reader

kuparstwn at gmail dot com

Kuparstwn said...

Entered Sweet Arts Design

kuparstwn at gmail dot com

Sugar Dipes said...

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

sugardipes1 at aol dot com

Sugar Dipes said...

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

sugardipes1 at aol dot com

Melissa Allesi said...

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

Melissa Allesi said...

I"m a follower!
missyt_2000@yahoo.com

Melissa Allesi said...

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

Melissa Allesi said...

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

Melissa Allesi said...

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

Melissa Allesi said...

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

Melissa Allesi said...

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

Melissa Allesi said...

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

Tylerpants said...

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

Tylerpants said...

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

Tylerpants said...

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

Tylerpants said...

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

Tylerpants said...

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

trixx said...

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

Sugar Dipes said...

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

sugardipes1 at aol dot com

Tabathia B said...

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

tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com

Tabathia B said...

google follower

tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com

Tabathia B said...

subscribe via feed

tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com

Tabathia B said...

fb fan (michelle barrett)

tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com

Tabathia B said...

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

tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com

Tabathia B said...

I entered the cruncy clean giveaway

tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com

Teresa said...

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

Teresa said...

I entered the imagiplay giveaway
mstlee2000 @ hotmail.com

Teresa said...

I follow via GFC
mstlee2000 @ hotmail.com

Teresa said...

I subscribe via rss feed
mstlee2000 @ hotmail.com

Sugar Dipes said...

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

sugardipes1 at aol dot com

Anonymous said...

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

Sarah
untenuredteacher at yahoo dot com

Anonymous said...

I subscribe via email

Sarah
untenuredteacher at yahoo dot com

Anonymous said...

I'm your FB fan (Sarah Bee)

Sarah
untenuredteacher at yahoo dot com

Anonymous said...

I entered the babybyrds giveaway

Sarah
untenuredteacher at yahoo dot com

Anonymous said...

I entered the Sweet arts giveaway

Sarah
untenuredteacher at yahoo dot com

Anonymous said...

I entered the imagiPlay giveaway

Sarah
untenuredteacher at yahoo dot com

Sugar Dipes said...

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

sugardipes1 at aol dot com

Sugar Dipes said...

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

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Sugar Dipes said...

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

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Sugar Dipes said...

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

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Sugar Dipes said...

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

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Sugar Dipes said...

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

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Pattie F. said...

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

Pattie F. said...

I follow on Google Friend. Thanks!

xmaswoman at hotmail dot com

Pattie F. said...

I entered your Sweet Arts Design giveaway. Thanks!

xmaswoman at hotmail dot com

Sugar Dipes said...

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

sugardipes1 at aol dot com

ReggieMann said...

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

ReggieM1961 [at] gmail [dot] com

Sugar Dipes said...

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

sugardipes1 at aol dot com

Island Girl said...

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

Island Girl said...

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

Island Girl said...

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

Island Girl said...

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

Island Girl said...

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

Island Girl said...

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

Island Girl said...

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

Island Girl said...

I became a fb fan
kamalei correa

tina reynolds said...

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

tina reynolds said...

i follow

tina reynolds said...

i subscribe 1/2

tina reynolds said...

i subscribe 2/2

tina reynolds said...

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

tina reynolds said...

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